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Introduction Lysyl oxidase-like 4 is an amine oxidase from the lysyl oxidase family that was previously shown to be overexpressed in head and neck cancer and upregulated in response to hypoxia. The possible role of lysyl oxidase-like 4 as a tumor marker in advanced stage larynx cancer was investigated. Objective To investigate the expression of lysyl Oxidase-Like 4 protein in advanced stage laryngeal cancer and elucidate its possible role as a tumor marker, predictor of treatment response and prognosticator. Methods Diagnostic specimens of 72 patients treated for stage III–IV laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were evaluated for lysyl oxidase-like 4 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results Lysyl oxidase-like 4 expression was correlated with advanced tumor stage (p = 0.041) and better differentiation (p = 0.025) but was independent of tumor diameter (p = 0.456). Response to induction chemotherapy or the need for salvage laryngectomy were not affected by lysyl oxidase-like 4 expression (p = 0.999, p = 0.070 respectively). Increased lysyl oxidase-like 4 expression was associated with better 2 year overall survival in both univariate (p = 0.036) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.014). Conclusion Lysyl oxidase-like 4 expression emerges with advancing stages, is lost with worsening differentiation, and may have tumor suppressive properties in larynx cancer.

Purpose The oncological benefit of postchemotherapy residual tumor resection (PC-RTR) in patients with germ cell tumors and elevated serum tumor markers (STMs) remains unclear. This analysis was performed to better define patients who benefit from surgery in this setting. Patients and methods Of 575 PC-RTR procedures (07/2008 - 07/2019), 153 were performed in patients with elevated STMs (human chorionic gonadotropin (s-HCG) >2.0 mIU/ml, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >7.0 µg/l), including 55 after first-line and 98 after second- or later-line chemotherapy. Results Viable cancer in the resected specimen was significantly more common in the salvage group than in the first-line group (48.98% vs. 16.36%, p=0.0001988) and was a predictor of survival in both groups. A preoperative serum level of AFP ≥30 µg/l was a significant predictor of viable cancer in the first-line and salvage groups (55.56% [p=0.0157] and 66.67% [p=0.0017], respectively). The overall relapse-free survival rate (22.7% and 50%, p=0.00032) and overall survival rate (37.8% and 65%, p=0.0059) were significantly worse in the salvage group than in the first-line group. A preoperative serum level of AFP ≥30 µg/l and viable cancer/teratoma found in the histological examination of the RTR specimens were significant predictors of relapse after first-line chemotherapy. Serum AFP ≥30 µg/l and HCG ≥20 mIU/ml were significant factors affecting survival in the first-line group. Conclusion Patients with AFP serum levels>30 µg/l and HCG ≥20 mIU/ml after first-line chemotherapy should receive salvage chemotherapy instead of surgery. After second- or later-line therapy, the prognosis of patients with elevated markers and surgery is poor regardless of the tumor marker levels. However, 38% of these patients are long-term survivors, which justifies PC-RTR in this setting.

Abstract: Early diagnosis and accurate prognosis are significant important challenges against effective treatment of cancer and improving patient’s condition. Hitherto, many research works have tended to focus on the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) to detect cancers and estimate the survival rates of patients with multiple cancer types, including colorectal, breast, non-small cell lung, and pancreas cancer. Limited sensitivity and specificity of this traditional tumor marker make it an inappropriate biomarker to diagnose cancer, especially in the early stages while several lines of research have introduced miRNAs as reliable indicators of tumor initiation, development, and therapy response. Indeed, miRNAs have unique properties that provide considerable benefits, such as discriminating benign diseases from malignancies, predicting cancer development and progression, checking sensitivity to treatment, and initial detecting of tumors. This review summarizes the relationships between miRNAs and CEA, the diagnostic significance of CEA in combination with miRNAs, and the distinct advantages of miRNAs over CEA as tumor biomarkers. Advancement in our current understanding of miRNAs is very essential to discover new and effective biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic goals of cancer patients.

Objective To explore the application value of breast cancer tumor markers tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS), carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) detection alone or in combination for the monitoring of distant metastasis of breast cancer. Method The clinical data of 389 female breast cancer patients admitted to Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2016 to March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Serum levels of TPS, CA125, CA15-3, and CEA were compared to analyze their significance in prediction distant metastasis of breast cancer. The patients were divided into the distant metastatic group and the non-metastatic group according to whether the patients had distant metastasis. The non-metastatic group was divided into the control group and the occult metastasis group according to whether distant metastases occurred in 3 years after treatment. Result The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that all four markers had the diagnostic value in distant metastasis of breast cancer (AUCTPS = 0.754, AUC15-3 = 0.821, AUCCEA = 0.755, AUCCA125 = 0.651) and in occult metastasis in 3 years after treatment (AUCTPS = 0.751, AUC15-3 = 0.744, AUCCEA = 0.725, AUCCA125 = 0.661). To estimate whether the discrimination ability could be improved by marker panels, we established marker panels composed of TPS, CA125, CA15-3, and CEA. To discriminate distant metastasis from non-distant metastasis, the diagnostic ability of different panels composed of TPS, CA125, CA15-3 and CEA did not show significant difference compared with single CA15-3 (P > 0.05). To discriminate occult metastasis from the control group, no significant difference was shown in AUC between marker panels and single marker (P > 0.05). However, the sensitivity was improved when the marker-panels were used overall. Conclusion All tumor markers have abilities in prediction of distant metastasis of breast cancer. The combined detection of the markers is more valuable than using single tumor marker in improving sensitivity. Two markers' panels are more suitable for the prediction of distant metastasis of breast cancer than three or four makers' panels with the similar sensitivity and AUC.

Background/Aim: With the development of systemic treatment methods for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), the concept of unsuitable for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has become important. This study aimed to establish a simple predictive scoring system for determining TACE unsuitable status. Materials/Methods: From 1998 to 2015, 196 patients with intermediate-stage uHCC with Child-Pugh A (score 5:6 = 108:88) and given TACE as the initial treatment were enrolled. At the baseline, tumor burden (Milan criteria-out, up-to-7 in/out, and up-to-11 in/out: 0–2 points) and modified albumin-bilirubin grade 1/2a or 2b (0–1 point) were added to determine the score for TACE unsuitable (CITRUS-MICAN score; low Results: Median survival time (MST) was better for low compared to high CITRUS-MICAN score (42.0 vs. 26.4 months) (p = 0.002). A 2-step evaluation using the combination of CITRUS-MICAN and TM scores showed an MST of 43.2 months for low CITRUS-MICAN/TM score 0/1 (rank-A) and 39.6 months for low CITRUS-MICAN/TM score ≥2 (rank-B2), while it was 46.8 months for high CITRUS-MICAN/TM score 0 (rank-B1), 28.8 months for high CITRUS-MICAN/TM score 1 (rank-B2), and 22.8 months for high CITRUS-MICAN/TM score ≥2 (rank-C). For rank-A cases (n = 51), MST was 43.2 months, while it was 46.8 months for rank-B1 (n = 12), 31.2 months for rank-B2 (n = 82), and 22.8 months for rank-C (n = 51) (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that rank-C indicates absolute TACE unsuitable status. For rank-A patients, good prognosis with TACE can be expected, while TACE refractoriness status during the clinical course should be carefully evaluated so as to anticipate the appropriate timing for switching to systemic treatment in rank-B1 and -B2 patients.

