Different types of tumor microvessels in stageⅠ-ⅢA squamous cell lung cancer and their clinical significance

BACKGROUND Lung cancer(LC)is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among malignant neoplasms.Improving the diagnosis and treatment of LC remains an urgent task of modern oncology.Previously,we established that in gastric,breast and cervical cancer,tumor microvessels(MVs)differ in morphology and have different prognostic significance.The connection between different types of tumor MVs and the progression of LC is not well understood.AIM To evaluate the morphological features and clinical significance of tumor MVs in lung squamous cell carcinoma(LUSC).METHODS A single-center retrospective cohort study examined medical records and archival paraffin blocks of 62 and 180 patients with stage I-IIIA LUSC in the training and main cohorts,respectively.All patients underwent radical surgery(R0)at the Orenburg Regional Cancer Clinic from May/20/2009 to December/14/2021.Tumor sections were routinely processed,and routine Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining for cluster of differentiation 34(CD34),podoplanin,Snail and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha were performed.The morphological features of different types of tumor MVs,tumor parenchyma and stroma were studied according to clinicopathological characteristics and LUSC prognosis.Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10.0 software.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for LUSC metastasis to regional lymph nodes(RLNs)and disease recurrence.Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to discriminate between patients with and without metastases in RLNs and those with and without disease recurrence.The effectiveness of the predictive models was assessed by the area under the curve.Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.The log-rank test was used to compare survival curves between patient subgroups.A value of P<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS Depending on the morphology,we classified tumor vessels into the following types:normal MVs,dilated capillaries(DCs),atypical DCs,DCs with weak expression of CD34,"contact-type"DCs,structures with partial endothelial linings,capillaries in the tumor solid component and lymphatic vessels in lymphoid and polymorphocellular infiltrates.We also evaluated the presence of loose,fine fibrous connective tissue(LFFCT)and retraction clefts in the tumor stroma,tumor spread into the alveolar air spaces(AASs)and fragmentation of the tumor solid component.According to multivariate analysis,the independent predictors of LUSC metastasis in RLNs were central tumor location(P<0.00001),the presence of retraction clefts(P=0.003),capillaries in the tumor solid component(P=0.023)and fragmentation in the tumor solid component(P=0.009),whereas the independent predictors of LUSC recurrence were tumor grade 3(G3)(P=0.001),stage N2(P=0.016),the presence of LFFCT in the tumor stroma(P<0.00001),fragmentation of the tumor solid component(P=0.0001),and the absence of tumor spread through the AASs(P=0.0083).CONCLUSION The results obtained confirm the correctness of our previously proposed classification of different types of tumor vessels and may contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of LUSC.

Predictors of disease recurrence after radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage IIb-IIIa squamous cell lung cancer:A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Lung cancer(LC)is a global medical,social and economic problem and is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of mortality from malignant neoplasms.LC is characterized by an aggressive course,and in the presence of disease recurrence risk factors,patients,even at an early stage,may be indicated for adjuvant therapy to improve survival.However,combined treatment does not always guarantee a favorable prognosis.In this regard,establishing predictors of LC recurrence is highly important both for determining the optimal treatment plan for the patients and for evaluating its effectiveness.AIM To establish predictors of disease recurrence after radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage IIb-IIIa lung squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC).METHODS A retrospective case-control cohort study included 69 patients with LSCC who underwent radical surgery at the Orenburg Regional Clinical Oncology Center from 2009 to 2018.Postoperatively,all patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.Histological samples of the resected lung were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors associated with the risk of disease recurrence.Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to discriminate between patients with a high risk of disease recurrence and those with a low risk of disease recurrence.Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.The log-rank test was used to compare survival curves between patient subgroups.Differences were considered to be significant at P<0.05.RESULTS The following predictors of a high risk of disease recurrence in patients with stage IIb-IIa LSCC were established:a low degree of tumor differentiation[odds ratio(OR)=7.94,95%CI=1.08-135.81,P=0.049];metastases in regional lymph nodes(OR=5.67,95%CI=1.09-36.54,P=0.048);the presence of loose,fine-fiber connective tissue in the tumor stroma(OR=21.70,95%CI=4.27-110.38,P=0.0002);and fragmentation of the tumor solid component(OR=2.53,95%CI=1.01-12.23,P=0.049).The area under the curve of the predictive model was 0.846(95%CI=0.73-0.96,P<0.0001).The sensitivity,accuracy and specificity of the method were 91.8%,86.9%and 75.0%,respectively.In the group of patients with a low risk of LSCC recurrence,the 1-,2-and 5-year disease-free survival(DFS)rates were 84.2%,84.2%and 75.8%,respectively,while in the group with a high risk of LSCC recurrence the DFS rates were 71.7%,40.1%and 8.2%,respectively(P<0.00001).Accordingly,in the first group of patients,the 1-,2-and 5-year overall survival(OS)rates were 94.7%,82.5%and 82.5%,respectively,while in the second group of patients,the OS rates were 89.8%,80.1%and 10.3%,respectively(P<0.00001).CONCLUSION The developed method allows us to identify a group of patients at high risk of disease recurrence and to adjust to ongoing treatment.

