Sample records for sacral metastatic tumors

  1. Radiosurgery and radiotherapy for sacral tumors.

    PubMed

    Gibbs, Iris C; Chang, Steven D

    2003-08-15

    Sacral tumors represent a small subset of spinal lesions and typically include chordomas, metastases, other primary bone tumors, and benign schwannomas. Resection is the standard treatment for many sacral tumors, but many types of sacral lesions have the potential for recurrence after excision. In these cases, adjuvant radiotherapy is often beneficial. Although conventional radiotherapy plays an important role in the management of spinal lesions, the radiation doses required for adequate local control of many sacral lesions generally exceed the tolerance doses of normal tissues, thus limiting its definitive role in the management of sacral tumors. Recent advances in the field of stereotactic radiosurgery have allowed precise targeting of the sacrum. In this report the authors review the use of these two forms of radiation treatment and their role in managing sacral tumors.

  2. What questionnaires to use when measuring quality of life in sacral tumor patients: the updated sacral tumor survey.

    PubMed

    van Wulfften Palthe, Olivier D R; Janssen, Stein J; Wunder, Jay S; Ferguson, Peter C; Wei, Guo; Rose, Peter S; Yaszemski, Micheal J; Sim, Franklin H; Boland, Patrick J; Healey, John H; Hornicek, Francis J; Schwab, Joseph H

    2017-05-01

    Patient-reported outcomes are becoming increasingly important when investigating results of patient and disease management. In sacral tumor, the symptoms of patients can vary substantially; therefore, no single questionnaire can adequately account for the full spectrum of symptoms and disability. The purpose of this study is to analyze redundancy within the current sacral tumor survey and make a recommendation for an updated version based on the results and patient and expert opinions. A survey study from a tertiary care orthopedic oncology referral center was used. The patient sample included 70 patients with sacral tumors (78% chordoma). The following 10 questionnaires included in the current sacral tumor survey were evaluated: the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Item short form, PROMIS Pain Intensity short form, PROMIS Pain Interference short form, PROMIS Neuro-QOL v1.0 Lower Extremity Function short form, PROMIS v1.0 Anxiety short form, the PROMIS v1.0 Depression short form, the International Continence Society Male short form, the Modified Obstruction-Defecation Syndrome questionnaire, the PROMIS Sexual Function Profile v1.0, and the Stoma Quality of Life tool. We performed an exploratory factor analysis to calculate the possible underlying latent traits. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to measure to what extent the questionnaires converged. We hypothesized the existence of six domains based on current literature: mental health, physical health, pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, sexual function, and urinary incontinence. To assess content validity, we surveyed 32 patients, 9 orthopedic oncologists, 1 medical oncologist, 1 radiation oncologist, and 1 orthopedic oncology nurse practitioner with experience in treating sacral tumor patients on the relevance of the domains. Reliability as measured by Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.65 to 0.96. Coverage measured by floor and ceiling effects ranged from 0% to 52

  3. What Questionnaires To Use When Measuring Quality Of Life In Sacral Tumor Patients? The Updated Sacral Tumor Survey

    PubMed Central

    van Wulfften Palthe, Olivier D.R.; Janssen, Stein J.; Wunder, Jay S.; Ferguson, Peter C.; Wei, Guo; Rose, Peter. S.; Yaszemski, Micheal J.; Sim, Franklin H.; Boland, Patrick J.; Healey, John H.; Hornicek, Francis J.; Schwab, Joseph H.

    2017-01-01

    Background context Patient reported outcomes are becoming increasingly important when investigating results of patient and disease management. In sacral tumor patients symptoms can vary substantially, therefore no single questionnaire can adequately account for the full spectrum of symptoms and disability. Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze redundancy within the current sacral tumor survey and make a recommendation for an updated version based on the results and patient and expert opinions. Study design/setting A survey study from a tertiary care orthopaedic oncology referral center was used for this study. Patient sample The patient sample included 70 patients with sacral tumors (78% chordoma). Outcome measures The following ten questionnaires included in the current sacral tumor survey were evaluated: the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Item short form, PROMIS Pain Intensity short form, PROMIS Pain Interference short form, PROMIS Neuro-QOL v1.0 Lower Extremity Function short form, PROMIS v1.0 Anxiety short form, the PROMIS v1.0 Depression short form, the International Continence Society (ICS) Male short form, the Modified Obstruction-Defecation Syndrome (MODS) questionnaire, the PROMIS Sexual Function Profile v1.0, and The Stoma Quality Of Life tool. Methods We performed an exploratory factor analysis to calculate possible underlying latent traits. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to measure to what extent the questionnaires converged. We hypothesized the existence of six domains based on current literature: mental health, physical health, pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, sexual function, and urinary incontinence. To assess content validity, we surveyed 32 patients, nine orthopaedic oncologists, one medical oncologist, one radiation oncologist, and an orthopaedic oncology nurse practitioner with experience in treating sacral tumor patients on the relevance of the domains. Results Reliability as

  4. [Sacral gigantocellular tumor treated with total sacrectomy and spinal-pelvic fixation].

    PubMed

    Savić, Milenko

    2011-09-01

    Total sacrectomy with spinal-pelvic fixation is considered to be a successful approach to the radical surgical treatment of extensive sacral tumors, however, technically very demanding, thus only rarely reported in the literature. We presented a patient with sacral gigantocellular tumor managed successfully using this method but with certain standard operative techniques improvements. A 30-year old patient with a pronounced painful syndrome and sphincter disorders was confirmed to have sacral gigantocellular tumor affecting a greater part of the sacrum. Tumor resection was performed in the first act out off retroperitoneal organs (colon and blood vessels), sacroiliac joints were open by the ventral side, the L5 discus removed, the S2-S5 roots cut off. In the second act, performed three weeks later, sacrectomy was completed by the reconstruction of pelvic ring and spinal-pelvic fixation. Then, the standard technique was modified to provide additional spinal fixation. The results of the operation (duration, blood loss, postoperative deficit) were quite comparable with, and in some aspects even better than the results published in the literature. Total sacrectomy with spinal-pelvic fixation can be a therapy of choice in patients with extensive sacral tumors requaring, however, the multidisciplinary approach and a considerable experience with instrumental spinal stabilization.

  5. Identification of Metastatic Tumor Stem Cell

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-01

    addition to a tumor stem cell , an existence of a metastatic stem cell is predicted. Despite the critical importance of the concept, this idea has not been...isolating stem cell population from a unique set of breast tumor cell lines and by examining their metastatic behavior in an animal model. The overall...will (i) isolate stem - cell population from non-metastatic and metastatic cells of a pair of syngenic breast tumor cell lines, and test their metastatic

  6. iTRAQ Quantitative Proteomic Comparison of Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Crabb, John W.; Hu, Bo; Crabb, John S.; Triozzi, Pierre; Saunthararajah, Yogen; Singh, Arun D.

    2015-01-01

    Background Uveal melanoma is the most common malignancy of the adult eye. The overall mortality rate is high because this aggressive cancer often metastasizes before ophthalmic diagnosis. Quantitative proteomic analysis of primary metastasizing and non-metastasizing tumors was pursued for insights into mechanisms and biomarkers of uveal melanoma metastasis. Methods Eight metastatic and 7 non-metastatic human primary uveal melanoma tumors were analyzed by LC MS/MS iTRAQ technology with Bruch’s membrane/choroid complex from normal postmortem eyes as control tissue. Tryptic peptides from tumor and control proteins were labeled with iTRAQ tags, fractionated by cation exchange chromatography, and analyzed by LC MS/MS. Protein identification utilized the Mascot search engine and the human Uni-Prot/Swiss-Protein database with false discovery ≤ 1%; protein quantitation utilized the Mascot weighted average method. Proteins designated differentially expressed exhibited quantitative differences (p ≤ 0.05, t-test) in a training set of five metastatic and five non-metastatic tumors. Logistic regression models developed from the training set were used to classify the metastatic status of five independent tumors. Results Of 1644 proteins identified and quantified in 5 metastatic and 5 non-metastatic tumors, 12 proteins were found uniquely in ≥ 3 metastatic tumors, 28 were found significantly elevated and 30 significantly decreased only in metastatic tumors, and 31 were designated differentially expressed between metastatic and non-metastatic tumors. Logistic regression modeling of differentially expressed collagen alpha-3(VI) and heat shock protein beta-1 allowed correct prediction of metastasis status for each of five independent tumor specimens. Conclusions The present data provide new clues to molecular differences in metastatic and non-metastatic uveal melanoma tumors. While sample size is limited and validation required, the results support collagen alpha-3(VI) and

  7. A large giant cell tumor of the sacrum. Advantage of an abdomino-sacral approach.

    PubMed

    Alla, Abubakr H; Mahadi, Seif I; Elhassan, Ahmed M; Ahmed, Mohamed E

    2005-01-01

    We report a case of giant cell tumor of the sacrum, presenting with sacral pain, swelling, and change of bowel habits. Rectal examination revealed a huge retrorectal mass fixed to the sacrum but not to the wall of the rectum. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging MRI showed a huge pelvic mass invading the sacrum. Exploration via posterior sacral approach was not successful due to both, extensive bleeding and difficult accessibility. Re-exploration was carried out 2 days later with the patient in lithotomy position. Using abdomino-sacral approach the mass together with part of the sacrum and the whole coccyx were excised. Histopathology reported giant cell tumor of the sacrum with no evidence of mitosis. The patient was symptomless 12 months after surgery and on follow up.

  8. Microwave thermal ablation of spinal metastatic bone tumors.

    PubMed

    Kastler, Adrian; Alnassan, Hussein; Aubry, Sébastien; Kastler, Bruno

    2014-09-01

    To assess feasibility, safety, and efficacy of microwave ablation of spinal metastatic bone tumors. Retrospective study of 17 patients with 20 spinal metastatic tumors treated with microwave ablation under computed tomographic guidance between March 2011 and August 2013 was performed. Ablations were performed under local anesthesia and nitrous oxide ventilation. Lesions were lumbar (n = 10), sacral (n = 7), and thoracic (n = 3) in location. Primary neoplastic sites were lung (n = 9), prostate (n = 4), kidney (n = 6), and uterus (n = 1). Adjunct cementoplasty was performed in nine cases, and a temperature-monitoring device was used in four cases. Procedure effectiveness was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) during a 6-month follow-up. Patient medical records were reviewed, and demographic and clinical data, tumor characteristics, and information on pain were assessed. Mean ablation time was 4.4 minutes ± 2.7 (range, 1-8 min), with an average of 3.8 cycles per ablation at 60 W (range, 30-70 W). The preprocedure mean VAS score was 7.4 ± 1.2 (range, 6-9). Pain relief was achieved in all but one patient. Follow-up VAS scores were as follows: day 0, 1.3 ± 1.8 (P < .001); day 7, 1.6 ± 1.7 (P < .001); month 1, 1.9 ± 1.6 (P < .001); month 3, 2.2 ± 1.5 (P < .001); and month 6, 2.3 ± 1.4 (P < .01). No complications were noted. Microwave ablation appears to be feasible, safe, and an effective treatment of painful refractory spinal metastases and may be considered as a potential alternative percutaneous technique in the management of spinal metastases. Copyright © 2014 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Intravital imaging of tumor bioenergetics in metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rasul, Raisa; Harper, Mason; Rajaram, Narasimhan

    2018-02-01

    Early detection of metastatic cancer can reduce patient mortality and decrease cost of cancer treatment. However, current methods of prognosis or genetic screening are expensive and might not be applicable to all tumors. Although previous studies indicated that cancer cells are glycolytic, the link between metabolism and metastatic progression is not fully understood. To better understand the tumor bioenergetics, we investigated in vivo the vascular oxygenation, glucose intake, and optical redox ratio between a metastatic breast cancer cell line (4T1), a non-metastatic isogenic cell line (168FARN), and a non-metastatic derivative of 4T1 (TWIST gene knockout). The vascular oxygenation was measured by injecting 10,000 cells into mouse dorsal window chambers and acquiring and processing trans-illumination images of the tumor from 520 nm-620 nm light wavelength in 10 nm intervals. Glucose intake was measured by continuous fluorescent imaging of the glucose analog, 2-NBDG, for 90 minutes. Optical redox ratio was measured by intrinsic fluorescence imaging of electron carrying intermediates, NADH and FAD, where an increase in the ratio (FAD/FAD+NADH) meant increased oxidative phosphorylation. Our data show that the optical redox ratio and vascular oxygenation are higher and glucose intake is lower in metastatic tumors compared to non-metastatic tumors, suggesting that metastatic tumors display decreased glycolysis and increased oxidative phosphorylation. We observed a similar trend in vitro, where the redox ratio increased as the cell metastatic potential increased, indicating that metastatic cells can efficiently produce energy. These findings indicate that optical redox ratio can be a potential prognosis tool for detecting malignant tumors.

  10. Trans-sacral resection of a solitary fibrous tumor in the pelvis: report of a case.

    PubMed

    Katsuno, Hidetoshi; Maeda, Koutarou; Hanai, Tsunekazu; Sato, Harunobu; Masumori, Koji; Koide, Yoshikazu; Matsuoka, Hiroshi; Noro, Tomohito; Takakuwa, Yasunari; Hanaoka, Ryouta

    2011-11-01

    Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) develop most commonly in the pleura, although they have occasionally been reported to arise in the pelvic cavity. We report a case of an SFT presenting as a painless nodule in the pelvis of a 56-year-old woman. Histologically, the tumor was composed of spindle-shaped cells arranged without pattern, with short and narrow fascicles and interspersed bundles of thick collagen, and numerous blood vessels with a focally hemangiopericytoma-like appearance. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells strongly expressed vimentin, CD34, and bcl-2. The tumor was excised via a trans-sacral approach, without preoperative transcatheter embolization, and the patient remains well more than 2 years after her operation. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an SFT in the pelvis, which was excised completely via a trans-sacral approach.

  11. Management of Sacral Tumors Requiring Spino-Pelvic Reconstruction with Different Histopathologic Diagnosis: Evaluation with Four Cases

    PubMed Central

    Togral, Guray; Hasturk, Askin Esen; Kekec, Fevzi; Parpucu, Murat; Gungor, Safak

    2015-01-01

    In this retrospective study, surgical results of four patients with sacral tumors having disparate pathologic diagnoses, who were treated with partial or total sacrectomy and lumbopelvic stabilization were abstracted. Two patients were treated with partial sacral resection and two patients were treated with total sacrectomy and spinopelvic fixation. Fixation methods included spinopelvic fixation with rods and screws in two cases, reconstruction plate in one case, and fresh frozen allografts in two cases. Fibular allografts used for reconstruction accelerated bony union and enhanced the stability in two cases. Addition of polymethyl methacrylate in the cavity in the case of a giant cell tumor had a positive stabilizing effect on fixation. As a result, we can conclude that mechanical instability after sacral resection can be stabilized securely with lumbopelvic fixation and polymethyl methacrylate application or addition of fresh frozen allografts between the rods can augment the stability of the reconstruction. PMID:26713133

  12. Management of Sacral Tumors Requiring Spino-Pelvic Reconstruction with Different Histopathologic Diagnosis: Evaluation with Four Cases.

    PubMed

    Arıkan, Murat; Togral, Guray; Hasturk, Askin Esen; Kekec, Fevzi; Parpucu, Murat; Gungor, Safak

    2015-12-01

    In this retrospective study, surgical results of four patients with sacral tumors having disparate pathologic diagnoses, who were treated with partial or total sacrectomy and lumbopelvic stabilization were abstracted. Two patients were treated with partial sacral resection and two patients were treated with total sacrectomy and spinopelvic fixation. Fixation methods included spinopelvic fixation with rods and screws in two cases, reconstruction plate in one case, and fresh frozen allografts in two cases. Fibular allografts used for reconstruction accelerated bony union and enhanced the stability in two cases. Addition of polymethyl methacrylate in the cavity in the case of a giant cell tumor had a positive stabilizing effect on fixation. As a result, we can conclude that mechanical instability after sacral resection can be stabilized securely with lumbopelvic fixation and polymethyl methacrylate application or addition of fresh frozen allografts between the rods can augment the stability of the reconstruction.

  13. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma developing in irradiated sacral chordoma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Halpern, J.; Kopolovic, J.; Catane, R.

    1984-06-15

    Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), arising at the site of a sacral chordoma 8 years after massive radiotherapy, is described. Initially, the patient received 7000 rad to the sacral area and, on recurrence, 5 years later, an additional 4000 rad. Two years later, a sacral mass was noted again. Biopsy then revealed MFH; chest x-ray showed multiple lung metastases. A combination chemotherapy, consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin (doxorubicin), and DTIC, resulted in a 6 month partial response. Subsequently, the patient died because of progressive metastatic disease. At autopsy, 8 years after diagnosis, both the sacral lesion and the lung metastases provedmore » to be MFH, and no residual chordoma was found.« less

  14. Sacral hemangiopericytoma involving the retrorectal space: report of a case.

    PubMed

    Zentar, Aziz; Sall, Ibrahima; Ali, Abdelmounaim Ait; Bouchentouf, Sidi Mohammed; Quamous, Mohammed; Chahdi, Hafsa; Hajjouji, Abderahmane; Fahssi, Mohammed; El Kaoui, Hakim; Al Bouzidi, Abderahmane; Marjani, Mohammed; Sair, Khalid; Bousselmame, Nabil

    2009-01-01

    A primary hemangiopericytoma (HP) of the bone is rare, because the vast majority of these tumors arise in soft tissue. This report presents a case of a hemangiopericytoma in the sacrum (S1-S2) with extension to the retrorectal space. Only a few cases of osseous hemangiopericytomas in the sacrum and involving the retrorectal space have so far been reported. The difficult diagnosis of HP and the surgical strategy was chosen according to the location of the lesion in the sacrum and retrorectal space. A local excision was indicated. A sacral resection should be considered for tumors below S4. This report demonstrated the safety of this strategy. Adjuvant radiotherapy is useful in HP. The value of chemotherapy is still doubtful, although patients with high-grade tumors or metastatic spread seem to gain substantial benefit. Due to the often unpredictable behavior of this neoplasm, extended follow-up is strongly recommended.

  15. Can Navigation-assisted Surgery Help Achieve Negative Margins in Resection of Pelvic and Sacral Tumors?

    PubMed

    Abraham, John A; Kenneally, Barry; Amer, Kamil; Geller, David S

    2018-03-01

    Navigation-assisted resection has been proposed as a useful adjunct to resection of malignant tumors in difficult anatomic sites such as the pelvis and sacrum where it is difficult to achieve tumor-free margins. Most of these studies are case reports or small case series, but these reports have been extremely promising. Very few reports, however, have documented benefits of navigation-assisted resection in series of pelvic and sacral primary tumors. Because this technology may add time and expense to the surgical procedure, it is important to determine whether navigation provides any such benefits or simply adds cost and time to an already complex procedure. (1) What proportion of pelvic and sacral bone sarcoma resections utilizing a computer-assisted resection technique achieves negative margins? (2) What are the oncologic outcomes associated with computer-assisted resection of pelvic and sacral bone sarcomas? (3) What complications are associated with navigation-assisted resection? Between 2009 and 2015 we performed 24 navigation-assisted resections of primary tumors of the pelvis or sacrum. Of those, four were lost to followup after the 2-year postoperative visit. In one patient, however, there was a failure of navigation as a result of inadequate imaging, so nonnavigated resection was performed; the remaining 23 were accounted for and were studied here at a mean of 27 months after surgery (range, 12-52 months). During this period, we performed navigation-assisted resections in all patients presenting with a pelvis or sacral tumor; there was no selection process. No patients were treated for primary tumors in these locations without navigation during this time with the exception of the single patient in whom the navigation system failed. We retrospectively evaluated the records of these 23 patients and evaluated the margin status of these resections. We calculated the proportion of patients with local recurrence, development of metastases, and overall survival

  16. Costal chondrosarcoma requiring differential diagnosis from metastatic tumor.

    PubMed

    Matsuoka, Katsunari; Ueda, Mitsuhiro; Miyamoto, Yoshihiro

    2017-02-01

    Although chondrosarcoma is a common malignant bone tumor, cases arising in the rib are relatively rare. We experienced a case of chondrosarcoma arising in the right 10th rib during follow-up after lung cancer surgery. Although the finding of an osteolytic mass suggested a metastatic bone tumor, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography demonstrated low fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, and a primary bone tumor was suspected. The bone tumor was resected and diagnosed as chondrosarcoma. Four years after resection, there has been no recurrence or metastasis. Positron-emission tomography was useful for differential diagnosis between a chondrosarcoma and a metastatic bone tumor.

  17. Experimental Drug Metarrestin Targets Metastatic Tumors

    Cancer.gov

    An experimental drug called metarrestin appears to selectively target tumors that have spread to other parts of the body. As this Cancer Currents blog post reports, the drug shrank metastatic tumors and extended survival in in mouse models of pancreatic cancer.

  18. Metastatic potential of tumor-initiating cells in solid tumors.

    PubMed

    Adhikari, Amit S; Agarwal, Neeraj; Iwakuma, Tomoo

    2011-01-01

    The lethality of cancer is mainly caused by its properties of metastasis, drug resistance, and subsequent recurrence. Understanding the mechanisms governing these properties and developing novel strategies to overcome them will greatly improve the survival of cancer patients. Recent findings suggest that tumors are comprised of heterogeneous cell populations, and only a small fraction of these are tumorigenic with the ability to self-renew and produce phenotypically diverse tumor cell populations. Cells in this fraction are called tumor-initiating cells (TICs) or cancer stem cells (CSCs). TICs have been identified from many types of cancer. They share several similarities with normal adult stem cells including sphere-forming ability, self-renewability, and expression of stem cell surface markers and transcription factors. TICs have also been proposed to be responsible for cancer metastasis, however, scarce evidence for their metastatic potential has been provided. In this review article, we have attempted to summarize the studies which have examined the metastatic potential of TICs in solid tumors.

  19. Bronchogenic adenocarcinoma metastatic tumor mimicking a dentoalveolar abscess in the maxilla.

    PubMed

    Salarić, Ivan; Miloš, Mate; Brajdić, Davor; Manojlović, Spomenka; Trutin Ostović, Karmen; Macan, Darko

    2016-01-01

    Intraosseous metastatic tumors (IOM) in maxilla are less frequent than the soft tissue metastatic tumors. Lung and bronchogenic metastatic tumors are uncommon in the maxilla. We present a maxillary bronchogenic metastasis with a rare clinical appearance. IOM was misdiagnosed as a dentoalveolar abscess and treated with antibiotics for 3 weeks. After not responding to antibiotics, the patient's general dental practitioner forwarded the patient to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The associated tooth was extracted and the patient was recalled 1 week later. No signs of improvement were observed, and cytology, biopsy, and radiology diagnostics were performed. Cytologic results and biopsy could not differentiate a metastatic tumor from a salivary duct carcinoma. Ultimately, negative androgen receptors immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of bronchogenic metastatic adenocarcinoma. This case report stresses the importance of taking a thorough medical history. To our knowledge, this is the third bronchogenic IOM to the maxilla reported, mimicking a dentoalveolar abscess. General dental practitioners are among the first in contact with oral metastatic tumors and it is therefore important to report unusual clinical cases, as they present a diagnostic challenge for both the clinician and the pathologist.

  20. Astrocyte elevated gene-1: a novel independent prognostic biomarker for metastatic ovarian tumors.

    PubMed

    Li, Cong; Chen, Kexin; Cai, Jianping; Shi, Qing-Tao; Li, Yinghong; Li, Lejing; Song, Hongtao; Qiu, Huilei; Qin, Yu; Geng, Jing-Shu

    2014-04-01

    Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), a novel tumor-associated gene, was found overexpressed in many tumors. Therefore, our purpose is to estimate whether AEG-1 overexpression is a novel predictor of prognostic marker in metastatic ovarian tumors. Immunohistochemistry was used to estimate AEG-1 overexpression in metastatic ovarian tumors from 102 samples. The association between AEG-1 expression and prognosis was estimated by univariate and multivariate survival analyses with Cox regression. The log-rank test was used to identify any differences in the prognosis between the two groups. The median overall and progression-free survival rates of patients with tumors from gastrointestinal tract origin were 0.97 and 0.51 years, respectively. Similarly, survival rates of patients with tumors of breast origin were 2.68 and 1.96 years (P < 0.0001). Of 102 patients, 77 had high expression, and AEG-1 overexpression had a significant link of prognosis in metastatic ovarian patients (P < 0.01). On the other hand, medians of overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with tumors of gastrointestinal tract origin were significantly lower than those of patients with tumors of breast origin (P < 0.0001). Patients with metastatic ovarian tumors of breast origin had significantly better prognosis than those with the tumors from gastrointestinal tract primary malignancies. It is suggested that AEG-1 overexpression might be an independent prognostic marker of metastatic ovarian tumors.

  1. Metastatic ovarian tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 150 cases.

    PubMed

    Alvarado-Cabrero, Isabel; Rodríguez-Gómez, Adriana; Castelan-Pedraza, Jorge; Valencia-Cedillo, Raquel

    2013-10-01

    To determine the frequency of metastatic ovarian tumors and to identify their clinicopathologic features. A total of 150 patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic ovarian carcinoma who were treated between 1995 and 2011 at the Mexican Oncology Hospital were identified by retrospective review. Clinicopathologic data were analyzed. Metastatic ovarian carcinoma accounted for 15.7% of all ovarian malignancies. The primary sites of nongynecologic tumors were the colon (30%), stomach (16%), appendix (13%), breast (13%), pancreas (12%), biliary tract (15%), and liver (4%). Gynecologic primary sites were the uterine cervix (4%) and the uterine body (23%). Primary malignancies were detected first in 66 patients (44%) and simultaneously with ovarian metastasis in 53 patients (35.3%). An ovarian mass was the first manifestation of disease in 20.6% of the cases. The patients ranged in age from 26 to 72 years (mean, 51). Krukenberg tumors were found in 35 patients (23%). The cut surfaces of the ovaries were solid in 68 patients, solid-cystic in 38, and multicystic in 44. Metastatic ovarian carcinomas are an important group of ovarian neoplasms, constituting 15.7% of all ovarian malignancies. Most of them arise from the gastrointestinal tract.

  2. Imaging features of carcinoid tumors metastatic to the breast.

    PubMed

    Glazebrook, Katrina N; Jones, Katie N; Dilaveri, Christina A; Perry, Kyle; Reynolds, Carol

    2011-06-29

    The objective of this study was to describe the imaging findings of carcinoid tumors metastatic to the breast, with pathologic and clinical correlations. We searched our surgical database for cases of pathologically proven carcinoid tumors metastatic to the breast from October 1, 2000, to May 31, 2010. Of the approximate 10,000 breast biopsies identified, 7000 had malignant findings. Ten cases of metastatic carcinoid (0.1% of all malignancies), all with imaging studies available for review, were included in the study. All patients were women and had their primary carcinoid in the gastrointestinal tract (n=9) or lung (n = 1). One patient presented with a palpable breast mass and no history of carcinoid tumor; an ileal carcinoid was discovered after the pathologic diagnosis of metastatic carcinoid was established. In the breast, tumors presented as solitary lesions in half the cases. Metastases to the breast typically presented as circumscribed masses mammographically and as hypoechoic circumscribed masses ultrasonographically; some showed increased through-transmission and increased vascularity with color Doppler evaluation. Five patients had octreotide scans; of these, 4 had increased focal activity in the region of metastasis within the breast. Six patients underwent computed tomography. Without contrast, nodular masses were observed; with contrast, the masses showed rapid enhancement during arterial phase imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (n = 4) also showed rapid enhancement and washout kinetics after contrast administration. Recognition of carcinoid metastases to the breast in patients with known or occult primary carcinoid tumors is important to avoid unnecessary treatment for primary breast cancer.

  3. Expression Profiling of Primary and Metastatic Ovarian Tumors Reveals Differences Indicative of Aggressive Disease

    PubMed Central

    Brodsky, Alexander S.; Fischer, Andrew; Miller, Daniel H.; Vang, Souriya; MacLaughlan, Shannon; Wu, Hsin-Ta; Yu, Jovian; Steinhoff, Margaret; Collins, Colin; Smith, Peter J. S.; Raphael, Benjamin J.; Brard, Laurent

    2014-01-01

    The behavior and genetics of serous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasis, the form of the disease lethal to patients, is poorly understood. The unique properties of metastases are critical to understand to improve treatments of the disease that remains in patients after debulking surgery. We sought to identify the genetic and phenotypic landscape of metastatic progression of EOC to understand how metastases compare to primary tumors. DNA copy number and mRNA expression differences between matched primary human tumors and omental metastases, collected at the same time during debulking surgery before chemotherapy, were measured using microarrays. qPCR and immunohistochemistry validated findings. Pathway analysis of mRNA expression revealed metastatic cancer cells are more proliferative and less apoptotic than primary tumors, perhaps explaining the aggressive nature of these lesions. Most cases had copy number aberrations (CNAs) that differed between primary and metastatic tumors, but we did not detect CNAs that are recurrent across cases. A six gene expression signature distinguishes primary from metastatic tumors and predicts overall survival in independent datasets. The genetic differences between primary and metastatic tumors, yet common expression changes, suggest that the major clone in metastases is not the same as in primary tumors, but the cancer cells adapt to the omentum similarly. Together, these data highlight how ovarian tumors develop into a distinct, more aggressive metastatic state that should be considered for therapy development. PMID:24732363

  4. The surgical management of sacral chordomas.

    PubMed

    Schwab, Joseph H; Healey, John H; Rose, Peter; Casas-Ganem, Jorge; Boland, Patrick J

    2009-11-15

    Retrospective case series. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that contribute to improved local control and survival. In addition, we sought to define the expected morbidity associated with treatment. Sacral chordomas are rare tumors presumed to arise from notochordal cells. Local recurrence presents a major problem in the management of these tumors and it has been correlated with survival. Resection of sacral tumors is associated with significant morbidity. Forty-two patients underwent resection for sacral chordoma between 1990 and 2005. Twelve patients had their initial surgery elsewhere. There were 12 female and 30 male patients. The proximal extent of the sacrectomy was at least S2 in 32 patients. Median survival was 84 months, and 5-year disease-free (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSF) were 56% and 77%, respectively. Local recurrence (LR) and metastasis occurred in 17 (40%) and 13 (31%) patients, respectively. Local recurrence (P=0.0001), metastasis (P=0.0001), prior resection (P=0.046), and higher grade (P=0.05) were associated with a worse DSF. Prior resections (P=0.0001) and intralesional resections (P=0.01) were associated with a higher rate of LR. Intralesional resections were associated with a lower DSF (P=0.0001). Wide contaminated margins treated with cryosurgery and/or radiation were not associated with a higher LR rate. Rectus abdominus flaps were associated with decreased wound complications (P=0.01). Thirty-one (74%) patients reported that they self catheterize; and 16 (38%) patients required bowel training, while an additional twelve (29%) patients had a colostomy. Twenty-eight (67%) patients reported sexual dysfunction. Two (5%) patients died due to sepsis. Intralesional resection should be avoided as it is associated with a higher LR rate and worse survival. Rectus abdominus flaps ought to be considered as they lower the wound complication rate. Sacral resection is associated with significant morbidity.

  5. Tumor attributes predicting cutaneous metastatic destiny: a report of two interesting cases.

    PubMed

    Gurumurthi, Ravichandran; Thirumalai, Raja; Easow, Jose M; Mohan, Subhashini

    2014-07-01

    Cutaneous metastases are the result of complex interaction between the tumor cells ("seed") and the host environment ("soil"). Metastases to the skin can be an early sign of internal malignancy or represent recurrence of the primary tumor and portends a poorer prognosis. Invasion and metastasis are the hallmarks of on cogenesis. Skin is the largest organ in the body, but the incidence of metastases is low. With advances in molecular biology, factors responsible for the initiation and perpetuation of metastatic tumor cells at distant sites are being elucidated. The concept of "pre-metastatic niche" and interaction between various chemokines has given a new outlook in understanding the organ specificity of metastatic tumor cells. We present two cases of cutaneous metastases with interesting clinical findings correlating with its biologic subtypes.

  6. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Management of metastatic disease and emerging therapies

    PubMed Central

    Vadakara, Joseph

    2013-01-01

    Synopsis Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Prior to the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib, there were few treatment options available to patients with metastatic GIST. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment and the prognosis for patients with metastatic GIST was dismal. With the advent of imatinib the prognosis of metastatic GIST has improved dramatically. Second line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) such as sunitinib and regorafenib have further bettered prognosis, however there is still a need for therapies for patients with disease refractory to TKI therapy. Newer agents such as the Hsp90 inhibitors, PI3K-AKT-mTOR inhibitors and IGF1-R inhibitors are currently under investigation and may have promise. This review discusses the current standard of care in terms of pharmacotherapy, both standard and investigational (summarized in Box 1), in the management of metastatic GIST. PMID:24093167

  7. Total enbloc spondylectomy for metastatic high grade spinal tumors: Early results

    PubMed Central

    Patil, Sanganagouda S; Nene, Abhay M

    2016-01-01

    Background: High grade metastatic spinal tumors are most common and are invasive. These patients can succumb to disease progression if not treated timely. Although considered as invasive and morbid, total enbloc spondylectomy (TES) in selected cases has better survival rates. The authors describe the results of TES for high grade metastatic spinal tumors. Materials and Methods: Five patients (four females and one male) underwent TES for solitary metastatic vertebral lesion between November 2012 and January 2014. These patients presented to us with spinal instability, unrelenting severe spinal pain and/or with severe progressive radiculopathy. Average age was 46.2 years (range 39–62 years). After complete investigations, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging scan and positron emission tomography (PET) scan, it was confirmed that these patients had high grade solitary vertebral metastatic tumor. Results: Average duration of followup was 18 months (range 16–20 months). The average preoperative visual analog scale score of 9.4 (range 9–10) improved to 2 (range 1–4) at last followup. Average blood loss was 1440 mL (range 1000–2000 mL). Average duration of surgery was 198 min (range 180–240 min). Significant pain relief was noticed in each patient in the immediate postoperative period and during followups. These patients attained complete functional activities of daily living with in a month. The imaging showed implants in situ, no recurrence of tumor, and no activity on PET scan at the final followup. Conclusion: The present series shows favorable short term results of TES for solitary, metastatic, high grade vertebral body tumors by a team approach. PMID:27512215

  8. Tumor-educated mesenchymal stem cells promote pro-metastatic phenotype

    PubMed Central

    Passaro, Nunzia; Zannetti, Antonella

    2017-01-01

    Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited into tumor microenvironment in response to multiple signals produced by cancer cells. Molecules involved in their homing to tumors are the same inflammatory mediators produced by injured tissues: chemokines, cytokines and growth factors. When MSCs arrive into the tumor microenvironment these are “educated” to have pro-metastatic behaviour. Firstly, they promote cancer immunosuppression modulating both innate and adaptive immune systems. Moreover, tumor associated-MSCs trans-differentiating into cancer-associated fibroblasts can induce epithelial-mesenchymal-transition program in tumor cells. This process determinates a more aggressive phenotype of cancer cells by increasing their motility and invasiveness and favoring their dissemination to distant sites. In addition, MSCs are involved in the formation and modelling of pre-metastatic niches creating a supportive environment for colonization of circulating tumor cells. The development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting the different functions of MSCs in promoting tumor progression as well as the mechanisms underlying their activities could enhance the efficacy of conventional and immune anti-cancer therapies. Furthermore, many studies report the use of MSCs engineered to express different genes or as vehicle to specifically deliver novel drugs to tumors exploiting their strong tropism. Importantly, this approach can enhance local therapeutic efficacy and reduce the risk of systemic side effects. PMID:29069870

  9. Gastroesphageal Variceal Hemorrhage Induced by Metastatic Liver Tumor of Lung Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Honda, Takayuki; Kobayashi, Hiroaki; Saiki, Masafumi; Sogami, Yusuke; Miyashita, Yoshihiro; Inase, Naohiko

    2012-01-01

    Gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage is a lethal complication of portal hypertension. Liver cirrhosis is often the principal cause of the portal hypertensive state. Malignant tumors coexist with portal hypertension in some cases. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is likely to become metastatic. Liver is a frequent site of cancer metastasis, but diffuse hepatic sinusoidal metastasis is uncommon as a metastatic form of NSCLC. This report describes a patient with gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage owing to a metastatic liver tumor of NSCLC. The patient, a male smoker with stage IV NSCLC, was free of any hepatitis viral infection and had no alcohol addiction. Liver dysfunction and liver disease had never been pointed out in his medical history. His tumor harbored an L858R epidermal growth factor receptor mutation. Gefitinib was initiated but had to be ceased because of interstitial lung disease. Sequential steroid therapy was effective and bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy was commenced. Both chemotherapy regimens produced favorable effects against the metastatic liver tumor, eliciting atrophic change regardless of the chemotherapy-free interval. One day the patient was admitted to our hospital because of black stool and hypotension. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a beaded appearance of the gastroesophageal varix with bloody gastric contents. The portal hypertension might have been caused by changes in portal vein hemodynamics induced by the conformational changes underlying the favorable response of the liver tumor to molecular targeted chemotherapy and notable regression. PMID:23275780

  10. Metastatic papillary craniopharyngioma: case study and study of tumor angiogenesis.

    PubMed Central

    Elmaci, Lhan; Kurtkaya-Yapicier, Ozlem; Ekinci, Gazanfer; Sav, Aydin; Pamir, M. Necmettin; Vidal, Sergio; Kovacs, Kalman; Scheithauer, Bernd W.

    2002-01-01

    We report a case of suprasellar papillary craniopharyngioma metastatic to the temporoparietal region 2 years after its initial resection. The literature documents examples of craniopharyngioma recurrences along the surgical tract, as well as remote ipsi- and contralateral metastases via cerebrospinal fluid seeding. Ours is the second report of a craniopharyngioma of papillary type to exhibit metastatic behavior. The tumor spread opposite the side of craniotomy. Although a rare occurrence, it confirms the limited capacity of histologically benign craniopharyngiomas to undergo meningeal seeding, likely the result of surgical manipulation. Immunohistochemical demonstration of increased microvascular density and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, as well as a high vascular endothelial growth receptor (VEGFR2) signal by in situ hybridization, suggests that tumor vascularity facilitated angiogenesis and may have been involved in the establishment and growth of the metastatic deposit. PMID:11916504

  11. Fine-Needle Aspiration of Metastatic Central Type Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors in Patients with a Germ Cell Tumor.

    PubMed

    Chen, Shaoxiong; Idrees, Muhammad; Lin, Jingmei; Wu, Howard H

    2017-01-01

    Central type primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are some of the most frequent somatic type tumors derived from germ cell tumors and can metastasize. We studied the cytomorphological features of metastatic central type PNET by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). A computerized search of our laboratory information system was performed for the 9-year period from 2005 through 2014 to identify all cytology cases in which a diagnosis of metastatic central type PNET had been rendered. A total of 5 FNA cases were collected and direct smears were reexamined. All patients had a history of testicular or ovarian germ cell tumors. Direct smears displayed single and clusters of atypical round to oval cells with scant to moderate cytoplasm. Abundant naked nuclei were present in Diff-Quik-stained smears with mild to marked crushed artifacts and nuclear molding. Tumor cells showed fine granular chromatin, nuclear size variation (up to 1:3), and one or more small nucleoli. Pseudorosettes (Homer Wright-like rosette) were noticed in 1 case. Tumor cells were commonly positive for synaptophysin. Metastatic PNET can be reliably diagnosed by FNA. Differential diagnoses include Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNET, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, etc. It is important to be familiar with this entity to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  12. Incidentally diagnosed giant invasive sacral schwannoma

    PubMed Central

    Togral, Guray; Arikan, Murat; Hasturk, Askin E.; Gungor, Safak

    2014-01-01

    Schwannomas are benign encapsulated tumors of Schwan cells that grow slowly along the peripheral myelin nerve fibers. Sacral spinal schwannomas are very rare, and the incidence of sacral schwannoma ranges from 1-5% of all spinal schwannomas, and only around 50 cases are reported in the literature. There are 3 defined types of sacral schwannomas. These are retroperitoneal or presacral, intra osseous, and spinal schwannomas. Patients commonly present with complaints of pain and paresthesia due to the spinal schwannoma extending to extra spinal tissues. Direct x-ray, CT, MRI, and scintigraphy are used for preoperative diagnosis and treatment planning. Local recurrence and transformation to malignancy is very rare. For this reason, the frequently preferred treatments are subtotal removal of the mass or simple enucleation. In our article, we discuss the clinical features and the surgical treatment we performed without the need for stabilization in an incidentally determined giant invasive schwannoma case. PMID:24983285

  13. Comparative clinical utility of tumor genomic testing and cell-free DNA in metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Maxwell, Kara N; Soucier-Ernst, Danielle; Tahirovic, Emin; Troxel, Andrea B; Clark, Candace; Feldman, Michael; Colameco, Christopher; Kakrecha, Bijal; Langer, Melissa; Lieberman, David; Morrissette, Jennifer J D; Paul, Matt R; Pan, Tien-Chi; Yee, Stephanie; Shih, Natalie; Carpenter, Erica; Chodosh, Lewis A; DeMichele, Angela

    2017-08-01

    Breast cancer metastases differ biologically from primary disease; therefore, metastatic biopsies may assist in treatment decision making. Commercial genomic testing of both tumor and circulating tumor DNA have become available clinically, but utility of these tests in breast cancer management remains unclear. Patients undergoing a clinically indicated metastatic tumor biopsy were consented to the ongoing METAMORPH registry. Tumor and blood were collected at the time of disease progression before subsequent therapy, and patients were followed for response on subsequent treatment. Tumor testing (n = 53) and concurrent cell-free DNA (n = 32) in a subset of patients was performed using CLIA-approved assays. The proportion of patients with a genomic alteration was lower in tumor than in blood (69 vs. 91%; p = 0.06). After restricting analysis to alterations covered on both platforms, 83% of tumor alterations were detected in blood, while 90% of blood alterations were detected in tumor. Mutational load specific for the panel genes was calculated for both tumor and blood. Time to progression on subsequent treatment was significantly shorter for patients whose tumors had high panel-specific mutational load (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12-0.78) or a TP53 mutation (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.79), after adjusting for stage at presentation, hormone receptor status, prior treatment type, and number of lines of metastatic treatment. Treating oncologists must distinguish platform differences from true biological heterogeneity when comparing tumor and cfDNA genomic testing results. Tumor and concurrent cfDNA contribute unique genomic information in metastatic breast cancer patients, providing potentially useful biomarkers for aggressive metastatic disease.

  14. Glutamine synthetase, heat shock protein-70, and glypican-3 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and tumors metastatic to liver.

    PubMed

    Lagana, Stephen M; Moreira, Roger K; Remotti, Helen E; Bao, Fei

    2013-05-01

    Glutamine synthetase (GS), heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70), and glypican-3 (GPC-3) are markers best characterized in hepatocellular lesions, where they are useful in distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma from dysplastic nodules. Their staining patterns in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IH-ChCa) and metastatic tumors in liver are not well described. Tissue microarrays containing 41 IH-ChCa and 24 metastatic tumors in liver were stained with commercially available antibodies to GS, HSP-70, and GPC-3. Five percent staining of tumor cells was considered positive for HSP-70 and GPC-3. For GS, 50% was the cut-off. GS reactivity was present in 31 of 41 IH-ChCa (76%), with the median amount of staining being 65% of tumor cells. HSP-70 reactivity was present in 36 of 41 IH-ChCa (88%) with the median amount of staining being 75% of tumor cells. GPC-3 reactivity was absent from all IH-ChCa. Twenty-seven of 41 IH-ChCa cases were positive for both GS and HSP-70 (66%). GS reactivity was present in 17 of 24 tumors metastatic to liver (71%), with the median amount of staining being 50% of tumor cells. HSP-70 reactivity was present in 21 of 24 tumors metastatic to liver (88%) with the median amount of staining being 80% of tumor cells. GPC-3 reactivity was present in 2 of 24 tumors metastatic to liver (8%) with one showing 5% staining and the other showing 50% staining of tumor cells. Fifteen of 24 cases were positive for both GS and HSP-70 (63%), and 2 cases were positive for all 3 markers (8%). Of the panel of immunostains currently commonly used to distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma from dysplastic hepatocytic nodules, only GPC-3 did not react frequently with metastatic tumors and IH-ChCa, although there was staining in 2 metastatic tumors. GS and HSP-70 are typically positive in IH-ChCa and metastatic tumors. Nothing should be inferred about the histogenesis of a tumor based on positive staining with either of these 2 markers, which currently have no role in tumor of

  15. Anatomic parameters of the sacral lamina for osteosynthesis in transverse sacral fractures.

    PubMed

    Katsuura, Yoshihiro; Lorenz, Eileen; Gardner, Warren

    2018-05-01

    To analyze the morphometric parameters of the dorsal sacral lamina and pedicles to determine if there is adequate bony architecture to support plate osteosynthesis. Two reviewers performed measurements on 98 randomly selected high-resolution CT scans of the pelvis to quantify the bony anatomy of the sacral lamina. Measurements included the depths of the lamina at each sacral level, the trajectory and depth of the sacral pedicles from the sacral lamina, and the width of the sacral canal. A bone mineral density analysis was performed on the sacral lamina using Hounsfield units (HU) and compared to the L1 and S1 vertebral bodies. The sacral lamina were found to form peaks and troughs which we refered to as major and minor sections. On average, the thickness was > 4 mm at all major screw starting points, indicating adequate geometry for screw fixation. The sacral pedicle depths were 27, 18, 16, and 14 mm at S2-S5, respectively. The average angulation from midline of this screw path directed laterally to avoid the sacral canal was 20°, 17°, 8°, and - 8° for the S2-5 pedicles, respectively. Average sacral canal diameter was 11 mm for S2 and 8 mm for S3-5. The sacral lamina had an average bone mineral density of 635 HU, which was significantly different from the density of the L5 (220 HU) and S1 (165 HU) vertebral bodies (p < 0.005). This morphometric data was used to pilot a new plating technique. The sacral lamina offers a novel target for screw fixation and meets the basic geometric and compositional criteria for screw purchase. To our knowledge, this study represents the first morphometric analysis performed on the sacral lamina and pedicles for plate application.

  16. Veliparib, Capecitabine, and Temozolomide in Patients With Advanced, Metastatic, and Recurrent Neuroendocrine Tumor

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2017-09-26

    Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Malignant Somatostatinoma; Merkel Cell Carcinoma; Metastatic Adrenal Gland Pheochromocytoma; Metastatic Carcinoid Tumor; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B; Neuroendocrine Neoplasm; Non-Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Pancreatic Glucagonoma; Pancreatic Insulinoma; Recurrent Adrenal Cortex Carcinoma; Recurrent Adrenal Gland Pheochromocytoma; Recurrent Merkel Cell Carcinoma; Somatostatin-Producing Neuroendocrine Tumor; Stage III Adrenal Cortex Carcinoma; Stage III Thyroid Gland Medullary Carcinoma; Stage IIIA Merkel Cell Carcinoma; Stage IIIB Merkel Cell Carcinoma; Stage IV Adrenal Cortex Carcinoma; Stage IV Merkel Cell Carcinoma; Stage IVA Thyroid Gland Medullary Carcinoma; Stage IVB Thyroid Gland Medullary Carcinoma; Stage IVC Thyroid Gland Medullary Carcinoma; Thymic Carcinoid Tumor; VIP-Producing Neuroendocrine Tumor; Well Differentiated Adrenal Cortex Carcinoma; Zollinger Ellison Syndrome

  17. Aspiration cytology of extramammary tumors metastatic to the breast.

    PubMed

    Deshpande, A H; Munshi, M M; Lele, V R; Bobhate, S K

    1999-11-01

    This study was carried out to examine the cytomorphologic features of metastatic breast tumors and to assess the utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosing these tumors. The study group comprised five females and one male, all presenting with a breast mass. Their ages ranged between 35 and 65 years. FNAC of the breast mass was done in all cases. Three of the cases were previously diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCA) of the ovary, and melanoma. Three cases presented initially with a breast mass. These included melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and plasmacytoma. The diagnosis of NHL was confirmed on histology. The patient with plasmacytoma presented primarily with a breast lump but subsequently developed multiple myeloma, and in one case of melanoma the primary tumor was detected after breast metastases. Preoperative FNAC of extramammary tumors metastatic to the breast is invaluable because the management of the patient differs entirely from that of a primary neoplasm. An accurate diagnosis can be made with the help of clinical and radiological correlation. If available, a perusal of previous history and biopsy material may prove useful. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  18. Interstitial laser immunotherapy for treatment of metastatic mammary tumors in rats

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Figueroa, Daniel; Joshi, Chet; Wolf, Roman F.; Walla, Jonny; Goddard, Jessica; Martin, Mallory; Kosanke, Stanley D.; Broach, Fred S.; Pontius, Sean; Brown, Destiny; Li, Xiaosong; Howard, Eric; Nordquist, Robert E.; Hode, Tomas; Chen, Wei R.

