Analysis of the effect of medical insurance on cancer inpatients: A 10-year retrospective study on a large hospital in Northeast China

Objective The aim of the study was to analyze hospital costs for cancer inpatients availing different methods of payment and the influencing factors, to provide inputs to improve the medical insurance payment policy. Methods We analyzed the information related to length of hospital stay, hospitalization cost, and self-pay cost, collected from one large-scale, Grade A, Class Three hospital in Shenyang, China, during 2004–2013.Results The number of cancer inpatients with different payment types(medical insurance group and non-medical insurance group) presented a rising trend. Further, the ratio of medical insurance inpatients increased rapidly(from 22.2% to 48.7%); however, this group was still a minority. The length of hospital stay became shorter(21 d vs. 17 d; P = 0.000) while the gap got narrower; the hospitalized expense showed an upward trend and the difference was remarkable($24048.6 ± $4376.28 vs. $20544.36 ± $4057.01; P = 0.000). Conclusion Along with normalization of cancer therapy, the influence of payment on treatment has been getting weak, the policy has impact on controlling hospitalization cost, lightening burden of cancer patient, as well as allocating medical resources in a reasonable way, becoming an important defray pattern of hospitalization cost.

Feasibility study of emergency intervention for vascular injury outside the hospital

Background: Minimally invasive surgery in the field of traumatic vascular injury diagnosis and treatment has achieved good results. This study was designed to determine whether pre-hospital emergency intervention is feasible for vascular injury in a field intervention cabin under the condition of war or a disaster site.Methods: Different types of animal experiments of vascular injury intervention were performed in a field intervention cabin. Treatment capacity was evaluated by data collection, including duration of surgery, clinical evaluation, image clarity, and equipment handling. Environmental adaptability and mobility were evaluated by maneuverability and long-distance mobility.Results: A total of 56 surgeries(7 types) were performed in the field intervention cabin. Digital subtraction angiography(DSA) had good imaging performance. A total of 4800 km of long-distance mobility was performed, and all the equipment operated normally without any equipment failure. We participated in the medical service maneuver twice. The cabin unfolded and worked properly. There was no equipment damage during the medical service maneuver.Conclusion: Use of a field intervention cabin under the conditions of war or disaster is feasible for pre-hospital emergency intervention of vascular injury.

Puerarin prevents high glucose-induced apoptosis of Schwann cells by inhibiting oxidative stress

Oxidative stress may be the unifying factor for the injury caused by hyperglycemia in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Puerarin is the major isoflavonoid derived from Radix puerariae and has been shown to be effective in increasing superoxide dismutase activity. This study sought to investigate the neuroprotective effect of puerarin on high glucose-induced oxidative stress and Schwann cell apoptosis in vitro. Intracellular reactive oxygen radicals and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were detected by flow cytometry analysis. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL and oxidative stress was monitored using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the DNA marker 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. The expression levels of bax and bcl-2 were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, while protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and -9 were analyzed by means of western blotting. Results suggested that puerarin treatment inhibited high glucose-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, puerarin treatment downregulated Bax expression, upregulated bcl-2 expression and attenuated the activation of caspase-3 and -9. Overall, our results indicated that puerarin antagonized high glucose-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in Schwann cells.

Efficacy and safety of individually tailored antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome after coronary stenting： a single center, randomized, feasibility study