Synergistic effect of all-trans-ret inoic acid and arsenic trioxide on growth inhibition and apoptosis in human hepatoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on arsenic trioxide (As2O3)-induced apoptosis of human hepatoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer cells in an attempt to find a better combination therapy for solid tumors.METHODS: Human hepatoma cell lines HepG2, Hep3B,human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, and human lung adenocarcinoma cell line AGZY-83-a were treated with As2O3 together with ATRA. Cell survival fraction was determined by MTT assay, cell viability and apoptosis were measured by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and PI staining, and intracellular glutathione (GSH)and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were determined using commercial kits.RESULTS: Cytotoxicity of ATRA was low. ATRA (0.1, 1,and 10 μmol/L) could synergistically potentiate As2O3 to exert a dose-dependent inhibition of growth and to induce apoptosis in each of the cell lines. HepG2 and Hep3B with low intracellular GSH or GST activities were remarkably sensitive to As2O3 or As2O3+ATRA, while AGZY-83-a with higher GSH or GST activities was less sensitive to As2O3or As2O3+ATRA. Treatment with 2 μmol/L As2O3 for 72 h significantly decreased intracellular GSH and GST levels in each of the cell lines, and 1 μmol/L ATRA alone reduced minimal intracellular GSH and GST levels. ATRA potentiated the effect of As2O3 on intracellular GSH levels, but intracellular GST levels were not significantly affected by the combination of As2O3 and ATRA for 72 h as compared to As2O3 alone.CONCLUSION: ATRA can strongly potentiate As2O3-induced growth-inhibition and apoptosis in each of the cell lines, and two drugs can produce a significant synergic effect. The sensitivity to As2O3 or As2O3+ATRA is inversely proportional to intracellular GSH or GST levels in each of the cell lines. The GSH redox system may be the possible mechanism by which ATRA synergistically potentiates As2O3 to exert a dose-dependent inhibition of growth and to induce apoptosis.

Synchronous multiple lung cancers with hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Synchronous multiple lung cancers are rare and refer to the simultaneous presence of two or more primary lung tumors,which present significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of multiple synchronous lung cancers with hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinoma of unknown origin in a 73-year-old man.Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma.Although enlargement of lymph node 12u was detected,no distant metastases were observed.The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with T1cN0M0 and underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with nodal dissection(ND2a).Based on histopathological findings,the primary lesion was squamous cell carcinoma.A microinvasive adenocarcinoma was also observed on the cranial side of the primary lesion.Tumors were detected in two resected lymph nodes(#12u and#11s).Both tumors were pathologically diagnosed as small cell carcinomas.The primary lesion of the small cell carcinoma could not be identified even by whole-body imaging;however,chemotherapy was initiated for hilar lymph node metastasis of the small cell carcinoma of unknown origin.CONCLUSION Multiple synchronous lung cancers can be accompanied by hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinomas of unknown origin.

18β-glycyrrhetinic Acid-induced Apoptosis and Relation with Intracellular Ca^2＋ Release in Human Breast Carcinoma Cells

To study the effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on proliferation inhibition, apoptotic induction, and the relationship between GA-induced apoptosis and intracellular Ca^2+ concentration in human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. Methods: After MCF-7 cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 50 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L for 24 h, cell viability of proliferation was as sessed by MTTassay. After the cells were treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L GA for 24 h, the rates of cell apoptosis were examined by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling method and flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide fluorescent stain. After the cells treated with 150 μmol/L GA for 24 h, intracellular Ca^2+ concentration was measured by Fure-2 fluorescein load method. Results: After the cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 100 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L, the rates of proliferative inhibition were increased significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) in a dosedependent fashion. IC50 of the proliferation inhibition was 234.33 μmol/L. Treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L, the rates of cell apoptosis were increased significantly (P<0.01). Intracellular Ca^2+ concentration after treatment with GA was higher evidently than that of control (P<0.05). Conclusion: 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid has the effects of the proliferation inhibition and the apoptotic induction on MCF-7 cells. The rise of intracellular Ca^2+ level may be depended on apoptosis induced by GA in MCF-7 cells.

