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Alpha-fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma in which the metastatic route was determined from calcified lesions

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Abstract

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing adenocarcinoma is known for its rapid progression and poor prognosis, and chemotherapy regimens are yet to be standardized. Here we describe the first report of AFP-producing adenocarcinoma with calcification. The metastatic route was visualized from the calcification, and combination chemotherapy was performed. A 77-year-old Japanese man was transferred to our hospital for treatment of liver tumors. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple liver tumors with portal vein tumor thrombosis. The tumors were highly attenuated before enhancement, suggesting various degrees of calcification. Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), AFP, and the proportion of fucosylated AFP were considerably elevated. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed an elevated tumor occupying the duodenal bulb with an ulcerative lesion in the vicinity of the gastroduodenal junction, and biopsy specimens from the duodenum and liver revealed medullary adenocarcinoma with calcification. Three-dimensional reconstruction of CT images clearly showed that the calcified lesions had spread from the gastroduodenal junction to the liver via a route comprising the corresponding local vein, the superior mesenteric vein, and portal vein. The patient was accordingly diagnosed with calcified AFP-producing adenocarcinoma with multiple liver metastases. Combination chemotherapy using TS-1 and cisplatin (CDDP) resulted in a striking response for the initial 4 months in terms of tumor markers and CT findings. This is the first report of AFP-producing adenocarcinoma with calcification. A metastatic route from the primary tumor to the liver was clearly visualized by tracing the calcified lesions. Combination chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil and CDDP may have the potential to prolong survival.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-Dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan

    Atsunori Tsuchiya, Tsutomu Kanefuji, Takeshi Suda, Tomoya Aoyagi, Akihiko Osaki, Tadayuki Togashi, Yusuke Kawauchi, Minoru Nomoto & Yutaka Aoyagi

  2. Division of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan

    Mae Fushiki, Gen Watanabe & Yoichi Ajioka

  3. Department of Surgery, Niigata Prefecture Muikamachi Hospital, Minamiuonuma, Japan

    Masaki Hirota

Authors
  1. Atsunori Tsuchiya
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  2. Tsutomu Kanefuji
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  3. Takeshi Suda
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  4. Tomoya Aoyagi
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  6. Tadayuki Togashi
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  7. Yusuke Kawauchi
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  9. Gen Watanabe
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  10. Masaki Hirota
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  11. Minoru Nomoto
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  13. Yutaka Aoyagi
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Correspondence to Atsunori Tsuchiya.

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Tsuchiya, A., Kanefuji, T., Suda, T. et al. Alpha-fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma in which the metastatic route was determined from calcified lesions. Clin J Gastroenterol 4, 89–94 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12328-011-0209-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12328-011-0209-x

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