Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Magicramp® Device for Reducing Cramps Resulting from Oncological Treatments: “Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial”

We identified that oncological treatments in general (chemotherapies, immunotherapies and radiotherapies) frequently cause peripheral neuropathy, including cramps, characterized by excess protons due to metabolic and neuronal factors, such as sudden changes in pH, uremia and aspects that affect neuromotor functions. Such situations and others like them are often neglected in treatment, which naturally concerns itself with the main problem: Cancer. Sometimes toxic solutions are implemented that have comorbid side effects, such as duloxetine (standard treatment). Based on monitoring of cancer patients who used the non-toxic product, called “Magicramp® Electrostatic Charge Reduction Cushion” (MECRC), approved in Europe more than 10 years ago, we carried out a controlled test in Brazil. In this clinical trial, we hypothesized that reducing excessive ionic charges (electrostatic charge), which is one of the side effects often described in the literature as “Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy” (CIPN), would decrease or eliminate cramping, under the hypothesis that such elimination would prevent or attenuate muscular vulnerability to action impulses, and increase the power of relaxation through the same mechanism. In this double-blind and randomized clinical trial, 40 (forty) adult patients with muscle cramps caused by oncological treatments were tested, evaluating the degree of efficiency of the product that aims to reduce muscle cramps, by eliminating and/or reducing excess loads electrostatic ionic. Data from the clinical research conducted in this study are available online at https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/QUS94U.

喉神经内分泌癌临床病理学分析

神经分泌癌是一种由神经内分泌细胞分化而来的特殊的恶性肿瘤，尤其是喉神经内分泌癌（1aryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma．LNEC）发生率极低。本病首先由Goldman（1969年）报道，目前国外共报道650例。近20年来随着诊疗技术的进步，本病的相关报道有所增多，但多属于个例报道．目前国内外对本病仍无系统的认识。

Intensify standardized therapy for esophageal and stomach cancer in tumor hospitals

INTRODUCTIONCancer treatment situation in tumor hospitals inChina has its own unique characteristics which arenot found in other parts of the world. Because ofthe huge population and high incidence rates ofesophageal and stomach cancer[1-5], the number ofcancer patients waiting for admission isinconceivably large.

pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles employed in controlled drug delivery systems for cancer treatment

In the fight against cancer, controlled drug delivery systems have emerged to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and safety of anti-cancer drugs. Among these systems, mesoporous silica nanoparticles （MSNs） with a functional surface possess obvious advantages and were thus rapidly developed for cancer treatment. Many stimuli-responsive materials, such as nanopartides, polymers, and inorganic materials, have been applied as caps and gatekeepers to control drug release from MSNs. This review presents an overview of the recent progress in the production of pH-responsive MSNs based on the pH gradient between normal tissues and the tumor microenvironment. Four main categories of gatekeepers can respond to acidic conditions. These categories will be described in detail.

Systemic chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic liver:A retrospective study

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of systemic chemotherapy in a retrospective study of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)occurring in normal or fibrotic liver without cirrhosis. METHODS:Twenty-four patients with metastatic or locally advanced HCC in a normal or a fibrotic liver were given systemic chemotherapy(epirubicin,cis- platin and 5-fluorouracil or epirubicin,cisplatin and capecitabine regimens).Tumor response,time to pro- gression,survival,and toxicity were evaluated. RESULTS:There were 7 women and 17 men,mean age 54±10 years;18 patients had a normal liver and 6 had a fibrotic liver(F1/F2 on biopsy).Mean tumor size was 14 cm,5 patients had portal vein thrombosis and 7 had metastasis.Patients received a median of 4 chemotherapy sessions.Overall tolerance was good. There were 5 partial responses(objective response rate =22%),and tumor control rate was 52%.Second line surgical resection was possible in two patients.Median survival was 11 mo,and 1-and 2-year overall survival rates were 50%±10%and 32%±11%,respectively. CONCLUSION:In patients with HCC in a non-cirrhotic liver,chemotherapy was well tolerated and associated with an objective response rate of 22%,including two patients who underwent secondary surgical resection.