Background Low responsiveness to clopidogrel （LRC） is associated with increased risk of ischemic events. This study was aimed to explore the feasibility of tailored antiplatelet therapy according to the responsiveness to clopidogrel. Methods A total of 305 clopidogrel naive patients with acute coronary syndromes （ACS） undergoing coronary stenting were randomly assigned to receive standard （n = 151） or tailored （n = 154） antiplatelet therapy. The ADP-induced platelet aggregation tests by light transmission aggregometry were performed to identify LRC patients assigned to the tailored group. The standard antiplatelet regimen was dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. The tailored antiplatelet therapy was standard regimen for non-LRC patients and an additional 6-month cilostazol treatment for LRC patients. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke at one year. Results LCR was present in 26.6% （41/154） of patients in the tailored group. The percentage platelet aggregation for LCR patients was significantly decreased at three days after adjunctive cilostazol treatment （77.5% ± 12.1% vs. 64.5% ± 12.1%, P 〈 0.001）. At one year follow-up, a non-significant 37% relative risk reduction of primary events were observed in the tailored group as compared to the standard group （5.8% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.257）. There were no differences in the rates of stent thrombosis and hemorrhagic events between the two groups. Conclusions Tailored antiplatelet therapy for ACS patients after coronary stenting according to responsiveness to clopidogrel is feasible. However, its efficacy and safety need further confirmation by clinical trials with larger sample sizes.

Gene expression microarray analysis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus in a rat model of migraine with aura

Cortical spreading depression can trigger migraine with aura and activate the trigeminal vascular system. To examine gene expression profiles in the spinal trigeminal nucleus in rats following cortical spreading depression-induced migraine with aura, a rat model was established by injection of 1 M potassium chloride, which induced cortical spreading depression. DNA microarray analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the cortical spreading depression group showed seven upregulated genes-myosin heavy chain 1/2, myosin light chain 1, myosin light chain （phosphorylatable, fast skeletal muscle）, actin alpha 1, homeobox B8, carbonic anhydrase 3 and an unknown gene. Two genes were downregulated-RGD1563441 and an unknown gene. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and bioinformatics analysis indicated that these genes are involved in motility, cell migration, CO2/nitric oxide homeostasis and signal transduction.

Brain cell apoptosis and enhancement of nervous excitability in pregnant rats with high plasma levels of homocysteine

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an important risk factor for preeclampsia-eclampsia. This study established a pregnant rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia, in which blood plasma homocysteine concentrations were twice or three times greater than that of normal pregnant rats. TUNEL revealed an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the frontal cortex of pregnant rats with hyperhomocysteinemia. In addition, immunohistochemical staining detected activated nuclear factor-KB-positve cells in the frontal cortex. Reverse transcription-PCR detected that mRNA expression of the anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 diminished in the frontal cortex. In situ hybridization and western blotting revealed that N-methyi-D- aspartate receptor 1 mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. These results indicate that hyperhomocysteinemia can induce brain cell apoptosis, increase nerve excitability, and promote the occurrence of preeclampsia in pregnant rats.

Endovascular stent-grafts for acute and chronic type B aortic dissection: comparison of clinical outcomes

Objective To evaluate the early and mid-term results of endovascular repair for acute and chronic type B aortic dissection, and to compare the clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. Methods From May 2002 to December 2006, 50 patients with type B aortic dissection were treated by endovascular stent-graft. There were 23 patients in the acute aortic dissection (AAD) group and 27 patients in the chronic aortic dissection (CAD) group. All patients were followed up from 1 to 54 months (average, 17±16 months).The immediate and follow-up clinical outcomes were documented and compared between the 2 groups. Results Placement of endovascular stent-grafts across the primary entry tears was technically successful in all 50 patients. Compared to the CAD group, the AAD group had a higher percentage of pleural effusion (17.4% vs. 0%, P=0.04) and visceral /leg ischemia (26.1% vs 3.7%, P=0.04). Procedure related complications, including endoleak and post-implantation syndrome, occurred more frequently in the AAD group than in the CAD group (21.7% vs 3.7% and 30.4% vs 11.1%, respectively; P=0.08 and P=0.04). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no difference in the survival rate at 4 years between the 2 groups (86.4% vs 92.3%, P=0.42 by log-rank test). However, the event-free survival rate was higher in patients with chronic dissection than in patients with acute aortic dissection(96.2% vs 73.9%; P=0.02 by log-rank test). Conclu- sions Endovascular repair with stent-graft was safe and effective for the treatment of both acute and chronic type B aortic dissection. However, both immediate and long term major complications occurred more frequently in patients with acute dissection than in those with chronic dissection.

