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Factors Associated with Clinical Outcomes of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Following Radioiodine Therapy in Tanzania
Lulu Lunogelo Sakafu,
Teddy Frank Mselle,
Julius David Mwaiselage,
Khamza Kibwana Maunda,
Katherine Van Loon,
Bouyoucef Salah Eddin
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
73-78
Received:
3 June 2019
Accepted:
2 July 2019
Published:
23 July 2019
Abstract: Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine type of malignancy, accounting for 1-5% of all cancers worldwide. Most of the differentiated thyroid cancers are asymptomatic. Surgery is the mainstay of management to be followed by radioactive iodine (RAI). RAI accessibility is still a challenge in most developing countries including Tanzania. The aim of this study was to determine factors affecting the clinical outcome of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) following RAI treatment in a resource limited setting. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study carried out from 2014 to 2018 at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, in Tanzania. A total of 52 histologically proven differentiated thyroid cancer patients post- near or total thyroidectomy were recruited. All patients received RAI therapy until ablation was achieved, were maintained on thyroxine suppression dose, and were followed for two years. Results: A total of 52 differentiated thyroid cancer patients were recruited after surgery by convenience sampling. The median age of patients was 46 years (range 17-77), and 87% (n=45) were female. Distant metastases were detected in 60% of patients (n=20) at initial presentation. The most common clinical presentation was a neck mass without compression symptoms (85%). Analysis at the end of two years revealed that female gender, clinical-pathological presentation, and the absence of distant metastasis(es) at diagnosis and amount of RAI received, contributed significantly to improved outcome. Conclusion: In a limited resource setting, the outcome of DTC patients post RAI therapy can be improved by early diagnosis hence improving clinical outcome.
Abstract: Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine type of malignancy, accounting for 1-5% of all cancers worldwide. Most of the differentiated thyroid cancers are asymptomatic. Surgery is the mainstay of management to be followed by radioactive iodine (RAI). RAI accessibility is still a challenge in most developing countries including Tanzani...
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Prevalence of Germline Brca1 and Brca2 Mutation Among Filipinos
Francisco Tria IV,
Daphne Ang,
Jose Jasper Andal,
Frances Victoria Que,
Loraine Kay Cabral,
Rosil Dimalibot,
Rachelle Arah Salamat,
Ma. Luisa Enriquez,
Sharlynne Bandales,
Raymundo Lo,
Manuelito Madrid,
Marcelo Imasa,
Rubi Li
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
79-86
Received:
6 July 2019
Accepted:
25 July 2019
Published:
10 August 2019
Abstract: The presence of germline mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes are strong predictors of breast or ovarian cancer risk. Loss of the wild-type allele of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are required for tumorigenesis. This study identified and characterized the germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation spectrum among Filipinos using Next Generation Sequencing. This is the first local study to perform comprehensive BRCA1 and BRCA 2 (all exons) mutational analysis among Filipinos. This study prompts further investigation of the unique variants to enable better understanding of the genetic predisposition to BC among Filipinos.
Abstract: The presence of germline mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes are strong predictors of breast or ovarian cancer risk. Loss of the wild-type allele of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are required for tumorigenesis. This study identified and characterized the germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation spectrum among Filipinos using Next Generation Sequ...
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Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Virus-induced Oncogenesis and Oncolysis
Ram Kumar,
Riyesh Thachamvally,
Sunil Maherchandani,
Bhupendra Nath Tripathi,
Sanjay Barua,
Naveen Kumar
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
87-100
Received:
4 June 2019
Accepted:
13 July 2019
Published:
15 August 2019
Abstract: Cancer is a leading cause of human deaths worldwide. Besides inherited genetic disorders, a diverse range of physical, chemical and biological agents may induce cancer. About 15-20% of cancers are known to be originated due to pathogens. Viruses are considered to be the second (after smoking) most important risk factor in inducing human cancer. Viruses may either harbour a copy of oncogene or have an ability to alter the expression of cellular copy of the oncogenes. Both RNA and DNA viruses are can induce oncogenesis. Most of the DNA tumour viruses either integrate their genome (complete or part of it) into the host genome or express early genes that are required for early event of virus replication. These early genes are responsible for oncogenic transformation of host cells. Based upon the mechanism involved, oncogenic RNA viruses are divided into two groups-transforming and non-transforming RNA viruses. Transforming RNA viruses carry viral oncogenes that are homologous to the host oncogene, their expression in infected cells results in oncogenic transformation of the cell. Non-transforming RNA viruses induce oncogenesis similar to the DNA viruses. Contrary, oncolytic viruses selectively replicate in cancerous cells and induce cell death without any damage to the normal tissues. Typically, oncolytic viruses are nonpathogenic to humans that can naturally replicate in cancer cells by exploiting oncogenic cell signalling pathways. Pathogenic viruses can also be genetically manipulated which allow them to replicate in cancerous but not in normal cells. This review review describes the molecular mechanisms associated with virus induced oncogenesis and oncolysis.
Abstract: Cancer is a leading cause of human deaths worldwide. Besides inherited genetic disorders, a diverse range of physical, chemical and biological agents may induce cancer. About 15-20% of cancers are known to be originated due to pathogens. Viruses are considered to be the second (after smoking) most important risk factor in inducing human cancer. Vir...
