bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts the outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis after hepatectomy ⁎
Authors: Hua Yunpeng , Ji Fei , Fu Shunjun , Shen Shunli , Li Shaoqiang , Liang Lijian , Peng Baogan
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative peripheral neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and cirrhosis after hepatectomy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 321 patients with HCC who underwent resection. The NLR was calculated using the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in routine preoperative blood tests. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to select the most appropriate NLR cutoff value. The preoperative NLR, patient demographics, and clinical and pathological data, including disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), were analyzed.

Results

The NLR was correlated with alpha-fetoprotein levels (χ2 = 5.876, P = 0.015), tumor size (χ2 = 32.046, P < 0.001), portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT; χ2 = 4.930, P = 0.026), tumor encapsulation (χ2 = 7.243, P = 0.007), and recurrence (χ2 = 7.717, P = 0.005). Multivariate analyses illustrated that the number of tumors, PVTT, tumor size, and the NLR were independent factors for predicting DFS and OS. In patients with HCC and cirrhosis, but not among those without cirrhosis, a larger NLR predicted poorer postoperative DFS and OS (both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

As a simple, effective independent predictor for patients with HCC, the preoperative NLR plays an important role in accurately predicting the postoperative outcomes of patients with HCC and cirrhosis, but not those of patients without cirrhosis.
Feasibility and reliability of the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) in Egyptian patients with advanced cancer: A single institutional experience
Authors: Salem Dina A. , Adel Azza M. , Essa Ahmed E. , Alorabi Mohamed O. , Elsayed Zeinab M.
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aims to test the acceptance, feasibility, and usefulness of the Arabic version of the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) among Egyptian patients with advanced cancer and to compare the rates of symptoms documented by patients and physicians.

Methods

Between August 2014 and February 2015, a total of 140 patients at Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt received the Arabic version of the ESAS-r. For each patient, the ESAS-r was completed twice, first by the treating physician (as part of the basic assessment) and a second time by the patient, with a maximum of 2 hours between the two assessments. An additional survey was included to assess patients’ acceptance of the survey and their preferences.

Results

Out of 140 enrolled patients in the study, 11 patients refused to complete the questionnaire, and 10 patients were excluded due to incomplete records in their medical records. Complete data was retrieved for 119 patients who were included for further analyses. The 78 (65%) patients declared that the test was clear and easy to complete. They were able to answer the test without help. Collectively, tiredness and sense of well-being were the most commonly encountered symptoms in ratings obtained by both patients and physicians. Tiredness was the only symptom showing a significant difference between the two rating methods, patient-rated scores being higher (P = 0.032). Cronbach’s alpha showed that both tests completed by the physician and the patients were internally consistent: the physician-rated test had a coefficient of 0.877, and the patient-rated test had a coefficient of 0.863. All ESAS scores had good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.88. The internal consistency remained high after removal of individual symptom scores, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.823 to 0.902, indicating that no individual question had undue influence on the total ESAS score.

Conclusion

The ESAS-r was easily understood by and applicable to patients. There was no significant discrepancy in the rates of symptoms reported by the patients and physicians, apart from tiredness. Based on this, the test could be applied on a larger scale with in-home patients. This test can be cost-effective and can decrease the number of hospital visits among advanced cancer patients in need of supportive treatment rather than active cancer therapy.
Epidermal growth factor receptor: a key manipulator in molecular pathways of malignant glioma
Authors: Ke Changshu
Published: June 2023

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB/EGFR family, including EGFR/Her1, ErbB2/Her2, ErbB-3/Her3, and ErbB-4/Her4. EGFR exerts its effects through the receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and activation of important downstream signaling pathways in normal and neoplastic cells, mainly the Ras GTPase/MAP kinase (MAPK), STAT3, and phosphatidylinositide 3 kinase-AKT pathways. EGFR deregulation is common in malignant glioma, especially primary glioblastoma, and exists in three forms: gene overexpression (amplification), autocrine effects of EGFR activation, and activating receptor mutation (EGFRvIII). However, some EGFR abnormalities have also been found in low-grade gliomas, including the nuclear localization of EGFR, expression in the microfoci of anaplastic transformation, and association with neovascularization in the mesenchyma of the glioma, which suggests that some unknown EGFR-related mechanisms are possibly responsible for its central role in the initiation and progression of malignant glioma. Uncovering these mechanisms will have potential value in the development of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and EGFR-targeted therapy for glioma.
Clinical significance of HBME-1, Galectin-3, and CK19 expression and the status of BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Li , Zhao Min , Hu Xiangyang , Huang Jin , Ang Ling , Hu Hongguang , Zou Qiang , Wang Jin , Liu Mingqiang , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical significance of the expression of proteins human bone marrow endothelial cell markers (HBME-1), Galectin-3, and cytokeratin19 (CK19), as well as the status of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed in 82 specimens each of PTC and papillary benign lesions to detect the expression of HBME-1, Galectin-3, and CK19. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing were performed on 60 specimens each of PTC and papillary benign lesions to detect the status of BRAF mutation.

