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Gastrointestinal Disorders
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New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers...
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New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers 2.0

A special issue of Gastrointestinal Disorders (ISSN 2624-5647).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 3745

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michele Ghidini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
Interests: gastrointestinal oncology; target therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Niki Katsara-Antonakea

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Medical Student at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Doctorand in the Gynecology Department of Charité Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
Interests: gastroenterological cancers; gynecological cancers; HPV; endometriosis; precision medicine; gender medicine; global health; digital health

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

In the last few years, we have faced many challenges in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Starting from diagnosis, moving forward with new surgical techniques, and finishing with the most innovative medical therapies, the management of these tumors has changed profoundly. Moreover, the development of translational oncology nowadays allows a personalized treatment, based on molecular profiling and genetic tools. This Special Issue will focus upon the key innovative aspects in the diagnosis and the surgical and oncological treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr. Michele Ghidini
Dr. Niki Katsara-Antonakea
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gastrointestinal Disorders is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • colorectal cancer
  • gastric cancer
  • pancreatic cancer
  • biliary tract cancer
  • esophageal cancer
  • immunotherapy
  • targeted therapies
  • translational oncology, chemotherapy, surgery

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 194 KiB  
Editorial
New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers
by Michele Ghidini
Gastrointest. Disord. 2021, 3(4), 204-206; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord3040019 - 28 Oct 2021
Viewed by 2386
Abstract
Precision medicine aims at treating patients with the most tailored treatments based on individual biological and molecular features [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 711 KiB  
Article
Ureteral Stent and Percutaneous Nephrostomy in Managing Malignant Ureteric Obstruction of Gastrointestinal Origin: A 10 Years’ Experience
by Elisa De Lorenzis, Elena Lievore, Matteo Turetti, Andrea Gallioli, Barbara Galassi, Luca Boeri and Emanuele Montanari
Gastrointest. Disord. 2020, 2(4), 456-468; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord2040041 - 8 Dec 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3528
Abstract
Background: Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is variable in presentation and there is no consensus on its management, especially when caused by gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Our aim was to describe our experience with this oncological complication. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of ureteral [...] Read more.
Background: Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is variable in presentation and there is no consensus on its management, especially when caused by gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Our aim was to describe our experience with this oncological complication. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of ureteral stent and nephrostomy tube (NT) positioning for GI-related MUO from 2010 to 2020. We performed descriptive analysis, survival analysis, and uni- and multi-variate analysis. Results: We included 51 patients. NT was mainly used when bladder involvement occurred and when MUO revealed an ex novo cancer diagnosis. Survival was poorer in patients with new diagnoses and in those receiving no treatment after decompression. Moreover, MUO caused by upper-GI tumors was related to shorter overall survival. Conclusions: GI tumors causing MUO should be considered of poor prognosis. Treatment decisions should be weighted accurately by both specialists and the patient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
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9 pages, 223 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Risk Factors and Associated Co-Morbid Conditions among Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Trinidad