    2011-03-01

    Thermal therapy has been used for cancer treatment for more than a century. While thermal effect can be direct, immediate, and controllable, it is not sufficient to completely eradicate tumors, particularly when tumors have metastasized locally or to the distant sites. Metastases are the major cause of treatment failure and cancer deaths. Current available therapies, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, only have limited curative effects in patients with late-stage, metastatic cancers. Immunotherapy has been considered as the ultimate approach for cancer treatment since a systemic, anti-tumor, immunological response can be induced. Using the combination of photothermal therapy and immunotherapy, laser immunotherapy (LIT),a novel immunotherapy modality for late-stage cancer treatment, has been developed. LIT has shown great promise in pre-clinical studies and clinical breast cancer and melanoma pilot trials. However, the skin color and the depth of the tumor have been challenges for effective treatment with LIT. To induce a thermal destruction zone of appropriate size without causing thermal damage on the skin, we have developed interstitial laser immunotherapy (ILIT) using a cylindrical diffuser. To determine the effectiveness of ILIT, we treated the DMBA-4 metastatic tumors in rats. The thermal damage in tumor tissue was studied using TTC immersion and hematoxolin and eosin (H & E) staining. Also observed was the overall survival of the treated animals. Our results demonstrated that the ILIT could impact a much larger tumor area, and it significantly reduced the surface damage compared with the early version of non-invasive LIT. The survival data also indicate that ILIT has the potential to become an effective tool for the treatment of deeper, larger, and metastatic tumors, with reduced side effects.

  19. Application of carbon-ion beams or gamma-rays on primary tumors does not change the expression profiles of metastatic tumors in an in vivo murine model.

    PubMed

    Tamaki, Tomoaki; Iwakawa, Mayumi; Ohno, Tatsuya; Imadome, Kaori; Nakawatari, Miyako; Sakai, Minako; Tsujii, Hirohiko; Nakano, Takashi; Imai, Takashi

    2009-05-01

    To clarify how carbon-ion radiotherapy (C-ion) on primary tumors affects the characteristics of subsequently arising metastatic tumor cells. Mouse squamous cell carcinomas, NR-S1, in synergic C3H/HeMsNrs mice were irradiated with a single dose of 5-50 Gy of C-ion (290 MeV per nucleon, 6-cm spread-out Bragg peak) or gamma-rays ((137)Cs source) as a reference beam. The volume of the primary tumors and the number of metastatic nodules in lung were studied, and histologic analysis and microarray analysis of laser-microdissected tumor cells were also performed. Including 5 Gy of C-ion and 8 Gy of gamma-rays, which did not inhibit the primary tumor growth, all doses used in this study inhibited lung metastasis significantly. Pathologic findings showed no difference among the metastatic tumor nodules in the nonirradiated, C-ion-irradiated, and gamma-ray-irradiated groups. Clustering analysis of expression profiles among metastatic tumors and primary tumors revealed a single cluster consisting of metastatic tumors different from their original primary tumors, indicating that the expression profiles of the metastatic tumor cells were not affected by the local application of C-ion or gamma-ray radiotherapy. We found no difference in the incidence and histology, and only small differences in expression profile, of distant metastasis between local C-ion and gamma-ray radiotherapy. The application of local radiotherapy per se or the type of radiotherapy applied did not influence the transcriptional changes caused by metastasis in tumor cells.

  20. Landmarks for Sacral Debridement in Sacral Pressure Sores.

    PubMed

    Choo, Joshua H; Wilhelmi, Bradon J

    2016-03-01

    Most cases of sacral osteomyelitis arising in the setting of sacral pressure ulcers require minimal cortical debridement. When faced with advanced bony involvement, the surgeon is often unclear about how much can safely be resected. Unfamiliarity with sacral anatomy can lead to concerns of inadvertent entry into the dural space and compromise of future flap options. A cadaveric study (n = 6), in which a wide posterior dissection of the sacrum, was performed. Relationships of the dural sac to bony landmarks of the posterior pelvis were noted. The termination of the dural sac was found in our study to occur at the junction of S2/S3 vertebral bodies, which was located at a mean distance of 0.38 ± 0.16 cm distal to the inferior-most extent of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). The mean thickness of the posterior table of sacrum at this level was 1.7 cm at the midline and 0.5 cm at the sacral foramina. The PSIS is a reliable landmark for localizing the S2/S3 junction and the termination of the dural sac. Sacral debridement medial to the sacral foramina above the level of PSIS must be conservative whenever possible. If aggressive debridement is necessary above this level, the surgeon must be alert to the possibility of dural involvement.

  1. Complex sacral abscess 8 years after abdominal sacral colpopexy.

    PubMed

    Collins, Sarah A; Tulikangas, Paul K; LaSala, Christine A; Lind, Lawrence R

    2011-08-01

    Sacral colpopexy is an effective, durable repair for women with apical vaginal or uterovaginal prolapse. There are few reports of serious complications diagnosed in the remote postoperative period. A 74-year-old woman presented 8 years after undergoing posthysterectomy abdominal sacral colpopexy using polypropylene mesh. Posterior vaginal mesh erosion had been diagnosed several months before presentation. She suffered severe infectious complications including an infected thrombus in the inferior vena cava, sacral osteomyelitis, and a complex abscess with presacral and epidural components. Surgical exploration revealed an abscess cavity surrounding the mesh. Although minor complications commonly occur after sacral colpopexy using abdominal mesh, serious and rare postoperative infectious complications may occur years postoperatively.

  2. High fidelity of driver chromosomal alterations among primary and metastatic renal cell carcinomas: implications for tumor clonal evolution and treatment.

    PubMed

    Kouba, Eril J; Eble, John N; Simper, Novae; Grignon, David J; Wang, Mingsheng; Zhang, Shaobo; Wang, Lisha; Martignoni, Guido; Williamson, Sean R; Brunelli, Matteo; Luchini, Claudio; Calió, Anna; Cheng, Liang

    2016-11-01

    Recent studies have demonstrated considerable genomic heterogeneity in both primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This mutational diversity has serious implications for the development and implementation of targeted molecular therapies. We evaluated 39 cases of primary RCC tumors with their matched metastatic tumors to determine if the hallmark chromosomal anomalies of these tumors are preserved over the course of disease progression. Thirty-nine matched pairs of primary and metastatic RCCs (20 clear cell RCC, 16 papillary RCC, and 3 chromophobe RCC) were analyzed. All clear cell RCC and papillary RCC tumors were evaluated for chromosome 3p deletion, trisomy 7 and 17 using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Chromophobe RCC tumors were evaluated for genetic alterations in chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 10, and 17. Of the 20 clear cell RCC tumors, 18 primary tumors (90%) showed a deletion of chromosome 3p and were disomic for chromosomes 7 and 17. All molecular aberrations were conserved within the matched metastatic tumor. Of the 16 papillary RCC tumors, 10 primary tumors (62%) showed trisomy for both chromosomes 7 and 17 without 3p deletion. These molecular aberrations and others were conserved in the paired metastatic tumors. Of the three chromophobe RCC tumors, multiple genetic anomalies were identified in chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 10, and 17. These chromosomal aberrations were conserved in the matched metastatic tumors. Our results demonstrated genomic fidelity among the primary and metastatic lesions in RCCs. These findings may have important clinical and diagnostic implications.

  3. Heterogeneity of Estrogen Receptor Expression in Circulating Tumor Cells from Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

    PubMed Central

    Babayan, Anna; Hannemann, Juliane; Spötter, Julia; Müller, Volkmar

    2013-01-01

    Background Endocrine treatment is the most preferable systemic treatment in metastatic breast cancer patients that have had an estrogen receptor (ER) positive primary tumor or metastatic lesions, however, approximately 20% of these patients do not benefit from the therapy and demonstrate further metastatic progress. One reason for failure of endocrine therapy might be the heterogeneity of ER expression in tumor cells spreading from the primary tumor to distant sites which is reflected in detectable circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Methods A sensitive and specific staining protocol for ER, keratin 8/18/19, CD45 was established. Peripheral blood from 35 metastatic breast cancer patients with ER-positive primary tumors was tested for the presence of CTCs. Keratin 8/18/19 and DAPI positive but CD45 negative cells were classified as CTCs and evaluated for ER staining. Subsequently, eight individual CTCs from four index patients (2 CTCs per patient) were isolated and underwent whole genome amplification and ESR1 gene mutation analysis. Results CTCs were detected in blood of 16 from 35 analyzed patients (46%), with a median of 3 CTCs/7.5 ml. In total, ER-negative CTCs were detected in 11/16 (69%) of the CTC positive cases, including blood samples with only ER-negative CTCs (19%) and samples with both ER-positive and ER-negative CTCs (50%). No correlation was found between the intensity and/or percentage of ER staining in the primary tumor with the number and ER status of CTCs of the same patient. ESR1 gene mutations were not found. Conclusion CTCs frequently lack ER expression in metastatic breast cancer patients with ER-positive primary tumors and show a considerable intra-patient heterogeneity, which may reflect a mechanism to escape endocrine therapy. Provided single cell analysis did not support a role of ESR1 mutations in this process. PMID:24058649

  4. Clinical and Endoscopic Features of Metastatic Tumors in the Stomach

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Ga Hee; Ahn, Ji Yong; Jung, Hwoon-Yong; Park, Young Soo; Kim, Min-Ju; Choi, Kee Don; Lee, Jeong Hoon; Choi, Kwi-Sook; Kim, Do Hoon; Lim, Hyun; Song, Ho June; Lee, Gin Hyug; Kim, Jin-Ho

    2015-01-01

    Background/Aims Metastasis to the stomach is rare. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the clinical outcomes of cancers that metastasized to the stomach. Methods We reviewed the clinicopathological aspects of patients with gastric metastases from solid organ tumors. Thirty-seven cases were identified, and we evaluated the histology, initial presentation, imaging findings, lesion locations, treatment courses, and overall patient survival. Results Endoscopic findings indicated that solitary lesions presented more frequently than multiple lesions and submucosal tumor-like tumors were the most common appearance. Malignant melanoma was the tumor that most frequently metastasized to the stomach. Twelve patients received treatments after the diagnosis of gastric metastasis. The median survival period from the diagnosis of gastric metastasis was 3.0 months (interquartile range, 1.0 to 11.0 months). Patients with solitary lesions and patients who received any treatments survived longer after the diagnosis of metastatic cancer than patients with multiple lesions and patients who did not any receive any treatments. Conclusions Proper treatment with careful consideration of the primary tumor characteristics can increase the survival period in patients with tumors that metastasize to the stomach, especially in cases with solitary metastatic lesions in endoscopic findings. PMID:25473071

  5. The Impact of Metastatic Spinal Tumor Location on 30-Day Perioperative Mortality and Morbidity After Surgical Decompression.

    PubMed

    Hussain, Awais K; Vig, Khushdeep S; Cheung, Zoe B; Phan, Kevin; Lima, Mauricio C; Kim, Jun S; Kaji, Deepak A; Arvind, Varun; Cho, Samuel Kang-Wook

    2018-06-01

    A retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2014 was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of tumor location in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spine on 30-day perioperative mortality and morbidity after surgical decompression of metastatic extradural spinal tumors. Operative treatment of metastatic spinal tumors involves extensive procedures that are associated with significant complication rates and healthcare costs. Past studies have examined various risk factors for poor clinical outcomes after surgical decompression procedures for spinal tumors, but few studies have specifically investigated the impact of tumor location on perioperative mortality and morbidity. We identified 2238 patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent laminectomy for excision of metastatic extradural tumors in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spine. Baseline patient characteristics were collected from the database. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the association between spinal tumor location and 30-day perioperative mortality and morbidity. On univariate analysis, cervical spinal tumors were associated with the highest rate of pulmonary complications. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that cervical spinal tumors had the highest odds of multiple perioperative complications. However, thoracic spinal tumors were associated with the highest risk of intra- or postoperative blood transfusion. In contrast, patients with metastatic tumors in the lumbosacral spine had lower odds of perioperative mortality, pulmonary complications, and sepsis. Tumor location is an independent risk factor for perioperative mortality and morbidity after surgical decompression of metastatic spinal tumors. The addition of tumor location to existing prognostic scoring

  6. Metastatic Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Related to Primary Tumor Development in Childhood or Adolescence: Significant Link to SDHB Mutations

    PubMed Central

    King, Kathryn S.; Prodanov, Tamara; Kantorovich, Vitaly; Fojo, Tito; Hewitt, Jacqueline K.; Zacharin, Margaret; Wesley, Robert; Lodish, Maya; Raygada, Margarita; Gimenez-Roqueplo, Anne-Paule; McCormack, Shana; Eisenhofer, Graeme; Milosevic, Dragana; Kebebew, Electron; Stratakis, Constantine A.; Pacak, Karel

    2011-01-01

    Purpose To present data on the high rate of SDHB mutations in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma whose initial tumor presentation began in childhood or adolescence. Patients and Methods From 2000 to 2010, 263 patients with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma were evaluated through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Of the 263 patients, 125 patients were found to have metastatic disease; of these 125 patients, 32 patients presented with a tumor before 20 years of age. An additional 17 patients presented with a tumor before 20 years of age but demonstrated no development of metastatic disease. Genetic testing for mutations in the VHL, MEN, and SDHB/C/D genes was performed on patients without previously identified genetic mutations. Results Of the 32 patients who presented with metastatic disease and had their primary tumor in childhood or adolescence, sequence analysis of germline DNA showed SDHB mutations in 23 patients (71.9%), SDHD mutations in three patients (9.4%), VHL mutations in two patients (6.3%), and an absence of a known mutation in four patients (12.5%). The majority of these 32 patients (78.1%) presented with primary tumors in an extra-adrenal location. Conclusion The majority of patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma who presented with a primary tumor in childhood/adolescence had primary extra-adrenal tumors and harbored SDHB mutations. Except for primary tumors located in the head and neck where SDHD genetic testing is advised, we recommend that patients who present with metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma with primary tumor development in childhood or adolescence undergo SDHB genetic testing before they undergo testing for other gene mutations, unless clinical presentation or family history suggests a different mutation. PMID:21969497

  7. Quantitative Primary Tumor Indocyanine Green Measurements Predict Osteosarcoma Metastatic Lung Burden in a Mouse Model.

    PubMed

    Fourman, Mitchell S; Mahjoub, Adel; Mandell, Jon B; Yu, Shibing; Tebbets, Jessica C; Crasto, Jared A; Alexander, Peter E; Weiss, Kurt R

    2018-03-01

    Current preclinical osteosarcoma (OS) models largely focus on quantifying primary tumor burden. However, most fatalities from OS are caused by metastatic disease. The quantification of metastatic OS currently relies on CT, which is limited by motion artifact, requires intravenous contrast, and can be technically demanding in the preclinical setting. We describe the ability for indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography to quantify primary and metastatic OS in a previously validated orthotopic, immunocompetent mouse model. (1) Can near-infrared ICG fluorescence be used to attach a comparable, quantitative value to the primary OS tumor in our experimental mouse model? (2) Will primary tumor fluorescence differ in mice that go on to develop metastatic lung disease? (3) Does primary tumor fluorescence correlate with tumor volume measured with CT? Six groups of 4- to 6-week-old immunocompetent Balb/c mice (n = 6 per group) received paraphyseal injections into their left hindlimb proximal tibia consisting of variable numbers of K7M2 mouse OS cells. A hindlimb transfemoral amputation was performed 4 weeks after injection with euthanasia and lung extraction performed 10 weeks after injection. Histologic examination of lung and primary tumor specimens confirmed ICG localization only within the tumor bed. Mice with visible or palpable tumor growth had greater hindlimb fluorescence (3.5 ± 2.3 arbitrary perfusion units [APU], defined as the fluorescence pixel return normalized by the detector) compared with those with a negative examination (0.71 ± 0.38 APU, -2.7 ± 0.5 mean difference, 95% confidence interval -3.7 to -1.8, p < 0.001). A strong linear trend (r = 0.81, p < 0.01) was observed between primary tumor and lung fluorescence, suggesting that quantitative ICG tumor fluorescence is directly related to eventual metastatic burden. We did not find a correlation (r = 0.04, p = 0.45) between normalized primary tumor fluorescence and CT volumetric measurements. We

  8. Primary tumor resection in metastatic breast cancer: A propensity-matched analysis, 1988-2011 SEER data base.

    PubMed

    Vohra, Nasreen A; Brinkley, Jason; Kachare, Swapnil; Muzaffar, Mahvish

    2018-03-02

    Primary tumor resection (PTR) in metastatic breast cancer is not a standard treatment modality, and its impact on survival is conflicting. The primary objective of this study was to analyze impact of PTR on survival in metastatic patients with breast cancer. A retrospective study of metastatic patients with breast cancer was conducted using the 1988-2011 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data base. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between PTR and survival and to adjust for the heterogeneity between the groups, and a propensity score-matched analysis was also performed. A total of 29 916 patients with metastatic breast cancer were included in the study, and 15 129 (51%) of patients underwent primary tumor resection, and 14 787 (49%) patients did not undergo surgery. Overall, decreasing trend in PTR for metastatic breast cancer in last decades was noted. Primary tumor resection was associated with a longer median OS (34 vs 18 months). In a propensity score-matched analysis, prognosis was also more favorable in the resected group (P = .0017). Primary tumor resection in metastatic breast cancer was associated with survival improvement, and the improvement persisted in propensity-matched analysis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Metastatic Melanoma Secreted IL-10 Down-Regulates CD1 Molecules on Dendritic Cells in Metastatic Tumor Lesions

    PubMed Central

    Gerlini, Gianni; Tun-Kyi, Adrian; Dudli, Christa; Burg, Günter; Pimpinelli, Nicola; Nestle, Frank O.

    2004-01-01

    CD1 molecules are expressed by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and mediate primary immune responses to lipids and glycolipids which have been shown to be expressed by various tumors. Glycolipids are expressed by melanoma cells but, despite their immunogenicity, no efficient spontaneous immune responses are elicited. As IL-10 has previously been shown to down-regulate CD1a on dendritic cells and is known to be expressed by various melanoma cell lines, we investigated if melanoma-derived IL-10 could down-regulate CD1 molecule expression on dendritic cells as a possible way to circumvent immune recognition. We found that CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, and CD1d were significantly down-regulated on dendritic cells in metastatic (n = 10) but not in primary melanoma lesions (n = 10). We further detected significantly higher IL-10 protein levels in metastatic than in primary melanomas. Moreover, supernatants from metastatic melanomas were significantly more effective in down-regulating CD1 molecules on dendritic cells than supernatants from primary melanoma cultures. This effect was blocked using a neutralizing IL-10 antibody in a dose dependent manner. Our findings suggest that metastatic but not primary melanomas can down-regulate CD1 molecules on infiltrating dendritic cells by secreting IL-10 which may represent a novel way to escape the immune response directed against the tumor. PMID:15579430

  10. Association of Cell-Free DNA Tumor Fraction and Somatic Copy Number Alterations With Survival in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Stover, Daniel G.; Parsons, Heather A.; Ha, Gavin; Freeman, Samuel S.; Barry, William T.; Guo, Hao; Choudhury, Atish D.; Gydush, Gregory; Reed, Sarah C.; Rhoades, Justin; Rotem, Denisse; Hughes, Melissa E.; Dillon, Deborah A.; Partridge, Ann H.; Wagle, Nikhil; Krop, Ian E.; Getz, Gad; Golub, Todd R.; Love, J. Christopher; Winer, Eric P.; Tolaney, Sara M.; Lin, Nancy U.

    2018-01-01

    Purpose Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) offers the potential for minimally invasive genome-wide profiling of tumor alterations without tumor biopsy and may be associated with patient prognosis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by few mutations but extensive somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs), yet little is known regarding SCNAs in metastatic TNBC. We sought to evaluate SCNAs in metastatic TNBC exclusively via cfDNA and determine if cfDNA tumor fraction is associated with overall survival in metastatic TNBC. Patients and Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we identified 164 patients with biopsy-proven metastatic TNBC at a single tertiary care institution who received prior chemotherapy in the (neo)adjuvant or metastatic setting. We performed low-coverage genome-wide sequencing of cfDNA from plasma. Results Without prior knowledge of tumor mutations, we determined tumor fraction of cfDNA for 96.3% of patients and SCNAs for 63.9% of patients. Copy number profiles and percent genome altered were remarkably similar between metastatic and primary TNBCs. Certain SCNAs were more frequent in metastatic TNBCs relative to paired primary tumors and primary TNBCs in publicly available data sets The Cancer Genome Atlas and METABRIC, including chromosomal gains in drivers NOTCH2, AKT2, and AKT3. Prespecified cfDNA tumor fraction threshold of ≥ 10% was associated with significantly worse metastatic survival (median, 6.4 v 15.9 months) and remained significant independent of clinicopathologic factors (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.4 to 3.8; P < .001). Conclusion We present the largest genomic characterization of metastatic TNBC to our knowledge, exclusively from cfDNA. Evaluation of cfDNA tumor fraction was feasible for nearly all patients, and tumor fraction ≥ 10% is associated with significantly worse survival in this large metastatic TNBC cohort. Specific SCNAs are enriched and prognostic in metastatic TNBC, with implications for metastasis

  11. Association of Cell-Free DNA Tumor Fraction and Somatic Copy Number Alterations With Survival in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Stover, Daniel G; Parsons, Heather A; Ha, Gavin; Freeman, Samuel S; Barry, William T; Guo, Hao; Choudhury, Atish D; Gydush, Gregory; Reed, Sarah C; Rhoades, Justin; Rotem, Denisse; Hughes, Melissa E; Dillon, Deborah A; Partridge, Ann H; Wagle, Nikhil; Krop, Ian E; Getz, Gad; Golub, Todd R; Love, J Christopher; Winer, Eric P; Tolaney, Sara M; Lin, Nancy U; Adalsteinsson, Viktor A

    2018-02-20

    Purpose Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) offers the potential for minimally invasive genome-wide profiling of tumor alterations without tumor biopsy and may be associated with patient prognosis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by few mutations but extensive somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs), yet little is known regarding SCNAs in metastatic TNBC. We sought to evaluate SCNAs in metastatic TNBC exclusively via cfDNA and determine if cfDNA tumor fraction is associated with overall survival in metastatic TNBC. Patients and Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we identified 164 patients with biopsy-proven metastatic TNBC at a single tertiary care institution who received prior chemotherapy in the (neo)adjuvant or metastatic setting. We performed low-coverage genome-wide sequencing of cfDNA from plasma. Results Without prior knowledge of tumor mutations, we determined tumor fraction of cfDNA for 96.3% of patients and SCNAs for 63.9% of patients. Copy number profiles and percent genome altered were remarkably similar between metastatic and primary TNBCs. Certain SCNAs were more frequent in metastatic TNBCs relative to paired primary tumors and primary TNBCs in publicly available data sets The Cancer Genome Atlas and METABRIC, including chromosomal gains in drivers NOTCH2, AKT2, and AKT3. Prespecified cfDNA tumor fraction threshold of ≥ 10% was associated with significantly worse metastatic survival (median, 6.4 v 15.9 months) and remained significant independent of clinicopathologic factors (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.4 to 3.8; P < .001). Conclusion We present the largest genomic characterization of metastatic TNBC to our knowledge, exclusively from cfDNA. Evaluation of cfDNA tumor fraction was feasible for nearly all patients, and tumor fraction ≥ 10% is associated with significantly worse survival in this large metastatic TNBC cohort. Specific SCNAs are enriched and prognostic in metastatic TNBC, with implications for metastasis

  12. External optical imaging of freely moving mice with green fluorescent protein-expressing metastatic tumors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Meng; Baranov, Eugene; Shimada, Hiroshi; Moossa, A. R.; Hoffman, Robert M.

    2000-04-01

    We report here a new approach to genetically engineering tumors to become fluorescence such that they can be imaged externally in freely-moving animals. We describe here external high-resolution real-time fluorescent optical imaging of metastatic tumors in live mice. Stable high-level green flourescent protein (GFP)-expressing human and rodent cell lines enable tumors and metastasis is formed from them to be externally imaged from freely-moving mice. Real-time tumor and metastatic growth were quantitated from whole-body real-time imaging in GFP-expressing melanoma and colon carcinoma models. This GFP optical imaging system is highly appropriate for high throughput in vivo drug screening.

  13. Management of the Primary Tumor and Limited Metastases in Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

    PubMed

    Herman, Joseph M; Hoffman, John P; Thayer, Sarah P; Wolff, Robert A

    2015-05-01

    New combinations of cytotoxic chemotherapy have been proven to increase response rates and survival times compared with single-agent gemcitabine for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. These responses have been dramatic for a subset of patients, therefore raising questions about the management of limited metastatic disease with surgery or other ablative methods. Similarly, for patients having a complete radiographic response to chemotherapy in the metastatic compartment, whether to consider local therapy in the form of radiation or surgery for the primary tumor is now an appropriate question. Therefore, collaboration among experts in surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology has led to the development of guiding principles for local therapies to the primary intact pancreatic tumor for patients with limited metastatic disease and those who have had a significant response after systemic therapy.

  14. Intracellular esterase activity in living cells may distinguish between metastatic and tumor-free lymph nodes.

    PubMed

    Afrimzon, Elena; Deutsch, Assaf; Shafran, Yana; Zurgil, Naomi; Sandbank, Judith; Pappo, Itzhak; Deutsch, Mordechai

    2008-01-01

    One of the major clinical problems in breast cancer detection is the relatively high incidence of occult lymph node metastases undetectable by standard procedures. Since the ascertainment of breast cancer stage determines the following treatment, such a "hypo-diagnosis" leads to inadequate therapy, and hence is detrimental for the outcome and survival of the patients. The purpose of our study was to investigate functional metabolic characteristics of living cells derived from metastatic and tumor-free lymph nodes of breast cancer (BC) patients. Our methodology is based on the ability of living cells to hydrolyze fluorescein diacetate (FDA) by intracellular esterases and on the association of FDA hydrolysis rates with a specific cell status, both in physiological and pathological conditions. The present study demonstrates a significant difference in the ability to utilize FDA by lymph node cells derived from metastatic and tumor-free lymph nodes in general average, as well as in the metastatic and tumor-free lymph nodes of individual patients. Cells from metastatic lymph nodes had a higher capacity for FDA hydrolysis, and increased this activity after additional activation by autologous tumor tissue (tt). The association between increased FDA hydrolysis rate and activated T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APC) was shown. The results of the present study may contribute to predicting the risk of involvement of seemingly "tumor-free" axillary lymph nodes in occult metastatic processes, and to reducing false-negative results of axillary examination.

  15. Local control of metastatic lung tumors treated with SBRT of 48 Gy in four fractions: in comparison with primary lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Hamamoto, Yasushi; Kataoka, Masaaki; Yamashita, Motohiro; Shinkai, Tetsu; Kubo, Yoshiro; Sugawara, Yoshifumi; Inoue, Takeshi; Sakai, Shinya; Aono, Shoji; Takahashi, Tadaaki; Semba, Takatoshi; Uwatsu, Kotaro

    2010-02-01

    The optimal dose of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for metastatic lung tumors has not been clarified. Local control rates of metastatic lung tumors treated with SBRT of 48 Gy in four fractions, which is one of the common dose schedules for Stage I primary lung cancer in Japan, were examined. Between 2006 and 2008, 12 metastatic lung tumors (colorectal cancer, 7; others, 5) in 10 patients and 56 lesions of Stage I primary lung cancer (T1, 43; T2, 13) in 52 patients were treated with SBRT of 48 Gy in four fractions at the isocenter. Two-year overall survival rates were 86% for patients with metastatic lung tumors and 96% for patients with Stage I primary lung cancer (P = 0.4773). One- and 2-year local control rates were 48% and 25% for metastatic lung tumors, and 91% and 88% for Stage I primary lung cancer, respectively (P < 0.0001). The local control rates after SBRT of 48 Gy in four fractions were significantly worse in metastatic lung tumors compared with Stage I primary lung cancer. In SBRT, metastatic lung tumors should be clearly differentiated from primary lung cancer and should be given higher doses.

  16. [Study on medical economic evaluation methods for metastatic brain tumors therapy].

    PubMed

    Takura, Tomoyuki; Hayashi, Motohiro; Muragaki, Yoshihiro; Iseki, Hiroshi; Uetsuka, Yoshio

    2010-07-01

    Treatment design for metastatic brain tumors is required to firstly care about the life and function for which the patient hopes because it is terminal care. Therefore, to discuss the value of the therapy, a viewpoint of the QOL and the socioeconomic factors other than the survival rate is important. However, examination that applies these factors to the therapy needs to be carried out more thoroughly. With this in mind, we discuss cost effectiveness of therapy for metastatic brain tumor, through a pilot study on gamma knife therapy. We studied 18 patients (mean age 61.6 years old) undergoing therapy for metastatic brain tumors. The health rate QOL was assessed by the profile-type measure SF-36 (Short-Form 36-Item Ver1.2) and the preference-based measure EQ-5D (EuroQoL-5D), before and six months after gamma knife therapy. Cost-utility-analysis (yen/Qaly) was carried out from quality adjusted life years (Qalys) and medical fee claims. In addition, we made a correlation analysis of the irradiation procedure and the gains attained. The observation by SF-36 for six months was useful for metastatic brain tumor. As a result, the QOL indicators showed increased mental health (MH: p=0.040) and role emotional (RE: p=0.029) with significant difference. In the measurement of EQ-5D, it was added only for one month based on the significant difference (p=0.022) from the pre-therapy QOL. The utilities that were analyzed became 0.052+/-0.175SD (score), and Qalys were 0.135. Because the cost was 721.4+/-5.2SD (thousand yen), the performance of cost-utility-analysis was estimated as 5, 330, 000 (yen/Qaly). In addition, positive correlation (r=0.845/p=0.034) was found between the EQ-5D utility score and the tumor irradiation energy (mJ), etc. We established a new value over and above mere survival rate concerning metastatic brain tumor therapy. The socioeconomics and efficacy of therapy are more difficult to discuss in this disease than in other diseases. We did this by clarifying

  17. Anterior sacral meningocele with presacral cysts: report of a case.

    PubMed

    Krivokapić, Zoran; Grubor, Nikica; Micev, Marjan; Colović, Radoje

    2004-11-01

    Anterior sacral meningocele is a rare anomaly most frequently presenting as a presacral mass. Since the first description in 1837, approximately 150 cases have been reported. The case presented is a 37-year-old female in whom an asymptomatic presacral mass was discovered during her first delivery. Because normal delivery was impossible, a cesarean section was performed. A year later, in a regional hospital a "cystic presacral tumor" was treated with biopsy and drainage. Four years later, she developed constipation caused by perineal compression for which she was admitted to our department in which two anterior presacral cysts were excised. The recovery was complicated with meningitis, which was successfully treated with antibiotics. Whenever a presacral mass is found, anterior sacral meningocele has to be a diagnostic consideration. The symptoms are usually related to the compression on rectum, bladder, and sacral nervous plexus. Rectal examination and radiography of the pelvis with the sacral bone showing the "scimitar sign" are the main diagnostic methods. Myelography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are the best methods for identifying the precise anatomy of sacral meningocele and for proper planning of the operation. Transvaginal or transrectal aspiration and drainage are not advised, because they may result in a lethal outcome caused by sepsis.

  18. Sacral Fractures and Associated Injuries

    PubMed Central

    Kurd, Mark F.; Schroeder, Gregory D.; Kepler, Christopher K.; Krieg, James C.; Holstein, Jörg H.; Bellabarba, Carlo; Firoozabadi, Reza; Oner, F. Cumhur; Kandziora, Frank; Dvorak, Marcel F.; Kleweno, Conor P.; Vialle, Luiz R.; Rajasekaran, S.; Schnake, Klause J.; Vaccaro, Alexander R.

    2017-01-01

    Study Design: Literature review. Objective: The aim of this review is to describe the injuries associated with sacral fractures and to analyze their impact on patient outcome. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of the literature was performed to identify the injuries associated with sacral fractures. Results: Sacral fractures are uncommon injuries that result from high-energy trauma, and that, due to their rarity, are frequently underdiagnosed and mistreated. Only 5% of sacral fractures occur in isolation. Injuries most often associated with sacral fractures include neurologic injuries (present in up to 50% of sacral fractures), pelvic ring disruptions, hip and lumbar spine fractures, active pelvic/ abdominal bleeding and the presence of an open fracture or significant soft tissue injury. Diagnosis of pelvic ring fractures and fractures extending to the lumbar spine are key factors for the appropriate management of sacral fractures. Importantly, associated systemic (cranial, thoracic, and abdominopelvic) or musculoskeletal injuries should be promptly assessed and addressed. These associated injuries often dictate the management and eventual outcome of sacral fractures and, therefore, any treatment algorithm should take them into consideration. Conclusions: Sacral fractures are complex in nature and often associated with other often-missed injuries. This review summarizes the most relevant associated injuries in sacral fractures and discusses on their appropriate management. PMID:28989838

  19. Circulating tumor cells promote the metastatic colonization of disseminated carcinoma cells by inducing systemic inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Chao; Shu, Yu; Luo, Jing; Qin, Jian; Wang, Yu; Li, Dong; Wang, Shan-Shan; Chi, Gang; Guo, Fang; Zhang, Gui-Mei; Feng, Zuo-Hua

    2017-01-01

    Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been studied well in the prognosis for malignant diseases as liquid biopsy, but their contribution to tumor metastasis is not clearly defined. Here we report that CTCs could promote the metastatic colonization of disseminated carcinoma cells by inducing systemic inflammation and neutrophil recruitment to pre-metastatic organs. Depletion of neutrophils in vivo could effectively abrogate the promoting effect of CTCs on tumor cell metastasis. In the presence of CTCs, the pro-tumor function of neutrophils was augmented, whereas the antitumor function of neutrophils was suppressed. Mechanically, CTC-derived ligands for TLR2 and TLR4 (TLR2/4) induced the systemic inflammation, thus increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as G-CSF and IL-6 that could induce the conversion of neutrophil function from tumor-suppressing to tumor-promoting. Moreover, CTCs induced the production of endogenous TLR2/4 ligands such as S100A8, S100A9, and SAA3, which may amplify the stimulating effect that induces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The promoting effect of CTCs on tumor cell metastasis could be abrogated by suppressing inflammatory response with IL-37, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, or blocking CTC-derived ligands for TLR2/4. Identification of the metastatic axis of CTCs/systemic inflammation/neutrophils may provide potential targets for preventing tumor cell metastasis. PMID:28415700

  20. High-Throughput Sequencing of Germline and Tumor From Men with Early-Onset Metastatic Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-13-1-0371 TITLE: High-Throughput Sequencing of Germline and Tumor From Men with Early- Onset Metastatic Prostate Cancer...DATES COVERED 30 Sep 2013 - 29 Sep 2016 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER High-Throughput Sequencing of Germline and Tumor From Men with...presenting with metastatic prostate cancer at a young age (before age 60 years). Whole exome sequencing identified a panel of germline variants that have

  1. Scalable whole-exome sequencing of cell-free DNA reveals high concordance with metastatic tumors.

    PubMed

    Adalsteinsson, Viktor A; Ha, Gavin; Freeman, Samuel S; Choudhury, Atish D; Stover, Daniel G; Parsons, Heather A; Gydush, Gregory; Reed, Sarah C; Rotem, Denisse; Rhoades, Justin; Loginov, Denis; Livitz, Dimitri; Rosebrock, Daniel; Leshchiner, Ignaty; Kim, Jaegil; Stewart, Chip; Rosenberg, Mara; Francis, Joshua M; Zhang, Cheng-Zhong; Cohen, Ofir; Oh, Coyin; Ding, Huiming; Polak, Paz; Lloyd, Max; Mahmud, Sairah; Helvie, Karla; Merrill, Margaret S; Santiago, Rebecca A; O'Connor, Edward P; Jeong, Seong H; Leeson, Rachel; Barry, Rachel M; Kramkowski, Joseph F; Zhang, Zhenwei; Polacek, Laura; Lohr, Jens G; Schleicher, Molly; Lipscomb, Emily; Saltzman, Andrea; Oliver, Nelly M; Marini, Lori; Waks, Adrienne G; Harshman, Lauren C; Tolaney, Sara M; Van Allen, Eliezer M; Winer, Eric P; Lin, Nancy U; Nakabayashi, Mari; Taplin, Mary-Ellen; Johannessen, Cory M; Garraway, Levi A; Golub, Todd R; Boehm, Jesse S; Wagle, Nikhil; Getz, Gad; Love, J Christopher; Meyerson, Matthew

    2017-11-06

    Whole-exome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) could enable comprehensive profiling of tumors from blood but the genome-wide concordance between cfDNA and tumor biopsies is uncertain. Here we report ichorCNA, software that quantifies tumor content in cfDNA from 0.1× coverage whole-genome sequencing data without prior knowledge of tumor mutations. We apply ichorCNA to 1439 blood samples from 520 patients with metastatic prostate or breast cancers. In the earliest tested sample for each patient, 34% of patients have ≥10% tumor-derived cfDNA, sufficient for standard coverage whole-exome sequencing. Using whole-exome sequencing, we validate the concordance of clonal somatic mutations (88%), copy number alterations (80%), mutational signatures, and neoantigens between cfDNA and matched tumor biopsies from 41 patients with ≥10% cfDNA tumor content. In summary, we provide methods to identify patients eligible for comprehensive cfDNA profiling, revealing its applicability to many patients, and demonstrate high concordance of cfDNA and metastatic tumor whole-exome sequencing.

  2. Selective expression of inhibitory Fcgamma receptor by metastatic melanoma impairs tumor susceptibility to IgG-dependent cellular response.

    PubMed

    Cassard, Lydie; Cohen-Solal, Joel F G; Fournier, Emilie M; Camilleri-Broët, Sophie; Spatz, Alain; Chouaïb, Salem; Badoual, Cécile; Varin, Audrey; Fisson, Sylvain; Duvillard, Pierre; Boix, Charlotte; Loncar, Shannon M; Sastre-Garau, Xavier; Houghton, Alan N; Avril, Marie-Françoise; Gresser, Ion; Fridman, Wolf H; Sautès-Fridman, Catherine

    2008-12-15

    During melanoma progression, patients develop anti-tumor immunity including the production of anti-tumor antibodies. Although the strategies developed by malignant cells to escape anti-tumor cellular immunity have been extensively investigated, little is known about tumor resistance to humoral immunity. The main effect of IgG antibodies is to activate the immune response by binding to host Fc gamma receptors (FcgammaR) expressed by immune cells. We previously reported in a limited study that some human metastatic melanoma cells ectopically express the FcgammaRIIB1, an inhibitory isoform of FcgammaR. By analyzing a large panel of different types of human primary and metastatic solid tumors, we report herein that expression of FcgammaRIIB is restricted to melanoma and is acquired during tumor progression. We show that FcgammaRIIB expression prevents the lysis of human metastatic melanoma cells by NK cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro, independently of the intracytoplasmic region of FcgammaRIIB. Using experimental mouse models, we demonstrate that expression of FcgammaRIIB protects B16F0 melanoma tumors from the ADCC induced by monoclonal and polyclonal anti-tumor IgG in vivo. Thus, our results identify FcgammaRIIB as a marker of human metastatic melanoma that impairs the tumor susceptibility to FcgammaR-dependent innate effector responses. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  3. Updated Outcome and Analysis of Tumor Response in Mobile Spine and Sacral Chordoma Treated With Definitive High-Dose Photon/Proton Radiation Therapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kabolizadeh, Peyman, E-mail: peyman.kabolizadeh@beaumont.org; Chen, Yen-Lin; Liebsch, Norbert

    Purpose: Treatment of spine and sacral chordoma generally involves surgical resection, usually in conjunction with radiation therapy. In certain circumstances where resection may result in significant neurologic or organ dysfunction, patients can be treated definitively with radiation therapy alone. Herein, we report the outcome and the assessment of tumor response to definitive radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 patients with unresected chordoma treated with photon/proton radiation therapy. Nineteen patients had complete sets of imaging scans. The soft tissue and bone compartments of the tumor were defined separately. Tumor response was evaluated by the modifiedmore » Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and volumetric analysis. Results: With a median follow-up time of 50.3 months, the rates of 5-year local control, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and distant failure were 85.4%, 81.9%, 89.4%, and 20.2%, respectively. Eighty-four computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans were reviewed. Among the 19 patients, only 4 local failures occurred, and the median tumor dose was 77.4 GyRBE. Analysis at a median follow-up time of 18 months showed significant volumetric reduction of the total target volume (TTV) and the soft tissue target volume (STTV) within the first 24 months after treatment initiation, followed by further gradual reduction throughout the rest of the follow-up period. The median maximum percentage volumetric regressions of TTV and STTV were 43.2% and 70.4%, respectively. There was only a small reduction in bone target volume over time. In comparison with the modified RECIST, volumetric analysis was more reliable, more reproducible, and could help in measuring minimal changes in the tumor volume. Conclusion: These results continue to support the use of high-dose definitive radiation therapy for selected patients with unresected spine and sacral chordomas

  4. Capnocytophaga lung abscess in a patient with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor.

    PubMed

    Thirumala, Raghu; Rappo, Urania; Babady, N Esther; Kamboj, Mini; Chawla, Mohit

    2012-01-01

    Capnocytophaga species are known commensals of the oral cavity of humans and animals (mainly dogs and cats) and are a rare cause of respiratory tract infections. We report a case of cavitary lung abscess caused by a Capnocytophaga species in a patient with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor.

  5. Systemic treatment and primary tumor location in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Antoniou, Efstathios; Andreatos, Nikolaos; Margonis, Georgios A; Papalois, Apostolos; Wang, Jaeyun; Damaskos, Christos; Garmpis, Nikolaos; Buettner, Stefan; Deshwar, Amar; Pappas, Vasilios; Weiss, Matthew J; Pawlik, Timothy M; Pikoulis, Emmanouel

    2017-01-01

    Tumor location (right-sided vs. left-sided) is known to exert a significant influence on the prognosis of primary colorectal cancer (CRC). Given the genetic continuity between primary and metastatic lesions, we aimed to summarize the existing literature on the prognostic implications of primary tumor site as well as to examine the response to chemotherapy by primary tumor location in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC). A structured review of the literature was performed between 6/1/2016-7/1/2016 using the Pubmed database. Original research articles published between 1/1/2000- 07/01/2016 were considered eligible. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS)/ progression free survival (PFS) and response to systemic treatment in patients with mCRC. Eleven studies were included. Tumor site was a strong independent predictor of worse OS/PFS in 9 studies, with right-sided tumors having worse prognosis in all cases. Furthermore, 6 studies demonstrated an inferior response to systemic treatment or worse prognosis following the administration of specific regimens among patients with right-sided cancers. As such, there is significant evidence that right-sided lesions are associated with poor outcomes and resistance to systemic treatment. Consequently, primary tumor location should be a consideration, when the administration of systemic therapy is contemplated in mCRC.

  6. Unforeseen clonal evolution of tumor cell population in recurrent and metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

    PubMed

    Oh, Ensel; Jeong, Hae Min; Kwon, Mi Jeong; Ha, Sang Yun; Park, Hyung Kyu; Song, Ji-Young; Kim, Yu Jin; Choi, Jong-Sun; Lee, Eun Hee; Lee, Jeeyun; Choi, Yoon-La; Shin, Young Kee

    2017-01-01

    Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a very rare soft tissue sarcoma, generally of low-grade malignancy. DFSP is locally aggressive with a high recurrence rate, but metastasis occurs rarely. To investigate the mechanism of metastasis in DFSP, we analyzed the whole exome sequencing data of serial tumor samples obtained from a patient who had a 10-year history of recurrent and metastatic DFSP. Tracking various genomic alterations, namely somatic mutations, copy number variations, and chromosomal rearrangements, we observed a dramatic change in tumor cell population during the occurrence of metastasis in this DFSP case. The new subclone that emerged in metastatic DFSP harbored a completely different set of somatic mutations and new focal amplifications, which had not been observed in the primary clone before metastasis. The COL1A1-PDGFB fusion, characteristic of DFSP, was found in all of the serial samples. Moreover, the break position on the fusion gene was identical in all samples. Based on these observations, we suggest a clonal evolution model to explain the mechanism underlying metastasis in DFSP and identified several candidate target genes responsible for metastatic DFSP by utilizing The Cancer Genome Atlas database. This is the first study to observe clonal evolution in metastatic DFSP and provide insight for a possible therapeutic strategy for imatinib-resistant or metastatic DFSP.

  7. Therapeutic effects of dendrosomal solanine on a metastatic breast tumor.

    PubMed

    Mohsenikia, Maryam; Farhangi, Baharak; Alizadeh, Ali Mohammad; Khodayari, Hamid; Khodayari, Saeed; Khori, Vahid; Arjmand Abbassi, Yasaman; Vesovic, Milica; Soleymani, Ali; Najafi, Farhood

    2016-03-01

    Our previous studies showed that alpha-solanine can inhibit tumor growth in cell culture and animal models of breast cancer. However, solanine is insoluble in common solvents; therefore, we developed a special nanoparticle with high-capacity solubility. The present study is aimed to deliberate the therapeutic effects of dendrosomal solanine (DNS) on a metastatic breast tumor in vitro and in vivo. After DNS preparation and dosing procedures, forty-five mice were equally divided into five groups to investigate the anti-metastatic effects of DNS on mammary tumor-bearing mice. Compared to solanine, DNS significantly suppressed the proliferation of 4 T1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DNS showed a remarkable safety rate of up to 10mg/kg. A significant decrease in white blood-cell count was seen at 20mg/kg DNS in comparison with control animals. Mice treated with DNS had smaller tumor volume (mm(3)) in comparison with control and solanine groups. Moreover, the incidence of the breast tumor metastases was about 67% in the control animals, where as solanine and DNS 1mg/kg were about 22% and 0%, respectively. Furthermore, the number of metastases per mouse varied from one to three. The tissues of tumor, brain, liver, spleen, and lung showed higher expression levels of Bcl-2 but lower expression levels of Bax, MMP-2, MMP-9, mTOR, and Akt in DNS-treated mice than control and solanine groups. The findings suggest that DNS has a more impactful therapeutic effect than solanine on 4 T1-induced breast tumorigenesis via influencing the tissue microenvironment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Temsirolimus and Vinorelbine Ditartrate in Treating Patients With Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2016-06-09

    Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer; Hereditary Paraganglioma; Male Breast Cancer; Malignant Paraganglioma; Metastatic Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor; Metastatic Pheochromocytoma; Pancreatic Polypeptide Tumor; Recurrent Breast Cancer; Recurrent Cervical Cancer; Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma; Recurrent Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor; Recurrent Islet Cell Carcinoma; Recurrent Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin; Recurrent Non-small Cell Lung Cancer; Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial Cancer; Recurrent Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor; Recurrent Pheochromocytoma; Recurrent Prostate Cancer; Recurrent Renal Cell Cancer; Recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer; Recurrent Uterine Sarcoma; Regional Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor; Regional Pheochromocytoma; Stage III Cervical Cancer; Stage III Endometrial Carcinoma; Stage III Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin; Stage III Ovarian Epithelial Cancer; Stage III Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor; Stage III Prostate Cancer; Stage III Renal Cell Cancer; Stage III Uterine Sarcoma; Stage IIIA Breast Cancer; Stage IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer; Stage IIIB Breast Cancer; Stage IIIB Non-small Cell Lung Cancer; Stage IIIC Breast Cancer; Stage IV Breast Cancer; Stage IV Endometrial Carcinoma; Stage IV Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin; Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer; Stage IV Ovarian Epithelial Cancer; Stage IV Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor; Stage IV Prostate Cancer; Stage IV Renal Cell Cancer; Stage IV Uterine Sarcoma; Stage IVA Cervical Cancer; Stage IVB Cervical Cancer; Thyroid Gland Medullary Carcinoma

  9. Molecular Markers and Targeted Therapeutics in Metastatic Tumors of the Spine: Changing the Treatment Paradigms.

    PubMed

    Goodwin, C Rory; Abu-Bonsrah, Nancy; Rhines, Laurence D; Verlaan, Jorrit-Jan; Bilsky, Mark H; Laufer, Ilya; Boriani, Stefano; Sciubba, Daniel M; Bettegowda, Chetan

    2016-10-15

    A review of the literature. The aim of this study was to discuss the evolution of molecular signatures and the history and development of targeted therapeutics in metastatic tumor types affecting the spinal column. Molecular characterization of metastatic spine tumors is expected to usher in a revolution in diagnostic and treatment paradigms. Molecular characterization will provide critical information that can be used for initial diagnosis, prognosticating the ideal treatment strategy, assessment of treatment efficacy, surveillance and monitoring recurrence, and predicting complications, clinical outcome, and overall survival in patients diagnosed with metastatic cancers to the spinal column. A review of the literature was performed focusing on illustrative examples of the role that molecular-based therapeutics have played in clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with metastatic tumor types affecting the spinal column. The impact of molecular therapeutics including receptor tyrosine kinases and immune checkpoint inhibitors and the ability of molecular signatures to provide prognostic information are discussed in metastatic breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and renal cell cancer affecting the spinal column. For the providers who will ultimately counsel patients diagnosed with metastases to the spinal column, molecular advancements will radically alter the management/surgical paradigms utilized. Ultimately, the translation of these molecular advancements into routine clinical care will greatly improve the quality and quantity of life for patients diagnosed with spinal malignancies and provide better overall outcomes and counseling for treating physicians. N/A.

  10. Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from children with central nervous system tumors identifies candidate proteins relating to tumor metastatic spread.

    PubMed

    Spreafico, Filippo; Bongarzone, Italia; Pizzamiglio, Sara; Magni, Ruben; Taverna, Elena; De Bortoli, Maida; Ciniselli, Chiara M; Barzanò, Elena; Biassoni, Veronica; Luchini, Alessandra; Liotta, Lance A; Zhou, Weidong; Signore, Michele; Verderio, Paolo; Massimino, Maura

    2017-07-11

    Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumors in childhood. Since the sensitivity of combined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology and radiological neuroimaging in detecting meningeal metastases remains relatively low, we sought to characterize the CSF proteome of patients with CSF tumors to identify biomarkers predictive of metastatic spread. CSF samples from 27 children with brain tumors and 13 controls (extra-CNS non-Hodgkin lymphoma) were processed using core-shell hydrogel nanoparticles, and analyzed with reverse-phase liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Candidate proteins were identified with Fisher's exact test and/or a univariate logistic regression model. Reverse phase protein array (RPPA), Western blot (WB), and ELISA were used in the training set and in an independent set of CFS samples (60 cases, 14 controls) to validate our discovery findings. Among the 558 non-redundant proteins identified by LC-MS/MS, 147 were missing from the CSF database at http://www.biosino.org. Fourteen of the 26 final top-candidate proteins were chosen for validation with WB, RPPA and ELISA methods. Six proteins (type 1 collagen, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4, procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer 1, glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor receptor α2, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4, neural proliferation and differentiation control protein-1) revealed the ability to discriminate metastatic cases from controls. Combining a unique dataset of CSFs from pediatric CNS tumors with a novel enabling nanotechnology led us to identify CSF proteins potentially related to metastatic status.

