CircTHSD4 promotes the malignancy and docetaxel (DTX) resistance in prostate cancer by regulating miR-203/HMGA2 axis

Objective:Circular ribose nudeic acids(circRNAs)are implicated in tumor progression and drug resistance of prostate cancer(PCa).The current work explored the function of circ_0005203(aircTHSD4)in the malignancy and docetaxel(DTX)resistance of PCa.Methods:circTHSD4 expression within PCa as well as matched non-carcinoma samples was measured through real time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).In addition,a subcellular fraction assay was conducted to determine circTHSD4 subcellular localization within PCa cells.In addition,we performed a Western blot(WB)assay to detect high mobility.group A2 protein(HMGA2)levels.Besides,functional associations of two molecules were investigated through dual luciferase reporter assay.Cell Counting Kit(CCK)-8,colony formation together with Transwell assay was conducted to assess malignant phenotypes of PCa cells,whereas flow cytometry was performed to determine cell apoptosis.Furthermore,a xenograft mouse model was constructed to verify the effect of circTHSD4 on the carcinogenesis of PCa cells.Results:According to RT-qPCR results,circTHSD4 was up-regulated within PCa tissues and cells,which predicted the dismal prognostic outcome of PCa cases.circTHSD4 silencing within PCa cells markedly suppressed cell growth,migration,and colony fomation.circTHSD4 silencing remarkably elevated PCa cell apoptosis and carcinogenesis within the xenograft model.Further,circTHSD4 silencing enhanced docetaxel(DTX)sensitivity in PCa cells.Furthermore,we demonstrated that circTHSD4 modulated the malignancy of PCa cells by regulating HMGA2 expression through sponging miR 203.Conclusion:Together,our findings suggest that cirCTHSD4 overexpression could promote the malignant phenotype and DTX resistance in PCa through the regulation of the miR 203/HMGA2 axis.

Development and Validation of a UPLC Method for the Determination of Docetaxel and Its Related Substances in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, an Antineoplastic Agent

A novel, simple, and sensitive Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantification of process-related impurities and degradants, as well as the assay of Docetaxel. The stability-indicating capability of the method was demonstrated through forced degradation studies and a comprehensive mass balance evaluation. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm), with gradient elution. The mobile phase A comprised a mixture of water, methanol, and acetonitrile (500:300:200, v/v/v), while mobile phase B was acetonitrile and water (800:200, v/v). The flow rate was set at 0.4 mL/min, with detection at 232 nm using a photodiode array detector. The method exhibited excellent performance, with a tailing factor of 1.10 for Docetaxel. The method was rigorously validated for precision, accuracy, linearity, LOD, LOQ, ruggedness, specificity, and robustness. Forced degradation studies confirmed the method’s suitability for stability analysis. Stability testing on the drug substance was conducted following ICH guidelines.

Acute severe hypokalemia caused by treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma with docetaxel and cisplatin:A case report

BACKGROUND The tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)is an oral malignant tumor arising from the squamous epithelium of the tongue mucosa,characterized by a high malignant degree,invasive growth,early lymph node metastasis,and poor prognosis.Paclitaxel,represented by docetaxel,is now the standard first-line treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.Docetaxel,which belongs to the class of drugs known as paclitaxel,is an antitumor drug that inhibits cell mitosis and proliferation.Its adverse effects include myelosuppression,hair loss,gastrointestinal reactions,fluid retention,and allergic reactions.However,hypokalemia is rare,most cases are mild or moderate,and severe hypokalemia is seldom reported.symptoms of adverse effects early.It is necessary to be considerate regarding individual differences between patients when selecting chemotherapy regimens and adhere to the principle of individualized treatment.Following multiple cycles of chemotherapy,patients should be aware of the accumulation of toxic side effects and receive blood tests reviewed within 24 hours of completion.It is essential to monitor electrolyte levels in patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal reactions to avoid complications that may result in death.