Predictors of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with coronary artery disease receiving contrast agents twice within 30 days

Background:None of study mentioned about contrast-induced acute kidney injury(CI-AKI)in people who have received contrast agents twice within in a short period of time.This study is trying to identify the predictors.Methods:We enrolled 607 patients between Oct.2010 and Jul.2015 who received contrast agents twice within 30 days in the Department of Cardiology of the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region.The primary outcome was CI-AKI within 72 h after contrast agent exposure.Patients were divided into groups A(n=559)and group B(n=48)according to whether CI-AKI occurred after the second agent.Results:Patients in group B(CI-AKI occurred after the second agent)had a more rapid heart rate and more usage of diuretics and digitalis.In group B,CI-AKI occurred more frequently after the first agent.Multivariate logistic regression showed that diuretic(P=0.006)and intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)usage(P=0.012)were independent predictors of CI-AKI after the first agent.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/AngiotensinⅡreceptor antagonist(ACEI/ARB)usage(P=0.039),IABP usage(P=0.040)and CI-AKI occurring after administration of the first agent(P=0.015)were independent predictors of CI-AKI after the second.Furthermore,dividing the patients into tertiles of the time interval between the two agents showed that CI-AKI occurred more frequently when the second agent was administered within 1–3 days after the first exposure than within 4–6 days(12.4%vs.5.0%,P=0.008)or≥7 days(12.4%vs.6.4%,P=0.039).Conclusions:Diuretic and IABP usage are independent predictors of CI-AKI following exposure to a first contrast agent.The major predictors of CI-AKI after exposure to a second agent are time since the first contrast exposure,ACEI/ARB usage,and IABP usage.More importantly,a three-day interval between the two agents is associated with a higher incidence of CI-AKI following the second administration.

Effects of omeprazole or pantoprazole on platelet function in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients receiving clopidogrel

Background: This study evaluated the effect of omeprazole or pantoprazole on platelet reactivity in non-STsegment elevation acute coronary syndrome(NSTE-ACS) patients receiving clopidogrel.Methods: Consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS(n =620) from general hospital of Shenyang Military Command were randomized to the omeprazole or pantoprazole(20mg/d) group(1:1), and received routine dual antiplatelet treatment. Patients' reversion rate of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation(ADP-PA) was assessed at baseline, 12 to 24 h after administration of medication, and after 72 h of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). The primary endpoint of the study was platelet reactivity assessed with ADP-PA at 30 days after PCI. Adverse events(AEs) were recorded for 30-day and 180-day follow-up periods.Results: There were no significant differences between both the groups in platelet response to clopidogrel at 12–24h after drug administration(54.09%±18.90% vs. 51.62%±19.85%, P=0.12), 72 h after PCI(52.15%±19.45% vs. 49.66%±20.05%, P=0.18), and 30 days after PCI(50.44%±14.54% vs. 48.52%±15.08%, P=0.17). The rate of AEs did not differ significantly between groups during the 30-day(15.2% vs. 14.8%, P=0.91) and 180-day(16.5% vs. 14.5%, P=0.50) follow-up periods after PCI.Conclusion: The addition of omeprazole or pantoprazole to clopidogrel did not restrict the effect of platelet aggregation by reducing the conversion of clopidogrel. Compared with clopidogrel alone, pantoprazole-clopidogrel and omeprazoleclopidogrel combinations did not increase the incidence of adverse clinical events during 30-day and 180-day follow-up periods after PCI.