Methionine-dependence and combination chemotherapy on human gastric cancer cells in vitro

AIM: To elucidate whether human primary gastric cancer and gastric mucosa epithelial cells in vitro can grow normally in a methionine (Met) depleted environment, i.e. Met-dependence, and whether Met-depleting status can enhance the killing effect of chemotherapy on gastric cancer cells. METHODS: Fresh human gastric cancer and mucosal tissues were managed to form monocellular suspensions, which were then cultured in the Met-free but homocysteine-containing (Met(-)Hcy(+)) medium, with different chemotherapeutic drugs. The proliferation of the cells was examined by cell counter, flow cytometry (FCM) and microcytotoxicity assay (MTT). RESULTS: The growth of human primary gastric cancer cells in Met(-)Hcy(+) was suppressed, manifested by the decrease of total cell counts [1.46 +/- 0.42 (x 10(9).L(-1)) in Met(-)Hcy(+) vs 1.64 +/-0.44(x 10(9).L(-1)) in Met(+)Hcy(-), P【0.01], the decline in the percentage of G(0)G(1) phase cells (0.69 +/- 0.24 in Met(-)Hcy(+) vs 0.80 +/- 0.18 in Met(+)Hcy(-), P【0.01) and the increase of S cells (0.24 +/- 0.20 in Met(-)Hcy(+) vs 0.17 +/- 0.16 in Met(+)Hcy(-), P【0.01); however, gastric mucosal cells grew normally. If Met(-)Hcy(+) medium was used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, the number of surviving gastric cancer cells dropped significantly. CONCLUSION: Human primary gastric cancer cells in vitro are Met-dependent; however, gastric mucosal cells have not shown the same characteristics. Met(-)Hcy(+) environment may strengthen the killing effect of chemotherapy on human primary gastric cancer cells.

Experimental study on antitumor effect of arsenic trioxide in combination with cisplatin or doxorubicin on hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTIONThe main component of a traditional Chinese drug 'Pishuang'. arsenic trioxide (As2O3), has obviously selective anti-tumor effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)in both in vitro and in vivo studies[1-5]. Due to limited effectiveness when any anti-carcinogen is used alone and obviously increased toxicity when the dose is raised, there is no exception for As2O3. Furthermore, combined chemotherapy contributes to improve therapeutic effectiveness, disperse toxicity and surmount drug-resistance,in which the combination of traditional Chinese and modern medicine has more advantages and characteristics. As a result,we made an experimental study on anti-tumor effect of As2O3in combination with cisplantin (PDD) or doxorubicin (ADM)on HCC. to investigate the possibility of AS2O3 in combination with PDD or ADM and nature of interaction between them,and to provide experimental basis for clinical application.

Sirolimus,bevacizumab,5-Fluorouracil and irinotecan for advanced colorectal cancer:A pilot study

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of combined 5-Fluorouracil, irinotecan, bevacizumab and sirolimus in refractory advanced colorectal carcinoma. METHODS： We initiated a regimen with at day 1 an injection （iv） of bevacizumab at 5 mg/kg, followed by 180 mg/m^2 irinotecan, followed by Leucovorin 400 mg/m^2, followed by a 5-Fluorouracil bolus 400 mg/m^2 and a 46-h infusion 2400 mg/m^2. Sirolimus was given orally as continuous administration of 2 mg twice a day every days. This treatment was repeated every 14 d. RESULTS： A total of 12 patients were enrolled. All patients presented with metastatic disease that had failed at least three lines of chemotherapy that contained oxaliplatin, irinotecan and bevacizumab. Cetuximab failure was also observed in all K-Ras wildtype patients. The median number of cycles was 8.5 （range 2-20） and clinical benefit was observed in eight patients. The median time to progression was 5 mo and the median survival was 8 too. Grade 3 neutropenia developed in four patients, and grade 3 diarrhea and stomatitis in two.CONCLUSION： The combination regimen of 5-Fluorouracil,irinotecan, bevacizumab and sirolimus in advanced colorectal carcinoma after failure of dassical be.absent is feasible and promising. Further evaluation of this combination is required.

