Galectin-3, a member of the beta-galactoside-binding lectin family, is a multifunctional protein with various biological functions, including the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells, angiogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. We aimed to clarify if expression of galectin-3 is related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to explore the possible mechanisms of galectin-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. First, we investigated galectin-3 mRNA and protein expression by using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Second, tissues from 165 HCC patients were used to evaluate clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis through immunohistochemical analyses. Furthermore, the functions of galectin-3 were analyzed with respect to the proliferation, cell cycle,apoptosis, migration, and invasion of HCC cell lines. Finally, we analyzed galectin-3 expression and micro-vessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to find its correlation with angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Flow cytometer was used to explore apoptosis and Western-blot was used to detect the pathway proteins of apoptosis. Galectin-3 showed high expression at the mRNA and protein levels in HCC cancer tissues and cell lines. Clinicopathological analyses revealed that increased expression of galectin-3 in tumors was closely associated with a poor prognosis. Galectin-3 knockdown by siRNA significantly inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis in HCC cells in vitro, whereas galectin-3 overexpression promoted cell growth, migration, and invasion. Correlation analysis of galectin-3 expression and micro-vessel density (MVD) showed that galectin-3 expression in tumor cells stimulates angiogenesis. The observed regulation of cell apoptosis was accompanied by the galectin-3-mediated modulation of caspase3 signaling pathways in HCC cells. These data suggest that galectin-3 plays an important part in HCC progression and may serve as a prognostic factor for HCC.

Treatment options and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) depend on the primary tumor depth (T-staging) and regional lymph node status (N-staging). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as a useful staging tool, but studies regarding its benefits have been variable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of EUS for detecting preoperative ESCC. We included in our meta-analysis studies involving EUS-based staging of preoperative ESCC compared with pathological staging. Using a random-effects model, we performed a meta-analysis of the accuracy of EUS by calculating pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity and the diagnostic odds ratio. In addition, we created a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Forty-four studies (n = 2880) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of T1 were 77% (95%CI: 73 to 80) and 95% (95%CI: 94 to 96). Among the T1 patients, EUS had a pooled sensitivity in differentiating T1a and T1b of 84% (95%CI: 80 to 88) and 83% (95%CI: 80 to 86), and a specificity of 91% (95%CI: 88 to 94) and 89% (95%CI: 86 to 92). To stage T4, EUS had a pooled sensitivity of 84% (95%CI: 79 to 89) and a specificity of 96% (95%CI: 95 to 97). The overall accuracy of EUS for T-staging was 79% (95%CI: 77 to 80), and for N-staging, 71% (95%CI: 69 to 73). EUS has good diagnostic accuracy for staging ESCC, which has better performance in T1 sub-staging (T1a and T1b) and advanced disease (T4).

Recently, we developed a novel, minimally invasive technique – endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) via the nasopharynx – to obtain tissue samples from a retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) in a patient with suspected recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma [1]. A schematic diagram of EUS-FNA of an RPLN is shown in [Fig. 1 a]. In April 2015, a 50-year-old man who had received chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma 2 years earlier was admitted to the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed an enlarged RPLN on the right side, 2.0 × 1.6 cm in size and with central enhancement on T1-weighted contrast-enhanced imaging ([Fig. 1 b]) [2]. Nasopharyngoscopy revealed nasopharyngeal mucosal roughness and local scarring on the right ([Fig. 1 c]). Multiple mucosal biopsy specimens were negative for cancer cells. After a multidisciplinary consultation, the patient was advised to undergo EUS-FNA. An EUS instrument (BF-UC 260F-OL8; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) was introduced via the right nostril and nasopharynx to scan the retropharyngeal space. Ultrasonography revealed an enlarged RPLN with an axial diameter of 2.0 cm on the right side of the retropharyngeal space. The RPLN was close to the carotid sheath, which contained the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein [3]. The mass was roughly round and homogeneously hypoechoic ([Fig. 1 d]). Under real-time EUS guidance, a dedicated 22-gauge aspiration needle (NA-201SX-4022; Olympus) was used to puncture the enlarged RPLN; the needle was then withdrawn under 10 mL of suction pressure ([Fig. 1 e]). The obtained tissue samples were sent for pathological and cytological examination. This EUS-FNA procedure was repeated three times and lasted for a total of approximately 20 minutes [4]. The procedure of EUS-FNA of an RPLN is shown in [Video 1]. The EUS-FNA procedure was conducted smoothly without any severe complication, such as bleeding, subcutaneous emphysema, choking, dyspnea, extremity paralysis, or hemiplegia. The pathological result confirmed the presence of squamous cell metastases in the RPLN ([Fig. 1 f]) [5]. Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AS_2AB

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is known for its rapid progression and poor outcomes. China has the highest incidence and mortality in the world. Diagnoses made at early stages and accurate staging are associated with better outcomes, all of which can play a significant role in the selection of treatment protocols. ESCC is staged according to the widely accepted TNM system. Common imaging modalities used in staging ESCC before treatment include endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endoscopic ultrasound is useful for staging tumor depth and nodal status. Narrow band imaging is valuable for early stage disease assessment. CT and PET provide additional valuable information regarding node and metastasis staging. The ability of MRI to delineate ESCC is continuously being improved and adds information regarding locoregional status to routine examinations.