The impacts of different embolization techniques on splenic artery embolization for blunt splenic injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Splenic artery embolization(SAE) has been an effective adjunct to the Non-operative management(NOM) for blunt splenic injury(BSI). However, the optimal embolization techniques are still inconclusive. To further understand the roles of different embolization locations and embolic materials in SAE, we conducted this system review and meta-analyses.Methods: Clinical studies related to SAE for adult patients were researched in electronic databases, included Pub Med, Embase, Science Direct and Google Scholar Search(between October 1991 and March 2013), and relevant information was extracted. To eliminate the heterogeneity, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on two reduced study sets. Then, the pooled outcomes were compared and the quality assessments were performed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS). The SAE success rate, incidences of life-threatening complications of different embolization techniques were compared by χ2 test in 1 st study set. Associations between different embolization techniques and clinical outcomes were evaluated by fixed-effects model in 2 nd study set.Results: Twenty-three studies were included in 1 st study set. And then, 13 of them were excluded, because lack of the necessary details of SAE. The remaining 10 studies comprised 2 nd study set, and quality assessments were performed using NOS. In 1 st set, the primary success rate is 90.1% and the incidence of life-threatening complications is 20.4%, though the cases which required surgical intervention are very few(6.4%). For different embolization locations, there was no obvious association between primary success rate and embolization location in both 1 st and 2 nd study sets(P >0.05). But in 2 nd study set, it indicated that proximal embolization reduced severe complications and complications needed surgical management. As for the embolic materials, the success rate between coil and gelfoam is not significant. However, coil is associated with a lower risk of life-threatening complications, as well as less complications requiring surgical management.Conclusion: Different embolization techniques affect the clinical outcomes of SAE. The proximal embolization is the best option due to the less life-threatening complications. For commonly embolic material, coil is superior to gelfoam for fewer severe complications and less further surgery management.

Effect of dendritic cell/cytokine-induced killer cell immunobiological cancer therapy combined with adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dendritic cell(DC)/cytokine-induced killer cell(CIK) immunobiological cancer therapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods From January 2010 to October 2013, 120 patients with postoperative TNBC were recruited and included in the study. Patients were enrolled in one of two groups according to whether they accepted DC/CIK immunobiological cancer therapy during adjuvant chemotherapy; the patients in the DC/CIK group underwent adjuvant chemotherapy combined with DC/CIK immunobiological cancer therapy, and the control group underwent adjuvant chemotherapy alone. When six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and six cycles of DC/CIK immunobiological cancer therapy had been completed, differences between the two groups with regard to quality of life(Qo L), immunological indicators(CD3, CD4, CD8, and NK cell levels), disease-free survival(DFS), and side effects of chemotherapy and DC/CIK treatment were evaluated.Results In the DC/CIK group, the proportion of NK cells and CD3+ and CD4+ T-cell subgroups significantly increased, and the proportion of CD8+ cells decreased when they were compared before and after DC/CIK therapy(P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in the control group. By the final follow-up, DFS of the treatment group and the control group was 38.4 and 34.2 months, respectively. The Qo L improved in the patients treated with chemotherapy plus DC/CIK therapy compared with the patients treated with chemotherapy alone, and the difference between groups was significant(P < 0.05). The side effects of two groups were tolerable and not significantly different between the two groups.Conclusion The DC/CIK treatment had potential benefits for patients with TNBC compared with the control group, and was not associated with any obvious side effects. Therefore, DC/CIK therapy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of TNBC.

Effects of internal iliac artery embolization on systemic inflammatory response syndrome in dogs with simulatedpelvic-fracture combined with massive bleeding