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Treatment of Patients with Glioblastomas by Low Concentrations of Verapamil Hydrochloride in the Late Postoperative Period
Nina Gridina,
Anatoliy Morozov,
Yuriy Ushenin,
Vladimir Rozumenko,
Nataliya Draguntsova
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
101-105
Received:
5 July 2019
Accepted:
12 August 2019
Published:
23 August 2019
Abstract: Antitumor effect of calcium channel blockers low concentrations has been investigated on the example of verapamil hydrochloride in the combined treatment of patients with glioblastomas after operation. Patients, who underwent brain tumor surgery, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were divided into two groups. The first group of 11 patients was taken by verapamil - hydrochloride in low concentrations, the second group (32 patients) served as a control. The concentration of the drug was selected individually by means of peripheral blood cells aggregation data on the “Plasmon-6” biosensor. The criterion for the drug concentration selecting was the lowest level of peripheral blood cells aggregation in vitro, reflecting the level of NMDA-dependent calcium channels blocking of the peripheral blood cells membranes. The optimal concentration of verapamil - hydrochloride for all patients was less than 10,000. The criteria of the antitumor activity of verapamil-hydrochloride in low concentrations was the length of the patients life in the postoperative period. When using the drug in patients there were no signs of toxic effects of verapamil - hydrochloride on the body, life expectancy was 10 months more compared to the group of patients not treated with verapamil – hydrochloride and the absence of the toxic and tumor-stimulating action of the drug.
Abstract: Antitumor effect of calcium channel blockers low concentrations has been investigated on the example of verapamil hydrochloride in the combined treatment of patients with glioblastomas after operation. Patients, who underwent brain tumor surgery, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were divided into two groups. The first group of 11 patien...
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Anti-cancer Immunotherapy Epitope-peptides Vaccination in Patients with Refractory/Persistent Disease of Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer (Phase 1 Studies)
Satoshi Takeuchi,
Tadahiro Shoji,
Masahiro Kagabu,
Tatsuya Honda Tatsuya Honda,
Tadayuki Nagasawa,
Yukari Nitta,
Toru Sugiyama,
Sachiko Yoshimura,
Yusuke Nakamura
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
106-116
Received:
1 August 2019
Accepted:
11 September 2019
Published:
24 September 2019
Abstract: Despite the improvement of treatments, refractory or chemotherapy resistant ovarian and cervical cancers have been still incurable. In such tumors, the actionable salvage gene-pathways of up-regulating lung cancer 10 (URLC10), hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and its core protein HIG2- tumor growth factor beta (TGF beta)- the Caenorhabditis elegans SMA ("small" worm phenotype) and Drosophila Mothers Against Decapentaplegic (SMAD), maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK)- forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) which induces and stimulates stathmin concerning cell (vascular endothelial cell and tumor cell) migration and counter pathway of P53, and holliday junction recognition protein (HJURP)-histone H3-like centromeric protein A (CEMPA)-Histone, which play important roles in tumor proliferation, metastasis and cell cycling. They had been shifted from original driver gene such as Ras-MAPK or PIK3CA-mTOR. Furthermore, tumor specific micro-environmental factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors facilitate tumor new-angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, as well. We found human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*2402 and 0201 restricted epitope neo-antigens or, epitope peptides of VEGF receptor 1 and 2, using micro-cDNA assay form clinical samples. The peptides consisted in nine to eleven mer peptides, which were presented by HLA (major histocompatibility 1) on cell membrane. We administered the multiple peptides subcutaneously as vaccination and it activated intrinsic cell immune system of cytotoxic T cell (CTL). We conducted a phase 1/2 study of those peptides vaccine (PV) cocktails to elucidate their toxicity profiles and efficacy from 4 June 2010 to Jan 2013 for phase 1 studies, and subsequently continued phase 2 studies at outpatient’s clinic of our hospital. PV were administered at a dose of 1mg of each peptide with MONTANIDE*ISA51 (SEPPIC Co. Ltd, France). Enrollees were obtained written informed consent after our IRB approval on 3 June 2010. In results, no major adverse events were seen except dermatologic reactions at injection site. One patient showed complete response, two showed partial response and 10 showed stable disease out of 22 evaluable patients. Median overall survival was 5 months and 9 months in HLA-A2402 and 0201 group, respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggest the peptides cocktail vaccines were safe and applicable for advanced/recurrent OC.
Abstract: Despite the improvement of treatments, refractory or chemotherapy resistant ovarian and cervical cancers have been still incurable. In such tumors, the actionable salvage gene-pathways of up-regulating lung cancer 10 (URLC10), hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and its core protein HIG2- tumor growth factor beta (TGF beta)- the Caenorhabditis elegans S...
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High Expression of C-reactive Protein Increases the Risk of Poor Prognosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Fulun Li,
Ke Liu,
Qianlong Zhao,
Junyi Chen,
Lingfei Liu,
Qing-Mu Xie,
Jing Yang
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
117-124
Received:
27 August 2019
Accepted:
10 September 2019
Published:
24 September 2019
Abstract: There are many researches on the correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and prognosis of gastric cancer, but whether CRP could be used as an evaluation indicator for prognosis of gastric cancer patients, which was still controversial. Therefore, we conducted meta-analysis based on 18 studies involving 3656 objects. The results show that, CRP was significantly correlated with the risk of poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients [HR (95%CI) 1.50 (1.24, 1.81) P=0.000], and the risk of the poor prognosis can be significantly increased when CRP>10mg/L. In the different clinical stage, high expression of CRP can increases the risk of poor prognosis. The CRP can be used as an important indicator of poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
Abstract: There are many researches on the correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and prognosis of gastric cancer, but whether CRP could be used as an evaluation indicator for prognosis of gastric cancer patients, which was still controversial. Therefore, we conducted meta-analysis based on 18 studies involving 3656 objects. The results show that, CRP ...
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