Serum tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carbohydrate antigen 72-4, carbohydrate antigen 24-2, ferritin) and gastric cancer prognosis correlation

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a kind of malignant tumor which is prevalent all over the world.Although some progress has been made in the treatment of gastric cancer,its prognosis is still not optimistic,so it is of great significance to find reliable prog-nostic indicators to guide the treatment and management of patients with gastric cancer.AIM To explore the relationship between serum levels of five biomarkers[carcinoem-bryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen(CA)19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2,and ferritin]and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.METHODS This study included 200 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma,and conducted an in-depth analysis of their baseline characteristics,relationship between tumor markers and staging,and prognosis.The study found that CA19-9 has a signi-ficant correlation with tumor stage,the average levels of CA24-2,CEA,CA72-4 and ferritin were slightly increased disregarding the stage of tumor.Survival analysis showed that increases in CEA,CA19-9,CA24-2,and ferritin were all associated with shortened overall survival of patients.Further multivariate ana-lysis revealed that elevated serum CA72-4 levels were an inde-pendent adverse prognostic factor.RESULTS This study reveals that there is a significant correlation between the expression levels of serum tumor markers CEA,CA19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2 and ferritin in patients with gastric cancer and prognosis,and can be used as important indicators for prognostic evaluation of gastric cancer.In particular,markers that appear abnormally elevated initially may help identify gastric cancer patients with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Serum CEA and CA19-9 play an important role in the prognosis assessment of gastric cancer,and are effective tools to guide clinical practice and optimize individualized treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients.

Impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets for advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Advanced gastric cancer(AGC)remains a challenging malignancy with poor prognosis.The combination of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab has shown promising results in AGC treatment.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC and to explore their potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment response.AIM To investigate the impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum markers and T cell subsets in patients with AGC.METHODS This prospective study enrolled 60 patients with AGC.All patients received oxaliplatin(130 mg/m^(2),every 3 weeks)and trastuzumab(8 mg/kg loading dose,followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks)for six cycles.Serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),cancer antigen 19-9(CA19-9),and cancer antigen 72-4(CA72-4)were measured before and after treatment.T-lymphocyte subsets,including CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,and CD4+/CD8+ratios,were also evaluated.The clinical response was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.RESULTS After six cycles of treatment,the CEA,CA19-9,and CA72-4 serum levels significantly decreased compared to baseline levels(P<0.001).The percentages of CD3+and CD4+T lymphocytes increased significantly(P<0.05),whereas the percentage of CD8+T lymphocytes decreased(P<0.05).The CD4+/CD8+ratio also significantly increased after treatment(P<0.05).Patients with a higher decrease in serum tumor markers(≥50%reduction)and a higher increase in CD4+/CD8+ratio(≥1.5-fold)showed better clinical response rates(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy effectively reduced serum tumor marker levels and modulated T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC.Combination therapy not only has a direct antitumor effect,but also enhances the immune response in patients with AGC.Serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for treatment response in patients with AGC receiving combination therapy.

Postoperative serum tumor markers-based nomogram predicting early recurrence for patients undergoing radical resections of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Early recurrence(ER)is associated with dismal outcomes in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC).Approaches for predicting ER will help clinicians in implementing individualized adjuvant therapies.Postoperative serum tumor markers(STMs)are indicators of tumor progression and may improve current systems for predicting ER.AIM To establish an improved nomogram based on postoperative STMs to predict ER in PDAC.METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 282 patients who underwent radical resection for PDAC at our institute between 2019 and 2021.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of variables with or without postoperative STMs,were performed to identify independent risk factors for ER.A nomogram was constructed based on the independent postoperative STMs.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the area under the curve(AUC)of the nomogram.Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival plot and log-rank test.RESULTS Postoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels,preoperative carbohydrate antigen 125 levels,perineural invasion,and pTNM stage III were independent risk factors for ER in PDAC.The postoperative STMs-based nomogram(AUC:0.774,95%CI:0.713-0.835)had superior accuracy in predicting ER compared with the nomogram without postoperative STMs(AUC:0.688,95%CI:0.625-0.750)(P=0.016).Patients with a recurrence nomogram score(RNS)>1.56 were at high risk for ER,and had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival[median:3.08 months,interquartile range(IQR):1.80-8.15]than those with RNS≤1.56(14.00 months,IQR:6.67-24.80),P<0.001).CONCLUSION The postoperative STMs-based nomogram improves the predictive accuracy of ER in PDAC,stratifies the risk of ER,and identifies patients at high risk of ER for tailored adjuvant therapies.