Point injection of Injectio Radici Astragali for Treatment of Post-chemotherapy Adverse Reactions

With injection of Injectio Radici Astragli into the point Zusanli (ST 36), we have obtained quite satisfactory therapeutic results for treating leukopenia and the impairment in immune functions occurred in cancer chemotherapy. A report follows.

Treatment of Interstitial Peumopathy by Fei Tong Oral Liquid in the Malignant Tumor Patients after Radio-and/or Chemotherapy

Fei Tong Kou Fu Ye (肺通口服液 Fei Tong Oral Liquid) was used to treat 30 cases of interstitial pneumopathy after radio- and/or chemotherapy.In comparison with the control group (15 cases) treated with hormones,the therapeutic effects in improving dyspnea,cough,respiratory rate,cyanosis,findings in X-films and CT examination,partial pressure of oxygen in artery,FVC and VC were found significantly better (P<0.05).The total effective rate obtained was 83.33%.

Successful treatment of a high-risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumor using etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine: A case report

BACKGROUND Choriocarcinoma is an infrequent entity and the most aggressive subtype of germcell tumors.Because of early metastatic spread and rapid disease progression,choriocarcinoma patients display poor prognosis.Although etoposide,methotrexate,actinomycin D,cyclophosphamide,and vincristine(EMA-CO)regimen is widely used to treat gestational trophoblastic tumors in females,its role in treating male choriocarcinoma is seldom reported.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old man was diagnosed with burned-out primary germ cell tumors(GCT)with retroperitoneum,liver and lung metastases.Biopsy of the liver revealed pure choriocarcinoma.The patient received bleomycin,etoposide,and cisplatin chemotherapy.After two cycles of treatment,response evaluation revealed the mixed response.EMA-CO regimen was used in the second-line therapy.After eight cycles,the patient showed a potentially resectable state and thus,all residual masses were surgically removed.The patient was completely cured,and 10 years later,he is leading a healthy life without complications.CONCLUSION This paper is the first case of high-risk nonseminomatous GCT in a male patient to be successfully treated with the EMA-CO regimen.The EMA-CO regimen can be used actively in patients with high-risk nonseminomatous GCT.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma after thirteen years'follow-up:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma(EHE)is a rare vascular endothelial cell tumor of the liver,consisting of epithelioid and histiocyte-like vascular endothelial cells in mucus or a fibrotic matrix.Immunohistochemistry is usually positive for vascular markers,such as factor VIII-related antigen,CD31,and CD34.Hepatic EHE can have a varied clinical course;treatment includes liver transplantation,liver resection,chemotherapy,and radiation therapy.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old woman with abdominal discomfort and elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen was found to have multiple low-density lesions in the liver and lung on computed tomography(CT)evaluation.An ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed a fibrous stroma with dendritic cells,containing intracellular vacuoles.Immunohistochemical staining found that the tumor cells were positive for CD34,CD31,and factor VIII-related antigen.The patient received four courses of combined chemotherapy and was followed-up for 13 years,at which time the patient was in stable condition without disease progression and a confined neoplasm,as evidenced by CT scans.CONCLUSION The histology and immunohistochemical characteristics of hepatic EHE are well described.Chemotherapy may be effective in patients with extrahepatic lesions.

THE EFFECTS OF CHINESE DRUGS FOR SUPPORTING HEALTHY ENERGY AND REMOVING BLOOD STASIS ON POSTOPERATIVE METASTASIS OF GASTRIC CARCINOMA AND ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE

32 postoperative cases of gastric carcinoma were treated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) drugs for supporting healthy energy and removing blood stasis, and their therapeutic results were compared with those in the control group treated by western medicine. After 6 months of treatment, in the TCM group, the rate of metastatic recurrence was significantly reduced, and the level of ornithine decarboxylase was also markedly lowered. Therefore, it is considered that the action of anti-metastatic recurrence of TCM drugs in postoperative cases of gastric carcinoma is probably related to the lowered activity of ornithine decarboxylase.