  11. Impact of Surgical Resection of the Primary Tumor on Overall Survival in Patients With Metastatic Pheochromocytoma or Sympathetic Paraganglioma.

    PubMed

    Roman-Gonzalez, Alejandro; Zhou, Shouhao; Ayala-Ramirez, Montserrat; Shen, Chan; Waguespack, Steven G; Habra, Mouhammed A; Karam, Jose A; Perrier, Nancy; Wood, Christopher G; Jimenez, Camilo

    2018-07-01

    To determine whether primary tumor resection in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPG) is associated with longer overall survival (OS). Patients with metastatic PPG have poor survival outcomes. The impact of surgical resection of the primary tumor on OS is not known. We retrospectively studied patients with metastatic PPG treated at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center from January 2000 through January 2015. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank tests was used to compare OS among patients undergoing primary tumor resection and patients not treated surgically. Propensity score method was applied to adjust for selection bias using demographic, clinical, biochemical, genetic, imaging, and pathologic information. A total of 113 patients with metastatic PPG were identified. Eighty-nine (79%) patients had surgery and 24 (21%) patients did not. Median OS was longer in patients who had surgery than in patients who did not [148 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 112.8-183.2 months vs 36 months, 95% CI 27.2-44.8 months; P < 0.001].Fifty-three (46%) patients had synchronous metastases; of these patients, those who had surgery had longer OS than those who did not (85 months, 95% CI 64.5-105.4 months vs 36 months, 95% CI 29.7-42.3 months; P < 0.001). Patients who had surgery had a similar ECOG performance status to the ones who did not (P = 0.1798, two sample t test; P = 0.2449, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Univariate and propensity score analysis confirmed that patients treated with surgery had longer OS than those not treated surgically irrespective of age, race, primary tumor size and location, number of metastatic sites, and genetic background (log-rank P < 0.001).In patients with hormonally active tumors (70.8%), the symptoms of catecholamine excess improved after surgery. However, the tumor burden was a more important determinant of OS than hormonal secretion. Primary tumor resection in patients with metastatic PPG appeared to be

  12. Feasibility of carbon-ion radiotherapy for re-irradiation of locoregionally recurrent, metastatic, or secondary lung tumors.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, Kazuhiko; Yamamoto, Naoyoshi; Karube, Masataka; Nakajima, Mio; Tsuji, Hiroshi; Ogawa, Kazuhiko; Kamada, Tadashi

    2018-05-01

    Intrathoracic recurrence after carbon-ion radiotherapy for primary or metastatic lung tumors remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths. However, treatment options are limited. Herein, we report on the toxicity and efficacy of re-irradiation with carbon-ion radiotherapy for locoregionally recurrent, metastatic, or secondary lung tumors. Data of 95 patients with prior intrathoracic carbon-ion radiotherapy who were treated with re-irradiation with carbon-ion radiotherapy at our institution between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Seventy-three patients (76.8%) had primary lung tumors and 22 patients (23.2%) had metastatic lung tumors. The median dose of initial carbon-ion radiotherapy was 52.8 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) and the median dose of re-irradiation was 66.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness). None of the patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The median follow-up period after re-irradiation was 18 months. In terms of grade ≥3 toxicities, one patient experienced each of the following: grade 5 bronchopleural fistula, grade 4 radiation pneumonitis, grade 3 chest pain, and grade 3 radiation pneumonitis. The 2-year local control and overall survival rates were 54.0% and 61.9%, respectively. In conclusion, re-irradiation with carbon-ion radiotherapy was associated with relatively low toxicity and moderate efficacy. Re-irradiation with carbon-ion radiotherapy might be an effective treatment option for patients with locoregionally recurrent, metastatic, or secondary lung tumors. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

  13. Self-targeting of TNF-releasing cancer cells in preclinical models of primary and metastatic tumors.

    PubMed

    Dondossola, Eleonora; Dobroff, Andrey S; Marchiò, Serena; Cardó-Vila, Marina; Hosoya, Hitomi; Libutti, Steven K; Corti, Angelo; Sidman, Richard L; Arap, Wadih; Pasqualini, Renata

    2016-02-23

    Circulating cancer cells can putatively colonize distant organs to form metastases or to reinfiltrate primary tumors themselves through a process termed "tumor self-seeding." Here we exploit this biological attribute to deliver tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), a potent antitumor cytokine, directly to primary and metastatic tumors in a mechanism that we have defined as "tumor self-targeting." For this purpose, we genetically engineered mouse mammary adenocarcinoma (TSA), melanoma (B16-F10), and Lewis lung carcinoma cells to produce and release murine TNF. In a series of intervention trials, systemic administration of TNF-expressing tumor cells was associated with reduced growth of both primary tumors and metastatic colonies in immunocompetent mice. We show that these malignant cells home to tumors, locally release TNF, damage neovascular endothelium, and induce massive cancer cell apoptosis. We also demonstrate that such tumor-cell-mediated delivery avoids or minimizes common side effects often associated with TNF-based therapy, such as acute inflammation and weight loss. Our study provides proof of concept that genetically modified circulating tumor cells may serve as targeted vectors to deliver anticancer agents. In a clinical context, this unique paradigm represents a personalized approach to be translated into applications potentially using patient-derived circulating tumor cells as self-targeted vectors for drug delivery.

  14. Comparison of the PI3KCA pathway in circulating tumor cells and corresponding tumor tissue of patients with metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Bredemeier, Maren; Kasimir-Bauer, Sabine; Kolberg, Hans-Christian; Herold, Thomas; Synoracki, Sarah; Hauch, Siegfried; Edimiris, Philippos; Bankfalvi, Agnes; Tewes, Mitra; Kimmig, Rainer; Aktas, Bahriye

    2017-05-01

    The aim of the present study was to compare the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3KCA)-AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) pathway in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and corresponding cancerous tissues. Stemness‑like circulating tumor cells (slCTCs) and CTCs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been implicated as the active source of metastatic spread in breast cancer (BC). In this regard, the PI3KCA‑AKT signaling pathway was demonstrated to be implicated in and to be frequently mutated in BC. The present study compared this pathway in slCTCs/CTCs in EMT and the corresponding tumor tissues of 90 metastatic BC patients (pts). slCTCs and CTCs in EMT were isolated using the AdnaTest EMT-1/StemCell for the detection of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1) (singleplex PCR) and PI3KCA, AKT2 and twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (multiplex PCR). Tumor tissue was investigated for PI3KCA hotspot mutations using Sanger sequencing of genomic DNA from micro‑dissected formalin‑fixed paraffin‑embedded tissue, and for the expression of ALDH1 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss, by immunohistochemistry. slCTCs were identified in 23% of pts (21/90 pts) and CTCs in EMT in 56% (50/90 pts) of pts. pAKT and ALDH1 positivity in tumor tissue was identified in 47 and 9% of cases, respectively, and a PTEN loss was observed in 18% of pts. A significant association was detected between pAKT expression in cancerous tissue and AKT2 expression in CTCs (P=0.037). PI3KCA mutations were detected in 32% of pts, most frequently on exons 21 (55%) and 10 (45%). Pts with PI3KCA mutations in tumor tissue had a significantly longer overall survival than pts with wild-type PI3KCA expression (P=0.007). Similar results were obtained for pts with aberrant PI3KCA signaling in CTCs and/or aberrant signaling in cancerous tissue (P=0.009). Therapy‑resistant CTCs, potentially derived from the primary tumor or metastatic tissue, may

  15. Gene expression profiles in primary pancreatic tumors and metastatic lesions of Ela-c-myc transgenic mice.

    PubMed

    Thakur, Archana; Bollig, Aliccia; Wu, Jiusheng; Liao, Dezhong J

    2008-01-24

    Pancreatic carcinoma usually is a fatal disease with no cure, mainly due to its invasion and metastasis prior to diagnosis. We analyzed the gene expression profiles of paired primary pancreatic tumors and metastatic lesions from Ela-c-myc transgenic mice in order to identify genes that may be involved in the pancreatic cancer progression. Differentially expressed selected genes were verified by semi-quantitative and quantitative RT-PCR. To further evaluate the relevance of some of the selected differentially expressed genes, we investigated their expression pattern in human pancreatic cancer cell lines with high and low metastatic potentials. Data indicate that genes involved in posttranscriptional regulation were a major functional category of upregulated genes in both primary pancreatic tumors (PT) and liver metastatic lesions (LM) compared to normal pancreas (NP). In particular, differential expression for splicing factors, RNA binding/pre-mRNA processing factors and spliceosome related genes were observed, indicating that RNA processing and editing related events may play critical roles in pancreatic tumor development and progression. High expression of insulin growth factor binding protein-1 (Igfbp1) and Serine proteinase inhibitor A1 (Serpina1), and low levels or absence of Wt1 gene expression were exclusive to liver metastatic lesion samples. We identified Igfbp1, Serpina1 and Wt1 genes that are likely to be clinically useful biomarkers for prognostic or therapeutic purposes in metastatic pancreatic cancer, particularly in pancreatic cancer where c-Myc is overexpressed.

  16. Plasma circulating tumor DNA as an alternative to metastatic biopsies for mutational analysis in breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Rothé, F; Laes, J-F; Lambrechts, D; Smeets, D; Vincent, D; Maetens, M; Fumagalli, D; Michiels, S; Drisis, S; Moerman, C; Detiffe, J-P; Larsimont, D; Awada, A; Piccart, M; Sotiriou, C; Ignatiadis, M

    2014-10-01

    Molecular screening programs use next-generation sequencing (NGS) of cancer gene panels to analyze metastatic biopsies. We interrogated whether plasma could be used as an alternative to metastatic biopsies. The Ion AmpliSeq™ Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 (Ion Torrent), covering 2800 COSMIC mutations from 50 cancer genes was used to analyze 69 tumor (primary/metastases) and 31 plasma samples from 17 metastatic breast cancer patients. The targeted coverage for tumor DNA was ×1000 and for plasma cell-free DNA ×25 000. Whole blood normal DNA was used to exclude germline variants. The Illumina technology was used to confirm observed mutations. Evaluable NGS results were obtained for 60 tumor and 31 plasma samples from 17 patients. When tumor samples were analyzed, 12 of 17 (71%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 44% to 90%) patients had ≥1 mutation (median 1 mutation per patient, range 0-2 mutations) in either p53, PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1 or IDH2 gene. When plasma samples were analyzed, 12 of 17 (71%, 95% CI: 44-90%) patients had ≥1 mutation (median 1 mutation per patient, range 0-2 mutations) in either p53, PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1, IDH2 and SMAD4. All mutations were confirmed. When we focused on tumor and plasma samples collected at the same time-point, we observed that, in four patients, no mutation was identified in either tumor or plasma; in nine patients, the same mutations was identified in tumor and plasma; in two patients, a mutation was identified in tumor but not in plasma; in two patients, a mutation was identified in plasma but not in tumor. Thus, in 13 of 17 (76%, 95% CI 50% to 93%) patients, tumor and plasma provided concordant results whereas in 4 of 17 (24%, 95% CI 7% to 50%) patients, the results were discordant, providing complementary information. Plasma can be prospectively tested as an alternative to metastatic biopsies in molecular screening programs. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology

  17. Circulating Tumor Cells Predict Occult Metastatic Disease and Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer.

    PubMed

    Court, Colin M; Ankeny, Jacob S; Sho, Shonan; Winograd, Paul; Hou, Shuang; Song, Min; Wainberg, Zev A; Girgis, Mark D; Graeber, Thomas G; Agopian, Vatche G; Tseng, Hsian-Rong; Tomlinson, James S

    2018-04-01

    Occult metastatic tumors, below imaging thresholds, are a limitation of staging systems that rely on cross-sectional imaging alone and are a cause of the routine understaging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). We investigated circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a preoperative predictor of occult metastatic disease and as a prognostic biomarker for PDAC patients. A total of 126 patients (100 with cancer, 26 with benign disease) were enrolled in our study and CTCs were identified and enumerated from 4 mL of venous blood using the microfluidic NanoVelcro assay. CTC enumeration was correlated with clinicopathologic variables and outcomes following both surgical and systemic therapies. CTCs were identified in 78% of PDAC patients and CTC counts correlated with increasing stage (ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001). Of the 53 patients taken for potentially curative surgery, 13 (24.5%) had occult metastatic disease intraoperatively. Patients with occult disease had significantly more CTCs than patients with local disease only (median 7 vs. 1 CTC, p < 0.0001). At a cut-off of three or more CTCs/4 mL, CTCs correctly identified patients with occult metastatic disease preoperatively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.98, p < 0.0001). CTCs were a univariate predictor of recurrence-free survival following surgery [hazard ratio (HR) 2.36, 95% CI 1.17-4.78, p = 0.017], as well as an independent predictor of overall survival on multivariate analysis (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01-1.88, p = 0.040). CTCs show promise as a prognostic biomarker for PDAC patients at all stages of disease being treated both medically and surgically. Furthermore, CTCs demonstrate potential as a preoperative biomarker for identifying patients at high risk of occult metastatic disease.

  18. Short report: Monitoring ESR1 mutations by circulating tumor DNA in aromatase inhibitor resistant metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Sefrioui, David; Perdrix, Anne; Sarafan-Vasseur, Nasrin; Dolfus, Claire; Dujon, Antoine; Picquenot, Jean-Michel; Delacour, Julien; Cornic, Marie; Bohers, Elodie; Leheurteur, Marianne; Rigal, Olivier; Tennevet, Isabelle; Thery, Jean-Christophe; Alexandru, Cristina; Guillemet, Cécile; Moldovan, Cristian; Veyret, Corinne; Frebourg, Thierry; Di Fiore, Frédéric; Clatot, Florian

    2015-11-15

    Acquired estrogen receptor gene (ESR1) mutations have been recently reported as a marker of resistance to aromatase inhibitors in hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. We retrospectively considered seven patients treated for metastatic breast cancer with available samples from the primary tumor before any treatment, cryopreserved metastasis removed during progression and concomitant plasmas. All these seven patients were in disease progression after previous exposure to aromatase inhibitors for at least 6 months, and were assessed for ESR1 mutations detection in tumor and circulating DNA. For these patients, Sanger sequencing identified four metastases with clear ESR1 mutation and one possible, whereas digital PCR identified six mutated metastases. Then, under blind conditions and using digital PCR, corresponding circulating ESR1 mutations were successfully detected in four of these six metastatic breast cancer patients. Moreover, in two patients with serial blood samples following treatments exposure, the monitoring of circulating ESR1 mutations clearly predicted disease evolution. In the context of high interest for ESR1 mutations, our results highlight that these acquired recurrent mutations may be tracked in circulating tumor DNA and may be of clinical relevance for metastatic breast cancer patient monitoring. © 2015 UICC.

  19. Ketone supplementation decreases tumor cell viability and prolongs survival of mice with metastatic cancer

    PubMed Central

    Poff, AM; Ari, C; Arnold, P; Seyfried, TN; D’Agostino, DP

    2014-01-01

    Cancer cells express an abnormal metabolism characterized by increased glucose consumption owing to genetic mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction. Previous studies indicate that unlike healthy tissues, cancer cells are unable to effectively use ketone bodies for energy. Furthermore, ketones inhibit the proliferation and viability of cultured tumor cells. As the Warburg effect is especially prominent in metastatic cells, we hypothesized that dietary ketone supplementation would inhibit metastatic cancer progression in vivo. Proliferation and viability were measured in the highly metastatic VM-M3 cells cultured in the presence and absence of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB). Adult male inbred VM mice were implanted subcutaneously with firefly luciferase-tagged syngeneic VM-M3 cells. Mice were fed a standard diet supplemented with either 1,3-butanediol (BD) or a ketone ester (KE), which are metabolized to the ketone bodies βHB and acetoacetate. Tumor growth was monitored by in vivo bioluminescent imaging. Survival time, tumor growth rate, blood glucose, blood βHB and body weight were measured throughout the survival study. Ketone supplementation decreased proliferation and viability of the VM-M3 cells grown in vitro, even in the presence of high glucose. Dietary ketone supplementation with BD and KE prolonged survival in VM-M3 mice with systemic metastatic cancer by 51 and 69%, respectively (p < 0.05). Ketone administration elicited anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo independent of glucose levels or calorie restriction. The use of supplemental ketone precursors as a cancer treatment should be further investigated in animal models to determine potential for future clinical use. PMID:24615175

  20. Thioredoxin induces Tregs to generate an immunotolerant tumor microenvironment in metastatic melanoma

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xiaogang; Dong, Haisheng; Li, Qi; Li, Yingxian; Hong, An

    2015-01-01

    Metastatic melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that is very difficult to treat. Additionally, the antitumor immune reaction of melanoma is still unclear. Here we demonstrate an association between the expression and secretion of the antioxidant protein thioredoxin (TRX) and increasing tumor stage and metastasis in melanoma. To elucidate the role of TRX in melanoma, we assessed the correlation of TRX expression with different disease parameters in melanoma. We also examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of modulating TRX levels in melanoma cells using various methods of TRX depletion and augmentation. We further explored the effects of TRX on the cytokine milieu and the ability of TRX to regulate the proportion and specific activities of T-cell populations. We demonstrate that TRX expression correlates with Treg representation in clinical samples and, that modulation of TRX influences the induction of Tregs and the generation of an immunotolerant cytokine profile in mouse serum. Using a murine metastatic melanoma model, we identified a tumor immunoevasion mechanism whereby melanoma cell-secreted TRX enhances Treg infiltration. TRX displays chemotactic effects in recruiting Tregs, stimulates the conversion of conventional T cells to Tregs, and confers survival advantage to Tregs in the tumor microenvironment. In turn, this increase of Tregs generates immunotolerance in tissues and therefore decreases antitumor immune reactions. These results elucidate a mechanism by which TRX promotes metastatic melanoma in part through Treg recruitment to inhibit T-cell antitumor effects and suggest that TRX antibody may be useful in the clinic as a therapy against melanoma. PMID:26405597

  1. Cannibalism: a way to feed on metastatic tumors.

    PubMed

    Fais, Stefano

    2007-12-18

    Cannibalism of tumors is an old story for pathologists, but it remained a mystery for at least one century. Recent data highlighted tumor cannibalism as a key advantage in tumor malignancy, possibly involved in resistance of tumors to the specific immune reaction. However, new data suggests also that metastatic tumor cells may use this peculiar function to feed in conditions of low nutrient supply. This makes malignant cancer cells more similar to microorganisms, rather than to normal cells undergoing malignant transformation. In cytological or histological samples of human tumors it is common to detect cells with one or many vacuoles, possibly containing cells under degradation, that push the nucleus to the periphery giving it the shape of a crescent moon. The cannibal cells may feed on sibling tumor cells, but also of the lymphocytes that should kill them. Cannibal cells eat everything without distinguishing between the feeding materials, with a mechanism that mostly differ from typical phagocytosis. Despite such phenomenon is considered mainly non-selective, a molecular framework of factors that contribute to cannibalism has been described. This machinery includes the presence of an acidic environment that allows a continuous activation of specific lytic enzymes, such as cathepsin B. Cannibalism occurs in apparently well defined structures whose main actors are big caveolar-like vacuoles and a connection between caveolin-1 and the actin cytoskeleton through the actin-linker molecule ezrin. Each of the components of the cannibal framework may represent specific tumor targets for future new strategies against cancer.

  2. The Effect of Offloading Heels on Sacral Pressure.

    PubMed

    Al-Majid, Sadeeka; Vuncanon, Barbara; Carlson, Nika; Rakovski, Cyril

    2017-09-01

    Offloading a patient's heels during supine surgical procedures is a common practice to prevent heel pressure injuries. This practice may increase sacral pressure and jeopardize sacral skin integrity, but prophylactic dressings may help protect sacral skin. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of offloading the heels and of multilayered silicone foam dressings on sacral pressure. We measured the sacral pressure of 50 healthy volunteers using a pressure-mapping system under four conditions: heels not offloaded and sacral dressing applied, heels offloaded and dressing applied, heels not offloaded and no dressing, and heels offloaded and no dressing. We used linear mixed-effects modeling to compare the effects of these conditions on sacral pressure. Offloading the heels significantly increased sacral pressure (P < .001), whereas the dressing had no effect on sacral pressure (P = .49). Offloading a patient's heels may increase the risk of sacral pressure injuries. Copyright © 2017 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma models in nude mice and cell line with metastatic potential

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Zhao-You; Sun, Fan-Xian; Tian, Jian; Ye, Sheng-Long; Liu, Yin-Kun; Liu, Kang-Da; Xue, Qiong; Chen, Jie; Xia, Jing-Lin; Qin, Lun-Xiu; Sun, Hui-Chuan; Wang, Lu; Zhou, Jian; Li, Yan; Ma, Zeng-Chen; Zhou, Xin-Da; Wu, Zhi-Quan; Lin, Zhi-Ying; Yang, Bing-Hui

    2001-01-01

    Metastatic human HCC model is needed for the studies on mechanism and interven tion of metastatic recurrence. By using orthotopic implantation of histologically intact tissues of 30 surgical specimens, a patient-like metastatic model of hu man HCC in nude mice (LCI-D20) and a low metastatic model of human HCC in nude mice (LCI-D35) have been established. All mice with transplanted LCI-D20 tumors exhibited extremely high metastatic ability including spontaneous metasta sis to liver, lungs, lymph nodes and peritoneal seeding. Remarkable difference was also found in expression of some of the invasiveness related genes and growth factors between the LCI-D20 and LCI-D35 tumors. PAI-1 increased gradually following tumor progression in LCI-D20 model, and correlated with tumor size and AFP level. Phasic expression of tissue intercellular adhesio nmolecule-1 in this model was also observed. Using corneal micropocket model, it was demonstrated that the vascular response induced by LCI-D20 tumor was stronger than that induced by LCI-D35 tumor. Similar report on metastatic human HCC model in nude mice and human HCC cell line with metastatic potential was rarely found in the literature. This LCI-D20 model has been widely used for the studies on intervention of metastasis, including anti-angiogenesis, antisense approach, metallopro teinase inhibitor, differentiation inducer, etc. It is concluded that the establ ishment of metastatic human HCC model in nude mice and human HCC cell line with metastatic potential will provide important models for the in vivo and in vitro study of HCC invasiveness, angiogenesis as well as intervention of HCC recurrence. PMID:11819839

  4. Lymph Node-Targeted Immunotherapy Mediates Potent Immunity Resulting in Regression of Isolated or Metastatic HPV-Transformed Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Kent A.; Meisenburg, Brenna L.; Tam, Victor L.; Pagarigan, Robb R.; Wong, Raymond; Joea, Diljeet K.; Lantzy, Liz; Carrillo, Mayra A.; Gross, Todd M.; Malyankar, Uriel M.; Chiang, Chih-Sheng; Da Silva, Diane M.; Kündig, Thomas M.; Kast, W. Martin; Qiu, Zhiyong; Bot, Adrian

    2009-01-01

    Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of a novel immunotherapy strategy resulting in immunity to localized or metastatic HPV 16-transformed murine tumors. Experimental design Animals bearing E7-expressing tumors were co-immunized by lymph node injection with E7 49-57 antigen and TLR3-ligand (synthetic dsRNA). Immune responses were measured by flow cytometry and anti-tumor efficacy was evaluated by tumor size and survival. In situ cytotoxicity assays and identification of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and T regulatory cells were used to assess the mechanisms of treatment resistance in bulky disease. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide was explored to augment immunotherapy in late-stage disease. Results In therapeutic and prophylactic settings, immunization resulted in a considerable expansion of E7 49-57 antigen-specific T lymphocytes in the range of 1/10 CD8+ T cells. The resulting immunity was effective in suppressing disease progression and mortality in a pulmonary metastatic disease model. Therapeutic immunization resulted in control of isolated tumors up to a certain volume, and correlated with anti-tumor immune responses measured in blood. In situ analysis showed that within bulky tumors, T cell function was affected by negative regulatory mechanisms linked to an increase in T regulatory cells and could be overcome by cyclophosphamide treatment in conjunction with immunization. Conclusions This study highlights a novel cancer immunotherapy platform with potential for translatability to the clinic and suggests its potential usefulness for controlling metastatic disease, solid tumors of limited size, or larger tumors when combined with cytotoxic agents that reduce the number of tumor-infiltrating T regulatory cells. PMID:19789304

  5. Hotspot mutation panel testing reveals clonal evolution in a study of 265 paired primary and metastatic tumors.

    PubMed

    Goswami, Rashmi S; Patel, Keyur P; Singh, Rajesh R; Meric-Bernstam, Funda; Kopetz, E Scott; Subbiah, Vivek; Alvarez, Ricardo H; Davies, Michael A; Jabbar, Kausar J; Roy-Chowdhuri, Sinchita; Lazar, Alexander J; Medeiros, L Jeffrey; Broaddus, Russell R; Luthra, Rajyalakshmi; Routbort, Mark J

    2015-06-01

    We used a clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) hotspot mutation panel to investigate clonal evolution in paired primary and metastatic tumors. A total of 265 primary and metastatic tumor pairs were sequenced using a 46-gene cancer mutation panel capable of detecting one or more single-nucleotide variants as well as small insertions/deletions. Mutations were tabulated together with tumor type and percentage, mutational variant frequency, time interval between onset of primary tumor and metastasis, and neoadjuvant therapy status. Of note, 227 of 265 (85.7%) tumor metastasis pairs showed identical mutation calls. Of the tumor pairs with identical mutation calls, 160 (60.4%) possessed defining somatic mutation signatures and 67 (25.3%) did not exhibit any somatic mutations. There were 38 (14.3%) cases that showed at least one novel mutation call between the primary and metastasis. Metastases were almost two times more likely to show novel mutations (n = 20, 7.5%) than primary tumors (n = 12, 4.5%). TP53 was the most common additionally mutated gene in metastatic lesions, followed by PIK3CA and SMAD4. PIK3CA mutations were more often associated with metastasis in colon carcinoma samples. Clinical NGS hotspot panels can be useful in analyzing clonal evolution within tumors as well as in determining subclonal mutations that can expand in future metastases. PIK3CA, SMAD4, and TP53 are most often involved in clonal divergence, providing potential targets that may help guide the clinical management of tumor progression or metastases. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

  6. Diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic mesenchymal tumors by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration.

    PubMed

    Varghese, Linda; Ngae, Min Yi; Wilson, Andrew P; Crowder, Clinton D; Gulbahce, H Evin; Pambuccian, Stefan E

    2009-11-01

    Involvement of the pancreas by metastatic sarcoma is rare, and can prove challenging to differentiate from sarcomatoid carcinomas which occur more commonly. The endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) technique has been successfully used for the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinomas whether primary or metastatic, and is now considered the most effective noninvasive method for the identification of pancreatic metastases. However, to date very few reports detail the diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasms by EUS-FNA. Herein, we report a series of four patients who underwent EUS-FNA of the pancreas, where the diagnosis of metastatic sarcoma was made based on morphology and ancillary studies. The cases include metastases of leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and solitary fibrous tumor. The history of a primary sarcoma of the chest wall, mediastinum, and respectively lower extremity was known for the first three of these patients while in the case of the solitary fibrous tumor a remote history of a paraspinal "hemangiopericytoma" was only elicited after the EUS-FNA diagnosis was made. We conclude that EUS-FNA is efficient and accurate in providing a diagnosis of sarcoma, even in patients without a known primary sarcoma, thus allowing institution of therapy without additional biopsies.

  7. Alendronate decreases orthotopic PC-3 prostate tumor growth and metastasis to prostate-draining lymph nodes in nude mice

    PubMed Central

    Tuomela, Johanna M; Valta, Maija P; Väänänen, Kalervo; Härkönen, Pirkko L

    2008-01-01

    Background Metastatic prostate cancer is associated with a high morbidity and mortality but the spreading mechanisms are still poorly understood. The aminobisphosphonate alendronate, used to reduce bone loss, has also been shown to inhibit the invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells in vitro. We used a modified orthotopic PC-3 nude mouse tumor model of human prostate cancer to study whether alendronate affects prostate tumor growth and metastasis. Methods PC-3 cells (5 × 105) were implanted in the prostates of nude mice and the mice were treated with alendronate (0.5 mg/kg/day in PBS, s.c.) or vehicle for 4 weeks. After sacrifice, the sizes of tumor-bearing prostates were measured and the tumors and prostate-draining regional iliac and sacral lymph nodes were excised for studies on markers of proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, using histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. Results Tumor occurrence in the prostate was 73% in the alendronate-treated group and 81% in the control group. Mean tumor size (218 mm3, range: 96–485 mm3, n = 11) in the alendronate-treated mice was 41% of that in the control mice (513 mm3, range: 209–1350 mm3, n = 13) (p < 0.05). In the iliac and sacral lymph nodes of alendronate-treated mice, the proportion of metastatic area was only about 10% of that in control mice (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining of tumor sections showed that alendronate treatment caused a marked decrease in the number of CD34-positive endothelial cells in tumors (p < 0.001) and an increase in that of ISEL positive apoptotic cells in tumors as well as in lymph node metastases (p < 0.05) compared with those in the vehicle-treated mice. The density of m-LYVE-1-stained lymphatic capillaries was not changed. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that alendronate treatment opposes growth of orthotopic PC-3 tumors and decreases tumor metastasis to prostate-draining lymph nodes. This effect could be at least partly explained by

  8. Phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of tumor tissue and circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer: a report from the PETRUS prospective study

    PubMed Central

    Massard, Christophe; Oulhen, Marianne; Le Moulec, Sylvestre; Auger, Nathalie; Foulon, Stéphanie; Abou-Lovergne, Aurélie; Billiot, Fanny; Valent, Alexander; Marty, Virginie; Loriot, Yohann; Fizazi, Karim; Vielh, Philippe; Farace, Francoise

    2016-01-01

    Molecular characterization of cancer samples is hampered by tumor tissue availability in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. We reported the results of prospective PETRUS study of biomarker assessment in paired primary prostatic tumors, metastatic biopsies and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Among 54 mCRPC patients enrolled, 38 (70%) had biopsies containing more than 50% tumour cells. 28 (52%) patients were analyzed for both tissue samples and CTCs. FISH for AR-amplification and TMPRSS2-ERG translocation were successful in 54% and 32% in metastatic biopsies and primary tumors, respectively. By comparing CellSearch and filtration (ISET)-enrichment combined to four color immunofluorescent staining, we showed that CellSearch and ISET isolated distinct subpopulations of CTCs: CTCs undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, CTC clusters and large CTCs with cytomorphological characteristics but no detectable markers were isolated using ISET. Epithelial CTCs detected by the CellSearch were mostly lost during the ISET-filtration. AR-amplification was detected in CellSearch-captured CTCs, but not in ISET-enriched CTCs which harbor exclusively AR gain of copies. Eighty-eight percent concordance for ERG-rearrangement was observed between metastatic biopsies and CTCs even if additional ERG-alteration patterns were detected in ISET-enriched CTCs indicating a higher heterogeneity in CTCs. Molecular screening of metastatic biopsies is achievable in a multicenter context. Our data indicate that CTCs detected by the CellSearch and the ISET-filtration systems are not only phenotypically but also genetically different. Close attention must be paid to CTC characterization since neither approach tested here fully reflects the tremendous phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity present in CTCs from mCRPC patients. PMID:27391263

  9. Tumor cell-driven extracellular matrix remodeling drives haptotaxis during metastatic progression

    PubMed Central

    Oudin, Madeleine J.; Jonas, Oliver; Kosciuk, Tatsiana; Broye, Liliane C.; Guido, Bruna C.; Wyckoff, Jeff; Riquelme, Daisy; Lamar, John M.; Asokan, Sreeja B.; Whittaker, Charlie; Ma, Duanduan; Langer, Robert; Cima, Michael J.; Wisinski, Kari B.; Hynes, Richard O.; Lauffenburger, Douglas A.; Keely, Patricia J.; Bear, James E.; Gertler, Frank B.

    2016-01-01

    Fibronectin (FN) is a major component of the tumor microenvironment, but its role in promoting metastasis is incompletely understood. Here we show that FN gradients elicit directional movement of breast cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo. Haptotaxis on FN gradients requires direct interaction between α5β1 integrin and Mena, an actin regulator, and involves increases in focal complex signaling and tumor-cell-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Compared to Mena, higher levels of the pro-metastatic MenaINV isoform associate with α5, which enables 3D haptotaxis of tumor cells towards the high FN concentrations typically present in perivascular space and in the periphery of breast tumor tissue. MenaINV and FN levels were correlated in two breast cancer cohorts, and high levels of MenaINV were significantly associated with increased tumor recurrence as well as decreased patient survival. Our results identify a novel tumor-cell-intrinsic mechanism that promotes metastasis through ECM remodeling and ECM guided directional migration. PMID:26811325

  10. A study on difference and importance of sacral slope and pelvic sacral angle that affect lumbar curvature.

    PubMed

    Choi, Seyoung; Lee, Minsun; Kwon, Byongan

    2014-01-01

    Individual pelvic sacral angle was measured, compared and analyzed for the 6 male and female adults who were diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis and mild spondylolisthesis in accordance with spinal parameters, pelvic parameters and occlusion state of sacroiliac joint presented by the author of this thesis based on the fact that the degree of lumbar excessive lordosis that was one of the causes for lumbar pain was determined by sacral slope. The measured values were compared with the standard values of the average normal range from 20 s to 40 s of normal Koreans stated in the study on the change in lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle and sacral slope in accordance with the age by Oh et al. [5] and sacral slope and pelvic sacral slope of each individual of the subjects for measurement were compared. Comparing the difference between the two tilt angles possessed by an individual is a comparison to determine how much the sacroiliac joint connecting pelvis and sacral vertebrae compensated and corrected the sacral vertebrae slope by pelvic tilt under the condition of synarthrodial joint.Under the condition that the location conforming to the line in which the sagittal line of gravity connects with pelvic ASIS and pubic pubic tuberele is the neutral location of pelvic tilt, sacral slope being greater than pelvic sacral slope means pelvic anterior tilting, whereas sacral slope being smaller than pelvic sacral slope means pelvic posterior tilting. On that account, male B, female A and female C had a pelvic posterior tilting of 16 degrees, 1 degree and 5 degrees respectively, whereas male A, male C and female B had a pelvic anterior tilting of 3 degrees, 9 degrees and 4 degrees respectively. In addition, the 6 patients the values of lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle and sacral slope that were almost twice as much as the normal standard values of Koreans. It is believed that this is because the pelvic sacral slope maintaining an angle that is

  11. The impact of rectal cancer tumor height on recurrence rates and metastatic location: A competing risk analysis of a national database.

    PubMed

    Augestad, Knut M; Keller, Deborah S; Bakaki, Paul M; Rose, Johnie; Koroukian, Siran M; Øresland, Tom; Delaney, Conor P

    2018-04-01

    The impact of rectal cancer tumor height on local recurrence and metastatic spread is unknown. The objective was to evaluate the impact of rectal cancer tumor height from the anal verge on metastatic spread and local recurrence patterns. The Norwegian nationwide surgical quality registry was reviewed for curative rectal cancer resections from 1/1/1996-12/15/2006. Cancers were stratified into five height groups: 0-3 cm, >3-5 cm, >5-9 cm, >9-12 cm, 12 cm-HI. Competing risk and proportional hazards models assessed the relationship between tumor height and patterns of metastasis and survival. 6859 patients were analyzed. After median follow-up of 52 months (IQR 20-96), 26.7% (n = 1835) experienced recurrence. With tumors >12 cm, the risk of liver metastases increased (crude HR 1.49, p = 0.03), while lung metastases decreased (crude HR 0.66, p = 0.03), and risk of death decreased (crude HR 0.81, p = 0.001) The cumulative incidence of pelvic recurrence were highest for the low tumors (p = 0.01). Median time to liver metastases was 14months (IQR 7-24), lung metastases 25months (IQR 13-39), pelvic recurrence 19months (IQR10-32), (p < 0.0001). Time to metastases in liver and lungs were significantly associated with tumor height (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: There are distinct differences in metastatic recurrence patterns and time to recurrence from different anatomic areas of the rectum. In crude analyses, tumor height impacted metastatic spread to the liver and lungs. However, when adjusting for treatment variables, the hazard of metastatic spread to the liver and lungs are limited. Nevertheless, time to metastases in liver and lungs is significantly impacted by tumor height. Venous drainage of the rectal cancer may be a significant contributor of rectal cancer metastatic spread, but further research is warranted. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Rare incidence of tumor lysis syndrome in metastatic prostate cancer following treatment with docetaxel.

    PubMed

    Bhardwaj, Sharonlin; Varma, Seema

    2018-03-01

    Tumor lysis syndrome is a serious and sometimes lethal complication of cancer treatment that is comprised of a set of metabolic disturbances along with clinical manifestations. Initiating chemotherapy in bulky, rapidly proliferating tumors causes rapid cell turnover that in turn releases metabolites into circulation that give rise to metabolic derangements that can be dangerous. This syndrome is usually seen in high-grade hematological malignancies. Less commonly, tumor lysis syndrome can present in solid tumors and even rarely in genitourinary tumors. In this report, the authors describe a specific case of tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer following treatment with docetaxel.

  13. Risk Factors for Preoperative Seizures and Loss of Seizure Control in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Metastatic Brain Tumors.

    PubMed

    Wu, Adela; Weingart, Jon D; Gallia, Gary L; Lim, Michael; Brem, Henry; Bettegowda, Chetan; Chaichana, Kaisorn L

    2017-08-01

    Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain tumors in adults. Patients with metastatic brain tumors have poor prognoses with median survival of 6-12 months. Seizures are a major presenting symptom and cause of morbidity and mortality. In this article, risk factors for the onset of preoperative seizures and postoperative seizure control are examined. Adult patients who underwent resection of one or more brain metastases at a single institution between 1998 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Of 565 patients, 114 (20.2%) patients presented with seizures. Factors independently associated with preoperative seizures were preoperative headaches (P = 0.044), cognitive deficits (P = 0.031), more than 2 intracranial metastatic tumors (P = 0.013), temporal lobe location (P = 0.031), occipital lobe location (P = 0.010), and bone involvement by tumor (P = 0.029). Factors independently associated with loss of seizure control after surgical resection were preoperative seizures (P = 0.001), temporal lobe location (P = 0.037), lack of postoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.010), subtotal resection of tumor (P = 0.022), and local recurrence (P = 0.027). At last follow-up, the majority of patients (93.8%) were seizure-free. Thirty patients (5.30%) in total had loss of seizure control, and only 8 patients (1.41%) who did not have preoperative seizures presented with new-onset seizures after surgical resection of their metastases. The brain is a common site for metastases from numerous primary cancers, such as breast and lung. The identification of factors associated with onset of preoperative seizures as well as seizure control postoperatively could aid management strategies for patients with metastatic brain tumors. Patients with preoperative seizures who underwent resection tended to have good seizure control after surgery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Management of an invasive and metastatic Sertoli cell tumor with associated myelotoxicosis in a dog

    PubMed Central

    Withers, Sita S.; Lawson, Corinne M.; Burton, Andrew G.; Rebhun, Robert B.; Steffey, Michele A.

    2016-01-01

    We describe the surgical and post-operative management of a large, invasive, and metastatic functional Sertoli cell tumor in a 9-year-old cryptorchid male Labrador retriever dog. Despite residual disease after surgery, bone marrow recovery occurred without administration of bone marrow stimulants and serum estradiol accurately predicted tumor recurrence. PMID:26933269

  15. Increased metastatic potential of tumor cells in von Willebrand factor-deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Terraube, V; Pendu, R; Baruch, D; Gebbink, M F B G; Meyer, D; Lenting, P J; Denis, C V

    2006-03-01

    The key role played by von Willebrand factor (VWF) in platelet adhesion suggests a potential implication in various pathologies, where this process is involved. In cancer metastasis development, tumor cells interact with platelets and the vessel wall to extravasate from the circulation. As a potential mediator of platelet-tumor cell interactions, VWF could influence this early step of tumor spread and therefore play a role in cancer metastasis. To investigate whether VWF is involved in metastasis development. In a first step, we characterized the interaction between murine melanoma cells B16-BL6 and VWF in vitro. In a second step, an experimental metastasis model was used to compare the formation of pulmonary metastatic foci in C57BL/6 wild-type and VWF-null mice following the injection of B16-BL6 cells or Lewis lung carcinoma cells. In vitro adhesion assays revealed that VWF is able to promote a dose-dependent adhesion of B16-BL6 cells via its Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence. In the experimental metastasis model, we found a significant increase in the number of pulmonary metastatic foci in VWF-null mice compared with the wild-type mice, a phenotype that could be corrected by restoring VWF plasma levels. We also showed that increased survival of the tumor cells in the lungs during the first 24 h in the absence of VWF was the cause of this increased metastasis. These findings suggest that VWF plays a protective role against tumor cell dissemination in vivo. Underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated.

  16. Phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of tumor tissue and circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A report from the PETRUS prospective study.

    PubMed

    Massard, Christophe; Oulhen, Marianne; Le Moulec, Sylvestre; Auger, Nathalie; Foulon, Stéphanie; Abou-Lovergne, Aurélie; Billiot, Fanny; Valent, Alexander; Marty, Virginie; Loriot, Yohann; Fizazi, Karim; Vielh, Philippe; Farace, Francoise

    2016-08-23

    Molecular characterization of cancer samples is hampered by tumor tissue availability in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. We reported the results of prospective PETRUS study of biomarker assessment in paired primary prostatic tumors, metastatic biopsies and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Among 54 mCRPC patients enrolled, 38 (70%) had biopsies containing more than 50% tumour cells. 28 (52%) patients were analyzed for both tissue samples and CTCs. FISH for AR-amplification and TMPRSS2-ERG translocation were successful in 54% and 32% in metastatic biopsies and primary tumors, respectively. By comparing CellSearch and filtration (ISET)-enrichment combined to four color immunofluorescent staining, we showed that CellSearch and ISET isolated distinct subpopulations of CTCs: CTCs undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, CTC clusters and large CTCs with cytomorphological characteristics but no detectable markers were isolated using ISET. Epithelial CTCs detected by the CellSearch were mostly lost during the ISET-filtration. AR-amplification was detected in CellSearch-captured CTCs, but not in ISET-enriched CTCs which harbor exclusively AR gain of copies. Eighty-eight percent concordance for ERG-rearrangement was observed between metastatic biopsies and CTCs even if additional ERG-alteration patterns were detected in ISET-enriched CTCs indicating a higher heterogeneity in CTCs.Molecular screening of metastatic biopsies is achievable in a multicenter context. Our data indicate that CTCs detected by the CellSearch and the ISET-filtration systems are not only phenotypically but also genetically different. Close attention must be paid to CTC characterization since neither approach tested here fully reflects the tremendous phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity present in CTCs from mCRPC patients.

  17. KRAS and BRAF mutation status in circulating colorectal tumor cells and their correlation with primary and metastatic tumor tissue.

    PubMed

    Mostert, Bianca; Jiang, Yuqiu; Sieuwerts, Anieta M; Wang, Haiying; Bolt-de Vries, Joan; Biermann, Katharina; Kraan, Jaco; Lalmahomed, Zarina; van Galen, Anne; de Weerd, Vanja; van der Spoel, Petra; Ramírez-Moreno, Raquel; Verhoef, Cornelis; Ijzermans, Jan N M; Wang, Yixin; Gratama, Jan-Willem; Foekens, John A; Sleijfer, Stefan; Martens, John W M

    2013-07-01

    Although anti-EGFR therapy has established efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer, only 10-20% of unselected patients respond. This is partly due to KRAS and BRAF mutations, which are currently assessed in the primary tumor. To improve patient selection, assessing mutation status in circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which possibly better represent metastases than the primary tumor, could be advantageous. We investigated the feasibility of KRAS and BRAF mutation detection in colorectal CTCs by comparing three sensitive methods and compared mutation status in matching primary tumor, liver metastasis and CTCs. CTCs were isolated from blood drawn from 49 patients before liver resection using CellSearch™. DNA and RNA was isolated from primary tumors, metastases and CTCs. Mutations were assessed by co-amplification at lower denaturation temperature-PCR (Transgenomic™), real-time PCR (EntroGen™) and nested Allele-Specific Blocker (ASB-)PCR and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. In 43 of the 49 patients, tissue RNA and DNA was of sufficient quantity and quality. In these 43 patients, discordance between primary and metastatic tumor was 23% for KRAS and 7% for BRAF mutations. RNA and DNA from CTCs was available from 42 of the 43 patients, in which ASB-PCR was able to detect the most mutations. Inconclusive results in patients with low CTC counts limited the interpretation of discrepancies between tissue and CTCs. Determination of KRAS and BRAF mutations in CTCs is challenging but feasible. Of the tested methods, nested ASB-PCR, enabling detection of KRAS and BRAF mutations in patients with as little as two CTCs, seems to be superior. Copyright © 2012 UICC.

  18. [Metastatic tumors in the ovary, difficulties of histologic diagnosis].

    PubMed

    Tamás, Judit; Vereczkey, Ildikó; Tóth, Erika

    2015-09-01

    The ovary is a common site of metastases. Secondary tumors account for 3-40% of all ovarian malignancies. Most ovarian metastases arise from the colon, although tumors of the breast, stomach and endometrium are also common places of origin. Clinical and histological features of metastatic tumors frequently mimic primary ovarian malignancies, causing serious diagnostic problems for the surgical pathologist. However, differentiation between primary ovarian cancer and ovarian metastasis is important in order to prevent inappropriate management and suboptimal treatment. The distinction between primary and secondary ovarian malignancies is especially difficult in cases when the metastasis is diagnosed before the primary tumor. Frozen section is widely used in the intra-operative assessment of patients with ovarian tumors but it can be very difficult to distinguish certain types of primary ovarian tumors and metastases from other sites. We examined 152 cases of secondary ovarian neoplasm diagnosed at the National Institute of Oncology, Hungary from 2000 to 2014. Colorectal cancer was the most common primary tumor (58 cases), followed by breast (33 cases), endometrium (30 cases) and stomach cancer (13 cases). The differential diagnosis proved the most difficult in cases when endometrioid and mucinous tumors were present in the ovaries. Metastases of colorectal and gastric adenocarcinomas may simulate benign or borderline cystadenomas too. In these cases the knowledge of the patient's history and immunohistochemical stains were helpful. In our study we discuss the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing these secondary ovarian tumors from primary ovarian neoplasms and the limits of the intraoperative frozen sections.

  19. Extracellular matrix mediators of metastatic cell colonization characterized using scaffold mimics of the pre-metastatic niche

    PubMed Central

    Aguado, Brian A.; Caffe, Jordan R.; Nanavati, Dhaval; Rao, Shreyas S.; Bushnell, Grace G.; Azarin, Samira M.; Shea, Lonnie D.

    2016-01-01

    Metastatic tumor cells colonize the pre-metastatic niche, which is a complex microenvironment consisting partially of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We sought to identify and validate novel contributors to tumor cell colonization using ECM coated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds as mimics of the pre-metastatic niche. Utilizing orthotopic breast cancer mouse models, fibronectin and collagen IV-coated scaffolds implanted in the subcutaneous space captured colonizing tumor cells, showing a greater than 2-fold increase in tumor cell accumulation at the implant site compared to uncoated scaffolds. As a strategy to identify additional ECM colonization contributors, decellularized matrix (DCM) from lungs and livers containing metastatic tumors were characterized. In vitro, metastatic cell adhesion was increased on DCM coatings from diseased organs relative to healthy DCM. Furthermore, in vivo implantations of diseased DCM-coated scaffolds had increased tumor cell colonization relative to healthy DCM coatings. Mass-spectrometry proteomics was performed on healthy and diseased DCM to identify candidates associated with colonization. Myeloperoxidase was identified as abundantly present in diseased organs and validated as a contributor to colonization using myeloperoxidase-coated scaffold implants. This work identified novel ECM proteins associated with colonization using decellularization and proteomics techniques and validated candidates using a scaffold to mimic the pre-metastatic niche. PMID:26844426

  20. Analysis of ESR1 mutation in circulating tumor DNA demonstrates evolution during therapy for metastatic breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Schiavon, Gaia; Hrebien, Sarah; Garcia-Murillas, Isaac; Cutts, Rosalind J; Pearson, Alex; Tarazona, Noelia; Fenwick, Kerry; Kozarewa, Iwanka; Lopez-Knowles, Elena; Ribas, Ricardo; Nerurkar, Ashutosh; Osin, Peter; Chandarlapaty, Sarat; Martin, Lesley-Ann; Dowsett, Mitch; Smith, Ian E; Turner, Nicholas C.