Effects of combined treatment of bronchial arterial chemoembolization and radioactive particle implantation on tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: To investigate the effects of bronchial arterial chemoembolization combined with radioactive particle implantation on the level of serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: A total of 91 cases of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients according to the random data table were divided into the control group (n=45) and observation group (n=46) according to the random data table. Patients in the control group was treated with bronchial arterial chemoembolization, on the basis of the control group, patients in the observation group were treated with radioactive particle implantation, the serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets of the two groups were compared before and after treatment. Results: The levels of CEA, NSE, CA125, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK in the two groups before the treatment were not statistically significant. Compared with the group before treatment, levels of CEA, NSE, CA125and CD8+ of the two groups after treatment were significantly decreased, and after treatment the level of CEA, NSE, CA125and CD8+ in the observation group was significantly lower than those of the control group;The levels of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK in the two groups after treatment were significantly higher than those in the group before treatment, and the observation group levels were significantly higher than those of the control group. Conclusion: Bronchial artery embolization combined with radioactive particle implantation for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, can effectively reduce the serum tumor markers level, improve the level of T cell subsets of patients, has important clinical value.

Effects of Yiqi Gu Ben Decoction combined with DC chemotherapy on serum tumor markers, inflammatory factors and immune function in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: To investigate the effects of Yiqi Gu decoction combined with DC chemotherapy on serum tumor markers, inflammatory factors and immune function in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: A total of 95 patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer were selected as the research objects, according to the random data table they were divided into control group (n=48) and observation group (n=47), patients in the control group were given DC chemotherapy, On the basis of this treatment, the patients in the observation group were given Yiqi Gu decoction treatment, Comparison of the levels of serum tumor markers [antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)], inflammatory factor [C reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and immune function (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+)Results: Before treatment, there were no significant difference in the levels of CEA, CA19-9, CRP, TNF-α, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ between the two groups;After treatment, the CEA, CA19-9, CRP, TNF-α, CD8+ levels of two groups were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and the decreased range in observation group was significantly higher than the control group, moreover the levels after treatment were obviously lower than control group;After treatment, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were (64.72±5.25)% , (39.51±5.14)% and (1.35±0.27), which were significantly higher than the same group before treatment, and significantly higher than the control group [(58.57±5.09)%, (31.34±5.06)%, (1.14±0.33)], differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: DC chemotherapy combined with Yiqi Guben Decoction in the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, can effectively reduce the serum tumor marker levels, decrease inflammatory stress, improve immune function, has an important clinical value.

Effect of kanglaite injection and docetaxel in treating advanced stage esophageal cancer on tumor markers, angiogenesis and immune function in elderly patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of Kanglaite injection combined with docetaxel in advanced esophageal cancer on tumor markers, angiogenesis and immune function in elderly patients.Method:A total of 130 patients with advanced esophageal cancer admitted in our hospital from October 2014 to July 2017were selected and divided into two groups according to the time of admission, 65 cases in each group, set as observation group and control group, all patients were treated with conventional radiotherapy (cisplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil), the observation group was given Kanglaite injection combined with docetaxel on the basis of this, while the control group only was given docetaxel treatment, the treatment period was 6 weeks, tumor markers, VEGF and immune function of both group after treatment were compared.Result: After treatment, the levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant;VEGF level in the observation group after treatment was lower than the control group, the difference was statistically significant;After treatment, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, while the levels of CD8+ in the observation group was lower than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion: Kanglaite injection combined with docetaxel in the treatment of elderly patients with advanced esophageal cancer is better, effectively reducing the level of tumor markers and vascular endothelial growth factor, improve immune function, it isworthy of clinical application.

