Adenocarcinoma of sigmoid colon with metastasis to an ovarian mature teratoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer ranks third in global cancer-related mortality,often due to metastases to liver and lungs.Ovarian metastases are less common,accounting for 3.6%to 7.4%of cases.In contrast,mature ovarian teratomas are frequently benign.Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is a rare phenomenon,with a limited number of documented cases.Three cases of mature ovarian teratomas metastasizing from different cancers have been reported.This report focuses on a case of tumor-totumor metastasis from sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma to a mature ovarian teratoma.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old Taiwan residents woman with no known systemic diseases presented with lower back pain,which led to imaging revealing malignant lesions in the spine,pelvis,liver,and multiple lung metastases.She was diagnosed with sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma with metastases to the liver,lung,bone,and a left ovarian teratoma.Treatment involved radiotherapy and chemotherapy,resulting in regression of the primary tumor and stable lung and liver lesions.Due to abdominal symptoms,she underwent exploratory surgery,unveiling a mature teratoma in the left ovary with signs of metastatic adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION Consider resecting mature ovarian teratomas with concurrent colorectal adenocarcinoma to prevent tumor-to-tumor metastasis.

Primary Ovarian Small Cell Carcinoma of Pulmonary Type: Analysis of 6 Cases and Review of 31 Cases in the Literatures

Objective Primary ovarian small cell carcinoma of pulmonary type(SCCOPT)is a rare ovarian tumor with a poor prognosis.The platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment.However,there is little research on the clinical characteristics of SCCOPT and the potential benefits of other treatments due to its low incidence.The study aims to investigate clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of SCCOPT.Methods We summarized the clinical,imaging,laboratorical and pathological characteristics of 37 SCCOPT cases,in which 6 cases were admitted to the Gansu Provincial Hospital from the year of 2008 to 2022 and 31 cases reported in 17 English and 3 Chinese literatures.Results The median age of the studied SCCOPT cases(n=37)was 56.00(range,22-80)years.Almost 80%of them had a stageⅢorⅣtumor.All patients underwent an operation and postoperative chemotherapy.Nevertheless,all cases had a poor prognosis,with a median overall survival time of 12 months.Immunohistochemical y,the SCCOPT of all patients showed positive expressions of epithelial markers,such as CD56 and sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 2(SOX-2),and negative expressions of estrogen receptor,progesterone receptor,vimentin,Leu-7,and somatostatin receptor 2.The tumor of above 80%cases expressed synaptophysin.Only a few cases expressed neuron-specific enolase,chromogranin A,and thyroid transcription factor-1.Conclusions SCCOPT had a poor prognosis.SOX-2 could be a biomarker to be used to diagnose SCCOPT.

Immune pathway through endometriosis to ovarian cancer

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease,defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity.This disease is one of the main gynecological diseases,affecting around 10%-15%women and girls of reproductive age,being a common gynecologic disorder.Although endometriosis is a benign disease,it shares several characteristics with invasive cancer.Studies support that it has been linked with an increased chance of developing endometrial ovarian cancer,representing an earlier stage of neoplastic processes.This is particularly true for women with clear cell carcinoma,low-grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid.However,the carcinogenic pathways between both pathologies remain poorly understood.Current studies suggest a connection between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers(EAOCs)via pathways associated with oxidative stress,inflammation,and hyperestrogenism.This article aims to review current data on the molecular events linked to the development of EAOCs from endometriosis,specifically focusing on the complex relationship between the immune response to endometriosis and cancer,including the molecular mechanisms and their ramifications.Examining recent developments in immunotherapy and their potential to boost the effectiveness of future treatments.

