Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40922714›Full record

ArticleCancer reports (Hoboken, N.J.)2025

Pediatric Alpha-Fetoprotein-Producing Gastric Cancer Presenting With Dysphagia and Multiple Liver Tumors.

Takayuki Hirano, Reina Hoshi, Bin Yamaoka, Kako Ono, Yosuke Watanabe, Shumpei Goto, Takashi Hosokawa, Koji Kanezawa, Katsuyoshi Shimozawa, Ayumu Arakawa and 1 more

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Cancer reports (Hoboken, N.J.), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Takayuki HiranoDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.ORCID 0009-0007-7629-1886
Reina HoshiDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.ORCID 0000-0002-1251-4944
Bin YamaokaDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.ORCID 0009-0009-9399-270X
Kako OnoDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Yosuke WatanabeDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Shumpei GotoDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Takashi HosokawaDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Koji KanezawaDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Katsuyoshi ShimozawaDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Ayumu ArakawaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.ORCID 0009-0007-6501-7814
Shuichiro UeharaDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Funding

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 24K19343
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAlpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is resistant to chemotherapy and is associated with poor prognosis. Pediatric gastric cancer has an incidence of 0.02% among gastric cancer patients, with a median survival of 5 months. CASE: A 13-year-old boy presented with progressive dysphagia for 2 months, accompanied by loss of appetite and significant weight loss. Liver dysfunction and multiple lesions were observed. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated liver enzymes and tumor markers, including AFP, at 24 502 ng/mL. Computed tomography (CT) showed thickening of the gastric cardia and multiple liver lesions. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor in the cardia. Histopathology confirmed adenocarcinoma, and immunohistochemical staining was positive for AFP, establishing a diagnosis of AFPGC with liver metastases (Stage IV). Given the unresectable and HER2-negative nature of the cancer, chemotherapy with TS-1 and cisplatin was initiated, resulting in a temporary reduction in AFP levels and tumor size. However, disease progression was noted after 3 months, requiring a switch in treatment to ramucirumab, paclitaxel, bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin, or a study drug. Despite these efforts, the patient succumbed to the disease 16 months after initial treatment.

conclusionAFPGC in children is extremely rare, with few reported cases. The 16-month survival observed in this case exceeds previously reported durations (8 and 4 months). Systematic evaluation of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms enabled earlier diagnosis. Standard adult gastric cancer treatment protocols appeared more effective than AFP-tumor-specific regimens, suggesting they may be optimal for pediatric AFPGC as well. Early diagnosis through detailed history-taking and prompt endoscopic examinations in children with gastrointestinal symptoms may lead to significantly prolonged survival and improved management in this rare malignancy.

Indexed as

Adenocarcinomaalpha-FetoproteinsDeglutition DisordersLiver NeoplasmsStomach NeoplasmsAdolescentAntineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy ProtocolsCisplatinFatal OutcomeHumansMaleAFP protein, humanalpha-FetoproteinsCisplatinalpha‐fetoprotein producing gastric cancerchildrengastrointestinal endoscopymultiple liver tumors

Identifiers

PMID40922714
PMCPMC12417804

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