Results

The positive expression ratios of HBME-1, Galectin-3, and CK19 in PTC were 98.8%, 97.6% and 100% respectively, which were significantly higher than the expressions in papillary benign lesions (P < 0.05). No significant relationship was observed between the expression of these makers and the clinicopathological features of PTC. The sensitivity of co-expression of HBME-1 and CK19 or HBME-1 and Galectin-3 as diagnostic criteria of PTC was 99.9%, with a specificity of 95.4%. BRAF mutation was detected in 40 of 60 PTC (66.7%) specimens. There was a statistical difference in BRAF mutations between PTC and papillary benign lesions (P < 0.05); there were no associations between BRAF mutation and the clinicopathological features of PTC.

Conclusion

Combined immunohistochemical staining of HBME-1, Galectin-3, and CK19 can further improve the sensitivity and specificity of differential diagnosis of PTC. BRAF mutation is a significant genetic event, which may have diagnostic value for PTC.
Management of bone tumor
Authors: Guan Hanfeng , Li Feng
Published: June 2023

Feng Li,

Professor of Orthopedics, Doctoral Supervisor, Director of the Orthopedics Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST, China. He entered Tongji Medical College and completed the medical curriculum in 1985. Afterwards, he became a surgeon in the Orthopedics Department of Tongji Hospital. He received a Medical Doctor degree at Tongji Medical College in 1993. He had postdoctoral training at University of Bern, Switzerland from 1996 to 1998. In 2008, he visited Washington University in St. Louis, USA as a guest Professor.

His major interest is spine surgery especially cervical spine surgery. He constantly tries to improve surgical strategies in order to provide better treatment for patients. For surgeries involving C1 and C2 cervical vertebrae, he introduced a video-assisted anterior transcervical approach, serving as a viable alternative to the traditional transoral approach. he modified the surgical approach for the posterior cervical spine surgery. These modifications enable the surgery to be less invasive and provide the patients with fast postoperative recovery and better quality of life.

He has been an active investigator of research on osteoporosis and degeneration of human spine for more than 15 years. He published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers in national and international journals including Nature, JBMR, Spine, Oncogenesis, Sci rep, Medicine, Cell Signal. He is an academic editor for several journals. Dr. Li serves as the chairman of the spine surgery group of Hubei Province Orthopedic Association. He is also a member of multiple orthopedic society.
Precision medicine in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Jianlin , Chu Yunmian , He Jin , Zheng Lei , Che Xu
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis. Current therapies for pancreatic cancer have limited effects. In the past decade, precision medicine has shown great potential for clinical applications. In this review, different strategies for applying precision medicine to the treatment of pancreatic cancer are described.
Primary malignant melanoma of the liver: One case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Dongfang , Wu Jinsheng , Chen Guofeng , Zhang Jianhuai
Published: June 2023

Objective

Primary malignant melanomas of the liver are exceedingly rare. Only 19 cases have been reported in the literature worldwide. In this report, we describe our pathological findings and review the literature in order to improve our understanding of the disease and prevent misdiagnosis, as well as provide evidence for its treatment and prognosis.

Methods

We present a case of an isolated malignant melanoma of the liver in a 61-year-old male Chinese patient.

Results

Comprehensive dermatological and ophthalmological examinations did not reveal any evidence of a primary cutaneous or ocular lesion. Similarly, serial physical examinations, auxiliary examinations, and bone scans did not demonstrate any other lesions in the brain, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Microscopic examination of the resected specimen revealed malignant melanoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein (+), ki67 (30%+), EMA (+), CD10 (+), and HMB-45 (++).

Conclusion

Primary malignant melanoma may occur in the liver, and should be considered when the histopathological appearance is atypical of other hepatic neoplasms. The diagnostic criteria for hepatic malignant melanoma depend mainly on the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings. Pathomorphology and immumohistochemical staining can be utilized to confirm the diagnosis.
Relationship between peritumoral lymphatic microvessel density and the clinical and pathological characteristics of invasive breast cancer
Authors: Qu Shuxian , Liu Yongming , Liu Zhaozhe , Liu Liang , Han Yaling , Xie Xiaodong , Zheng Zhendong
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the morphological characteristics of lymphatic microvessels and the relationship between lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) and clinical and pathological characteristics of invasive breast cancer.

Methods

Tissue specimens and clinical pathological data of 51 cases of female breast cancer were collected in the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region (Shenyang, China) from January 2007 to October 2011. Another 20 breast fibroadenoma tissue samples were used as controls. All specimens were cut into 4-μm slices, and immunohistochemically stained using streptomycin-resistant avidin peroxidase antibody D2-40. SPSS 17.0 for Windows was used to perform all analyses.