Background: Pelvic fracture combined with massive bleeding(PFCMB) is a complex issue in clinical practice. Currently, the use of angiography and embolization for the treatment of PFCMB obtains good results. The aim of this study is to observe the effects of early internal iliac artery embolization on the systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS) in dogs with simulated-pelvic-fracture combined with massive bleeding.Methods: Twenty adult dogs were randomly divided into an embolization group(EG) and a control group(CG). For the two groups, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature and other physiological variables were measured, and IL-6, TNF-α and arterial blood gas levels were monitored. These variables were assayed every 30 min until death in the CG, while dogs in the EG underwent arterial angiography after 60 min of modeling. The internal iliac artery was embolized on the injured side.Results: The average time to SIRS in the CG was 3.56 h, occurring at a rate of 90%(9/10) within 24 h, with a mortality rate of 50%(5/10); the average time to SIRS for the EG was 5.33 h, occurring at a rate of 30%(3/10) within 24 h, with a mortality rate of 10%(1/10). When SIRS occurred in the EG, the mean plasma IL-6 level was 52.66±7.38pg/ml and the TNF-ps, tα level was 11.45±2.72ng/ml, showing a significant difference with those of the CG(P<0.05). In the two grouhe respiratory rate and leukocyte levels were higher at each monitored time after modeling than those before modeling; the mean arterial pressure, levels of hemoglobin and oxygen partial pressure were significantly lower at each time point after modeling than those before modeling except for the mean arterial pressure at 0h in EG; the platelet levels at 4 and 8h were higher than those before modeling; and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). In the EG, the mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and hemoglobin levels at 2, 4 and 8h were lower than those at 0h; the levels of leukocytes, platelets and carbon dioxide partial pressure at 4 and 8h after modeling were higher than those at 0h, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05, P<0.01); in the CG after modeling, the mean arterial pressure, levels of hemoglobin and carbon dioxide partial pressure at 2, 4 and 8h were lower than those at 0h; the levels of heart rate and leukocytes were higher than those before modeling; the respiratory rate and platelet levels at 4 and 8h were higher than those at 0h; and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). The levels of the mean arterial pressure and hemoglobin at 4 and 8h and the p H values at 8h after modeling in the EG were significantly higher than those in the CG, while the heart rate and respiratory rate at 4 and 8h were significantly lower than those in the CG. The p H values at 8h after modeling were significantly lower than those of the other monitored times in the CG(P<0.05, P<0.01). The two groups had elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase after injury induction.Conclusion: Through the use of an on-spot interventional treatment cabin, early internal iliac artery embolization can control bleeding associated with pelvic fractures, delay the occurrence of SIRS, and improve the success rate of the treatment of pelvic fracture combined with bleeding.

Current management of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in adults:key points and new challenges

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia(CIN)is a potentially fatal and common complication in myelosuppressive chemotherapy.The timing and grade of CIN may play prognostic and predictive roles in cancer therapy.CIN is associated with older age,poor functional and nutritional status,the presence of significant comorbidities,the type of cancer,previous chemotherapy cycles,the stage of the disease,specific chemotherapy regimens,and combined therapies.There are many key points and new challenges in the management of CIN in adults including:(1)Genetic risk factors to evaluate the patient’s risk for CIN remain unclear.However,these risk factors urgently need to be identified.(2)Febrile neutropenia(FN)remains one of the most common reasons for oncological emergency.No consensus nomogram for FN risk assessment has been established.(3)Different assessment tools[e.g.,Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer(MASCC),the Clinical Index of Stable Febrile Neutropenia(CISNE)score model,and other tools]have been suggested to help stratify the risk of complications in patients with FN.However,current tools have limitations.The CISNE score model is useful to support decision-making,especially for patients with stable FN.(4)There are still some challenges,including the benefits of granulocyte colony stimulating factor treatment and the optimal antibiotic regimen in emergency management of FN.In view of the current reports,our group discusses the key points,new challenges,and management of CIN.

Predictors of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer:a meta-analysis with 723 cases

Objective: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was increasingly used as a systemic therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The pathological complete response (PCR) rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in TNBC were higher than other types of breast cancer with fluctuate data. Predictors to identify which subgroup TNBC was more likely to achieve PCR in neoadjuvant chemotherapy would give us some hints on how to improve outcomes of TNBC patients. The meta-analysis was conducted to contrast the prognostic function of some clinicopathological parameters in the PCR rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for TNBC. Methods: Studies were selected from the PubMed database. The relevant parameters to PCR rates in TNBC group were recorded. Review Manager and MIX were used to estimate prognostic function of some biological markers and clinicopathological parameters in PCR rates of TNBC. Results: The analysis included 6 studies with 723 patients, the aggregate PCR rate was 27.9% in TNBC group. The association of lymph nodes metastasis, Ki-67 expression, p53 expression and CK5/6 expression with PCR rate of TNBC was investigated in the analysis, and the odds ratios were 0.50, 9.87, 1.17 and 0.53 respectively. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that Ki-67 expression and lymph nodes metastasis were predictors of PCR rate for TNBC in neoadjuvant chemotherapy, while p53 and CK5/6 expression could not be confirmed for the prognostic function.