by Vijay Kumar Chattu, Priya Gopie, Rajiv K. Singh, Kimberly Singh, Sachin Singh, Sarah Singh, Javanna Smith, Vitra Sookram, DeAngello Saunders and Krissi Thomas
Gastrointest. Disord. 2020, 2(3), 193-201; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord2030020 - 14 Jul 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3201
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, and the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In Trinidad and Tobago, it is the third most common type of cancer in both sexes. Since there is scanty research on the risk [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, and the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In Trinidad and Tobago, it is the third most common type of cancer in both sexes. Since there is scanty research on the risk factors associated with CRC, this study was conducted to determine the correlation between risk factors, including associated comorbid conditions, and CRC in Trinidad. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst diagnosed CRC patients (>18 years) using a pre-tested questionnaire consisting of sections on demographic data, lifestyle before diagnosis, quality of life, and depression status. Additional information such as recurrence of cancer, Body Mass Index (BMI), Hypertension (HT), blood glucose levels and family history of cancer were collected from the medical records. Of the total participants, the majority were males (58%), and the mean age of diagnosis in both sexes was 65 years. The retrospective chart review showed that 68% were found to have a comorbid condition (Diabetes or HT). Upon review of the medical records, 93.2% of the subjects did not have a familial history. However, the questionnaire data showed that 73% of subjects had a family history. Around 50% of CRC patients were alcohol consumers and 30% were cigarette smokers prior to their cancer diagnosis. Interestingly, a majority of patients (91%) had never been screened for CRC prior to their diagnosis. Subjects with CRC displayed minimal depression, indicating that being diagnosed with CRC did not have a grave impact on their state of mind or quality of life. Our findings showed that prevalence of CRC was higher in males and amongst individuals of African descent. However, larger prospective studies may be warranted to fully demonstrate this effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
11 pages, 288 KiB  
Communication
Hospital-Based Preliminary Observations of Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Saudi Patients with Colorectal Polyps: A Call for Nutrition Care Integration after Polypectomy Procedure
by Areej Ali Alkhaldy
Gastrointest. Disord. 2020, 2(2), 96-106; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord2020009 - 22 Apr 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2755
Abstract
Aim: In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. Lifestyle modification, including diet and physical activity, is as important as the standard procedure of colonoscopy screening in reducing CRC development. I explored the dietary intake, physical activity, and selected nutritional [...] Read more.
Aim: In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. Lifestyle modification, including diet and physical activity, is as important as the standard procedure of colonoscopy screening in reducing CRC development. I explored the dietary intake, physical activity, and selected nutritional biomarkers in Saudi patients with colorectal polyps, a precursor of CRC. Methods: Thirty polypectomy patients (aged 35–84 years) were recruited from an endoscopy unit at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Demographic, anthropometric, physical activity, and food frequency data were collected. Plasma C-reactive protein, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and folate levels were measured. Results: The median body mass index (BMI) of the patients was within the overweight cut-off range. The median consumption of carbohydrate and protein was within the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Median fat consumption was above the RDA, while median fiber intake was below the RDA. Patients met the recommended servings/day of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and protein but exceeded the recommended intake of fats and sweets. Most patients were non-active, with an inadequate level of serum vitamin D. Conclusion: We observed several risk factors previously associated with CRC, including low levels of physical activity, serum vitamin D, and fiber intake, and high BMI and fat intake among polypectomy patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
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Review

