bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the effect of target and normal tissue sparing based on equivalent uniform dose-based optimization in hypofractionated radiotherapy for lung cancer*
Authors: Shao Ying , Zhang Fuli , Wang Shi , Xu Weidong , Jiang Jing 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to investigate the dosimetric differences among four planning methods of physical and biological optimization in hypofractionated radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods
Ten NSCLC patients receiving radiation therapy were chosen for this retrospective study. Volumetric modulated arc treatment plans for each patient were remade with dose-volume (DV) functions, biological-physical functions, and biological functions, using the same constraint parameters during optimization. The dosimetric differences between the four types of plans were calculated and analyzed.

Results
For the target, equivalent uniform dose (EUD) of the EUD and EUD + DV groups was approximately 2.8%-3.6% and 3.2%-3.7% higher than those of the DV and DV + EUD groups, respectively. The average tumor control probability (TCP) of the EUD and EUD + DV groups was also significantly higher than those of the other two groups (P < 0.05). The difference in heterogeneity index (HI) among the four groups was also statistically significant (P < 0.05), while the difference of conformity index (CI) was not significant (P > 0.05). For the organs at risk, the differences of EUD, V5, V10, V20, V30 of normal lung tissues were not statistically significant (P > 0.05); however, the mean lung dose of the EUD and EUD + DV groups was slightly lower than those of the other two groups.

Conclusion
The biological optimization method has obvious advantages of improving EUD and TCP of the target, while decreasing the exposed dose of normal lung. This result is meaningful in choosing plan optimization methods in routine work.
Expression of HERG in musculoskeletal tumors with different degrees of malignancy*
Authors: Gan Lu , Li Mo , Yang Tongtao , Wu Jin , Du Junjie , Luo Zhuojing , Zhou Yong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe expression of HERG in common bone tumors is scarcely reported and there is a lack of dedicated studies. This study aimed to investigated the expression of HERG in several common musculoskeletal tumors.MethodsImmunohistochemical staining, RT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to observe HERG expression differences in various tissues and cell lines.ResultsHERG was differentially expressed in different malignant tumors, both at a differential protein level and localization within tumors. HERG was not expressed in normal bone tissue. The HERG inhibitor E-4031 markedly inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines.ConclusionHERG was highly expressed in malignant tumors. Blocking of HERG can effectively inhibit the proliferation of bone tumors.
Peritoneal cancer index is a prognostic indicator of survival in advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Niu Guangcai , Ma Xiangdong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe peritoneal cancer index (PCI) has been used for the detailed evaluation of the peritoneal spread in tumors of a gynecologic origin and has been found to be a prognostic indicator of survival. The aim of this study was to identify the significance of the PCI in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC).MethodsFrom 2010 to 2018, a retrospective analysis was carried out of 60 AGC patients with PC, including 21 patients with a PCI ≤ 13 and 39 with a PCI > 13. All patients were treated with both surgery and intraoperative peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC). The performance status (Karnofsky performance status), age, sex, Borromann's classification, differentiation, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, PCI, extent of gastrectomy, extent of lymph node dissection, and residual tumor volume were retrospectively evaluated and correlated to survival.ResultsThe overall 5-year survival rate was 43% and mean survival was (54.47 ± 4.53) months. The favorable clinical prognostic indicators of survival were Borromann's classification, differentiation, depth of invasion, PCI, and residual tumor volume on univariate analyses (P< 0.05). The Cox proportional regression hazard model showed that only the volume of residual tumor and PCI were associated with postoperative survival. The median survival time was 69.76 months for patients with a PCI ≤ 13 and 39.96 months for patients with a PCI > 13. There was a significant difference in survival rate between the two group (P= 0.004). Postoperative major morbidity and mortality rates were 23.81% and 4.76% in the PCI ≤ 13 group and 43.59% and 5.12% in the PCI > 13 group, respectively.ConclusionThe peritoneal spread in advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis can be assessed in detail using the PCI. It is also a significant prognostic factor of survival and is useful in identifying subgroups.
Induction of apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma by cinobufotalin through inhibition of Notch1 signal activation*
Authors: Li Qing , Huang Xing 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cinobufotalin on apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma and its possible mechanism of action.MethodsThe expression levels of Notch1 in renal cancer cells, as well as in adjacent and normal tissues were assessed in 64 patients with renal cellcarcinoma. The 769-P cells were treated with 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L cinobufotalin and the proliferation activity and apoptotic rate of the cells were measured. The expression levels of Notch1, Bcl-2, and Pro-caspase 3 were detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot.Results(1) The rates of Notch1 expression in renal cancer cells, adjacent tissues, and normal tissues were 75.0%, 45.3%, and 9.4%, respectively. Notch1 expression had significant effects on tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) staging, Fuhrman grade, and tumor size in patients with renal cell carcinoma (P< 0.05); (2) The inhibition rates of cinobufotalin on 769-P cells were 0%, 6.85%, 11.37%, and 16.33% at 24 h; 0%, 13.57%, 20.14%, and 31.69% at 48 h; 0%, 19.97%, 28.53% and 51.42% at 72 h. At 24 h, the apoptotic rates were 8.2 ± 3.1%, 19.8 ± 5.6%, 33.7 ± 5.0%, and 51.5 ± 6.8%.The effect of cinobufotalin on apoptosis of 769-P cells was dose-dependent; (3) RT-PCR assay showed that protein expression levels for Notch1, Bcl-2, and Pro-caspase 3 were significantly decreased with the increase of drug concentration. Western-blot analysis also showed that Notch1, Bcl-2 and Pro-caspase 3 protein levels showed a significant downward trend with the increase of drug concentration.ConclusionCinobufotalin inhibits the growth of renal cancer cells and induces apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma, which may be related to the inhibition of Notch1 signal activation.
A study on melanoma treatment using dendritic cells loaded with antigens purified from melanoma cell lines*
Authors: Gao Yanwei , Chen Xia , Gao Weishi , Lu Xiangji , Peng Lin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to purify effective tumor peptide complexes from human melanoma cell lines to enhance the treatment effects on melanoma.

