bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiotherapy Sensitization by Tumor-Specific TRAIL Gene Targeting Improves Survival of Mice Bearing Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaochun , Cheung Rex Min , Komaki Ritsuko , Fang Bingliang , Chang Joe Y. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Purpose: To sensitize non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to radiotherapy by tumor-specific delivery of tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) gene.
Experimental Design: The TRAIL was delivered to human NSCLC cell lines and normal human bronchial epithelial cells by the replication-defective adenoviral vector Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD using a tumor-specific human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter. Cancer growth was studied using 2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt and clonogenic assays. Activation of the apoptosis pathway was analyzed in a Western blot and sub-G1 DNA accumulation. A xenograft mouse lung cancer model was treated by intratumoral injections of Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD and local radiotherapy; the other groups received one of these treatments alone or a control agent. Apoptosis and TRAIL expression in tumors were also analyzed.
Results: Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD specifically targets human NSCLC cells without significant effect in normal human bronchial epithelial cells. The combination of Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD and radiotherapy significantly improved cell-killing effect in all NSCLC cell lines tested (P &lt; 0.05). Expression of TRAIL showed a dose-dependent relationship with Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD, and radiation seemed to increase TRAIL expression. Activation of the apoptosis by TRAIL and radiation was shown by activation of caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and increased DNA sub-G1 accumulation. The combination of TRAIL and radiotherapy significantly increased apoptosis in vivo, inhibited tumor growth, and prolonged mean survival in mice bearing human NSCLC to 43.7 days compared with 23.7 days (TRAIL only) and 16.5 days (radiotherapy only; P &lt; 0.05).
Conclusions: The combination of Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD and radiotherapy significantly improved therapeutic efficacy in suppressing NSCLC tumor growth and prolonging survival. Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD may improve the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy in NSCLC.
Cyclooxygenase as a Target in Lung Cancer
Authors: Brown Joanne R. , DuBois Raymond N. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Preclinical studies suggest that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 may be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of some types of lung cancer. Most of the available studies point to its involvement in non-small cell lung cancer. Survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer expressing high levels of COX-2 is markedly reduced. Treatment of humans with the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib augments the antitumor effects of chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. COX-2 has been shown to regulate some aspects of tumor-associated angiogenesis. Most of the results we have published point to effects on the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor. However, prostaglandins derived from COX-2 affect other signaling pathways as well, such as the epidermal growth factor and its receptor. Others have recently shown that non-small cell lung cancer exhibits a COX-2 downstream enzyme expression pattern that is altered in lung tumor cells and tumor-supplying vessels. Therefore, COX-2 and prostaglandins may have a major impact on lung tumor progression and tumor-associated inflammation. Clinical trials currently underway are exploring the potential of targeting COX-2 in lung cancer.
Oblimersen Sodium (Genasense bcl-2 Antisense Oligonucleotide)
Authors: Herbst Roy S. , Frankel Stanley R. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Bcl-2 protein inhibits apoptosis and confers resistance to treatment with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies. Oblimersen sodium is an antisense oligonucleotide compound designed to specifically bind to human bcl-2 mRNA, resulting in catalytic degradation of bcl-2 mRNA and subsequent decrease in bcl-2 protein translation. Both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer show baseline and inducible expression of bcl-2, which may contribute to resistance to therapy. Preclinical studies have shown that combining bcl-2 antisense with chemotherapy improves antitumor response, increases apoptosis of tumor cells, and increases survival. Preliminary data from a large international randomized trial in melanoma show a trend toward increased survival and significantly improved response rates and response duration when oblimersen is added to dacarbazine. Phase I studies in small cell lung cancer patients demonstrate that oblimersen can be combined with paclitaxel or carboplatin and etoposide. The combination of docetaxel and oblimersen has been shown to be feasible in Phase I studies and is currently undergoing evaluation in comparison with docetaxel alone as first-line salvage therapy in patients refractory or relapsed after one prior chemotherapy regimen. Enhancement of the efficacy of anticancer treatments with oblimersen bcl-2 antisense therapy represents a promising new apoptosis-modulating strategy.