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10 pages, 627 KiB  
Review
MicroRNAs as Diagnostic Tools in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Jessica Evangelista, Elisa Zaninotto, Annalisa Gaglio, Michele Ghidini and Lucrezia Raimondi
Gastrointest. Disord. 2021, 3(4), 237-246; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord3040022 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3060
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for approximately 80% of all liver cancers. The serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only validated biomarker for HCC diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs [...] Read more.
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for approximately 80% of all liver cancers. The serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only validated biomarker for HCC diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of 21–30 nucleotides playing a critical role in human carcinogenesis, with types of miRNAs with oncogenic (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressor features. The altered expression of miRNAs in HCC is associated with many pathological processes, such as cancer initiation, tumor growth, apoptosis escape, promotion of migration and invasion. Moreover, circulating miRNAs have been increasingly investigated as non-invasive biomarkers for HCC diagnosis. MiRNAs’ expression patterns are altered in HCC and several single miRNAs or miRNAs panels have been found significantly up or downregulated in HCC with respect to healthy controls or non-oncological patients (cirrhotic or with viral hepatitis). However, any of the investigated miRNAs or miRNAs panels has entered clinical practice so far. This has mostly to do with lack of protocols standardization, small sample size and discrepancies in the measurement techniques. This review summarizes the major findings regarding the diagnostic role of miRNAs in HCC and their possible use together with standard biomarkers in order to obtain an early diagnosis and easier differential diagnosis from non-cancerous liver disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers 2.0)
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10 pages, 290 KiB  
Review
Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia on Gastrointestinal Tumors
by Ana Pereira, Joaquim Costa Pereira and Sandra F. Martins
Gastrointest. Disord. 2021, 3(1), 51-60; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord3010006 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3651
Abstract
Preoperative risk stratification in cancer surgery is important to improve treatment and outcome. Sarcopenia is defined by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength and is now getting attention as a poor prognostic factor. The purpose of this review was [...] Read more.
Preoperative risk stratification in cancer surgery is important to improve treatment and outcome. Sarcopenia is defined by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength and is now getting attention as a poor prognostic factor. The purpose of this review was to explore the impact of sarcopenia on short and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgical resection of gastrointestinal tumors. Recent studies suggest that sarcopenia contributes to postoperative complications and overall survival. The relatively simple evaluability, as well as its modifiable nature, provides an intriguing potential for sarcopenia to be included in standard preoperative clinical evaluation. Such evaluations can provide physicians with important information to target high-risk individuals with prophylactic measures and eventually improve surgical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
22 pages, 379 KiB  
Review
Role of Her-2 in Gastrointestinal Tumours beyond Gastric Cancer: A Tool for Precision Medicine
by Csongor G. Lengyel, Baker Habeeb, Shah Z. Khan, Khalid El Bairi, Sara C. Altuna, Sadaqat Hussain, Syed Ayub Mazher, Dario Trapani and Angelica Petrillo
Gastrointest. Disord. 2021, 3(1), 1-22; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord3010001 - 22 Dec 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6036
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors account for a quarter of all the cancer burden and a third of the global cancer-related mortality. Among them, some cancers retain a dismal prognosis; therefore, newer and innovative therapies are urgently needed in priority disease areas of high-unmet medical [...] Read more.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors account for a quarter of all the cancer burden and a third of the global cancer-related mortality. Among them, some cancers retain a dismal prognosis; therefore, newer and innovative therapies are urgently needed in priority disease areas of high-unmet medical need. In this context, HER2 could be a relevant prognostic and predictive biomarker acting as a target for specific drugs. However, if the role of HER2 has been object of investigation for several years in gastric cancer, it is not well established in other GI malignancies. The aim of this narrative review was to portray the current landscape of the potential role of HER2 as a predictive biomarker for GI tumors beyond gastric cancer. In colon cancer, the benefit from anti-HER2 therapies is less clear than in gastric neoplasms for the lack of controlled studies. Pancreatic, biliary tract adenocarcinomas and hepatocarcinoma may derive a less clear clinical benefit by using anti-HER2 agents in HER2 positive tumors. Overall, the results are promising and seem to suggest that the integration of multiple modalities of therapies can optimize the cancer care. However, further prospective trials are needed to validate the use of personalized targeted therapies in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
12 pages, 302 KiB  
Review
Assessment of Current Gene Therapy Practices in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Bryan Mckiver, Mohamad Imad Damaj and Devanand Sarkar
Gastrointest. Disord. 2020, 2(4), 469-480; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord2040042 - 10 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3060