Primary ovarian cancer combined with primary fallopian tube cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND Low grade serous carcinoma of the ovary(LGSOC)is a rare type of epithelial ovarian cancer with a low incidence rate.The origin of ovarian cancer has always been a hot topic in gynecological oncology research,and some scholars believe that the origin of ovarian malignant tumors is the fallopian tubes.Primary fallopian tube cancer is the lowest incidence of malignant tumors in the female reproductive system.There are only a few reports in the literature,but the mortality rate is very high.But in clinical practice,fallopian tube cancer is very common,but in most cases,it is classified as ovarian cancer.CASE SUMMARY We report a 54 years old postmenopausal woman who was hospitalized with a lower abdominal mass and underwent surgical treatment.The final pathological confirmation was low-grade serous carcinoma of the right ovary and low-grade serous carcinoma of the left fallopian tube.No special treatment was performed after the surgery,and the patient was instructed to undergo regular follow-up without any signs of disease progression.CONCLUSION The prognosis of LGSOC is relatively good,over 80%of patients still experience disease recurrence.

Inhibitory Effects of Anti-sense PTTG on Malignant Phenotype of Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Line SK-OV-3

To construct eukaryotic expression vector expressing full length anti-sense pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) mRNA and observe its blocking effect on the potential invasion of human ovarian carcinoma cell line SK-OV-3. PCR primers containing designed enzyme cut sites were used for cloning full-length PTTG gene fragment, and the resulting PCR product was inserted into the eukaryotic vector pcDNA3.1 in the antisense direction. The recombinant vector was then transfected into SK-OV-3 by Lipofectamine. The positive cell clone was screened by G418, PTTG and bFGF at protein level expression were detected by Western blot. The biological behavior change of transfection positive cells was observed by colony formation in soft agar assay. Our results showed that SK-OV-3 clones stably expressing full-length recombinant pcDNA3.1-PTTGas were obtained. The expressions of PTTG and bFGF protein in transfected cells were decreased by 61.5 % and 52.3%, respectively as compared with non-transfected ones. The number of colony formation was reduced significantly in transfected cells as compared with empty vector transfected and non-transfected cells. It is concluded that the recombinant vector pcDNA3.1-PTTGas is a novel tool and provides an alternative anti-sense gene therapy targeted at PTTG in human carcinoma.

Targeting of p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases to Early Growth Response gene 1 (EGR-1) in the Human Paclitaxel-resistance Ovarian Carcinoma Cells

To investigate the relationship between the expression of early growth response gene 1 （EGR-1） and p38MAPK pathway in the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cells, the effect of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 on cell apoptosis was examined by using Hoechst 33258 staining. The intracellular Rh123 （Rhodamine 123） accumulation was detected by the flow cytometry （FCM）. The 50% inhibition concentration （IC50） of paclitaxel for A2780/Taxol cells was determined by MTT method. Electrophoretic motility shift assay （EMSA） was employed to examine the EGR-1DNA binding activity. MDR1 and EGR-1 mRNA were assessed by RT-PCR. The expressed of p-gp, phos- phorylated p53 and p38 were detected by Western blotting. SB203580 could remarkably promote the apoptosis of A2780/Taxol cells, and the cell apoptosis was in a time-dependent manner. Cellular Rh123 accumulation was increased, and the IC50 of paclitaxel for A2780/Taxol cells was decreased significantly. A2780/Taxol cell line after SB203580 treatment was shown to have a significantly higher level of EGR-1 DNA binding activity. SB203580 down-regulated the activity of p38MAPK pathway, but up-regulated EGR-1 expression. SB203580 significantly increased the level of cellular phosphorylated p53 protein, but decreased the p-gp protein level and MDR1 mRNA level in A2780/Taxol cells. There existed a close relationship between p38MAPK pathway and the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cells. The expression of EGR-1 mediated by p38MAPK pathway plays a critical role in paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cells.