Preclinical and Clinical Development of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor Flavopiridol
Authors: Shapiro Geoffrey I. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Flavopiridol is the first potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) to reach clinical trial. In the majority of solid tumor cell lines and xenografts, flavopiridol induces cell cycle arrest and tumor growth inhibition. This is reflected in clinical outcomes: across multiple Phase II trials there are subsets of patients with prolonged stable disease, although few responses have been observed. Flavopiridol displays sequence-dependent cytotoxic synergy with chemotherapy agents. These effects are most marked when chemotherapy precedes flavopiridol. In the case of DNA-damaging agents that impose S-phase delay, flavopiridol-mediated cdk inhibition disrupts the phosphorylation of E2F-1, leading to inappropriate persistence of its activity, inducing apoptotic pathways. This mechanism has been exploited in a Phase I trial of sequential gemcitabine and flavopiridol that has produced promising results. Flavopiridol is also synergistic with taxanes. Inhibition of cyclin B-cdk1 by flavopiridol accelerates exit from an abnormal mitosis associated with taxane-induced cell death and reduces the phosphorylation of survivin, preventing its stabilization and the cellular protection it affords after taxane exposure. The sequential combination of docetaxel and flavopiridol has been investigated in a Phase I trial in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, and a randomized Phase II study is under way. Initial schedules of flavopiridol used prolonged continuous infusions that produced nanomolar levels of drug thought to be capable of achieving cdk inhibition based on results in tumor cell lines. Recently, it has been discovered that micromolar concentrations are likely to be more effective, and shorter infusions that achieve a higher Cmax have now been adopted. Loading followed by maintenance infusions are also under development, designed to achieve sustained micromolar drug levels. Clinical trials remain complicated by the absence of pharmacodynamic end points to confirm target inhibition.
Detection of Breast Cancer in Nipple Aspirate Fluid by CpG Island Hypermethylation
Authors: Krassenstein Rachel , Sauter Edward , Dulaimi Essel , Battagli Cristina , Ehya Hormoz , Klein-Szanto Andres , Cairns Paul 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Purpose: New approaches to the early detection of breast cancer are urgently needed as there is more benefit to be realized from screening. Nipple aspiration is a noninvasive technique that yields fluid known to contain breast epithelial cells. Silencing of tumor suppressor genes such as p16INk4a, BRCA1, and hMLH1 have established hypermethylation as a common mechanism for tumor suppressor inactivation in human cancer and as a promising target for molecular detection.
Experimental Design: Using sensitive methylation-specific PCR, we searched for aberrant promoter hypermethylation in a panel of six normally unmethylated genes: glutathione S-transferase π 1 (GSTP1); retinoic acid receptor-β2 (RARβ2); p16INk4a; p14ARF; RAS association domain family protein 1A (RASSF1A); and death-associated protein kinase (DAP-kinase) in 22 matched specimens of tumor, normal tissue, and nipple aspirate fluid collected from breast cancer patients.
Results: Hypermethylation of one or more genes was found in all 22 tumor DNAs (100% diagnostic coverage) and identical gene hypermethylation detected in 18 of 22 (82%) matched aspirate fluid DNAs. In contrast, hypermethylation was absent in benign and normal breast tissue and nipple aspirate DNA from healthy women.
Conclusions: Promoter hypermethylation of important cancer genes is common in breast cancer and could be detected in matched aspirate DNAs from patients with ductal carcinoma in situ or stage I cancer. Promoter hypermethylation represents a promising marker, and larger studies may lead to its useful application in breast cancer diagnosis and management.
Immunomagnetic Enrichment, Genomic Characterization, and Prognostic Impact of Circulating Melanoma Cells
Authors: Ulmer Anja , Schmidt-Kittler Oleg , Fischer Jörg , Ellwanger Ulf , Rassner Gernot , Riethmüller Gert , Fierlbeck Gerhard , Klein Christoph A. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Purpose: The finding of melanoma cells in the peripheral blood, thus far mainly inferred from the PCR-based demonstration of tyrosinase mRNA, has been associated with metastatic melanoma. Neither the malignant nature nor the prognostic significance of circulating cells could be established. To address this question, we analyzed immunomagnetically isolated circulating melanoma cells for chromosomal aberrations and performed a clinical follow-up study of the enrolled patients.