Gliomatosis peritonei (GP), almost exclusively linked to mature or immature ovarian teratoma, is a very rare disease. To the best of our knowledge, reports on the complete clinical course and imaging features of ovarian mature teratoma with GP are extremely rare. We present a case of ovarian mature teratoma with GP in a 9-year-old girl admitted to the emergency department for a 2-month history of a large abdominal mass found accidentally. Carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 125 levels were elevated. CT scans suggested a large mass with mild enhancement, and an immature teratoma derived from the left ovary with ascites was diagnosed by ultrasound. Subsequently, left ovarian tumor resection and omentectomy were performed, and a solid cystic mass accompanied by massive ascites and numerous white to grayish nodules was identified on the left ovary. The pathology results revealed a mature teratoma with GP. The patient had good postoperative recovery, and her serum tumor marker levels decreased to normal at the 3-month follow-up.

We herein report a successfully treated case of huge ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by conversion hepatectomy after transarterial embolization (TAE) and lenvatinib therapy. A 33-year-old male patient with right hypochondralgia and liver tumor was referred to our hospital. He had a history of surgery for heart malformation. The tumor at the right lobe was 15 cm in diameter with bloody ascites. Right atrial thrombus 4.5 cm in diameter and marked cardiac dilatation were observed. TAE with ethanol suspended in lipiodol and gelatin sponge achieved hemostasis of the ruptured HCC. Although viable HCC remained after TAE, surgical treatment was abandoned because of abdominal wall invasion and his heart function. Lenvatinib and rivaroxaban were then initiated for HCC and atrial thrombus, respectively. Lenvatinib treatment resulted in a reduction in tumor marker levels and the tumor size. First, we planned conversion hepatectomy after 5 months of lenvatinib. However, recurrence of atrial thrombus prompted us to put off the surgery, and lenvatinib was re-administered. After improvement of atrial thrombus, we finally performed conversion hepatectomy 10 months after starting lenvatinib administration. The tumor was completely removed by combined resection of the diaphragm, and the patient has been doing well without any signs of recurrence.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of combined treatment with Yiqi Jianpi Yangxue Decoction and chemotherapy (carboplatin + paclitaxel) on quality of life (QOL) and adverse reactions of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC).Methods: One hundred and fourteen (114) ROC patients in The Second Children & Women’s Healthcare of Jinan City were split into chemotherapy group (n = 60) and combination group (n = 54), based on whether or not they were treated with Yiqi Jianpi Yangxue Decoction. Differences in clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, levels of tumor marker, levels of immune indexes, and scores on Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) between the two groups were evaluated.Results: Treatment effectiveness was higher in the combination group than in the chemotherapy group (p < 0.05). Compared with the chemotherapy group, post-treatment levels of HE4 and CA125 in the combination group were lower, while the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+, and population of NK cells were higher (p < 0.05). After treatment, the KPS score in the combination group was higher than the corresponding score in the chemotherapy group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Combination of Yiqi Jianpi Yangxue Decoction and chemotherapy (carboplatin + paclitaxel) produces significant enhancement of clinical efficacy in the treatment of ROC. The combination treatment is highly safe, and improves the health status and QOL of patients. Therefore, the combination treatment appears to be suitable for the management of ovarian cancer.

Objectives: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with an obvious need for more accurate prognostics. Previous studies identified C-reactive protein (CRP) as a prognostic serum biomarker for colorectal cancer, whereas the biomarkers tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI) and tumor-associated trypsin-2 (TAT-2) are less well-known prognostic factors. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the prognostic role of these biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Our cohort consisted of 219 women and 274 men who underwent colorectal cancer surgery at Helsinki University Central Hospital from 1998 through 2005. Serum and plasma samples were collected before surgery, aliquoted, stored at −80°C, and then analyzed using high-sensitivity methods with commercially available time-resolved immunofluorometric assay kits. Results: In univariate analysis, CRP (HR 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–2.23; p = 0.001), TATI (HR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.13–3.08; p = 0.014), and TAT-2 (HR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.13–2.06; p = 0.006) were significant prognostic biomarkers across the entire cohort. In subgroup analyses, TATI and TAT-2 represented significant negative prognostic factors among patients older than 66, while patients with left-sided disease, a high serum TAT-2, or a high plasma CRP experienced worse prognosis. None of the biomarkers emerged as important in the disease stage subgroup analysis nor did they serve as independent factors in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: TATI and TAT-2 as well as CRP significantly, but not independently, served as prognostic factors in our cohort of colorectal cancer patients. Further research is needed to fully understand their clinical role in colorectal cancer.

Background Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a biomarker with potential to reflect comprehensive genomic information and overcome intratumor heterogeneity. In contrast, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a conventional tumor marker for predicting recurrence, survival, and chemotherapeutic efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the relationship between them remains unclear. Here, the relationship between plasma ctDNA and CEA levels was evaluated to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of their clinical use. Methods A total of 110 patients with mCRC underwent chemotherapy were enrolled. Amplicon‐based plasma genomic profiling of 14 genes that are commonly mutated in CRC by next‐generation sequencing was compared to the CEA level and tumor diameter using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results The overall concordance rate between the ctDNA and CEA levels was 75.5% (83/110). The correlation coefficient between the ctDNA and CEA levels was lower in the group of patients without liver and lymph node metastases (r = 0.18, p = 0.44) than in the group of patients with liver metastasis (r = 0.48, p, Tumor diameter and ctDNA and CEA levels highly correlated in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. Status of ctDNA and CEA may not be consistent in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients without liver metastasis or with low tumor volume. Both results should be considered when deciding a treatment strategy for mCRC patients without liver metastases.

Background Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM), a rare manifestation of metastatic cancer with poor prognosis, is characterized by subacute/acute fatal pulmonary hypertension. The main cause of PTTM is gastric cancer, and cases of early gastric cancer confirmed using autopsy have been reported. Moreover, several cases of early gastric cancer that are undetectable on endoscopy or macroscopic postmortem examination have been reported. Case presentation A previously healthy 50-year-old man presented with progressive dyspnea and cough for 1 month. Echocardiography suggested pulmonary hypertension. Computed tomography revealed diffuse lymphadenopathy, whereas blood work revealed an elevation in several serum tumor marker levels. Despite normal upper endoscopic findings, a presumptive diagnosis of PTTM due to gastric cancer was made based on pathological findings of cervical lymph node biopsy, which indicated signet ring cell carcinoma. Imatinib and tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil plus oxaliplatin therapy were started on day 7. The patient’s condition was initially stable. However, his symptoms suddenly progressed, and the patient died on day 8. Macroscopic postmortem examination revealed no abnormal gastric wall findings. Microscopically, PTTM was confirmed, and multiple serial sections of the stomach revealed early gastric cancer. Conclusions Despite normal endoscopic findings, micro-occult gastric cancer can lead to PTTM. Physicians should be aware of this disease presentation. Taking prompt action is needed when PTTM is suspected, even if the patient appears stable.