Results

A total of 38 breast cancer tissue specimens showed varied staining with monoclonal antibody D2-40. The rate of positive staining was in these tissues was 74.5% (38/51), which is significantly higher than that observed in breast fibroadenoma tissues (chi-square = 35.197, P = 0.000). The average LMVD in 38 cases of breast cancer was (26.46 ± 10.06) microvessels/100× magnification field, which was higher than that in the control group (t = 10.74, P = 0.000). Microvessels in peritumoral tissues were abundant, with an average LMVD of (38.42 ± 11.38) microvessels/100× magnification field. Based on layered analysis, the expression level of peritumoral LMVD was correlated with metastasis of lymph nodes, tumor size, and the expression of C-erbB-2 (P < 0.05); however, there was no correlation with age or expression of estrogen receptors or progesterone receptors (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Lymphatic microvessels detected using D2-40 antibody are mainly present in the peritumoral region of breast cancer tissues, and LMVD showed a correlation with lymph node metastasis and the expression of C-erbB-2. Positive lymphatic vessels, especially in the peritumoral region, may provide a path for lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer. Peritumoral LMVD may be used to estimate the prognosis of patients with breast cancer and may aid in research on treatment methods.
A case of chronic pancreatitis treated by laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection
Authors: Ma Chunyang , Xiao Guangqin , Zhu Feng , Peng Feng , Guo Xingjun , Gao Hengyi , Ren Yuqi , Wang Hebin , Wang Min , Qin Renyi
Published: June 2023

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has long been used for chronic pancreatitis (CP), but greatly affects the postoperative quality of life. A new procedure called duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) has been introduced, and has little effect on the structure and function of the digestive system. With the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques, treatment of CP can be performed with laparoscopic DPPHR (LDPPHR). We present a case of CP that was successfully treated with LDPPHR. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was pancreatitis, demonstrating the feasibility of LDPPHR. We recommend this minimally invasive surgical method as preferred treatment for CP.
Laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy
Authors: Guo Xingjun , Qin Renyi
Published: June 2023

Pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy are the traditional surgical treatments of tumors in the neck or body of the pancreas. Although resecting the lesions successfully, these procedures can also, however, lead the substantial loss of normal pancreatic parenchyma, causing endocrine and exocrine function disorder. The combination of distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy increased the risk of thrombosis sometimes. So the surgical trauma is too great, especially for benign and lower malignant tumors located in the neck or body of the pancreas. While, middle pancreatectomy may decrease operative trauma with the excision of these lesions, and can maximize the retention of pancreatic parenchyma, and maintain pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function integrity. The procedure is interesting but rarely performed. With the application and development of minimally invasive surgical techniques, laparoscopic and robotic middle pancreatectomy are available now. Researches about laparoscopic and robotic middle pancreatectomy are presented, with decreased morbidity, reduced operation time and hospital stay. There is only a few reports on the two procedures, but the security and effectiveness of them are suggested.
Circulating biomarkers for nonfunctional gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm: Where do we stand?
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Shen Lin
Published: June 2023

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) encompass a heterogeneous group of tumors associated with variable presentations, growth rates, and prognoses. The majority of GEP-NENs are nonfunctional, and their diagnosis remains challenging given the often subtle and variable clinical manifestations of these tumors. As a consequence, GEP-NENs are often recognized at an advanced stage; indeed, most patients with nonfunctional GEP-NENs exhibit metastatic disease at diagnosis. Lack of treatment options as well as limitations in currently available imaging modalities and biomarkers make it challenging to manage NENs. Thus, novel biomarkers are needed to provide high sensitivity and specificity for minimum disease detection and to predict treatment efficacy and prognosis. Although tissue-based biomarker data can provide such information, circulating biomarkers such as NETests, circulating tumor cells, and microR-NAs, are superior owing to their easy accessibility and the ability for repeated real-time sampling.
Multimodal therapy for brain tumors ⁎
Authors: Hu Feng , Lei Ting
Published: June 2023

Ting Lei. M.D., Professor of Neurosurgery, Doctoral Supervisor, Director of the Neurosurgery Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Tongji Medical University, China, and became a neurosurgeon afterward. Then, he successfully obtained a German Academic Exchange Service scholarship to undertake his doctorate in medicine at the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg in Germany. Under the supervision of Profs. R. Fahlbusch and M. Buchfelder, he completed his doctoral degree in the same university and returned to Tongji Hospital to become the first postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurosurgery. Since 1998, he has been Chief of the Neurosurgical Department.

His scientific interest is basic research and clinical treatment of brain tumors, including pituitary adenoma and glioma. He introduced transsphenoidal surgery in the treatment of pituitary adenoma in Hubei Province, China. Currently, he performs more than 300 transsphenoidal surgeries annually. Over the past years, he also modified this surgical approach to make it less invasive and provide patients with fast postoperative recovery and better quality of life.

