Background: In addition to exhibiting antitumor potential, antitumor drugs exhibit toxicity due to a poor pharmacokinetic profile. An enormous amount of research has been carried out and is still ongoing to obtain more targeted, potent, and safe drugs to treat cancer, and pharmacokinetic evaluations of anticancer drugs are needed. Objectives: The present review examined different delivery systems and methodologies designed in recent years to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). These methodologies highlight how the issues of bioavailability, absorption, half-life, targeted neoplastic cell potential, and high therapeutic index of 5-FU are resolved. Results: A number of naturally occurring macromolecules such as modified starch, porphyran, peptides, and folic acids have been found to be successful in vitro to improve the permeability and retention effect of 5-FU against solid tumors. A promising approach for targeted 5-FU delivery to oncoproteins has resulted in a number of potentially sound anticancer nanocomposites. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU have been shown to exhibit cytotoxicity equivalent to 5-FU injections against gastric carcinoma. At the level of inter- and intra-molecular interactions, the co-crystal approach has been found to be successful against colorectal cancer proteins. Because of the 5-FU ligand-like nature and its metal-binding potential, researchers have shifted attention toward the synergistic co-administration of gold complexes with this drug. Conclusions: This study highlighted the techniques used to improve the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU and that "nanocarriers" are a promising approach in this field. The conclusion is supported by solid evidence.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are identified as more accurate and representative models of human cancers than conventional two-dimensional monolayer cell cultures. However, currently established 3D culturing techniques are technically challenging, time- and resource-consuming, and performed using traditional laboratory tissue culturing equipment. In recent years, microfluidics has been introduced into biomedical research, allowing cells and tissues to be cultured in microfabricated devices. The current challenge is to adapt existing 3D cell culturing techniques to microfluidic devices, allowing for the fabrication of low-cost, rapid evaluation devices to facilitate biomedical research and clinical application. The aim of this review was to evaluate microfluidics and 3D cell culture research with particular relevance to oncological research. Methods: Journal articles were acquired from different scientific databases and were identified using specific keywords. Three-Dimensional Cell Culturing Microfluidic Concepts: Various 3D cell culturing microfluidic devices have been designed, based on existing 3D cell culturing methods. This includes non-cell adherent-based devices, matrix-embedding, hanging drop, and droplet-based culturing methods. These platforms facilitate the culturing, treatment, and analysis of 3D spheroids, while simultaneously scaling down traditional experimental requirements. Limitations and Future Perspectives: Beyond superficial analysis, a major drawback in the current scope of 3D cell culturing microfluidic devices is the inability to extract spheroids for examining histology. Polydimethylsiloxane is the preferred material to fabricate devices but may need revision for commercializing microfluidic platforms in the future. Integrating 3D bioprinting and organoid cultures could potentially improve the quality of 3D models in microfluidic devices. Conclusion: 3D spheroids are an effective representation of in vivo cancers and microfluidics has streamlined the culture, treatment, and analysis of 3D models. Considerable improvements have been made in combining the two entities, but further work is required to manufacture 3D cell culturing microfluidic devices on a commercial scale.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between sorafenib resistance and autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data Sources: Literature from PubMed (ncbi) database relevant to autophagy and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Study Selection: Studies were selected based on their experimental and observational nature with regards to autophagy and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Observational human studies and sorafenib clinical trials were selected to analyze the epidemiology of HCC, pharmacological properties of sorafenib, autophagy in human HCC, sorafenib treatment in humans, and sorafenib resistance in HCC. In-vivo and In-vitro preclinical studies were selected to analyze the effect of sorafenib on autophagy in HCC and the effect of sorafenib-induced autophagy in HCC. Results: Sorafenib blocked the Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways which are downstream of ras/raf signaling. By blocking these pathways, sorafenib altered autophagic regulatory signaling pathways, thereby initiating autophagy as a collateral effect. In addition, sorafenib paradoxically activated AMPK, thereby initiating autophagy in human HCC cells. Sorafenib also increased autophagy by upregulating pro-autophagic proteins such as beclin-1, Atg5, LC3II and Vps34. Sorafenib resistance developed in HCC as a consequence of autophagy. Conclusion: Autophagy induced by sorafenib could be a mechanism for the development of sorafenib resistance in HCC.