Background: The requirement for malaria elimination to be recognized is to prove Background. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer following lung and breast cancer with the second most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Delayed diagnosis due to limited source and modality to perform early diagnosis lead to advanced-stage condition which contributes to higher morbidities and mortalities. Recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer depends on biopsy of suspected tissues, either obtained surgically or per colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer detection through cell-free DNA measurement allowing small-size cancer being detected even in early stage. cfDNA originated from derivates of increased and abnormality apoptosis-necrosis pathway from cancer lesion, therefore can be managed as specific tumor marker. Methods: Diagnostic test was performed at the Gastroentero Hepatology Outpatient Unit and Internal Medicine Inpatient Unit of Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang from March to June 2021. Data processing and analysis using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows. Results: Among 50 subjects included, 39 subjects (78%) are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, whereas 11 subjects (22%) as control. The median of cfDNA result is 59,71 ng/mL with 92,3% sensitivity, 90,9% specificity, 95,2% positive predictive value, 82,3% negative predictive value, and 92,4% accuracy rate. Combination the measurement of cfDNA, CEA, and CA19-9 appears to have better AUC instead of single measurement. Conclusion: The study reveals that cell-free DNA (cfDNA) demonstrated a very promising accuracy rate in diagnosing colorectal cancer.

MN/CA9 is a cell surface glycoprotein and a tumor-associated antigen. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell proliferation and oncogenesis. There is no ideal tumor marker currently available for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, we studied MN/CA9 gene expression in the tumor tissue, apparently normal kidney tissue, preoperative blood, and urine samples of patients with RCC. We included thirty cases of renal tumors (26 RCC and 4 benign tumors) in the study. We applied an RT-PCR assay for MN/CA9 gene expression to 26 RCC kidney tumor samples and four benign kidney tumor tissue samples. We also evaluated MN/CA9 gene expression in preoperative blood and urine samples of 15 of these cases. Additionally, thirty-five grossly normal renal tissue samples, including 21 from kidneys with RCC, were also evaluated for gene expression. The RT-PCR analysis revealed that twenty-one out of 26 RCC tissue samples showed MN/CA9 gene expression compared to three out of 35 non-malignant renal tissue samples (p

Background While several phase III trials have investigated the role of hypofractionated radiotherapy in the definitive treatment of localized prostate cancer, prospective data reporting the outcomes of hypofractionated radiotherapy in the postoperative treatment setting are sparse. Therefore, this study is designed to assess the efficacy and treatment-related toxicity of hypofractionated salvage radiotherapy for the treatment of biochemical recurrence in men who underwent radical prostatectomy. The primary objective of this trial is to investigate whether hypofractionated radiotherapy improves biochemical control compared with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. In addition, treatment-related toxicity, quality of life, and survival will be evaluated as secondary endpoints. Methods In this prospective, randomized, multi-institutional trial (the SHARE study), patients with intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer will be randomized to receive either hypofractionated radiotherapy (65 Gy in 2.5-Gy fractions) or conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (66 Gy in 2-Gy fractions). Prostate bed irradiation or elective pelvic nodal irradiation including the prostate bed will be performed using intensity-modulated radiotherapy and daily image guidance. Treatment efficacy will be assessed using the serum tumor marker prostate-specific antigen, and toxicity will be evaluated through both physician- and patient-reported outcomes. Quality of life will also be investigated. Discussion This study is designed to demonstrate whether hypofractionated radiotherapy is beneficial in terms of biochemical control and toxicity compared with standard salvage radiotherapy. If hypofractionated radiotherapy is shown to be superior to conventionally fractionated radiotherapy, it will mean that improved biochemical control can be achieved, accompanied by greater patient convenience and more efficient use of medical resources. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03920033. Registered on 18 April 2019

A 69-year-old man with abdominal distention was referred to our hospital. The patient had undergone laparoscopic surgery for his Borrmann type 2 rectal cancer 2 years before. In addition to the re-elevation of serum CEA and CA19-9 levels, computed tomography (CT) showed intestinal dilatation, and positron emission CT showed a presumed tumor with abnormal fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the small intestine. We judged the small intestinal dilatation was highly due to the solitary recurrent peritoneal dissemination of rectal cancer and performed laparoscopic evaluation of the abdominal cavity followed by laparoscopic resection of the affected small intestine. The small intestinal tumor resembled the rectal cancer both on macroscopical and microscopical findings, that is, Borrmann type 2 phenotype and adenocarcinoma that was well differentiated in the part that protruded into the small intestinal lumen and whose degree of differentiation gradually decreased toward the serosa. In addition, abrupt disruption of the normal small intestinal epithelium and the lymphocytic aggregation, presumed tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, just between the tumor and the small intestinal epithelium highly suggested the tumor originating from the colon cancer. The patient recovered uneventfully with marked decrease in tumor marker levels 1 month after the operation but did not receive colon cancer-oriented chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy for his financial reasons. Oncologists should note this type of recurrence to properly treat the patients with recurrent colorectal cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in the regulation of mRNA transcription and translation, and possess all desirable features of an ideal tumor marker. Of almost 31 different miRNA clusters identified in germ cell tumors (GCTs), miR-371a-3p has shown exceptionally high sensitivity and specificity for both seminomatous and nonseminomatous GCTs. It is easily obtainable and correlates well with tumor burden. Recent multi-institutional prospective studies have shown promising test characteristics for miR-371a-3p as a diagnostic blood-based biomarker for GCT prior to orchiectomy including 80%–100% sensitivity and 90%–100% specificity. This accuracy may address other unmet needs in the management of patients with GCT. Early studies have suggested the utility of miR-371a-3p in detecting occult nodal metastasis in high-risk clinical stage I and early stage II disease. Ongoing clinical trials including SWOG 1823 and AGCT1531 are specifically designed to confirm the utility of miR-371a-3p in clinical stage I GCT. Despite its strong association with viable GCT after treatment with chemotherapy, miR-371a-3p does not seem to accurately predict the presence of teratoma in residual lesions. Also, standardization of extraction and interpretation methods is a necessary step to assure uniform results across different institutions.

Colorectal cancer was infrequently diagnosed several decades ago. Nowadays, it is the world's fourth most deadly cancer with almost 900,000 deaths annually. Colorectal cancer had a low incidence several decades ago. However, it has become predominant cancer and now accounts for approximately 10% of cancer-related mortality in western countries. The ‘rise’ of colorectal cancer in developed countries can be attributed to the increasingly aging population, unfavorable modern dietary habits and an increase in risk factors such as smoking, low physical exercise and obesity. New treatments for primary and metastatic colorectal cancer have emerged, providing additional options for patients; these treatments include laparoscopic surgery for primary disease, more aggressive resection of metastatic disease (such as liver and pulmonary metastases), radiotherapy for rectal cancer and neoadjuvant and palliative chemotherapies. However, these new treatment options have had a limited impact on cure rates and long-term survival. Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Tumor marker, Hereditary colorectal cancer, Mediterranean diet.

