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Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. PPARγ is essential in adipocyte differentiation from precursor cells. Its antitumorigenic effects are reported in certain malignancies; however, its effects in liposarcoma are unclear.Methods: We analyzed PPARγ expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 46 patients with myxoid liposarcoma [MLS; median age, 47 years (range, 14-90 years) and mean follow-up period, 91 months (range, 13-358 months)]. PPARγ mRNA expression levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Further, we evaluated the correlation of PPARγ expression with clinical outcomes.Results: We found that the metastasis-free survival rate was significantly higher in lower PPARγ expressers [34 patients with labeling index (LI) <50 %] than in higher expressers (12 patients with LI ≥50 %; p = 0.01). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that a higher PPARγ level was an independent predictor of metastasis (relative risk = 6.945, p = 0.026). Furthermore, using 28 fresh MLS specimens, we confirmed an increased PPARγ mRNA expression level in the higher LI group (p = 0.001).Conclusions: In this study, higher PPARγ expression in MLS was a risk factor associated with distant metastasis; therefore, it would be a novel prognostic marker for MLS. Further analyses will help to understand the correlation between PPARγ expression and tumor malignancy in liposarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first aim of this study was to evaluate combination antiemetic therapy consisting of 5- HT3 receptor antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists ( NK-1RAs), and dexamethasone for multiple high emetogenic risk ( HER) anticancer agents in bone and soft tissue sarcoma. The second aim was to compare the effectiveness of single-shot palonosetron and consecutive-day granisetron in a randomized, single-blinded crossover study. A single randomization method was used to assign eligible patients to the palonosetron or granisetron arm. Patients in the palonosetron arm received a palonosetron regimen during the first and third chemotherapy courses and a granisetron regimen during the second and fourth courses. All patients received NK-1RA and dexamethasone. Patients receiving the palonosetron regimen were administered 0.75 mg palonosetron on day 1, and patients receiving the granisetron regimen were administered 3 mg granisetron twice daily on days 1 through 5. All 24 patients in this study received at least 4 chemotherapy courses. A total of 96 courses of antiemetic therapy were evaluated. Overall, the complete response CR rate (no emetic episodes and no rescue medication use) was 34%, while the total control rate (a CR plus no nausea) was 7%. No significant differences were observed between single-shot palonosetron and consecutive-day granisetron. Antiemetic therapy with a 3-drug combination was not sufficient to control chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting ( CINV) during chemotherapy with multiple HER agents for bone and soft tissue sarcoma. This study also demonstrated that consecutive-day granisetron was not inferior to single-shot palonosetron for treating CINV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clear cell sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of soft tissue which is most commonly encountered in the extremities, especially in the foot and ankle. This tumor is slow-growing and looks like a benign tumor; it is therefore often treated inadequately and its high rate of recurrence and metastases results in a poor prognosis. Caffeine has been used as a chemotherapy potentiator that inhibits DNA damage repair and enhances the cytocidal effects of anti-cancer drugs. This study reports the effect of caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy for clear cell sarcoma in five patients. Methods: Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy was administered to five patients with clear cell sarcoma. Three to five courses of intra-arterial chemotherapy using cisplatin, doxorubicin and caffeine were administered preoperatively, at 3-week intervals. Conservatively, wide margin surgery was performed following the preoperative chemotherapy. Intravenous cisplatin and doxorubicin with caffeine were administered three to six times to the patients who responded to the preoperative chemotherapy. This study evaluated the response to chemotherapy, recurrence, metastasis and the overall prognosis in these five patients. Results: Four of the eligible patients responded to preoperative chemotherapy. Local recurrence occurred in only one of the five patients. Distant metastasis newly developed in one patient. All five patients survive. Conclusion: Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy can be effective treatment for clear cell sarcoma not only as initial therapy, but also as salvage therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the immune system. There are many reports concerning DC-based immunotherapy. The differentiation and maturation of DCs is a critical part of DC-based immunotherapy. We investigated the differentiation and maturation of DCs in response to various stimuli. Methods: Thirty-one patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors were enrolled in this study. All the patients had metastatic tumors and/or recurrent tumors. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were suspended in media containing interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These cells were then treated with or without 1) tumor lysate (TL), 2) TL + TNF-α, 3) OK-432. The generated DCs were mixed and injected in the inguinal or axillary region. Treatment courses were performed every week and repeated 6 times. A portion of the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the degree of differentiation and maturation of the DCs. Serum IFN-c and serum IL-12 were measured in order to determine the immune response following the DC-based immunotherapy. Results: Approximately 50% of PBMCs differentiated into DCs. Maturation of the lysate-pulsed DCs was slightly increased. Maturation of the TL/TNF-α-pulsed DCs was increased, commensurate with OK-432-pulsed DCs. Serum IFN-γ and serum IL- 12 showed significant elevation at one and three months after DC-based immunotherapy. Conclusions: Although TL-pulsed DCs exhibit tumor specific immunity, TL-pulsed cells showed low levels of maturation. Conversely, the TL/TNF-α-pulsed DCs showed remarkable maturation. The combination of IL-4/GM-CSF/TL/TNF-α resulted in the greatest differentiation and maturation for DC-based immunotherapy for patients with bone and soft tissue tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The shoulder girdle is a common site for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. Total scapulectomy represents an attractive alternative to amputation when the whole scapula is invaded with tumor and the neurovascular bundle can be preserved during tumor resection. The purpose of this study was to investigate functional outcomes after total scapulectomy. Patients and methods: The study comprised seven patients, four of whom underwent soft tissue reconstruction for joint stabilization, including suture of the biceps tendon onto the clavicle or humeral head, reattachment of the rotator cuff, and/or humeral suspension. The remaining three patients did not undergo soft tissue reconstruction; instead, only the remaining muscles were sutured. Results: Mean Enneking functional score was 57%. Preservation of elbow, wrist and finger motion resulted in an acceptable level of postoperative limb function. No significant differences in function were observed between the soft tissue reconstruction group and the non-reconstruction group. Conclusion: Total scapulectomy is a feasible alternative to amputation as it preserves acceptable elbow and hand function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]