    2016-01-01

    Acquired ESR1 mutations are a major mechanism of resistance to aromatase inhibitors (AI). We developed ultra-high sensitivity multiplexed digital PCR assays for ESR1 mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and used these to investigate the clinical relevance and origin of ESR1 mutations in a cohort of 171 women with advanced breast cancer. ESR1 mutation status in ctDNA showed high concordance with contemporaneous tumor biopsies, and could be assessed in samples shipped at room temperature in preservative tubes without loss of accuracy. ESR1 mutations were found exclusively in patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer previously exposed to AI. Patients with ESR1 mutations had a substantially shorter progression-free survival on subsequent AI-based therapy (HR 3.1, 95%CI 1.9-23.1, log rank p=0.0041). ESR1 mutation prevalence differed markedly between patients that were first exposed to AI during the adjuvant and metastatic settings (5.8% (3/52) vs 36.4% (16/44) respectively, p=0.0002). In an independent cohort, ESR1 mutations were identified in 0% (0/32, 95%CI 0-10.9%) tumor biopsies taken after progression on adjuvant AI. In a patient with serial samples taken during metastatic treatment, ESR1 mutation was selected during metastatic AI therapy, to become the dominant clone in the cancer. ESR1 mutations can be robustly identified with ctDNA analysis and predict for resistance to subsequent AI therapy. ESR1 mutations are rarely acquired during adjuvant AI therapy, but are commonly selected by therapy for metastatic disease, providing evidence that the mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy may be substantially different between the treatment of micro-metastatic and overt metastatic cancer. PMID:26560360

  1. Experimental ex-vivo validation of PMMA-based bone cements loaded with magnetic nanoparticles enabling hyperthermia of metastatic bone tumors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harabech, Mariem; Kiselovs, Normunds Rungevics; Maenhoudt, Wim; Crevecoeur, Guillaume; Van Roost, Dirk; Dupré, Luc

    2017-05-01

    Percutaneous vertebroplasty comprises the injection of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement into vertebrae and can be used for the treatment of compression fractures of vertebrae. Metastatic bone tumors can cause such compression fractures but are not treated when injecting PMMA-based bone cement. Hyperthermia of tumors can on the other hand be attained by placing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Loading the PMMA-based bone cement with MNPs could both serve vertebra stabilization and metastatic bone tumor hyperthermia when subjecting this PMMA-MNP to an AMF. A dedicated pancake coil is designed with a self-inductance of 10 μH in series with a capacitance of 0.1 μF that acts as resonant inductor-capacitor circuit to generate the AMF. The thermal rise is appraised in beef vertebra placed at 10 cm from the AMF generating circuit using optical temperatures sensors, i.e. in the center of the PMMA-MNP bone cement, which is located in the vicinity of metastatic bone tumors in clinical applications; and in the spine, which needs to be safeguarded to high temperature exposures. Results show a temperature rise of about 7 °C in PMMA-MNP whereas the temperature rise in the spine remains limited to 1 °C. Moreover, multicycles heating of PMMA-MNP is experimentally verified, validating the technical feasibility of having PMMA-MNP as basic component for percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with hyperthermia treatment of metastatic bone tumors.

  2. In Vivo Bioluminescence Tomography for Monitoring Breast Tumor Growth and Metastatic Spreading: Comparative Study and Mathematical Modeling

    PubMed Central

    Mollard, Séverine; Fanciullino, Raphaelle; Giacometti, Sarah; Serdjebi, Cindy; Benzekry, Sebastien; Ciccolini, Joseph

    2016-01-01

    This study aimed at evaluating the reliability and precision of Diffuse Luminescent Imaging Tomography (DLIT) for monitoring primary tumor and metastatic spreading in breast cancer mice, and to develop a biomathematical model to describe the collected data. Using orthotopic mammary fat pad model of breast cancer (MDAMB231-Luc) in mice, we monitored tumor and metastatic spreading by three-dimensional (3D) bioluminescence and cross-validated it with standard bioluminescence imaging, caliper measurement and necropsy examination. DLIT imaging proved to be reproducible and reliable throughout time. It was possible to discriminate secondary lesions from the main breast cancer, without removing the primary tumor. Preferential metastatic sites were lungs, peritoneum and lymph nodes. Necropsy examinations confirmed DLIT measurements. Marked differences in growth profiles were observed, with an overestimation of the exponential phase when using a caliper as compared with bioluminescence. Our mathematical model taking into account the balance between living and necrotic cells proved to be able to reproduce the experimental data obtained with a caliper or DLIT imaging, because it could discriminate proliferative living cells from a more composite mass consisting of tumor cells, necrotic cell, or inflammatory tissues. DLIT imaging combined with mathematical modeling could be a powerful and informative tool in experimental oncology. PMID:27812027

  3. Acquisition of high metastatic capacity after in vitro fusion of a nonmetastatic tumor line with a bone marrow-derived macrophage

    PubMed Central

    1984-01-01

    A low metastatic, thioguanine-resistant murine T lymphoma line (EbTGR) was hybridized in vitro, with the help of polyethylene glycol, with syngeneic bone marrow-derived macrophages. Two HAT-resistant hybrid lines (Eb-F1 and Eb-F2) were obtained from independent fusion cultures. A cytogenetic analysis revealed that most of the macrophage chromosomes except No. 12 had segregated or become rearranged 60 d after fusion, a time at which the cell lines had become stabilized in culture. Syngeneic mice inoculated subcutaneously with the tumor macrophage hybrid lines developed, very quickly, visceral metastases and died after less than 2 wk, while those inoculated with the parental line lived for greater than 6 wk and developed only localized, large primary tumors. The metastatic hybridomas expressed a similar tumor antigen as a spontaneous, in vivo derived, high metastatic variant (ESb) of the same tumor. This suggests that ESb cells might have arisen from a spontaneous fusion with a host macrophage. PMID:6491605

  4. Extracellular matrix mediators of metastatic cell colonization characterized using scaffold mimics of the pre-metastatic niche.

    PubMed

    Aguado, Brian A; Caffe, Jordan R; Nanavati, Dhaval; Rao, Shreyas S; Bushnell, Grace G; Azarin, Samira M; Shea, Lonnie D

    2016-03-01

    Metastatic tumor cells colonize the pre-metastatic niche, which is a complex microenvironment consisting partially of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We sought to identify and validate novel contributors to tumor cell colonization using ECM-coated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds as mimics of the pre-metastatic niche. Utilizing orthotopic breast cancer mouse models, fibronectin and collagen IV-coated scaffolds implanted in the subcutaneous space captured colonizing tumor cells, showing a greater than 2-fold increase in tumor cell accumulation at the implant site compared to uncoated scaffolds. As a strategy to identify additional ECM colonization contributors, decellularized matrix (DCM) from lungs and livers containing metastatic tumors were characterized. In vitro, metastatic cell adhesion was increased on DCM coatings from diseased organs relative to healthy DCM. Furthermore, in vivo implantations of diseased DCM-coated scaffolds had increased tumor cell colonization relative to healthy DCM coatings. Mass-spectrometry proteomics was performed on healthy and diseased DCM to identify candidates associated with colonization. Myeloperoxidase was identified as abundantly present in diseased organs and validated as a contributor to colonization using myeloperoxidase-coated scaffold implants. This work identified novel ECM proteins associated with colonization using decellularization and proteomics techniques and validated candidates using a scaffold to mimic the pre-metastatic niche. The pre-metastatic niche consists partially of ECM proteins that promote metastatic cell colonization to a target organ. We present a biomaterials-based approach to mimic this niche and identify ECM mediators of colonization. Using murine breast cancer models, we implanted microporous PCL scaffolds to recruit colonizing tumor cells in vivo. As a strategy to modulate colonization, we coated scaffolds with various ECM proteins, including decellularized lung and liver matrix from

  5. Alternative therapies for metastatic breast cancer: multimodal approach targeting tumor cell heterogeneity.

    PubMed

    Sambi, Manpreet; Haq, Sabah; Samuel, Vanessa; Qorri, Bessi; Haxho, Fiona; Hill, Kelli; Harless, William; Szewczuk, Myron R

    2017-01-01

    One of the primary challenges in developing effective therapies for malignant tumors is the specific targeting of a heterogeneous cancer cell population within the tumor. The cancerous tumor is made up of a variety of distinct cells with specialized receptors and proteins that could potentially be viable targets for drugs. In addition, the diverse signals from the local microenvironment may also contribute to the induction of tumor growth and metastasis. Collectively, these factors must be strategically studied and targeted in order to develop an effective treatment protocol. Targeted multimodal approaches need to be strategically studied in order to develop a treatment protocol that is successful in controlling tumor growth and preventing metastatic burden. Breast cancer, in particular, presents a unique problem because of the variety of subtypes of cancer that can arise and the multiple drug targets that could be exploited. For example, the tumor stage and subtypes often dictate the appropriate treatment regimen. Alternate multimodal therapies should consider the importance of time-dependent drug administration, as well as targeting the local and systemic tumor environment. Many reviews and papers have briefly touched on the clinical implications of this cellular heterogeneity; however, there has been very little discussion on the development of study models that reflect this diversity and on multimodal therapies that could target these subpopulations. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the origins of intratumoral heterogeneity in breast cancer subtypes, and its implications for tumor progression, metastatic potential, and treatment regimens. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing specific breast cancer models for research, including in vitro monolayer systems and three-dimensional mammospheres, as well as in vivo murine models that may have the capacity to encompass this heterogeneity. Lastly, we summarize some of the current

  6. [A case of bilateral testicular tumors showing remarkable regression of huge metastatic tumors after VAB-6 combined chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Nakashima, T; Nakajima, K; Yokoyama, O; Sugata, T; Tokunaga, S; Nitta, M; Hisazumi, H

    1988-10-01

    A case of bilateral testicular seminomas with abdominal huge metastatic tumors is presented. The patient is a 23-year-old male. An abdominal huge mass was found incidentally by a physician. CT scan and ultrasonography revealed the presence of the tumor in the left retroperitoneal space and biopsy specimen of the abdominal tumor was diagnosed as seminoma. On March 7, 1985, he was referred to our clinic. Bilateral testicular tumors were detected on palpation and ultrasonography. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed. Histological diagnosis was pure seminoma. After four sessions of VAB-6 combined chemotherapy, the abdominal tumor, 14.1 x 12.3 cm in size, decreased to 5.7 x 4.4 cm ( a regression rate of 85.5%). Retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection was undertaken, but the abdominal tumor could not be resected completely. Histological examination of the resected tumor revealed complete necrosis of the tumor tissue. After the operation, one session of the chemotherapy and irradiation were added. A total of 109 cases of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors in Japan was reviewed.

  7. Dietary Selenium Supplementation Modulates Growth of Brain Metastatic Tumors and Changes the Expression of Adhesion Molecules in Brain Microvessels.

    PubMed

    Wrobel, Jagoda K; Wolff, Gretchen; Xiao, Rijin; Power, Ronan F; Toborek, Michal

    2016-08-01

    Various dietary agents can modulate tumor invasiveness. The current study explored whether selenoglycoproteins (SeGPs) extracted from selenium-enriched yeast affect tumor cell homing and growth in the brain. Mice were fed diets enriched with specific SeGPs (SeGP40 or SeGP65, 1 mg/kg Se each), glycoproteins (GP40 or GP65, 0.2-0.3 mg/kg Se each) or a control diet (0.2-0.3 mg/kg Se) for 12 weeks. Then, murine Lewis lung carcinoma cells were infused into the brain circulation. Analyses were performed at early (48 h) and late stages (3 weeks) post tumor cell infusion. Imaging of tumor progression in the brain revealed that mice fed SeGP65-enriched diet displayed diminished metastatic tumor growth, fewer extravasating tumor cells and smaller metastatic lesions. While administration of tumor cells resulted in a significant upregulation of adhesion molecules in the early stage of tumor progression, overexpression of VCAM-1 (vascular call adhesion molecule-1) and ALCAM (activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule) messenger RNA (mRNA) was diminished in SeGP65 supplemented mice. Additionally, mice fed SeGP65 showed decreased expression of acetylated NF-κB p65, 48 h post tumor cell infusion. The results indicate that tumor progression in the brain can be modulated by specific SeGPs. Selenium-containing compounds were more effective than their glycoprotein controls, implicating selenium as a potential negative regulator of metastatic process.

  8. Prognostic significance of pathological response of primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Machiavelli, M R; Romero, A O; Pérez, J E; Lacava, J A; Domínguez, M E; Rodríguez, R; Barbieri, M R; Romero Acuña, L A; Romero Acuña, J M; Langhi, M J; Amato, S; Ortiz, E H; Vallejo, C T; Leone, B A

    1998-01-01

    The prognostic significance of pathological response of primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was assessed in patients with noninflammatory locally advanced breast carcinoma. Between January 1989 and April 1995, 148 consecutive patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma participated in the study. Of these, 140 fully evaluable patients (67, stage IIIA; 73, stage IIIB) were treated with three courses of 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC), followed by modified radical mastectomy when technically feasible or definitive radiation therapy. The median age was 53 years (range, 26 to 75 years); 55% of patients were postmenopausal. Objective response was recorded in 99 of 140 patients (71%; 95% confidence interval, 63% to 79%). Complete response occurred in 11 patients (8%), and partial response occurred in 88 patients (63%). No change was recorded in 37 patients (26%), and progressive disease occurred in 4 patients (3%). One hundred and thirty-six patients underwent the planned surgery. Maximal pathological response of the primary tumor (in situ carcinoma or minimal microscopic residual tumor) was observed in 24 (18%); 112 patients (82%) presented minimal pathological response of the primary tumor (gross residual tumor). The number of metastatic axillary nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was as follows: N0, 39 patients (29%); N1-N3, 35 patients (26%); > N3, 62 patients (45%). Considering the initial TNM status, 75% of the patients had decreases in tumor compartment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Also, 31% and 23% of patients with clinical N1 and N2, respectively, showed uninvolved axillary lymph nodes. A significant correlation was noted between pathological response of primary tumor and the number of metastatic axillary lymph nodes. Median disease-free survival was 34 months, whereas median overall survival was 66 months. Pathological responses of both primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes

  9. Quality of Life in Patients With Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors in the Literature as Assessed by the FACT-Br.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Nicholas; Chiu, Leonard; Zeng, Liang; Zhang, Liying; Cella, David; Popovic, Marko; Chow, Ronald; Lam, Henry; Poon, Michael; Chow, Edward

    2012-12-01

    The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) is a quality of life (QOL) assessment tool that was originally developed for use in patients with primary brain tumors. However, the tool has also been used to assess QOL in patients with metastatic brain tumors. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in QOL responses as assessed by the FACT-Br in patients with primary and metastatic brain neoplasms. A systematic literature search was conducted using the OvidSP platform in MEDLINE (1946 to July Week 2 2012) and EMBASE (1980 to 2012 Week 28). Articles in which the FACT-Br was used as a QOL assessment for patients with malignant brain tumors (both primary and metastatic) were included in the study. The weighted means of FACT-Br subscale and overall scores were calculated for the studies. To compare these scores, weighted analysis of variance was conducted and PROC GLM was performed for the data. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 23 studies (four in brain metastases, 18 in primary brain tumors and 1 in a mixed sample) using the FACT-Br for assessment of QOL were identified. Social and functional well-being were significantly better in patients with primary brain tumors (weighted mean score of 22.2 vs. 10.7, P = 0.0026, 16.9 vs. 6.2, P = 0.0025, respectively). No other scale of the FACT-Br was significantly different between the two groups and the performance status of patients included in both groups was similar. Patients with primary brain cancer seemed to have better social and functional well-being scores than those with metastatic brain tumors. Other QOL domains were similar between these two groups. However, the heterogeneity in the included studies and the low sample size of included samples in patients with metastatic brain tumors could have confounded our findings.

  10. Point of care assessment of melanoma tumor signaling and metastatic burden from μNMR analysis of tumor fine needle aspirates and peripheral blood.

    PubMed

    Gee, Michael S; Ghazani, Arezou A; Haq, Rizwan; Wargo, Jennifer A; Sebas, Matthew; Sullivan, Ryan J; Lee, Hakho; Weissleder, Ralph

    2017-04-01

    This study evaluates μNMR technology for molecular profiling of tumor fine needle aspirates and peripheral blood of melanoma patients. In vitro assessment of melanocyte (MART-1, HMB45) and MAP kinase signaling (pERK, pS6K) molecule expression was performed in human cell lines, while clinical validation was performed in an IRB-approved study of melanoma patients undergoing biopsy and blood sampling. Tumor FNA and blood specimens were compared with BRAF genetic analysis and cross-sectional imaging. μNMR in vitro analysis showed increased expression of melanocyte markers in melanoma cells as well as increased expression of phosphorylated MAP kinase targets in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. Melanoma patient FNA samples showed increased pERK and pS6K levels in BRAF mutant compared with BRAF WT melanomas, with μNMR blood circulating tumor cell level increased with higher metastatic burden visible on imaging. These results indicate that μNMR technology provides minimally invasive point-of-care evaluation of tumor signaling and metastatic burden in melanoma patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Lanreotide in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

    PubMed

    Caplin, Martyn E; Pavel, Marianne; Ćwikła, Jarosław B; Phan, Alexandria T; Raderer, Markus; Sedláčková, Eva; Cadiot, Guillaume; Wolin, Edward M; Capdevila, Jaume; Wall, Lucy; Rindi, Guido; Langley, Alison; Martinez, Séverine; Blumberg, Joëlle; Ruszniewski, Philippe

    2014-07-17

    population, with the exception of small subgroups in which confidence intervals were wide. There were no significant between-group differences in quality of life or overall survival. The most common treatment-related adverse event was diarrhea (in 26% of the patients in the lanreotide group and 9% of those in the placebo group). Lanreotide was associated with significantly prolonged progression-free survival among patients with metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors of grade 1 or 2 (Ki-67 <10%). (Funded by Ipsen; CLARINET ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00353496; EudraCT 2005-004904-35.).

  12. Effect of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Sacral Chordoma: Results of Phase I-II and Phase II Clinical Trials

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Imai, Reiko, E-mail: r_imai@nirs.go.j; Kamada, Tadashi; Tsuji, Hiroshi

    2010-08-01

    Purpose: To summarize the results of treatment for sacral chordoma in Phase I-II and Phase II carbon ion radiotherapy trials for bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 38 patients with medically unresectable sacral chordomas treated with the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba, Japan between 1996 and 2003. Of the 38 patients, 30 had not received previous treatment and 8 had locally recurrent tumor after previous resection. The applied carbon ion dose was 52.8-73.6 Gray equivalents (median, 70.4) in a total of 16 fixed fractions within 4 weeks. Results: The median patient agemore » was 66 years. The cranial tumor extension was S2 or greater in 31 patients. The median clinical target volume was 523 cm{sup 3}. The median follow-up period was 80 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 86%, and the 5-year local control rate was 89%. After treatment, 27 of 30 patients with primary tumor remained ambulatory with or without supportive devices. Two patients experienced severe skin or soft-tissue complications requiring skin grafts. Conclusion: Carbon ion radiotherapy appears effective and safe in the treatment of patients with sacral chordoma and offers a promising alternative to surgery.« less

  13. MEK Inhibitors in the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma and Solid Tumors.

    PubMed

    Grimaldi, Antonio M; Simeone, Ester; Festino, Lucia; Vanella, Vito; Strudel, Martina; Ascierto, Paolo A

    2017-12-01

    The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an intracellular signaling pathway involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and the survival of tumor cells. Several different mutations, involving BRAF or NRAS, exert an oncogenic effect by activating the MAPK pathway, resulting in an increase in cellular proliferation. These mutations have become targets for new therapeutic strategies in melanoma and other cancers. Selective MEK inhibitors have the ability to inhibit growth and induce cell death in BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma cell lines. MEK inhibitor therapy in combination with a BRAF inhibitor is more effective and less toxic than treatment with a BRAF inhibitor alone, and has become the standard of care for patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma. Trametinib was the first MEK inhibitor approved for the treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma not previously treated with BRAF inhibitors, and is also approved in combination with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib. Furthermore, cobimetinib is another MEK inhibitor approved for the treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma in combination with a BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib. The MEK inhibitor binimetinib in combination with the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib is in clinical development. The addition of an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agent, such as pembrolizumab, durvalumab or atezolizumab, to combined BRAF and MEK inhibition has shown considerable promise, with several trials ongoing in metastatic melanoma. Binimetinib has also shown efficacy in NRAS-mutated melanoma patients. Future possibilities for MEK inhibitors in advanced melanoma, as well as other solid tumors, include their use in combination with other targeted therapies (e.g. anti-CDK4/6 inhibitors) and/or various immune-modulating antibodies.

  14. RT-06GAMMA KNIFE SURGERY AFTER NAVIGATION-GUIDED ASPIRATION FOR CYSTIC METASTATIC BRAIN TUMORS

    PubMed Central

    Chiba, Yasuyoshi; Mori, Kanji; Toyota, Shingo; Kumagai, Tetsuya; Yamamoto, Shota; Sugano, Hirofumi; Taki, Takuyu

    2014-01-01

    Metastatic brain tumors over 3 cm in diameter (volume of 14.1ml) are generally considered poor candidates for Gamma Knife surgery (GKS). We retrospectively assessed the method and efficacy of GKS for large cystic metastatic brain tumors after navigation-guided aspiration under local anesthesia. From September 2007 to April 2014, 38 cystic metastatic brain tumors in 32 patients (12 males, 20 females; mean age, 63.2 years) were treated at Kansai Rosai Hospital. The patients were performed navigation-guided cyst aspiration under local anesthesia, then at the day or the next day, were performed GKS and usually discharged on the day. The methods for preventing of leptomeningeal dissemination are following: 1) puncture from the place whose cerebral thickness is 1 cm or more; 2) avoidance of Ommaya reservoir implantation; and 3) placement of absorbable gelatin sponge to the tap tract. Tumor volume, including the cystic component, decreased from 25.4 ml (range 8.7-84.7 ml) to 11.4 ml (range 2.9-36.7 ml) following aspiration; the volume reduction was approximately 51.6%. Follow-up periods in the study population ranged from 0 to 24 months (median 3.5 months). The overall median survival was 6.7 months. There was no leptomeningeal dissemination related to the aspiration. One patient experienced radiation necrosis after GKS, one patient experienced re-aspiration by failure of aspiration, and two patients experienced surgical resections and one patient experienced re-aspiration by cyst regrowth after GKS. Long-term hospitalization is not desirable for the patients with brain metastases. In japan, Long-term hospitalization is required for surgical resection or whole brain radiation therapy, but only two days hospitalization is required for GKS after navigation-guided aspiration at our hospital. This GKS after navigation-guided aspiration is more effective and less invasive than surgical resection or whole brain radiation therapy.

  15. Metastatic thyroid carcinoma without identifiable primary tumor within the thyroid gland: a retrospective study of a rare phenomenon.

    PubMed

    Xu, Bin; Scognamiglio, Theresa; Cohen, Perry R; Prasad, Manju L; Hasanovic, Adnan; Tuttle, Robert Michael; Katabi, Nora; Ghossein, Ronald A

    2017-07-01

    Metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) without an identifiable primary tumor despite extensive microscopic examination of the thyroid gland is a rare but true phenomenon.We retrieved 7 of such cases and described in detail the clinical and pathologic features of these tumors. BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry and Sequenom molecular profile were conducted in selected cases. All patients harbored metastatic disease in the central (n=3), lateral (n=3), or both neck compartments (n=1). The histotype of the metastatic disease was PTC (n=5), poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma in association with a PTC columnar variant (n=1), and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in association with a PTC tall cell variant (n=1). Fibrosis was present in the thyroid of 5 patients. All patients with PTC were alive without evidence of recurrence. The 76-year-old patient with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma did not recur and died of unknown causes. Finally, the patient with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma was alive with distant metastasis at last follow-up. The median follow-up for this cohort was 2.2years (range, 0.8-17). BRAF V600E was detected in 4 of 6 cases by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, metastatic nodal disease without identifiable thyroid primary is a rare but real phenomenon of unknown mechanisms. Although most tumors are low grade and well differentiated, aggressive behavior due to poorly differentiated or anaplastic carcinoma can happen. Most cases are BRAF V600E -positive thyroid tumors. A papillary carcinoma phenotype is found in all reported cases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Gamma Knife Surgery for Metastatic Brain Tumors from Gynecologic Cancer.

    PubMed

    Matsunaga, Shigeo; Shuto, Takashi; Sato, Mitsuru

    2016-05-01

    The incidences of metastatic brain tumors from gynecologic cancer have increased. The results of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for the treatment of patients with brain metastases from gynecologic cancer (ovarian, endometrial, and uterine cervical cancers) were retrospectively analyzed to identify the efficacy and prognostic factors for local tumor control and survival. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed of 70 patients with 306 tumors who underwent GKS for brain metastases from gynecologic cancer between January 1995 and December 2013 in our institution. The primary cancers were ovarian in 33 patients with 147 tumors and uterine in 37 patients with 159 tumors. Median tumor volume was 0.3 cm(3). Median marginal prescription dose was 20 Gy. The local tumor control rates were 96.4% at 6 months and 89.9% at 1 year. There was no statistically significant difference between ovarian and uterine cancers. Higher prescription dose and smaller tumor volume were significantly correlated with local tumor control. Median overall survival time was 8 months. Primary ovarian cancer, controlled extracranial metastases, and solitary brain metastasis were significantly correlated with satisfactory overall survival. Median activities of daily living (ADL) preservation survival time was 8 months. Primary ovarian cancer, controlled extracranial metastases, and higher Karnofsky Performance Status score were significantly correlated with better ADL preservation. GKS is effective for control of tumor progression in patients with brain metastases from gynecologic cancer, and may provide neurologic benefits and preservation of the quality of life. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. A case of metastatic malignant hemangiopericytoma of the ovary: recurrence after a period of 17 years from intracranial tumor.

    PubMed

    Begum, M; Katabuchi, H; Tashiro, H; Suenaga, Y; Okamura, H

    2002-01-01

    Hemangiopericytoma is an uncommon vascular tumor. Primary or metastatic hemangiopericytoma of the ovary is extremely rare. A 48-year-old Japanese woman had a tumor in the neck. Simultaneously, a solid ovarian tumor was detected. She had received treatment for intracranial hemangiopericytoma 17 years previously. For the ovarian tumor, she underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The left ovarian tumor weighed 1510 g and its cut surface was solid without areas of hemorrhage or necrosis. It was microscopically composed of tightly packed tumor cells outside of many vascular vessels. One or two mitotic figures were counted per 10 high power fields. Immunohistochemically, vimentin was expressed but factor-VIII-related antigen, CD 31, and CD 34 were not expressed in the tumor cells. Electron microscopy showed that the tumor cells were grown outside of the endothelium-lined vascular spaces. A discontinuous external basal lamina was also observed. We present a case of metastatic malignant hemangiopericytoma of the ovary from a primary intracranial hemangiopericytoma with a long interval of 17 years.

  18. LAG-3 in Non-Small-cell Lung Cancer: Expression in Primary Tumors and Metastatic Lymph Nodes Is Associated With Improved Survival.

    PubMed

    Hald, Sigurd M; Rakaee, Mehrdad; Martinez, Inigo; Richardsen, Elin; Al-Saad, Samer; Paulsen, Erna-Elise; Blix, Egil Støre; Kilvaer, Thomas; Andersen, Sigve; Busund, Lill-Tove; Bremnes, Roy M; Donnem, Tom

    2018-05-01

    Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is an immune checkpoint receptor and a putative therapeutic target in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We explored the prognostic effect of LAG-3 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes in NSCLC and its potential for inclusion in an immunoscore, supplementing the TNM classification. Primary tumor tissue from 553 stage I-IIIB NSCLC patients and 143 corresponding metastatic lymph nodes were collected. The expression of LAG-3 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. On univariate analysis, LAG-3 + TILs in the intraepithelial and stromal compartments of primary tumors and in the intraepithelial and extraepithelial compartments of metastatic lymph nodes were associated with improved disease-specific survival (DSS). On multivariate analysis, stromal LAG-3 + TILs were a significant independent predictor of improved DSS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.82; P = .002). Stromal LAG-3 + TILs did not have prognostic impact across all pathologic stages. In the metastatic lymph nodes, intraepithelial (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38-0.99; P = .049) and extraepithelial (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29-0.70; P < .001) LAG-3 + TILs were independently associated with favorable DSS. LAG-3 + TILs are an independent positive prognostic factor in stage I-IIIB NSCLC. LAG-3 in metastatic lymph nodes is a candidate marker for an immunoscore in NSCLC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Budget impact of somatostatin analogs as treatment for metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in US hospitals.

    PubMed

    Ortendahl, Jesse D; Pulgar, Sonia J; Mirakhur, Beloo; Cox, David; Bentley, Tanya Gk; Phan, Alexandria T

    2017-01-01

    With the introduction of new therapies, hospitals have to plan spending limited resources in a cost-effective manner. To assist in identifying the optimal treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, budget impact modeling was used to estimate the financial implications of adoption and diffusion of somatostatin analogs (SSAs). A hypothetical cohort of 500 gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients was assessed in an economic model, with the proportion with metastatic disease treated with an SSA estimated using published data. Drug acquisition, preparation, and administration costs were based on national pricing databases and published literature. Octreotide dosing was based on published estimates of real-world data, whereas for lanreotide, real-world dosing was unavailable and we therefore used the highest indicated dosing. Alternative scenarios reflecting the proportion of patients receiving lanreotide or octreotide were considered to estimate the incremental budget impact to the hospital. In the base case, 313 of the initial 500 gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients were treated with an SSA. The model-predicted per-patient cost was US$83,473 for lanreotide and US$89,673 for octreotide. With a hypothetical increase in lanreotide utilization from 5% to 30% of this population, the annual model-projected hospital costs decreased by US$488,615. When varying the inputs in one-way sensitivity analyses, the results were most sensitive to changes in dosing assumptions. Results suggest that factors beyond drug acquisition cost can influence the budget impact to a hospital. When considering preparation and administration time, and real-world dosing, use of lanreotide has the potential to reduce health care expenditures associated with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor treatments.

  20. CYP4A in tumor-associated macrophages promotes pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis.

    PubMed

    Chen, X W; Yu, T J; Zhang, J; Li, Y; Chen, H L; Yang, G F; Yu, W; Liu, Y Z; Liu, X X; Duan, C F; Tang, H L; Qiu, M; Wang, C L; Zheng, H; Yue, J; Guo, A M; Yang, J

    2017-08-31

    Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an essential role in metastasis. However, what enables TAMs to have a superior capacity to establish pre-metastatic microenvironment in distant organs is unclear. Here we have begun to uncover the effects of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4A in TAMs on lung pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis. CYP4A + TAM infiltration was positively associated with metastasis, pre-metastatic niche formation and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. The pharmacological inhibition of CYP4A reduced lung pre-metastatic niche formation (evidenced by a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 positive (VEGFR1 + ) myeloid cell recruitment and pro-metastatic protein expression) and metastatic burden, accompanied with TAM polarization away from the M2 phenotype in spontaneous metastasis models of 4T1 breast cancer and B16F10 melanoma. Co-implantation of 4T1 cells with CYP4A10 high macrophages promoted lung pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis. Depletion of TAMs disrupted lung pre-metastatic niches and thereby prevented metastasis. Treatment with the CM from CYP4A10 high M2 macrophages (M2) increased pre-metastatic niche formation and metastatic burden in the lungs, whereas CYP4A inhibition attenuated these effects. In vitro TAM polarization away from the M2 phenotype induced by CYP4A inhibition decreased VEGFR1 + myeloid cell migration and fibronectin expression, accompanied with downregulation of STAT3 signaling. Conversely, overexpression of CYP4A or exogenous addition of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid promoted M2 polarization and cytokine production of macrophages and thereby enhanced migration of VEGFR1 + myeloid cells, which were reversed by siRNA or pharmacological inhibition of STAT3. Importantly, a combined blocking M2 macrophage-derived factors TGF-β, VEGF and SDF-1 abolished VEGFR1 + myeloid cell migration and fibroblast activation induced by CYP4A. In summary, CYP4A in TAMs is crucial for lung pre-metastatic

  1. Tumor Mutational Load and Immune Parameters across Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Risk Groups.

    PubMed

    de Velasco, Guillermo; Miao, Diana; Voss, Martin H; Hakimi, A Ari; Hsieh, James J; Tannir, Nizar M; Tamboli, Pheroze; Appleman, Leonard J; Rathmell, W Kimryn; Van Allen, Eliezer M; Choueiri, Toni K

    2016-10-01

    Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have better overall survival when treated with nivolumab, a cancer immunotherapy that targets the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), rather than everolimus (a chemical inhibitor of mTOR and immunosuppressant). Poor-risk mRCC patients treated with nivolumab seemed to experience the greatest overall survival benefit, compared with patients with favorable or intermediate risk, in an analysis of the CheckMate-025 trial subgroup of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic risk groups. Here, we explore whether tumor mutational load and RNA expression of specific immune parameters could be segregated by prognostic MSKCC risk strata and explain the survival seen in the poor-risk group. We queried whole-exome transcriptome data in renal cell carcinoma patients (n = 54) included in The Cancer Genome Atlas who ultimately developed metastatic disease or were diagnosed with metastatic disease at presentation and did not receive immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nonsynonymous mutational load did not differ significantly by the MSKCC risk group, nor was the expression of cytolytic genes-granzyme A and perforin-or selected immune checkpoint molecules different across MSKCC risk groups. In conclusion, this analysis revealed that mutational load and expression of markers of an active tumor microenvironment did not correlate with MSKCC risk prognostic classification in mRCC. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(10); 820-2. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  2. Diffuse large cell lymphoma presenting as a sacral mass and lupus anticoagulant.

    PubMed

    Ediriwickrema, Lilangi S; Zaheer, Wajih

    2011-12-01

    A 67-year-old gentleman presented to Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) for assessment of a supratherapeutic INR and sacral lesion. Hematologic workup revealed elevated ESR, PT, INR, PTT, and CRP, mixing studies that failed to correct, and a positive Russell Viper Venom Test (RVVT), which confirmed the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA), a subtype of antiphospholipid syndrome (APA). Pathology of the patient's sacral lesion revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This case provides insight into the association between APA and lymphoid neoplasm. The patient's unique presentation is in marked contrast to other reports of APA and lymphoid malignancy, which are typically associated with elevated PTT, normal PT, minimal extranodal disease, and potential thrombotic complications. Further, treatment with Rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy led to excellent clinical response with tumor remission and normalization of PT and PTT.

  3. ESR1 Mutations in Circulating Plasma Tumor DNA from Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients.

    PubMed

    Chu, David; Paoletti, Costanza; Gersch, Christina; VanDenBerg, Dustin A; Zabransky, Daniel J; Cochran, Rory L; Wong, Hong Yuen; Toro, Patricia Valda; Cidado, Justin; Croessmann, Sarah; Erlanger, Bracha; Cravero, Karen; Kyker-Snowman, Kelly; Button, Berry; Parsons, Heather A; Dalton, W Brian; Gillani, Riaz; Medford, Arielle; Aung, Kimberly; Tokudome, Nahomi; Chinnaiyan, Arul M; Schott, Anne; Robinson, Dan; Jacks, Karen S; Lauring, Josh; Hurley, Paula J; Hayes, Daniel F; Rae, James M; Park, Ben Ho

    2016-02-15

    Mutations in the estrogen receptor (ER)α gene, ESR1, have been identified in breast cancer metastases after progression on endocrine therapies. Because of limitations of metastatic biopsies, the reported frequency of ESR1 mutations may be underestimated. Here, we show a high frequency of ESR1 mutations using circulating plasma tumor DNA (ptDNA) from patients with metastatic breast cancer. We retrospectively obtained plasma samples from eight patients with known ESR1 mutations and three patients with wild-type ESR1 identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of biopsied metastatic tissues. Three common ESR1 mutations were queried for using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). In a prospective cohort, metastatic tissue and plasma were collected contemporaneously from eight ER-positive and four ER-negative patients. Tissue biopsies were sequenced by NGS, and ptDNA ESR1 mutations were analyzed by ddPCR. In the retrospective cohort, all corresponding mutations were detected in ptDNA, with two patients harboring additional ESR1 mutations not present in their metastatic tissues. In the prospective cohort, three ER-positive patients did not have adequate tissue for NGS, and no ESR1 mutations were identified in tissue biopsies from the other nine patients. In contrast, ddPCR detected seven ptDNA ESR1 mutations in 6 of 12 patients (50%). We show that ESR1 mutations can occur at a high frequency and suggest that blood can be used to identify additional mutations not found by sequencing of a single metastatic lesion. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

  4. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Metastatic to the Pituitary: A Case Report and Discussion of Potential Diagnostic Value of Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Pituitary Tumors.

    PubMed

    D Hughes, Joshua; Retzlaff, Amber; Sims, John; O'Brien, Erin; Giannini, Caterina; Huston, John; Van Gompel, Jamie J

    2016-07-01

    Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an exocrine gland tumor accounting for approximately 10%-15% of all epithelial salivary neoplasms and occurs most often in the parotid and submandibular glands. Metastatic pituitary tumors are rare, and there is only 1 previously reported case of parotid ACC metastatic to the pituitary. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based technique that measures the propagation of mechanically induced shear waves through a particular tissue to determine stiffness and offers a method to evaluate tissue consistency. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with a remote history of parotid gland ACC and subsequent lung metastases presented after a fall that resulted in facial trauma. A non-contrast head computed tomography scan revealed a sellar/suprasellar mass, and follow-up MRI revealed a well-defined, enhancing 3.8-cm lesion. MRE showed the tumor to be firm. The tumor was resected through a transsphenoidal approach and was consistent with the MRE findings. Pathology returned as metastatic ACC. We report the second case of ACC metastatic to pituitary and the first firm pituitary tumor found by MRE and discuss the potential diagnostic value of MRE in pituitary lesions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. [Peritumoral hemorrhage immediately after radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumor].

    PubMed

    Uchino, Masafumi; Kitajima, Satoru; Miyazaki, Chikao; Otsuka, Takashi; Seiki, Yoshikatsu; Shibata, Iekado

    2003-08-01

    We report a case of a 44-year-old woman with metastatic brain tumors who suffered peri-tumoral hemorrhage soon after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). She had been suffering from breast cancer with multiple systemic metastasis. She started to have headache, nausea, dizziness and speech disturbance 1 month before admission. There was no bleeding tendency in the hematological examination and the patient was normotensive. Neurological examination disclosed headache and slightly aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large round mass lesion in the left temporal lobe. It was a well-demarcated, highly enhanced mass, 45 mm in diameter. SRS was performed on four lesions in a single session (Main mass: maximum dose was 30 Gy in the center and 20 Gy in the margin of the tumor. Others: maximum 25 Gy margin 20 Gy). After radiosurgery, she had severe headache, nausea and vomiting and showed progression of aphasia. CT scan revealed a peritumoral hemorrhage. Conservative therapy was undertaken and the patient's symptoms improved. After 7 days, she was discharged, able to walk. The patient died of extensive distant metastasis 5 months after SRS. Acute transient swelling following conventional radiotherapy is a well-documented phenomenon. However, the present case indicates that such an occurrence is also possible in SRS. We have hypothesized that acute reactions such as brain swelling occur due to breakdown of the fragile vessels of the tumor or surrounding tissue.

  6. A Proteogenomic Approach to Understanding MYC Function in Metastatic Medulloblastoma Tumors.

    PubMed

    Staal, Jerome A; Pei, Yanxin; Rood, Brian R

    2016-10-19

    Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children, and medulloblastoma is the most prevalent malignant childhood/pediatric brain tumor. Providing effective treatment for these cancers, with minimal damage to the still-developing brain, remains one of the greatest challenges faced by clinicians. Understanding the diverse events driving tumor formation, maintenance, progression, and recurrence is necessary for identifying novel targeted therapeutics and improving survival of patients with this disease. Genomic copy number alteration data, together with clinical studies, identifies c-MYC amplification as an important risk factor associated with the most aggressive forms of medulloblastoma with marked metastatic potential. Yet despite this, very little is known regarding the impact of such genomic abnormalities upon the functional biology of the tumor cell. We discuss here how recent advances in quantitative proteomic techniques are now providing new insights into the functional biology of these aggressive tumors, as illustrated by the use of proteomics to bridge the gap between the genotype and phenotype in the case of c-MYC -amplified/associated medulloblastoma. These integrated proteogenomic approaches now provide a new platform for understanding cancer biology by providing a functional context to frame genomic abnormalities.

  7. Management of non metastatic phyllodes tumors of the breast: review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Khosravi-Shahi, Parham

    2011-12-01

    Phyllodes tumors of the breast are rare tumors, accounting for less than 0.5% of all breast tumors. These tumors are comprised of both stromal and epithelial elements; and traditionally they are graded by the use of a set of histologic features into benign, borderline, and malignant subtypes. Unfortunately, the histologic classification of phyllodes tumors does not reliably predict clinical behavior. The mainstay of treatment of non metastatic phyllodes tumors of the breast is complete surgical resection with wide resection margins. Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy is the preferred surgical therapy. However, despite the complete surgical resection, local failure rate may be high; and 22% of malignant tumors may give rise to haematogenous metastases. The most frequent site of distant metastases is the lungs. Several predictive factors of recurrence and metastases have been described in the literature, such as positive surgical margins, increased stromal cellularity, stromal overgrowth, stromal atypia and increased mitotic activity. Nevertheless, the role of adjuvant therapies (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) is presently undefined and should be tested in multicenter, prospective, randomized trials. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Novel Methylated Biomarkers and a Robust Assay to Detect Circulating Tumor DNA in Metastatic Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Fackler, Mary Jo; Bujanda, Zoila Lopez; Umbricht, Christopher; Teo, Wei Wen; Cho, Soonweng; Zhang, Zhe; Visvanathan, Kala; Jeter, Stacie; Argani, Pedram; Wang, Chenguang; Lyman, Jaclyn P.; de Brot, Marina; Ingle, James N.; Boughey, Judy; McGuire, Kandace; King, Tari A.; Carey, Lisa A.; Cope, Leslie; Wolff, Antonio C.; Sukumar, Saraswati

    2015-01-01

    The ability to consistently detect cell-free tumor-specific DNA in peripheral blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer provides the opportunity to detect changes in tumor burden and to monitor response to treatment. We developed cMethDNA, a quantitative multiplexed methylation-specific PCR assay for a panel of ten genes, consisting of novel and known breast cancer hypermethylated markers identified by mining our previously reported study of DNA methylation patterns in breast tissue (103 cancer, 21 normal on the Illumina HumanMethylation27 Beadchip) and then validating the 10-gene panel in a TCGA breast cancer methylome database. For cMethDNA, a fixed physiological level (50 copies) of artificially constructed, standard non-human reference DNA specific for each gene is introduced into in a constant volume of serum (300 μl) prior to purification of the DNA, facilitating a sensitive, specific, robust and quantitative assay of tumor DNA, with broad dynamic range. Cancer-specific methylated DNA was detected in Training (28 normal, 24 cancer) and Test (27 normal, 33 cancer) sets of recurrent Stage 4 patient sera with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 96% in the test set. In a pilot study, cMethDNA assay faithfully reflected patient response to chemotherapy (N = 29). A core methylation signature present in the primary breast cancer was retained in serum and metastatic tissues collected at autopsy 2–11 years after diagnosis of the disease. Together, our data suggest that the cMethDNA assay can detect advanced breast cancer, and monitor tumor burden and treatment response in women with metastatic breast cancer. PMID:24737128

  9. Sacral neuromodulation and cardiac pacemakers.

    PubMed

    Roth, Ted M

    2010-08-01

    Potential for cross-talk between cardiac pacemakers and sacral neuromodulation remains speculative. We present a case series of patients with cardiac pacemakers who underwent staged Interstim (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) implantation and patients who had pulse generator implantation who later required cardiac pacemakers. No cross-talk was demonstrated in either group. Sacral neuromodulation appears to be safe in the setting of cardiac pacemakers without cardioversion/defibrillation technology.

  10. Deficiency for endoglin in tumor vasculature weakens the endothelial barrier to metastatic dissemination

    PubMed Central

    Anderberg, Charlotte; Cunha, Sara I.; Zhai, Zhenhua; Cortez, Eliane; Pardali, Evangelia; Johnson, Jill R.; Franco, Marcela; Páez-Ribes, Marta; Cordiner, Ross; Fuxe, Jonas; Johansson, Bengt R.; Goumans, Marie-José; Casanovas, Oriol; ten Dijke, Peter; Arthur, Helen M.

    2013-01-01

    Therapy-induced resistance remains a significant hurdle to achieve long-lasting responses and cures in cancer patients. We investigated the long-term consequences of genetically impaired angiogenesis by engineering multiple tumor models deprived of endoglin, a co-receptor for TGF-β in endothelial cells actively engaged in angiogenesis. Tumors from endoglin-deficient mice adapted to the weakened angiogenic response, and refractoriness to diminished endoglin signaling was accompanied by increased metastatic capability. Mechanistic studies in multiple mouse models of cancer revealed that deficiency for endoglin resulted in a tumor vasculature that displayed hallmarks of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process of previously unknown significance in cancer biology, but shown by us to be associated with a reduced capacity of the vasculature to avert tumor cell intra- and extravasation. Nevertheless, tumors deprived of endoglin exhibited a delayed onset of resistance to anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents, illustrating the therapeutic utility of combinatorial targeting of multiple angiogenic pathways for the treatment of cancer. PMID:23401487

  11. Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Sacral Mass and Lupus Anticoagulant

    PubMed Central

    Ediriwickrema, Lilangi S.; Zaheer, Wajih

    2011-01-01

    A 67-year-old gentleman presented to Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) for assessment of a supratherapeutic INR and sacral lesion. Hematologic workup revealed elevated ESR, PT, INR, PTT, and CRP, mixing studies that failed to correct, and a positive Russell Viper Venom Test (RVVT), which confirmed the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA), a subtype of antiphospholipid syndrome (APA). Pathology of the patient’s sacral lesion revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This case provides insight into the association between APA and lymphoid neoplasm. The patient’s unique presentation is in marked contrast to other reports of APA and lymphoid malignancy, which are typically associated with elevated PTT, normal PT, minimal extranodal disease, and potential thrombotic complications. Further, treatment with Rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy led to excellent clinical response with tumor remission and normalization of PT and PTT. PMID:22180680

  12. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy change vessel tree geometry and metastatic spread in a small cell lung cancer xenograft mouse tumor model

    PubMed Central

    Bethge, Anja; Schumacher, Udo

    2017-01-01

    Background Tumor vasculature is critical for tumor growth, formation of distant metastases and efficiency of radio- and chemotherapy treatments. However, how the vasculature itself is affected during cancer treatment regarding to the metastatic behavior has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of hypofractionated radiotherapy and cisplatin chemotherapy on vessel tree geometry and metastasis formation in a small cell lung cancer xenograft mouse tumor model to investigate the spread of malignant cells during different treatments modalities. Methods The biological data gained during these experiments were fed into our previously developed computer model “Cancer and Treatment Simulation Tool” (CaTSiT) to model the growth of the primary tumor, its metastatic deposit and also the influence on different therapies. Furthermore, we performed quantitative histology analyses to verify our predictions in xenograft mouse tumor model. Results According to the computer simulation the number of cells engrafting must vary considerably to explain the different weights of the primary tumor at the end of the experiment. Once a primary tumor is established, the fractal dimension of its vasculature correlates with the tumor size. Furthermore, the fractal dimension of the tumor vasculature changes during treatment, indicating that the therapy affects the blood vessels’ geometry. We corroborated these findings with a quantitative histological analysis showing that the blood vessel density is depleted during radiotherapy and cisplatin chemotherapy. The CaTSiT computer model reveals that chemotherapy influences the tumor’s therapeutic susceptibility and its metastatic spreading behavior. Conclusion Using a system biological approach in combination with xenograft models and computer simulations revealed that the usage of chemotherapy and radiation therapy determines the spreading behavior by changing the blood vessel geometry

  13. Giant cell tumor of the spine.

    PubMed

    Ozaki, Toshifumi; Liljenqvist, Ulf; Halm, Henry; Hillmann, Axel; Gosheger, Georg; Winkelmann, Winfried

    2002-08-01

    Six patients with giant cell tumor of the spine had surgery between 1981 and 1995. Three lesions were located in the scrum, two lesions were in the thoracic spine, and one lesion was in the lumbar spine. Preoperatively, all patients had local pain and neurologic symptoms. Two patients had cement implanted after curettage or intralesional excision of the sacral tumor; one patient had a local relapse. After the second curettage and cement implantation, the tumor was controlled. One patient with a sacral lesion had marginal excision and spondylodesis; no relapse developed. Two patients with thoracic lesions had planned marginal excision and spondylodesis; the margins finally became intralesional, but no relapse developed. One patient with a lumbar lesion had incomplete removal of the tumor and received postoperative irradiation. At the final followup (median, 69 months), five of six patients were disease-free and one patient died of disease progression. Two of the five surviving patients had pain after standing or neurologic problems. Although some contamination occurred, planning a marginal excision of the lesion seems beneficial for vertebral lesions above the sacrum. Total sacrectomy of a sacral lesion seems to be too invasive when cement implantation can control the lesion.