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Postmolar choriocarcinoma with delayed recurrence can be aggressive and has only been published in a few reports. We describe a postmenopausal woman with a molar pregnancy 10 years previously who presented with respiratory and neurological symptoms. Metastatic choriocarcinoma of the lungs with extensive metastases to various sites mimicking primary lung cancer was noted. She was successfully treated with systemic chemotherapy and had stable disease status 8 months after the diagnosis. Metastatic choriocarcinoma originating from an antecedent molar pregnancy can be overlooked given a prolonged latency. We review the published literature of postmolar choriocarcinoma and discuss the diagnosis and updates on treatment.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Squamous cell carcinoma is a histological diagnosis rarely seen in bladder cancers. It is classically associated with chronic mucosal inflammation or urinary retention. Very few studies have clearly defined the management guidelines, however multimodality treatment is frequently offered along the lines of more common transitional cell cancer. We report the case of a 50-year-old male who presented with obstructive urinary symptoms and on evaluation was found to have a large vesical calculus associated with squamous cell cancer of the bladder. He was treated with surgery in the form of radical cystectomy followed by adjuvant locoregional radiotherapy. He has remained on regular follow-up for the last 2 years and has been disease free.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: The rate of cancer mortality is18.4/100,000 in Ethiopia, and cancer of the cervix is the second-most common cancer, with an incidence of 16.4/100,000. Cancer of the cervix is easily prevented through vaccinations against human papilloma virus, regular screening, and treatment. Assessing the perception of women with regard to the benefits and barriers of cervical cancer screening among women is important to decrease the barriers and increase the screening rate for early detection. The aim of this study was to describe women's perceived benefits and barriers to cervical cancer screening and their associated factors in Arsi zone, Southeastern Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Arsi zone, Southeastern Ethiopia among 906 women aged >15 years using a multi-stage sampling technique. After data had been coded and entered into Epi info, it was exported into SPSS for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive variables on the knowledge of cervical cancer and perception of screening at a value of P < 0.05. Results: Most of the participants had higher perceptions of the benefits and barriers to screening (567 [62.6%] and 487 [53.8%], respectively). The women who would like to undergo cervical cancer screening in the future when the service was available were 2.6 times more likely to believe in the benefits of undergoing screening than those who did not wish to undergo screening (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.2–4.6]). Women living in rural areas were four times more likely to perceive the benefits of cervical cancer screening than those living in semi-urban areas (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: [1.9–7.7]). Women who started sexual intercourse at age <16 years were two times more likely to perceive barriers to cervical cancer screening than those who started sexual intercourse at age >16 years (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: [1.5–3.3]). Moreover, the women who had >3 children were 1.5 times more likely to perceive barriers to cervical cancer screening than those who had <3 children (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: [1.1–2.0]). Conclusion and Recommendation: There were high perceived benefits and barriers to screening in the community. We recommend decreasing the perceived barriers toward screening through education intervention and expanding screening services, as this can increase the uptake of screening in the community.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Intratumor hypoxia, the main factor responsible for the angiogenic switch, represents one of the major events leading to tumor progression. Tumor hypoxia leads to the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) which influences tumor angiogenesis. The new blood vessels formed by the HIF-1α-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling axis create the tumor microenvironment, which inhibits drug delivery to solid tumors. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Andrographis paniculata leaf extract as a powerful anticancer agent targeting the HIF-1α-VEGF signaling axis in mouse melanoma cell. Materials and Methods: We induced hypoxia-mimicking conditions in mouse B16 melanoma cell with cobalt chloride. Total RNA was isolated followed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to study the transcriptional expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF. Further confirmation of the transcriptional profiling was done at the protein level with Western blot analysis. Expression profiling of transcriptional factors involved in the hypoxia signaling cascade was done. An immunofluorescence study was also used to confirm the results obtained from transcriptional and translational analyses. Results: A. paniculata leaf extract significantly downregulated the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF both at the transcriptional and translational level. Sp1, p300, CBP expressions were also downregulated, whereas the expression of Sp3 was significantly upregulated by A. paniculata leaf extract in B16 melanoma cells. Conclusion: In the present study, A. paniculata-treated cells demonstrated lower expressions of VEGF and HIF-1α both at the transcriptional and translational level. The mechanism of the downregulation of HIF-1α was probably through the altered expressions of transcriptional factors involved in the hypoxia-signaling cascade.