ZusammenfassungTraditionell besteht das multimodale Therapiekonzept bei den differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinomen in der Thyreoidektomie mit Neck-Dissection (bei cN+-Halsstatus) und adjuvanten Radiojodablation mit abschließender risikoadaptierter TSH-Suppression. Das Ausmaß der Radiojodaufnahme beim metastasierten Schilddrüsenkarzinom spielt eine signifikante Rolle bei der Einschätzung der Prognose. Das fehlende Jodspeicherungsvermögen einer Läsion in Zusammenschau mit dem fehlenden Abfall des Tumormarkers Thyreoglobulin sowie radiologische Zeichen einer Tumorprogression charakterisieren den Radiojod-refraktären Patienten. Aufgrund des meistens über einen langen Zeitraum indolenten Verlaufs erscheint in den meisten Fällen ein abwartendes Verhalten in Kombination mit lokaler Metastasenbehandlung sowie Symptomlinderung primär sinnvoll zu sein. Der Nachweis einer Veränderung der Tumordynamik ist der Zeitpunkt, um eine Systemtherapie zu evaluieren. Diese beruht auf Multi-Tyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren (Sorafenib, Lenvatinib). Diese Substanzen sind größtenteils mit einem ungünstigen Nebenwirkungsprofil assoziiert (Diarrhö, Hautauschläge, arterielle Hypertonie mit hypertensiver Entgleisung, lokale Wundheilungsstörungen), welches zu einer nicht vernachlässigbaren Rate einer therapieassoziierten Morbidität sowie einer hohen Anzahl an Therapieunterbrechungen führt. Daher sind im Jahr 2020 2 selektive RET-Inhibitoren (Selpercatinib, Pralsetinib) für die differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinome von der FDA zugelassen worden. Eine neue Perspektive für die Zukunft wären die unterschiedlichen Redifferenzierungsstrategien, welche auf die Steigerung der Sensitivität der Tumorzellen auf Radiojod abzielen.

We investigated the diagnostic value of the tumor marker CA724 in patients with primary gastric cancer. One hundred forty-six patients with primary gastric cancer were selected as the observation group; 89 patients with gastritis treated in the same period were included in the control group 1; 91 patients with healthy physical examination during the same period were included in the control group 2. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to determine the level of carbohydrate antigen CA724 in each group; the pathological data of the observation group were consulted, and the expression level of tumor marker CA724 under different pathological conditions was analyzed; ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of CA724 in gastric cancer and gastritis. The level of CA724 in primary gastric cancer patients was significantly correlated with tumor diameter, tumor stage, differentiation type, and lymph node metastasis. The ROC curve was drawn with a CA724 cutoff value of 7.94 U/Ml. The AUC value of CA724 in primary gastric cancer patients was 0.815, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 84.68% and a specificity of 71.95%. In conclusion, CA724 was highly expressed in patients with primary gastric cancer, which can achieve the diagnostic differentiation of gastric cancer and gastritis, and obtain a high diagnostic efficiency, providing a reference basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Background. Lung cancer (LC) occupies a leading position in the structure of cancer morbidity and is one of the leading causes of death. Search for effective approaches to assess the course of LC using informative criteria is a topical task of modern oncology. LC usually develops with increased level of osteopontin (OP) and osteocalcin (OC) in the blood, which has prognostic significance in the framework of survival of patients. The serum content of these osteooncomarkers is directly associated with presence of metastases in patients and rapid progression of the disease, but these data need further clarifi­cation. Purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical-pathogenetic and prognostic significance of OP and OC in patients with different variants of LC course. Materials and methods. 115 patients with LC aged from 24 to 80 (average age 58 years old) were examined, among which there were 78 % of men and 22 % of women. None of the patients were operated for LC previously and before the examination receive radiochemotherapy. Small-cell histological variant of the disease was found in 17 % of cases and non-small-cell — in 83 %. Immunoassay analysis was used to study the levels of OP and OC in the blood serum and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results. In patients with LC, the values of oncoosteoassociated markers OP and OC in the serum increased, which were observed in 99 and 98 % of cases, respectively. Changes in OP and OC were associated with the form of the disease, its histological variant, degree of differentiation, integrated severity of LC course, nature of primary tumor complications and peculiarities of metastasis. A high level of markers in the blood had little effect on three-year survival of patients, and OP parameters are prognostic criteria for LC course. OP and OC values in the blood directly correlated with each other, and OP content, in addition, had posi­tive relationships with such tumor marker as VEGF, which refers to the stimulants of neoangiogenesis. Metastatic lesion of skeleton and development of cerebral circulation disorders as a result of subsequent radiochemotherapy was directly related to high concentration of OP in the blood, which is a risk factor for other treatment complications. Conclusion. High levels of OP and OC in the blood have important clinical and pathogene­tic significance in LC. Study of these osteooncomarkers indices will contribute to early diagnosis of specific signs of the disease progression, improvement of quality of timely diagnosis of metastasis in the musculoskeletal system and prediction of possible radiochemotherapy complications.

Peritoneal dissemination is one of the most common forms of metastasis with a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. This study aimed to investigate the clinical use of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125) in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 182 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery were included in the study. The patient’s age, sex, presence of metastasis and peritoneal dissemination, the degree of tumor differentiation, and preoperative serum tumor marker levels were examined. A total of 34 patients were diagnosed as having peritoneal dissemination. The patients were examined according to peritoneal dissemination and CA 125 (p

BACKGROUND Intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma (IBC) is a rare benign hepatic tumor that is often misdiagnosed as other hepatic cystic diseases. Therefore, imaging examinations are required for preoperative diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has gained increasing popularity as an emerging imaging modality and it is considered the primary method for screening IBC because of its specificity of performance. We describe an unusual case of monolocular IBC and emphasize the performance of CEUS. CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old man complained of epigastric pain lasting 1 wk. He had no medical history of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis or parasitization. Physical examination revealed a mass of approximately 6 cm in size in the upper abdomen below the subxiphoid process. Tumor marker tests found elevated CA19-9 levels (119.3 U/mL), but other laboratory tests were unremarkable. Ultrasound and computerized tomography revealed a round thick-walled mass measuring 83 mm × 68 mm located in the left lateral lobe of the liver that lacked internal septations and manifested as a monolocular cystic structure. CEUS demonstrated that in the arterial phase, the anechoic area manifested as a peripheral ring with homogeneous enhancement. The central part presented with no enhancement. During the portal phase, the enhanced portion began to subside but was still above the surrounding liver tissue. The patient underwent left partial liver lobectomy and recovered well without tumor recurrence or metastasis. Eventually, the results of pathological examination confirmed IBC. CONCLUSION A few IBC cases present with monolocular characteristics, and the lack of intracystic septa in imaging performance cannot exclude IBC.