Clinical features and prognosis of obese breast cancer patients: a retrospective study

Objective:The aim of our study was to investigate the prognosis of obese breast cancer patients.Methods:This study was conducted on a total of 317 breast cancer patients who were histopathologically and clinically diagnosed at the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region(China)from 2004 to 2006.Clinical data including height,weight,age at diagnosis,tumor size,lymph node status,menopausal status,family history of cancer and hormone receptor status were collected.Log-rank test was performed to compare the disease free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS).Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to make multivariate analysis.The Chi square test was used to compare the clinical features among normal weight group,overweight group,and obese group.Results:Obesity was an independent prognostic factor for DFS(P=0.022)and OS(P=0.032)in breast cancer patients.In the stratified analysis based on the hormone receptor status,obesity was independently associated with OS in patients with negative ER/PR(P=0.002),but such association was not observed in patients with positive hormone receptors.Obesity was also associated with lymph node status(P=0.001)and smoking(P=0.009).Conclusion:Obesity is associated with poor DFS and OS in patients with breast cancer.Therefore,maintaining normal weight may benefit breast cancer patients.

Clinical observation of capecitabine monotherapy in elderly patients with advanced breast cancer

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capecitabine mono-chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods The data from 36 cases of capecitabine monotherapy in elderly patients with advanced breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Oral administration of capecitabine 2000 mg/m^2 twice daily （D1-14） for 21 days constituted a cycle. The effect of the disease and main adverse reactions were evaluated every 2 cycles. Results The data from 36 elderly patients were studied. The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 4. The total effective rate was 30.6% （11/36） and the disease control rate was 72.2% （26/36）. The number of patients with clinical comptete remission was 2, clinical partial response was 9, stable disease was 15, and progressive disease was 10. Where treatment was effective, the median time to progression was 6 months and the median overall survival was 9.5 months. The main adverse events were gastrointestinal reactions, bone marrow suppression, and oral mucositis; most of the reactions were grade 1 to 2. Grade 3 to 4 adverse reactions included granulocytopenia in 2 patients （12.5%） and hand-foot syndrome in 1 patient （6.7%）. Conclusion Capecitabine monotherapy was effective in controlling disease progression, and adverse reactions were tolerated by elderly patients with advanced breast cancer.

Primary application of a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the detection of human breast cancer related novel gene-Metadherin expression

Objective:The aim of this study was to detect the expression level of Metadherin (MTDH) in peripheral blood of the breast cancer patients by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR),and to explore the relationship between expression of Metadherin gene in the patients peripheral blood and the clinic-pathological features in breast cancer. Methods:Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the expression level of Metadherin gene in 80 peripheral blood samples of breast cancer patients and healthy donors. Results:The expression of Metadherin gene in breast cancer patients peripheral blood were positive,in which 34 breast cancer patients were highly expressed,accounting for 55.7%,while the expression of Metadherin gene in normal females peripheral blood were negative,there was statistical significance (Ratio = 2.02±0.81,P < 0.05); Ratio of the Metadherin expression in breast cancer patients peripheral blood and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression was 1.15 ± 0.36. REST software analysis showed that the expression of Metadherin gene was significantly up-regulated in breast cancer. Conclusion:The SYBR Green I quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method can successfully detect the expression level of Metadherin gene. Expression level of Metadherin gene in breast cancer patients peripheral blood is closely related to survival,and it maybe involved in the development of breast cancer and used as an indicator of prognosis.