Experimental Design: In a prospective study, blood samples were taken from 164 melanoma patients and 50 donors without malignant disease. Circulating melanoma cells were enriched by immunomagnetic cell sorting using a murine monoclonal antibody against the melanoma-associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. To prove the malignant origin of the positive cells and to define their chromosomal aberrations, we analyzed the genomes of 15 individually isolated cells from seven patients by single-cell comparative genomic hybridization (SCOMP).
Results: Absolute and relative frequencies of circulating melanoma cells were associated with stage and with the presence or absence of detectable tumor. The detection of two or more cells correlated significantly with a reduced survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. All of the cells that were analyzed by SCOMP displayed multiple chromosomal changes and carried aberrations typical for melanoma.
Conclusions: Immunomagnetic enrichment enables isolation and genomic characterization of circulating melanoma cells. The prognostic impact on survival of metastatic patients apparently reflects the aggressiveness of an ongoing tumor spread. Direct genomic analysis of the enriched and isolated cells will help to clarify the molecular-genetic basis of the establishment of generalized melanoma.
Interlaboratory Comparison ofHER-2Oncogene Amplification as Detected by Chromogenic and Fluorescencein situHybridization
Authors: Isola Jorma , Tanner Minna , Forsyth Amanda , Cooke Timothy G. , Watters Amanda D. , Bartlett John M. S. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPurpose: Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) is a new modification of the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique for detection of oncogene amplification in archival tumor samples. In CISH, the oncogene probe is detected using a peroxidase reaction, allowing use of transmitted light microscopy. We compared detection of HER-2/neu amplification by CISH with a Food and Drug Administration-approved two-color FISH test in an interlaboratory setting.Experimental Design: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 197 breast cancers were analyzed for HER-2 amplification by CISH. Two-color FISH (PathVysion) CISH of 17 centromere was done if the observer considered it necessary to ascertain amplification status in tumors with borderline HER-2 CISH copy numbers.Results: Paired CISH/FISH results were available from 192 (97%) of 197 cases, no clear difference in success rates of either method was observed. Centromere 17 CISH was considered necessary in seven tumors. CISH and two-color FISH results were concordant in 180 cases (93.8%). There were 92 and 88 tumors found HER-2 amplified and nonamplified, respectively, by both methods. Eight tumors were amplified by CISH but not by FISH, and four tumors exhibited the opposite condition (kappa coefficient 0.875). In 7 of 12 cases differences between the two methods could have related to a lack of CISH chromosome 17 information. The remaining cases were explained by difficult histology (ductal carcinoma in situ, poor representativity, dense lymphocytic infiltration, or intratumoral heterogeneity).Conclusions: These results indicate that CISH could provide an accurate and practical alternative to FISH for clinical diagnosis of HER-2/neu oncogene amplification in archival formalin-fixed breast cancer samples.
Overexpression of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 GTPases Is Associated with Progression in Testicular Cancer
Authors: Kamai Takao , Yamanishi Tomonori , Shirataki Hiromichi , Takagi Kentaro , Asami Hidekazu , Ito Yuji , Yoshida Ken-Ichiro 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe Rho family of GTPases are involved in actin cytoskeleton organization and associated with carcinogenesis and progression of human cancers. We investigated the roles of Rho family GTPases, prototypes RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, and the major downstream targets of RhoA, ROCK-I, and ROCK-II in testicular cancer. We quantified protein expression in paired tumor and nontumor samples from surgical specimens from 57 consecutive patients with testicular germ cell tumors using Western blotting. Protein expression of RhoA, ROCK-I, ROCK-II, Rac1, and Cdc42 was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in nontumor tissue (P &lt; 0.0001). Expression of protein for RhoA, ROCK-I, ROCK-II, Rac1, and Cdc42 was greater in tumors of higher stages than lower stages (P &lt; 0.0001, P &lt; 0.001, P &lt; 0.001, P &lt; 0.0001, P &lt; 0.0001, respectively). Within stage II nonseminoma (31 patients), protein levels of RhoA, ROCK-I, ROCK-II, Rac1, and Cdc42 in the primary tumor were lower in the group of 24 patients with no evidence of disease after therapy compared with 7 patients with disease that was refractory/recurrent (P &lt; 0.05). Rho family GTPases may be involved in the progression of testicular germ cell tumors.