  14. Epigenome-Wide Tumor DNA Methylation Profiling Identifies Novel Prognostic Biomarkers of Metastatic-Lethal Progression in Men Diagnosed with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Shanshan; Geybels, Milan S; Leonardson, Amy; Rubicz, Rohina; Kolb, Suzanne; Yan, Qingxiang; Klotzle, Brandy; Bibikova, Marina; Hurtado-Coll, Antonio; Troyer, Dean; Lance, Raymond; Lin, Daniel W; Wright, Jonathan L; Ostrander, Elaine A; Fan, Jian-Bing; Feng, Ziding; Stanford, Janet L

    2017-01-01

    Aside from Gleason sum, few factors accurately identify the subset of prostate cancer patients at high risk for metastatic progression. We hypothesized that epigenetic alterations could distinguish prostate tumors with life-threatening potential. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiling was performed in surgically resected primary tumor tissues from a population-based (n = 430) and a replication (n = 80) cohort of prostate cancer patients followed prospectively for at least 5 years. Metastasis was confirmed by positive bone scan, MRI, CT, or biopsy, and death certificates confirmed cause of death. AUC, partial AUC (pAUC, 95% specificity), and P value criteria were used to select differentially methylated CpG sites that robustly stratify patients with metastatic-lethal from nonrecurrent tumors, and which were complementary to Gleason sum. Forty-two CpG biomarkers stratified patients with metastatic-lethal versus nonrecurrent prostate cancer in the discovery cohort, and eight of these CpGs replicated in the validation cohort based on a significant (P < 0.05) AUC (range, 0.66-0.75) or pAUC (range, 0.007-0.009). The biomarkers that improved discrimination of patients with metastatic-lethal prostate cancer include CpGs in five genes (ALKBH5, ATP11A, FHAD1, KLHL8, and PI15) and three intergenic regions. In the validation dataset, the AUC for Gleason sum alone (0.82) significantly increased with the addition of four individual CpGs (range, 0.86-0.89; all P <0.05). Eight differentially methylated CpGs that distinguish patients with metastatic-lethal from nonrecurrent tumors were validated. These novel epigenetic biomarkers warrant further investigation as they may improve prognostic classification of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and provide new insights on tumor aggressiveness. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 311-9. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  15. Visualization of Tumor-Immune Interaction - Target-Specific Imaging of S100A8/A9 Reveals Pre-Metastatic Niche Establishment.

    PubMed

    Eisenblaetter, Michel; Flores-Borja, Fabian; Lee, Jae Jin; Wefers, Christina; Smith, Hannah; Hueting, Rebekka; Cooper, Margaret S; Blower, Philip J; Patel, Dominic; Rodriguez-Justo, Manuel; Milewicz, Hanna; Vogl, Thomas; Roth, Johannes; Tutt, Andrew; Schaeffter, Tobias; Ng, Tony

    2017-01-01

    Background Systemic cancer spread is preceded by the establishment of a permissive microenvironment in the target tissue of metastasis - the premetastatic niche. As crucial players in establishment of the pre-metastatic niche, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) release S100A8/A9, an exosomal protein that contributes to metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. We report the application of antibody-based single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for detection of S100A8/A9 in vivo as an imaging marker for pre-metastatic tissue priming. Methods A syngeneic model system for invasive breast cancer with (4T1.2) or without (67NR) the tendency to form lung metastasis was established in BALB/c mice. A SPECT-probe has been generated and tested for visualization of S100A9 release. Tumor-associated changes in numbers and fuction of immune cells in pre-metastatic tissue were evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Results S100A8/A9 imaging reflected MDSC abundance and the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment in pre-metastatic lung tissue (activity 4T1.2 vs. healthy control: 0.95 vs. 0.45 %ID; p<0.001). The S100A8/A9 imaging signal in the pre-metastatic lung correlated with the subsequent metastatic tumor burden in the same organ (r 2 =0.788; p<0.0001). CCL2 blockade and the consecutive inhibition of premetastatic niche establishment was clearly depicted by S100A9-SPECT (lung activity untreated vs. treated: 2 vs, 1.4 %ID). Conclusion We report S100A8/A9 as a potent imaging biomarker for tumor-mediated immune remodeling with potential applications in basic research and clinical oncology.

  16. Visualization of Tumor-Immune Interaction - Target-Specific Imaging of S100A8/A9 Reveals Pre-Metastatic Niche Establishment

    PubMed Central

    Eisenblaetter, Michel; Flores-Borja, Fabian; Lee, Jae Jin; Wefers, Christina; Smith, Hannah; Hueting, Rebekka; Cooper, Margaret S; Blower, Philip J; Patel, Dominic; Rodriguez-Justo, Manuel; Milewicz, Hanna; Vogl, Thomas; Roth, Johannes; Tutt, Andrew; Schaeffter, Tobias; Ng, Tony

    2017-01-01

    Background Systemic cancer spread is preceded by the establishment of a permissive microenvironment in the target tissue of metastasis - the premetastatic niche. As crucial players in establishment of the pre-metastatic niche, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) release S100A8/A9, an exosomal protein that contributes to metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. We report the application of antibody-based single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for detection of S100A8/A9 in vivo as an imaging marker for pre-metastatic tissue priming. Methods A syngeneic model system for invasive breast cancer with (4T1.2) or without (67NR) the tendency to form lung metastasis was established in BALB/c mice. A SPECT-probe has been generated and tested for visualization of S100A9 release. Tumor-associated changes in numbers and fuction of immune cells in pre-metastatic tissue were evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Results S100A8/A9 imaging reflected MDSC abundance and the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment in pre-metastatic lung tissue (activity 4T1.2 vs. healthy control: 0.95 vs. 0.45 %ID; p<0.001). The S100A8/A9 imaging signal in the pre-metastatic lung correlated with the subsequent metastatic tumor burden in the same organ (r2=0.788; p<0.0001). CCL2 blockade and the consecutive inhibition of premetastatic niche establishment was clearly depicted by S100A9-SPECT (lung activity untreated vs. treated: 2 vs, 1.4 %ID). Conclusion We report S100A8/A9 as a potent imaging biomarker for tumor-mediated immune remodeling with potential applications in basic research and clinical oncology. PMID:28744322

  17. THE TUMOR MACROENVIRONMENT: CANCER-PROMOTING NETWORKS BEYOND TUMOR BEDS

    PubMed Central

    Rutkowski, Melanie R.; Svoronos, Nikolaos; Puchalt, Alfredo Perales; Conejo-Garcia, Jose R.

    2015-01-01

    During tumor progression, alterations within the systemic tumor environment, or macroenvironment, result in the promotion of tumor growth, tumor invasion to distal organs, and eventual metastatic disease. Distally produced hormones, commensal microbiota residing within mucosal surfaces, and myeloid cells and even the bone marrow impact the systemic immune system, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. Understanding the reciprocal interactions between the cells and soluble factors within the macroenvironment and the primary tumor will enable the design of specific therapies that have the potential to prevent dissemination and metastatic spread. This chapter will summarize recent findings detailing how the primary tumor and systemic tumor macroenvironment coordinate malignant progression. PMID:26216635

  18. Carbon ion radiotherapy performed as re-irradiation using active beam delivery in patients with tumors of the brain, skull base and sacral region.

    PubMed

    Combs, Stephanie E; Kalbe, Adriana; Nikoghosyan, Anna; Ackermann, Benjamin; Jäkel, Oliver; Haberer, Thomas; Debus, Jürgen

    2011-01-01

    To asses carbon ion radiation therapy (RT) performed as re-irradiation in 28 patients with recurrent tumors. Twenty-eight patients were treated with carbon ion RT as re-irradiation for recurrent chordoma and chondrosarcoma of the skull base (n=16 and n=2), one chordoma and one chondrosarcoma of the os sacrum, high-risk meningioma (n=3), adenoid-cystic carcinoma (n=4) as well as one SCCHN. All patients were treated using active raster scanning, and treatment planning was performed on CT- and MRI-basis. All patients were followed prospectively during follow-up. In all patients re-irradiation could be applied safely without interruptions. For skull base tumors, local tumor control after re-irradiation was 92% at 24 months and 64% at 36 months. Survival after re-irradiation was 86% at 24 months, and 43% at 60 months. In all three meningiomas treated with C12 for re-irradiation, the tumor recurrence was located within the former RT-field. Two patients developed tumor progression at 6 months, and in one patient the tumor remained stable for 67 months. In patients with head-and-neck tumors, three patients developed local tumor progression at 12, 24 and 29 months after re-irradiation. Median local progression-free survival was 24 months. For sacral tumors, re-irradiation offered palliation with tumor control for 24 and 36 months. Due to the physical characteristics particle therapy offers a new treatment modality in cases with tumor recurrences. With carbon ions, the additional biological benefits may be exploited for long-term tumor control. Further evaluation in a larger patients' cohort will be performed in the future. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  19. CyberKnife frameless single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery for tumors of the sacrum.

    PubMed

    Gerszten, Peter C; Ozhasoglu, Cihat; Burton, Steven A; Welch, William C; Vogel, William J; Atkins, Barbara A; Kalnicki, Shalom

    2003-08-15

    The role of stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of intracranial lesions is well established. The experience with radiosurgery for the treatment of spinal and sacral lesions is more limited. Sacral lesions should be amenable to radiosurgical treatment similar to that used for their intracranial counterparts. The authors evaluated a single- fraction radiosurgical technique performed using the CyberKnife Real-Time Image-Guided Radiosurgery System for the treatment of the sacral lesion. The CyberKnife is a frameless radiosurgery system based on the coupling of an orthogonal pair of x-ray cameras to a dynamically manipulated robot-mounted linear accelerator possessing six degrees of freedom, which guides the therapy beam to the intended target without the need for frame-based fixation. All sacral lesions were located and tracked for radiation delivery relative to fiducial bone markers placed percutaneously. Eighteen patients were treated with single-fraction radiosurgery. Tumor histology included one benign and 17 malignant tumors. Dose plans were calculated based on computerized tomography scans acquired using 1.25-mm slices. Planning treatment volume was defined as the radiographically documented tumor volume with no margin. Tumor dose was maintained at 12 to 20 Gy to the 80% isodose line (mean 15 Gy). Tumor volume ranged from 23.6 to 187.4 ml (mean 90 ml). The volume of the cauda equina receiving greater than 8 Gy ranged from 0 to 1 ml (mean 0.1 ml). All patients underwent the procedure in an outpatient setting. No acute radiation toxicity or new neurological deficits occurred during the mean follow-up period of 6 months. Pain improved in all 13 patients who were symptomatic prior to treatment. No tumor progression has been documented on follow-up imaging. Stereotactic radiosurgery was found to be feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of both benign and malignant sacral lesions. The major potential benefits of radiosurgical ablation of sacral

  20. Tumor mutational load and immune parameters across metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) risk groups

    PubMed Central

    de Velasco, Guillermo; Miao, Diana; Voss, Martin H.; Hakimi, A. Ari; Hsieh, James J.; Tannir, Nizar M.; Tamboli, Pheroze; Appleman, Leonard J.; Rathmell, W. Kimryn; Van Allen, Eliezer M.; Choueiri, Toni K.

    2016-01-01

    Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have better overall survival when treated with nivolumab, a cancer immunotherapy that targets the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), rather than everolimus (a chemical inhibitor of mTOR and immunosuppressant). Poor-risk mRCC patients treated with nivolumab seemed to experience the greatest overall survival benefit, compared to patients with favorable or intermediate-risk, in an analysis of the CheckMate-025 trial subgroup of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic risk groups. Here we explore whether tumor mutational load and RNA expression of specific immune parameters could be segregated by prognostic MSKCC risk strata and explain the survival seen in the poor-risk group. We queried whole exome transcriptome data in RCC patients (n = 54) included in The Cancer Genome Atlas that ultimately developed metastatic disease or were diagnosed with metastatic disease at presentation and did not receive immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nonsynonymous mutational load did not differ significantly by MSKCC risk group, nor was the expression of cytolytic genes –granzyme A and perforin – or selected immune checkpoint molecules different across MSKCC risk groups. In conclusion, this analysis found that mutational load and expression of markers of an active tumor microenvironment did not correlate with MSKCC risk prognostic classification in mRCC. PMID:27538576

  1. Analysis of ESR1 mutation in circulating tumor DNA demonstrates evolution during therapy for metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Schiavon, Gaia; Hrebien, Sarah; Garcia-Murillas, Isaac; Cutts, Rosalind J; Pearson, Alex; Tarazona, Noelia; Fenwick, Kerry; Kozarewa, Iwanka; Lopez-Knowles, Elena; Ribas, Ricardo; Nerurkar, Ashutosh; Osin, Peter; Chandarlapaty, Sarat; Martin, Lesley-Ann; Dowsett, Mitch; Smith, Ian E; Turner, Nicholas C

    2015-11-11

    Acquired ESR1 mutations are a major mechanism of resistance to aromatase inhibitors (AIs). We developed ultra high-sensitivity multiplex digital polymerase chain reaction assays for ESR1 mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and investigated the clinical relevance and origin of ESR1 mutations in 171 women with advanced breast cancer. ESR1 mutation status in ctDNA showed high concordance with contemporaneous tumor biopsies and was accurately assessed in samples shipped at room temperature in preservative tubes. ESR1 mutations were found exclusively in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients previously exposed to AI. Patients with ESR1 mutations had a substantially shorter progression-free survival on subsequent AI-based therapy [hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9 to 23.1; P = 0.0041]. ESR1 mutation prevalence differed markedly between patients who were first exposed to AI during the adjuvant and metastatic settings [5.8% (3 of 52) versus 36.4% (16 of 44), respectively; P = 0.0002]. In an independent cohort, ESR1 mutations were identified in 0% (0 of 32; 95% CI, 0 to 10.9) tumor biopsies taken after progression on adjuvant AI. In a patient with serial sampling, ESR1 mutation was selected during metastatic AI therapy to become the dominant clone in the cancer. ESR1 mutations can be robustly identified with ctDNA analysis and predict for resistance to subsequent AI therapy. ESR1 mutations are rarely acquired during adjuvant AI but are commonly selected by therapy for metastatic disease, providing evidence that mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy may be substantially different between the treatment of micrometastatic and overt metastatic cancer. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  2. The Tumor Macroenvironment: Cancer-Promoting Networks Beyond Tumor Beds.

    PubMed

    Rutkowski, Melanie R; Svoronos, Nikolaos; Perales-Puchalt, Alfredo; Conejo-Garcia, Jose R

    2015-01-01

    During tumor progression, alterations within the systemic tumor environment, or macroenvironment, result in the promotion of tumor growth, tumor invasion to distal organs, and eventual metastatic disease. Distally produced hormones, commensal microbiota residing within mucosal surfaces, myeloid cells and even the bone marrow impact the systemic immune system, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. Understanding the reciprocal interactions between the cells and soluble factors within the macroenvironment and the primary tumor will enable the design of specific therapies that have the potential to prevent dissemination and metastatic spread. This chapter will summarize recent findings detailing how the primary tumor and systemic tumor macroenvironment coordinate malignant progression. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Ovarian Tumors From Extragenital Primary Sites.

    PubMed

    Sal, Veysel; Demirkiran, Fuat; Topuz, Samet; Kahramanoglu, Ilker; Yalcin, Ibrahim; Bese, Tugan; Sozen, Hamdullah; Tokgozoglu, Nedim; Salihoglu, Yavuz; Turan, Hasan; Iyibozkurt, Cem; Kolomuc, Tugba; Sofiyeva, Nigar; Berkman, Sinan; Arvas, Macit

    2016-05-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes and prognostic factors of metastasectomy in patients with metastatic ovarian tumors from extragenital primary sites. All patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic ovarian tumors between January 1997 and June 2015 were included in this study. A total of 131 patients were identified. The data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Clinicopathological features were evaluated by both univariate and multivariate analyses. The primary sites were colorectal region (53.4%), stomach (26%), and breast (13%). Preoperative serum CA 125 and CA 19-9 levels were elevated in 29.4% and 39.8% of the patients, respectively. Cytoreductive surgery was performed in 41.2% of the patients. Seventy-three (55.7%) patients had no residual disease after surgery. Sixty-six (49.6%) patients had combined metastases at the time of the surgery to sites including the liver, pancreas, lung, bone, lymph nodes, bladder, or the intestine. With a median follow-up of 33 months, the median survival time was 22 months. The estimated 5-year survival probability is 0.26. On univariate analysis, primary cancer site, combined metastasis outside the ovaries, residual disease, preoperative serum CA 125 and CA 19-9 levels, and histologic type were significant parameters for overall survival. Furthermore, residual disease, preoperative serum CA 19-9 level, and primary cancer site were found to be independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. The most common primary sites for ovarian metastasis are gastrointestinal tract. Metastasectomy may have beneficial effects on survival, especially if the residual disease is less than 5 mm. Prospective studies warranted to evaluate the value of metastasectomy in patients with ovarian metastasis.

  4. Early tumor growth in metastatic organs influenced by the microenvironment is an important factor which provides organ specificity of colon cancer metastasis.

    PubMed

    Hara, Y; Ogata, Y; Shirouzu, K

    2000-12-01

    We have previously demonstrated that liver metastases in nude mice and lung metastases in nude rats occurred specifically, when KM12SM human colon carcinoma cells were inoculated orthotopically into the cecal wall of nude mice and rats. To clarify the relationship between the tumor growth potential in the metastatic organs and the metastatic organ preference in these two metastatic models, we have evaluated the in vitro cell growth activities affected by the organ conditioned medium (CM) from the liver and lung, and the in vivo growth activities of the ectopic implanted tumors in the liver and lung. The tumorigenicity of the ectopic implanted tumors was 100% in mouse liver, 33% in rat liver, 50% in mouse lung, and 75% in rat lung. The crude liver CM of the animals showed inhibitory activities for KM12SM cell growth in a dosage-dependent manner, and the crude lung CM stimulated KM12SM cell growth. The liver CM of nude mice inhibited the KM12SM cell growth more strongly compared with the CM of nude rats, and the lung CM of nude rats was more strongly stimulated compared with the CM of nude mice. The liver CM of nude mice had non-heparin binding factors, which stimulated or inhibited KM12SM cell growth, in a molecular weight range of 50 to 100 kDa. By contrast, the liver CM of nude rats showed no growth stimulating activity for KM12SM cells. These results suggest that the metastatic organ specificity of KM12SM cells may depend on the early tumor growth influenced by the microenvironment in metastatic organs.

  5. [An adult case of intradural lumbo-sacral lipoma].

    PubMed

    Hatayama, T; Sakoda, K; Tokuda, Y; Uozumi, T

    1992-10-01

    A rare case of lumbo-sacral lipoma in an adult case is reported. A 55-year-old male was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Mazda Hospital, after a history of one year of urinary incontinence. Neurologically, no motor or sensory disturbance of the lower extremities was found in this patient. MRI showed a mass with high signal intensity on T2-weighted image, located between L3 to S2 vertebral segments. Metrizamide-CT scan demonstrated the outline of this hypodense mass at the same location as shown on MRI image. A L3 through L5 laminectomy was performed and the tumor was subtotally removed. Microscopic examination revealed that the tumor mass was made up of mature lipoma cells. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. The urinary incontinence was improved slightly. No motor or sensory deficit was found. We thought that MRI was useful for the correct diagnosis of lumbosacral lipoma. And it is best managed by operative removal of the tumor as early as possible after it is diagnosed.

  6. Primary tumor location predicts poor clinical outcome with cetuximab in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dalyong; Kim, Sun Young; Lee, Ji Sung; Hong, Yong Sang; Kim, Jeong Eun; Kim, Kyu-Pyo; Kim, Jihun; Jang, Se Jin; Yoon, Young-Kwang; Kim, Tae Won

    2017-11-23

    In metastatic colorectal cancer, the location of the primary tumor has been suggested to have biological significance. In this study, we investigated whether primary tumor location affects cetuximab efficacy in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. Genotyping by the SequenomMassARRAY technology platform (OncoMap) targeting KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF was performed in tumors from 307 patients who had been given cetuximab as salvage treatment. Tumors with mutated RAS (KRAS or NRAS; n = 127) and those with multiple primary location (n = 10) were excluded. Right colon cancer was defined as a tumor located in the proximal part to splenic flexure. A total of 170 patients were included in the study (right versus left, 23 and 147, respectively). Patients with right colon cancer showed more mutated BRAF (39.1% vs. 5.4%), mutated PIK3CA (13% vs. 1.4%), poorly differentiated tumor (17.4% vs. 3.4%), and peritoneal involvement (26.1% vs. 8.8%) than those with left colon and rectal cancer. Right colon cancer showed poorer progression-free survival (2.0 vs.5.0 months, P = 0.002) and overall survival (4.1 months and 13.0 months, P < 0.001) than the left colon and rectal cancer. By multivariable analysis, BRAF mutation, right colon primary, poorly differentiated histology, and peritoneal involvement were associated with risk of death. In RAS wild-type colon cancer treated with cetuximab as salvage treatment, right colon primary was associated with poorer survival outcomes than left colon and rectal cancer.

  7. Recent advances in circulating tumor cells and cell-free DNA in metastatic prostate cancer: a review.

    PubMed

    Parimi, Sunil; Ko, Jenny J

    2017-10-01

    The treatment landscape of metastatic prostate cancer has changed dramatically over the past five years. As new discoveries are made and further novel therapies become available, there is a heightened urgency to develop biomarkers that can guide prognoses and predict therapy responses. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood have emerged as potential promising tumor avatars. Areas covered: In this review, we describe technological breakthroughs and clinical implementation of the CTCs and ctDNA. We also discuss the key challenges that must be overcome before circulating blood-based biomarkers can be universally adopted into the management of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Expert commentary: Both CTCs and ctDNA have the potential to be incorporated into routine patient care, with increasing numbers of prospective trials incorporating them into clinical designs. CTCs and ctDNA will thus have an increasingly valuable role in augmenting our understanding of prostate cancer at a molecular level, aiding in prognostication of prostate cancer patients, acting as a surrogate for OS in clinical trials, and helping us prioritize our treatment selections by elucidating resistance mechanisms.

  8. The inhibition of 45A ncRNA expression reduces tumor formation, affecting tumor nodules compactness and metastatic potential in neuroblastoma cells

    PubMed Central

    Russo, Debora; Poggi, Alessandro; Villa, Federico; Brizzolara, Antonella; Canale, Claudio; Mescola, Andrea; Daga, Antonio; Russo, Claudio; Nizzari, Mario; Florio, Tullio; Menichini, Paola; Pagano, Aldo

    2017-01-01

    We recently reported the in vitro over-expression of 45A, a RNA polymerase III-transcribed non-coding (nc)RNA, that perturbs the intracellular content of FE65L1 affecting cell proliferation rate, short-term response to genotoxic stress, substrate adhesion capacity and, ultimately, increasing the tumorigenic potential of human neuroblastoma cells. In this work, to deeply explore the mechanism by which 45A ncRNA contributes to cancer development, we targeted in vitro and in vivo 45A levels by the stable overexpression of antisense 45A RNA. 45A downregulation leads to deep modifications of cytoskeleton organization, adhesion and migration of neuroblastoma cells. These effects are correlated with alterations in the expression of several genes including GTSE1 (G2 and S phase-expressed-1), a crucial regulator of tumor cell migration and metastatic potential. Interestingly, the downregulation of 45A ncRNA strongly affects the in vivo tumorigenic potential of SKNBE2 neuroblastoma cells, increasing tumor nodule compactness and reducing GTSE1 protein expression in a subcutaneous neuroblastoma mouse model. Moreover, intracardiac injection of neuroblastoma cells showed that downregulation of 45A ncRNA also influences tumor metastatic ability. In conclusion, our data highlight a key role of 45A ncRNA in cancer development and suggest that its modulation might represent a possible novel anticancer therapeutic approach. PMID:28029658

  9. The inhibition of 45A ncRNA expression reduces tumor formation, affecting tumor nodules compactness and metastatic potential in neuroblastoma cells.

    PubMed

    Penna, Ilaria; Gigoni, Arianna; Costa, Delfina; Vella, Serena; Russo, Debora; Poggi, Alessandro; Villa, Federico; Brizzolara, Antonella; Canale, Claudio; Mescola, Andrea; Daga, Antonio; Russo, Claudio; Nizzari, Mario; Florio, Tullio; Menichini, Paola; Pagano, Aldo

    2017-01-31

    We recently reported the in vitro over-expression of 45A, a RNA polymerase III-transcribed non-coding (nc)RNA, that perturbs the intracellular content of FE65L1 affecting cell proliferation rate, short-term response to genotoxic stress, substrate adhesion capacity and, ultimately, increasing the tumorigenic potential of human neuroblastoma cells. In this work, to deeply explore the mechanism by which 45A ncRNA contributes to cancer development, we targeted in vitro and in vivo 45A levels by the stable overexpression of antisense 45A RNA.45A downregulation leads to deep modifications of cytoskeleton organization, adhesion and migration of neuroblastoma cells. These effects are correlated with alterations in the expression of several genes including GTSE1 (G2 and S phase-expressed-1), a crucial regulator of tumor cell migration and metastatic potential. Interestingly, the downregulation of 45A ncRNA strongly affects the in vivo tumorigenic potential of SKNBE2 neuroblastoma cells, increasing tumor nodule compactness and reducing GTSE1 protein expression in a subcutaneous neuroblastoma mouse model. Moreover, intracardiac injection of neuroblastoma cells showed that downregulation of 45A ncRNA also influences tumor metastatic ability. In conclusion, our data highlight a key role of 45A ncRNA in cancer development and suggest that its modulation might represent a possible novel anticancer therapeutic approach.

  10. [Sacral nerve stimulation in fecal incontinence].

    PubMed

    Rasmussen, Ole Ø; Christiansen, John

    2002-08-12

    Sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence has gained increasing use in Europe over the last two years. Experience with the first patients treated in Denmark is described here. Fourteen patients with severe faecal incontinence were given sacral nerve stimulation. The first treatment was temporary, and if this was successful they had a device for permanent stimulation implanted. The result of the test stimulation was good in ten of the 14 patients and a permanent system was implanted. After a median of 4.5 months' stimulation, nine of the ten patients continued to respond to respond well. Sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of faecal incontinence shows promising results. Compared to other more advanced forms of treatment, this method is minimally invasive.

  11. Mutational analysis of single circulating tumor cells by next generation sequencing in metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    De Luca, Francesca; Rotunno, Giada; Salvianti, Francesca; Galardi, Francesca; Pestrin, Marta; Gabellini, Stefano; Simi, Lisa; Mancini, Irene; Vannucchi, Alessandro Maria; Pazzagli, Mario; Di Leo, Angelo; Pinzani, Pamela

    2016-05-03

    Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) represent a "liquid biopsy" of the tumor potentially allowing real-time monitoring of cancer biology and therapies in individual patients.The purpose of the study was to explore the applicability of a protocol for the molecular characterization of single CTCs by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in order to investigate cell heterogeneity and provide a tool for a personalized medicine approach.CTCs were enriched and enumerated by CellSearch in blood from four metastatic breast cancer patients and singularly isolated by DEPArray. Upon whole genome amplification 3-5 single CTCs per patient were analyzed by NGS for 50 cancer-related genes.We found 51 sequence variants in 25 genes. We observed inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity in the mutational status of CTCs.The highest number of somatic deleterious mutations was found in the gene TP53, whose mutation is associated with adverse prognosis in breast cancer.The discordance between the mutational status of the primary tumor and CTCs observed in 3 patients suggests that, in advanced stages of cancer, CTC characteristics are more closely linked to the dynamic modifications of the disease status.In one patient the mutational profiles of CTCs before and during treatment shared only few sequence variants.This study supports the applicability of a non-invasive approach based on the liquid biopsy in metastatic breast cancer patients which, in perspective, should allow investigating the clonal evolution of the tumor for the development of new therapeutic strategies in precision medicine.

  12. Mangiferin, a novel nuclear factor kappa B-inducing kinase inhibitor, suppresses metastasis and tumor growth in a mouse metastatic melanoma model.

    PubMed

    Takeda, Tomoya; Tsubaki, Masanobu; Sakamoto, Kotaro; Ichimura, Eri; Enomoto, Aya; Suzuki, Yuri; Itoh, Tatsuki; Imano, Motohiro; Tanabe, Genzoh; Muraoka, Osamu; Matsuda, Hideaki; Satou, Takao; Nishida, Shozo

    2016-09-01

    Advanced metastatic melanoma, one of the most aggressive malignancies, is currently without reliable therapy. Therefore, new therapies are urgently needed. Mangiferin is a naturally occurring glucosylxanthone and exerts many beneficial biological activities. However, the effect of mangiferin on metastasis and tumor growth of metastatic melanoma remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of mangiferin on metastasis and tumor growth in a mouse metastatic melanoma model. We found that mangiferin inhibited spontaneous metastasis and tumor growth. Furthermore, mangiferin suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and expression of phosphorylated NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKK), and inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) and increases the expression of IκB protein in vivo. In addition, we found that mangiferin inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and very late antigens (VLAs) in vivo. Mangiferin treatment also increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved Poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), p53, and phosphorylated p53 proteins, and decreased the expression of Survivin and Bcl-associated X (Bcl-xL) proteins in vivo. These results indicate that mangiferin selectivity suppresses the NF-κB pathway via inhibition of NIK activation, thereby inhibiting metastasis and tumor growth. Importantly, the number of reported NIK selective inhibitors is limited. Taken together, our data suggest that mangiferin may be a potential therapeutic agent with a new mechanism of targeting NIK for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: One Case with a Metastatic Evolution in a Caucasian Woman.

    PubMed

    Lestelle, Valentin; de Coster, Claire; Sarran, Anthony; Poizat, Flora; Delpero, Jean-Robert; Raoul, Jean-Luc

    2015-01-01

    We report the case of a Caucasian woman, operated on for a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in 2009, who recurred 4 years later with multiple liver metastases requiring liver resection. This disease is infrequent, particularly among the Caucasian population, and metastatic evolution is very rare.

  14. Mangiferin, a novel nuclear factor kappa B-inducing kinase inhibitor, suppresses metastasis and tumor growth in a mouse metastatic melanoma model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Takeda, Tomoya; Tsubaki, Masanobu; Sakamoto, Kotar

    Advanced metastatic melanoma, one of the most aggressive malignancies, is currently without reliable therapy. Therefore, new therapies are urgently needed. Mangiferin is a naturally occurring glucosylxanthone and exerts many beneficial biological activities. However, the effect of mangiferin on metastasis and tumor growth of metastatic melanoma remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of mangiferin on metastasis and tumor growth in a mouse metastatic melanoma model. We found that mangiferin inhibited spontaneous metastasis and tumor growth. Furthermore, mangiferin suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and expression of phosphorylated NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), inhibitor of kappa Bmore » kinase (IKK), and inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) and increases the expression of IκB protein in vivo. In addition, we found that mangiferin inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and very late antigens (VLAs) in vivo. Mangiferin treatment also increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved Poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), p53, and phosphorylated p53 proteins, and decreased the expression of Survivin and Bcl-associated X (Bcl-xL) proteins in vivo. These results indicate that mangiferin selectivity suppresses the NF-κB pathway via inhibition of NIK activation, thereby inhibiting metastasis and tumor growth. Importantly, the number of reported NIK selective inhibitors is limited. Taken together, our data suggest that mangiferin may be a potential therapeutic agent with a new mechanism of targeting NIK for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. - Highlights: • Mangiferin prolongs survival in mice by inhibiting metastasis and tumor growth • Mangiferin selectivity suppresses the NF-κB pathway via inhibition of NIK activation • Mangiferin regulates the expression of MMPs, VLAs, and apoptosis regulatory proteins.« less

  15. "Comet tail sign": A pitfall of post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging findings for metastatic brain tumors.

    PubMed

    Mitsuya, Koichi; Nakasu, Yoko; Narita, Yoshitaka; Nakasu, Satoshi; Ohno, Makoto; Miyakita, Yasuji; Abe, Masato; Ito, Ichiro; Hayashi, Nakamasa; Endo, Masahiro

    2016-05-01

    A highly enhanced cap attached to the surface of metastatic tumors in the brain parenchyma is occasionally encountered on magnetic resonance (MR) images. This atypical enhanced cap tends to occur in severe peritumoral edema and may produce the characteristic bulge of a metastatic mass lesion termed the "comet tail sign" (CTS). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the features of the CTS using MR imaging and pathological findings, and to clarify its clinical relevance. We selected 21 consecutive cases of newly diagnosed metastases from MR imaging studies that demonstrated the CTS; all had diffuse peritumoral edema. The MR T2-weighted images showed similarly homogenous and high intensity signals in both the tail and peritumoral edema. Fourteen of the 21 patients underwent surgical resection of their tumors, and 12 tails were separately removed for pathological examination, no tumor cells which revealed. We speculate that the CTS does not contain neoplastic tissues but is observed as a result of the leakage of contrast medium from the tumor body into the interstitial space of the white matter. Although CTS is a peculiar and uncommon enhancement pattern, it has clinical significance in determining the extent of the margin for invasive local treatments, such as surgical resection or stereotactic radiotherapy; this is particularly true in and near the eloquent areas.

  16. Co-stimulatory signaling determines tumor antigen sensitivity and persistence of CAR T cells targeting PSCA+ metastatic prostate cancer

    PubMed Central

    Priceman, Saul J.; Gerdts, Ethan A.; Tilakawardane, Dileshni; Kennewick, Kelly T.; Murad, John P.; Park, Anthony K.; Jeang, Brook; Yamaguchi, Yukiko; Urak, Ryan; Weng, Lihong; Chang, Wen-Chung; Wright, Sarah; Pal, Sumanta; Reiter, Robert E.; Brown, Christine E.; Forman, Stephen J.

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT Advancing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered adoptive T cells for the treatment of solid cancers is a major focus in the field of immunotherapy, given impressive recent clinical responses in hematological malignancies. Prostate cancer may be amenable to T cell-based immunotherapy since several tumor antigens, including prostate stem-cell antigen (PSCA), are widely over-expressed in metastatic disease. While antigen selectivity of CARs for solid cancers is crucial, it is problematic due to the absence of truly restricted tumor antigen expression and potential safety concerns with “on-target off-tumor” activity. Here, we show that the intracellular co-stimulatory signaling domain can determine a CAR's sensitivity for tumor antigen expression. A 4-1BB intracellular co-stimulatory signaling domain in PSCA-CARs confers improved selectivity for higher tumor antigen density, reduced T cell exhaustion phenotype, and equivalent tumor killing ability compared to PSCA-CARs containing the CD28 co-stimulatory signaling domain. PSCA-CARs exhibit robust in vivo anti-tumor activity in patient-derived bone-metastatic prostate cancer xenograft models, and 4-1BB-containing CARs show superior T cell persistence and control of disease compared with CD28-containing CARs. Our study demonstrates the importance of co-stimulation in defining an optimal CAR T cell, and also highlights the significance of clinically relevant models in developing solid cancer CAR T cell therapies. PMID:29308300

  17. Risk of metastatic ovarian involvement in nongynecologic malignancies.

    PubMed

    Kim, Kidong; Cho, Soo Youn; Park, Sang-Il; Kang, Hye Jin; Kim, Beob-Jong; Kim, Moon-Hong; Choi, Seok-Cheol; Ryu, Sang-Young; Lee, Eui-Don

    2012-01-01

    The objectives were to evaluate the risk of malignant adnexal tumors in women with nongynecologic malignancies and to identify variables associated with the risk of malignant adnexal tumors. The eligibility criteria included the diagnosis of a nongynecologic malignancy and adnexal tumors, which were resected or subjected to biopsy at our institute between 1999 and 2010. The risk of malignant adnexal tumors was assessed by dividing the number of patients with metastatic tumors to the adnexa or primary adnexal cancers by the total number of patients. The association of clinicopathologic variables with the risk of malignant adnexal tumors was evaluated using the Fisher exact test and binary logistic regression analysis. In patients with metastatic tumors to the adnexa, the association of clinicopathologic variables with overall survival after adnexal surgery was examined using the log-rank test. In 166 patients with adnexal tumors, 41 benign tumors, 113 metastatic tumors to the adnexa, and 12 primary adnexal cancers were diagnosed. Age older than 46 years, a tumor type associated with a high risk for malignant adnexal tumors, and bilateral tumors significantly increased the risk of malignant adnexal tumors. The overall survival of the patients with stomach cancer was significantly worse than the patients with colorectal or breast cancers. One hundred twenty-five of the 166 patients with nongynecologic malignancies who had adnexal tumors managed surgically were shown to have malignant tumors, and most of the tumors were metastatic from primary sites. The risk of malignant adnexal tumors was associated with age, nongynecologic malignancy, and bilaterality.

  18. Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: One Case with a Metastatic Evolution in a Caucasian Woman

    PubMed Central

    Lestelle, Valentin; de Coster, Claire; Sarran, Anthony; Poizat, Flora; Delpero, Jean-Robert; Raoul, Jean-Luc

    2015-01-01

    We report the case of a Caucasian woman, operated on for a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in 2009, who recurred 4 years later with multiple liver metastases requiring liver resection. This disease is infrequent, particularly among the Caucasian population, and metastatic evolution is very rare. PMID:26557078

  19. Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Differentiating Between Primary Tumor, Metastatic Node and Normal Tissue in Head and Neck Cancer.

    PubMed

    Chen, Liangliang; Ye, Yufeng; Chen, Hanwei; Chen, Shihui; Jiang, Jinzhao; Dan, Guo; Huang, Bingsheng

    2018-06-01

    To study the difference of the Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters among the primary tumor, metastatic node and peripheral normal tissue of head and neck cancer. Consecutive newly-diagnosed head and neck cancer patients with nodal metastasis between December 2010 and July 2013 were recruited, and 25 patients (8 females; 24~63,mean 43±11 years old) were enrolled. DCE-MRI was performed in the primary tumor region including the regional lymph nodes on a 3.0-T MRI system. Three quantitative parameters: Ktrans (volume transfer constant), ve (volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space) and kep (the rate constant of contrast transfer) were calculated for the largest node. A repeated-measure ANOVA with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction and post hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate the differences in Ktrans, ve and kep among primary tumors, metastatic nodes and normal tissue. The values of both Ktrans and ve of normal tissue differed significantly from those of nodes (both P < 0.001) and primary tumors (both P < 0.001) respectively, while no significant differences of Ktrans and ve were observed between nodes and primary tumors (P = 0.075 and 0.365 respectively). The kep values of primary tumors were significantly different from those of nodes (P = 0.001) and normal tissue (P = 0.002), while no significant differences between nodes and normal tissue (P > 0.999). The DCE-MRI parameters were different in the tumors, metastatic nodes and normal tissue in head and neck cancer. These findings may be useful in the characterization of head and neck cancer.

  20. Minimizing metastatic risk in radiotherapy fractionation schedules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Badri, Hamidreza; Ramakrishnan, Jagdish; Leder, Kevin

    2015-11-01

    Metastasis is the process by which cells from a primary tumor disperse and form new tumors at distant anatomical locations. The treatment and prevention of metastatic cancer remains an extremely challenging problem. This work introduces a novel biologically motivated objective function to the radiation optimization community that takes into account metastatic risk instead of the status of the primary tumor. In this work, we consider the problem of developing fractionated irradiation schedules that minimize production of metastatic cancer cells while keeping normal tissue damage below an acceptable level. A dynamic programming framework is utilized to determine the optimal fractionation scheme. We evaluated our approach on a breast cancer case using the heart and the lung as organs-at-risk (OAR). For small tumor α /β values, hypo-fractionated schedules were optimal, which is consistent with standard models. However, for relatively larger α /β values, we found the type of schedule depended on various parameters such as the time when metastatic risk was evaluated, the α /β values of the OARs, and the normal tissue sparing factors. Interestingly, in contrast to standard models, hypo-fractionated and semi-hypo-fractionated schedules (large initial doses with doses tapering off with time) were suggested even with large tumor α/β values. Numerical results indicate the potential for significant reduction in metastatic risk.

  1. Sapanisertib or Pazopanib Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Sarcoma

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-06-20

    High Grade Sarcoma; Metastatic Leiomyosarcoma; Metastatic Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor; Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma; Metastatic Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma; Myxofibrosarcoma; Recurrent Leiomyosarcoma; Recurrent Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor; Recurrent Synovial Sarcoma; Recurrent Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma; Uterine Corpus Leiomyosarcoma

  2. Sapanisertib and Ziv-Aflibercept in Treating Patients With Recurrent Solid Tumors That Are Metastatic or Cannot Be Removed by Surgery

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-03-07

    Advanced Malignant Solid Neoplasm; Fibrolamellar Carcinoma; Metastatic Malignant Solid Neoplasm; Ovarian Carcinoma; Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Recurrent Malignant Solid Neoplasm; Refractory Malignant Solid Neoplasm; Unresectable Solid Neoplasm

  3. [Fundus fluorescein angiography in metastatic choroidal carcinomas and differentiating metastatic choroidal carcinomas from primary choroidal melanomas].

    PubMed

    Li, Lei; Wang, Wen-Ji; Chen, Rong-Jia; Qian, Jiang; Luo, Chuan-Qi; Zhang, Yong-Jin; Shen, Ying; Ye, Xiao-Feng; Gao, Qiao-Yun

    2011-01-01

    To investigate the characteristics of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) in metastatic choroidal carcinomas and determine the value of FFA in differentiating metastatic choroidal carcinomas from primary choroidal melanomas. It was a retrospective case series. The retrospective analysis of clinical data and FFA findings was performed in 23 eyes of 22 patients with metastatic choroidal carcinomas and 31 eyes of 31 patients with primary choroidal melanomas as the control. Ocular fundus findings of metastatic choroidal carcinomas were divided into three types: solitary flat (tumor thickness less than 3 mm), solitary elevated (tumor thickness more than 3 mm) or diffuse type. FFA of the three types showed hypofluorescence during the arterial phase and progressive hyperfluorescence during the subsequent phases. The border of the lesions revealed retinal capillary dilation during the arteriovenous phase and persistent pinpoint leakage throughout the angiogram. Retinal capillary dilation and pinpoint leakage were more frequently presented in the solitary flat type. Simultaneous visualization of retinal and tumor circulation (the so called double circulation) was more frequently presented in the solitary elevated type. Pinpoint leakage could be detected in 17 (73.91%) eyes of metastatic choroidal carcinomas and in 5 (16.13%) eyes of primary choroidal melanomas. The difference between the visibility of pinpoint leakage in metastatic choroidal carcinomas and primary choroidal melanomas was statistically significant (P = 0.0000). When pinpoint leakage of FFA was used to differentiate metastatic choroidal carcinomas from primary choroidal melanomas, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were 73.91%, 83.87%, 79.63%, 77.27%, 81.25% respectively. FFA is helpful for the diagnosis of metastatic choroidal carcinomas. Pinpoint leakage on the border of lesions has some value in differentiating metastatic choroidal carcinomas from primary

  4. Pleiotropic function of ezrin in human metastatic melanomas.

    PubMed

    Federici, Cristina; Brambilla, Daria; Lozupone, Francesco; Matarrese, Paola; de Milito, Angelo; Lugini, Luana; Iessi, Elisabetta; Cecchetti, Serena; Marino, Marialucia; Perdicchio, Maurizio; Logozzi, Mariantonia; Spada, Massimo; Malorni, Walter; Fais, Stefano

    2009-06-15

    The membrane cytoskeleton cross-linker, ezrin, has recently been depicted as a key regulator in the progression and metastasis of several pediatric tumors. Less defined appears the role of ezrin in human adult tumors, especially melanoma. We therefore addressed ezrin involvement in the metastatic phenotype of human adult metastatic melanoma cells. Our results show that cells resected from melanoma metastatic lesions of patients, display marked metastatic spreading capacity in SCID mice organs. Stable transfection of human melanoma cells with an ezrin deletion mutant comprising only 146 N-terminal aminoacids led to the abolishment of metastatic dissemination. In vitro experiments revealed ezrin direct molecular interactions with molecules related to metastatic functions such as CD44, merlin and Lamp-1, consistent with its participation to the formation of phagocitic vacuoles, vesicular sorting and migration capacities of melanoma cells. Moreover, the ezrin fragment capable of binding to CD44 was shorter than that previously reported, and transfection with the ezrin deletion mutant abrogated plasma membrane Lamp-1 recruitment. This study highlights key involvement of ezrin in a complex machinery, which allows metastatic cancer cells to migrate, invade and survive in very unfavorable conditions. Our in vivo and in vitro data reveal that ezrin is the hub of the metastatic behavior also in human adult tumors. Copyright 2008 UICC.

  5. Neurovascular risks of sacral screws with bicortical purchase: an anatomical study.

    PubMed

    Ergur, Ipek; Akcali, Omer; Kiray, Amac; Kosay, Can; Tayefi, Hamid

    2007-09-01

    The aim of this cadaver study is to define the anatomic structures on anterior sacrum, which are under the risk of injury during bicortical screw application to the S1 and S2 pedicles. Thirty formaldehyde-preserved human male cadavers were studied. Posterior midline incision was performed, and soft tissues and muscles were dissected from the posterior part of the lumbosacral region. A 6 mm pedicle screw was inserted between the superior facet of S1 and the S1 foramen. The entry point of the S2 pedicle screw was located between S1 and S2 foramina. S1 and S2 screws were placed on both right and the left sides of all cadavers. Then, all cadavers were turned into supine position. All abdominal and pelvic organs were moved away and carefully observed for any injury. The tips of the sacral screws were marked and the relations with the anatomic structures were defined. The position of the sacral screws relative to the middle and lateral sacral arteries and veins, and the sacral sympathetic trunk were measured. There was no injury to the visceral organs. In four cases, S1 screw tip was in direct contact with middle sacral artery. In two cases, S1 screw tip was in direct contact with middle sacral vein. It was observed that the S1 screw tips were in close proximity to sacral sympathetic trunk on both right and the left sides. The tip of the S2 screw was in contact with middle sacral artery on the left side only in one case. It is found that the tip of the S2 screw was closely located with the middle sacral vein in two cases. The tip of the S2 pedicle screw was in contact with the sacral sympathetic trunk in eight cases on the right side and seven cases on the left side. Lateral sacral vein was also observed to be disturbed by the S1 and S2 screws. As a conclusion, anterior cortical penetration during sacral screw insertion carries a risk of neurovascular injury. The risk of sacral sympathetic trunk and minor vascular structures together with the major neurovascular

  6. Lymph node status as a prognostic factor after palliative resection of primary tumor for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Li, Qingguo; Wang, Changjian; Li, Yaqi; Li, Xinxiang; Xu, Ye; Cai, Guoxiang; Lian, Peng; Cai, Sanjun

    2017-07-18

    Lymph node (LN) status is one of the most important predictors for M0 colorectal cancer patients. However, its clinical impact on stage IV colorectal cancer remains unclear. The study aimed to explore the prognostic value of LN status after palliative resection of primary tumor for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We combined analyses of mCRC patients in Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC).A total of 17,553 patients with mCRC were identified in SEER database. X-tile program was adopted to identify 2 and 10 as optimal cutoff values for negative lymph node (NLN) count to divide patients into 3 subgroups of high, middle and low risk of cancer related death. N stage and NLN count were verified as independent prognostic factors in multivariate analyses of patients in whole cohort and in subgroup analyses of each N stage (P<0.05). Validation of FUSCC cohort of patients demonstrated that metastatic tumor burden (P = 0.042), NLN count (P = 0.039) and sequential chemotherapy (P = 0.040) were significant predictors of poorer CSS. Specifically, the prognosis of patients at stage N0 was significantly more favorable than that of patients at stage N2 (P = 0.038). In conclusion, primary tumor LN status was a strong predictor of CSS after palliative resection of metastatic colorectal cancer. Advanced N stage and small number of NLN were correlated with high risk of cancer related death after palliative resection of primary tumor.

  7. Imaging of bioluminescent LNCaP-luc-M6 tumors: a new animal model for the study of metastatic human prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Scatena, Caroline D; Hepner, Mischa A; Oei, Yoko A; Dusich, Joan M; Yu, Shang-Fan; Purchio, Tony; Contag, Pamela R; Jenkins, Darlene E

    2004-05-15

    Animal experiments examining hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer using the human LNCaP cell line have been limited to endpoint analyses. To permit longitudinal studies, we generated a luciferase-expressing cell line and used bioluminescent imaging (BLI) to non-invasively monitor the in vivo growth of primary LNCaP tumors and metastasis. LNCaP.FGC cells were transfected to constitutively express firefly luciferase. LNCaP-luc-M6 cells were tested for bioluminescent signal intensity and hormone responsiveness in vitro. The cells were implanted in subcutaneous and orthotopic sites in SCID-bg mice and imaged over time. The LNCaP-luc-M6 cells formed subcutaneous and orthotopic tumors in SCID-bg mice, and nearly all tumor-bearing animals developed pulmonary metastases. Early detection and temporal growth of primary tumors and metastatic lesions was successfully monitored by BLI. The LNCaP-luc-M6 cell line is a bioluminescent, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cell line applicable for BLI studies to non-invasively monitor subcutaneous and orthotopic prostate tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  8. Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Ganitumab in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-06-28

    Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma; Metastatic Malignant Neoplasm in the Bone; Metastatic Malignant Neoplasm in the Bone Marrow; Metastatic Malignant Neoplasm in the Lung; Metastatic Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of Bone; Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of Soft Tissues

  9. Parasacral Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of Sacral Pressure Sores.

    PubMed

    Lin, Chin-Ta; Chen, Shih-Yi; Chen, Shyi-Gen; Tzeng, Yuan-Sheng; Chang, Shun-Cheng

    2015-07-01

    Despite advances in reconstruction techniques, pressure sores continue to present a challenge to the plastic surgeon. The parasacral perforator flap is a reliable flap that preserves the entire contralateral side as a future donor site. On the ipsilateral side, the gluteal muscle itself is preserved and all flaps based on the inferior gluteal artery are still possible. We present our experience of using parasacral perforator flaps in reconstructing sacral defects. Between August 2004 and January 2013, 19 patients with sacral defects were included in this study. All the patients had undergone surgical reconstruction of sacral defects with a parasacral perforator flap. The patients' sex, age, cause of sacral defect, flap size, flap type, numbers of perforators used, rotation angle, postoperative complications, and hospital stay were recorded. There were 19 parasacral perforator flaps in this series. All flaps survived uneventfully except for 1 parasacral perforator flap, which failed because of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. The overall flap survival rate was 95% (18/19). The mean follow-up period was 17.3 months (range, 2-24 months). The average length of hospital stay was 20.7 days (range, 9-48 days). No flap surgery-related mortality was found. Also, there was no recurrence of sacral pressure sores or infected pilonidal cysts during the follow-up period. Perforator-based flaps have become popular in modern reconstructive surgery because of low donor-site morbidity and good preservation of muscle. Parasacral perforator flaps are durable and reliable in reconstructing sacral defects. We recommend the parasacral perforator flap as a good choice for reconstructing sacral defects.

