Serum CK18 as a Predictive Factor of Response to Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most frequent cause of cancer death. Several factors affect response to chemotherapy including nodal status, hormonal status and human epidermal growth factor receptor (Her-2). Aim of Study: The study is aiming at evaluating M30 antigen in serum of patients with locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer and establishing the relation between M30 level and response to chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: The study was performed at Al Bairouni University Hospital and the Faculty of Pharmacy (Damascus-Syria). We have included 60 patients with histologic confirmation of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast treated with the combination (Docetaxel + Doxorubicin) with M30 levels to be evaluated before treatment and 24 hours after the first and third cycle. Results: M30 level increase in serum 24 hours after the 1st cycle correlated with different kinds of response in 39 patients (P value less than 0.03) with better results in those with Estrogen Receptors (ER) positive patients (P value 0.05). There was no correlation between Her-2 status and response (P value 0.3). Conclusion: M30 level in serum is a useful predictor marker of response to chemotherapy in both locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Potential Role against Bacterial Infection

The worldwide spread of bacterial resistance makes finding new therapeutics to overcome this ongoing problem an urgent need. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert potential inhibiting activity against bacterial infections. The antimicrobial activity of MSCs relies on direct and indirect effects by secreting paracrine factors with potential inhibiting activity against bacterial growth or stimulating the phagocytic activity of the immune cells. These effects appeared when MSCs or its secreted factors are administrated therapeutically. Therefore, MSCs based cell therapy could be considered as a novel promising strategy to enhance the antibiotic activity in multidrug resistant (MDR) infections.

Multi Drug Resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i>Superinfection in Patient with COVID-19

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected millions people worldwide and is continuing to spread rapidly. Patients with COVID-19 may be superinfected with other microorganisms. The prevalence of bacterial superinfection among coronavirus patients is not well understood. Aim: The aim of presenting this case is to highlight the problem of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacterial infection in COVID-19 patients. Case Presentation: Here we reported a 46 years old patient with the previous history of Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. A few weeks later, the patient was recovered from COVID-19 infection and was treated with antiviral therapy until PCR results become negative. Meanwhile, the patients developed urinary tract infection with MDR Escherichia coli even resistant to imipenem and required a critical treatment. Conclusion: Our finding suggests that greater attention should be paid to coronavirus infection complications and prophylaxis use of antibiotics. In addition, more studies are required to better understand the risk factors which are responsible for the superinfection and emergence of drug-resistant strains during COVID-19 infection.