Survivin反义核酸诱导卵巢癌细胞SKOV3凋亡及对docetaxel的增敏作用

背景与目的:Survivin在大多数肿瘤组织中特异性高表达,并与肿瘤细胞的凋亡和耐药密切相关。本研究探讨Survivin反义真核表达载体(anti-pcDNA3-svv)对卵巢癌细胞SKOV3凋亡的诱导作用及对docetaxel的增敏作用。方法:采用Survivin反义核酸瞬时电转染法转染SKOV3细胞,筛选出阳性细胞株。以RT-PCR检测survivinmRNA的表达,Westernblot检测Survivin蛋白的表达。用流式细胞仪和透射电镜观察Survivin反义核酸对SKOV3细胞凋亡的诱导作用,MTT法检测其对docetaxel的增敏作用。结果:稳定表达anti-pcDNA3-svv的SKOV3细胞survivinmRNA及Survivin蛋白均比未转染者明显降低,透射电镜下可见稳定转染组细胞呈凋亡晚期变化,流式细胞仪显示其凋亡率为19%,docetaxel对实验组细胞的IC50值为(13.3±2.2)ng/ml,而对照组为(53.2±2.4)ng/ml,差异具有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:Survivin反义核酸可诱导SKOV3细胞凋亡,增强SKOV3细胞对docetaxel的敏感性。

再放疗并同步使用Docetaxel在鼻咽癌放疗后复发病人中的应用

目的:不能手术切除的鼻咽癌放疗后再复发的病人,其治疗困难,化疗疗效差,而单独再放疗只能挽救一小部分病人,本文探讨再放疗并同步使用多西紫彬醇(Docetaxel)在鼻咽癌首次放疗后复发病人中可行性及毒副反应,并评价其疗效。方法:对11例鼻咽癌足量放疗后经组织病理学证实复发、而无法行手术及腔内放疗的患者进行了同步放化疗。放疗采用三维适形放疗,外照射鼻咽部,分次量为1.8Gy,总剂量为36Gy-39.6Gy。化疗采用Docetaxel,15mg/m2,每周一次,静脉滴注。结果:10%、33%的患者分别出现Ⅲ度、Ⅳ度皮肤反应,18%、10%的病人分别出现Ⅲ度、Ⅳ度黏膜反应,18%患者出现Ⅲ度恶心呕吐,27%的患者出现Ⅲ度-Ⅳ度白细胞下降,10%患者出现Ⅲ度血小板下降。1例患者因严重的黏膜反应致使治疗延迟2周。治疗结束后,9例(82%)患者达到CR,2例(18%)达到PR,反应率为100%。结论:对于放疗后局部复发的鼻咽癌患者,采用同步放化疗,3D-CRT同时每周使用Docetaxel是可行的,其毒性反应在可以接受的范围内,短期疗效显著。

Docetaxel的药理学研究进展

Ｄｏｃｅｔａｘｅｌ是紫杉醇类抗肿瘤药物中的一个新的有代表性的化合物。其结构和药理与紫杉醇相似，二种药物都是紫杉的提取物：ｄｏｃｅｔａｘｅｌ是欧洲紫杉的半合成品，而紫杉醇是太平洋紫杉的天然成分。然而，它们二者目前均利用紫杉针叶为原料，通过半合成方法生产...

Docetaxel治疗激素非依赖性前列腺癌的应用进展

激素非依赖性前列腺癌是泌尿糸肿瘤学中最为复杂的问题之一。Docetaxel通过诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡可达到抗肿瘤作用,因其独特的作用机制和良好的耐受性,已被广泛用于和蒽环类、吉西他滨、铂类等联合应用。该文就Docetaxel在激素非依赖性前列腺癌治疗中的进展综述如下。

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel,cisplatin and fluorouracil followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy for unresectable sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma: Two cases of report

BACKGROUND Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma(SNUC) is a rare aggressive tumor that is often unresectable. Optimal treatment for patients with unresectable,locally advanced SNUC(LA-SNUC) has not been established,and the patient outcome remains poor. We report two cases of unresectable LA-SNUC in which induction chemotherapy with docetaxel,cisplatin and fluorouracil(TPF) followed by radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin(CCRT),a standard treatment option for locally advanced head and neck cancer,demonstrated promising outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man presented with tearing and pain in the right eye. A biopsy of the tumor invading the sinonasal cavities,right orbit and cranial base confirmed the diagnosis of LA-SNUC. Induction TPF chemotherapy induced remarkable tumor shrinkage and rapidly improved the symptoms. He subsequently received CCRT and achieved complete remission of the disease. The other case is a 21-year-old man who presented with worsening vision. The unresectable tumor involving the nasal septum and cranial base was pathologically diagnosed as SNUC. TPF chemotherapy followed by CCRT yielded complete remission of the disease with preserved visual function. Both patients have been disease-free for44 mo.CONCLUSION Induction TPF chemotherapy followed by CCRT may remarkably improve the outcomes in LA-SNUC patients.