Chemokine axes CXCL12/CXCR4 and CXCL16/CXCR6 correlate with lymph node metastasis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma

Recent evidence suggests that the chemokine axis of CXC chemokine ligand-12 and its receptor CXC chemokine receptor-4(CXCL12/CXCR4) is highly expressed in gynecological tumors and the axis of CXC chemokine ligand-16 and CXC chemokine receptor-6(CXCL16/CXCR6) is overexpressed in inflammation-associated tumors.This study aimed to determine the relationship between CXCL12/CXCR4,CXCL16/CXCR6 and ovarian carcinoma's clinicopathologic features and prognosis.Accordingly,the expression of these proteins in ovarian tissues was detected by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry.The expressions of CXCL12/CXCR4 and CXCL16/CXCR6 were significantly higher in epithelial ovarian carcinomas than in normal epithelial ovarian tissues or benign epithelial ovarian tumors.The expression of chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL16 were positively correlated with their receptors CXCR4 and CXCR6 in ovarian carcinoma,respectively(r = 0.300,P < 0.05;r = 0.395,P < 0.05).Moreover,the expression of CXCL12 was related to the occurrence of ascites(χ2 = 4.76,P < 0.05),the expression of CXCR4 was significantly related to lymph node metastasis(χ2 = 4.37,P < 0.05),the expression of CXCR6 was significantly related to lymph node metastasis(χ2 = 7.43,P < 0.05) and histological type(χ2 = 33.48,P < 0.05).In univariate analysis,the expression of CXCR4 and CXCL16 significantly correlated with reduced median survival(χ2 = 4.67,P < 0.05;χ2 = 4.48,P < 0.05).Therefore,we conclude that the chemokine axes CXCL12/CXCR4 and CXCL16/CXCR6 may play important roles in the growth,proliferation,invasion,and metastasis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

ESTABLISHMENT OF INTRAPERITONEAL TRANSPLANTATION MODEL OF CISPLATIN-RESISTANT OVARIAN CARCINOMA CELL IN SCID MICE

Objective： to develop an intraperitoneal transplantation model of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3/CDDP cell in severe combined immunodeficiency （SCID） mouse and to study its biologic characteristics. Methods： Sixteen qualified C.B 17/SCID mouse were divided into two groups randomly. Human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 or SKOV3/CDDP cells were injected intraperitoneally into the SCID mouse at the amount of 1×10^7 cells （0.5 mL） per mouse. The behaviors of mice, tumor growth and morphology were analyzed. The expression of cancer antigen 125 （CA125）, GST-π and Topo-Ⅱ were examined by immunohistochemical method. Results： In this experimental study, transplanted tumors are formed in 100% SCID mice in the two groups. The morphology, growth pattern and CA125 secretion of SKOV3/CDDP group were as same as those of SKOV3 group. It shows that the tumors of the two groups kept the characteristics of ovaries serosity papillary adenocarcinoma. Compared with SKOV3 group, the expression of GST-π and Topo-Ⅱ gene in SKOV3/CDDP group were significantly higher （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： An intraperitoneal transplantation model of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3/CDDP in SCID mice has been developed successfully. It may be an ideal animal model for biotherapy research of ovarian carcinoma as it can simulate the biological behavior of peritoneal metastasis of human ovarian carcinoma and the drug tolerance is maintained.

THE ASSOCIATION OF THE EXPRESSION OF MTA1, NM23H1 WITH THE INVASION, METASTASIS OF OVARIAN CARCINOMA

Objective. To understanding the molecular mechanisms in invasion and metastasis of the ovarian car-cinoma, we investigate a novel candidate metastasis-associated gene (MTA1) and nm23H1 mRNA ex-pression and mutation in ovarian carcinoma.Methods. Twenty primary ovarian carcinoma specimens, 20 corresponding lymph nodes and 8 normalovarian was examined for mRNA expression and mutation of MTA1 and nm23H1 genes by revere-tran-scription ploymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and RT-PCR-SSCP analysis. The level of the expressionwas determined by the relative optic desity (ROD) of the PCR products.Results. The frequency of MAT1 overexpression was 100%(7/7) in primary ovarian carcinoma withmetastasis but only 38.5% (5/13) in those without metastasis (P=0.0103 ). Overexpression of MAT1 wasobserved in 87.5%(6/7) of lymph nodes with metastasis but only 23%(3/13) of lymph nodes withoutmetastasis (P=0.0118). In contrast with MAT1, low expression of nm23H1 mRNA was seen in 7 of 7 o-varian carcinoma with metastasis but only in 4 of 13(30%) of those without metastassis (P=0.0043). Lownm23H1 expression was also seen in 7 of 7 lymph nodes with metastasis but only in 5 of 13 (38.5%)nonmetastatic lymph nodes (P=0.0102). The ROD ratio of MAT1 to nm23H1 increased with the develop-ment of metastasis. No mutation of MAT1 and nm23H1 genes was found by SSCP analysis.Conclusion. The mRNA expression of MTA1 and nm23H1 is positively and negatively correlated withlymph node metastasis, respectively. Expression abnormalities but not mutation of the two genes are fre-quent events related to lymph node metastasis of ovarian cancer.