He has been an active researcher in the brain tumor research community for over 30 years now. He received several grants from the National Natural Science Foundation and published more than 500 peer-reviewed papers in national and international journals, including the Journal of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy, European Journal of Cancer, and Cancer Letter. Meanwhile, he is also an academic editor of several journals. Prof. Lei serves as the chairman of the neurosurgery branch of the Wuhan Medical Association and is a committee member of several academic associations.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for small liver cancers adjacent to large vessels: long-term outcomes and strategies
Authors: Liu Ruobing , Li Kaiyan , Luo Hongchang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Tingting , Gao Meng , Zha Wenhui , Cui Xinwu , Deng Youbin
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for small hepatic cancers adjacent to large vessels and to investigate the treatment strategies.

Methods

From March 2009 to July 2015, a total of 86 patients with 94 tumors underwent ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous MWA, with pathologically proven or clinically diagnosed liver cancers measuring ≤ 3 cm in diameter and located ≤ 10 mm from a major vessel (n = 94). Regular follow-up after MWA was performed to assess treatment efficacy and perioperative complications.

Results

The complete ablation rate at 1 month after MWA was 93.3% (84/90). The 6-, 9-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, 60-, 72-, and 84-month local recurrence rates were 2.4%, 2.4%, 3.7%, 6.6%, 8.4%, 8.4%, 8.4%, 8.4%, and 8.4%, respectively. There were no major complications. The perioperative special complication rate was 5.32% (5/94), including 3 cases of moderate liver function damage and 2 cases of limited sub-capsular hematoma.

Conclusion

Percutaneous MWA for small hepatic cancers adjacent to large vessels is feasible, effective, and safe with an acceptable rate of complications. The key point is to strictly follow operative indications and adopt proper treatment strategies.
Differential expression of nucleolin in colon adenoma and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Meng Guozhao , Yi Junlei , Xie Ming
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the discrepancy in nucleolin expression between colon adenoma and colon adenocarcinoma, explore the role of nucleolin expression in the carcinogenesis of colon adenocarcinoma, and determine the correlation of the nucleolin expression level with histological grade in colon adenocarcinoma.

Methods

In total, 80 cases of colon adenocarcinoma with cancer-adjacent colon mucosa and 60 cases of colon adenomas were examined by immunohistochemistry using an antibody against nucleolin. Nucleolin expression levels in these groups were compared. The correlation between the nucleolin expression level and grade of colon adenocarcinoma was analyzed.

Results

Nucleolin expression is located in the nuclei of colon adenocarcinoma, colon adenoma, and cancer-adjacent colon mucosa tissues with different intensities. A semiquantitative evaluation using the Allred scoring system showed that the nucleolin immunostaining score in colon adenocarcinoma (7.8 ± 0.1) was significantly higher than those in colon adenoma (6.3 ± 0.2) and cancer-adjacent colon mucosa (5.4 ± 0.1; P < 0.01). The nucleolin immunostaining score in colon adenoma was significantly higher than that in cancer-adjacent colon mucosa (P < 0.01). Nucleolin expression levels in well-differentiated and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (6.8 ± 0.2) were significantly lower than those in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (8.0 ± 0.1; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Increased nucleolin expression may play an important role in the process of malignant transformation of colon adenocarcinoma and predicts a poor prognosis.
Expression and significance of carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 153, and cyclooxygenase-2 in breast cancer ⁎
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Jing
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate serum and nipple discharge levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 153 (CA153) and tissue cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in breast cancer cases and associations of these proteins with breast cancer metastasis.

Methods

The immunohistochemicalUltra SensitiveTMS-Pmethod was used to detect COX-2 expression in 77 cases of invasive breast carcinoma. Of these cases, 52 exhibited CEA and CA153 in both serum and nipple discharge (electrochemiluminescence method), and associations of these biomarkers with breast cancer prognosis were studied. Sixty cases of benign breast lesion were selected as a control group. Overall survival of breast carcinoma patients was evaluated. COX-2 expression was evaluated relative to clinicopathological features and CEA and CA153 levels, and its role in invasiveness was investigated.