Tumor markers are commonly utilized in the diagnostic evaluation, treatment decision making, and surveillance of appendiceal tumors. In this study, we aimed to determine the prognostic significance of elevated preoperative tumor markers in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei secondary to low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm who underwent cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Using a multi-institutional database, eligible patients with measured preoperative tumor markers [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), or cancer antigen 125 (CA-125)] were identified. Univariate and multivariate Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis assessed relationships between normal and elevated serum tumor markers with progression-free and overall survival in the context of multiple clinicopathologic variables. zTwo hundred and sixty-four patients met criteria. CEA was the most commonly measured tumor marker (97%). Patients who had any elevated tumor marker had a higher peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) as compared to those with normal range markers. Elevated CEA and CA 19-9 levels were individually associated with longer inpatient length of stay, requirement for intraoperative transfusion, and incomplete cytoreduction. Utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, increased PCI score, elevated CA 19-9 (p = 0.007), and CA-125 levels (p = 0.01) were predictive of decreased progression-free survival on univariate analysis. However, in a multivariate model, only elevated PCI was a statistically significant predictor of progression-free survival. Elevated preoperative tumor markers indicate a higher burden of disease but are not independently associated with survival in this retrospective multi-institutional cohort. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the utility of these markers in this patient population.

Background No useful tumor markers have been identified for the diagnosis of thymic carcinomas. Serum cytokeratin 19 fragment, measured using the CYFRA 21‐1 immunoassay, is used as a tumor marker for squamous cell carcinomas in various malignant tumors. Here, we evaluated the value of CYFRA 21‐1 in diagnosing thymic carcinoma. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 94 patients with pathological diagnoses of thymic carcinoma or thymoma (32 and 62 patients, respectively) who were referred to our departments between January 2000 and March 2019. Primary outcomes included tumor marker levels and their diagnostic accuracy. Results Patients with thymic carcinoma were significantly more likely to be male (thymic carcinoma, 68.8%; thymoma, 40.3%; p = 0.02), have an advanced TNM stage (p, Patients with thymic carcinoma showed higher CYFRA 21‐1 levels than those with thymoma. ROC curve of the CYFRA 21‐1 used to distinguish thymic carcinoma and thymoma demonstrated the AUC for CYFRA 21‐1 of 0.86. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that CYFRA 21‐1 level independently distinguished thymic carcinoma from thymoma.

As life expectancy increases, older people require strict individualization of management and treatment, taking into account all age and pathophysiological characteristics of a particular patient, a more attentive approach to the features of clinical manifestations of diseases, the presence of comorbid pathology. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of postmenopausal patients with benign ovarian tumors is a debatable issue, since none of the existing diagnostic methods of research in practice provides sensitivity and specificity equal to or at least approaching 100% of the indicator. The progressive aging of the population raises the question of whether it is necessary to operate on menopausal patients with benign ovarian tumors of small size (up to 5 cm), given the low percentage of malignancy of these formations and the high risk of deterioration in the patients quality of life after surgical interventions.

Here, we report a case of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9‐producing mediastinal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (atypical carcinoid). A 54‐year‐old woman with no specific relevant medical history was referred to our hospital because of increased CA19‐9 (95.3 U/ml) detected on health screening. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an anterior mediastinal mass without localized lymphadenopathy. Thoracic surgery was performed and the histopathological diagnosis was thymic CA19‐9‐positive NET. The patient developed mediastinal lymph node metastasis at 1 year (CA19‐9: 413 U/ml) and multiple bone metastases 4 years (CA19‐9: 2303 U/ml) after surgery. Increased CA19‐9 levels paralleled the clinical courses of relapse. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CA19‐9‐producing thymic NET., We report a case of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9‐producing mediastinal neuroendocrine tumor (atypical carcinoid). This is the first report of CA19‐9‐producing thymic neuroendocrine tumor.

Introduction HE4 and CA 125, two established biomarkers for assessing adnexal masses in non-pregnant women, are hardly investigated in pregnancy, especially in pregnancy-associated conditions. The aim was to evaluate HE4 and CA 125 levels in the course of pregnancy and to assess the impact of pregnancy disorders, contractions and rupture of membranes on HE4 and CA 125 serum levels in order to use these parameters for evaluation of adnexal masses in pregnancy.Patients and Methods Blood samples (n = 238) of 201 women seen at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, were prospectively obtained during pregnancy and postpartum. Serum concentrations of HE4 and CA 125 were analyzed. ROMA index was calculated by the premenopausal formula.Results HE4 serum levels were highest in the third trimester. Contractions (p Conclusions HE4 serum levels are influenced by several pregnancy-related conditions leading to significantly higher levels in these cases. Despite differing medians according to trimester, the 95th percentile cut-offs and almost all maximum values during the entire course of pregnancy were below the established cut-off for premenopausal women. It was also superior to the performance of ROMA index. Therefore, HE4 can be used as a valuable negative predictive marker for the assessment of adnexal masses during pregnancy.

Background In this feasibility study we aimed to evaluate the value of previously reported molecular tumor biomarkers associated with lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to optimize neck strategy selection criteria.Methods The association between expression of cortactin, cyclin D1, FADD, RAB25, and S100A9 and sentinel lymph node status was evaluated in a series of 87 (cT1-2N0) patients with OSCC treated with primary resection and SLNB procedure.Results Tumor infiltration depth and tumor pattern of invasion were independent prognostic markers for SLN status, while none of the tumor makers showed a better prognostic value to replace SLNB as neck staging technique in the total cohort. However, in the subgroup of patients with pT1N0 OSCC, cortactin expression (OR 16.0, 95%CI 2.0-127.9) was associated with SLN classification.Conclusions Expression of cortactin is a promising immunohistochemical tumor marker to identify patients at low risk that may not benefit from SLNB or END.

Objective The aim of our study was to analyze the potential relationship between tumor markers and 18F-fluorodoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) results in patients affected by seminoma. Material and methods 65 18F-FDG PET/CT scans of 41 patients with diagnosis of seminoma were analyzed and compared to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). PET/CT studies were analyzed qualitatively and measuring the maximum and mean standardized uptake value body weight max (SUVbwmax, SUVbwmean), maximum SUV lean body mass (SUVlbm), maximum SUV body surface area (SUVbsa), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of hypermetabolic lesions. All values were compared with serum markers. Results 31 PET/CT studies were true negative, 28 true positive, 6 false positive and 0 false negative with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 84%, negative predictive value of 100%, positive predictive value of 82% and accuracy of 91%. No correlation between PET results and tumor marker levels was found and also between AFP and PET/CT semiquantitive parameters. All semiquantitative PET parameters were significantly related to hCG level. Conclusions 18F-FDG PET/CT has good accuracy in evaluating patients with relapsed seminoma. HCG levels were significantly correlated with metabolic PET/CT parameters.