Docetaxel对涎腺粘液表皮样癌高转移细胞增殖及转移力的抑制作用

目的 :研究Docetaxel对涎腺粘液表皮样癌高转移细胞M3 SP4 增殖及转移力的抑制作用。方法 :用细胞计数法、克隆形成法、流式细胞术、癌细胞裸鼠尾静脉注射法、癌细胞裸鼠颌下腺原位接种法研究Docetaxel对M3 SP4 细胞增殖及转移力的抑制作用。结果 :Docetaxel对M3 SP4 细胞具有浓度及时间依赖性生长抑制作用 ,作用 72h后 ,IC3 0 和IC50 分别为 0 .34nmol/L和 0 .6 3nmol/L ;IC3 0 浓度的药物作用于M3 SP4 细胞 ,对照组及处理组细胞群体倍增时间分别为 32 .7h和 43h ;对照组及药物作用浓度分别为 0 .0 5nmol/L及 0 .1nmol/L时 ,克隆形成率为 ( 2 9.2± 1.4) %和 ( 2 0 .2± 0 .8) % ,( 2 .8± 0 .4) % ;在裸鼠体内实验中对照组及治疗组〔30mg/(kg·周 )〕肺表面的转移结节数为 11± 3.4和 0 ;裸鼠颌下腺重量 ( g)为 1.2 0± 0 .2 3和 0 .31±0 .0 5。结论 :Docetaxel可明显抑制M3 SP4 细胞的增殖及转移力。

Surgical outcome after docetaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally-advanced gastric cancer

AIM:To investigate feasibility,morbidity and surgical mortality of a docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen randomly administered before or after gastrectomy in patients suffering from locally-advanced resectable gastric cancer.METHODS:Patients suffering from locally-advanced(T3-4 any N M0 or any T N1-3 M0)gastric carcinoma,staged with endoscopic ultrasound,bone scan,computed tomography,and laparoscopy,were assigned to receive four 21 d/cycles of TCF(docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 day 1,cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 day 1,and fluorouracil 300 mg/m 2 per day for days 1-14),either before(Arm A)or after(Arm B)gastrectomy.Operative morbidity,overall mortality,and severe adverse events were compared by intention-to-treat analysis.RESULTS:From November 1999 to November 2005,70 patients were treated.After preoperative TCF(Arm A),thirty-two(94%)resections were performed,85% of which were R0.Pathological response was complete in 4 patients(11.7%),and partial in 18(55%).No surgical mortality and 28.5%morbidity rate were observed,similar to those of immediate surgery arm(P= 0.86).Serious chemotherapy adverse events tended to be more frequent in arm B(23%vs 11%,P=0.07),with a single death per arm.CONCLUSION:Surgery following docetaxel-based chemotherapy was safe and with similar morbidity to immediate surgery in patients with locally-advanced resectable gastric carcinoma.

Prognostic factors in Chinese patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel-based chemotherapy

This study aims to evaluate the potential value of patient characteristics in predicting overall survival （OS） in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer （mCRPC） treated with docetaxel-based thermotherapy. A total of 115 patients with mCRPC undergoing a docetaxel q3w regimen were enrolled in this study. A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the prognostic value of all covariates for OS. OS was also analysed after stratifying patients according to the results of multivariate analysis. The median OS for the entire cohort was 17.0 months. The multivariate analysis showed that the prostate-specific antigen doubling time （PSADT）, baseline haemoglobin （Hb） concentration, alkaline phosphatase （ALP） concentration, cycles of chemotherapy and time to castration resistance were independent prognostic factors of OS. According to the presence of PSADT 〈46.3 days and baseline ALP/〉 110 IU 1-1, all patients were divided into three risk groups： low-risk group （no risk factors）, intermediate-risk group （one risk factor） and high-risk group （two risk factors）. Median OSs for patients in low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups were 28.0 months （95% Ch 23.8-32.2）, 21.0 months （95% Ch 18.9-23.1） and 11.0 months （95% Ch 7.6-14.4）, respectively （P〈O.O01）. In conclusion, PSADT, baseline Hb concentration, ALP concentration, cycles of chemotherapy and time to castration resistance were independent prognostic factors of OS in Chinese patients with mCRPC treated with docetaxel. PSADT combined with the baseline ALP concentration could be a useful risk stratification parameter for evaluating survival outcomes.