Results

Among cases of invasive breast cancer, 72.7% (56/77) were COX-2 immunopositive, compared to 16.7% of benign lesions (χ2= 66.745,P= 0.000) percentage of positive cells. COX-2 overexpression in breast cancer correlated positively with histological grade (II vs III; χ2= 4.064,P= 0.043), lymph node metastasis (χ2= 9.135,P= 0.003), and distant metastasis (χ2= 8.021,P= 0.003). However, COX-2 expression did not correlate with age (≤ 50 vs 50 years) or tumor size (≤ 5 vs > 5 cm) (χ2= 0.081,P= 0.776 and χ2= 3.702,P= 0.054, respectively). Among breast cancer patients, COX-2 overexpression in tumors also correlated with shorter overall survival (P< 0.05). In brief, increased COX-2 expression correlates with worse prognosis and shorter overall survival. Malignant lesions were associated with significantly higher serum and nipple discharge levels of biomarkers, relative to benign lesions (P< 0.05). These biomarkers were present at significantly higher levels in nipple discharge than in serum (P< 0.05). Furthermore, significantly higher nipple discharge levels of CEA and CA153 were observed in COX-2-positive breast carcinoma patients, compared to COX-2-negative patients (P<0.05). Shorter overall survival in cancer patients group related to COX-2 overexpression in tumors (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

The study suggests that COX-2 overexpression correlates with poor clinicopathological parameters in breast cancers and might be an important biological marker of invasion and metastasis. The findings of the present study suggest that combined detection of COX-2 tissue expression and CEA and CA153 in serum and nipple discharge could facilitate clinical monitoring and diagnosis of metastasis in patients with breast cancer.
The efficacy of Kanglaite injection during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer ⁎
Authors: Zhou Wei , Han Tao , Liu Zhaozhe , Yang Xiaodan , Liu Yu , Wang Wei , Yang Benqiang , Xie Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Objective

Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are widely used in the treatment of EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The Kanglaite injection (KLT) is a novel broad-spectrum anti-cancer injection produced from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs (coix seed). After its approval in 1995, KLT has become the most popular anti-cancer drug in China. As of this writing, no standard treatment guideline is available for elder patients with NSCLC, and the role of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, including KLT, combined with TKI treatment remains unknown. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of KLT in elderly NSCLC patients during TKI treatment.

Methods

Thirty elderly patients aged 71-79 years with histopathologically confirmed NSCLC attending the General Hospital of the Shenyang Military Region were enrolled in the study and received EGFR-TKI treatment. All participants received 200 mL KLT injections at the same time on days 1-21. Erlotinib (150 mg) or gefitinib (250 mg) was administered daily from days 1 to 21, and the cycle was repeated every 21 days. The endpoint of the primary study was the disease control rate.

Results

Thirty elderly patients were enrolled in this study. The objective response rate was 21.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.6% to 35.2%], whereas the disease control rate was 80.4% (95% CI: 71.8% to 97.0%). The grade 3 or 4 adverse effects included leucopenia (13.7%), neutropenia (13.4%), anemia (2.9%), and nausea or vomiting (2.7%).

Conclusion

The administration of KLT combined with erlotinib or gefitinib showed high efficacy in elderly NSCLC patients. The adverse effects of the drug combination were well tolerated by the patients. KLT combined with TKI treatment might provide a satisfactory therapeutic strategy for elderly NSCLC patients.
Use of 1.32-μm and 1.06-μm wavelength lasers for vascular cutting in a porcine model of liver and stomach bleeding ⁎
Authors: Han Lu , Gao Wenyuan , Shen Yangyang , Pang Kai , Jiang Zhanjun , Gao Yonghui , Xu Peng , Li Sheng
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate 1.32-μm and 1.06-μm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers for use in liver and gastroepiploic vessel vaporization and coagulation.

Methods

The effects of 1.32-μm and 1.06-μm Nd:YAG lasers were compared for gastroepiploic vessel hemostasis in porcine liver.

Results

The results were observed and measured under the same parameters and dose conditions. The 1.32-μm laser showed greater vaporization width and depth than the 1.06-μm laser. Both lasers controlled active bleeding. The coagulation band with the 1.32-μm laser was thinner than with the 1.06-μm laser, at nearly 3 mm. After cutting of 1- and 2-mm porcine vessels, no grossly visible bleeding was apparent. Intravascular thrombus was visible under the microscope. The length of vessel thrombosis in the experimental group was 2 mm and the diameter was 2 mm; the control group exhibited thrombi as 2.3-4.9 mm in length. Thrombosis completely blocked the blood vessels.

Conclusion

The 1.32-μm laser had greater vaporization capability than the 1.06-μm laser and achieved hemostasis requirements for vessels less than 2 mm in diameter.
Low-dose fractionated radiation reverses cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells via PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling
Authors: Jia Xiangmin , Ming Jie , Nie Xiaofei , Liang Donghai , Jiang Tao , Liu Shihai , Yu Hongsheng
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate whether low-dose fractionated radiation (LDFRT) could enhance cisplatin sensitivity in drug-resistant human ovarian cancer cells SKOV3/DDP, and to further explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

SKOV3/DDP ovarian cancer cells were divided into three groups as follows: control, LDFRT, and conventional-dose radiation groups. Cells from all three groups were treated with different concentrations of cisplatin (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) for 48 h. The proliferation inhibition rate was investigated using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK8). The rate of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry (FCM). Protein levels of AKT, P-AKT, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β, P21, cyclin D1, and P27 were examined by Western blotting.

