Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) is a ‘genome organizer,’ and it has been proposed as a factor that affects the development and progression of various human neoplasms, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to compare SATB1 expression in a group of CRC patients and healthy subjects at the mRNA and protein levels. We collected paired tumor tissue and unchanged mucosa of the large intestine from 102 CRC patients as well as 53 biopsies of normal colon mucosa obtained from healthy patients during screening colonoscopy. Tissue samples were quantified for SATB1 mRNA by quantitative PCR, while SATB1 protein expression was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. SATB1 mRNA level in tumor tissues was over twofolds lower than in samples of corresponding unchanged tissues and fourfolds lower than in biopsies of healthy colon mucosa. Western blotting analysis revealed that SATB1 protein content in tumor and unchanged tissues of CRC patients was over sixfold and fivefolds higher than in biopsies of healthy colon mucosa, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated higher nuclear and cytoplasmic SATB1 reactivity in the tumor tissue compared to unchanged mucosa of CRC patients. Despite these differences, SATB1 mRNA, protein, and immunoreactivity levels did not correlate with patients’ clinicopathological data and their overall survival, but the latter analysis was limited by a relatively short period of follow-up. In conclusion, we suggest that some as yet unidentified posttranscriptional mechanisms that regulate SATB1 expression may be altered in the CRC tissue.

Carcinomas of the colon and rectum are the third most common in the world in men and second in women. About 60% of cases occur in developed countries. Colorectal carcinomas are observed more frequently in men than women. In Poland most cases of colorectal cancers occur after the age of 50 -about 94%, with more than 75% of cases in both sexes falls on the population of the elderly over 60 years. Approximately 20% of patients with colorectal cancer have distant metastasis at time of diagnosis. Up to 29% patients with colorectal cancer present symptoms of bowel obstruction such as: vomiting and abdominal pain. Due to age, serious multiple comorbidities and metastatic disease, colonic stenting is safe and effective alternative approach for palliation. The authors of this article presented a case of a 76-year-old Caucasian man who was admitted to the Department of Surgical Oncology because of colorectal carcinoma which was located in descending colon. Due to age and serious multiple comorbidities, doctors with the patient decided to palliative treatment by using self-expanding metallic stent. The authors performed a literature review on enteral metallic stents for the management of malignant colorectal cancers.

The first-ever case of a 54-year-old woman who overdosed on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in an attempt at suicide. Before that incident, she had not been treated for coexisting diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or depression. At the time of admission to the General Surgery Department, the patient reported pains in the epigastric region with accompanying nausea and vomiting with mucous content as well as the inability to ingest food orally. Despite parenteral and enteral feeding, the patient exhibited a drop in body mass. The histopathologic examination of a sample taken from the stomach during gastroscopy showed some non-specific necrotic and inflammatory masses with granulation. Intraoperatively, a very small, infiltrated stomach with an initial section of duodenum was identified. A total stomach resection together with the reconstruction of digestive tract continuity was performed using the Roux-Y method. Histopathologic examination of the stomach revealed a deep, chronic and exacerbated inflammatory condition with an extensive ulceration over the entire length of the stomach, reaching up to the pylorus. Additionally, numerous lymphatic glands with inflammatory reaction changes were observed.

A 63-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital for an in-depth diagnosis of accidentally found pancreatic cystic lesion. The lesion was detected by computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and identified as potentially malignant mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN). Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy with the analysis of the fluid from the cyst was performed as well and it confirmed the malignancy of the cystic lesion. The patient was qualified for surgery and the final diagnosis based on histopathological examination of the surgical material confirmed MCN with the accompanying invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Kidney transplantation (KT) in patients with chronic kidney disease is considered a method of renal replacement therapy offering the longest and most comfortable survival possible. Kidney transplantation reduces the risk of multiple complications associated with chronic dialysis, as well as allows patients after transplantation of this organ for full participation in family and social life. However, like any other treatment modality, kidney transplantation has its limitations. These are primarily associated with the need for chronic immunosuppressive therapy. It was shown that chronic immunosuppression increases the risk of cancer. Skin cancers are the most common immunosuppression-related neoplasms. Also, the risk of solid organ cancers is several times higher after kidney transplantation compared to the general population. Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in kidney graft recipients. This is due to its insidious and aggressive course in this patient population and the frequent need to modify anticancer therapy. In this paper, we discuss the increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients after kidney transplantation, differences in the course of the disease, as well as its potential prevention, based on the available literature and our own experience. Based on our analysis, we postulate the need for strict recommendations unified for all transplantation centres, regarding oncological surveillance for early detection of colorectal cancer in patients after kidney transplantation.