  10. Sacral Variability in Tailless Species: Homo sapiens and Ochotona princeps.

    PubMed

    Tague, Robert G

    2017-05-01

    Homo sapiens is variable in number of sacral vertebrae, and this variability can lead to obstetrical complication. This study uses the comparative method to test the hypothesis that sacral variability in H. sapiens is associated with absence of a tail. Three species of lagomorphs are studied: Ochotona princeps (N = 271), which is tailless, and Lepus californicus (N = 212) and Sylvilagus audubonii (N = 206), which have tails. Results show that O. princeps has (1) higher diversity index for number of sacral vertebrae (0.49) compared to L. californicus (0.25) and S. audubonii (0.26) and (2) significantly higher percentage of individuals with the species-specific nonmodal number of sacral vertebrae (43.9%) compared to L. californicus (14.2%) and S. audubonii (15.5%). Comparison of H. sapiens (N = 1,030; individuals of age 20-39 years) with O. princeps shows similarities between the species in diversity index (also 0.49 in H. sapiens) and percentage of individuals with nonmodal number of sacral vertebrae (37.3% in H. sapiens). Homeotic transformation best explains the results. H. sapiens and O. princeps show propensity for caudal shift at the sacral-caudal border (i.e., homeotic transformation of the first caudal vertebra to a sacral vertebra). Caudal and cranial shift among presacral vertebrae increases or decreases this propensity, respectively. Increase in number of sacral vertebrae in H. sapiens by homeotic transformation reduces pelvic outlet capacity and can be obstetrically hazardous. Anat Rec, 300:798-809, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Targeted Nanocurcumin Therapy Using Annexin A2 Anitbody Improves Tumor Accumulation and Therapeutic Efficacy Against Highly Metastatic Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Mukerjee, Anindita; Ranjan, Anmalendu P; Vishwanatha, Jamboor K

    2016-07-01

    A major challenge in pharmaceutical research is effective targeting strategies to their sites of action. Emerging knowledge and the current progress in nanotechnology based delivery systems has opened up exciting ways towards successful targeted nanodelivery systems. For cancer therapy, nanoparticle-based drug formulations hold several advantages over free drugs, including improved pharmacokinetics, enhanced tumor accumulation, reduced systemic exposure and side effects and better patient compliance. The goal of this study was to validate the in vivo targeting potential and evaluate the combinatorial therapeutic potential of novel Annexin A2 (AnxA2) antibody-conjugated curcumin loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (AnxA2-CPNP) against metastatic breast cancer. As a first step, we demonstrated that the cell-surface expression of AnxA2 is increases during breast cancer progression with very high expression in highly malignant cancer cells and basal expression in non-malignant cells. This confirmed AnxA2 as an excellent target for targeting our curcumin nanoparticles. Our results indicate that AnxA2-CPNP showed increased uptake in highly metastatic breast cancer cells than untargeted nanoparticles due to the differential AnxA2 expression. Cell viability, plasmin generation and wound healing assays reveal that AnxA2-CPNPs effectively inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration, key elements for cancer growth and metastasis. Further, angiogenesis assay illustrated that AnxA2-CPNPs decreased the formation of tube capillaries, thus inhibiting neoangiogenesis, a critical element in tumor growth. Live animal imaging demonstrated that AnxA2-PNPs and AnxA2-CPNPs effectively targeted and accumulated in the tumor as seen by the increased fluorescence intensity on the live scans. Xenograft studies in mice showed significant regression of breast tumor as a result of both effective targeting, accumulation and sustained release of curcumin in the tumor

  12. Cabozantinib S-malate in Treating Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors Previously Treated With Everolimus That Are Locally Advanced, Metastatic, or Cannot Be Removed by Surgery

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-03-12

    Atypical Carcinoid Tumor; Carcinoid Tumor; Digestive System Neuroendocrine Neoplasm; Enterochromaffin Cell Serotonin-Producing Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Intermediate Grade Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasm; Low Grade Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasm; Lung Atypical Carcinoid Tumor; Lung Carcinoid Tumor; Metastatic Digestive System Neuroendocrine Tumor G1; Neuroendocrine Neoplasm; Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor; Stage IIIA Digestive System Neuroendocrine Tumor AJCC v7; Stage IIIB Digestive System Neuroendocrine Tumor AJCC v7; Stage IV Digestive System Neuroendocrine Tumor AJCC v7

  13. Bilateral chronic sacral neuromodulation for treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Hohenfellner, M; Schultz-Lampel, D; Dahms, S; Matzel, K; Thüroff, J W

    1998-09-01

    Chronic sacral neuromodulation aims at functional restoration of selected forms of nonneurogenic and neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The original technique, as described by Tanagho and Schmidt, provides unilateral sacral nerve stimulation via an implanted stimulator powering an electrode inserted into a sacral foramen. Its drawback was that the implant failed unpredictably in some patients despite previous successful percutaneous test stimulation. Therefore, we modified the stimulation technique to improve the efficacy of chronic sacral neuromodulation. Guarded bipolar electrodes powered by an implantable neurostimulator were attached bilaterally directly to the S3 nerves through a sacral laminectomy in 9 women and 2 men (mean age 43.4 years). Of the patients 5 had urinary incontinence due to detrusor hyperactivity and 6 had urinary retention from detrusor hypocontractility. Mean followup with repeated urodynamics was 13 months (range 9 to 28). Four significant complications were encountered in 4 patients. In 10 patients the urological sequelae of the neurological disorder were alleviated significantly (50% or more), including 5 who experienced complete relief of symptoms. The efficacy of chronic sacral neuromodulation can be improved by bilateral attachment of electrodes directly to the sacral nerves.

  14. Sacral neuromodulation for women with Fowler's syndrome.

    PubMed

    Swinn, M J; Kitchen, N D; Goodwin, R J; Fowler, C J

    2000-10-01

    Neuromodulation of the sacral nerves has been found to be an effective therapy for a variety of lower urinary tract dysfunctions. The reported success rate for the period of trial stimulation (peripheral nerve evaluation test) prior to permanent implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator is variable, but generally reported to be in the region of 30-50%. We present here the results of the peripheral nerve evaluation test in 38 patients with urinary retention. 34 of the 38 had been found to have an abnormality of their striated urethral sphincter on electromyography using a concentric needle electrode, i.e., they had the disorder which was described by Fowler and coworkers in 1988. The overall success rate in this group was 68%. We believe that our relatively high success rate is due to sacral neuromodulation working via a mechanism which involves the urethral sphincter, an abnormality which had been demonstrated in 89% of these patients. Twelve of the patients subsequently underwent permanent implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator, and all of them have experienced a return of voiding. However, in 2 patients, there is a persisting need for self-catheterization. There is, however, a high reoperation rate.

  15. Integrative Clinical Genomics of Metastatic Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Robinson, Dan R.; Wu, Yi-Mi; Lonigro, Robert J.; Vats, Pankaj; Cobain, Erin; Everett, Jessica; Cao, Xuhong; Rabban, Erica; Kumar-Sinha, Chandan; Raymond, Victoria; Schuetze, Scott; Alva, Ajjai; Siddiqui, Javed; Chugh, Rashmi; Worden, Francis; Zalupski, Mark M.; Innis, Jeffrey; Mody, Rajen J.; Tomlins, Scott A.; Lucas, David; Baker, Laurence H.; Ramnath, Nithya; Schott, Ann F.; Hayes, Daniel F.; Vijai, Joseph; Offit, Kenneth; Stoffel, Elena M.; Roberts, J. Scott; Smith, David C.; Kunju, Lakshmi P.; Talpaz, Moshe; Cieslik, Marcin; Chinnaiyan, Arul M.

    2017-01-01

    SUMMARY Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. While The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has sequenced primary tumor types obtained from surgical resections, much less comprehensive molecular analysis is available from clinically acquired metastatic cancers. Here, we perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing of 500 adult patients with metastatic solid tumors of diverse lineage and biopsy site. The most prevalent genes somatically altered in metastatic cancer included TP53, CDKN2A, PTEN, PIK3CA, and RB1. Putative pathogenic germline variants were present in 12.2% of cases of which 75% were related to defects in DNA repair. RNA sequencing complemented DNA sequencing for the identification of gene fusions, pathway activation, and immune profiling. Integrative sequence analysis provides a clinically relevant, multi-dimensional view of the complex molecular landscape and microenvironment of metastatic cancers. PMID:28783718

  16. Multi-course PDT of malignant tumors: the influence on primary tumor, metastatic spreading and homeostasis of cancer patients

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sokolov, Victor V.; Chissov, Valery I.; Yakubovskaya, Raisa I.; Filonenko, E. V.; Sukhin, Garry M.; Nemtsova, E. R.; Belous, T. A.; Zharkova, Natalia N.

    1996-12-01

    The first clinical trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer with two photosensitizers, PHOTOHEME and PHOTOSENS, were started in P.A. Hertzen Research Oncological Institute (Moscow, Russia) in 1992 and 1994. Up to now, 208 patients with primary, recurrent and metastatic malignant tumors (469) of skin (34 patients/185 tumors), breast cancer (24/101), head and neck (30/31), trachea and bronchus (31/42), esophagus (35/35), stomach (31/32), rectum (4/4), vagina and uterine cervix (7/8) and bladder (12/31) have been treated by PDT. One-hundred-thirty patients were injected with PHOTOHEME, 64 patients were injected with PHOTOSENS, 14 patients were injected with PHOTOHEME and PHOTOSENS. Totally, 302 courses of treatment were performed: 155 patients had one course and 53 patients were subjected to two to nine PDT sources with intervals from 1 to 18 months. A therapeutic effect of a one-course and multi- course PDT of malignant tumors (respiratory, digestive and urogenital systems) was evaluated clinically, histologically, roentgenologically, sonographically and endoscopically. The biochemical, hematological and immunological investigations were performed for all the patients in dynamics. Results of our study showed that a multi-course PDT method seems to be perspective in treatment of malignant tumors of basic localizations.

  17. CD133 expression is not restricted to stem cells, and both CD133+ and CD133– metastatic colon cancer cells initiate tumors

    PubMed Central

    Shmelkov, Sergey V.; Butler, Jason M.; Hooper, Andrea T.; Hormigo, Adilia; Kushner, Jared; Milde, Till; St. Clair, Ryan; Baljevic, Muhamed; White, Ian; Jin, David K.; Chadburn, Amy; Murphy, Andrew J.; Valenzuela, David M.; Gale, Nicholas W.; Thurston, Gavin; Yancopoulos, George D.; D’Angelica, Michael; Kemeny, Nancy; Lyden, David; Rafii, Shahin

    2008-01-01

    Colon cancer stem cells are believed to originate from a rare population of putative CD133+ intestinal stem cells. Recent publications suggest that a small subset of colon cancer cells expresses CD133, and that only these CD133+ cancer cells are capable of tumor initiation. However, the precise contribution of CD133+ tumor-initiating cells in mediating colon cancer metastasis remains unknown. Therefore, to temporally and spatially track the expression of CD133 in adult mice and during tumorigenesis, we generated a knockin lacZ reporter mouse (CD133lacZ/+), in which the expression of lacZ is driven by the endogenous CD133 promoters. Using this model and immunostaining, we discovered that CD133 expression in colon is not restricted to stem cells; on the contrary, CD133 is ubiquitously expressed on differentiated colonic epithelium in both adult mice and humans. Using Il10–/–CD133lacZ mice, in which chronic inflammation in colon leads to adenocarcinomas, we demonstrated that CD133 is expressed on a full gamut of colonic tumor cells, which express epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Similarly, CD133 is widely expressed by human primary colon cancer epithelial cells, whereas the CD133– population is composed mostly of stromal and inflammatory cells. Conversely, CD133 expression does not identify the entire population of epithelial and tumor-initiating cells in human metastatic colon cancer. Indeed, both CD133+ and CD133– metastatic tumor subpopulations formed colonospheres in in vitro cultures and were capable of long-term tumorigenesis in a NOD/SCID serial xenotransplantation model. Moreover, metastatic CD133– cells form more aggressive tumors and express typical phenotypic markers of cancer-initiating cells, including CD44 (CD44+CD24–), whereas the CD133+ fraction is composed of CD44lowCD24+ cells. Collectively, our data suggest that CD133 expression is not restricted to intestinal stem or cancer-initiating cells, and during the metastatic

  18. A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Role of Local Treatment of the Primary Tumor and/or the Metastases in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Aoun, Fouad; Peltier, Alexandre; van Velthoven, Roland

    2014-01-01

    To provide an overview of the currently available literature regarding local control of primary tumor and oligometastases in metastatic prostate cancer and salvage lymph node dissection of clinical lymph node relapse after curative treatment of prostate cancer. Evidence Acquisition. A systematic literature search was conducted in 2014 to identify abstracts, original articles, review articles, research articles, and editorials relevant to the local control in metastatic prostate cancer. Evidence Synthesis. Local control of primary tumor in metastatic prostate cancer remains experimental with low level of evidence. The concept is supported by a growing body of genetic and molecular research as well as analogy with other cancers. There is only one retrospective observational population based study showing prolonged survival. To eradicate oligometastases, several options exist with excellent local control rates. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is safe, well tolerated, and efficacious treatment for lymph node and bone lesions. Both biochemical and clinical progression are slowed down with a median time to initiate ADT of 2 years. Salvage lymph node dissection is feasible in patients with clinical lymph node relapse after local curable treatment. Conclusion. Despite encouraging oncologic midterm results, a complete cure remains elusive in metastatic prostate cancer patients. Further advances in imaging are crucial in order to rapidly evolve beyond the proof of concept. PMID:25485280

  19. Role of intraoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of sacral chordoma.

    PubMed

    Jullien-Petrelli, Ariel Christian; García-Sabrido, J L; Orue-Echebarria, M I; Lozano, P; Álvarez, A; Serrano, J; Calvo, F M; Calvo-Haro, J A; Lasso, J M; Asencio, J M

    2018-04-01

    Sacral chordoma is a rare entity with high local recurrence rates when complete resection is not achieved. To date, there are no series available in literature combining surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). The objective of this study was to report the experience of our center in the management of sacral chordoma combining radical resection with both external radiotherapy and IORT. This is a retrospective case series. The patient sample included 15 patients with sacral chordoma resected in our center from 1998 to 2015. The outcome measures were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and rates of local and distant recurrences. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all the patients with sacral chordoma resected in our center from 1998 to December 2015. Overall survival, DFS, and rates of local and distant recurrences were calculated. Results between patients treated with or without IORT were compared. A total of 15 patients were identified: 8 men and 7 women. The median age was 59 years (range 28-77). Intraoperative radiotherapy was applied in nine patients and six were treated with surgical resection without IORT. In 13 patients, we performed the treatment of the primary tumor, and in two patients, we performed the treatment of recurrence disease. A posterior approach was used in four patients. Wide surgical margins (zero residue) were achieved in six patients, marginal margins (microscopic residue) were achieved in seven patients, and there were no patients with intralesional (R2) margins. At a median follow-up of 38 months (range 11-209 months), the 5-year OS in the IORT group was 100% versus 53% in the group of non-IORT (p=.05). The median DFS in the IORT group was 85 months, and that in the non-IORT group was 41 months. In the group without IORT, two patients died and nobody died during the follow-up in the group treated with IORT. High-sacrectomy treated patients had a median survival of 41 months, and low-sacrectomy treated

  20. "Lucy" (A.L. 288-1) had five sacral vertebrae.

    PubMed

    Russo, Gabrielle A; Williams, Scott A

    2015-02-01

    A "long-backed" scenario of hominin vertebral evolution posits that early hominins possessed six lumbar vertebrae coupled with a high frequency of four sacral vertebrae (7:12-13:6:4), a configuration acquired from a hominin-panin last common ancestor (PLCA) having a vertebral formula of 7:13:6-7:4. One founding line of evidence for this hypothesis is the recent assertion that the "Lucy" sacrum (A.L. 288-1an, Australopithecus afarensis) consists of four sacral vertebrae and a partially-fused first coccygeal vertebra (Co1), rather than five sacral vertebrae as in modern humans. This study reassesses the number of sacral vertebrae in Lucy by reexamining the distal end of A.L.288-1an in the context of a comparative sample of modern human sacra and Co1 vertebrae, and the sacrum of A. sediba (MH2). Results demonstrate that, similar to S5 in modern humans and A. sediba, the last vertebra in A.L. 288-1an exhibits inferiorly-projecting (right side) cornua and a kidney-shaped inferior body articular surface. This morphology is inconsistent with that of fused or isolated Co1 vertebrae in humans, which either lack cornua or possess only superiorly-projecting cornua, and have more circularly-shaped inferior body articular surfaces. The level at which the hiatus' apex is located is also more compatible with typical five-element modern human sacra and A. sediba than if only four sacral vertebrae are present. Our observations suggest that A.L. 288-1 possessed five sacral vertebrae as in modern humans; thus, sacral number in "Lucy" does not indicate a directional change in vertebral count that can provide information on the PLCA ancestral condition. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Developmental identity versus typology: Lucy has only four sacral segments.

    PubMed

    Machnicki, Allison L; Lovejoy, C Owen; Reno, Philip L

    2016-08-01

    Both interspecific and intraspecific variation in vertebral counts reflect the action of patterning control mechanisms such as Hox. The preserved A.L. 288-1 ("Lucy") sacrum contains five fused elements. However, the transverse processes of the most caudal element do not contact those of the segment immediately craniad to it, leaving incomplete sacral foramina on both sides. This conforms to the traditional definition of four-segmented sacra, which are very rare in humans and African apes. It was recently suggested that fossilization damage precludes interpretation of this specimen and that additional sacral-like features of its last segment (e.g., the extent of the sacral hiatus) suggest a general Australopithecus pattern of five sacral vertebrae. We provide updated descriptions of the original Lucy sacrum. We evaluate sacral/coccygeal variation in a large sample of extant hominoids and place it within the context of developmental variation in the mammalian vertebral column. We report that fossilization damage did not shorten the transverse processes of the fifth segment of Lucy's sacrum. In addition, we find that the extent of the sacral hiatus is too variable in apes and hominids to provide meaningful information on segment identity. Most importantly, a combination of sacral and coccygeal features is to be expected in vertebrae at regional boundaries. The sacral/caudal boundary appears to be displaced cranially in early hominids relative to extant African apes and humans, a condition consistent with the likely ancestral condition for Miocene hominoids. While not definitive in itself, a four-segmented sacrum accords well with the "long-back" model for the Pan/Homo last common ancestor. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:729-739, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. Retrospective study of RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF tumor mutations as predictors of response to first-line chemotherapy with bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Nakayama, Izuma; Shinozaki, Eiji; Matsushima, Tomohiro; Wakatsuki, Takeru; Ogura, Mariko; Ichimura, Takashi; Ozaka, Masato; Takahari, Daisuke; Suenaga, Mitsukuni; Chin, Keisho; Mizunuma, Nobuyuki; Yamaguchi, Kensei

    2017-01-09

    After analysis of minor RAS mutations (KRAS exon 3, 4/NRAS) in the FIRE-3 and PRIME studies, an expanded range of RAS mutations were established as a negative predictive marker for the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibody treatment. BRAF and PIK3CA mutations may be candidate biomarkers for anti-EGFR targeted therapies. However, it remains unknown whether RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF tumor mutations can predict the efficacy of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. We assessed whether selection according to RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF mutational status could be beneficial for patients treated with bevacizumab as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Of the 1001 consecutive colorectal cancer patients examined for RAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF tumor mutations using a multiplex kit (Luminex®), we studied 90 patients who received combination chemotherapy with bevacizumab as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. The objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated according to mutational status. The ORR was higher among patients with wild-type tumors (64.3%) compared to those with tumors that were only wild type with respect to KRAS exon 2 (54.8%), and the differences in ORR between patients with wild-type and mutant-type tumors were greater when considering only KRAS exon 2 mutations (6.8%) rather than RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF mutations (18.4%). There were no statistically significant differences in ORR or PFS between all wild-type tumors and tumors carrying any of the mutations. Multivariate analysis revealed that liver metastasis and RAS and BRAF mutations were independent negative factors for disease progression after first-line treatment with bevacizumab. Patient selection according to RAS/PIK3CA/BRAF mutations could help select patients who will achieve a better response to bevacizumab treatment. We found no clinical benefit of restricting combination therapy with bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer patients with EGFR-wild type

  3. Estrogen receptor alpha deletion enhances the metastatic phenotype of Ron overexpressing mammary tumors in mice

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The receptor tyrosine kinase family includes many transmembrane proteins with diverse physiological and pathophysiological functions. The involvement of tyrosine kinase signaling in promoting a more aggressive tumor phenotype within the context of chemotherapeutic evasion is gaining recognition. The Ron receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor that has been implicated in the progression of breast cancer and evasion of tamoxifen therapy. Results Here, we report that Ron expression is correlated with in situ, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive tumors, and is higher in breast tumors following neoadjuvant tamoxifen therapy. We also demonstrate that the majority of mammary tumors isolated from transgenic mice with mammary specific-Ron overexpression (MMTV-Ron mice), exhibit appreciable ER expression. Moreover, genetic-ablation of ERα, in the context of Ron overexpression, leads to delayed mammary tumor initiation and growth, but also results in an increased metastasis. Conclusions Ron receptor overexpression is associated with ERα-positive human and murine breast tumors. In addition, loss of ERα on a Ron overexpressing background in mice leads to the development of breast tumors which grow slower but which exhibit more metastasis and suggests that targeting of ERα, as in the case of tamoxifen therapy, may reduce the growth of Ron overexpressing breast cancers but may cause these tumors to be more metastatic. PMID:22226043

  4. Prophylactic Sacral Dressing for Pressure Ulcer Prevention in High-Risk Patients.

    PubMed

    Byrne, Jaime; Nichols, Patricia; Sroczynski, Marzena; Stelmaski, Laurie; Stetzer, Molly; Line, Cynthia; Carlin, Kristen

    2016-05-01

    Patients in intensive care units are likely to have limited mobility owing to hemodynamic instability and activity orders for bed rest. Bed rest is indicated because of the severity of the disease process, which often involves intubation, sedation, paralysis, surgical procedures, poor nutrition, low flow states, and poor circulation. These patients are predisposed to the development and/or the progression of pressure ulcers not only because of their underlying diseases, but also because of limited mobility and deconditioned states of health. To assess whether treating high-risk patients with a prophylactic sacral dressing decreases the incidence of unit-acquired sacral pressure ulcers. An evidence-based tool for identifying patients at high risk for pressure ulcers was used in 3 intensive care units at an urban tertiary care hospital and academic medical center. Those patients deemed at high risk had a prophylactic sacral dressing applied. Incidence rates were collected and compared for the 7 months preceding use of the dressings and for 7 months during the trial period when the dressing was used. After the sacral dressing began being used, the number of unit-acquired sacral pressure ulcers decreased by 3.4 to 7.6 per 1000 patient days depending on the unit. A prophylactic sacral dressing may help prevent unit-acquired sacral pressure ulcers. Implementation of an involved care team with heightened awareness and increased education along with a prophylactic sacral dressing in patients deemed high risk for skin breakdown are all essential for success. ©2016 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

  5. Metastatic pheochromocytoma: clinical, genetic, and histopathologic characteristics

    PubMed Central

    Zelinka, Tomáš; Musil, Zdeněk; Dušková, Jaroslava; Burton, Deborah; Merino, Maria J; Milosevic, Dragana; Widimský, Jiří; Pacak, Karel

    2011-01-01

    Background Pheochromocytomas are tumors arising from chromaffin tissue located in the adrenal medulla associated with typical symptoms and signs which may occasionally develop metastases, which are defined as the presence of tumor cells at sites where these cells are not found. This retrospective analysis was focused on clinical, genetic, and histopathologic characteristics of primary metastatic versus primary benign pheochromocytomas. Materials and methods We identified 41 subjects with metastatic pheochromocytoma and 108 subjects with apparently benign pheochromocytoma. We assessed dimension and biochemical profile of the primary tumor, age at presentation, and time to develop metastases. Results Subjects with metastatic pheochromocytoma presented at a significantly younger age (41.4±14.7 vs. 50.2±13.7 years; P<0.001), with larger primary tumors (8.38±3.27 cm vs. 6.18±2.75 cm; P<0.001) and secreted more frequently norepinephrine (95.1% vs. 83.3 %; P=0.046) compared to subjects with apparently benign pheochromocytomas. No significant differences were found in the incidence of genetic mutations in both groups of subjects (25.7 % in the metastatic group and 14.7 % in the benign group; P=0.13). From available histopathologic markers of potential malignancy, only necrosis occurred more frequently in subjects with metastatic pheochromocytoma (27.6 % vs. 0 %; P<0.001). The median time to develop metastases was 3.6 years with the longest interval 24 years. Conclusions In conclusion, regardless of a genetic background, the size of a primary pheochromocytoma and age of its first presentation are two independent risk factors associated with the development of metastatic disease. PMID:21692797

  6. The Molecular Landscape of Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Cancers

    PubMed Central

    Morris, Luc G. T.; Chandramohan, Raghu; West, Lyndsay; Zehir, Ahmet; Chakravarty, Debyani; Pfister, David G.; Wong, Richard J.; Lee, Nancy Y.; Sherman, Eric J.; Baxi, Shrujal S.; Ganly, Ian; Singh, Bhuvanesh; Shah, Jatin P.; Shaha, Ashok R.; Boyle, Jay O.; Patel, Snehal G.; Roman, Benjamin R.; Barker, Christopher A.; McBride, Sean M.; Chan, Timothy A.; Dogan, Snjezana; Hyman, David M.; Berger, Michael F.; Solit, David B.; Riaz, Nadeem; Ho, Alan L.

    2016-01-01

    IMPORTANCE Recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer is usually incurable. Implementation of precision oncology for these patients has been limited by incomplete understanding of the molecular alterations underlying advanced disease. At the same time, the molecular profiles of many rare head and neck cancer types are unknown. These significant gaps in knowledge need to be addressed to rationally devise new therapies. OBJECTIVE To illuminate the distinct biology of recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancers and review implementation of precision oncology for patients with advanced disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS After exclusions, 151 patients with advanced, treatment-resistant head and neck tumors, including squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and other salivary and cutaneous cancers, whose tumors were sequenced between January 2014 and July 2015 at Memorial Sloan Kettering were recruited. Next-generation sequencing of tumors as part of clinical care included high-depth (median 600×) exonic coverage of 410 cancer genes and whole-genome copy number analysis. INTERVENTIONS Next-generation sequencing of tumors and matched normal DNA. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Feasibility, the frequency of actionable molecular alterations, the effect on decision making, and identification of alterations associated with recurrent and metastatic disease. RESULTS Overall, 151 patients (95 men and 56 women; mean [range] age, 61.8 [17-100] years) were included in the study. Next-generation sequencing ultimately guided therapy in 21 of 151 patients (14%) (13 of 53 [25%] of patients with HNSCC) by refining diagnoses and matching patients to specific therapies, in some cases with dramatic responses on basket studies. Molecular alterations were potentially actionable in 28 of 135 patients (21%). The genetic profiles of recurrent and metastatic tumors were often distinct from primary tumors. Compared to primary human papillomavirus (HPV

  7. Benzimidazole as Novel Therapy for Hormone-Refractory Metastatic Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-05-01

    8 4 INTRODUCTION The focus of this project is to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of benzimidazoles as a...potential anti-metastatic prostate cancer therapy. We identified benzimidazoles , a class of anti-parasitic drug, in a drug screening process for...preferential anti-tumor activity on metastatic prostate cancer cells. We have data indicate that benzimidazoles have potent anti-tumor activities

  8. The Unresolved Case of Sacral Chordoma: From Misdiagnosis to Challenging Surgery and Medical Therapy Resistance

    PubMed Central

    Garofalo, Fabio; Christoforidis, Dimitrios; di Summa, Pietro G.; Gay, Béatrice; Cherix, Stéphane; Raffoul, Wassim; Matter, Maurice

    2014-01-01

    Purpose A sacral chordoma is a rare, slow-growing, primary bone tumor, arising from embryonic notochordal remnants. Radical surgery is the only hope for cure. The aim of our present study is to analyse our experience with the challenging treatment of this rare tumor, to review current treatment modalities and to assess the outcome based on R status. Methods Eight patients were treated in our institution between 2001 and 2011. All patients were discussed by a multidisciplinary tumor board, and an en bloc surgical resection by posterior perineal access only or by combined anterior/posterior accesses was planned based on tumor extension. Results Seven patients underwent radical surgery, and one was treated by using local cryotherapy alone due to low performance status. Three misdiagnosed patients had primary surgery at another hospital with R1 margins. Reresection margins in our institution were R1 in two and R0 in one, and all three recurred. Four patients were primarily operated on at our institution and had en bloc surgery with R0 resection margins. One had local recurrence after 18 months. The overall morbidity rate was 86% (6/7 patients) and was mostly related to the perineal wound. Overall, 3 out of 7 resected patients were disease-free at a median follow-up of 2.9 years (range, 1.6-8.0 years). Conclusion Our experience confirms the importance of early correct diagnosis and of an R0 resection for a sacral chordoma invading pelvic structures. It is a rare disease that requires a challenging multidisciplinary treatment, which should ideally be performed in a tertiary referral center. PMID:24999463

  9. Metastatic Breast Cancer With ESR1 Mutation: Clinical Management Considerations From the Molecular and Precision Medicine (MAP) Tumor Board at Massachusetts General Hospital.

    PubMed

    Bardia, Aditya; Iafrate, John A; Sundaresan, Tilak; Younger, Jerry; Nardi, Valentina

    2016-09-01

    : The last decade in oncology has witnessed impressive response rates with targeted therapies, largely because of collaborative efforts at understanding tumor biology and careful patient selection based on molecular fingerprinting of the tumor. Consequently, there has been a push toward routine molecular genotyping of tumors, and large precision medicine-based clinical trials have been launched to match therapy to the molecular alteration seen in a tumor. However, selecting the "right drug" for an individual patient in clinic is a complex decision-making process, including analytical interpretation of the report, consideration of the importance of the molecular alteration in driving growth of the tumor, tumor heterogeneity, the availability of a matched targeted therapy, efficacy and toxicity considerations of the targeted therapy (compared with standard therapy), and reimbursement issues. In this article, we review the key considerations involved in clinical decision making while reviewing a molecular genotyping report. We present the case of a 67-year-old postmenopausal female with metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, whose tumor progressed on multiple endocrine therapies. Molecular genotyping of the metastatic lesion revealed the presence of an ESR1 mutation (encoding p.Tyr537Asn), which was absent in the primary tumor. The same ESR1 mutation was also detected in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) extracted from her blood. The general approach for interpretation of genotyping results, the clinical significance of the specific mutation in the particular cancer, potential strategies to target the pathway, and implications for clinical practice are reviewed in this article. ER+ breast tumors are known to undergo genomic evolution during treatment with the acquisition of new mutations that confer resistance to treatment.ESR1 mutations in the ligand-binding domain of ER can lead to a ligand-independent, constitutively active form of ER and mediate

  10. The receptor tyrosine kinase RET regulates hindgut colonization by sacral neural crest cells.

    PubMed

    Delalande, Jean-Marie; Barlow, Amanda J; Thomas, Aaron J; Wallace, Adam S; Thapar, Nikhil; Erickson, Carol A; Burns, Alan J

    2008-01-01

    The enteric nervous system (ENS) is formed from vagal and sacral neural crest cells (NCC). Vagal NCC give rise to most of the ENS along the entire gut, whereas the contribution of sacral NCC is mainly limited to the hindgut. This, and data from heterotopic quail-chick grafting studies, suggests that vagal and sacral NCC have intrinsic differences in their ability to colonize the gut, and/or to respond to signalling cues within the gut environment. To better understand the molecular basis of these differences, we studied the expression of genes known to be essential for ENS formation, in sacral NCC within the chick hindgut. Our results demonstrate that, as in vagal NCC, Sox10, EdnrB, and Ret are expressed in sacral NCC within the gut. Since we did not detect a qualitative difference in expression of these ENS genes we performed DNA microarray analysis of vagal and sacral NCC. Of 11 key ENS genes examined from the total data set, Ret was the only gene identified as being highly differentially expressed, with a fourfold increase in expression in vagal versus sacral NCC. We also found that over-expression of RET in sacral NCC increased their ENS developmental potential such that larger numbers of cells entered the gut earlier in development, thus promoting the fate of sacral NCC towards that of vagal NCC.

  11. The secreted factors responsible for pre-metastatic niche formation: old sayings and new thoughts.

    PubMed

    Peinado, Héctor; Lavotshkin, Simon; Lyden, David

    2011-04-01

    Metastasis is a multistep process that requires acquisition of malignant cell phenotypes which allow tumor cells to escape from the primary tumor site. Each of the steps during metastatic progression involves co-evolution of the tumor and its microenvironment. Although tumor cells are the driving force of metastasis, new findings suggest that the host cells within the tumor microenvironment play a key role in influencing metastatic behavior. Many of these contributing cells are derived from the bone marrow; in particular, recruited bone marrow progenitor cells generate the "pre-metastatic niche" to which the tumor cells metastasize. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in pre-metastatic niche formation has revealed that secreted soluble factors are key players in bone marrow cell mobilization during metastasis. In addition, membrane vesicles derived from both tumor and host cells have recently been recognized as new candidates with important roles in the promotion of tumor growth and metastasis. This review describes old ideas and presents new insights into the role of tumor and bone marrow-derived microvesicles and exosomes in pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Robot-assisted radiofrequency ablation of a sacral S1-S2 aggressive hemangioma.

    PubMed

    Kaoudi, A; Capel, C; Chenin, L; Peltier, J; Lefranc, M

    2018-05-16

    Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas are rare tumors of the spine. The treatment management strategy usually consists of vertebroplasty, radiation therapy or in rare cases of surgical strategy. We present a case of a bulging sacral S1-S2 hemangioma in the spinal canal that could not be managed in the usual manner. Here, we demonstrate the usefulness of radiofrequency ablation technique as an alternative treatment as well as robotic assistance for optimal placement of the ablation probe within the lesion. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  13. Non-metastatic Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors of bone in adolescents and adults: prognostic factors and clinical outcome-single institution results.

    PubMed

    Oksüz, Didem Colpan; Tural, Deniz; Dincbas, Fazilet Öner; Dervisoglu, Sergülen; Turna, Hande; Hiz, Murat; Kantarci, Fatih; Ceylaner, Beyhan; Koca, Sedat; Mandel, Nil Molinas

    2014-01-01

    There is limited data regarding outcomes of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors in adolescents and adults compared with the same tumors in childhood. The aim of the study was to analyze prognostic factors and treatment results in a cohort of adolescents and adults with non-metastatic skeletal Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors. From 1992-2008, 90 adolescents and adults with Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors of the bone were referred to our institution. Sixty-five (72%) non-metastatic patients with analyzable data and treated in our institution were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were treated with alternated chemotherapy regimens administered every 3 weeks. The local treatment modality was selected according to tumor and patient characteristics. The median age was 21 years (range, 13-50). Most patients (74%) were >17 years of age. Forty-six percent of the tumors were located in the extremities. Local therapy was surgery in 45 patients and radiotherapy alone in 19 patients. Twenty-one patients received preoperative and 13 patients postoperative radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 43 months (range, 7-167). The 5-year event-free and overall survival rates for all patients were 44% and 49%, respectively. On univariate survival analysis, event-free and overall survival were worse for patients >17 years of age, tumor size >8 cm in diameter, an axial location, positive surgical margins, and poor histopathological response (<90% necrosis). Age, tumor site and tumor size on event-free and overall survival remained significant on multivariate analysis. We identified age, tumor size, and tumor site as independent prognostic factors, in accord with the Western literature. These patients require novel treatment modalities.

  14. Sacroplasty for Symptomatic Sacral Hemangioma: A Novel Treatment Approach

    PubMed Central

    Agarwal, V.; Sreedher, G.; Weiss, K.R.; Hughes, M.A.

    2013-01-01

    Summary Painful vertebral body hemangiomas have been successfully treated with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Sacral hemangiomas are uncommon and as such painful sacral hemangiomas are rare entities. We report what we believe is only the second successful treatment of a painful sacral hemangioma with CT-guided sacroplasty. A 56-year-old woman with a history of right-sided total hip arthroplasty and lipoma excision presented to her orthopedic surgeon with persistent right-sided low back pain which radiated into her buttock and right groin and hindered her ability to walk and perform her activities of daily living. MRIs of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and pelvis showed numerous lesions with imaging characteristics consistent with multiple hemangiomas including a 2.2×2.1 cm lesion involving the right sacrum adjacent to the right S1 neural foramen. Conservative measures including rest, physical therapy, oral analgesics and right-sided sacroiliac joint steroid injection did not provide significant relief. Given her lack of improvement and the fact that her pain localized to the right sacrum, the patient underwent CT-guided sacroplasty for treatment of a painful right sacral hemangioma. Under CT fluoroscopic guidance, a 10 gauge introducer needle was advanced through the soft tissues of the back to the margin of the lesion. Biopsy was then performed and after appropriate preparation, cement was then introduced through the needle using a separate cement filler cannula. Appropriate filling of the right sacral hemangioma was visualized using intermittent CT fluoroscopy. After injection of approximately 2.5 cc of cement, it was felt that there was near complete filling of the right sacral hemangioma. With satisfactory achievement of cement filling, the procedure was terminated. Pathology from biopsy taken at the time of the procedure was consistent with hemangioma. Image-guided sacroplasty with well-defined endpoints is an effective, minimally invasive and safe

  15. Sacral neuromodulation for lower urinary tract dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Van Kerrebroeck, Philip E V; Marcelissen, Tom A T

    2012-08-01

    To review the technique, indications, results and working mechanisms of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for lower urinary tract dysfunction. The available literature on SNM for lower urinary tract dysfunction was searched. Based on the information available in the literature and also based on personal experience, the urological indications, technique, mechanisms of action and results of SNM are presented and discussed. SNM for lower urinary tract dysfunction involves stimulation of the 3rd sacral nerve with an electrode implanted in the sacral foramen and connected to a pulse generator. The technique is accepted by the FDA since 1997. Currently, SNM for lower urinary tract dysfunction has been successfully used in about 26,000 patients with various forms of lower urinary tract dysfunction, including urgency, frequency and urgency incontinence as well as non-obstructive urinary retention. The actual procedure of SNM consists of a minimal invasive technique and is effective in about 70% of the patients who have been implanted with a permanent system. Also, in pelvic pain, interesting results have been described. SNM modulates the micturition reflexes at different levels in the central nervous system. Sacral neuromodulation is a safe and effective therapy for various forms of lower urinary tract dysfunction, including urgency, frequency and urgency incontinence as well as non-obstructive urinary retention. It should be the first choice after failure of maximal conservative therapy.

  16. Gene silencing in primary and metastatic tumors by small interfering RNA delivery in mice: quantitative analysis using melanoma cells expressing firefly and sea pansy luciferases.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Yuki; Nishikawa, Makiya; Kobayashi, Naoki; Takakura, Yoshinobu

    2005-07-20

    Silencing of oncogenes or other genes contributing to tumor malignancy or progression by RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising approach to treating tumor patients. To achieve RNAi-based tumor therapy, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) or siRNA-expressing vector needs to be delivered to tumor cells, but little information about its in vivo delivery has been reported. In this study, we examined whether the expression of the target gene in tumor cells can be suppressed by the delivery of RNAi effectors to primary and metastatic tumor cells. To quantitatively evaluate the RNAi effects in tumor cells, mouse melanoma B16-BL6 cells were stably transfected with both firefly (a model target gene) and sea pansy (an internal standard gene) luciferase genes to obtain B16-BL6/dual Luc cells. The target gene expression in subcutaneous primary tumors of B16-BL6/dual Luc cells was significantly suppressed by direct injection of the RNAi effectors followed by electroporation. The expression in metastatic hepatic tumors was also significantly reduced by an intravenous injection of either RNAi effector by the hydrodynamics-based procedure. These results indicate that the both RNAi effectors have a potential to silence target gene in tumor cells in vivo when successfully delivered to tumor cells.

  17. How Does the Level of Sacral Resection for Primary Malignant Bone Tumors Affect Physical and Mental Health, Pain, Mobility, Incontinence, and Sexual Function?

    PubMed

    Phukan, Rishabh; Herzog, Tyler; Boland, Patrick J; Healey, John; Rose, Peter; Sim, Franklin H; Yazsemski, Michael; Hess, Kathryn; Osler, Polina; DeLaney, Thomas F; Chen, Yen-Lin; Hornicek, Francis; Schwab, Joseph

    2016-03-01

    En bloc resection for treatment of sacral tumors is the approach of choice for patients with resectable tumors who are well enough to undergo surgery, and studies describe patient survival, postoperative complications, and recurrence rates associated with this treatment. However, most of these studies do not provide patient-reported functional outcomes other than binary metrics for bowel and bladder function postresection. The purpose of this study was to use validated patient-reported outcomes tools to compare quality of life based on level of sacral resection in terms of (1) physical and mental health; (2) pain; (3) mobility; and (4) incontinence and sexual function. Our analysis included 33 patients (19 men, 14 women) who had a mean age of 53 years (range, 22-72 years) with a quality-of-life survey administered at a mean postoperative followup of 41 months (range, 6-123 months). The majority of patient-reported quality-of-life outcome surveys for this study were taken from the National Institute of Health's Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) system. To assess physical and mental health, the PROMIS Global Items Survey with physical and mental subscores, Anxiety, and Depression scores were used. Pain outcomes were assessed using PROMIS Pain Intensity and Pain Interference surveys. Patient-reported lower extremity function was assessed using the PROMIS Mobility Survey. Patient-reported quality of life for sexual function was assessed using the PROMIS Sex Interest and Orgasm survey, whereas incontinence was measured using the International Continence Society Voiding and Incontinence scores and the Modified Obstruction and Defecation Score. Surveys were collected prospectively during clinic visits in the postoperative period. Patients were grouped by the level of osteotomy as determined by review of postoperative MRI or CT and half levels were grouped with the more cephalad level. This resulted in the inclusion of total sacrectomy (N = 6

  18. Oncological outcomes after cytoreductive nephrectomy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval tumor thrombus.

    PubMed

    Miyake, Hideaki; Sugiyama, Takayuki; Aki, Ryota; Matsushita, Yuto; Tamura, Keita; Motoyama, Daisuke; Ito, Toshiki; Otsuka, Atsushi

    2018-06-01

    To evaluate the oncological outcomes of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) who received cytoreductive nephrectomy. This study included 75 consecutive metastatis renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy followed by systemic therapy. Of the 75 patients, 11, 33, 24 and 7 had level I, II, III and IV IVC thrombus, respectively. Following surgical treatment, 25 (group A), 27 (group B) and 23 (group C) received cytokine therapy alone, molecular-targeted therapy alone and both therapies, respectively, as management for metastatic diseases. The median overall survival (OS) of the 75 patients was 16.2 months. No significant differences in OS were noted according to the level of the IVC tumor thrombus. There were no significant differences in OS among groups A, B and C; however, OS in groups B and C was significantly superior to that in group A. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of several parameters identified the following independent predictors of poor OS-elevated C-reactive protein, liver metastasis and postoperative treatment with cytokine therapy alone. The prognosis of mRCC patients with IVC thrombus undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy may be significantly affected by the type of postoperative systemic therapy rather than the level of the IVC tumor thrombus. Accordingly, cytoreductive nephrectomy should be considered as a major therapeutic option for patients with mRCC involving the IVC, particularly in the era of targeted therapy.

  19. Metastatic adenocarcinoma in a young male, 12 years after treatment of primary non seminomatous germ cell tumor

    PubMed Central

    Coca, Pragnya; Gundeti, Sadashivudu; Uppin, Shantiveer; Digumarti, Raghunadharao

    2011-01-01

    A man aged 32 years presented with metastatic adenocarcinomatous deposits, 12 years after his initial diagnosis and treatment of immature teratoma of the testis. He was treated for his metastasis with local radiotherapy, failing which he underwent excision of the tumor and palliative chemotherapy. This case is presented for its rarity of occurrence, unique presenting features and difficulty in management. PMID:22174503

  20. Establishment of a neuroblastoma mouse model by subcutaneous xenograft transplantation and its use to study metastatic neuroblastoma.

    PubMed

    Gao, Q; Chen, C F; Dong, Q; Hou, L; Chen, X; Zhi, Y L; Li, X; Lu, H T; Zhang, H Y

    2015-12-08

    The aim of this study was to establish a metastatic human neuroblastoma (NB) mouse model by xenograft in order to study the metastatic mechanisms of NB. A human NB cell line was obtained from a 5-year-old patient and cultured in vitro. A suspension of these cells was subcutaneously inoculated into nude mice at the right flank next to the forelimb. The biological characteristics of the developed subcutaneous and metastatic tumors were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of the tumor marker neuron-specific enolase was determined by immunohistochemistry, and the invasive ability of metastatic tumors was examined by a Matrigel invasion assay. DNA microarray analyses were performed to examine the metastasis-related gene expression. Our results showed that tumors grew in 75% of the mice injected with NB cells and the rate of metastasis was 21%. The xenograft tumors retained the morphological and biological characteristics of the NB specimen from the pediatric patient. Neuron-specific enolase was highly expressed in both subcutaneous and metastatic tumors. The metastatic tumor cells possessed a higher invasive capability than the primary NB cells. The expression of 25 metastasis-related genes was found to be significantly altered in metastatic tumors compared to primary tumors, including RECK, MMP2, VEGF, MMP3, and CXCL12. In conclusion, we successfully established a human NB xenograft model with high tumor-bearing and metastatic rates in nude mice, providing an ideal animal model for the in vivo study of NB.

  1. Tumor and Plasma Met Levels in Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

    PubMed

    Kaye, Deborah R; Pinto, Peter A; Cecchi, Fabiola; Reilly, Joseph; Semerjian, Alice; Rabe, Daniel C; Gupta, Gopal; Choyke, Peter L; Bottaro, Donald P

    2016-01-01

    To measure Met protein content in prostate biopsies guided by fused magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging, and to measure soluble Met (sMet) protein concentration in plasma samples from patients presenting evidence of prostate cancer. 345 patients had plasma samples drawn prior to image-guided biopsy of the prostate. Of these, 32% had benign biopsies. Of the 236 that were positive for prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa), 132 treated by total prostatectomy had Gleason scores of 6 (17%), 7, (55%), 8 (16%), or 9-10 (12%). 23% had evidence of local invasion. Plasma samples were also obtained from 80 healthy volunteers. Tissue Met and plasma sMet were measured by two-site immunoassay; values were compared among clinically defined groups using non-parametric statistical tests to determine significant differences or correlations. PCa tumor Met correlated significantly with plasma sMet, but median values were similar among benign and malignant groups. Median plasma sMet values were also similar among those groups, although both medians were significantly above normal. Median Met content in primary PCa tumors and sMet concentrations were independent of Gleason score, final pathologic stage and age. Plasma sMet is not predictive of PCa or its severity in patients with organ-confined or locally invasive disease. Quantitative analysis of Met protein content and activation state in PCa tumor biopsy samples was highly feasible and may have value in follow-up to genomic and/or transcriptomic-based screens that show evidence of oncogenically relevant MET gene features that occur at relatively low frequency in non-metastatic PCa.

  2. Introduction of laparoscopic sacral colpopexy to a fellowship training program.

    PubMed

    Kantartzis, Kelly; Sutkin, Gary; Winger, Dan; Wang, Li; Shepherd, Jonathan

    2013-11-01

    Minimally invasive sacral colpopexy has increased over the past decade, with many senior physicians adopting this new skill set. However, skill acquisition at an academic institution in the presence of postgraduate learners is not well described. This manuscript outlines the introduction of laparoscopic sacral colpopexy to an academic urogynecology service that was not performing minimally invasive sacral colpopexies, and it also defines a surgical learning curve. The first 180 laparoscopic sacral colpopexies done by four attending urogynecologists from January 2009 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was operative time. Secondary outcomes included conversion to laparotomy, estimated blood loss, and intra- and postoperative complications. Linear regression was used to analyze trends in operative times. Fisher's exact test compared surgical complications and counts of categorical variables. Mean total operative time was 250 ± 52 min (range 146-452) with hysterectomy and 222 ± 45 (range 146-353) for sacral colpopexy alone. When compared with the first ten cases performed by each surgeon, operative times in subsequent groups decreased significantly, with a 6-16.3% reduction in overall times. There was no significant difference in the rate of overall complications regardless of the number of prior procedures performed (p = 0.262). Introduction of laparoscopic sacral colpopexy in a training program is safe and efficient. Reduction in operative time is similar to published learning curves in teaching and nonteaching settings. Introducing this technique does not add additional surgical risk as these skills are acquired.

  3. Detection of ESR1 mutations in plasma and tumors from metastatic breast cancer patients using next-generation sequencing.