Intermittent tri-weekly docetaxel plus bicalutamide in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer： a single-arm prospective study using a historical control for comparison

Whether continuous docetaxel （DTX） chemotherapy offers an advantage over intermittent therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer （CRPC） is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, toxicity and quality of life （QoL） of intermittent tri-weekly DTX with bicalutamide in CRPC. Forty-two patients （group A） with CRPC were enrolled. The patients received intravenous DTX （75 mg m^-2） once tri-weekly with oral bicalutamide （50 mg） once daily. Patients had a DTX holiday when the prostate-specific antigen （PSA） level declined ≥ 50%. DTX was restarted in patients with a PSA increase ≥ 25%. Sixty patients （group B） who had matching characteristics and had continuously received DTX without bicalutamide for 10-12 cycles were also enrolled. There were no statistically significant differences in progression-free survival （8 months vs. 9 months, P=0.866） or overall survival （19 months vs. 21 months, P=0.753） between groups A and B; however, the proportions of patients in group A with all grades of neutropenia （33% vs. 58%, P=0.013） and nausea/vomiting （11% vs. 29%, P=0.024） were significantly less compared to group B. A significant improvement in the global health and fatigue scores was recorded for group A post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy （P〈0.05）. The fatigue, nausea/ vomiting and appetite loss scores in group B were increased post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, intermittent tri-weekly DTX plus bicalutamide is well tolerated and has the potential to achieve comparable disease control with an improvement in QoL for oatients with CRPC.

Radiosensitivity of human colon cancer cell enhanced by immunoliposomal docetaxel

AIM:To enhance the radiosensitivity of human colon cancer cells by docetaxel. METHODS: Immunoliposomal docetaxel was prepared by coupling monoclonal antibody against carcinoembryonic antigen to cyanuric chloride at the PEG terminus of liposome. LoVo adenocarcinoma cell line was treated with immunoliposomal docetaxel or/and irradiation. MTT colorimetric assay was used to estimate cytotoxicity of immunoliposomal docetaxel and radiotoxicity. Cell cycle redistribution and apoptosis were determined with flow cytometry. Survivin expression in LoVo cells was verified by immunohistochemistry. D801 morphologic analysis system was used to semi-quantify immunohistochemical staining of survivin. RESULTS: Cytotoxicity was induced by immunoliposomal docetaxel alone in a dose-dependent manner. Immunoliposomal docetaxel yielded a cytotoxicity effect at a low dose of 2 nmol/L. With a single dose irradiation, the relative surviving fraction of LoVo cells showed a dose-dependent response, but there were no significant changes as radiation delivered from 4 to 8 Gy. Compared with liposomal docetaxel or single dose irradiation, strongly radiopotentiating effects of immunoliposomal docetaxel on LoVo cells were observed. A low dose of immunoliposomal docetaxel could yield sufficient radiosensitivity. Immunoliposomal docetaxel were achieved both specificity of the conjugated antibody and drug radiosensitization. Combined with radiation, immunoliposomal docetaxel significantly increased the percentage of G2/M cells and induced apoptosis, but significantly decreased the percentage of cells in G2/G1 and S phase by comparison with liposomal docetaxel. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the brown stained survivin was mainly in cytoplasm of LoVo cells. Semi-quantitative analysis of the survivin immunostaining showed that the expression of survivin in LoVo cells under irradiation with immunoliposomal docetaxel was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Immunoliposomal docetaxel is strongly effective for target radiosensitation in LoVo colon carcinoma cells, and may offer the potential to improve local radiotherapy.

Successful treatment of multiple lung metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma by combined chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and tegafur/uracil

We report the successful treatment of multiple lung metastases after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with combined docetaxel, cisplatin (CDDP), and enteric-coated tegafur/uracil (UFT-E). A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with multiple lung metastases of HCC 7 mo after partial hepatectomy for HCC. Oral UFT-E was given daily and docetaxel and CDDP were given intra-arterially (administered just before the bronchial arteries) every 2 wk via a subcutaneous injection port. One month after starting chemotherapy, levels of tumor marker, protein induced by vitamin K absence(PIVKA--), decreased rapidly,and after a further month, chest X-ray and computed tomography revealed the complete disappearance of multiple liver metastases. Two years after the combined chemotherapy, HCC recurred in the liver and was treated but no pulmonary recurrence occurred. In the absence of a standardized highly effective therapy, this combined chemotherapy with docetaxel, CDDP and UFT-E may be an attractive option for multiple lung metastases of HCC.