Results

As expected, LDFRT significantly reduced the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP cells. Moreover, in the LDFRT group, protein levels of P-AKT, P-GSK-3β, and cyclin D1 were markedly decreased, those of P21 and P27 were greatly increased, and total AKT and GSK-3β levels showed no significant difference compared to those in both the control and conventional-dose radiation groups.

Conclusion

LDFRT sensitizes resistant SKOV3/DDP ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin through inactivation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling.
Whole process control and precision therapy in lung cancer
Authors: Liu Zhaozhe , Xie Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Xiaodong Xie

Professor and Chairman, Cancer Center of People’s Liberation Army, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, China. In 1980, he entered the Fourth Military Medical University of PLA in Xi’an, and he acquired a Master’s degree in Urology in 1996. From 2000 to 2001, he studied as a research fellow in the Department of Oncology, Cancer Institute & Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. At present, he is a doctoral supervisor at the Liaoning University of Chinese Medicine and the Fourth Military Medical University. He is a member of the council of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CACA), a member of the standing committee of the Professional Committee of Cancer Rehabilitation and Palliative Care (CRPC) of the CACA, a member of the standing committee of the Professional Committee of Tumor Markers of the CACA, an Executive Member of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), a Member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA), and Vice Chairman of the Cancer Professional Committee of the People’s Liberation Army. In 2012, he received the Second Award of Scientific and Technological Advancement in Liaoning Province, and received the Outstanding Paper Award at the annual meeting of the CACA-CRPC.
Acupuncture relieves chemotherapy-induced refractory hiccup: A report of two cases
Authors: Li Xingyang , Wang Xianfeng , Tang Yongquan , Ren Tao
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to present two cases that illustrate the beneficial effects of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced refractory hiccup in cancer patients. This report described two patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and right upper pulmonary lobe moderate-differentiation adenocarcinoma (pT1N0M0) who experienced chemotherapy-induced refractory hiccup. Alternative treatment was administered to relieve the symptoms of refractory hiccup. The patients were treated with acupuncture 30 min prior to chemotherapy. The selected acupoints included Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), Zhongwan (CV12), Jiuwei (RN15), and Neiguan (PC6). The symptoms related to chemotherapy-induced refractory hiccup were completely relieved after treatment with 2 to 3 cycles of acupuncture. Based on our experience, we conclude that these two cancer patients benefited from acupuncture treatment, suggesting that acupuncture not only plays a role in pain control, but is also effective in relieving chemotherapy-induced refractory hiccup in cancer patients. The beneficial outcomes need large-scale studies to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for relieving chemotherapy-induced refractory hiccup in cancer patients.
Gastrointestinal cancer research in the era of precision medicine
Authors: Shen Lin
Published: June 2023

Lin Shen. M.D., Professor, Chief, Vice President, Peking University Cancer Hospital. Professor Lin Shen received her degree in oncology from Peking Medical University and specialized in gastrointestinal cancers. Her work focuses on precision medicine inadvanced gastric cancer, colorectal cancer with liver metastases, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and other gastrointestinal malignancies. She is also interested in clinical trials and translational research, especially early stage clinical trials. Professor Shen has published over 130 papers and has hosted as a principal investigator or participated in over 80 global and domestic multicenter clinical trials. The results of several of these studies have provided evidence to standardize the clinical practice for gastrointestinal tumors in China. Now, Professor Shen is Chairman of Chinese Anti-cancer Drug Clinical Trials (ACTS), General Secretary of Gastric Cancer Committee and Vice-chairman of Colorectal Cancer Committee of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CACA), and also she is Chairman of Chinese Society of Multidisciplinary Team (CSMDT).
Primary urachal adenocarcinoma: a rare case report
Authors: Liu Kaihua , Wang Hongqiang , Yu Lei , Wang Peitao , Liu Zhijun , Sun Lijiang , Yu Hongsheng , Li Shenqian
Published: June 2023

Primary urachal carcinoma is a very rare cancer with a poor prognosis. It generally presents as a high-grade, high-stage tumor, and in most cases the patient has developed regional or distant metastasis at the time of presentation. Here, we report a very interesting case of primary urachal adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell carcinoma in a 58-year-old male who presented with a lower abdominal mass and discomfort. In this case, urachal carcinoma was successfully treated with surgery using an extended partial bladder cystectomy approach with excision of the urachal mass and umbilicus. The patient also underwent systematic chemotherapy with 5-fluorourical and cisplatin. During the 12-month follow-up period, the patient did not experience recurrence or metastasis. Overall, we found that an organ preserving extended partial cystectomy along with chemotherapy was an optimal treatment method that helped improve the patient's quality of the life with no recurrence of cancer so far.
Effects of Nordy on the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of HPV16 subgene-immortalized human endocervical cells*
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhao Yong , Bian Xiuwu
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Nordy on the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of HPV16 subgene-immortalized human endocervical cells (H8 cells).