P16 GENE EXPRESSION IN OVARIAN EPITHELIAL CYSTADENOCARCINOMA

P16 gene expression was measured by immnohistochemical method in poor differentiated serous cystadenocarcinoma cell line, xenograft of highly metastasizing human ovarian carcinoma in nude mice and paramn embedded tissues from 69 patients with ovarian carcinoma. The result showed that P16 gene was positive expression in HO-8910 cell of mother line,HO8910PM cell line and xenograft of highly mcatstasizing human ovarian carcinoma in nude mice. However, P16gene in the metastatic cell had a weaker expression. P16gene positive expression were also found in sl cases of 69cases (73.9%) in the ovarian epithelial carcinoma paramn embedded tissues. Comparative studies showed that the positive rate of P16 gene expression markedly reduced with the increase of pathologic grade and clinical stage,metastasis in the lymph node and decrease of 5-year survival (P<0.05, p<0.01).P16 gene is not only a controller of cytokerastic cycle, but also a key member of tumorigenic suppresser:its absence and expression degree are also correlated with the ovarian carcinoma genesis and development,especially with the metastasis of the ovarian cancer.

Construction of Three-dimensional In Vitro Culture Model of Ovarian Carcinoma and the Study of Its Multicellular Drug Resistance

To explore the role and possible mechanism of apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in the development of multicellular drug resistance of ovary cancer. Ovarian cancer cell A2780 multicellular spheroids （MCS） were obtained from three-dimensional culture. Drug sensitivity of monolayer cells （MC） and MCS were respectively tested by MTT staining and cytometry. The apoptosis of MC and MCS were determined by the flow cytometry （FCM）. The expression of bcl-2 and caspase-3 in A2780/MC and A2780/MCS were detected by using Western blot and caspase-3 assay kit, A2780/MC was compacted into mass after 2 days in three-dimensional cell culture model, and MCS had more than two layers of cells growing within 5 days. Compared with A2780/MC, A2780/MCS were more resistant to the anticancer drug, and the apoptosis rate was significantly lower than those of A2780/MC, The activity of caspase-3 in A2780/MCS was significantly lower than the A2780/MC. But the expression of bcl-2 in A2780/MCS was significantly higher than that in A2780/MC. It was suggested that the drug resistance of MCS might be associated with the overexpression of anti-apoptosis protein bcl-2 and the down-regulation of caspase-3 activity.

Clinical characteristics and survival of patients with normal-sized ovarian carcinoma syndrome: Retrospective analysis of a single institution 10-year experiment

BACKGROUND Normal size ovarian cancer syndrome(NOCS)is a challenge for clinicians regarding timely diagnosis and management due to atypical clinical and imaging features.It is extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the literature.More data are needed to clarify its biological behavior and compare the differences with abnormal size ovarian cancer.AIM To assess the clinical and pathological features of NOCS patients treated in our institution in the last 10 years and to explore risk factors for relapse and survival.METHODS Patients who were pathologically diagnosed with NOCS between 2008 and 2018 were included.Papillary serous ovarian carcinoma(PSOC)patients were initially randomly recruited as the control group.Demographics,tumor characteristics,treatment procedures,and clinical follow-up were retrospectively collected.Risk factors for progression-free survival and overall survival were assessed.RESULTS A total of 110 NOCS patients were included;80(72.7%)had primary adnexal carcinoma,two(1.8%)had mesotheliomas,18(16.4%)had extraovarian peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma,and eight(7.3%)had metastatic tumors.Carbohydrate antigen(CA)125 and ascites quantity were lower in the NOCS cohort than in the PSOC group.The only statistically significant risk factors for worse overall survival(P<0.05)were the levels of CA199 and having fewer than six chemotherapy cycles.The 1-year,3-year,and 5-year survival rates were 75.5%,27.7%,and 13.8%,respectively.CONCLUSION The clinical symptoms of the NOCS group are atypical,and the misdiagnosis rate is high.Ascites cytology and laparoscopic exploration are valuable in the early diagnosis to avoid a misdiagnosis.The level of CA199 is the most important predictor of overall survival,and more than six cycles of chemotherapy contributes to the increased survival rates of NOCS patients.