Methods
We purified heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)-peptide complexes (PCs) from human melanoma cell lines A375, A875, M21, M14, WM-35, and SK-HEL-1. We named the purified product as M-HSP70-PCs and determined its immunological activities. Autologous HSP70-PCs purified from primary tumor cells of melanoma patients (9 cases) were used as controls. These two tumor antigenic complexes were loaded into dendritic cells (DCs) and used to stimulate an antitumor response against tumor cells in the corresponding patients.

Results
Mature DCs pulsed with M-HSP70-PCs stimulated autologous T cells to secrete the same levels of type I cytokines as the autologous HSP70-PCs. Moreover, DCs pulsed with M-HSP70-PCs endued CIK cells with an equal ability as autologous HSP70-PCs to kill melanoma cells in the patients.

Conclusion
M-HSP70-PCs may be used as an efficient and generalized tumor antigen in the treatment of DC-based malignant melanoma.
Effect of miR-375 on non-small cell lung carcinoma invasion, migration, and proliferation through the CIP2A pathway
Authors: Wu Junyu , Yuan Weijun , Wang Yuhuan , Zhao Xiaodong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to study the effect of miR-375 on non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) invasion, migration, and proliferation through the CIP2A pathway.

Methods
We constructed a stable over-expressing cell line with lentivirus as the experimental group (Lv-miR-375) and transfected the empty vector as the negative control group (Lv-NC). The expression level of miR-375 was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).Western blots were used to detect the expression levels of cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), MYC, protein kinase B (AKT) and p-AKT in Lv-NC- and Lv-miR-375-transfected cells. Transwell assays were conducted to detect the cell invasion and metastasis ability, and the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect cell proliferation.