Basic Investigations EXPRESSION OF GAP JUNCTION PROTEIN Cx43 IN CULTURED HUMAN NORMAL AND MALIGNANT LUNG CELLS

Gap junctional intercellular communicationexchange of small molecules and ions between contiguous cells through membranous gap junctional channelsis essential for growth control and tissue homecotasis. This work concerns the functional expression of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in normal human lung cells and the changes in lung carcinoma cells. By. using Northern blot hybridization analysis and Cx43 immunocytochemical methods, it was otherved that cultured normal human embryonic lung cells expressed a high level of Cx43 in both mRNA and protein levels.The Cx43 immunofluorescence was localized at cell membrane regions corresponding to the location of gap junctions. These normal lung cells were competent of intercellular communication function as detected by Lucifer yellow dye transfer. In contrast to normal celis, Cx43 mRNA and protein was not detectable in the carcinoma PG cell line. These tumor cells were defective of intercellular communication function. These results demonstrate that Cx43 is expressed in normal cultured human embryonic lung cells but not in lung tumor cells. The lack of intercellular communication in the lung tumor cell line correlates with dysfunctional intercellular communication. The suggestive role of Cx as a tumor suppersor gene is discussed.

Multiple Primary Malignancies: Metastatic Renal with Early Breast and Endometrial Cancers: A Case Report

Double primary malignancies could be divided into two categories, depending on the interval between tumor diagnoses. A secondary malignancy could be defined as a new cancer that has occurred as a result of previous treatment with radiation or chemotherapy. Second primary malignancy can occur at any age but it’s commonly at old age. A 46 premenopausal female patient presented to our outpatient clinic complaining from a mass in her right breast, routine metastatic work-up for distant metastasis declared multiple hepatic metastases, RT renal mass, and bone metastases. Palliative radiotherapy to tender and weight bearing sites followed by 4 cycles of systemic chemotherapy FEC regimen were received. Tru-cut needle biopsy from renal mass detected renal cell carcinoma of clear cell type, the patient started sunitinib and tamoxifen with bisphosphonate (Zoledronic acid), assessment of the response revealed reduction of the size and number of HFLs, and the size of renal mass, so the patient was decided to do cytoreductive nephrectomy and then continued on TAM and sunitinib. Collectively, due to the rising incidence of multiple primary malignancies, further studies should be done not only for better clinical evaluation and treatments but also for accurate determination of possible causes, pathogenesis, effective managements and screening programs.

Effect of Breathing on Exposed Lung Volumes and Doses in Patients with Breast Carcinoma Receiving Radiotherapy

Introduction: This study evaluates the changes in the lung volume (LV) exposed radiation during the breath cycle and whether these volume differences have an effect on both lung and target doses in breast carcinoma patients. Material and Methods: Ten patients with left breast carcinoma underwent breast conservative surgery or mastectomy receiving radiotherapy (RT) (breast or chest wall and regional lymph nodes) were included. For this study, planning computerized tomography (CT) images were obtained during deep inspiration (DI) and end of expiration (EE), besides free breathing (FB) to simulate breath cycles. Three-dimensional conformal or intensity-modulated RT planning was done to obtain dose-volume information using CT series taken FB, DI and EE. The treatment plan was done with FB images and exported to the DI and EE scans and re-calculated. Volume changes and calculated dose differences according to breath cycles were compared. Results: There were significant differences in the whole LV, ipsilateral LV and contralateral LV between FB-DI and EE-DI while no significant difference was seen between FB and EE. V20 was lower during DI than FB and EE but the difference was not significant. There was no significant variation in whole breast dose although significant dose variations were observed in mean MI, supraclaviculary and level III axillary lymph node doses between breath cycles. Conclusion: Breath cycle had no significant effect on whole breast dose although significantly changed regional lymph node doses in patients with breast carcinoma receiving whole breast and regional lymph nodes radio-therapy. V20 dose was lower during DI than FB and EE, but the difference was not significant.