Efficacy of docetaxel combined with oxaliplatin and fluorouracil against stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ gastric cancer

AIM:To investigate the clinical efficacy and toxic effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using docetaxel combined with oxaliplatin and fluorouracil for treating stageⅢ/Ⅳgastric cancer.METHODS:A total of 53 stageⅢ/Ⅳgastric cancer patients were enrolled into the study and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Two of the cases were excluded.The program was as follows:75 mg/m2docetaxel and 85 mg/m2 oxaliplatin on day 1 and 1500mg/m2 fluorouracil on days 1 to 3 for three weeks.RESULTS:The tumour changes,postoperative remission rate,changes in the symptoms and adverse reactions were observed.The overall clinical efficacy(com-plete remission+partial remission)of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 62.7%.R0 radical resection was performed on 60.8%of the patients,with a remission rate(pathological complete response+pathological subtotal response+pathological partial response)of74.2%.The Karnofksy score improved in 42 cases.The toxicity reactions mostly included myelosuppression,followed by gastrointestinal mucosal lesions,nausea,vomiting and diarrhoea.CONCLUSION:Neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel combined with oxaliplatin and fluorouracil is effective for stageⅢ/Ⅳgastric cancer.However,the treatment is associated with a high incidence of bone marrow suppression,which should be managed clinically.

Docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil compared with epirubicin,cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil regimen for advanced gastric cancer:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND As the first-line regimens for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, both docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil(DCF) and epirubicin, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil(ECF) regimens are commonly used in clinical practice, but there is still controversy about which is better.AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of DCF and ECF regimens by conducting this meta-analysis.METHODS Computer searches in PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Scopus were performed to find the clinical studies of all comparisons between DCF and ECF regimens. We used progression-free survival(PFS), overall survival(OS), objective response rate(ORR), disease control rate(DCR), and adverse effects(AEs) as endpoints for analysis.RESULTS Our meta-analysis included seven qualified studies involving a total of 598 patients. The pooled hazard ratios between the DCF and ECF groups were comparable in PFS(95%CI: 0.58-1.46, P = 0.73), OS(95%CI: 0.65-1.10, P = 0.21),and total AEs(95%CI: 0.93-1.29, P = 0.30). The DCF group was significantly better than the ECF group in terms of ORR(95%CI: 1.13-1.75, P = 0.002) and DCR(95%CI: 1.03-1.41, P = 0.02). However, the incidence rate of grade 3-4 AEs was also greater in the DCF group than in the ECF group(95%CI: 1.16-1.88, P = 0.002),especially for neutropenia and febrile neutropenia.CONCLUSION With better ORR and DCR values, the DCF regimen seems to be more suitable for advanced gastric cancer than the ECF regimen. However, the higher rate of AEs in the DCF group still needs to be noticed.

Phase I Study to Determine MTD of Docetaxel and Cisplatin with Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Stage Ⅲ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective： To evaluate the maximum tolerated dose （MTD） of docetaxel （DCT） and cisplatin （DDP） concurrently with three dimensional （3D） conformal radiotherapy or IMRT for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer （stage IIIa and IIIb） after 2–4 cycles of induction chemotherapy. Methods： Fourteen patients with histological/cytological proven stage III non–small-cell lung cancer were eligible. 3D or IMRT radiotherapy （60-70Gy in 30-35 fractions, 6-7weeks, 2 Gy/fraction） was delivered concurrently with cisplatin and docetaxel, 2 cycles during concurrent chemoradiotherapy （CCRT）. The level I dosage was composed of 56 mg/m2 DCT, on day 1 and 28mg/m2 DDP, on day 1 and day 2. The level II was composed of 60 mg/m2 DCT, on day 1 and 30 mg/ m2 DDP, on day 1 and day 2. The level III was composed of 64 mg/m2 DCT, on day 1 and 32 mg/ m2 DDP, on day 1 and day 2. Results： Fourteen patients were allocated and finished concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The dose-limiting neutropenia was at the dose Level III （64 mg/m2） and occurred in 2 of 5 patients. No dose limiting non-hematologic or hematologic toxicity occurred in the other patients. Conclusions： Patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer may tolerate 60mg/m2 docetaxel and 60mg/m2 cisplatin for 2 cycles during concurrent radiotherapy after 2-3 cycles of induction chemotherapy.