Prognostic value and predictive model of tumor markers in stageⅠtoⅢgastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Preoperative serum tumor markers have been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer patients.However,few studies have evaluated the prognosis of gastric cancer patients by establishing statistical models with multiple serum tumor indicators.AIM To explore the prognostic value and predictive model of tumor markers in stage I and III gastric cancer patients.METHODS From October 2018 to April 2020,a total of 1236 patients with stage I to III gastric cancer after surgery were included in our study.The relationship between serum tumor markers and clinical and pathological data were analyzed.We established a statistical model to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer based on the results of COX regression analysis.Overall survival(OS)was also compared across different stages of gastric cancer.RESULTS The deadline for follow-up was May 31,2023.A total of 1236 patients were included in our study.Univariate analysis found that age,clinical stage,T and N stage,tumor location,differentiation,Borrmann type,size,and four serum tumor markers were prognostic factors of OS(P<0.05).It was shown that clinical stage,tumor size,alpha foetoprotein,carcinoembryonic antigen,CA125 and CA19-9(P<0.05)were independent prognostic factors for OS.According to the scoring results obtained from the statistical model,we found that patients with high scores had poorer survival time(P<0.05).Furthermore,in stage I patients,the 3-year OS for scores 0-3 ranged from 96.85%,95%,85%,and 80%.In stage II patients,the 3-year OS for scores 0-4 were 88.6%,76.5%,90.5%,65.5%and 60%.For stage III patients,3-year OS for scores 0-6 were 70.9%,68.3%,64.1%,50.9%,38.4%,18.5%and 5.2%.We also analyzed the mean survival of patients with different scores.For stage I patients,the mean OS was 55.980 months.In stage II,the mean OS was 51.550 months.The mean OS for stage III was 39.422 months.CONCLUSION Our statistical model can effectively predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Serum tumor markers:Can they clinically implicate in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

“Serum tumor markers expression(CA19-9,CA242,and CEA)and its clinical implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus”authored by Meng and Shi presents an observational case-control study investigating the correlation between tumor markers and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).The study explores the diagnostic accuracy of tumor markers,particularly cancer antigen 19-9(CA19-9),CA242,and carcinoembryonic antigen,in poorly controlled T2DM patients with hemoglobin A1c levels exceeding 9%,employing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Though study offers valuable insights into the potential utility of tumor markers in clinical practice,caution is advised regarding routine tumor marker testing due to challenges such as limited availability and cost.Additionally,the study overlooks potential confounding factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.Variations in CA19-9 and CA242 expression underscore the complex interplay between tumor markers and systemic diseases,warranting further investigation into their diagnostic and prognostic implications.While Meng and Shi represent a significant contribution to the field,more extensive research is needed to fully elucidate the role of tumor markers in diabetes management and beyond.

Prospective Clinical Application of Thioredoxin Reductase as a Novel Diagnostic Tumor Marker

Background: Developing a novel, efficient biomarker for detecting malignant tumors is essential for the early diagnosis of cancers. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic value of a potential plasma tumor marker, thioredoxin reductase (TR), which is expressed in many types of malignant tumor, for the non-invasive detection of cancers. Methods: The plasma activities of TR were measured in 1513 patients with common clinical diseases, 59 patients with benign tumors, and 154 patients with cancers and 586 healthy controls. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of TR and logistic regression results of different groups were compared by sensitivity, specificity and Youden’s index. Diagnostic cut-offs and clinical reference intervals were established via ROC curve analysis. Results: The logistic regression indicated that TR activity can discriminate between cancers and benign tumors or other common diseases very well (p < 0.0001), with an area under the curve from the receiver-operator characteristics between 0.91 and 0.96. The positive critical value was 2.51 and the cancer critical value was 9.90. The diagnostic gray zone (2.51 - 9.90) may be associated with benign tumors and some common clinical diseases. Conclusions: As a novel potential marker of malignant tumors with quantitative evaluation of proliferation, TR activity detection has an excellent diagnostic potential for early-stage malignant tumors. Impact: The convenient, economical, relatively non-invasive, and reproducible detection method of TR activity makes it suitable for routine clinical practice.

Effect of arterial interventional chemotherapy before radical operation for gastric cancer on serum tumor markers and cell growth in the lesion