Results
qRT-PCR showed that miR-375 was overexpressed in NSCLC. Compared to the Lv-NC-transfected cells, the western blot results showed that CIP2A, MYC and p-AKT were highly expressed in Lv-miR-375-transfected cells. Transwell assays showed that the invasion and migration ability of Lv-miR-375-transfected A549 cells was significantly higher than that of Lv-NC-transfected cells. CCK8 experiments showed that compared to Lv-NC-transfected cells, the cell proliferation ability of the Lv-miR-375-transfected cells increased.

Conclusion
MiR-375 could promote the invasion, migration, and proliferation of NSCLC A549 cells via the CIP2A pathway. MiR-375 is expected to become a new target for the treatment of NSCLC, and may become an important biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the disease.
Application of biological optimization of hypofractionated radiotherapy post conservative surgery for breast cancer*
Authors: Shao Ying , Wang Yadi , Zhang Fuli , Wang Shi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of the study was to discuss the application of biological optimization and its difference from physical optimization in hypofractionated radiotherapy for breast cancer after conservative surgery.

Methods
This retrospective study enrolled 15 randomly chosen patients with left-sided breast cancer who received radiotherapy. The volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) technique was used to redesign treatment plans with physical functions (PF) group, biological-physical functions combined (BF + PF and PF + BF) groups, and biological functions (BF) group. The dosimetric differences based on the above four optimization methods were assessed by calculating and analyzing the corresponding dose-volume parameters.

Results
The target parameters of the four groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) except for the conformity index (CI). The tumor control probability (TCP) values in the BF and BF + PF groups were higher than those in the PF and PF + BF groups. Moreover, the dose-volume parameters of the ipsilateral lung in the BF group were less than those of three other groups, while the monitor unit (MU) in the BF group was approximately 16% lower than those of the PF and PF + BF groups.

Conclusion
Biological functions were useful to increase the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) and TCP values of the target, decrease the dose-volume parameters of the organs-at-risk (OARs), and improve treatment efficiency.
The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/ endostatin (ES) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2)/ES is associated with NSCLC prognosis*
Authors: Yang Yuan , Lu Baohua , Li Baolan , Li Weiying , Jiang Mei , Yue Wentao , Wang Qunhui , Zhang Tongmei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of our study was to detect the expression of angiogenesis inhibitory proteins and angiogenesis promotive proteins in the postoperative tumor tissue of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We also investigated the relationship of protein expression with clinical characteristics and prognosis.

Methods
We examined the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and endostatin (ES) proteins in 255 specimens resected from NSCLC patients, using immune histochemistry (IHC). We then evaluated the relationships between the expression of the three proteins and clinical characteristics such as stage, histological type, differentiation, gender, tobacco use, and age. According to the value of VEGF/ES, we divided the cohort into angiogenesis-promoting group A, angiogenesis-inhibiting group A, and balance group A. The survival differences in the three groups were evaluated to determine the prognostic value of VEGF/ES. Similarly, we tested the prognostic value of VEGFR2/ES.

Results
VEGF-positive expression was observed in 93 patients (36.4%). VEGF expression was not correlated with the clinical characteristics. VEGFR2-positive expression was observed in 103 patients (40.4%). The expression of VEGFR2 was correlated with the clinical stage (χ
2 = 21.414, P = 0.045) and histological type (χ
2 = 26.911, P = 0.008). ES-positive expression was observed in 140 patients (54.9%). The expression of ES was correlated with the clinical stage (χ
2 = 26.504, P = 0.009). When evaluating the prognostic values of VEGF/ES and VEGFR2/ES, the prognosis of the angiogenesis balance group was similar to that of the angiogenesis-inhibiting group. The minimum survival time was observed in the angiogenesis-promoting group.

Conclusion
VEGF/ES and VEGFR2/ES in resected tumors have prognostic value in postoperative NSCLC patients. The survival time of the population with predominant angiogenic factors was short.