Effect of low dose fractionated radiation on reversing cisplatin resistance in ovarian carcinoma via VEGF and mTOR

Objective To investigate the mechanism of low-dose fractionated radiation on reversing cisplatin resistance in ovarian carcinoma via vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) in vivo.Methods Human cisplatin-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells(SKOV3/DDP) were injected into nude mice to establish ovarian cancer xenografts. The mice were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a low-dose fractionated radiation(LDRFT) group, and a conventional-dose radiation group. Each group was exposed to 0 cGy, 50 cGy, and 200 cGy radiation, respectively, for 4 weeks, up to a total of 8.0 Gy. Mice in the LDFRT group were irradiated twice daily with 6 hour intermissions on day 1 and 2 of every week for a total of 4 weeks. Conventional-dose group mice were given a single 200 cGy radiation dose on the first day each week for a total of 4 weeks. Maximum horizontal and vertical diameters of the tumors were measured every other day and used to create a tumor growth curve. After 4 weeks of irradiation, we dissected the tumor tissue and calculated the tumor inhibition rate. RT-PCR detected the expression of VEGF and m TOR, and Western blots detected the expression of corresponding proteins.Results Both LDRFT and conventional-dose radiation inhibited the growth of tumor cells, and growth of tumors in the two radiation groups compared with growth in the control group were significantly different(P < 0.05). The rate of tumor inhibition in the LDFRT group(37.5603%) was lower than in the conventionaldose group(47.4446%), but there was no significant difference(P 0.05). Compared with the other two groups, the m RNA expression of VEGF was significantly lower in the LDFRT group(P < 0.05), but there was no obvious difference between the conventional-dose and control groups. There was no obvious difference in the m RNA expression of m TOR among the three groups, but the expression of the protein p-m TOR was lower in the LDFRT group(P < 0.05), as confirmed by Western blotting.Conclusion LDFRT is as effective at inhibiting the growth of tumor cells as conventional-dose radiation. In addition, LDFRT could deregulate the expression of VEGF and p-m TOR, and may therefore play a vital role in reversing cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.

ROLE OF ERK1/2 KINASE IN CISPLATIN-INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN OVARIAN CARCINOMA CELLS

Objective To investigate the role of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway in cisplatin-induced apoptosis in human ovarian carcinoma cells. Methods Cisplatin-induced apoptosis were stained with DAPI and was assessed microscopically in human epithelial adenocarcinoma ovarian cell line SKOV3 cells. ERK activation was determined by Western blotting using an anti-phospho-ERK antibody to detect ERK activity. The effect of PD98059 on ERK activity induced by cisplatin was detected by MTT assay. Results Marked apoptosis of SKOV3 cells resulted from 48 hours treatment with 20 μg/mL cisplatin. Strong activation of ERK was led to by 15 μg/mL cisplatin. Dose response and time course of cisplatin induced apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. Cisplatin-induced ERK activation occurred at 12 hours and increased to highest induction at 24 hours by Western blotting. The effect of PD 98059 on ERK activity induced by cisplatin at the concentration of 100 μmol/L PD 98059. Statistically significant decreased in cell survival were observed with 100 μmol/L PD 98059 at 15 and 20 μg/mL cisplatin (P< 0.05). Conclusions Cisplatin activates the ERK signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3. Inhibition of ERK acti-vity enhances sensitivity to cisplatin cytotoxity in ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3. Evaluation of ERK activity could be useful in predicting which ovarian cancer will response most favorably to cisplatin therapy.