Nedaplatin/Gemcitabine Versus Carboplatin/Gemcitabine in Treatment of Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nedaplatin/gemcitabine （NG） and carboplatin/gemcitabine （CG） in the management of untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. Methods： Sixty-two patients with previously untreated advanced NSCLC were recruited between June 2006 and November 2007. Subjects were randomly assigned to the NG arm （n=30） and the CG arm （n=32）. Only patients （24 and 25 in the NG and CG arms, respectively） who completed 〉2 chemotherapy cycles were included in the data analysis. The primary outcome measure was the objective response rate （ORR）. The secondary outcome measures included progression-free survival （PFS）, overall survival （OS） and adverse events. Results： There were no statistically significant differences in the efficacy measures （ORR, P=0.305; median PFS, P=0.298, median OS, P=0.961） or in the major adverse events （grade 3/4 neutropenia, P=0.666; grade 3/4 anemia, P=0.263; grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia, P=0.222） between the two treatment arms. However, there was a trend towards higher ORR （37.5% vs. 24.0%）, longer PFS （6.0 vs. 5.0 months）, and less adverse events in the NG arm. Conclusion： NG regimen seems to be superior over CG regimen for advance NSCLS, but further investigation is needed to validate this superiority.

Clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics of 44 patients with pure secretory breast carcinoma

Objective: Secretory breast carcinoma(SBC) is a rare type of breast malignancy, accounting for less than 0.02% of all infiltrating breast malignancies. The pure SBC, a type of SBC without another type of breast malignant neoplasm, is particularly rare. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic and molecular features of pure SBC.Methods: The main pathological parameters such as estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor(PR), and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2(C-erbB-2) were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the clinicopathologic and prognostic difference were compared with invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC). Fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was performed to identify the ETV6-NTRK3 rearrangement of SBC.Results: We found that the positivity rates of ER, PR, C-erbB-2, p53, and S-100 were 47.7%(21/44), 52.3%(23/44), 36.4%(16/44), 27.3%(12/44), and 95.5%(42/44), respectively, which were higher than those reported in previous studies. Special periodic acid-Schiff analysis was performed in 36 patients, and the value of the Ki-67 index ranged from 1% to 50%(mean value:10%). Interestingly, most patients with pure SBC harbored an ETV6-NTRK3 rearrangement with an 88.6%(39/44) expression rate. Compared with IDC, the tumor size of most patients with SBC was larger than 2 cm(P = 0.024). Ultrasound showed benign lesions, and the total misdiagnosis rate was higher(P = 0.020). Although the pathological classification was mostly triple-negative breast cancers(P = 0.036), there was less metastasis(P = 0.029), and the overall prognosis was better than that of the IDC group.Conclusions: Although axillary lymph node metastasis, local recurrence, or distant metastasis may occur, SBC is also considered an indolent neoplasm with a good prognosis. Once diagnosed, surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible,followed by appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy, irradiation, and endocrine therapies.

Expression and significance of CD44s, CD44v6, and nm23 mRNA in human cancer

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the expression levels of nm23 mRNA, CD44s, and CD44v6,and oncogenesis, development and metastasis of human gastric adenocarcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma,intraductal carcinoma of breast, and lung cancer.METHODS: Using tissue microarray by immuhistochemical (IHC) staining and in situ hybri-dization (ISH), we examined the expression levels of nm23mRNA, CD44s, and CD44v6 in 62 specimens of human gastric adenocarcinoma and 62 specimens of colorectal adenocarcinoma; the expression of CD44s and CD44v6in 120 specimens of intraductal carcinoma of breast and 20 specimens of normal breast tissue; the expression of nm23 mRNA in 72 specimens of human lung cancer and 23 specimens of normal tissue adjacent to cancer.RESULTS: The expression of nm23 mRNA in the tissues of gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma was not significantly different from that in the normal tissues adjacent to cancer (P＞0.05), and was not associated with the invasion of tumor and the pathology grade of adenocarcinoma (P＞0.05). However, the expression of nm23 mRNA was correlated negatively to the lymph node metastasis of gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma (r = -0.49, P＜0.01; r = -4.93, P＜0.01). The expression of CD44s in the tissues of gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma was significantly different from that in the normal tissues adjacent to cancer (P＜0.05;P＜0.01). CD44v6 was expressed in the tissues of gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma only, the expression of CD44v6 was significantly associated with the lymph node metastasis, invasion and pathological grade of the tumor (r = 0.47, P＜0.01; r = 5.04, P＜0.01). CD44sand CD44v6 were expressed in intraductal carcinoma of breast, the expression of CD44s and CD44v6 was significantly associated with lymph node metastases and invasion (P＜0.01). However, neither of them was expressed in the normal breast tissue. In addition, the expression of CD44v6 was closely related to the degree of cell differentiation of intraductal carcinoma of breast (x2= 5.68, P＜0.05). The expressional level of nm23mRNA was closely related to the degree of cell differentiation (P＜0.05) and lymph node metastasis (P＜0.01), but the expression of nm23 gene was not related to sex, age, and type of histological classification (P＞0.05).CONCLUSION: Patients with overexpression of CD44s and CD44v6 and low expression of nm23 mRNA have a higher lymph node metastatic rate and invasion. In addition, overexpression of CD44v6 is closely related to the degree of cell differentiation. Detection of the three genes is able to provide a reliable index to evaluate the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells.