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Primary thymic mucinous adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare type of thymic carcinoma that is resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. We present a case of primary thymic mucinous adenocarcinoma with disseminated metastases and rapid progression, after concurrent chemoradiation and platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. Case and literature review also revealed poor outcomes for primary thymic mucinous adenocarcinoma patients receiving surgery and adjuvant therapy. We concluded the poor response of either resectable or unresectable primary thymic mucinous adenocarcinoma.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The success of ovarian cancer treatment is hampered by the recurrent nature and the resistance or hypersensitivity to a platinum regimen. The addition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors can increase the sensitivity to platinum-resistant tumors, although while increasing risk of hematologic toxicity. Substituting cisplatin for carboplatin could result in satisfactory outcomes in the case of carboplatin hypersensitivity. However, there are no efficacy and safety data regarding continuous low-dose cisplatin infusion combined with an oral PARP inhibitor for ovarian cancer patients with hypersensitivity to carboplatin. Herein, we report the case of a heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patient with carboplatin hypersensitivity who safely received low-dose cisplatin (30 mg/m² every 3 weeks) over a 48-h infusion combined with a PARP inhibitor for a total of 10 days (D_{− 2}–D₇) and successfully achieved partial response after four cycles of treatment, the efficacy of which was further enhanced by the addition of deep regional hyperthermia.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Curcumin and its metabolite, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), have been widely studied due to their compelling capabilities in the prevention of various diseases. However, these compounds face some shortcomings, including the bioavailability of curcumin and comparatively weaker anti-inflammatory effects of THC. The amination of natural compounds in the hosts' colons has garnered attention because these aminated compounds retain and even increase their bioactivity relative to their original counterparts. Materials and Methods: The existence of THC-NH2 as a metabolite of THC in mice feces was analyzed by using LC-MS. Three-week DSS-induced colitis in mice experiment was designed to confirm the ameliorative effect of THC-NH2 on inflammatory bowel disease. The anti-inflammatory effect of THC-NH2 on LPS-treated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cell line was further clarified in vitro. Results: In this study, the metabolite 3-amino-3-deoxytetrahydrocurcumin (THC-NH₂) was discovered in the feces of mice administered with THC. Compared to THC, THC-NH₂ exhibits greater anti-inflammatory effects in terms of nitric oxide production. In a study of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in which animal subjects were supplied with both THC and THC-NH₂, each sample displayed encouraging but not compelling effects on inflammation reduction. In vitro research revealed that intervention using THC-NH₂ could significantly reduce protein expression levels of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) but cause the accumulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). By using cycloheximide, THC-NH₂ was found to retard the degradation of COX-2 by increasing its stability. However, mRNA levels of COX-2 and concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) in spent medium indicated that COX-2 activity did not increase alongside its accumulated protein level, though no significant effects on the reduction of COX-2 activity were seen. Conclusion: As the current body of research is inadequate, in order to ensure that all things are considered, the efficacy and safety of THC-NH₂ as a pharmaceutical drug require further investigation. Nevertheless, recent results showed that THC-NH₂ can be used in multi-targeting anti-inflammation drugs to inhibit iNOS levels and reduce the side effects of COX-2 inhibitors by acting as a competitive inhibitor.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Cervical cancer is a serious disease, responsible for more than 311,000 deaths worldwide each year. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding cervical cancer screening of women aged 25–65. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical KAP study conducted from May 2, 2018, to August 10, 2018, including women aged 25–65 years, attending the gyneco-obstetrics departments of six hospitals in Brazzaville. The variables of interest were sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, KAPs. Frequencies, central tendency parameters, and odds ratios were calculated using Epi Info 7.2.2.6 software. We used Pearson, Fisher, and Wald statistical tests, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: We interviewed 169 women aged 25–65 years (average 35 [±9.05] years). The majority had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge (70.41%), favorable attitudes (56.21%), and bad practices (43.20%). Factors associated with better knowledge were at least secondary school education (adjusted odds ratio [ORa]: 1.76 [1.02–3.34]) and being employed (ORa: 4.24 [2.60–6.93]). Women with the best knowledge had the best attitudes (ORa: 3.86 [2.38–6.26]) and best practices (ORa: 5.28 [3.08–9.05]). Those with better attitudes had better practices (ORa: 2.94 [1.87–4.61]). Conclusion: Women in Brazzaville lack knowledge about cervical cancer. Better knowledge and attitudes were associated with best practices, hence the need to implement awareness – raising strategies to give greater impetus to the participation of Congolese women in cervical cancer screening.