Surgery in platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is one of the three most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive tract and ranks first in terms of mortality among gynecological tumors.Epithelial ovarian carcinoma(EOC)is the most common ovarian malignancy,accounting for 90%of all primary ovarian tumors.The clinical value of cytoreductive surgery in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent EOC remains largely unclear.AIM To evaluate the feasibility of secondary cytoreductive surgery for treating platinum-resistant recurrent EOC.METHODS This was a retrospective study of the clinical data of patients with platinumresistant EOC admitted to the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences between September 2012 and June 2018.Patient baseline data were obtained from clinical records.Routine follow-up of disease progression was performed as follows.CA125 assessment and physical examination were performed every 3 wk during treatment,including gynecological examination.Imaging assessment was carried out every 12 wk by B-mode ultrasound,computed tomography,or magnetic resonance imaging.The primary outcome was progression-free survival(PFS).Secondary outcomes included overall survival(OS),chemotherapy-free interval(CFI),and complications.Follow-up ended on April 15,2019.RESULTS A total of 38 patients were included.R0 resection was achieved in 25(65.8%) patients and R1/2 in 13 (34.2%). Twenty-five (65.8%) patients required organ resection. Nine(23.7%) patients had operative complications, 36 (94.7%) received chemotherapy, and five (13.2%)had targeted therapy. Median PFS and OS were 10 (95%CI: 8.27-11.73) months and 28 (95%CI:12.75-43.25) months, respectively;median CFI was 9 (95%CI: 8.06-9.94) months. R0 resection andpostoperative chemotherapy significantly prolonged PFS and OS (all P < 0.05), and R0 resectionalso significantly prolonged CFI (P < 0.05). Grade ≥ 3 complications were observed, includingrectovaginal fistula (n = 1), intestinal and urinary fistulas (n = 1), and renal failure-associated death(n = 1). Except for the patient who died after surgery, all other patients with complications weresuccessfully managed. Two patients developed intestinal obstruction and showed improvementafter conservative treatment.CONCLUSIONSecondary cytoreductive surgery is feasible for treating platinum-resistant recurrent EOC. Thesefindings provide important references for the selection of clinical therapeutic regimens.

Three Weeks Carboplatin/Paclitaxel versus Weekly Regimen in Egyptian Women Cohort Treated for Ovarian Carcinoma

Introduction: Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma (EOC) comprises the vast majority (almost 90%) of ovarian carcinomas. Chemotherapy is the main treatment in ovarian cancers. The standard of care in the chemotherapeutic is the combination of a platinum (carboplatin or cisplatin) and a taxane (paclitaxel or docetaxel). Studies were done to determine whether this combination to be given weekly or every 3 weeks. Patient and Method: Inclusion criteria: 1) Female patients between the ages of 17 - 78 years. 2) Baseline hematological, renal and liver laboratory profiles were within accepted ranges. 3) Performance status of the patients was 0-II. 4) Patients were pathologically proven ovarian cancer. 5) A follow-up period for at least 6 months was required. Exclusion criteria: 1) Patients who had double malignancy were excluded. 2) Performance status more than II. 3) Other comorbidity. Results: We reviewed 69 female patients with EOC, with 60% received every three weeks regimen. Mean age was 53.22 years. At a median follow up of 45.9 months, there was no significant different between the two protocols in terms of mean PFS, 62.35 months (95% CI: 50.08 - 74.63 months) for the three-weekly cohort, and 69.25 months (95% CI: 55.24 - 83.26 months) for weekly protocol (p = 0.613). The three weekly regimen patients had a higher incidence of hospital admission (40% vs 18.5% for the weekly protocol patients), but it didn’t reach a statistical significance (p = 0.063). The three weekly protocol had a significantly higher incidence of causing a neutropenic fever (p = 0.003). Conclusion: In our cohort of Egyptian women with EOC, no significant difference in PFS was found when compared the weekly Carboplatin/paclitaxel when compared to the classic three weeks, although the weekly protocol may be causing less febrile neutropenia and fewer hospital admissions.