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer and the fifth most common cancer worldwide. HCC is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer related deaths worldwide due to the lack of effective early diagnostic tools, which [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer and the fifth most common cancer worldwide. HCC is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer related deaths worldwide due to the lack of effective early diagnostic tools, which often leads to individuals going undiagnosed until the cancer has reached late stage development. The current FDA approved treatments for late stage HCC provide a minimal increase in patient survival and lack tumor specificity, resulting in toxic systemic side effects. Gene therapy techniques, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T Cells, viral vectors, and nanoparticles, are being explored as novel treatment options in various genetic diseases. Pre-clinical studies using gene therapy to treat in vitro and in vivo models of HCC have demonstrated potential efficacy for use in human patients. This review highlights genetic targets, techniques, and current clinical trials in HCC utilizing gene therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
12 pages, 1509 KiB  
Review
Mismatch Repair System Genomic Scars in Gastroesophageal Cancers: Biology and Clinical Testing
by Gianluca Lopez, Konstantinos Venetis, Elham Sajjadi and Nicola Fusco
Gastrointest. Disord. 2020, 2(4), 341-352; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord2040031 - 28 Sep 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3083
Abstract
Alterations in the mismatch repair (MMR) system result in genomic instability, neoantigen production, and immune response in cancer. There is evidence that gastroesophageal tumors with MMR deficiency may be susceptible to immune-checkpoint inhibitors treatment, especially in those presenting at advanced-stage disease. Although a [...] Read more.
Alterations in the mismatch repair (MMR) system result in genomic instability, neoantigen production, and immune response in cancer. There is evidence that gastroesophageal tumors with MMR deficiency may be susceptible to immune-checkpoint inhibitors treatment, especially in those presenting at advanced-stage disease. Although a number of biomarkers have been developed in histology-agnostic settings to assess MMR status, there is evidence that a tumor-specific testing approach would improve the selection of patients for immunotherapy. However, no testing methods have been developed specifically for gastroesophageal cancers so far. Here, we discuss the state of the art, current advances, and future perspectives of MMR-related biomarkers’ biologic and clinical role in gastroesophageal cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
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8 pages, 227 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Assessment in Gastrointestinal Tumors: News from the 2020 ASCO and ESMO World GI Meetings
by Federica Mascaretti and Jessica Evangelista
Gastrointest. Disord. 2020, 2(3), 310-317; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord2030028 - 21 Sep 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2612
Abstract
Nutritional risk screening and assessment of general nutritional status are of primary importance in the management of gastrointestinal cancers (GIC). Indeed, a major problem in these patients is the involuntary weight loss leading eventually to cachexia. With our review, we aimed at collecting [...] Read more.
Nutritional risk screening and assessment of general nutritional status are of primary importance in the management of gastrointestinal cancers (GIC). Indeed, a major problem in these patients is the involuntary weight loss leading eventually to cachexia. With our review, we aimed at collecting the most recent advances in nutritional assessment of patients with GIC. All the abstracts presented both at the 2020 ASCO and ESMO World GI meetings were considered and a total number of 12 abstracts were selected, reporting colorectal, gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer (PC) series. In some of the analyzed series, pathological conditions such as cachexia and sarcopenia had prognostic significance on clinical outcomes. One abstract reported the results of a phase I trial with the use of a novel interleukin-1-alpha antagonist, bermekimab. Its association with standard chemotherapy in advanced PC brought an improved patients’ performance during treatment. Insufficient attention is paid to the nutritional status of patients with GIC both at screening and during specific cancer treatment. The use of antropometric measurements, together with nutritional assessment tools, may facilitate the clinical evaluation of these patients. Large randomized trials are warranted in order to clarify the real impact of nutritional interventions on clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
24 pages, 1041 KiB  
Review
Circulating Tumour DNAs and Non-Coding RNAs as Liquid Biopsies for the Management of Colorectal Cancer Patients
by Andrea Lampis, Michele Ghidini, Margherita Ratti, Milko B. Mirchev, Ali Fuat Okuducu, Nicola Valeri and Jens Claus Hahne
Gastrointest. Disord. 2020, 2(3), 212-235; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord2030022 - 22 Jul 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3439
Abstract
Circulating tumour DNAs and non-coding RNAs present in body fluids have been under investigation as tools for cancer diagnosis, disease monitoring, and prognosis for many years. These so-called liquid biopsies offer the opportunity to obtain information about the molecular make-up of a cancer [...] Read more.
Circulating tumour DNAs and non-coding RNAs present in body fluids have been under investigation as tools for cancer diagnosis, disease monitoring, and prognosis for many years. These so-called liquid biopsies offer the opportunity to obtain information about the molecular make-up of a cancer in a minimal invasive way and offer the possibility to implement theranostics for precision oncology. Furthermore, liquid biopsies could overcome the limitations of tissue biopsies in capturing the complexity of tumour heterogeneity within the primary cancer and among different metastatic sites. Liquid biopsies may also be implemented to detect early tumour formation or to monitor cancer relapse of response to therapy with greater sensitivity compared with the currently available protein-based blood biomarkers. Most colorectal cancers are often diagnosed at late stages and have a high mortality rate. Hence, biomolecules as nucleic acids present in liquid biopsies might have prognostic potential and could serve as predictive biomarkers for chemotherapeutic regimens. This review will focus on the role of circulating tumour DNAs and non-coding RNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in the context of colorectal cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
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