    PubMed

    Yanagawa, Takehiro; Kagara, Naofumi; Miyake, Tomohiro; Tanei, Tomonori; Naoi, Yasuto; Shimoda, Masafumi; Shimazu, Kenzo; Kim, Seung Jin; Noguchi, Shinzaburo

    2017-06-01

    Liquid biopsy using digital PCR (dPCR) has been widely used for the screening of ESR1 mutations, since they are frequently identified in the hotspot. However, dPCR is limited to the known mutations. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to discover novel ESR1 mutations. Whole exon sequencing of the ESR1 gene using NGS was performed in 16 primary and 47 recurrent tumor samples and 38 plasma samples from hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer patients. Functional analyses were then performed for the novel mutations we detected. We identified no mutations in primary tumors and six mutations in five recurrent tumors, including three types of known mutations (Y537C, Y537N, and D538G) and two novel mutations (E279V and G557R). We also identified seven mutations in five plasma samples, including three types of known mutations (S463P, Y537S, and D538G) and one mutation not reported in COSMIC database (L536H). All nine patients with ESR1 mutations were treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) prior to sampling, and the mutations were frequently detected in patients who received AI treatments in the metastatic setting. Among the three novel mutations (E279V, L536H, and G557R), L536H, but not E279V and G557R, showed ligand-independent activity. All three mutant proteins showed nuclear localization and had no relation with non-genomic ER pathways. Although the molecular mechanisms of the E279V and G557R mutations remain unclear, our data suggest the utility of NGS as a liquid biopsy for metastatic breast cancer patients and the potential to identify novel ESR1 mutations.

  4. Latissimus dorsi free flap for coverage of sacral radiodermatitis in the ambulatory patient

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stark, D.; Tofield, J.J.; Terranova, W.

    1987-07-01

    Ambulatory patients with large sacral ulcers can represent extremely challenging coverage problems. Technical options become fewer when sacral ulcers are coupled with radiation dermatitis. Latissimus dorsi free flap transfer, with direct anastomoses to sacral vessels, is described in 2 patients.

  5. Laser immunotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Feifan

    2017-02-01

    Pancreatic cancer is an extremely malignant disease with high mortality rate. Currently there is no effective therapeutic strategy for highly metastatic pancreatic cancers. Laser immunotherapy (LIT) is a combination therapeutic approach of targeted phototherapy and immunotherapy, which could destroy treated primary tumors with elimination of untreated metastases. LIT affords a remarkable efficacy in suppressing tumor growth in pancreatic tumors in mice, and results in complete tumor regression in many cases. LIT could synergize targeted phototherapy and immunological effects of immunoadjuvant, which represent a promising treatment modality to induce systemic antitumor response through a local intervention, paving the way for the treatment of highly metastatic pancreatic cancers.

  6. Specific lymphocyte subsets predict response to adoptive cell therapy using expanded autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in metastatic melanoma patients

    PubMed Central

    Radvanyi, Laszlo G.; Bernatchez, Chantale; Zhang, Minying; Fox, Patricia S.; Miller, Priscilla; Chacon, Jessica; Wu, Richard; Lizee, Gregory; Mahoney, Sandy; Alvarado, Gladys; Glass, Michelle; Johnson, Valen E.; McMannis, John D.; Shpall, Elizabeth; Prieto, Victor; Papadopoulos, Nicholas; Kim, Kevin; Homsi, Jade; Bedikian, Agop; Hwu, Wen-Jen; Patel, Sapna; Ross, Merrick I.; Lee, Jeffrey E.; Gershenwald, Jeffrey E.; Lucci, Anthony; Royal, Richard; Cormier, Janice N.; Davies, Michael A.; Mansaray, Rahmatu; Fulbright, Orenthial J.; Toth, Christopher; Ramachandran, Renjith; Wardell, Seth; Gonzalez, Audrey; Hwu, Patrick

    2012-01-01

    Purpose Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) is a promising treatment for metastatic melanoma unresponsive to conventional therapies. We report here on the results of an ongoing Phase II clinical trial testing the efficacy of ACT using TIL in metastatic melanoma patients and the association of specific patient clinical characteristics and the phenotypic attributes of the infused TIL with clinical response. Experimental Design Altogether, 31 transiently lymphodepleted patients were treated with their expanded TIL followed by two cycles of high-dose (HD) IL-2 therapy. The effects of patient clinical features and the phenotypes of the T-cells infused on clinical response were determined. Results Overall, 15/31 (48.4%) patients had an objective clinical response using immune-related response criteria (irRC), with two patients (6.5%) having a complete response. Progression-free survival of >12 months was observed for 9/15 (60%) of the responding patients. Factors significantly associated with objective tumor regression included a higher number of TIL infused, a higher proportion of CD8+ T-cells in the infusion product, a more differentiated effector phenotype of the CD8+ population and a higher frequency of CD8+ T-cells co-expressing the negative costimulation molecule “B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator” (BTLA). No significant difference in telomere lengths of TIL between responders and non-responders was identified. Conclusion These results indicate that immunotherapy with expanded autologous TIL is capable of achieving durable clinical responses in metastatic melanoma patients and that CD8+ T-cells in the infused TIL, particularly differentiated effectors cells and cells expressing BTLA, are associated with tumor regression. PMID:23032743

  7. KBA62 and PNL2: 2 new melanoma markers-immunohistochemical analysis of 1563 tumors including metastatic, desmoplastic, and mucosal melanomas and their mimics.

    PubMed

    Aung, Phyu Phyu; Sarlomo-Rikala, Maarit; Lasota, Jerzy; Lai, Jin-Ping; Wang, Zeng-Feng; Miettinen, Markku

    2012-02-01

    Identification of metastatic melanoma can be difficult because of its considerable morphologic variation and mimicry of a wide variety of other tumors. The more melanoma-specific melanoma markers, MelanA/MART-1, HMB45, and tyrosinase, used in addition to S100 protein, all have limitations in sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we evaluated 2 new melanoma markers, monoclonal antibodies KBA62 and PNL2 to yet unidentified antigens, using a large panel of metastatic melanomas (n=214), desmoplastic melanomas (n=34), gastrointestinal mucosal melanomas (n=54), benign nevi (n=27), clear cell sarcomas (n=16), and nonmelanocytic tumors (n=1218). Immunoreactivity for KBA62 and PNL2 was found in all pigmented nevi and in 86% and 90% of metastatic melanomas, respectively. Mucosal melanomas showed a similar rate of PNL2 immunoreactivity but somewhat less frequent KBA62 positivity (72%). In addition, KBA62 was found to be a sensitive diagnostic marker for desmoplastic melanoma (28 of 34; 82%), whereas PNL2 was only rarely positive (2 of 34; 6%). KBA62-positive normal tissues included pericytes, vascular and parenchymal smooth muscles, and basal cells of complex epithelia, including myoepithelia, whereas PNL2 labeled only melanocytes and neutrophils. Among nonmelanocytic tumors, those that were KBA62 positive were nodular fasciitis, leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, benign and malignant nerve sheath tumors, synovial sarcoma, and subsets of various carcinomas, especially those with squamous cell/stratified epithelial differentiation. PNL2 positivity in nonmelanocytic tumors was more restricted but occurred consistently in angiomyolipoma and other perivascular epitheloid cell tumor and in chronic myeloid leukemia tissue infiltrates. KBA62 may assist in the identification of desmoplastic melanomas, but its widespread occurrence in nonmelanomas limits utility. PNL2 is highly specific for melanomas but lacks reactivity with desmoplastic melanomas

  8. Alternative site of implantation affects tumor malignancy and metastatic potential in mice: its comparison to the flank model.

    PubMed

    Speroni, Lucia; Bustuoabad, Victoria de Los Angeles; Gasparri, Julieta; Chiaramoni, Nadia Silvia; Taira, María Cristina; Ruggiero, Raúl Alejandro; Alonso, Silvia Del Valle

    2009-02-01

    MC-C fibrosarcoma and B16F0 melanoma tumors were implanted intradermally in the dorsal region of the foot of mice. Tumor progression was compared to standard implantation in the flank. Although foot tumors only reached 13% (MC-C) and 25% (B16F0) of the mean volume of flank tumors, a more malignant phenotype in terms of histology and survival rate was observed in this type of tumors. Moreover, lung metastases were only detected in hosts bearing foot tumors, in contrast to MC-C and B16F0 populations with tumors growing in the flank. In addition, cellular influx and local immune reaction were higher in the dorsal region of the foot. According to our results, the dermis of the flank allows excessive tumor growth due to its low reactivity. Thus, differences in innate and adaptive immune effectors between the evaluated tumor microenvironments would account for the differences in tumor malignancy. Due to its striking differences with the standard flank inoculation, the tumor implantation model herein introduced could be a valuable tool to study the metastatic potential of different cell lines and the microenvironment components affecting tumor growth.

  9. Imaging Mitochondrial Redox Potential and Its Possible Link to Tumor Metastatic Potential

    PubMed Central

    Li, Lin Z.

    2012-01-01

    Cellular redox states can regulate cell metabolism, growth, differentiation, motility, apoptosis, signaling pathways, and gene expressions etc. Growing body of literature suggest importance of redox status for cancer progression. While most studies on redox state were done on cells and tissue lysates, it is important to understand the role of redox state in tissue in vivo/ex vivo and image its heterogeneity. Redox scanning is a clinically-translatable method for imaging tissue mitochondrial redox potential with a submillimeter resolution. Redox scanning data in mouse models of human cancers demonstrate a correlation between mitochondrial redox state and tumor metastatic potential. I will discuss the significance of this correlation and possible directions for future research. PMID:22895837

  10. Tumors exposed to acute cyclic hypoxic stress show enhanced angiogenesis, perfusion and metastatic dissemination.

    PubMed

    Rofstad, Einar K; Gaustad, Jon-Vidar; Egeland, Tormod A M; Mathiesen, Berit; Galappathi, Kanthi

    2010-10-01

    Clinical studies have shown that patients with highly hypoxic primary tumors may have poor disease-free and overall survival rates. Studies of experimental tumors have revealed that acutely hypoxic cells may be more metastatic than normoxic or chronically hypoxic cells. In the present work, causal relations between acute cyclic hypoxia and metastasis were studied by periodically exposing BALB/c nu/nu mice bearing A-07 human melanoma xenografts to a low oxygen atmosphere. The hypoxia treatment consisted of 12 cycles of 10 min of 8% O(2) in N(2) followed by 10 min of air for a total of 4 hr, began on the first day after tumor cell inoculation and was given daily until the tumors reached a volume of 100 mm(3). Twenty-four hours after the last hypoxia exposure, the primary tumors were subjected to dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of blood perfusion before being resected and processed for immunohistochemical examinations of microvascular density and expression of proangiogenic factors. Mice exposed to acute cyclic hypoxia showed increased incidence of pulmonary metastases, and the primary tumors of these mice showed increased blood perfusion, microvascular density and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) expression; whereas, the expression of interleukin-8, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor was unchanged. The increased pulmonary metastasis was most likely a consequence of hypoxia-induced VEGF-A upregulation, which resulted in increased angiogenic activity and blood perfusion in the primary tumor and thus facilitated tumor cell intravasation and hematogenous transport into the general circulation.

  11. Pazopanib Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Progressive Carcinoid Tumors

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-06-01

    Atypical Carcinoid Tumor; Foregut Carcinoid Tumor; Hindgut Carcinoid Tumor; Lung Carcinoid Tumor; Metastatic Carcinoid Tumor; Metastatic Digestive System Neuroendocrine Tumor G1; Midgut Carcinoid Tumor; Recurrent Digestive System Neuroendocrine Tumor G1; Regional Digestive System Neuroendocrine Tumor G1

  12. Identification of VEGF-regulated genes associated with increased lung metastatic potential: functional involvement of tenascin-C in tumor growth and lung metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Calvo, A; Catena, R; Noble, MS; Carbott, D; Gil-Bazo, I; Gonzalez-Moreno, O; Huh, J-I; Sharp, R; Qiu, T-H; Anver, MR; Merlino, G; Dickson, RB; Johnson, MD; Green, JE

    2009-01-01

    Metastasis is the primary cause of death in patients with breast cancer. Overexpression of c-myc in humans correlates with metastases, but transgenic mice only show low rates of micrometastases. We have generated transgenic mice that overexpress both c-myc and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (Myc/VEGF) in the mammary gland, which develop high rates of pulmonary macrometastases. Gene expression profiling revealed a set of deregulated genes in Myc/VEGF tumors compared to Myc tumors associated with the increased metastatic phenotype. Cross-comparisons between this set of genes with a human breast cancer lung metastasis gene signature identified five common targets: tenascin-C (TNC), matrix metalloprotease-2, collagen-6-A1, mannosidase-α-1A and HLA-DPA1. Signaling blockade or knockdown of TNC in MDA-MB-435 cells resulted in a significant impairment of cell migration and anchorage-independent cell proliferation. Mice injected with clonal MDA-MB-435 cells with reduced expression of TNC demonstrated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in (1) primary tumor growth; (2) tumor relapse after surgical removal of the primary tumor and (3) incidence of lung metastasis. Our results demonstrate that VEGF induces complex alterations in tissue architecture and gene expression. The TNC signaling pathway plays an important role in mammary tumor growth and metastases, suggesting that TNC may be a relevant target for therapy against metastatic breast cancer. PMID:18504437

  13. Local and systemic tumor immune dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Enderling, Heiko

    Tumor-associated antigens, stress proteins, and danger-associated molecular patterns are endogenous immune adjuvants that can both initiate and continually stimulate an immune response against a tumor. In retaliation, tumors can hijack intrinsic immune regulatory programs that are intended to prevent autoimmune disease, thereby facilitating continued growth despite the activated antitumor immune response. In metastatic disease, this ongoing tumor-immune battle occurs at each site. Adding an additional layer of complexity, T cells activated at one tumor site can cycle through the blood circulation system and extravasate in a different anatomic location to surveil a distant metastasis. We propose a mathematical modeling framework that incorporates the trafficking of activated T cells between metastatic sites. We extend an ordinary differential equation model of tumor-immune system interactions to multiple metastatic sites. Immune cells are activated in response to tumor burden and tumor cell death, and are recruited from tumor sites elsewhere in the body. A model of T cell trafficking throughout the circulatory system can inform the tumor-immune interaction model about the systemic distribution and arrival of T cells at specific tumor sites. Model simulations suggest that metastases not only contribute to immune surveillance, but also that this contribution varies between metastatic sites. Such information may ultimately help harness the synergy of focal therapy with the immune system to control metastatic disease.

  14. Stereotactic body radiotherapy for primary and metastatic liver tumors - the Mayo Clinic experience.

    PubMed

    Merrell, Kenneth W; Johnson, Jedediah E; Mou, Benjamin; Barney, Brandon M; Nelson, Kathryn E; Mayo, Charles S; Haddock, Michael G; Hallemeier, Christopher L; Olivier, Kenneth R

    2016-01-01

    To better understand the efficacy of liver SBRT we reviewed our prospectively collected institutional SBRT database. Between May 2008 and March 2013, 80 patients with 104 liver lesions received SBRT. The Kaplan-Meier method estimated local control (LC), overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards regression models identified factors associated with LC and OS. The median follow-up for living patients was 38.6 months. Patients had primary (n=17) or metastatic (n=63) tumors. The median tumor size was 2.7 cm (range, 0.6-14.0). The 1 and 4 year rates of LC were 89.4% and 88%, respectively. Colorectal (CRC) metastasis was associated with lower rates of LC (p=0.013). OS at 1 and 4 years was 78% and 25%, respectively. Patients with CRC metastases had higher rates of OS (p=0.03). The occurrence of severe acute and late toxicity was 3.8% and 6.3%, respectively. SBRT should be studied in prospective clinical trials compared with other liver-directed treatment modalities.

  15. Cysts mark the early stage of metastatic tumor development in non-small cell lung cancer

    PubMed Central

    Thakur, Chitra; Rapp, Ulf R.; Rudel, Thomas

    2018-01-01

    Identifying metastatic tumor growth at an early stage has been one of the biggest challenges in the treatment of lung cancer. By genetic lineage tracing approach in a conditional model of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in mice, we demonstrate that cystic lesions represent an early stage of metastatic invasion. We generated a mouse model for NSCLC which incorporated a heritable DsRed fluorescent tag driven by the ubiquitous CAG promoter in the alveolar type II cells of the lung. We found early cystic lesions in a secondary organ (liver) that lacked the expression of bona fide lung makers namely Scgb1a1 and surfactant protein C Sftpc and were DsRed positive hence identifying lung as their source of origin. This demonstrates the significant potential of alveolar type II cells in orchestrating the process of metastasis, rendering it as one of the target cell types of the lung of therapeutic importance in human NSCLC. PMID:29464089

  16. Pubectomy and stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of a non-resectable sacral osteosarcoma causing pelvic canal obstruction in a dog

    PubMed Central

    Randall, Victoria D.; Boston, Sarah E.; Gardner, Heather L.; Griffin, Lynn; Oblak, Michelle L.; Kubicek, Lyndsay

    2016-01-01

    A pubectomy was carried out to relieve obstruction of the pelvic canal in a 6-year-old dog diagnosed with sacral osteosarcoma. Two days after surgery, the dog was ambulatory with normal urination and defecation. Pubectomy is a viable option to relieve clinical signs in patients with pelvic canal obstruction due to a non-resectable tumor. PMID:27587885

  17. Improved Overall Survival with Aggressive Primary Tumor Radiotherapy for Patients with Metastatic Esophageal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Guttmann, David M; Mitra, Nandita; Bekelman, Justin; Metz, James M; Plastaras, John; Feng, Weiwei; Swisher-McClure, Samuel

    2017-07-01

    The aim of this study was to characterize utilization and survival outcomes associated with primary tumor-directed radiotherapy (PTDRT) in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic esophageal cancer. We conducted an observational cohort study using the National Cancer Data Base to evaluate patients with newly diagnosed metastatic esophageal cancer between 2004 and 2012. Overall survival outcomes after treatment with chemotherapy plus conventional palliative dose radiotherapy (<5040 cGy), chemotherapy plus definitive dose radiotherapy (≥5040 cGy), or chemotherapy alone were compared by using Cox proportional hazards models with inverse probability of treatment weighting using the propensity score. Potential unmeasured confounding was assessed through sensitivity analyses. The final cohort consisted of 12,683 patients: 57% were treated with chemotherapy alone, 24% were treated with chemotherapy plus palliative dose radiotherapy, and 19% were treated with chemotherapy plus definitive dose radiotherapy. Compared with chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy plus definitive dose radiotherapy was associated with improved survival (median overall survival of 8.3 versus 11.3 months [hazard ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.70-0.74, p ≤ 0.001]), whereas chemotherapy plus palliative dose radiotherapy was associated with slightly inferior outcomes (median overall survival of 8.3 months versus 7.5 months (hazard ratio = 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.13, p ≤ 0.001). These findings were robust to potential unmeasured confounding in sensitivity analyses. Additionally, landmark analyses confirmed these findings in patients surviving 12 months or longer. Definitive dose, but not conventional palliative dose, PTDRT is associated with improved overall survival in metastatic esophageal cancer, suggesting that local control may be important to prognosis. These findings support integrating PTDRT into future clinical trials aimed at refining personalized treatment for

  18. Biodegradable polymeric micelle-encapsulated doxorubicin suppresses tumor metastasis by killing circulating tumor cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Senyi; Wu, Qinjie; Zhao, Yuwei; Zheng, Xin; Wu, Ni; Pang, Jing; Li, Xuejing; Bi, Cheng; Liu, Xinyu; Yang, Li; Liu, Lei; Su, Weijun; Wei, Yuquan; Gong, Changyang

    2015-03-01

    Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a crucial role in tumor metastasis, but it is rare for any chemotherapy regimen to focus on killing CTCs. Herein, we describe doxorubicin (Dox) micelles that showed anti-metastatic activity by killing CTCs. Dox micelles with a small particle size and high encapsulation efficiency were obtained using a pH-induced self-assembly method. Compared with free Dox, Dox micelles exhibited improved cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and cellular uptake. In addition, Dox micelles showed a sustained release behavior in vitro, and in a transgenic zebrafish model, Dox micelles exhibited a longer circulation time and lower extravasation from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. Anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities of Dox micelles were investigated in transgenic zebrafish and mouse models. In transgenic zebrafish, Dox micelles inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing zebrafish. Furthermore, Dox micelles suppressed tumor metastasis by killing CTCs. In addition, improved anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities were also confirmed in mouse tumor models, where immunofluorescent staining of tumors indicated that Dox micelles induced more apoptosis and showed fewer proliferation-positive cells. There were decreased side effects in transgenic zebrafish and mice after administration of Dox micelles. In conclusion, Dox micelles showed stronger anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities and decreased side effects both in vitro and in vivo, which may have potential applications in cancer therapy.

  19. [Clinical and pathologic observation of uveal metastatic carcinoma].

    PubMed

    Cong, C X; Lin, J Y; Wang, L H

    2016-10-11

    Objective: To observe the clinical and pathological features of uveal metastatic carcinoma. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. The clinical manifestation, growth pattern, tumor types and relative pathological features of 13 patients visiting from January 1980 to December 2014 with uveal metastatic carcinoma in Tianjin Eye Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 13 cases, 6 cases of male and 7 of female. Age was from 37.0 to 66.0 years old. The mean age was 52.1 years old. all cases were monocular. There were 5 cases with right eye and 8 cases with left eye. Among 13 cases, 10 tumors were in posterior choroid, one tumor was in anterior choroid and ciliary body, 2 tumors were in the iris. There were 5 patients with lung cancer, 4 patients with breast cancer, 1 patient with prostate cancer, 1 patient with thyroid cancer and 1 patient with esophageal cancer. The primary tumor wasn't found in 1 patient. The rapid decrease of visual acuity showed in 10 patients with posterior choroidal metastatic carcinoma, 8 of them accompanied with extensive retinal detachment and 6 of them had secondary glaucoma. The multiple gray-white nodule or pink cauliflower mass on the papillary margin of iris were showed respectively in 2 patients with iris metastatic carcinoma. The pathological examination found that posterior choroidal metastatic carcinoma mainly located in temporal or nasal side choroids in 10 cases, among them, local or diffuse flat choroidal masses showed in 6cases, extensive mass involving choroid and ciliary body showed in 1 case, large nodular or globular choroidal mass showed in 2 cases, choroidal mass surrounded the optic disc in 1 case, optic nerve invasion showed in 3 cases and extraocular or orbital invasion showed in 3 cases. The scleral and subconjunctival invasion showed in 1 case of anterior choroid and ciliary body metastatic carcinoma. Conclusions: Uveal metastatic carcinoma manifested various growth pattern, the rapid

  20. Mechanisms underlying recurrent inhibition in the sacral parasympathetic outflow to the urinary bladder.

    PubMed Central

    de Groat, W C

    1976-01-01

    1. In cats with the sacral dorsal roots cut on one side electrical stimulation (15-40 c/s) of the central end of the transected ipsilateral pelvic nerve depressed spontaneous bladder contractions. The depression was abolished by transecting the ipsilateral sacral ventral roots. 2. Electrical stimulation of acutely or chronically transected ('deafferented') sacral ventral roots depressed spontaneous bladder contractions and the firing of sacral parasympathetic preganglionic neurones innervating the bladder. The depression of neuronal firing occurred ipsilateral and contralateral to the point of stimulation, but only occurred with stimulation of sacral roots containing preganglionic axons and only with stimulation of sacral roots containing preganglionic axons and only at intensities of stimulation (0-7-4V) above the threshold for activation of these axons. 3. The inhibitory responses were not abolished by strychnine administered by micro-electrophoresis to preganglionic neurones, but were blocked by the intravenous administration of strychnine. 4. The firing of preganglionic neurones elicited by micro-electrophoretic administration of an excitant amino acid (DL-homocysteic acid) was not depressed by stimulation of the ventral roots. 5. It is concluded that the inhibition of the sacral outflow to the bladder by stimulation of sacral ventral roots is related to antidromic activation of vesical preganglionic axons. Collaterals of these axons must excite inhibitory interneurones which in turn depress transmission at a site on the micturition reflex pathway prior to the preganglionic neurones. PMID:950603

  1. Combination of Ipilimumab and Adoptive Cell Therapy with Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Patients with Metastatic Melanoma.

    PubMed

    Mullinax, John E; Hall, MacLean; Prabhakaran, Sangeetha; Weber, Jeffrey; Khushalani, Nikhil; Eroglu, Zeynep; Brohl, Andrew S; Markowitz, Joseph; Royster, Erica; Richards, Allison; Stark, Valerie; Zager, Jonathan S; Kelley, Linda; Cox, Cheryl; Sondak, Vernon K; Mulé, James J; Pilon-Thomas, Shari; Sarnaik, Amod A

    2018-01-01

    Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for metastatic melanoma can be highly effective, but attrition due to progression before TIL administration (32% in prior institutional experience) remains a limitation. We hypothesized that combining ACT with cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 blockade would decrease attrition and allow more patients to receive TIL. Thirteen patients with metastatic melanoma were enrolled. Patients received four doses of ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) beginning 2 weeks prior to tumor resection for TIL generation, then 1 week after resection, and 2 and 5 weeks after preconditioning chemotherapy and TIL infusion followed by interleukin-2. The primary endpoint was safety and feasibility. Secondary endpoints included of clinical response at 12 weeks and at 1 year after TIL transfer, progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). All patients received at least two doses of ipilimumab, and 12 of the 13 (92%) received TIL. A median of 6.5 × 10 10 (2.3 × 10 10 to 1.0 × 10 11 ) TIL were infused. At 12 weeks following infusion, there were five patients who experienced objective response (38.5%), four of whom continued in objective response at 1 year and one of which became a complete response at 52 months. Median progression-free survival was 7.3 months (95% CI 6.1-29.9 months). Grade ≥ 3 immune-related adverse events included hypothyroidism (3), hepatitis (2), uveitis (1), and colitis (1). Ipilimumab plus ACT for metastatic melanoma is feasible, well tolerated, and associated with a low rate of attrition due to progression during cell expansion. This combination approach serves as a model for future efforts to improve the efficacy of ACT.

  2. An in vitro correlation of mechanical forces and metastatic capacity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Indra, Indrajyoti; Undyala, Vishnu; Kandow, Casey; Thirumurthi, Umadevi; Dembo, Micah; Beningo, Karen A.

    2011-02-01

    Mechanical forces have a major influence on cell migration and are predicted to significantly impact cancer metastasis, yet this idea is currently poorly defined. In this study we have asked if changes in traction stress and migratory properties correlate with the metastatic progression of tumor cells. For this purpose, four murine breast cancer cell lines derived from the same primary tumor, but possessing increasing metastatic capacity, were tested for adhesion strength, traction stress, focal adhesion organization and for differential migration rates in two-dimensional and three-dimensional environments. Using traction force microscopy (TFM), we were surprised to find an inverse relationship between traction stress and metastatic capacity, such that force production decreased as the metastatic capacity increased. Consistent with this observation, adhesion strength exhibited an identical profile to the traction data. A count of adhesions indicated a general reduction in the number as metastatic capacity increased but no difference in the maturation as determined by the ratio of nascent to mature adhesions. These changes correlated well with a reduction in active beta-1 integrin with increasing metastatic ability. Finally, in two dimensions, wound healing, migration and persistence were relatively low in the entire panel, maintaining a downward trend with increasing metastatic capacity. Why metastatic cells would migrate so poorly prompted us to ask if the loss of adhesive parameters in the most metastatic cells indicated a switch to a less adhesive mode of migration that would only be detected in a three-dimensional environment. Indeed, in three-dimensional migration assays, the most metastatic cells now showed the greatest linear speed. We conclude that traction stress, adhesion strength and rate of migration do indeed change as tumor cells progress in metastatic capacity and do so in a dimension-sensitive manner.

  3. Metastatic Breast Cancer in Uterine Cervix: A Rare Presentation.

    PubMed

    Proença, Sara; Reis, Maria Inês; Cominho, Joana; Conde, Pedro Casado; Santos E Pereira, Helena; Ribeiro, Filipa Castro

    2016-01-01

    Uterine cervix involvement by a distant primary tumor is a rare event. We report the following 2 cases of breast tumor metastasis to the uterine cervix with different presentations: case 1 is an isolated cervix metastasis and case 2 is a disseminated metastatic disease with cervix involvement. In both, clinical examination raised the suspicion of cervical tumor, which was confirmed to be a metastatic adenocarcinoma.The poor outcome and lack of symptoms suggest that although its rareness, all patients with breast cancer should undergo a careful routine gynecologic examination.

  4. Vascular Functional Imaging and Physiological Environment of Hyperplasia, Non-Metastatic and Metastatic Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-10-01

    Specific Aim 1). The overall goal of this research proposal is to use noninvasive Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging (I) and Spectroscopy (S) to answer the... spectroscopy in establishing the role of nm23 genes in tumor metabolism and metastatic dissemination. INTRODUCTION Despite continuing advances in the...cellular mechanisms by which the nm23 protein suppresses metastatic phenotypic expression is as yet unknown. Here we have used 3 1P NMR spectroscopy to

  5. Gene expression profiles help identify the tissue of origin for metastatic brain cancers.

    PubMed

    Wu, Alan H B; Drees, Julia C; Wang, Hangpin; VandenBerg, Scott R; Lal, Anita; Henner, William D; Pillai, Raji

    2010-04-26

    Metastatic brain cancers are the most common intracranial tumor and occur in about 15% of all cancer patients. In up to 10% of these patients, the primary tumor tissue remains unknown, even after a time consuming and costly workup. The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test (Pathwork Diagnostics, Redwood City, CA, USA) is a gene expression test to aid in the diagnosis of metastatic, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors. It measures the expression pattern of 1,550 genes in these tumors and compares it to the expression pattern of a panel of 15 known tumor types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Tissue of Origin Test in the diagnosis of primary sites for metastatic brain cancer patients. Fifteen fresh-frozen metastatic brain tumor specimens of known origins met specimen requirements. These specimens were entered into the study and processed using the Tissue of Origin Test. Results were compared to the known primary site and the agreement between the two results was assessed. Fourteen of the fifteen specimens produced microarray data files that passed all quality metrics. One originated from a tissue type that was off-panel. Among the remaining 13 cases, the Tissue of Origin Test accurately predicted the available diagnosis in 12/13 (92.3%) cases. This study demonstrates the accuracy of the Tissue of Origin Test when applied to predict the tissue of origin of metastatic brain tumors. This test could be a very useful tool for pathologists as they classify metastatic brain cancers.

  6. Gene expression profiles help identify the Tissue of Origin for metastatic brain cancers

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Metastatic brain cancers are the most common intracranial tumor and occur in about 15% of all cancer patients. In up to 10% of these patients, the primary tumor tissue remains unknown, even after a time consuming and costly workup. The Pathwork® Tissue of Origin Test (Pathwork Diagnostics, Redwood City, CA, USA) is a gene expression test to aid in the diagnosis of metastatic, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors. It measures the expression pattern of 1,550 genes in these tumors and compares it to the expression pattern of a panel of 15 known tumor types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Tissue of Origin Test in the diagnosis of primary sites for metastatic brain cancer patients. Methods Fifteen fresh-frozen metastatic brain tumor specimens of known origins met specimen requirements. These specimens were entered into the study and processed using the Tissue of Origin Test. Results were compared to the known primary site and the agreement between the two results was assessed. Results Fourteen of the fifteen specimens produced microarray data files that passed all quality metrics. One originated from a tissue type that was off-panel. Among the remaining 13 cases, the Tissue of Origin Test accurately predicted the available diagnosis in 12/13 (92.3%) cases. Discussion This study demonstrates the accuracy of the Tissue of Origin Test when applied to predict the tissue of origin of metastatic brain tumors. This test could be a very useful tool for pathologists as they classify metastatic brain cancers. PMID:20420692

  7. Evaluation of PD-L1 expression on vortex-isolated circulating tumor cells in metastatic lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Dhar, Manjima; Wong, Jessica; Che, James; Matsumoto, Melissa; Grogan, Tristan; Elashoff, David; Garon, Edward B; Goldman, Jonathan W; Sollier Christen, Elodie; Di Carlo, Dino; Kulkarni, Rajan P

    2018-02-07

    Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly fatal and immunogenic malignancy. Although the immune system is known to recognize these tumor cells, one mechanism by which NSCLC can evade the immune system is via overexpression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Recent clinical trials of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors have returned promising clinical responses. Important for personalizing therapy, patients with higher intensity staining for PD-L1 on tumor biopsies responded better. Thus, there has been interest in using PD-L1 tumor expression as a criterion for patient selection. Currently available methods of screening involve invasive tumor biopsy, followed by histological grading of PD-L1 levels. Biopsies have a high risk of complications, and only allow sampling from limited tumor sections, which may not reflect overall tumor heterogeneity. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) PD-L1 levels could aid in screening patients, and could supplement tissue PD-L1 biopsy results by testing PD-L1 expression from disseminated tumor sites. Towards establishing CTCs as a screening tool, we developed a protocol to isolate CTCs at high purity and immunostain for PD-L1. Monitoring of PD-L1 expression on CTCs could be an additional biomarker for precision medicine that may help in determining response to immunotherapies.

  8. Minimally invasive liver resection to obtain tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for adoptive cell therapy in patients with metastatic melanoma

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in patients with metastatic melanoma has been reported to have a 56% overall response rate with 20% complete responders. To increase the availability of this promising therapy in patients with advanced melanoma, a minimally invasive approach to procure tumor for TIL generation is warranted. Methods A feasibility study was performed to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection to generate TIL for ACT. Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified 22 patients with advanced melanoma and visceral metastasis (AJCC Stage M1c) who underwent laparoscopic liver resection between 1 October 2005 and 31 July 2011. The indication for resection in all patients was to receive postoperative ACT with TIL. Results Twenty patients (91%) underwent resection utilizing a closed laparoscopic technique, one required hand-assistance and another required conversion to open resection. Median intraoperative blood loss was 100 mL with most cases performed without a Pringle maneuver. Median hospital stay was 3 days. Three (14%) patients experienced a complication from resection with no mortality. TIL were generated from 18 of 22 (82%) patients. Twelve of 15 (80%) TIL tested were found to have in vitro tumor reactivity. Eleven patients (50%) received the intended ACT. Two patients were rendered no evidence of disease after surgical resection, with one undergoing delayed ACT with generated TIL after relapse. Objective tumor response was seen in 5 of 11 patients (45%) who received TIL, with one patient experiencing an ongoing complete response (32+ months). Conclusions Laparoscopic liver resection can be performed with minimal morbidity and serve as an effective means to procure tumor to generate therapeutic TIL for ACT to patients with metastatic melanoma. PMID:22726267

  9. Measuring the metastatic potential of cancer cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morrison, Dennis R.; Gratzner, Howard; Atassi, M. Z.

    1993-01-01

    Cancer cells must secrete proteolytic enzymes to invade adjacent tissues and migrate to a new metastatic site. Urokinase (uPA) is a key enzyme related to metastasis in cancers of the lung, colon, gastric, uterine, breast, brain, and malignant melanoma. A NASA technology utilization project has combined fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and flow cytometry, using fluorescent dyes, and urokinase-specific antibodies to measure uPA and abnormal DNA levels (related to cancer cell proliferation) inside the cancer cells. The project is focused on developing quantitative measurements to determine if a patient's tumor cells are actively metastasizing. If a significant number of tumor cells contain large amounts of uPA (esp. membrane-bound) then the post-surgical chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be targeted for metastatic cells that have already left the primary tumor. These analytical methods have been applied to a retrospective study of biopsy tissues from 150 node negative, stage 1 breast cancer patients. Cytopathology and image analysis has shown that uPA is present in high levels in many breast cancer cells, but not found in normal breast. Significant amounts of uPA also have been measured in glioma cell lines cultured from brain tumors. Commercial applications include new diagnostic tests for metastatic cells, in different cancers, which are being developed with a company that provides a medical testing service using flow cytometry for DNA analysis and hormone receptors on tumor cells from patient biopsies. This research also may provide the basis for developing a new 'magic bullet' treatment against metastasis using chemotherapeutic drugs or radioisotopes attached to urokinase-specific monoclonal antibodies that will only bind to metastatic cells.

  10. miR-16-5p Is a Stably-Expressed Housekeeping MicroRNA in Breast Cancer Tissues from Primary Tumors and from Metastatic Sites.

    PubMed

    Rinnerthaler, Gabriel; Hackl, Hubert; Gampenrieder, Simon Peter; Hamacher, Frank; Hufnagl, Clemens; Hauser-Kronberger, Cornelia; Zehentmayr, Franz; Fastner, Gerd; Sedlmayer, Felix; Mlineritsch, Brigitte; Greil, Richard

    2016-01-26

    For quantitative microRNA analyses in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, expression levels have to be normalized to endogenous controls. To investigate the most stably-expressed microRNAs in breast cancer and its surrounding tissue, we used tumor samples from primary tumors and from metastatic sites. MiRNA profiling using TaqMan(®) Array Human MicroRNA Cards, enabling quantification of 754 unique human miRNAs, was performed in FFPE specimens from 58 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Forty-two (72%) samples were collected from primary tumors and 16 (28%) from metastases. In a cross-platform analysis of a validation cohort of 32 FFPE samples from patients with early breast cancer genome-wide microRNA expression analysis using SurePrintG3 miRNA (8 × 60 K)(®) microarrays from Agilent(®) was performed. Eleven microRNAs could be detected in all samples analyzed. Based on NormFinder and geNorm stability values and the high correlation (rho ≥ 0.8) with the median of all measured microRNAs, miR-16-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-126-3p, and miR-222-3p are suitable single gene housekeeper candidates. In the cross-platform validation, 29 human microRNAs were strongly expressed (mean log2-intensity > 10) and 21 of these microRNAs including miR-16-5p and miR-29a-3p were also stably expressed (CV < 5%). Thus, miR-16-5p and miR-29a-3p are both strong housekeeper candidates. Their Normfinder stability values calculated across the primary tumor and metastases subgroup indicate that miR-29a-3p can be considered as the strongest housekeeper in a cohort with mainly samples from primary tumors, whereas miR-16-5p might perform better in a metastatic sample enriched cohort.

  11. The NETPET Score: Combining FDG and Somatostatin Receptor Imaging for Optimal Management of Patients with Metastatic Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors.

    PubMed

    Hindié, Elif

    2017-01-01

    Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are often metastatic at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic well-differentiated (G1/G2) NET may display a wide range of behaviors, ranging from indolent to aggressive, even within apparently homogeneous categories. Thus, selecting the optimal treatment strategy is a challenging task. Somatostatin receptor imaging (SRI) is the standard molecular imaging technique for well-differentiated NET. When performed with 68 Ga-labeled somatostatin analogs (SRI-PET), it offers exquisite sensitivity for disease staging. SRI is also a prerequisite for using targeted radionuclide therapy (e.g. 177 Lu-DOTATATE). 18F-FDG imaging has traditionally been reserved for staging poorly-differentiated G3 neuroendocrine carcinomas. However, recent data showed that FDG imaging has prognostic value in patients with well-differentiated NET: high uptake was associated with an increased risk of early progression while low uptake suggested an indolent tumor. In this issue of the Journal, Chan and colleagues propose a grading system where the results from the combined reading of SRI-PET and FDG-PET are reported as a single parameter, the "NETPET" score. While the scoring system still needs validation, it is clear that time has come to think about FDG and SRI in metastatic NET not as competitors but as complementary imaging modalities. Dual-tracer imaging can be viewed as a way to characterize disease phenotype in the whole-body. Moving from the prognostic value of dual-tracer imaging to a tool that allows for individualized management would require prospective trials. This editorial will argue that dual-tracer FDG-PET and SRI-PET might influence management of patients with well-differentiated metastatic NET and help selecting between different therapy options.

  12. Circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer: timing of blood extraction for analysis.

    PubMed

    Martín, Miguel; García-Sáenz, José Angel; Maestro De las Casas, Maria Luisa; Vidaurreta, Marta; Puente, Javier; Veganzones, Silvia; Rodríguez-Lajusticia, Laura; De la Orden, Virginia; Oliva, Belén; De la Torre, Julio-César; López-Tarruella, Sara; Casado, Antonio; Sastre, Javier; Díaz-Rubio, Eduardo

    2009-10-01

    Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected in the peripheral blood of around 50% of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Their numbers are an independent predictor of the patient's progression-free survival (PFS) and of overall survival (OS). However, to date, none of the studies carried out with the most commonly used system of CTC determination (the CellSearch System, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration) has examined the intra-patient variation in CTC numbers, a variation that could impact on prognosis assessment. To evaluate possible circadian variations in the number of CTCs in patients with breast cancer a pilot study was conducted in which these cells were quantified 12 h apart (at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. of the same day) in a cohort of hospitalized patients with metastatic breast cancer. Out of the 58 patients included in the study, 51 were evaluable. No statistically significant differences between day-time and night-time CTC numbers were observed (p=0.8427, Wilcoxon matched pair test). Only two of the patients were classified in different prognostic categories in the morning and night determinations (5 or more CTCs=poor prognosis group; <5 CTCs=good prognosis group). The prognostic classification of the remaining 49 patients was the same at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The number of peripheral blood CTCs in metastatic breast cancer patients is not significantly different at 8:00 a.m. from that at 8:00 p.m. and, as such, indicates a lack of circadian rhythm with respect to CTC numbers in these patients.

  13. Cancer stemness and metastatic potential of the novel tumor cell line K3: an inner mutated cell of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

    PubMed

    Qian, Hui; Ding, Xiaoqing; Zhang, Jiao; Mao, Fei; Sun, Zixuan; Jia, Haoyuan; Yin, Lei; Wang, Mei; Zhang, Xu; Zhang, Bin; Yan, Yongmin; Zhu, Wei; Xu, Wenrong

    2017-06-13

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has been used for therapeutic applications in various diseases. Here we report MSCs can malignantly transform in vivo. The novel neoplasm was found on the tail of female rat after injection with male rat bone marrow-derived MSCs (rBM-MSCs) and the new tumor cell line, K3, was isolated from the neoplasm. The K3 cells expressed surface antigens and pluripotent genes similar to those of rBM-MSCs and presented tumor cell features. Moreover, the K3 cells contained side population cells (SP) like cancer stem cells (CSCs), which might contribute to K3 heterogeneity and tumorigenic capacity. To investigate the metastatic potential of K3 cells, we established the nude mouse models of liver and lung metastases and isolated the corresponding metastatic cell lines K3-F4 and K3-B6. Both K3-F4 and K3-B6 cell lines with higher metastatic potential acquired more mesenchymal and stemness-related features. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a potential mechanism of K3-F4 and K3-B6 formation.

  14. Proteolysis-a characteristic of tumor-initiating cells in murine metastatic breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Hillebrand, Larissa E.; Bengsch, Fee; Hochrein, Jochen; Hülsdünker, Jan; Bender, Julia; Follo, Marie; Busch, Hauke; Boerries, Melanie; Reinheckel, Thomas

    2016-01-01

    Tumor initiating cells (TICs) have been identified and functionally characterized in hematological malignancies as well as in solid tumors such as breast cancer. In addition to their high tumor-initiating potential, TICs are founder cells for metastasis formation and are involved in chemotherapy resistance. In this study we explored molecular pathways which enable this tumor initiating potential for a cancer cell subset of the transgenic MMTV-PyMT mouse model for metastasizing breast cancer. The cell population, characterized by the marker profile CD24+CD90+CD45−, showed a high tumorigenicity compared to non-CD24+CD90+CD45− cancer cells in colony formation assays, as well as upon orthotopic transplantation into the mammary fat pad of mice. In addition, these orthotopically grown CD24+CD90+CD45− TICs metastasized to the lungs. The transcriptome of TICs freshly isolated from primary tumors by cell sorting was compared with that of sorted non-CD24+CD90+CD45− cancer cells by RNA-seq. In addition to more established TIC signatures, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or mitogen signaling, an upregulated gene set comprising several classes of proteolytic enzymes was uncovered in the TICs. Accordingly, TICs showed high intra- and extracellular proteolytic activity. Application of a broad range of protease inhibitors to TICs in a colony formation assay reduced anchorage independent growth and had an impact on colony morphology in 3D cell culture assays. We conclude that CD24+CD90+CD45− cells of the MMTV- PyMT mouse model possess an upregulated proteolytic signature which could very well represent a functional hallmark of metastatic TICs from mammary carcinomas. PMID:27542270

  15. The key role of extracellular vesicles in the metastatic process.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Hongyun; Achreja, Abhinav; Iessi, Elisabetta; Logozzi, Mariantonia; Mizzoni, Davide; Di Raimo, Rossella; Nagrath, Deepak; Fais, Stefano

    2018-01-01

    Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, have a key role in the paracrine communication between organs and compartments. EVs shuttle virtually all types of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, metabolites and even pharmacological compounds. Their ability to transfer their biomolecular cargo into target cells enables EVs to play a key role in intercellular communication that can regulate cellular functions such as proliferation, apoptosis and migration. This has led to the emergence of EVs as a key player in tumor growth and metastasis through the formation of "tumor niches" in target organs. Recent data have also been shown that EVs may transform the microenvironment of primary tumors thus favoring the selection of cancer cells with a metastatic behavior. The release of EVs from resident non-malignant cells may contribute to the metastatic processes as well. However, cancer EVs may induce malignant transformation in resident mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting that the metastatic process is not exclusively due to circulating tumor cells. In this review, we outline and discuss evidence-based roles of EVs in actively regulating multiple steps of the metastatic process and how we can leverage EVs to impair metastasis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Modeling pre-metastatic lymphvascular niche in the mouse ear sponge assay

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    García-Caballero, Melissa; van de Velde, Maureen; Blacher, Silvia; Lambert, Vincent; Balsat, Cédric; Erpicum, Charlotte; Durré, Tania; Kridelka, Frédéric; Noel, Agnès

    2017-01-01

    Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels, occurs in primary tumors and in draining lymph nodes leading to pre-metastatic niche formation. Reliable in vivo models are becoming instrumental for investigating alterations occurring in lymph nodes before tumor cell arrival. In this study, we demonstrate that B16F10 melanoma cell encapsulation in a biomaterial, and implantation in the mouse ear, prevents their rapid lymphatic spread observed when cells are directly injected in the ear. Vascular remodeling in lymph nodes was detected two weeks after sponge implantation, while their colonization by tumor cells occurred two weeks later. In this model, a huge lymphangiogenic response was induced in primary tumors and in pre-metastatic and metastatic lymph nodes. In control lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels were confined to the cortex. In contrast, an enlargement and expansion of lymphatic vessels towards paracortical and medullar areas occurred in pre-metastatic lymph nodes. We designed an original computerized-assisted quantification method to examine the lymphatic vessel structure and the spatial distribution. This new reliable and accurate model is suitable for in vivo studies of lymphangiogenesis, holds promise for unraveling the mechanisms underlying lymphatic metastases and pre-metastatic niche formation in lymph nodes, and will provide new tools for drug testing.

  17. Assessment of the role of circulating breast cancer cells in tumor formation and metastatic potential using in vivo flow cytometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hwu, Derrick; Boutrus, Steven; Greiner, Cherry; Dimeo, Theresa; Kuperwasser, Charlotte; Georgakoudi, Irene

    2011-04-01

    The identification of breast cancer patients who will ultimately progress to metastatic disease is of significant clinical importance. The quantification and assessment of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been proposed as one strategy to monitor treatment effectiveness and disease prognosis. However, CTCs have been an elusive population of cells to study because of their small number and difficulties associated with isolation protocols. In vivo flow cytometry (IVFC) can overcome these limitations and provide insights in the role these cells play during primary and metastatic tumor growth. In this study, we used two-color IVFC to examine, for up to ten weeks following orthotopic implantation, changes in the number of circulating human breast cells expressing GFP and a population of circulating hematopoietic cells with strong autofluorescence. We found that the number of detected CTCs in combination with the number of red autofluorescent cells (650 to 690 nm) during the first seven days following implantation was predictive in development of tumor formation and metastasis eight weeks later. These results suggest that the combined detection of these two cell populations could offer a novel approach in the monitoring and prognosis of breast cancer progression, which in turn could aid significantly in their effective treatment.

  18. Metastatic clear-cell hidradenocarcinoma of the vulva.

    PubMed

    Messing, M J; Richardson, M S; Smith, M T; King, L; Gallup, D G

    1993-02-01

    Clear-cell hidradenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor of sweat gland origin. It is most often found on the trunk, head, and extremities. This case report describes a rare occurrence of this tumor on the vulva of a young woman. The discovery of metastatic disease reflects the potentially aggressive nature of this tumor.