Co-infection of Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus in human tumorigenesis

Viral infections contribute to approximately 12%of cancers worldwide,with the vast majority occurring in developing countries and areas.Two DNA viruses,Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) and human papillomavirus(HPV),are associated with38%of all virus-associated cancers.The probability of one patient infected with these two distinct types of viruses is increasing.Here,we summarize the co-infection of EBV and HPV in human malignancies and address the possible mechanisms for the co-infection of EBV and HPV during tumorigenesis.

Effect of respiratory training apparatus and vibration expectoration vest on expectoration in patients with lung cancer resection

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the safe and effective method of expectoration in the preoperative period of patients with lung cancer resection and to promote the rehabilitation of patients.Methods: A total of 100 cases of lung cancer patients undergoing elective surgery were divided into the observation group and the control group, with 50 cases in each group. The control group was treated with vibration expectoration vest for expectoration during the perioperative period, and the observation group was treated with respiratory function exerciser that has expectoration function in the perioperative period, three times a day, and the effect was evaluated after 5 days.Results: The number of patients in the observation group after the first expectoration time was significantly less than that of the control group(P<0.001). Pain score, pulmonary atelectasis, and pulmonary infection rate of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group;the hospitalization time was significantly shorter than that of the control group; and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusions: Lobectomy for lung cancer patients with perioperative respiratory training for respiratory function exercise, compared with conventional methods, is helpful for postoperative expectoration and to reduce the incidence of adverse events.

Synchronous breast cancer and breast lymphoma:two case reports and literature review

Synchronous breast cancer and breast lymphoma are rare. It is of high rate of misdiagnosis in clinical practice. Here we present two cases with this presentation. They are both middle-aged women, with stage I invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. One patient happened to have primary breast lymphoma （PBL）; the other was secondary breast lymphoma （SBL）. Their pathology and immunohistochemistry （IHC） findings supported the diagnosis of multiple primary carcinoma. Both patients had a surgery. Then they both received CHOP regime chemotherapy and subsequent endocrine therapy.

Clinical and scientific impact of human papillomavirus on head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer(HNC) arises from the skull base to the clavicles and is the fifth most common cancer in the world by incidence. Historically, in the developed world HNC was associated with tobacco use and alcohol consumption, and the combination of the two produced a synergistic increase in risk. However, beginning in 1983, investigators have found a significant and growing proportion of HNC patients with human papillomavirus-positive(HPV) tumors who neither drank nor used tobacco. Since that time, there has been increased interest in the molecular biology of HPV-positive HNC. Multiple studies now show that HPV has shifted the epidemiological landscape and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC). These studies provide strong evidence for improved survival outcomes in patients with HPV-positive HNSCC compared to those with HPV-negative HNSCC. In many reports, HPV status is the strongest predictor of locoregional control, disease specific survival and overall survival. In response to these findings, there has been significant interest in the best management of HPV-positive disease. Discussions within major cooperative groups consider new trials designed to maintain the current strong survival outcomes while reducing the long-term treatment-re-lated toxicities. This review will highlight the epidemiological, clinical and molecular discoveries surrounding HPV-related HNSCC over the recent decades and we conclude by suggesting how these findings may guide future treatment approaches.