Background: Majority of the cases of Cholangiocarcinoma at presentation are unresectable, it’s diagnosis at an early stage is pivotal but generally difficult due to lack of easy availaibility of confirmatory test at the moment in our country. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not only helpful in reaching the diagnosis Aim: To find out the diagnostic accuracy of tumour marker CA 19-9, in suspected patients of Cholangiocarcinoma taking ERCP as gold standard test Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in general and private clinics of Department of Gastroenterology of the Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore from, October 21, 2014 to April 20, 2015. Sampling technique used was probability purposive sampling. Results: A total of 150 suspected patients of cholangiocarcinoma were included in the study in which 61 (40.7%) were male and 89(59.3%) were female with total mean age of 56.32±14.13 years. Among the studied patients, 88(58.7%) were found positive for malignant stricture on ERCP and CBD brushing cytology. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the tumour marker CA 19-9 was 53.4%, 66.1% and 58% respectively. Conclusions: CA 19-9 is a very important tumor marker in making diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma and in our country due to lack of easy access/availability to invasive diagnostic methods like endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the tumor. It should be used as routine early diagnostic modality in suspected cases of Cholangiocarcinoma. Keywords: Cholangiocarcinoma, Cancer antigen (CA) 19-9, ERCP, biliary brushing and cytology

The value of squamous-cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) as a tumor marker for cervical cancer is controversial because it is not elevated (> 2 ng/mL) in a quarter of patients at diagnosis. Two hundred ninety one IB-IVA cervical squamous cell-carcinoma patients who underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) were included in four tertiary institutions. Serum conversion pattern between pre- and post-treatment SCC-Ag levels was categorized into the following three arms: (1) Consistent Seronegative arm (both ≤ 2 ng/mL); (2) Negative Conversion arm (from > 2 ng/mL to ≤ 2 ng/mL); and (3) Consistent Seropositive arm (both > 2 ng/mL). Median follow-up time was 40.3 months. For Consistent Seronegative (N = 67), Negative Conversion (N = 165), and Consistent Seropositive (N = 59) arms, the 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 79.4%, 62.0%, and 48.4% (P

BACKGROUND: Testicular tumors in prepubertal boys account for 1-2% of all solid pediatric tumors. They have a lower incidence, a different histologic distribution and are more often benign compared to testicular tumors in the adolescent and adult group. This fundamental difference should also lead to a different approach and treatment.OBJECTIVE: To provide a guideline for diagnosis and treatment options in prepubertal boys with a testicular mass.METHOD: A structured literature search and review for testicular tumors in prepubertal boys was performed. All English abstracts up to the end of 2019 were screened, and relevant papers were obtained to create the guideline.RESULTS: A painless scrotal mass is the most common clinical presentation. For evaluation, high resolution ultrasound has a detection rate of almost 100%, alpha-fetoprotein is a tumor marker, however, is age dependent. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was not a tumor marker for testis tumors in prepubertal boys.CONCLUSION: Based on a summary of the literature on prepubertal testis tumors, the 2021 EAU guidelines on Pediatric Urology recommend a partial orchiectomy as the primary approach in tumors with a favorable preoperative ultrasound diagnosis.

Although the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) is a promising biomarker, no study has investigated its prognostic significance for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). This study conformed to the REporting recommendations for tumor MARKer prognostic studies (REMARK) criteria. We retrospectively reviewed 176 patients with advanced UC treated with pembrolizumab between 2018 and 2020. We evaluated the associations between pretreatment clinicopathological variables, including the AGR and performance status (PS), with progression-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariable analyses. The AGR was dichotomized as

In worldwide, one of the most important cancer-related death is lung cancer. Also has the highest mortality rate between various cancer types. The count of lung cancer occurrence is increasing with an increased frequency by smoking. Proficient chemoprevention approaches are needed to prevent the occurrence of lung cancer. Therefore, the aim of this exploration is to determine the therapeutic impact on the immune modulatory effect of rhaponticin on lung tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity effect in A549 cells of human lung cancer. Lung cancer tumorigenesis in mice was challenged with benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) with 50 mg/kg bodyweight (b.wt) as oral administration for 6 weeks (two times/week). Rhaponticin were given orally 30 mg/kg b.wt (two times/week) in BaP induced mice from 12 weeks to 18 weeks. After treatment completes, the body weight was measured and then blood, lung tissue was collected for various parameters detection. The results evidenced that BaP induced mice decreased the bodyweight, increased lung weight, increased tumor markers (AHH, CEA and LDH), and increased the proinflammatory cytokines. The enzyme catalase, superoxide dismutase activity was decreased and increased lipid peroxidation in immune comprising cells compared with the control cells. Moreover, rhaponticin treatment improves in chemical assays and also the histopathological alteration of lung tissues. The present findings provide evidence about the therapeutic potentials of rhaponticin against BaP triggered lung tumorigenesis.

Background: Breast cancer is the highly prevalent malignancy and is a major killer in women around world. In India, there is substantial statistically significant increase in breast cancer incidence patterns. Women from under developed areas(883000 cases) have a significantly higher no. of cases than those from developed areas (794,000) [1]. There are various risk factors associated with breast malignancy. A variety of bio-chemical markers have been tested to determine the malignancy, for the early detection of carcinoma of different origin. LDH is the easiest and cheapest to calculate of all of these indicators. Objectives: To study the clinical profile of patient with breast To study the prognostic significance of LDH as tumor marker in breast To compare post-operative LDH level in patient undergoing surgery for carcinoma breast v/s patient undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Compare variation in preoperative baselines LDH levels and post-operative LDH levels. Methodology: It is a prospective observational study done on patients with breast cancer. It will be conducted at Dept. of General Surgery , J.N.M.C and AVBRH, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha. The study will be conducted on patients with Carcinoma Breast. Results: To be assessed after the study. Conclusion: Serum LDH is a good prognostic marker of breast cancer.

Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a significant tumor marker for prostate cancer at present, the low specificity (approximately 33%) and so on likely lead to an overdiagnosis and patient suffering from highly invasive prostate biopsy. Complementary measures with cancer-characteristic biomarkers could improve the specificity and accuracy of diagnosis before the biopsy. Previously, “sniffer mice” were shown to be super-sensitive to differences in odors and to discriminate between odors of urine mixtures from patients with bladder cancer before and after tumor resection as well as urine odors of mice with or without experimental tumors. Here, we showed that the sniffer mice discriminate efficiently urinary odors of patients with prostate cancer using an odor plume-guided Y-maze behavioural assay. Through discrimination training in forced-odor choice, statistically significant increases in correct odor choice rates showed the super-sensitivity of sniffer mice to the olfactory cue of ppq-level urinary biomarkers for prostate cancer in 106 -fold diluted urine samples, where donor-unique odors were below the threshold. Moreover, we validated eight volatile urinary biomarkers nearly at their original relative concentrations as the prostate cancer cue even when adding a similar biomarker profile to the post-radical prostatectomy urine samples by the same behavioural score of the sniffer mice. These biomarkers and profiles could be useful for non-invasive tests for prostate and bladder cancers.