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (TPF). Materials and Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 126 patients with locally advanced HNSCC treated with TPF as induction chemotherapy at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. NLR and PLR were calculated from blood tests before induction chemotherapy and correlated with clinical parameters and treatment outcomes. Results: A NLR ≧3 was significantly associated with advanced clinical American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 7^th stage, higher clinical T classification, oral cavity primary tumor site, and alcohol history. A PLR ≧120 was significantly correlated with advanced clinical AJCC 7^th stage and oral cavity primary tumor site. The overall response rates of induction chemotherapy were 70% and 50% (P = 0.022) in patients with a NLR <3 and NLR ≧3 and 78% and 52% (P = 0.008) in patients with a PLR <120 and PLR ≧120, respectively. Univariate analysis showed 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 58% and 32% (P < 0.001) in the patients with a NLR <3 and NLR ≧3 and 59% and 38% (P = 0.022) in those with a PLR <120 and PLR ≧120, respectively. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 51% and 24% (P < 0.001) in the patients with a NLR <3 and NLR ≧3 and 52% and 31% (P = 0.011) in those with a PLR <120 and PLR ≧120, respectively. In multivariate analysis, NLR ≧3 was significantly independently associated with worse PFS (P = 0.018, odds ratio [OR]: 2.11) and OS (P = 0.026, OR: 1.87). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that an elevated NLR was independently associated with the prognosis of patients with locally advanced HNSCC treated with induction chemotherapy with TPF, and that, it may be helpful in clinical practice.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded noncoding RNA strands that are involved in various pathological and physiological processes. Even though they do not code for any gene, they regulate gene expression by posttranscriptional modification through cleavage or translational repression of messenger RNA. Many miRNAs (for example, lethal-7 and miRNA-21) have been found to be involved in the pathogeneses of many diseases including cancers. The miRNA-331 family includes three miRNAs, namely, miRNA-331, miRNA-331-3p, and miRNA-331-5p. Recent studies have revealed that the miRNA-331 family is associated with the pathology of some cancers, including colorectal cancer, leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding about how the miRNA-331 family regulates the pathogeneses of these cancers. In this review, we discuss the pathological and physiological roles of the miRNA-331 family. Understanding how these miRNAs regulate the gene expression levels of their targets and their involvement in cancers may lead to better therapeutic strategies to treat cancers.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective: Thyroid hormone plays a vital role in maintaining whole-body physiological activities. However, several different disorders can arise when thyroid hormone is abnormal. Even more, thyroid hormone has been shown to stimulate cancer cell proliferation at physiological concentration. By binding to cell surface integrin αvβ3, thyroid hormone, especially thyroxine activates ERK1/2 activation and sequentially stimulates cell proliferation. Different mechanisms have been demonstrated to be involved in thyroxine-induced cancer proliferation. Checkpoint, PD-1/PD-L1, has shown highly correlated to cancer proliferation and survival. Data Sources: We examined actions of thyroxine and Nano-diamino-tetrac (NDAT; Nanotetrac) on PD-L1 mRNA abundance (qPCR) and PD-L1 protein content in various cancer cells. Methodologies used are qPCR, Western blot analyses, confocal microscopy, and xenograft. Study Selection: We investigate mechanisms involved in thyroid hormone-induced PD-L1 expression and inhibitory effect of NDAT on thyroid hormone-induced PD-L1 expression. Either blocking thyroid hormone-binding on integrin αvβ3 or using NDAT can inhibit PD-L1 expression. Results: Our studies indicate that thyroid hormone induces PD-L1 expression via activating ERK1/2, PI3K, and STAT3 in different types of cancer cells. NDAT inhibits the cancer cell PI3-K and MAPK signal transduction pathways that are critical to PD-L1 gene expression. Other studies on PubMed also indicate thyroxine's actions are via integrin αvβ3. Conclusions: Thyroid hormone-induced PD-L1 expression not only facilitates cancer cell proliferation but also interferes with chemotherapy. In this current review, we will discuss mechanisms involved in thyroid hormone-induced PD-L1 expression. In addition, role of PD-L1 in thyroid hormone-induced cancer growth and metastasis will be addressed.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are extremely rare in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and the efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in SCLC is unclear. Herein, we present a case with SCLC harboring an EGFR mutation who also responded to a second-generation EGFR TKI (afatinib).