Increased Expression and Secretion of Interleukin-6 in Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Dvorakova Katerina , Payne Claire M. , Ramsey Lois , Holubec Hana , Sampliner Richard , Dominguez Jessica , Dvorak Bohuslav , Bernstein Harris , Bernstein Carol , Prasad Anil , Fass Ronnie , Cui Haiyan , Garewal Harinder 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPurpose: Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a common premalignant lesion of the distal part of the esophagus that arises as a consequence of chronic duodenogastroesophageal reflux. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates immune defense mechanisms and hematopoiesis. In addition, IL-6 may also be involved in malignant transformation and tumor progression. IL-6 has been shown to inhibit apoptosis. The major aim of this study was to evaluate expression of IL-6 in BE at the protein and mRNA levels. In addition, we tested whether proteins that are associated with IL-6 signaling, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and two antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, are also expressed in the same tissues.Experimental Design: Biopsies of duodenum, BE, and squamous epithelium were evaluated by using a human cytokine protein array, ELISA, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry.Results: Increased IL-6 levels were found to be secreted from BE tissue compared with duodenum or squamous epithelium from sites adjacent or 5 cm away from the BE lesion. IL-6 mRNA was also elevated in BE compared with duodenum or squamous epithelium in five of seven patients. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed IL-6 expression in intestinal glandular epithelium in BE tissue. Activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, Mcl-1, and Bcl-xL are present at higher levels in BE glands, with lower levels being found in duodenum or squamous epitheliumConclusions: These data, taken together, suggest that elevated IL-6 levels in BE may contribute to the development of apoptosis resistance, thereby placing this epithelium at higher risk of developing malignancy.
Phase I/II Combined Chemoimmunotherapy with Carcinoembryonic Antigen–Derived HLA-A2–Restricted CAP-1 Peptide and Irinotecan, 5-Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin in Patients with Primary Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Weihrauch Martin R. , Ansén Sascha , Jurkiewicz Elke , Geisen Caroline , Xia Zhinan , Anderson Karen S. , Gracien Edith , Schmidt Manuel , Wittig Burghardt , Diehl Volker , Wolf Juergen , Bohlen Heribert , Nadler Lee M. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Purpose: We conducted a phase I/II randomized trial to evaluate the clinical and immunologic effect of chemotherapy combined with vaccination in primary metastatic colorectal cancer patients with a carcinoembryonic antigen–derived peptide in the setting of adjuvants granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, CpG-containing DNA molecules (dSLIM), and dendritic cells.
Experimental Design: HLA-A2–positive patients with confirmed newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer and elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were randomized to receive three cycles of standard chemotherapy (irinotecan/high-dose 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) and vaccinations with CEA-derived CAP-1 peptide admixed with different adjuvants [CAP-1/granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor/interleukin-2 (IL-2), CAP-1/dSLIM/IL-2, and CAP-1/IL-2]. After completion of chemotherapy, patients received weekly vaccinations until progression of disease. Immune assessment was done at baseline and after three cycles of combined chemoimmunotherapy. HLA-A2 tetramers complexed with the peptides CAP-1, human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I TAX, cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65, and EBV BMLF-1 were used for phenotypic immune assessment. IFN-γ intracellular cytokine assays were done to evaluate CTL reactivity.