Effects of Moxibustion Therapy on Preventing and Treating Side Effects from Chemotherapy of Malignant Tumor Patients

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of moxibustion therapy on preventing and treating toxic and side effects of chemotherapy in malignant tumor patients. Methods： A total of 63 cases were randomly divided into three groups. Twenty-three cases in the moxibustion group were treated by moxibustion, and 22 cases in the hydro-acupuncture group were treated by acupoint injection, and 18 cases in the control group were treated by oral administration of Batilol tablets. The changes of the white blood cell count and the content of immunoglobulin before and after the treatments were observed. Results： After treatments, the total leukocyte count and the content of immunoglobulin were all elevated in the moxibustion group and the hydro-acupuncture group, with statistical difference when compared with the control group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. In the elevation of the white blood cell count, the hydro-acupuncture group was better than the moxibustion group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Moxibustion and hydro-acupuncture can be used to treat and prevent toxic and side effects of chemotherapy. From this aspect, the different needling techniques possess different effects.

A bicistronic retroviral vector to introduce drug resistance genes into human umbilical cord blood CD34^+ cells to improve combination chemotherapy tolerance

OBJECTIVE: To study whether human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells transduced with human aldehyde dehydrogenase class-1 (ALDH-1) and multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) have increases resistance to 4-Hydroperoxycyclo-phosphamide (4-HC) and P-glycoprotein effluxed drugs. METHODS: A bicistronic retroviral vector G1Na-ALDH1-IRES-MDR1 was constructed and used to transfect the packaging cell lines GP + E86 and PA317 by LipofectAMINE method, using the medium containing VCR and 4-HC agents for cloning selection and ping-ponging supernatant infection between the ecotropic producer clone and the amphotropic producer clone, we obtained high titer amphotropic PA317 producing cells with high titers up to 5.6 x 10(5) CFU/ml. Cord blood CD34+ cells were transfected repeatedly with supernatant of retrovirus containing human ALDH-1 and MDR1cDNA under the stimulation of hemopoietic growth factors. RESULTS: Bicistronic retroviral vector construction was verified by restriction endonuclease analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, Southern blot, Northern blot, fluorescenceactivated cell sorting (FACS) method and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) analyses showed that dual drug resistance genes have been integrated into the genomic DNA of cord blood CD34+ cells and expressed efficiently. The transgenes recipient cells confered 4-fold stronger resistance to 4-HC and 5.5 to 7.2-fold P-glycoprotein effluxed drug than untransduced cells. CONCLUSION: The bicistronic retroviral vector-mediated transfer of two different types of drug resistance genes into human cord blood CD34+ cells and co-expression provided an experimental foundation for improving combination chemotherapy tolerance in tumor clinical trial.

The Chinese guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy of pancreatic cancer(2020)

Aiming to keep pace with the renewal of international guidelines and refine the domestic treatment system of pancreatic cancer,the Chinese Pancreatic Surgery Association,Chinese Medical Association and Pancreatic Disease Committee of China Research Hospital Association launched this Chinese guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy of pancreatic cancer(2020 edition).Based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation system,the guidelines have conducted a discussion on the indication,regimen selection,therapeutic effect evaluation,pathological diagnosis,surgery strategy,etc.The guidelines have quantified the evidence level of the current clinical researches and provided recommendations for the clinical practice in neoadjuvant therapy of pancreatic cancer.The guidelines have highlighted the role of multiple disciplinary team and represented the conversion of treatment concepts in pancreatic cancer.Neoadjuvant therapy has prolonged the survival of part of pancreatic cancer patients.However,more high-quality clinical researches are in urgent need to improve the level of evidence,optimize the clinical practice,and improve the survival of patients.