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Ciliated muconodular papillary tumor (CMPT) was a rare tumor with low-grade malignancy. The histopathogenesis of CMPT remains unclear. Three typical components are ciliated columnar cells, goblet cells, and basal cells. Limited resection is sufficient for CMPT. No recurrences or metastases have been reported. Herein, we reported a 73-year-old man who presented with right lower lobe partial sold nodule. He received partial resection for the right lower lobe tumor. CMPT was confirmed. However, contralateral left lower lobe ground-glass opacity (GGO) was found 3 months later. He received partial resection for the left lower lobe GGO. CMPT was diagnosed again. Double primary CMPTs were recognized because morphologic patterns were different. At his 2-year follow-up, there was no local recurrence or metastasis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recent genome-scale molecular analyses have uncovered several potential therapeutic targets for this disease, including BRAF mutation, ERBB2 amplification, and neurotropic tropomyosin receptor kinase fusion gene. Gene rearrangements involving anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene have been identified as oncogenic drivers in lung adenocarcinomas, and to be highly sensitive to selective kinase inhibitors. To the best of our knowledge, CRC harboring the ALK fusion gene has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a patient with right colon cancer harboring an ALK gene rearrangement and review the clinicopathologic features as well as potential therapeutic targeting of ALK-rearranged CRC in the literature.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) of the lung is a rare type of non-small cell lung cancer, exhibiting aggressive behavior and resistance to chemotherapy. We report a case of a 56-year-old female, diagnosed with PPC of the lung at clinical Stage IV in July 2017. She underwent first-line chemotherapy. The disease progressed after 6 cycles of chemotherapy, and we shift to afatinib due to presence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation in exon 19. We then started second-line treatment in the form of molecular targeted therapy (afatinib), to which she had a partial response. Hence, we recommend the evaluation of driver gene alterations such as EGFR in the treatment of advanced PPC.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Ampullary cancer is a rare type of cancer with a limited choice of systemic therapy. Anti-programmed death-1 monoclonal antibodies have shown promising clinical benefits in multiple types of cancer, especially in tumors with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/defective DNA mismatch repair and high tumor mutation burden. We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with MSI-H ampullary cancer who initially had slow progression without chemotherapy after recurrence. She experienced hyperprogressive disease with a dramatic deterioration of liver metastases following a short duration of nivolumab treatment.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

An in vitro T-cell activation assay measuring granulysin and granzyme B has been used to identify the drug hypersensitivity of common causative drugs, but not of chemotherapeutic drugs. Both granulysin and granzyme B are cytotoxic molecules involved in skin eruptions during drug hypersensitivity. Herein, we report the first clinical application of an in vitro T-cell activation assay to identify the causative agent in docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-related hypersensitivity in a patient with head-and-neck cancer. A significant increase in granulysin and granzyme B was observed for 5-FU rather than for docetaxel or cisplatin. Despite several limitations, we were still able to pinpoint 5-FU as the culprit drug in a chemotherapy combination without further drug rechallenge in our patient. In conclusion, an in vitro T-cell activation assay measuring granulysin and granzyme B can be a safe and alternative tool to determine the causative agent of hypersensitivity reactions in cancer patients who need combination chemotherapy.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening oncological emergency that usually occurs after cytotoxic therapy in patients with a large tumor burden, for example, patients with high-grade lymphoma or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We report a case of a patient with ALL who spontaneously developed TLS without having undergone cytotoxic therapy. The mechanisms of spontaneous TLS are unclear, and the relationship between adenosine and cell growth/cell death is controversial. Several literature reviews have revealed that adenosine plays a role in the survival signal pathway. Although rare, our case is an example of a patient developing spontaneous TLS after adenosine treatment.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Sorafenib was approved for radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma in 2013. Herein, we describe the first case of metastatic RAI-refractory follicular thyroid carcinoma that markedly improved with liquefaction after radiotherapy and low-dose sorafenib use (200 mg twice daily).