Objective:To investigate the effect of arterial interventional chemotherapy before radical operation for gastric cancer on serum tumor markers and cell growth in the lesion.Methods:90 patients with primary gastric cancer who underwent radical operation for gastric cancer in our hospital were chosen as the research subjects and divided into the control group (n=48) (did not receive preoperative arterial interventional chemotherapy) and the arterial interventional chemotherapy group (n=42) (received preoperative arterial interventional chemotherapy). The differences in tumor markers in serum as well as proliferation and apoptosis gene expression in gastric cancer tissues were compared.Results: Before surgery started, serum CA199, CA153, CA724 and AFP levels of arterial interventional chemotherapy group were significantly lower than those immediately after admission whereas serum CA199, CA153, CA724 and AFP levels of control group were not significantly different from those immediately after admission. After surgery, proliferation genes CUL4A and NTSR1 mRNA expression in gastric cancer tissues of arterial interventional chemotherapy group were lower than those of control group whereas DADS and FAM96B mRNA expression were higher than those of control group;apoptosis genes Livin and Bcl-2 mRNA expression were lower than those of control group whereas p53, p21 and Bax mRNA expression were higher than those of control group.Conclusion:Preoperative arterial interventional chemotherapy combined with radical operation for gastric cancer can more effectively inhibit the malignant degree of tumor and delay the growth of cancer cells.

Effect of Kang Ai injection + conventional chemotherapy on tumor markers, apoptotic molecules and immune response in patients with advanced NSCLC

Objective: To study the effects of Kang Ai injection + conventional chemotherapy on tumor markers, apoptotic molecules and immune response in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Patients diagnosed as advanced NSCLC in our hospital during March 2015 - October 2017 were randomly divided into the experimental group receiving Kang Ai injection + conventional chemotherapy and the control group receiving conventional chemotherapy. The contents of tumor markers, apoptotic molecules and immunologic cytokines in serum and the contents of immune cells in peripheral blood were determined before and after chemotherapy. Results: after chemotherapy, the content of CEA, CYFRA21-1, SCC-Ag, GDF15 and Livin in the serum of the two groups decreased significantly, and the content of PDCD5, P53 and Bax increased significantly, and the content of CEA, CYFRA21-1, SCC-Ag, GDF15, Livin in the serum of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group, and the content of PDCD5, P53 and Bax were higher than those of the control group;the content of CD3+ and CD4+ cells in peripheral blood and the content of IFN-γ, IL-2 in serum of control group significantly decreased, whereas the content of CD8+ cells in peripheral blood and the content of IL-4, IL-5 in serum significantly increased after chemotherapy;while the content of CD3+ and CD4+ cells in peripheral blood and the content of IFN-γ, IL-2 in serum of experimental group significantly increased, whereas the content of CD8+ cells in peripheral blood and the content of IL-4, IL-5 in serum significantly decreased after chemotherapy. Conclusion: Kang Ai injection + conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC can more significantly decrease the serum tumor markers, regulate the secretion of apoptotic molecules and anti-tumor immune response than conventional chemotherapy.

Percutaneous microwave ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for serum tumor markers and prognostics of middle-late primary hepatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND Primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC)has an insidious onset and is usually diagnosed in the middle and late stages.Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the preferred option for treating middle-and advanced-stage PHC,it has limited efficacy in killing tumor cells and poor long-term efficacy.TACE plus percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy(PMCT)is more effective than interventional therapy alone and can improve survival time.However,there are few reports on the effects of TACE and PMCT on serum marker levels and the prognosis of patients with advanced PHC.AIM To investigate the effect of PMCT+TACE on serum tumor markers and the prognosis of middle-late PHC.METHODS This retrospective study included 150 patients with middle-late PHC admitted to Zhongshan People’s Hospital between March 2018 and February 2021.Patients were divided into a single group(treated with TACE,n=75)and a combined group(treated with TACE+PMCT,n=75).Before and after treatment,the clinical efficacy and serum tumor marker levels[carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)]of both groups were observed.The 1-year survival rates and prognostic factors of the two groups were analyzed.RESULTS The combined group had 21 and 35 cases of complete remission(CR)and partial remission(PR),respectively.The single group had 13 and 25 cases of CR and PR,decreased,with the decrease in the combined group being more significant(P<0.05).The 1-year survival rate of the combined group(80.00%)was higher than that of the single group(60.00%)(P<0.05).The average survival time within 1 year in the combined group was 299.38±61.13 d,longer than that in the single group(214.41±72.97 d,P<0.05).COX analysis revealed that tumor diameter,tumor number,and the treatment method were prognostic factors for patients with middle-late PHC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TACE+PMCT is effective in treating patients with mid-late PHC.It reduces the levels of tumor markers,prolongs survival,and improves prognosis.

