Up-regulation of mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 in ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer

AIM: To characterize tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) expression in the progression of ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated colorectal cancer.

Florid reactive periostitis ossificans of the humerus: Case report and differential diagnosis of periosteal lesions of long bones

A case of florid reactive periostitis ossificans(RPO) arising in a long bone is presented. This is a rare bone proliferation with a pronounced periosteal reaction. Less than 100 cases have been described in the literature with far fewer outside the bones of the hand, feet, fingers, and toes. Although the etiology is unknown, a relationship to preceding trauma is suggested. The imaging and histologic features show an overlap with other bone lesions including bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, subungual exostosis, and malignant surface tumors of bone and cartilage which include, periosteal and parosteal osteosarcoma. It is important to recognize the clinical presentation and diagnostic features of RPO as a benign entity so that it is not mistaken for a more aggressive neoplasm. We present a case of a right distal humeral lesion that on histopathological review revealed florid RPO. This diagnosis was not suspected on imaging studies, but was made on open biopsy of the mass. The patient remains disease free, years postoperatively. In addition to presenting this unique case report, we review the pertinent literature, and offer a differential diagnosis and treatment strategy for its management.

Tumor-and osteoclast-derived NRP2 in prostate cancer bone metastases

Understanding the role of neuropilin 2(NRP2)in prostate cancer cells as well as in the bone microenvironment is pivotal in the development of an effective targeted therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer bone metastasis.We observed a significant upregulation of NRP2 in prostate cancer cells metastasized to bone.Here,we report that targeting NRP2 in cancer cells can enhance taxane-based chemotherapy with a better therapeutic outcome in bone metastasis,implicating NRP2 as a promising therapeutic target.Since,osteoclasts present in the tumor microenvironment express NRP2,we have investigated the potential effect of targeting NRP2 in osteoclasts.Our results revealed NRP2 negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation and function in the presence of prostate cancer cells that promotes mixed bone lesions.Our study further delineated the molecular mechanisms by which NRP2 regulates osteoclast function.Interestingly,depletion of NRP2 in osteoclasts in vivo showed a decrease in the overall prostate tumor burden in the bone.These results therefore indicate that targeting NRP2 in prostate cancer cells as well as in the osteoclastic compartment can be beneficial in the treatment of prostate cancer bone metastasis.

Giant abdominal osteosarcoma causing intestinal obstruction treated with resection and adjuvant chemotherapy

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma(ESOS)is an uncommon tumor that accounts for 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas and 4% of all osteosarcomas. Its presentation may be atypical,while pain has been described as the most common symptom. Radiological findings include a large mass in the soft-tissues with massive calcifications,but no attachment to the adjacent bone or periosteum. We present the case of a 73-year-old gentle man who presented with a palpable,tender abdominal mass and symptoms of bowel obstruction. Computer tomography images revealed a large space-occupying heterogeneous,hyper dense soft tissue mass involving the small intestine. Explorative laparotomy revealed a large mass in the upper mesenteric root of the small intestine,measuring 22 cm × 12 cm × 10 cm in close proximity with the cecum,which was the cause of the bowel obstruction. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of an ESOS. ESOS is an uncommon malignant soft tissue tumor with poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of less than 37%. Regional recurrence and distant metastasis to lungs,regional lymph nodes and liver can occur within the first three years of diagnosis in a high rate(45% and 65% respectively). Wide surgical resection of the mass followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been the treatment of choice.

Histological grades and prognostic markers of well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor(WDPNET)

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(PNETs)are the second most common neoplasm of the pancreas after ductal adenocarcinoma.The clinical behavior of PNETs is very difficult to predict,especially for well-differentiated PNETs.Several classification systems have been developed to differentiate benign from malignant PNETs.The current 5th edition WHO(2019)updated the grading system of PNETs which is now entirely based on proliferative rate(either mitotic count or Ki-67 index).In this article,we systemically reviewed the evolution of the histologic classification and grading systems for well-differentiated PNETs.Meanwhile,we also report a comprehensive summary of immunohistochemical and molecular prognostic factors for PNETs patients,including CK19,KIT,PDL1/PD-L1,UCH-L1 and CNPY2.We believe that more reliable grading systems and prognostic markers are emerging and will change the landscape of treatment for well-differentiated PNETs.