Results: Seventeen metastatic patients were recruited, of whom 12 completed three cycles. Therapy resulted in five complete response, one partial response, five stable disease, and six progressive disease. Six grade 1 local skin reactions and one mild systemic reaction to vaccination treatment were observed. Overall survival after a median observation time of 29 months was 17 months with a survival rate of 35% (6 of 17) at that time. Eight patients (47%) showed elevation of CAP-1–specific CTLs. Neither of the adjuvants provided superiority in eliciting CAP-1–specific immune responses. During three cycles of chemotherapy, EBV/CMV recall antigen–specific CD8+ cells decreased by an average 14%.
Conclusions: The presented chemoimmunotherapy is a feasible and safe combination therapy with clinical and immunologic efficacy. Despite concurrent chemotherapy, increases in CAP-1–specific T cells were observed in 47% of patients after vaccination.
Enhancement of In vitro and In vivo Tumor Cell Radiosensitivity by the DNA Methylation Inhibitor Zebularine
Authors: Dote Hideaki , Cerna David , Burgan William E. , Carter Donna J. , Cerra Michael A. , Hollingshead Melinda G. , Camphausen Kevin , Tofilon Philip J. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Aberrant DNA hypermethylation is a frequent finding in tumor cells, which has suggested that inhibition of DNA methylation may be an effective cancer treatment strategy. Because DNA methylation affects gene expression and chromatin structure, parameters considered to influence radioresponse, we investigated the effects of the DNA methylation inhibitor zebularine on the radiosensitivity of human tumor cells. Three human tumor cell lines were used in this study (MiaPaCa, DU145, and U251) and the methylation status of three genes frequently hypermethylated in tumor cells (RASSF1A, HIC-1, and 14-3-3σ) was determined as a function of zebularine exposure. Zebularine resulted in DNA demethylation in a time-dependent manner, with the maximum loss of methylation detected by 48 hours. Treatment of cells with zebularine for 48 hours also resulted in an increase in radiosensitivity with dose enhancement factors of &gt;1.5. As a measure of radiation-induced DNA damage, γH2AX expression was determined. Whereas zebularine had no effect on radiation-induced γH2AX foci at 1 hour, the number of γH2AX foci per cell was significantly greater in the zebularine-treated cells at 24 hours after irradiation, suggesting the presence of unrepaired DNA damage. Zebularine administration to mice reactivated gene expression in U251 xenografts; irradiation of U251 tumors in mice treated with zebularine resulted in an increase in radiation-induced tumor growth delay. These results indicate that zebularine can enhance tumor cell radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo and suggest that this effect may involve an inhibition of DNA repair.
Analysis of Cell Cycle Regulator Proteins in Encapsulated Thymomas
Authors: Baldi Alfonso , Ambrogi Vincenzo , Mineo Davide , Mellone Pasquale , Campioni Mara , Citro Gennaro , Mineo Tommaso Claudio 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Purpose: Although survival of encapsulated thymomas is usually good, some patients present a higher incidence rate of recurrence and a shorter long-term survival. Abnormalities in the components of cell cycle checkpoints are extremely common among virtually all neoplasms. In this study, three components of the cell cycle machinery (i.e., p21, p27 and p53) were examined in a series of well-characterized encapsulated thymoma specimens to analyze coregulation and influence on recurrence and survival.
Experimental Design: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with thymoma were operated in our center from 1987 to 2000. Expression of p53, p21, and p27 was studied in specimens from 25 encapsulated thymomas using immunohistochemistry. Generic factors and gene expression influencing the probability of recurrence were studied. Positive expression was dichotomized defining positive when present in more than 5% of tumor cells. Mean follow up was 85.9 months; clinical data about recurrence were recorded.
Results: Univariate analysis suggests that positive p53 (P &lt; 0.05), negative p21 (P = 0.01), and especially negative p27 expressions (P = 0.001) significantly correlate with poor prognosis for disease-free survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggests that negative p27 immunohistology is the only significant variable for poor prognosis (P = 0.03; odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.88).
Conclusions: These results show that loss of control of cell cycle checkpoints is a common occurrence in thymomas and support the idea that functional cooperation between different cell cycle inhibitor proteins constitutes another level of regulation in cell growth control and tumor suppression.