Methods

After treatment with Nordy, H8 cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. The effects of Nordy on the cell cycle and apoptosis of H8 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM) and the Annexin V-FITC method. H8 cell MCM5 expression was detected by immunocytochemistry. Morphological changes were observed by light and electron microscopy. Telomerase activity was evaluated by TRAP-ELISA.

Results

We found that 10 µmol/L-100 µmol/L Nordy significantly inhibited H8 cell proliferation. After treatment with Nordy, H8 cells were blocked in the G0/G1 phase, and the rate of cell apoptosis increased significantly. Cells differentiated toward innocuousness, and MCM5 expression and telomerase activity notably decreased.

Conclusion

Nordy was observed to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in H8 cells. Nordy also induced H8 cell differentiation; this effect may have been achieved by blocking the cell cycle and decreasing telomerase activity.
Postoperative sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Fu Qiang , Yu Shiying , Hu Guoqing , Chen Yuan , Hu Junbo , Zhang Lihong , Qiu Hong , Yuan Xianglin
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of postoperative sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

From January 2003 to December 2010, 146 gastric cancer patients at our institution (Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China) received postoperative sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy after radical surgery. Radiotherapy was administered as a dose of 4500 cGy in 25 fractions. For patients with positive margins, the dose was raised to 5040 cGy in 28 fractions. Three cycles of mFOLFOX or PF (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) chemotherapy regimen were applied before and after radiotherapy. Three- and 5-year survival rates were analyzed; any adverse effects with respect to hematology, hepatic and renal function, or the gastrointestinal tract that occurred during the treatment were evaluated.

Results

This cohort consisted of non-metastatic patients: 104 men and 42 women with a median age of 51.0 years. The full course of sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy (4500-5040 cGy) was completed by 129 patients (88.4%). Seventeen regional relapses (9.8%) and 46 distant relapses (23.8%) were recorded. Fifty patients (34.2%) died during follow-up. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates (OS) were 60% and 54%, and disease-free survival rates (DFS) were 53% and 47%, respectively. There were no significant differences in survival rate with respect to age, sex, histopathology, N stage, site of the tumor, or margin status. Multivariate analysis showed that only the depth of tumor invasion (T stage) was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P= 0.009) and DFS (P= 0.006). The rates of grades 3 and 4 neutropenia and vomiting were 9.6% and 3.4%, respectively, during the treatment.

Conclusion

Postoperative sequential chemotherapy with an mFOLFOX or PF regimen and radiotherapy were found to be an effective means of treating advanced gastric cancer patients with T3-T4 disease. The adverse effects of this treatment were tolerable.
Protective effects of probucol in rats with postoperative acute renal failure*
Authors: Yang Cheng , Peng Jun , Ren Xingfeng
Published: June 2023

Objective

We investigated the protective effect of probucol in rats with acute renal failure caused by various ischemia-reperfusion injuries (IRIs) after surgery.

Methods

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group (S group), ischemia reperfusion group (IR group), probucol low-dose treatment group (probucol + IR group 1, P+ IR 1 group; probucol 250 mg/kg intragastric administration daily), and probucol high-dose treatment group (P + IR 2 group; probucol 500 mg/kg intragastric administration daily). Rats in the S and IR groups were intragastrically administered with warm water every day. After 1 week, the kidney IRI rat models were prepared, after which the rats were fed for another week, and blood, urine, and the kidney tissue specimens were retained. A series of biochemical indices, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde in the serum and kidney tissues were detected, and pathological changes in renal tissue were observed.

Results

Twenty-four-hour urinary protein excretion, urinary NAGase, CysC, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were significantly lower in the P + IR 1 and P + IR 2 groups than in the IR group (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase in the serum and renal tissue increased significantly, malondialdehyde decreased significantly (P < 0.05), renal pathological injury was alleviated, and the kidney index improved significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Probucol can relieve various types of acute renal failure in postoperative rats.
Outcomes of palliative local treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy plus bevacizumab
Authors: Zhao Ben , Wang Lu , Yu Qianqian , Hu Guangyuan , Qiu Hong , Zhang Mingsheng , Sun Li , Peng Ping , Yuan Xianglin
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the value of palliative local treatment of incurable metastatic lesions in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving chemotherapy plus bevacizumab.

Methods

Data of 105 patients with histologically confirmed synchronous or metachronous metastatic CRC who received bevacizumab treatment from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixteen (15%) patients who were treated with bevacizumab for less than 4 cycles were excluded, and finally, 89 (85%) patients were enrolled. Among them, 33 (37%) patients who received palliative local treatment were categorized into the palliative local treatment group, and the remaining 56 (63%) patients were categorized into the chemotherapy plus bevacizumab group. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), which was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Factors possibly influencing survival were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Adverse events (AEs) were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Grades 1-2 and 3-4 AEs of the two groups were compared and analyzed using the Fisher's exact test and χ2 analysis.