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Primary myoepithelial neoplasms of soft tissue are rare tumors that have only recently been recognized. Due to the presence of varied architectural and cytological features both within a lesion and between different tumors, immunohistochemistry may be required to diagnose these tumors. Herein, we report two cases of myoepithelial carcinoma of soft tissue, one of whom had an aggressive clinical course.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Breast cancer is a collection of molecularly and clinically distinct neoplastic disease. Recent research has shown that the gene expression in breast cancer can be useful when designing an optimal treatment plan and may also provide with prognostic information. The development of tissue microarrays (TMAs) has allowed for rapid immunohistochemical analysis of thousands of tissue samples in parallel with minimal damage to the original blocks. The aim of this study was to use TMAs to analyze the netrin-1 (NTN 1) status in patients with breast cancer with the hope of elucidating the possible relationship between NTN 1 expressions and breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Archival tissue specimens from 106 patients with primary invasive breast cancer were analyzed for NTN 1 expression using immunohistochemical staining with TMAs. Results were compared to clinicopathological data using multivariate analysis. Results: Tumor-node-metastasis stage was significantly related to the overall 5-year survival rate; however, NTN 1 expression was not significantly associated with overall 5-year survival. Conclusion: Immunohistochemical staining with TMAs was convenient and feasible to analyze the expression of NTN 1, in patients with breast cancer. Our preliminary results showed that NTN 1 expression had no significant prognostic value in breast cancer.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Purpose of the Research: Chitosan nanoparticles (CHNP) are being used to modulate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as unwarranted generation of ROS can damage proteins, lipid membranes, and DNA of host cells. CHNP possess exceptional abilities to modulate antioxidants and suppress oxidative stress damage caused by the CHNP themselves in normal cells. Methods and Results: CHNP were prepared by ionic gelation in the size range of ~115 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.365. Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in CHNP with entrapment efficiency ~48%. The modulation of free radicals and antioxidative enzymes by DOX-loaded CHNP (DLCHNP) was evaluated. The glutathione s-transferase and glutathione levels induced by DLCHNP were lower in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells(EACs) cells (6.60 ± 0.02 nM/min/mg protein and 0.92 ± 0.05 nM/min/mg protein, respectively) compared to void CHNP and DOX per se decreased levels of nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase (0.03 ± 0.001 nMoles and 28.84 ± 0.016 Unit/mg protein), elevated levels of GSSG (11.69 ± 0.004 nM/min/mg protein), marginally reduced levels of GSH reductase (1.87 ± 0.002 Unit/mg protein), reduced levels of GPx (31.35 ± 0.022 Unit/mg protein) and significantly enhanced levels of LPO (1.56 ± 0.01 nMoles/mg protein) indicated cellular damage. As observed in DNA fragmentation assay, void nanoparticles did not show any DNA damage whereas DLCHNP caused significant damage. Enhanced gene expressions of Cyt. C and p21 on EACs cells was observed in DLCHNP-treated cells compared to DOX per se. Conclusion: CHNP were not efficient in generating remarkable oxidative stress, but when coupled with a drug (i.e., DLCHNP) severe damage was caused to the cancer cells compared to the free drug. This indicated the potential of our encapsulated nanoparticles in drug delivery.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]