Effect of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection combined with chemotherapy on peripheral blood cell level, tumor markers and immune function in patients with gastric cancer

Objective:To investigate the effects of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection combined with chemotherapy on peripheral blood cell level, tumor markers and immune function in patients with gastric cancer.Methods: Eighty patients with gastric cancer admitted to our hospital from May 2016 to October 2017 were selected as the research object and randomly divided into observation group and control group, 40 cases in each group. Control group was treated by DCF chemotherapy, while the observation group by Shenqi Fuzheng Injection based on the DCF chemotherapy. The levels of peripheral blood cells, tumor markers and immune function indexes in both groups were detected and compared before and after treatment.Results: There were no significant differences in serum RBC, WBC, PLT, Hb, NSE, CYFRA21-1, CA199, CEA, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels before treatment in both groups. Compared with the pretreatment group, the levels of RBC, WBC, PLT and Hb in both groups decreased to some extent after treatment, and the levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group;Compared with the same group before treatment, the levels of NSE, CYFRA21-1, CA199 and CEA in the two groups were significantly decreased, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group;CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ levels in control group and observation group increased to some extent after treatment, and the levels in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group. The levels of CD8+ in both groups after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group after treatment. The above data for statistical analysis had significant differences.Conclusions: Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with chemotherapy helps to clear and kill cancer cells, enhance immunity and reduce hematological toxicity after chemotherapy, which can be used as an adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer.

Use of blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis and surveillance of colorectal cancer

Early screening for colorectal cancer(CRC) holds the key to combat and control the increasing global burden of CRC morbidity and mortality. However, the current available screening modalities are severely inadequate because of their high cost and cumbersome preparatory procedures that ultimately lead to a low participation rate. People simply do not like to have colonoscopies. It would be ideal, therefore, to develop an alternative modality based on blood biomarkers as the first line screening test. This will allow for the differentiation of the general population from high risk individuals. Colonoscopy would then become the secondary test, to further screen the high risk segment of the population. This will encourage participation and therefore help to reach the goal of early detection and thereby reduce the anticipated increasing global CRC incidence rate. A blood-based screening test is anappealing alternative as it is non-invasive and poses minimal risk to patients. It is easy to perform, can be repeated at shorter intervals, and therefore would likely lead to a much higher participation rate. This review surveys various blood-based test strategies currently under investigation, discusses the potency of what is available, and assesses how new technology may contribute to future test design.

Effect of Xiao Chaihu Tang combined with intravenous chemotherapy on tumor markers and immune function in patients with advanced breast cancer

Objective:To study the effect of Xiao Chaihu Tang combined with intravenous chemotherapy on tumor markers and immune function in patients with advanced breast cancer.Methods: 76 patients with advanced breast cancer treated in our hospital between May 2012 and November 2015 were collected and divided into the combined treatment group (n=34) who accepted Xiao Chaihu Tang combined with intravenous chemotherapy and the control group (n=42) who accepted intravenous chemotherapy alone according to different treatment, and the treatment cycle was 3 months for both groups. Before treatment and 3 months after treatment, ELISA method was used to detect serum levels of broad-spectrum tumor markers and breast cancer-specific tumor markers;flow cytometer was used to detect cellular immune function index levels, and turbidimetric immunoassay was used to detect humoral immune function index levels in peripheral blood.Results: Before treatment, differences in serum tumor marker levels as well as cellular immunity and humoral immunity index levels in peripheral blood were not statistically significant between two groups of patients (P>0.05);after 3 months of treatment, broad-spectrum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) levels in serum of combined treatment group were lower than those of control group, and breast cancer-specific tumor markers insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), midkine (MK), soluble E-cadherin (sEC) and thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) levels were lower than those of control group (P<0.05);CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte levels as well as CD4+/CD8+ ratio in peripheral blood of combined treatment group were higher than those of control group while CD8+ T lymphocyte level was lower than that of control group, and immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in peripheral blood were higher than those of control group (P<0.05).Conclusions:Xiao Chaihu Tang combined with intravenous chemotherapy can decrease the severity of advanced breast cancer and optimize the body's immune function.

Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with thalidomide and S-1 for esophageal carcinoma and its influence on serum tumor markers

BACKGROUND Although the current conventional treatment strategies for esophageal carcinoma(EC)have been proven effective,they are often accompanied by serious adverse events.Therefore,it is still necessary to continue to explore new therapeutic strategies for EC to improve the clinical outcome of patients.AIM To elucidate the clinical efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)with thalidomide(THAL)and S-1(tegafur,gimeracil,and oteracil potassium capsules)in the treatment of EC as well as its influence on serum tumor markers(STMs).METHODS First,62 patients with EC treated at the Zibo 148 Hospital between November 2019 and November 2022 were selected and grouped according to the received treatment.Among these,30 patients undergoing CCRT with cis-platinum and 5-fluorouracil were assigned to the control group(Con),and 32 patients receiving CCRT with THAL and S-1 were assigned to the research group(Res).Second,inter-group comparisons were carried out with respect to curative efficacy,incidence of drug toxicities,STMs[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125)and macrophage inflammatory protein-3α(MIP-3α)],angiogenesis-related indicators[vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF);VEGF receptor-1(VEGFR-1);basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF);angiogenin-2(Ang-2)],and quality of life(QoL)[QoL core 30(QLQ-C30)]after one month of treatment.RESULTS The analysis showed no statistical difference in the overall response rate and disease control rate between the two patient cohorts;however,the incidences of grade I–II myelosuppression and gastrointestinal reactions were significantly lower in the Res than in the Con.Besides,the post-treatment CA125,MIP-3α,VEGF,VEGFR-1,bFGF,and Ang-2 Levels in the Res were markedly lower compared with the pre-treatment levels and the corresponding post-treatment levels in the Con.Furthermore,more evident improvements in QLQ-C30 scores from the dimensions of physical,role,emotional,and social functions were determined in the Res.CONCLUSION The above results demonstrate the effectiveness of THAL+S-1 CCRT for EC,which contributes to mild side effects and significant reduction of CA125,MIP-3α,VEGF,VEGFR-1,bFGF,and Ang-2 Levels,thus inhibiting tumors from malignant progression and enhancing patients’QoL.

Leveraging machine learning techniques for predicting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor grades using biochemical and tumor markers

BACKGROUND The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is now increasing rapidly. The tumor grade of PNETs significantly affects the treatment strategy and prognosis. However, there is still no effective way to non-invasively classify PNET grades. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have shown potential in improving the prediction accuracy using comprehensive data. AIM To provide a ML approach to predict PNET tumor grade using clinical data. METHODS The clinical data of histologically confirmed PNET cases between 2012 and 2018 were collected. A method of minimum P for the Chi-square test was used to divide the continuous variables into binary variables. The continuous variables were transformed into binary variables according to the cutoff value, while the P value was minimum. Four classical supervised ML models, including logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) were trained by clinical data, and the models were labeled with the pathological tumor grade of each PNET patient. The performance of each model, including the weight of the different parameters, were evaluated. RESULTS In total, 91 PNET cases were included in this study, in which 32 were G1, 48 were G2 and 11 were G3. The results showed that there were significant differences among the clinical parameters of patients with different grades. Patients with higher grades tended to have higher values of total bilirubin, alpha fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carbohydrate antigen 72-4. Among the models we used, LDA performed best in predicting the PNET tumor grade. Meanwhile, MLP had the highest recall rate for G3 cases. All of the models stabilized when the sample size was over 70 percent of the total, except for SVM. Different parameters varied in affecting the outcomes of the models. Overall, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carbohydrate antigen 72-4 affected the outcome greater than other parameters. CONCLUSION ML could be a simple and effective method in non-invasively predicting PNET grades by using the routine data obtained from the results of biochemical and tumor markers.

Effects of Huachansu capsules combined with raltitrexed and olisaplatin on advanced colorectal cancer immunity, tumor markers, matrix metalloproteinases and angiogenesis

Objective:To investigate the effects of Huachansu capsules combined with raltitrexed and olisaplatin on advanced colorectal cancer immunity, tumor markers, matrix metalloproteinases and angiogenesis.Methods: Eighty-two patients with advanced colorectal cancer who were treated in our hospital from August 2015 to September 2017 were randomly divided into the control group (41 cases) and the observation group (41 cases), the control group was treated with raltitrex plus oxaliplatin, on the basis of the control group, the observation group was treated with Huachansu Capsule. The levels of immune function, tumor markers, matrix metalloproteinases and angiogenic factors were compared before and after treatment in two groups of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.Results: After treatment, the levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). the levels of CA125, CA19-9 and CEA in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of CA125, CA19-9 and CEA in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05);the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05);the levels of VEGF, HIF-1α and TGF-β1 in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of VEGF, HIF-1α and TGF-β1 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusions: Huachansu Capsule combined with retidoxed and olixaplatin chemotherapy regimen can enhance the immune function of patients with advanced colorectal cancer, reduce the level of tumor markers in serum, inhibit the growth and metastasis of tumor cells and angiogenesis, which has clinical significance.