EFFECTS OF RETINOIC ACID ON PROLIFERATION AND DIFFEREN-TIATION OF A HUMAN OVARIAN CARCINOMA CELL LINE:3AO

Objective To observe the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the proliferation and differentiation of a human ovarian carcino-ma cell line: 3AO cells. Methods 3AO cell proliferation was evaluated by viable cell count, percentage of cells in each cycle phase were analyzed by flow cytometric analysis, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was determined as described , and CA125 expression was measured by ELISA. Results RA could inhibit the proliferation of 3AO cells accompanied with morphological changes in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis indicated that RA inhibition of 3AO cells growth occurred through induction of G1 arrest with a concomitant reduction in the proportion of cells in S phase, AKP activity increased significantly after treatment with RA(0.1 μmol/L) for 1-5 days. Dose-response studies revealed that the AKP activity increased to a different extent as a function of RA concentrations. Furthermore, RA could suppress the expression of CA125 tumor marker in 3AO cells.Conclusion RA could markedly inhibit the proliferation and induce the differentiation of 3AO cells. for 1-5 days.

Metaplastic carcinoma of the right breast and simultaneous giant ovarian teratoma:a case report

We describe here a female patient who presented with a breast mass and giant abdominal mass.Fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast mass and histological examination after modified radical mastectomy confirmed metaplastic carcinoma of the breast.The epithelial components were formed by infiltrating ductal carcinoma with poor differentiation,and the sarcomatous components were formed by fibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma.Histological examination of the abdominal mass confirmed ovarian teratoma.The patient underwent modified radical mastectomy of the right breast and laparoscopic excision of the abdominal mass in the lower right quadrant.Having underwent six courses of chemotherapy,the patient is now in her tenth month after surgery and under follow-up,and she has no relapsed disease.These two diseases have never seen in one patient before.The case we report here provides some new data for research and clinical experience and it may also provide a new insight into the relationship between metaplastic breast carcinoma and ovarian teratoma.

SEVEN CASES OF EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CARCINOMA WITH BRAIN METASTASIS

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of brain metastasis in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma.Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted in 7 cases of brain metastases of epithelial ovarian carcinoma from January 1986 to March 2007 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital for summarizing therapy results and prognosis-affecting factors.Results Incidence of brain metastases of epithelial ovarian carcinoma was about 0.66%(7/1055).Serous adenocarcinoma was the predominant pathological type in 4 cases and the subsequent was adenocarcinoma in 3 cases.All the patients were diagnosed at late stage,6 cases with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)stage IIIc and 1 with FIGO stage IV.The mean duration from diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma to brain metastasis was 32.7±20.0 months(range,23-73 months).Single metastasis focus occurred in 43% of cases and multiple metastases in 57% of cases.Fifty-seven percent of patients presented extracranial metastasis.Serum CA125 played a role in monitoring reoccurrence and brain metastases.The average survival time was about 12 months.Better treatment with prolonged survival could be achieved by combination of operation and chemotherapy or combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy.Conclusions As a rare condition,brain metastasis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma is rising in incidence with improved treatment of ovarian carcinoma and prolonged survival.However,brain metastasis indicates bad prognosis which can be improved by combined therapy.

Gastric metastasis from ovarian carcinoma: A case report and literature review

An isolated parenchymal gastric metastasis from ovarian carcinoma without any other sites of recurrence is extremely rare. Only two cases have been reported, both of which were symptomatic. We herein report such a case without any symptoms. A 61-year-old woman presented with a high cancer antigen-125 level without any other clinical manifestation. A subsequent 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan revealed a submucosal mass with hypermetabolism of 18F-FDG (standardized uptake value:5.36) in the gastric antrum. The final pathology after gastric antrectomy showed a metastatic gastric tumor from a primary ovarian carcinoma. We also performed an extensive literature review about gastric metastasis from ovarian carcinoma published until recently, and this is the first case of an isolated parenchymal gastric metastasis from ovarian carcinoma without any symptoms.