A 45-year-old multiparous woman with a STK11 mutation and a history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome underwent radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a gastric-type cervical mucinous carcinoma. Four and a half years later, blood tests revealed elevations in CEA and CA125 tumor marker levels, and computed tomography showed multiple calcifications in the peritoneum. Peritoneal dissemination was suspected, and a laparoscopic biopsy was performed. Histopathology showed a high-grade serous carcinoma, and the patient was diagnosed with a metachronous stage IIIC primary peritoneal carcinoma. She had no BRCA1/2 mutation. After chemotherapy with docetaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab, she achieved complete remission.

Developed as an antidiabetic drug, recent evidence suggests that several sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), especially canagliflozin and dapagliflozin, may exhibit in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities in selected cancer types, including an inhibition of tumor growth and induction of cell death. When used in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, SGLT2i may offer possible synergistic effects in enhancing their treatment efficacy while alleviating associated side effects. Potential mechanisms include a reduction of glucose uptake into cancer cells, systemic glucose restriction, modulation of multiple signaling pathways, and regulation of different gene and protein expression. Furthermore, preliminary clinical findings have reported potential anticancer properties of canagliflozin and dapagliflozin in patients with liver and colon cancers respectively, with reference to decreases in their tumor marker levels. Given its general tolerability and routine use in diabetes management, SGLT2i may be a good candidate for drug repurposing in cancer treatment and as adjunct to conventional therapies. While current evidence reveals that only certain SGLT2i appear to be effective against selected cancer types, further studies are needed to explore the antitumor abilities of each SGLT2i in various cancers. Moreover, clinical trials are called for to evaluate the safety and feasibility of introducing SGLT2i in the treatment regimen of patients with specific cancers, and to identify the preferred route of drug administration for targeted delivery to selected tumor sites.

Purpose We aimed to develop a novel method for orthotopic colon cancer model, using tissue adhesive in place of conventional surgical method.Materials and Methods RFP HCT 116 cell line were used to establish the colon cancer model. Fresh tumor tissue harvested from a subcutaneous injection was grafted into twenty nude mice, divided into group A (suture method) and group B (tissue adhesive method). For the group A, we fixed the tissue on the serosa layer of proximal colon by 8-0 surgical suture. For the group B, tissue adhesive (10 μL) was used to fix the tumor. The mortality, tumor implantation success, tumor metastasis, primary tumor size, and operation time were compared between the two groups. Dissected tumor tissue was analyzed for the histology and immunohistochemistry. Also, we performed tumor marker analysis.Results We observed 30% increase in graft success and 20% decrease in mortality, by using tissue adhesive method, respectively. The median colon tumor size was significantly increased by 4 mm and operation time was shortened by 6.5 minutes. The H&E showed similar tumor structure between the two groups. The immunohistochemistry staining for cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin 20, and Ki-67 showed comparable intensities in both groups. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription analysis showed eight out of nine tumor markers are unchanged in the tissue adhesive group. Western blot indicated the tissue adhesive group expressed less p-JNK (apototic marker) and more p-MEK/p-p38 (proliferation marker) levels.Conclusion We concluded the tissue adhesive method is a quick and safe way to generate orthotopic, colon cancer model.

Abd El-Fattah BM El-Beltagy,1 Hassan IH Elsyyad,2 Karoline K Abdelaziz,1 Amira S Madany,1 Mohamed M Elghazaly1 1Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt; 2Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptCorrespondence: Abd El-Fattah BM El-Beltagy Email beltagyaaa@yahoo.comAim: To evaluate the potential therapeutic role of Annona muricata (graviola) fruit and bee venom (BV) against N-methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced breast cancer in pregnant female rats and complications in the ovaries.Methods: A total of 24 female rats were induced with a single dose of MNU (50 mg/kg body weight). After confirmation of positive tumor marker, female rats were placed with the males for mating. The pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): MNU-induced only (group 1), MNU-induced rats and supplemented with A. muricata 200 mg/kg diet (group 2), MNU-induced and treated with two doses of BV 75 μg/kg (group 3), and MNU-induced and treated with both A. muricata and BV (group 4).Results: In group 1, the breast tissue of mothers revealed pronounced cellular hyperplasia and histopathological signs. Also, the ovarian tissue of mothers and their offspring displayed deleterious histological changes. In groups 2 and 4, histopathological signs and cellular hyperplasia markedly disappeared in breast tissue. However, the histopathological signs induced by MNU in the ovarian tissue reversed to normal in groups 2– 4. Also in groups 2– 4, levels of serum MMP1, NFκB, and TNFα significantly decreased, and serum caspase 3 significantly increased either in mother rats or their offspring compared to the MNU-alone group. Levels of serum MDA significantly decreased; however, levels of serum antioxidants (CAT and SOD) significantly increased in all groups 2– 4 compared to MNU-alone group.Conclusion: A. muricata has a more powerful therapeutic role than BV against MNU-induced breast cancer in rats; however, both have a powerful ameliorative role against ovarian histopathological alterations induced by MNU. Such ameliorative effects of A. muricata and BV are mainly attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative constituents.Keywords: graviola, bee venom, breast cancer, apoptosis, ovaries, offspring

Background The prognostic values of preoperative tumor markers (TMs) remain elusive in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment (NACT). This study aimed to assess and establish a novel scoring system incorporating carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) to enhance prognostic accuracy for progression-free survival (PFS) and pathological response (pCR). Methods Patients' data were retrospectively analyzed from December 2006 to December 2017 in our center. The cutoff value of TMs was determined using the time-dependent receiver operating test characteristics method. These three TMs were allocated 1 point each for the post neoadjuvant chemotherapy combination of tumor markers (post-NACT CTM) scores. The training group comprised 533 patients, responsible for full analysis, and the validation group comprised 137 patients based on the selection protocol. Results Of 533 enrolled patients, 138, 233, 117, and 45 patients scored 0, 1, 2, 3 respectively. The 3-year PFS rate Multivariate analysis revealed that post-NACT CTM score was an independent predictor of PFS (0 vs. 1, HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.92–1.96, P = 0.128; 0 vs. 2, HR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.35–3.05, P = 0.001; 0 vs. 3, HR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.83–4.86, P P = 0.077; 2/3 vs. 0, OR: 4.33, 95% CI: 1.38–13.61, P = 0.012). A nomogram was formed with both internal and external validation. Conclusions The post-NACT CTM score system served as a strong independent predictor for PFS and pCR in LAGC patients who received NACT. Further population-based studies are required to confirm our results.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignancy. Early detection of HCC is always a challenging task for physicians. Serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is considered a potential tumor marker for the detection of HCC. However, the diagnostic value of GP73 for the HCC diagnosis is still controversial. This research was designed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of GP73 as a diagnostic tool for HCC in cases with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. Methods Eighty-seven subjects were allocated into four different groups in this prospective research (HCC, liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C, and healthy control group). Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and GP73 were tested for all subjects in the study. Detection of focal hepatic lesions was based on imaging by abdominal ultrasonography and triphasic computed tomography. Results The cut-off values for GP73 and AFP were 534.5 ng/L and 32 ng/mL, respectively. The specificity of GP73 was 87%, and the sensitivity was 88%, while the specificity and sensitivity of AFP levels were 80% and 72%, respectively. The negative predictive value of GP73 was 87.5%, and the positive predictive value of GP73 was 84.6%, while the same parameters of AFP were 73.1% and 75%, respectively. Conclusion Serum Golgi protein 73 could be a valuable biomarker and a useful diagnostic tool for the early diagnosis of HCC in cases of hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis.