List of abbreviations
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor); VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2); ES (endostatin); NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer); IHC (immunohistochemical); EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor); ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase); ROS1 (c-ros oncogene 1 receptor kinase); TNM (tumor, lymphnode, metastasis); HR (hazard ratio); SCLC (small cell lung cancer); SFDA (State Food and Drug Administration); ERK (extracellular regulated protein kinases); MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)
A case report of double-protein expression in primary uterine cervical diffuse large B cell lymphoma and a review of the literature
Authors: Quan Xiaoying , Zhang Zhihui 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the uterine cervix is rarely observed. Here, we report a case of “double-protein” expression in a primary uterine cervical diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that was detected based on cervical biopsies at Sichuan Cancer Hospital in December 2016 in a 53-year-old woman with a 1-month history of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. She was diagnosed with stage IVA cervical cancer after workup and treated with six cycles of rituximab + cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + vindesine + prednisone. She showed a positive partial response after two cycles; however, response assessment revealed a progressive disease after six cycles. Based on the current condition, a treatment regimen comprising a combination of second-line chemotherapy and radiotherapy was advised for the patient. Unfortunately, she discontinued her treatment because of various factors. We conclude that “double-protein” expression in primary uterine cervical diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis. Therefore, improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease should be considered.
Salvage treatments for prostate-specific antigen relapse of cT3N0M0 prostatic adenocarcinoma after radical prostatectomy combined with neoadjuvant androgen deprivation
Authors: Zhang Lufang , Pan Dongliang , Liu Ludong , Zang Yunjiang , Li Ningchen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of salvage treatments for prostate specific antigen (PSA) relapse of cT3N0M0prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP) combined with neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (ADT).MethodsA total of 332 patients with cT3N0M0PCa were enrolled in the prospective study and received RP and pelvic lymph node dissection with neoadjuvant ADT for 3 months. All patients with PSA relapse were treated with salvage external beam radiation therapy (RT) and ADT for 6 months.ResultsThe 5-year postoperative PSA relapse rate was 40.96% (136/332). The patients have been divided into the PSA relapse and PSA relapse-free groups in order to compare patient characteristics. The ratio of patients with Gleason score ≥ 8 and positive surgical margin in the PSA relapse group were significantly higher than those of in the PSA relapse-free group (P= 0.01). The mean duration between the start of operative treatment and PSA relapse was 31 months. Salvage treatment to all 136 PSA relapse patients led to favorable outcomes. PSA relapse was not observed after salvage treatment by the end of follow-up. The 5-year overall survival rates of the PSA relapse and PSA relapse-free groups were 94.9% and 93.9%, respectively.ConclusionIn pursuit of curative treatment, our study showed that RP combined with neoadjuvant ADT is an aggressive multimodality strategy associated with lower PSA relapse and better survival outcomes for stage cT3N0M0PCa patients. Patients with PSA relapse after RP may benefit from early aggressive salvage RT combined with short-term ADT.
Influence of lymph node micrometastasis on the staging system for gastric cancer*
Authors: Gao Lixiong , Ren Xiankun , Li Guiquan , Wu Benhua , Chen Xuan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lymph node micrometastasis on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer and the necessity of integrating it into the gastric cancer staging system.

Methods
In total, 241 patients with gastric cancer were included. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of lymph nodes was performed, and negative lymph nodes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry to detect micrometastases. Differences in survival rates between stages were evaluated.