Effect of Gongliuxiao Capsule on sex hormones, tumor markers, inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial function in patients with uterine fibroids

Objective:To investigate the effects of Gongliuxiao Capsule on inflammatory factors, tumor markers, sex hormones and vascular endothelial function in patients with uterine fibroids. Methods:130 patients with uterine fibroids admitted to our hospital from October 2015 to March 2017 were enrolled. According to the treatment, they were divided into single treatment group and combined medication group, with 65 cases in each group. The changes of inflammatory factors, tumor markers, sex hormones and vascular endothelial function were compared before and after treatment in the two groups.Results: There were no significant differences in the levels of sex hormones, inflammatory factors, tumor markers and vascular endothelial function between the two groups (P>0.05). The levels of sex hormones E2, P, FSH and LH, the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, MMP-9 and IGF-1, tumor markers CA125, CA19-9 and vascular endothelial function VEGF and b-FGF were significantly lower in the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of E2, P, FSH and LH in the combined drug groupswere (154.12±16.20) pmol/L, (9.12±1.02) μg/L, (13.84±1.42) U/L and (12.77±1.36) U/L, respectively,which were significantly lower than the single drug group level (P<0.05). The levels of CA125 and CA19-9 in the combined drug group were (27.89±2.88) U/mL and (28.09±3.04) U/mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than the single drug group (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, MMP-9 and IGF-1 in the combined drug group were (24.16±2.63) ng/L, (159.22±16.82) μg/L and (69.75±7.09) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than the single drug group(P<0.05). The levels of VEGF and b-FGF in the combination group were (138.29±14.32) μg/L and (98.59±10.02) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than the single drug group (P<0.05).Conclusion:Mifepristone combined with Gongliuxiao Capsule can alleviate endocrine disorders, relieve inflammatory stress response and improve vascular endothelial function in patients with uterine fibroids. It is worthy of clinical application.

Effects of Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with chemotherapy on peripheral blood, immune function and tumor markers in patients with breast cancer

Objective: To investigate the effects of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection Combined with chemotherapy on peripheral blood, immune function and tumor markers in patients with breast cancer. Methods: A total of 92 cases of breast cancer treated by modified radical mastectomy in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were selected as the research subjects and were randomly divided into 46 cases in the observation group and 46 cases in the control group. The patients in the control group began chemotherapy after 2 weeks of surgery, and the observation group was given Shenqi Fuzheng Injection on the basis of the control group. The levels of leukocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, T cell subgroup, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 153 (CA153) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) were measured and compared of patients in two groups. Results: Before treatment, there was no significant difference in white blood cell, platelet and hemoglobin between the two groups. After treatment, the white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin in the observation group were (3.56±0.10)×109/L, (137.47±23.58)×109/L, (116.72±15.75) g/L, and the white cells, platelets and hemoglobin in the control group were (2.85±0.18)×109/L, (126.76±21.34)×109/L, (103.36±20.51) g/L, respectively, all the indexes decreased than before treatment, moreover the decrease of control group is more obvious than observation group, and the difference was statistically significant. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+and CD4+/CD8+between the two groups. After treatment, the CD3+, CD4+and CD4+/CD8+in the observation group were (58.02±12.77)%, (50.79±7.45)% and (2.13±0.69), which were significantly higher than those before the treatment, and increased compared with the control group in the corresponding period, the difference was statistically significant. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in CEA, CA153 and CA125 between the two groups. After treatment, the CEA, CA153 and CA125 of the observation group were (16.70±3.71) μg/L, (13.11±3.70) U/mL and (11.25±1.73) U/mL, and in the control group they were (21.71±4.24) μg/L, (20.31±4.21) U/mL and (17.78±2.36) U/mL, respectively, the CEA, CA153 and CA125 in two groups were all lower than those before treatment, and the indexes of the observation group were decreased more significantly than those of the control group, the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Shenqi Fuzheng Injection Combined with chemotherapy in peripheral blood and immune function significantly improved in patients with breast cancer, and a significant decrease in the level of tumor markers.