Mechanism of Drug Resistance Identified in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line SPC-A1 Selected for Resistance to Docetaxel

Objective： To investigate the mechanism of resistance to docetaxel in human lung cancer. Methods： Human lung carcinoma SPC-A1/Docetaxel cells were derived from parental SPC-A1 cells by continuous exposure to increasing concentration of docetaxel. The drug sensitivity was measured by MTT assay in vitro. The cDNA microarray identified a set of differentially expressed genes, and some genes were confirmed by RT-PCR. P-glycoprotein level was measured by flow cytometry analysis. Results： The results of drug sensitivity measured by MTT assay showed that SPC-A1/Docetaxel cells were 13.2-fold resistant to docetaxel and cross-resistant at varying levels to other drugs. The cDNA microarray results identified a set of differentially expressed genes, which showed 428 genes that were up-regulated and 506 genes that were down-regulated in SPC-A1/Docetaxel ceils, and some genes were confirmed by RT-PCR. Flow cytometry analysis suggests expression of P-glycoprotein （P-gp） was more abundant in SPC-A1/Docetaxel cells than in the parental cells and docetaxel selection reduces the apoptotic response. Conclusion： The results suggest that docetaxel selection led to changes in gene expression that contribute to the multidrug resistance phenotype.

Modified docetaxel, cisplatin and capecitabine for stage Ⅳ gastric cancer in Japanese patients: A feasibility study

AIM To evaluate the feasibility of chemotherapy including fluoropyrimidine, platinum and taxane with modified dosages for unresectable gastric cancer in Japanese patients.METHODS We performed a feasibility study of a modified docetaxel, cisplatin and capecitabine (DCX) regimen for stage Ⅳ gastric cancer. In particular, 30 or 40 mg/m^2 of docetaxel on day 1, 60 mg/m^2 of cisplatin on day 1, and 2000 mg/m^2 of capecitabine for 2 wk were administered every three weeks.RESULTS Three patients were treated with modified DCX(m DCX) with 30 mg/m^2 docetaxel, and five patients were treated with this regimen with 40 mg/m^2 docetaxel. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was observed in six of the eight patients; no patients exhibited febrile neutropenia. Partial response was achieved in four of the eight patients. Three patients underwent gastrectomy, which achieved R0 resection without residual tumors in dissected lymph nodes. In one of these three patients, resected specimens revealed pathological complete response in the primary lesion and in lymph nodes.CONCLUSION m DCX was well tolerated by Japanese patients with stage Ⅳ gastric cancer. This regimen might be useful for allowing gastric cancer patients with distant lymph node metastasis to undergo conversion surgery.

Small changes in the length of diselenide bond-containing linkages exert great influences on the antitumor activity of docetaxel homodimeric prodrug nanoassemblies

Homodimeric prodrug-based self-assembled nanoparticles,with carrier-free structure and ultrahigh drug loading,is drawing more and more attentions.Homodimeric prodrugs are composed of two drug molecules and a pivotal linkage.The influence of the linkages on the self-assembly,in vivo fate and antitumor activity of homodimeric prodrugs is the focus of research.Herein,three docetaxel(DTX)homodimeric prodrugs are developed using different lengths of diselenide bond-containing linkages.Interestingly,compared with the other two linkages,the longest diselenide bond-containing linkage could facilitate the self-delivery of DTX prodrugs,thus improving the stability,circulation time and tumor targeting of prodrug nanoassemblies.Besides,the extension of linkages reduces the redox-triggered drug release and cytotoxicity of prodrug nanoassemblies in tumor cells.Although the longest diselenide bond-containing prodrug nanoassemblies possessed the lowest cytotoxicity to 4T1 cells,their stable nanostructure maintained intact during circulation and achieve the maximum accumulation of DTX in tumor cells,which finally“turned the table”.Our study illustrates the crucial role of linkages in homodimeric prodrugs,and gives valuable proposal for the development of advanced nano-DDS for cancer treatment.