Results
(1) A total of 78 patients (32.4%) had lymph node micrometastases. Compared with the group without micrometastases, the overall recurrence rate, lymph infiltration, vascular invasion, and nerve invasion rate in the micrometastasis group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). (2) According to the standard N staging system, the rates of disease-free survival (DFS) for the N0, N1, N2, N3a, and N3b groups were 96.0%, 84.0%, 67.6%, 59.0%, and 21.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival between N2 and N3a. The cumulative survival curves for N2 and N3a intersected. (3) The N stage of 38 patients (15.8%) differed between the traditional system and the new N staging system reflecting micrometastasis. The DFS for N0, N1, N2, N3a, and N3b were 97.0%, 86.3%, 74.2%, 65.4%, and 29.2%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival between N2 and N3a, but the cumulative survival curves for N2 and N3a did not intersect. (4) Based on a Cox multivariate analysis, various independent risk factors for recurrence were identified (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Lymph node micrometastasis is an important risk factor for gastric cancer recurrence. Lymph node micrometastasis should be considered in TNM staging to determine prognosis and optimal treatment strategies.
High level of preoperative serum fibrinogen is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Chengcheng , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Yuan , Sun Zhanfa , Wang Guangjing 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the association between the level of preoperative serum fibrinogen (PSF) and the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2016, all patients diagnosed with ESCC who underwent surgery in Qingdao Municipal Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Moreover, the fibrinogen levels of all patients were assessed before surgery, and hyperfibrinogenemia was diagnosed when the fibrinogen level was ≥4.0 g/L. The impact of PSF on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the log-rank method and Cox proportional hazards regression model.Pvalue less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 336 patients were finally analyzed, and approximately 102 patients (30.36%) were diagnosed with hyperfibrinogenemia before surgery. Hyperfibrinogenemia was associated with older age (≥ 70 years) (P= 0.012), advanced pathological T stage (P= 0.003), and lymph node involvement (P= 0.024). Univariate analysis showed that patients with hyperfibrinogenemia had shorter DFS (1.96 yearsvs.3.64 years,P= 0.001) and OS (2.27 yearsvs.4.15 years,P< 0.001) than patients without hyperfibrinogenemia. Multivariate analysis confirmed that PSF was an independent factor affecting DFS (risk ratio [RR]: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.79,P= 0.038) and OS (RR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.83,P= 0.034) in patients with ESCC.ConclusionFor patients with operable ESCC, hyperfibrinogenemia had poor prognosis. Moreover, PSF is an independent prognostic factor for operable ESCC.
Multi-disciplinary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in primary hospitals in China during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Wu Qing , Wen Shunqian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor in the Chinese population. Due to its high degree of malignancy, rapid progression, and poor prognosis, it mainly requires multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) in the clinic. In December 2019, COVID-19, a novel coronavirus pneumonia, broke out in Wuhan, China. It has rapidly spread across the country, with various places launching a level I response to major public health emergencies and traffic being restricted. Most patients with HCC were only able to attend primary hospitals, while the MDT model for HCC in provincial hospitals was restricted. Therefore, it was a huge task for clinicians in primary hospitals to ensure MDT was given to patients with HCC during the level I response to major public health emergencies. How to formulate a reasonable MDT mode for patients with HCC according to local conditions was worthy of consideration by hepatobiliary surgeons in primary hospitals.
Intervention for oxaliplatin-induced hypersensitivity in China: a cross-sectional internet-based survey*
Authors: Li Min , Li Wei , Wang Yue , Shangguan Xiaofang , Huang Rui , Liu Dong , Zhang Chengliang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the intervention status and the influence of oncologists on oxaliplatin-induced hypersensitivity reactions (OIHR).

Methods
Snowball sampling was used to send questionnaires to oncologists in various provinces and cities in China, via the internet, to collect data on their socio-demographic characteristics, the occurrence of OIHR, and the current status of interventions. One-way ANOVA and T-test of geographic samples were used to explore the relationship between the incidence of OIHR and intervention measures.

Results
A total of 401 valid questionnaires were collected, most respondents were 30-40 years old, and most oncologists had 5 years of working experience. The proportions of glucocorticoid and H1 receptor antagonist use for OIHR prevention were 67.83% and 38.65%, respectively. The proportion of oncologists with longer working years and higher professional titles who used glucocorticoids for OIHR prevention was higher, and the observed OIHR incidence was lower. Pretreatment with glucocorticoids may be an effective preventive measure and can reduce the incidence of the OXA allergic reactions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The risk awareness of junior oncologists to OIHR prevention should be strengthened, and clinical efficacy evaluation of glucocorticoids in OIHR prevention should be further promoted.