The application of Meta-analysis in the latest comprehensive treatment of breast cancer

Meta-analysis is a kind of systematic review,which uses quantitative method to summarize the results.It is a comprehensive evaluation to the findings of previous studies with higher credibility.Recently,it is applied to all areas of scientific research,particularly in the integrated treatment of breast cancer.Currently,breast cancer is known one of the most common malignant tumors,and its incidence is increasing year by year.Therefore,more and more clinical doctors pay attention to the effect of comprehensive treatment for patients with breast cancer.This article mainly collects the results of comprehensive treatment of breast cancer,in which the method of Meta-analysis is applied.In addition,we discuss the latest progress in order to guide the clinical treatment.

Relationship between peritumoral lymphatic microvessel density and the clinical and pathological characteristics of invasive breast cancer

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the morphological characteristics of lymphatic microvessels and the relationship between lymphatic microvessel density(LMVD) and clinical and pathological characteristics of invasive breast cancer.Methods Tissue specimens and clinical pathological data of 51 cases of female breast cancer were collected in the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region(Shenyang, China) from January 2007 to October 2011. Another 20 breast fibroadenoma tissue samples were used as controls. All specimens were cut into 4-μm slices, and immunohistochemically stained using streptomycin-resistant avidin peroxidase antibody D2-40. SPSS 17.0 for Windows was used to perform all analyses.Results A total of 38 breast cancer tissue specimens showed varied staining with monoclonal antibody D2-40. The rate of positive staining was in these tissues was 74.5%(38/51), which is significantly higher than that observed in breast fibroadenoma tissues(chi-square = 35.197, P = 0.000). The average LMVD in 38 cases of breast cancer was(26.46 ± 10.06) microvessels/100× magnification field, which was higher than that in the control group(t = 10.74, P = 0.000). Microvessels in peritumoral tissues were abundant, with an average LMVD of(38.42 ± 11.38) microvessels/100× magnification field. Based on layered analysis, the expression level of peritumoral LMVD was correlated with metastasis of lymph nodes, tumor size, and the expression of C-erb B-2(P < 0.05); however, there was no correlation with age or expression of estrogen receptors or progesterone receptors(P > 0.05).Conclusion Lymphatic microvessels detected using D2-40 antibody are mainly present in the peritumoral region of breast cancer tissues, and LMVD showed a correlation with lymph node metastasis and the expression of C-erb B-2. Positive lymphatic vessels, especially in the peritumoral region, may provide a path for lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer. Peritumoral LMVD may be used to estimate the prognosis of patients with breast cancer and may aid in research on treatment methods.

Efficacy of pemetrexed combined with erlotinib/gefitinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients during tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment

Objective We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed combined with erlotinib/gefitinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients during tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI) treatment. Methods Thirty-two patients with advanced NSCLC were divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received continuous daily epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFRTKI) treatment, and patients in the experimental group received continuous daily EGFR-TKI along with pemetrexed treatment, which was administered on day 1 at 500 mg/m2. Erlotinib(150 mg) or gefitinib(250 mg) was administered daily from day 1 to day 21, with a cycle of every 21 days. Dexamethasone, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were also administered during the treatment. The endpoint of the primary study was the disease control rate. Results The objective response rate was 21.9%(95% CI: 7.6% to 36.3%) in the control group, whereas the disease control rate was 84.4%(95% CI: 71.8% to 97.0%) in the experimental group. The median progression-free survival was 6.2(95% CI: 2.4 to 10.0). Grades 3 or 4 adverse effects of leucopenia(15.6%), neutropenia(12.5%), anemia(3.1%), and nausea or vomiting(3.1%) were found in the experimental group.Conclusion The administration of pemetrexed combined with erlotinib or gefitinib showed a higher efficacy in TKI-resistant NSCLC patients. Further, the adverse effects of this drug combination were well tolerated by the patients. Pemetrexed combined with TKI treatment might provide a satisfactory therapeutic strategy for advanced NSCLC patients after TKI treatment.