REVERSION OF MALIGNANT PHENOTYPES OF HUMAN LUNG SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA CELLS BY ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE ANTISENSE RNA

Abnormally elevated activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), and subsequent polyamine accumulation are intimately associated with the genesis.development and metastasis of cancer. In the present study, to control the growth of tumor cells, ODC antisense RNA was used to transfect human lung squamous carcinoma cell line LTEP-78. Compared with the parental cells, growth of the antisense transfected LTEP-78 cells arrested in G0/Gl phase and colony formation in soft agarose and tumorigenicity in nude mice were significantly reduced. Nucleic acid hybridization demonstrated that the transfectants expressed a high level of ODC antisense RNA and a significantly reduced level of endogenous ODC mRNA.The results suggest that the reversion of malignant phenotypes of human lung squamous carcinoma cells transfected with ODC antisense RNA is associated with the inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis.

Downregulation of miRNA-21 and cancer stem cells after chemotherapy results in better outcome in breast cancer patients

Epigenetic modifications have been observed as a decline in miRNA-21 expression and breast cancer stem cell(CSC)population after 3 cycles of standard chemotherapy.The epigenetic response(miRNAs expression)and CSCs are also correlated in patients with Breast Cancer.In patients who tolerated chemotherapy well,miRNA-21(non-coding RNA)expression decreased significantly after three cycles of chemotherapy.The miRNA-21 expression in breast cancer tissue was quantified by quantitative PCR(real-time PCR)using the standard protocol.In addition,breast CSCs(CD44+/CD24-)were also decreased in these patients.The miRNA-21 regulates cell division,proliferation,and autophagy of cancerous cells(as it targets phosphatase and tensin homolog/AKT/transcription factor EB/programmed cell death 4/autophagy-related protein 5 and chemotherapy also produces similar effects),thereby contributing to these benefits.Therefore,when all of the targets on genes have been explored by mimic miRNA,chemotherapy combined with anti-miRNA21 therapy may prove useful in the care of cancer patients.

Up-Regulation of the Gap Junction Intercellular Communication by Tea Polyphenol in the Human Metastatie Lung Carcinoma Cell Line

Our previous study has proven that tea polyphenol has a role in lung neoplasms. The present communication was to investage the anti-proliferation effect of tea polyphenol on the PG cells, which was a high metastatic human lung carcinoma cell line, by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) cell viability assay, and to study the change of intracellular calcium concentration, connexin43 (Cx43) expression, gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and cell cycle distribution after the tea polyphenol treatment by laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The results showed that 1) tea polyphenol could kill the PG cells in a dose-depent manner via inhibiting the PG cell proliferation and blocking the PG cell cycle progression staying in G0/G1 phase and not transfering in S and G2/M phases to reduce the PG cell proliferation index;2) the increases of intracellular calcium concentration, GJIC and Cx43 expression were related with the tea polyphenol doses. The data suggested that tea polyphenol could inhibit the growth of PG cells, which mechanism was associated with the up-regulation of GJIC.

A Prospective Randomized Study of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Completely Resected Stage III-N2 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

To evaluate the effect of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy on survival after complete resection of stage III-N2 non-small-cell lung cancer. Methods： From Jan. 1999 to Dec. 2003, one-hundred and fifty patients, who were diagnosed as stage III-N2 non-small cell lung cancer after operation, were randomly devided into chemotherapy group and control group. The former received four cycles of chemotherapy with NVB （25 mg/m^2, D1, D5）/paclitaxel （175 mg/m^2, D1） and Carboplatin （AUC=5, D1）. Results： In chemotherapy group, 75.8% （68/79） of patients had finished the 4 cycles of chemotherapy and no one died of toxic effects of chemotherapy. Twenty-five percent of the patients had grade 3-4 neutropenia and 2% had febrile neutropenia. The median survival for the entire 150 patients was 879 d, with 1-year survival rate of 81%, 2-year survival rate of 59% and 3-year survival rate of 43%. There was no significant difference in median survival between chemotherapy and control group （897 d vs 821 d, P=0.0527）, but there was significant difference in the 1-year and 2-year overall survival （94.71%, 76.28% vs 512 d, P=0.122）, but there was significant difference in the 2-year survival rate between two groups with brain metastases （66.7% vs 37.6% P〈0.05）. The median survival after brain metastasis appeared was 190 days. Conclusion： Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy does not significantly improve median survival among patients with completely resected stage II-N2 non-small-cell lung cancer, but significantly improves the 1-year and 2-year overall survival. It neither decreases the incidence of brain metastasis but put off the time of brain metastasis.