Results

The median follow-up period was 20.4 months, ranging from 1 to 60 months. The median OS in the palliative local treatment group was 36.3 months (95% CI, 33.5-39.2), and that in the chemotherapy plus bevacizumab group was 20.5 months (95% CI, 17.6-23.4). Both the univariate (HR 0.13, 95% CI, 0.05-0.30, P < 0.001) and multivariate (HR 0.16, 95% CI, 0.07-0.39, P < 0.001) analyses showed that the addition of palliative local treatment could prolong survival compared with chemotherapy plus bevacizumab alone. There were no significant differences in the rates of common chemotherapy- or bevacizumab-related AEs between the two groups.

Conclusion

These findings suggest palliative local treatment is an effective and safe method for treating patients with incurable metastatic CRC receiving chemotherapy plus bevacizumab.
N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 promotes proliferation of HO-8910 ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Kang Fenhong , Luo Yaping , Wang Yanlong
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) expression in ovarian cancer cells and its potential usefulness as a diagnostic marker and/or target for therapeutic intervention.

Methods

Human NDRG2L/S gene was obtained by revers-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Sequence analysis confirmed the identity of NDRG2L/S gene, which was then inserted into a eukaryotic vector pLNCX2, which was in turn transfected into NDRG2 gene-negative HO-8910 cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) and 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were conducted to determine the proliferation rate of HO-8910 cells. Cisplatin resistance of HO-8910 cells transfected with pLNCX2-NDRG2L/S was evaluated by FCM. Tumors were generated in female nude mice by subcutaneous injection of HO-8910 cells.

Results

NDRG2 gene was isolated and its expression vector was successfully constructed. NDRG2 expression positively correlated with the proliferation of HO-8910 cells. NDRG2L/S promoted tumorigenicity in HO-8910 cells.

Conclusion

The present study identified a novel function of NDRG2L/S gene and demonstrated its involvement in the promotion of ovarian cancer cell proliferation and enhancement of cisplatin resistance in HO-8910 cells. Future studies are warranted to determine the relationship between NDRG2 upregulation and ovarian cancer progression.
Updates in version 2.2018 of the NCCN guidelines for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancers
Authors: Huang Liu
Published: June 2023

Comment

Preferred Regimens provide by expert group were adjusted: (1) Fluorouracil and cisplatin was no longer the Preferred Regimen for Preoperative Chemoradiation and Perioperative Chemotherapy (recommended as the other regimens); (2) DCF modifications were no longer the Preferred Regimens for First-Line Therapy (recommended as the other regimens); (3) Pembrolizumab (For second-line or subsequent therapy for MSI-H or dMMR tumors) was recommended as the Preferred Regimen for Second-Line or Subsequent Therapy; (4) Ramucirumab for adenocarcinoma (category 1 for EGJ adenocarcinoma; category 2A for esophageal adenocarcinoma) was no longer the Preferred Regimen for Second-Line or Subsequent Therapy. Survivors who underwent esophagectomy are at particular risk for clinically relevant long-term health issues, especially GI-related issues, such as malnutrition, dysphagia, dumping syndrome, delayed gastric emptying, reflux, and fatigue, which have been shown to negatively impact survivors' quality of life. This update proposes the following specific management and monitoring solutions for esophageal cancer survivors: Weight monitoring and the nutritional status in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgery are important. Intervention by nutrition specialists is recommended. Treatment of postoperative complications, such as delayed gastric emptying, dumping syndrome, esophageal bile reflux, and dysphagia should be carefully considered, and nursing advice should also be provided. In patients who previously had hypertension, the blood pressure condition may be improved after weight loss. Therefore, blood pressure should be monitored, and the original antihypertensive regimen adjusted as appropriate. Patients who previously had diabetes and hyperlipidemia may also need similar adjustments. Complications caused by chemoradiotherapy, such as radiation-induced heart injuries and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, should be managed. Patient's psychological and physical states should be evaluated. Healthy lifestyle: Specific advice on dietary habits, living habits, physical activities, smoking cessation, and alcohol abstinence is necessary.
Long noncoding RNAs as diagnostic biomarkers associated with cancer phenotypes
Authors: Luo Huili , Chang Ruijie , Chen Xiulan
Published: June 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the transformation and maintenance of cancer phenotypes and have important clinical implications. These lncRNAs control important aspects of tumor biology, including proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and the microenvironment by regulating RNA and protein interactions or through their ability to base pair with RNA and DNA. In this study, we review the mechanism of the function of lncRNAs in cancer and their diagnostic roles in cancer phenotypes, which make them attractive as non-invasive biomarkers from body fluid samples for different types of cancer.