Aim: To determine the usefulness of serum Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) along with Carbohydrate Antigen 15.3 (CA15.3) as an early tumor marker in female patients with breast cancer.Method: The breast cancer patients were recruited from OPD/IPD of Surgery and Oncology department of SMS Hospital, and evaluated serum MMP-13 and CA15.3. Total 180 subjects were included in this study.90 breast cancer Patients were divided according to different stages and 90 control subjects also included.Results: Serum MMP-13 and CA15.3 level raised significantly in breast cancer patients. Further increases with the advanced stage of the breast cancer.Conclusion: Both MMP-13 and CA15.3 can be useful diagnostic tumor marker in breast cancer.

Background & Objective: This study examined the potential of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) as a marker in early diagnosis or as a prognostic factor for breast cancer (BC) patients.Methods: A total of 31 patients diagnosed with BC were enrolled in the study between 2008 and 2018. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HE4 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the BC tissue and the non-tumoral adjacent tissue. Using ELISA technique, HE4 plasma levels were also measured in 43 BC patients compared to 43 healthy individuals. The correlation between HE4 expression and clinicopathological features was then investigated.Results: An increase in HE4 expression was observed at mRNA and protein levels in the BC group compared to the control group (p

Lixia Zhang,1 Zhe Ren,2 Caiyun Xu,1 Qiushuang Li,3 Jinyan Chen1 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Chest Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Clinical Evaluation Centers, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Lixia Zhang Tel +86-0571-86620310Email lixiazh@yeah.netObjective: This study aims to explore factors influencing metabolic and volumetric parameters of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the predictive value for prognosis of NSCLC.Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 133 NSCLC patients who received 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. After 18F-FDG injection at 3.7 MBq/kg, 1 h early imaging and 2 h delayed imaging were performed. The metabolic and volumetric parameters such as SUVmax, SUVpeak, SULmax, SULpeak, MTV and TLG were measured. The tumor markers including CFYRA21-1, NSE, SCC-ag and the immunohistochemical biomarkers including Ki-67, P53 and CK-7 were examined. All patients were followed up for 24 months, and the 1-year and 2-year overall survival rate (OS) were recorded.Results: There were significant differences in metabolic and volumetric parameters (SUVmax, SUVpeak, SULmax, SULpeak and TLG) between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of NSCLC. SUVmax, SUVpeak, SULmax, SULpeak, MTV and TLG were correlated with tumor marker NSE and TNM stage. MTV and TLG were related to CYFRA21-1, and only MTV was associated with SCC-ag. SUVpeak and SULmax were related to P53. In addition, early SULpeak and delayed MTV were significant prognostic factors of 1-year OS, while early SUVpeak, delayed TLG and delayed MTV were predictive factors of 2-year OS in NSCLC.Conclusion: The metabolic and volumetric parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT were related to a variety of factors such as NSE, CFYRA21-1, SCC-ag, P53 and TNM stage, and have a predictive value in prognosis of NSCLC.Keywords: NSCLC, 18F-FDG, PET/CT, metabolic parameters, volumetric parameters

During the period from the beginning of December 2018 to the end of May 2019, 108 resident of Babylon were included to participate in the current study, were divided into two main groups: 81 patients with GIT diseases, their age ranged from 12-80 years; and the controls group (27 individuals) with the age 17-71 years old. Furthermore, the patient group was divided into two subgroups, the first involved 51 patients with GIT tumors and the other with non-tumoral diseases of GIT (30 individuals suffered non tumoral GIT illness were enrolled as a pathological control group). CLEC4L, Serotonin were evaluated in the sera samples of the study groups. The current study revealed statistical significant increase in the levels of serotonin while it showed significant decrease in the levels of CLEC4L in the sera testers of patients with malignant GIT tumors when compared to benign GIT tumors, pathological GIT control, and healthy control groups. The present study showed that the relationship between CLEC4E with serotonin became negative. Serotonin showed the (88%) sensitivity among the assessed criteria followed by CLEC4L (76%).

LEM domain containing 1 (LEMD1) is a novel factor involved in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We previously performed a microarray analysis and found that serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 2 (SERPINE2) is an LEMD1-related signal. SERPINE2 is an extracellular serine proteinase inhibitor with secretory capacity. Although SERPINE2 displays tumor-promoting properties in many cancers, some reports indicate that SRPINE2 also has a tumor-suppressing function. Therefore, there are many unclear points about its role in cancer. In this study, we investigated SERPINE2 expression in OSCC. The gene expression and secretion levels of SERPINE2 were examined in 42 frozen specimens of OSCC, and SERPINE2 immunostaining was investigated in 167 cases of OSCC. Furthermore, the effect of SERPINE2 on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis was analyzed using OSCC cells and endothelial cells. In the frozen specimens, the gene expression (P

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 8.2% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. Being a vascular tumor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a vital role in HCC pathogenesis, growth, and spread. AIM To determine the accuracy of serum VEGF and VEGF/platelet (PLT) as tumor markers in the early detection of HCC cases in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis. METHODS We conducted a case-control study with HCV patients from the outpatient and inpatient hepatology clinics. Patients were classified into three groups: (1) HCC group; (2) Cirrhosis group; and (3) HCV without cirrhosis (control group). Patients were clinically evaluated, and blood samples were drawn for the analysis; serum VEGF levels were measured by a specific VEGF human recombinant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Data from the three study groups were compared by the one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test. Receivers operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the optimal cut-off values of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), VEGF, and VEGF/PLT that provided the best diagnostic accuracy. The sensitivity and specificity at the optimal cut-off value of each biomarker were then calculated. RESULTS This study included one hundred patients (HCC, cirrhosis, and control groups: n = 40, 30, 30, respectively). HCC patients had significantly higher serum VEGF and VEGF/PLT levels than the non-HCC groups (P = 0.001). Serum VEGF and VEGF/PLT showed significant positive correlations with and HCC tumor size, stage, vascular invasion, and Child-Pugh classification. Moreover, a VEGF cut-off the value of 250 pg/mL provided 80% sensitivity and 81.7% specificity for discriminating HCC patient from non-HCC patients. Similarly, the ratio of VEGF/PLT provided sensitivity and specificity of 77.5% and 80%, respectively which is higher than the accuracy provided by AFP. The combination of AFP, VEGF, and VEGF/PLT increases the accuracy of diagnosing HCC to > 95%. CONCLUSION In HCV patients, serum VEGF and VEGF/PLT separately or in combination with AFP are reliable biomarkers for early and accurate HCC diagnosis.