  19. Differential Inhibition of Ex-Vivo Tumor Kinase Activity by Vemurafenib in BRAF(V600E) and BRAF Wild-Type Metastatic Malignant Melanoma

    PubMed Central

    Tahiri, Andliena; Røe, Kathrine; Ree, Anne H.; de Wijn, Rik; Risberg, Karianne; Busch, Christian; Lønning, Per E.; Kristensen, Vessela; Geisler, Jürgen

    2013-01-01

    Background Treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma patients harboring BRAF(V600E) has improved drastically after the discovery of the BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib. However, drug resistance is a recurring problem, and prognoses are still very bad for patients harboring BRAF wild-type. Better markers for targeted therapy are therefore urgently needed. Methodology In this study, we assessed the individual kinase activity profiles in 26 tumor samples obtained from patients with metastatic malignant melanoma using peptide arrays with 144 kinase substrates. In addition, we studied the overall ex-vivo inhibitory effects of vemurafenib and sunitinib on kinase activity status. Results Overall kinase activity was significantly higher in lysates from melanoma tumors compared to normal skin tissue. Furthermore, ex-vivo incubation with both vemurafenib and sunitinib caused significant decrease in phosphorylation of kinase substrates, i.e kinase activity. While basal phosphorylation profiles were similar in BRAF wild-type and BRAF(V600E) tumors, analysis with ex-vivo vemurafenib treatment identified a subset of 40 kinase substrates showing stronger inhibition in BRAF(V600E) tumor lysates, distinguishing the BRAF wild-type and BRAF(V600E) tumors. Interestingly, a few BRAF wild-type tumors showed inhibition profiles similar to BRAF(V600E) tumors. The kinase inhibitory effect of vemurafenib was subsequently analyzed in cell lines harboring different BRAF mutational status with various vemurafenib sensitivity in-vitro. Conclusions Our findings suggest that multiplex kinase substrate array analysis give valuable information about overall tumor kinase activity. Furthermore, intra-assay exposure to kinase inhibiting drugs may provide a useful tool to study mechanisms of resistance, as well as to identify predictive markers. PMID:24023633

  20. Presacral abscess as a rare complication of sacral nerve stimulator implantation.

    PubMed

    Gumber, A; Ayyar, S; Varia, H; Pettit, S

    2017-03-01

    A 50-year-old man with intractable anal pain attributed to proctalgia fugax underwent insertion of a sacral nerve stimulator via the right S3 vertebral foramen for pain control with good symptomatic relief. Thirteen months later, he presented with signs of sepsis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large presacral abscess. MRI demonstrated increased enhancement along the pathway of the stimulator electrode, indicating that the abscess was caused by infection introduced at the time of sacral nerve stimulator placement. The patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, and the sacral nerve stimulator and electrode were removed. Attempts were made to drain the abscess transrectally using minimally invasive techniques but these were unsuccessful and CT guided transperineal drainage was then performed. Despite this, the presacral abscess progressed, developing enlarging gas locules and extending to the pelvic brim to involve the aortic bifurcation, causing hydronephrosis and radiological signs of impending sacral osteomyelitis. MRI showed communication between the rectum and abscess resulting from transrectal drainage. In view of the progressive presacral sepsis, a laparotomy was performed with drainage of the abscess, closure of the upper rectum and formation of a defunctioning end sigmoid colostomy. Following this, the presacral infection resolved. Presacral abscess formation secondary to an infected sacral nerve stimulator electrode has not been reported previously. Our experience suggests that in a similar situation, the optimal management is to perform laparotomy with drainage of the presacral abscess together with simultaneous removal of the sacral nerve stimulator and electrode.

  1. Presacral abscess as a rare complication of sacral nerve stimulator implantation

    PubMed Central

    Gumber, A; Ayyar, S; Varia, H

    2017-01-01

    A 50-year-old man with intractable anal pain attributed to proctalgia fugax underwent insertion of a sacral nerve stimulator via the right S3 vertebral foramen for pain control with good symptomatic relief. Thirteen months later, he presented with signs of sepsis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large presacral abscess. MRI demonstrated increased enhancement along the pathway of the stimulator electrode, indicating that the abscess was caused by infection introduced at the time of sacral nerve stimulator placement. The patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, and the sacral nerve stimulator and electrode were removed. Attempts were made to drain the abscess transrectally using minimally invasive techniques but these were unsuccessful and CT guided transperineal drainage was then performed. Despite this, the presacral abscess progressed, developing enlarging gas locules and extending to the pelvic brim to involve the aortic bifurcation, causing hydronephrosis and radiological signs of impending sacral osteomyelitis. MRI showed communication between the rectum and abscess resulting from transrectal drainage. In view of the progressive presacral sepsis, a laparotomy was performed with drainage of the abscess, closure of the upper rectum and formation of a defunctioning end sigmoid colostomy. Following this, the presacral infection resolved. Presacral abscess formation secondary to an infected sacral nerve stimulator electrode has not been reported previously. Our experience suggests that in a similar situation, the optimal management is to perform laparotomy with drainage of the presacral abscess together with simultaneous removal of the sacral nerve stimulator and electrode. PMID:28071947

  2. [Sacral pressure sores and their treatment].

    PubMed

    Bielecki, Marek; Skowroński, Rafał; Skowroński, Jan

    2006-01-01

    Sacral bed sores still present a serious problem in most surgery departments. They occur mainly in elderly patients of limited mobility. The treatment of such sores extends over long periods of time and therefore involves considerable costs. The material consisted of 11 sacral pressure ulcers treated surgically. The sores occurred in 4 severely disabled patients suffering from proximal third femur fractures, 4 patients with traumatic brain injury (treated in the Intensive Care Unit), and 3 patients suffering from bed sores after spinal cord injury. In 6 patients a fasciocutaneous flap was applied to the sores and in 5 cases a pedicled musculocutaneous gluteus maximus flap. The end results were assessed using Seiler's criteria. Complications of the "seroma" type were observed in 3 patients, and in 2 marginal necrosis. In all our patients complete healing was achieved within 2-4 weeks. On analysing our experience to date in surgical treatment of bed sores we are of the opinion that even extensive sacral sores can be covered with unilateral pedicled flaps provided that they are appropriately planned. Deep sores of the 4th degree sometimes with concomitant osteomyelitis require pedicled muscle flaps or in some cases musculocutaneous flaps to improve local circulation. The preparation of the patient for reconstruction surgery is just as important as the operation itself and therefore such preparation should never be neglected.

  3. Tumor-propagating cells and Yap/Taz activity contribute to lung tumor progression and metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Lau, Allison N; Curtis, Stephen J; Fillmore, Christine M; Rowbotham, Samuel P; Mohseni, Morvarid; Wagner, Darcy E; Beede, Alexander M; Montoro, Daniel T; Sinkevicius, Kerstin W; Walton, Zandra E; Barrios, Juliana; Weiss, Daniel J; Camargo, Fernando D; Wong, Kwok-Kin; Kim, Carla F

    2014-01-01

    Metastasis is the leading cause of morbidity for lung cancer patients. Here we demonstrate that murine tumor propagating cells (TPCs) with the markers Sca1 and CD24 are enriched for metastatic potential in orthotopic transplantation assays. CD24 knockdown decreased the metastatic potential of lung cancer cell lines resembling TPCs. In lung cancer patient data sets, metastatic spread and patient survival could be stratified with a murine lung TPC gene signature. The TPC signature was enriched for genes in the Hippo signaling pathway. Knockdown of the Hippo mediators Yap1 or Taz decreased in vitro cellular migration and transplantation of metastatic disease. Furthermore, constitutively active Yap was sufficient to drive lung tumor progression in vivo. These results demonstrate functional roles for two different pathways, CD24-dependent and Yap/Taz-dependent pathways, in lung tumor propagation and metastasis. This study demonstrates the utility of TPCs for identifying molecules contributing to metastatic lung cancer, potentially enabling the therapeutic targeting of this devastating disease. PMID:24497554

  4. Pelvic trauma with displaced sacral fractures: functional outcome at one year.

    PubMed

    Tötterman, Anna; Glott, Thomas; Søberg, Helene Lundgaard; Madsen, Jan Erik; Røise, Olav

    2007-06-01

    A prospective single-cohort study of 31 patients surgically treated for pelvic injuries with displaced sacral fractures. To describe the medium term functional outcome in unstable sacral fractures. Displaced sacral fractures pose a special challenge in orthopedic surgery due to the high rate of associated injuries. Little information is available on the medium-term functional outcome of patients with injuries which include unstable sacral fractures. We examined 31 patients with displaced sacral fractures having 10 mm or more displacement, 1 year (mean, 1.4 years; range, 1.0-2.5 years) after injury. Data from a previous study were supplemented with functional outcome measures (work status, independence in ADL, and SF-36). An association between outcome and tested variables was sought. Fifteen months after injury, 65% of the patients had regained their independence in functions pertaining to daily activities; 33% had returned to work. All dimensions of perceived health were affected. Polytrauma and impairments relative to voiding and sexual function had a detrimental effect on outcome. Fracture characteristics were not predictive of poor outcome. Although the majority of patients achieved independent living, medium-term follow-up indicated significant residual disability. The complex nature of these fractures and the associated injuries should be considered in the rehabilitation of these patients.

  5. Finding sacral: Developmental evolution of the axial skeleton of odontocetes (Cetacea).

    PubMed

    Buchholtz, Emily A; Gee, Jessica K

    2017-07-01

    Axial morphology was dramatically transformed during the transition from terrestrial to aquatic environments by archaeocete cetaceans, and again during the subsequent odontocete radiation. Here, we reconstruct the sequence of developmental events that underlie these phenotypic transitions. Archaeocete innovations include the loss of primaxial/abaxial interaction at the sacral/pelvic articulation and the modular dissociation of the fluke from the remainder of the tail. Odontocetes subsequently integrated lumbar, sacral, and anterior caudal vertebrae into a single torso module, and underwent multiple series-specific changes in vertebral count. The conservation of regional proportions despite regional fluctuations in count strongly argues that rates of somitogenesis can vary along the column and that segmentation was dissociated from regionalization during odontocete evolution. Conserved regional proportions also allow the prediction of the location and count of sacral homologs within the torso module. These predictions are tested with the analysis of comparative pudendal nerve root location and geometric morphometrics. We conclude that the proportion of the column represented by the sacral series has been conserved, and that its vertebrae have changed in count and relative centrum length in parallel with other torso vertebrae. Although the sacral series of odontocetes is de-differentiated, it is not de-regionalized. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Cost of dressings for prevention of sacral pressure ulcers.

    PubMed

    Inoue, Kelly Cristina; Matsuda, Laura Misue

    2016-01-01

    to identify costs of dressings to prevent sacral pressure ulcers in an adult intensive care unit in Paraná, Brazil. secondary analysis study with 25 patients admitted between October 2013 and March 2014, using transparent polyurethane film (n=15) or hydrocolloid dressing (n=10) on the sacral region. The cost of each intervention was based on the unit amount used in each type of dressing, and its purchase price (transparent film = R$15.80, hydrocolloid dressing = R$68.00). the mean cost/patient was R$23.17 for use of transparent film and R$190.40 for use of hydrocolloid dressing. The main reason for changing the dressing was detachment. the transparent film was the most economically advantageous alternative to prevent sacral pressure ulcers in critical care patients. However, additional studies should be carried out including assessment of the effectiveness of both dressings.

  7. Automatic metastatic brain tumor segmentation for stereotactic radiosurgery applications.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yan; Stojadinovic, Strahinja; Hrycushko, Brian; Wardak, Zabi; Lu, Weiguo; Yan, Yulong; Jiang, Steve B; Timmerman, Robert; Abdulrahman, Ramzi; Nedzi, Lucien; Gu, Xuejun

    2016-12-21

    The objective of this study is to develop an automatic segmentation strategy for efficient and accurate metastatic brain tumor delineation on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1c) magnetic resonance images (MRI) for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) applications. The proposed four-step automatic brain metastases segmentation strategy is comprised of pre-processing, initial contouring, contour evolution, and contour triage. First, T1c brain images are preprocessed to remove the skull. Second, an initial tumor contour is created using a multi-scaled adaptive threshold-based bounding box and a super-voxel clustering technique. Third, the initial contours are evolved to the tumor boundary using a regional active contour technique. Fourth, all detected false-positive contours are removed with geometric characterization. The segmentation process was validated on a realistic virtual phantom containing Gaussian or Rician noise. For each type of noise distribution, five different noise levels were tested. Twenty-one cases from the multimodal brain tumor image segmentation (BRATS) challenge dataset and fifteen clinical metastases cases were also included in validation. Segmentation performance was quantified by the Dice coefficient (DC), normalized mutual information (NMI), structural similarity (SSIM), Hausdorff distance (HD), mean value of surface-to-surface distance (MSSD) and standard deviation of surface-to-surface distance (SDSSD). In the numerical phantom study, the evaluation yielded a DC of 0.98  ±  0.01, an NMI of 0.97  ±  0.01, an SSIM of 0.999  ±  0.001, an HD of 2.2  ±  0.8 mm, an MSSD of 0.1  ±  0.1 mm, and an SDSSD of 0.3  ±  0.1 mm. The validation on the BRATS data resulted in a DC of 0.89  ±  0.08, which outperform the BRATS challenge algorithms. Evaluation on clinical datasets gave a DC of 0.86  ±  0.09, an NMI of 0.80  ±  0.11, an SSIM of 0.999  ±  0.001, an HD of 8

  8. Automatic metastatic brain tumor segmentation for stereotactic radiosurgery applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yan; Stojadinovic, Strahinja; Hrycushko, Brian; Wardak, Zabi; Lu, Weiguo; Yan, Yulong; Jiang, Steve B.; Timmerman, Robert; Abdulrahman, Ramzi; Nedzi, Lucien; Gu, Xuejun

    2016-12-01

    The objective of this study is to develop an automatic segmentation strategy for efficient and accurate metastatic brain tumor delineation on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1c) magnetic resonance images (MRI) for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) applications. The proposed four-step automatic brain metastases segmentation strategy is comprised of pre-processing, initial contouring, contour evolution, and contour triage. First, T1c brain images are preprocessed to remove the skull. Second, an initial tumor contour is created using a multi-scaled adaptive threshold-based bounding box and a super-voxel clustering technique. Third, the initial contours are evolved to the tumor boundary using a regional active contour technique. Fourth, all detected false-positive contours are removed with geometric characterization. The segmentation process was validated on a realistic virtual phantom containing Gaussian or Rician noise. For each type of noise distribution, five different noise levels were tested. Twenty-one cases from the multimodal brain tumor image segmentation (BRATS) challenge dataset and fifteen clinical metastases cases were also included in validation. Segmentation performance was quantified by the Dice coefficient (DC), normalized mutual information (NMI), structural similarity (SSIM), Hausdorff distance (HD), mean value of surface-to-surface distance (MSSD) and standard deviation of surface-to-surface distance (SDSSD). In the numerical phantom study, the evaluation yielded a DC of 0.98  ±  0.01, an NMI of 0.97  ±  0.01, an SSIM of 0.999  ±  0.001, an HD of 2.2  ±  0.8 mm, an MSSD of 0.1  ±  0.1 mm, and an SDSSD of 0.3  ±  0.1 mm. The validation on the BRATS data resulted in a DC of 0.89  ±  0.08, which outperform the BRATS challenge algorithms. Evaluation on clinical datasets gave a DC of 0.86  ±  0.09, an NMI of 0.80  ±  0.11, an SSIM of 0.999  ±  0.001, an HD of 8

  9. KLF4-dependent perivascular cell plasticity mediates pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Murgai, Meera; Ju, Wei; Eason, Matthew; Kline, Jessica; Beury, Daniel; Kaczanowska, Sabina; Miettinen, Markku M; Kruhlak, Michael; Lei, Haiyan; Shern, Jack F; Cherepanova, Olga A.; Owens, Gary K; Kaplan, Rosandra N

    2017-01-01

    A deeper understanding of the metastatic process is required for the development of new therapies that improve patient survival. Metastatic tumor cell growth and survival in distant organs is facilitated by the formation of a pre-metastatic niche composed of hematopoietic cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM). Perivascular cells, including vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) and pericytes, are involved in new vessel formation and in promoting stem cell maintenance and proliferation. Given the well-described plasticity of perivascular cells, we hypothesize that perivascular cells similarly regulate tumor cell fate at metastatic sites. Using perivascular cell-specific and pericyte-specific lineage-tracing models, we trace the fate of perivascular cells in the pre-metastatic and metastatic microenvironments. We show that perivascular cells lose the expression of traditional vSMC/pericyte markers in response to tumor-secreted factors and exhibit increased proliferation, migration, and ECM synthesis. Increased expression of the pluripotency gene Klf4 in these phenotypically-switched perivascular cells promotes a less differentiated state characterized by enhanced ECM production that establishes a pro-metastatic fibronectin-rich environment. Genetic inactivation of Klf4 in perivascular cells decreases pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis. Our data reveal a previously unidentified role for perivascular cells in pre-metastatic niche formation and uncover novel strategies for limiting metastasis. PMID:28920957

  10. Diagnosis of metastatic neoplasms: a clinicopathologic and morphologic approach.

    PubMed

    Marchevsky, Alberto M; Gupta, Ruta; Balzer, Bonnie

    2010-02-01

    The diagnosis of the site of origin of metastatic neoplasms often poses a challenge to practicing pathologists. A variety of immunohistochemical and molecular tests have been proposed for the identification of tumor site of origin, but these methods are no substitute for careful attention to the pathologic features of tumors and their correlation with imaging findings and other clinical data. The current trend in anatomic pathology is to overly rely on immunohistochemical and molecular tests to identify the site of origin of metastatic neoplasms, but this "shotgun approach" is often costly and can result in contradictory and even erroneous conclusions about the site of origin of a metastatic neoplasm. To describe the use of a systematic approach to the evaluation of metastatic neoplasms. Literature review and personal experience. A systematic approach can frequently help to narrow down differential diagnoses for a patient to a few likely tumor sites of origin that can be confirmed or excluded with the use of selected immunohistochemistry and/or molecular tests. This approach involves the qualitative evaluation of the "pretest and posttest probabilities" of various diagnoses before the immunohistochemical and molecular tests are ordered. Pretest probabilities are qualitatively estimated for each individual by taking into consideration the patient's age, sex, clinical history, imaging findings, and location of the metastases. This estimate is further narrowed by qualitatively evaluating, through careful observation of a variety of gross pathology and histopathologic features, the posttest probabilities of the most likely tumor sites of origin. Multiple examples of the use of this systematic approach for the evaluation of metastatic lesions are discussed.

  11. Metastatic Lung Lesions as a Preferred Resection Site for Immunotherapy With Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes.

    PubMed

    Ben-Avi, Ronny; Itzhaki, Orit; Simansky, David; Zippel, Dov; Markel, Gal; Ben Nun, Alon; Schachter, Jacob; Besser, Michal J

    2016-06-01

    Adoptive cell therapy with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) yields 50% response rates in metastatic melanoma and shows promising clinical results in other solid tumors. Autologous TIL cultures are isolated from resected tumor tissue, expanded ex vivo to large numbers and reinfused to the preconditioned patient. In this prospective study, we validate the origin of the tumor biopsy and its effect on T-cell function and clinical response. One hundred forty-four patients underwent surgery and 79 patients were treated with TIL adoptive cell therapy. Cultures from lung tissue were compared with other origins. The success rate of establishing TIL culture from lung tissue was significantly higher compared with nonlung tissue (94% vs. 72%, respectively, P≤0.003). Lung-derived TIL cultures gave rise to higher cell numbers (P≤0.011) and exhibited increased in vitro antitumor reactivity. The average fold expansion for lung-derived TIL during a rapid expansion procedure was 1349±557 compared with 1061±473 for nonlung TIL (P≤0.038). Patients treated with TIL cultures of lung origin (compared with nonlung) had prolonged median overall survival (29 vs. 9.5 mo; P≤0.065). Given the remarkable advancement in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and the results of this study, we suggest efforts should be taken to resect lung metastasis rather than other sites to generate TIL cultures for clinical use.

  12. Metastatic brain tumor

    MedlinePlus

    ... the brain, the type of tissue involved, the original location of the tumor, and other factors. In rare cases, doctors do not know the original location. This is called cancer of unknown primary ( ...

  13. Identifying metastatic breast tumors using textural kinetic features of a contrast based habitat in DCE-MRI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chaudhury, Baishali; Zhou, Mu; Goldgof, Dmitry B.; Hall, Lawrence O.; Gatenby, Robert A.; Gillies, Robert J.; Drukteinis, Jennifer S.

    2015-03-01

    The ability to identify aggressive tumors from indolent tumors using quantitative analysis on dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) would dramatically change the breast cancer treatment paradigm. With this prognostic information, patients with aggressive tumors that have the ability to spread to distant sites outside of the breast could be selected for more aggressive treatment and surveillance regimens. Conversely, patients with tumors that do not have the propensity to metastasize could be treated less aggressively, avoiding some of the morbidity associated with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. We propose a computer aided detection framework to determine which breast cancers will metastasize to the loco-regional lymph nodes as well as which tumors will eventually go on to develop distant metastses using quantitative image analysis and radiomics. We defined a new contrast based tumor habitat and analyzed textural kinetic features from this habitat for classification purposes. The proposed tumor habitat, which we call combined-habitat, is derived from the intersection of two individual tumor sub-regions: one that exhibits rapid initial contrast uptake and the other that exhibits rapid delayed contrast washout. Hence the combined-habitat represents the tumor sub-region within which the pixels undergo both rapid initial uptake and rapid delayed washout. We analyzed a dataset of twenty-seven representative two dimensional (2D) images from volumetric DCE-MRI of breast tumors, for classification of tumors with no lymph nodes from tumors with positive number of axillary lymph nodes. For this classification an accuracy of 88.9% was achieved. Twenty of the twenty-seven patients were analyzed for classification of distant metastatic tumors from indolent cancers (tumors with no lymph nodes), for which the accuracy was 84.3%.

  14. [Four cases of urinary dysfunction associated with sacral herpes zoster].

    PubMed

    Matsuo, Tomohiro; Oba, Kojiro; Miyata, Yasuyoshi; Igawa, Tsukasa; Sakai, Hideki

    2014-02-01

    Herpes zoster is caused by the infection of Varicella-Zoster virus. The anatomical distribution of herpes zoster in the sacral area is only 6. 9%1). Moreover, the onset rate of herpes zoster with urinary dysfunction is 0.6%1). The lesion sites of herpes zoster which cause urinary dysfunction are almost lumber and sacral areas. We describe four cases of sacral herpes zoster with urinary dysfunction in this report. All patients were elderly people (66-84 years old), and all patients were administered anti-virus drugs and alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blockers. Because of urinary retention, three patients have performed clean intermittent self-catheterization (CIC) for several weeks. As the lesions of herpes zoster healed, each patient recovered from urinary dysfunction.

  15. Prophylactic Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines Efficiently Inhibit Metastases in Murine Metastatic Melanoma

    PubMed Central

    Sennikov, Sergey V.; Vlassov, Valentin V.; Zenkova, Marina A.

    2015-01-01

    Recent data on the application of dendritic cells (DCs) as anti-tumor vaccines has shown their great potential in therapy and prophylaxis of cancer. Here we report on a comparison of two treatment schemes with DCs that display the models of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination using three different experimental tumor models: namely, Krebs-2 adenocarcinoma (primary tumor), melanoma (B16, metastatic tumor without a primary node) and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC, metastatic tumor with a primary node). Dendritic cells generated from bone marrow-derived DC precursors and loaded with lysate of tumor cells or transfected with the complexes of total tumor RNA with cationic liposomes were used for vaccination. Lipofectamine 2000 and liposomes consisting of helper lipid DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) and cationic lipid 2D3 (1,26-Bis(1,2-de-O-tetradecyl-rac-glycerol)-7,11,16,20-tetraazahexacosan tetrahydrocloride) were used for RNA transfection. It was shown that DCs loaded with tumor lysate were ineffective in contrast to tumor-derived RNA. Therapeutic vaccination with DCs loaded by lipoplexes RNA/Lipofectamine 2000 was the most efficient for treatment of non-metastatic Krebs-2, where a 1.9-fold tumor growth retardation was observed. Single prophylactic vaccination with DCs loaded by lipoplexes RNA/2D3 was the most efficient to treat highly aggressive metastatic tumors LLC and B16, where 4.7- and 10-fold suppression of the number of lung metastases was observed, respectively. Antimetastatic effect of single prophylactic DC vaccination in metastatic melanoma model was accompanied by the reductions in the levels of Th2-specific cytokines however the change of the levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 master regulators was not found. Failure of double prophylactic vaccination is explained by Th17-response polarization associated with autoimmune and pro-inflammatory reactions. In the case of therapeutic DC vaccine the polarization of Th1-response was found nevertheless

  16. Prophylactic Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines Efficiently Inhibit Metastases in Murine Metastatic Melanoma.

    PubMed

    Markov, Oleg V; Mironova, Nadezhda L; Sennikov, Sergey V; Vlassov, Valentin V; Zenkova, Marina A

    2015-01-01

    Recent data on the application of dendritic cells (DCs) as anti-tumor vaccines has shown their great potential in therapy and prophylaxis of cancer. Here we report on a comparison of two treatment schemes with DCs that display the models of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination using three different experimental tumor models: namely, Krebs-2 adenocarcinoma (primary tumor), melanoma (B16, metastatic tumor without a primary node) and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC, metastatic tumor with a primary node). Dendritic cells generated from bone marrow-derived DC precursors and loaded with lysate of tumor cells or transfected with the complexes of total tumor RNA with cationic liposomes were used for vaccination. Lipofectamine 2000 and liposomes consisting of helper lipid DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) and cationic lipid 2D3 (1,26-Bis(1,2-de-O-tetradecyl-rac-glycerol)-7,11,16,20-tetraazahexacosan tetrahydrocloride) were used for RNA transfection. It was shown that DCs loaded with tumor lysate were ineffective in contrast to tumor-derived RNA. Therapeutic vaccination with DCs loaded by lipoplexes RNA/Lipofectamine 2000 was the most efficient for treatment of non-metastatic Krebs-2, where a 1.9-fold tumor growth retardation was observed. Single prophylactic vaccination with DCs loaded by lipoplexes RNA/2D3 was the most efficient to treat highly aggressive metastatic tumors LLC and B16, where 4.7- and 10-fold suppression of the number of lung metastases was observed, respectively. Antimetastatic effect of single prophylactic DC vaccination in metastatic melanoma model was accompanied by the reductions in the levels of Th2-specific cytokines however the change of the levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 master regulators was not found. Failure of double prophylactic vaccination is explained by Th17-response polarization associated with autoimmune and pro-inflammatory reactions. In the case of therapeutic DC vaccine the polarization of Th1-response was found nevertheless

  17. Melanoma exosomes educate bone marrow progenitor cells toward a pro-metastatic phenotype through MET

    PubMed Central

    Peinado, Héctor; Alečković, Maša; Lavotshkin, Simon; Matei, Irina; Costa-Silva, Bruno; Moreno-Bueno, Gema; Hergueta-Redondo, Marta; Williams, Caitlin; García-Santos, Guillermo; Nitadori-Hoshino, Ayuko; Hoffman, Caitlin; Badal, Karen; Garcia, Benjamin A.; Callahan, Margaret K.; Yuan, Jianda; Martins, Vilma R.; Skog, Johan; Kaplan, Rosandra N.; Brady, Mary S.; Wolchok, Jedd D.; Chapman, Paul B.; Kang, Yibin; Bromberg, Jacqueline; Lyden, David

    2013-01-01

    Tumor-derived exosomes are emerging mediators of tumorigenesis with tissue-specific addresses and messages. We explored the function of melanoma-derived exosomes in the formation of primary tumor and metastases in mouse and human subjects. Exosomes from highly metastatic melanoma increased the metastatic behavior of primary tumors by permanently “educating” bone marrow (BM) progenitors via the MET receptor. Melanoma-derived exosomes also induced vascular leakiness at pre-metastatic sites, and reprogrammed BM progenitors towards a c-Kit+Tie2+Met+ pro-vasculogenic phenotype. Reducing Met expression in exosomes diminished the pro-metastatic behavior of BM cells. Importantly, MET expression was elevated in circulating CD45−C-KITlow/+TIE2+ BM progenitors from metastatic melanoma subjects. RAB1a, RAB5b, RAB7, and RAB27a were highly expressed in melanoma cells and Rab27a RNA interference decreased exosome production, preventing BM education, tumor growth and metastasis. Finally, we identified an exosome-specific “melanoma signature” with prognostic and therapeutic potential, comprised of TYRP2, VLA-4, HSP70, an HSP90 isoform and the MET oncoprotein. PMID:22635005

  18. Performance of 177Lu-DOTATATE-based peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: a multiparametric response evaluation correlating with primary tumor site, tumor proliferation index, and dual tracer imaging characteristics.

    PubMed

    Thapa, Pradeep; Ranade, Rohit; Ostwal, Vikas; Shrikhande, Shailesh V; Goel, Mahesh; Basu, Sandip

    2016-10-01

    To assess the performance of Lu-DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEP-NET) and correlate it with primary tumor site, tumor proliferation index, and dual tracer imaging characteristics. Fifty patients (M : F 33 : 17, age: 26-71 years) with histopathologically confirmed metastatic/inoperable NETs who had undergone at least three cycles of PRRT with Lu-DOTATATE were included in the analysis. As part of the pretreatment evaluation, they underwent either Tc-HYNIC TOC (n=40)/Ga-DOTATATE PET (n=10) or fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET-computed tomography (CT). Response was assessed after three and five cycles PRRT on the basis of three parameters: (a) symptomatic and subjective scale, (b) biochemical tumor marker level, and (c) objective imaging (F-FDG/Ga DOTATATE PET/CT, Tc-HYNIC TOC, ceCT), and was categorized using predefined criteria (detailed in methods). Stable disease on imaging assessment with response on symptomatic or biochemical tumor marker scales or both were included in the responder group. The study population was broadly classified into (a) metastatic GEP-NET with known primary (n=43 i.e. 86%), which was further subclassified according to the site of primary and (b) those with unknown primary (n=7 i.e. 14%). Symptomatic response: 96% of patients showed a symptomatic response or improvement in health-related quality of life, irrespective of tumor proliferation index, dual tracer imaging characteristics, and response or progression of disease in the scan. Biochemical tumor marker response: 83% of scan responders showed a decrease, 10% showed a stable value, and 7% showed an increase in tumor marker levels. Among the scan nonresponders, 67% patients showed a corresponding increase in the tumor marker level, 22% patient showed a decrease, whereas 11% showed stable values. Scan response: 31 out of total 50 patients (62%) showed a partial scan response with either a

  19. Impact of Primary Tumor Location on First-line Bevacizumab or Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Snyder, Matthew; Bottiglieri, Sal; Almhanna, Khaldoun

    2018-01-01

    Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the United States, with a large proportion of patients presenting with metastatic disease or developing a recurrence. Systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of therapy in this setting. There is a clear benefit in the addition of bevacizumab or cetuximab (for rat sarcoma [RAS] wild type tumors) to oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based regimens which can be considered for first-line therapy. However, many significant questions remain as to which agent reflects best practice. Our review aimed to elucidate the benefit of adding bevacizumab and cetuximab to initial therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer based on primary tumor location and a variety of other disease- and patient-related factors, addressing the paucity of evidence that currently exists in this area and contributing to current literature and clinical practices. The primary endpoints of the study were first Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included best response to first- and second-line therapies, Treatment- Related Adverse Events (TRAEs), second PFS, cost of therapy, and an assessment of other patient- and disease-related factors affecting PFS and OS. While there were trends towards improved OS in patients with left-sided primary tumors (n=57) compared to those with right-sided disease (n=23), there were no significant differences between the two groups in either primary endpoint. While no differences were found for patients with left- or right- sided tumors stratified by add-on agent, these analyses were limited by the small number of patients receiving cetuximab with first-line therapy (n=4). However, the bevacizumab cohort (n=76) was sizable enough to provide ample data and produce clinically relevant results. Add-on therapy with bevacizumab in our study achieved impressive survival outcomes in both left-sided (median first PFS = 13 months, 95% CI 11-15 months; median OS = 37 months, 95% CI 21

  20. Prognostic value of FDG PET/CT-based metabolic tumor volumes in metastatic triple negative breast cancer patients

    PubMed Central

    Marinelli, Brett; Espinet-Col, Carina; Ulaner, Gary A; McArthur, Heather L; Gonen, Mithat; Jochelson, Maxine; Weber, Wolfgang A

    2016-01-01

    FDG PET/CT-based measures of tumor burden show promise to predict survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer, but the patient populations studied so far are heterogeneous. The reports may have been confounded by the markedly different prognosis of the various subtypes of breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between tumor burden on FDG PET/CT and overall survival (OS) in patients within a defined population: metastatic triple negative breast cancer (MTNBC). FDG PET/CT scans of 47 consecutive MTNBC patients (54±12 years-old) with no other known malignancies were analyzed. A total 393 lesions were identified, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean SUV, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion number (TLN) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), were measured and correlated with patient survival by Mantel-Cox tests and Cox regression analysis. At a median follow-up time of 12.4 months, 41 patients died with a median OS of 12.1 months. Patients with MTV less than 51.5 ml lived nearly three times longer (22 vs 7.1 months) than those with a higher MTV (χ2=21.3, P<0.0001). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis only TLN and MTV were significantly correlated with survival. Those with an MTV burden in the 75th percentile versus the 25th percentile had a hazard ratio of 6.94 (p=0.001). In patients with MTNBC, MTV appears to be a strong prognostic factor. If validated in prospective studies, MTV may be a valuable tool for risk stratification of MTNBC patients in clinical trials and to guide patient management. PMID:27186439

  1. Transcutaneous sacral neurostimulation for irritative voiding dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Walsh, I K; Johnston, R S; Keane, P F

    1999-01-01

    Patients with irritative voiding dysfunction are often unresponsive to standard clinical treatment. We evaluated the response of such individuals to transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the third sacral nerve. 32 patients with refractory irritative voiding dysfunction (31 female and 1 male; mean age 47 years) were recruited to the study. Ambulatory transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation was applied bilaterally to the third sacral dermatomes for 1 week. Symptoms of frequency, nocturia, urgency, and bladder pain were scored by each patient throughout and up to 6 months following treatment. The mean daytime frequency was reduced from 11.3 to 7.96 (p = 0.01). Nocturia episodes were reduced from a mean of 2.6 to 1.8 (p = 0.01). Urgency and bladder pain mean symptom scores were reduced from 5.97 to 4.89 and from 1.48 to 0.64, respectively. After stopping therapy, symptoms returned to pretreatment levels within 2 weeks in 40% of the patients and within 6 months in 100%. Three patients who continued with neurostimulation remained satisfied with this treatment modality at 6 months. Transcutaneous third sacral nerve stimulation may be an effective and noninvasive ambulatory technique for the treatment of patients with refractory irritative voiding dysfunction. Following an initial response, patients may successfully apply this treatment themselves to ensure long-term relief.

  2. Anti-cancer Antibody Trastuzumab-Melanotransferrin Conjugate (BT2111) for the Treatment of Metastatic HER2+ Breast Cancer Tumors in the Brain: an In-Vivo Study.

    PubMed

    Nounou, Mohamed Ismail; Adkins, Chris E; Rubinchik, Evelina; Terrell-Hall, Tori B; Afroz, Mohamed; Vitalis, Tim; Gabathuler, Reinhard; Tian, Mei Mei; Lockman, Paul R

    2016-12-01

    The ability of human melanotransferrin (hMTf) to carry a therapeutic concentration of trastuzumab (BTA) in the brain after conjugation (in the form of trastuzumab-melanotransferrin conjugate, BT2111 conjugate) was investigated by measuring the reduction of the number and size of metastatic human HER 2+ breast cancer tumors in a preclinical model of brain metastases of breast cancer. Human metastatic brain seeking breast cancer cells were injected in NuNu mice (n = 6-12 per group) which then developed experimental brain metastases. Drug uptake was analyzed in relation to metastasis size and blood-tumor barrier permeability. To investigate in-vivo activity against brain metastases, equimolar doses of the conjugate, and relevant controls (hMTf and BTA) in separate groups were administered biweekly after intracardiac injection of the metastatic cancer cells. The trastuzumab-melanotransferrin conjugate (BT2111) reduced the number of preclinical human HER 2+ breast cancer metastases in the brain by 68% compared to control groups. Tumors which remained after treatment were 46% smaller than the control groups. In contrast, BTA alone had no effect on reducing number of metastases, and was associated with only a minimal reduction in metastasis size. The results suggest the novel trastuzumab-melanotransferrin conjugate (BT2111) may have utility in treating brain metastasis and validate hMTf as a potential vector for antibody transport across the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB).

  3. EGFR expression in circulating tumor cells from high-grade metastatic soft tissue sarcomas.

    PubMed

    Braun, Alexcia Camila; de Mello, Celso Abdon Lopes; Corassa, Marcelo; Abdallah, Emne Ali; Urvanegia, Ana Cláudia; Alves, Vanessa Silva; Flores, Bianca C T C P; Díaz, Mônica; Nicolau, Ulisses Ribaldo; Silva, Virgilio Souza E; Calsavara, Vinicius; Paterlini-Brechót, Patrizia; Chinen, Ludmilla Thomé Domingos

    2018-06-03

    Soft tissue Sarcomas (STS) are rare malignances, with high mortality rates. Half of patients develop metastasis. The presence of isolated Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Circulating Tumor Microemboli (CTM) in the blood may be early markers of tumor invasion. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) family receptors can also influence this process. to quantify CTCs and identify CTM as well as the EGF Receptor (EGFR) protein expression in these cells and correlate with clinical outcome in metastatic STS. Approximately 8mL of blood was prospectively collected from patients with different types of high-grade STS, before the beginning of chemotherapy. The samples were processed and filtered by ISET (Rarecells, France) for the isolation and quantification of CTCs and CTMs. EGFR expression was analyzed by immunocytochemistry (ICC) on CTCs/ CTMs. We analyzed 18 patients with median age of 49 years (18-77 y). The positivity for EGFR protein expression in CTCs was observed in 93.75% of the patients. This result shows that targeting EGFR positive CTCs from STS origen can be translated in clinical benefit for some patients. In addition, if target therapy is chosen, the EGFR expression in CTCs can be used in follow-up to measure treatment effectiveness. This is the first study to demonstrate the expression of EGFR protein in CTCs from sarcoma patients. It may open an area for future investigations. The next step is to characterize CTCs in a larger cohort of patients to better understand the role of EGFR in sustaining tumor metastasis in sarcomas.

  4. Neratinib Efficacy and Circulating Tumor DNA Detection of HER2 Mutations in HER2 Nonamplified Metastatic Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Ma, Cynthia X; Bose, Ron; Gao, Feng; Freedman, Rachel A; Telli, Melinda L; Kimmick, Gretchen; Winer, Eric; Naughton, Michael; Goetz, Matthew P; Russell, Christy; Tripathy, Debu; Cobleigh, Melody; Forero, Andres; Pluard, Timothy J; Anders, Carey; Niravath, Polly Ann; Thomas, Shana; Anderson, Jill; Bumb, Caroline; Banks, Kimberly C; Lanman, Richard B; Bryce, Richard; Lalani, Alshad S; Pfeifer, John; Hayes, Daniel F; Pegram, Mark; Blackwell, Kimberly; Bedard, Philippe L; Al-Kateb, Hussam; Ellis, Matthew J C

    2017-10-01

    Purpose: Based on promising preclinical data, we conducted a single-arm phase II trial to assess the clinical benefit rate (CBR) of neratinib, defined as complete/partial response (CR/PR) or stable disease (SD) ≥24 weeks, in HER2 mut nonamplified metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), toxicity, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) HER2 mut detection. Experimental Design: Tumor tissue positive for HER2 mut was required for eligibility. Neratinib was administered 240 mg daily with prophylactic loperamide. ctDNA sequencing was performed retrospectively for 54 patients (14 positive and 40 negative for tumor HER2 mut ). Results: Nine of 381 tumors (2.4%) sequenced centrally harbored HER2 mut (lobular 7.8% vs. ductal 1.6%; P = 0.026). Thirteen additional HER2 mut cases were identified locally. Twenty-one of these 22 HER2 mut cases were estrogen receptor positive. Sixteen patients [median age 58 (31-74) years and three (2-10) prior metastatic regimens] received neratinib. The CBR was 31% [90% confidence interval (CI), 13%-55%], including one CR, one PR, and three SD ≥24 weeks. Median PFS was 16 (90% CI, 8-31) weeks. Diarrhea (grade 2, 44%; grade 3, 25%) was the most common adverse event. Baseline ctDNA sequencing identified the same HER2 mut in 11 of 14 tumor-positive cases (sensitivity, 79%; 90% CI, 53%-94%) and correctly assigned 32 of 32 informative negative cases (specificity, 100%; 90% CI, 91%-100%). In addition, ctDNA HER2 mut variant allele frequency decreased in nine of 11 paired samples at week 4, followed by an increase upon progression. Conclusions: Neratinib is active in HER2 mut , nonamplified MBC. ctDNA sequencing offers a noninvasive strategy to identify patients with HER2 mut cancers for clinical trial participation. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5687-95. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  5. miR-16-5p Is a Stably-Expressed Housekeeping MicroRNA in Breast Cancer Tissues from Primary Tumors and from Metastatic Sites

    PubMed Central

    Rinnerthaler, Gabriel; Hackl, Hubert; Gampenrieder, Simon Peter; Hamacher, Frank; Hufnagl, Clemens; Hauser-Kronberger, Cornelia; Zehentmayr, Franz; Fastner, Gerd; Sedlmayer, Felix; Mlineritsch, Brigitte; Greil, Richard

    2016-01-01

    For quantitative microRNA analyses in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, expression levels have to be normalized to endogenous controls. To investigate the most stably-expressed microRNAs in breast cancer and its surrounding tissue, we used tumor samples from primary tumors and from metastatic sites. MiRNA profiling using TaqMan® Array Human MicroRNA Cards, enabling quantification of 754 unique human miRNAs, was performed in FFPE specimens from 58 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Forty-two (72%) samples were collected from primary tumors and 16 (28%) from metastases. In a cross-platform analysis of a validation cohort of 32 FFPE samples from patients with early breast cancer genome-wide microRNA expression analysis using SurePrintG3 miRNA (8 × 60 K)® microarrays from Agilent® was performed. Eleven microRNAs could be detected in all samples analyzed. Based on NormFinder and geNorm stability values and the high correlation (rho ≥ 0.8) with the median of all measured microRNAs, miR-16-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-126-3p, and miR-222-3p are suitable single gene housekeeper candidates. In the cross-platform validation, 29 human microRNAs were strongly expressed (mean log2-intensity > 10) and 21 of these microRNAs including miR-16-5p and miR-29a-3p were also stably expressed (CV < 5%). Thus, miR-16-5p and miR-29a-3p are both strong housekeeper candidates. Their Normfinder stability values calculated across the primary tumor and metastases subgroup indicate that miR-29a-3p can be considered as the strongest housekeeper in a cohort with mainly samples from primary tumors, whereas miR-16-5p might perform better in a metastatic sample enriched cohort. PMID:26821018

  6. Preliminary results of sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence.

    PubMed

    Leung, Edmund; Francombe, James

    2013-03-01

    Fecal incontinence is a common debilitating condition. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as an alternative treatment modality for fecal incontinence. All consecutive patients who presented with fecal incontinence to the senior author's clinic were prospectively recruited between June 2009 and September 2010. The severity of their fecal incontinence was assessed by the Wexner and Vaizey scores and anal physiology. Any improvement following a period of sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment was determined by repeating the scores. In addition, patient satisfaction with the procedure was assessed by using a patient impression score. Twenty female patients with a median age of 57.5 years (range, 30-86) were evaluated. The median follow-up was 10 months (range, 5-12 months). Two patients did not record a change in their Vaizey score. The overall mean Wexner score was 7.9 ± 4.2 before in comparison with 4.0 ± 3.1 after sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment (p < 0.0001, CI = 2.2-5.7, SE = 0.832). The overall mean Vaizey score was 12.7 ± 5.7 before in comparison with 5.8 ± 5.6 after sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment (p < 0.0001, CI = 4.5-9.4, SE = 1.162). The pretreatment patient impression score was set at a mean of 1 ± 0 in comparison with 2.8 ± 1.1 after sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment (p < 0.0001, CI = 1.2-2.3, SE = 0.25). The preliminary results suggest sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a promising noninvasive alternative to existing modalities in the treatment of idiopathic fecal incontinence.

  7. m-RNA mammaglobin expression in metastatic breast cancer patient at Medan city, Indonesia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rimbun, S.; Siregar, Y.

    2018-03-01

    Breast cancer is the most common causes of women’s death in the world. Metastatic spread presents a major clinical problem in about 30% of the patients. The study aims to investigate the clinical reliability of mammaglobin mRNA as a marker of circulating cancer cells in breast cancer patients. The positivity of blood was analyzed in relation to clinical and pathological characteristics. This study was on 29 breast cancer patients (13 metastatic, 16 non- metastatic patients), where28 were invasive intraductal carcinoma type and 1 was invasive lobular carcinoma type. Breast cancer patients were according to the histologic grade into grade I (7 patients),grade II (6 patients) and grade III (15 patients). All individuals included in this study were subjected to detection of mammaglobin m-RNA of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood using RT-PCR technique. Positivity for mammaglobin in blood samples was in 38% of patients with metastatic but not in the non-metastatic patients. The presence of mammaglobin correlated with metastatic tumor (P = 0.011). Mammaglobin overexpression in breast tissue was significantly positive in low-grade tumors (I and II).

  8. Detection and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Associated Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Mu, Zhaomei; Benali-Furet, Naoual; Uzan, Georges; Znaty, Anaëlle; Ye, Zhong; Paolillo, Carmela; Wang, Chun; Austin, Laura; Rossi, Giovanna; Fortina, Paolo; Yang, Hushan; Cristofanilli, Massimo

    2016-09-30

    The availability of blood-based diagnostic testing using a non-invasive technique holds promise for real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment selection. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been used as a prognostic biomarker for the metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The molecular characterization of CTCs is fundamental to the phenotypic identification of malignant cells and description of the relevant genetic alterations that may change according to disease progression and therapy resistance. However, the molecular characterization of CTCs remains a challenge because of the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs and technological difficulties in the enrichment, isolation and molecular characterization of CTCs. In this pilot study, we evaluated circulating tumor associated cells in one blood draw by size exclusion technology and cytological analysis. Among 30 prospectively enrolled MBC patients, CTCs, circulating tumor cell clusters (CTC clusters), CTCs of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) were detected and analyzed. For molecular characterization of CTCs, size-exclusion method for CTC enrichment was tested in combination with DEPArray™ technology, which allows the recovery of single CTCs or pools of CTCs as a pure CTC sample for mutation analysis. Genomic mutations of TP53 and ESR1 were analyzed by targeted sequencing on isolated 7 CTCs from a patient with MBC. The results of genomic analysis showed heterozygous TP53 R248W mutation from one single CTC and pools of three CTCs, and homozygous TP53 R248W mutation from one single CTC and pools of two CTCs. Wild-type ESR1 was detected in the same isolated CTCs. The results of this study reveal that size-exclusion method can be used to enrich and identify circulating tumor associated cells, and enriched CTCs were characterized for genetic alterations in MBC patients, respectively.

  9. Photo-nano immunotherapy for metastatic cancers (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Feifan

    2016-03-01

    We constructed a multifunction nano system SWNT-GC and investigated the synergize photothermal and immunological effects. Here, we improve the SWNT-GC nano system and design a new synergistic nano-particle, both have the photothermal effects and immunological effects. We investigate the therapeutic effects and detect the immune response with metastatic mouse tumor models. We also study the therapeutic mechanism after treatment in vitro and in vivo. With the enhancement of nano-materials on photothermal effects, laser treatment could destroy primary tumor and protect normal tissue with low dose laser irradiation. With the immunological effects of nano-materials, the treatment could trigger specific antitumor immune response, to eliminate the metastasis tumor. It is providing a promising treatment modality for the metastatic cancers.

  10. Circulating Tumor Cell Count Correlates with Colorectal Neoplasm Progression and Is a Prognostic Marker for Distant Metastasis in Non-Metastatic Patients

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsai, Wen-Sy; Chen, Jinn-Shiun; Shao, Hung-Jen; Wu, Jen-Chia; Lai-Ming, Jr.; Lu, Si-Hong; Hung, Tsung-Fu; Chiu, Yen-Chi; You, Jeng-Fu; Hsieh, Pao-Shiu; Yeh, Chien-Yuh; Hung, Hsin-Yuan; Chiang, Sum-Fu; Lin, Geng-Ping; Tang, Reiping; Chang, Ying-Chih

    2016-04-01

    Enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been proven as a prognostic marker for metastatic colorectal cancer (m-CRC) patients. However, the currently available techniques for capturing and enumerating CTCs lack of required sensitivity to be applicable as a prognostic marker for non-metastatic patients as CTCs are even more rare. We have developed a microfluidic device utilizing antibody-conjugated non-fouling coating to eliminate nonspecific binding and to promote the multivalent binding of target cells. We then established the correlation of CTC counts and neoplasm progression through applying this platform to capture and enumerate CTCs in 2 mL of peripheral blood from healthy (n = 27), benign (n = 21), non-metastatic (n = 95), and m-CRC (n = 15) patients. The results showed that the CTC counts progressed from 0, 1, 5, to 36. Importantly, after 2-year follow-up on the non-metastatic CRC patients, we found that those who had ≥5 CTCs were 8 times more likely to develop distant metastasis within one year after curable surgery than those who had <5. In conclusion, by employing a sensitive device, CTC counts show good correlation with colorectal neoplasm, thus CTC may be as a simple, independent prognostic marker for the non-metastatic CRC patients who are at high risk of early recurrence.

  11. CREATE: Cross-tumoral Phase 2 With Crizotinib

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-01-18

    Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma; Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor; Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Type 1; Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma; Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Clear Cell Sarcoma; Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma

  12. Intrapartum sacral stress fracture due to pregnancy-related osteoporosis: a case report.

    PubMed

    Oztürk, Gülcan; Külcü, Duygu Geler; Aydoğ, Ece

    2013-01-01

    Low back pain (LBP) and hip pain frequently occur during pregnancy and postpartum period. Although pelvic and mechanic lesions of the soft tissues are most responsible for the etiology, sacral fracture is also one of the rare causes. A 32-year-old primigravid patient presented with LBP and right hip pain which started 3 days after vaginal delivery. Although direct radiographic examination was normal, magnetic resonance imaging of the sacrum revealed sacral stress fracture. Lumbar spine and femoral bone mineral density showed osteoporosis as a risk factor. There were no other risk factors such as trauma, excessive weight gain, and strenuous physical activity. It is considered that the patient had sacral fatigue and insufficiency fracture in intrapartum period. The patient's symptoms subsided in 3 months after physical therapy and rest. In conclusion, sacral fractures during pregnancy and postpartum period, especially resulting from childbirth, are very rare. To date, there are two cases in the literature. In cases who even do not have risk factors related to vaginal delivery such as high birth weight infant and the use of forceps, exc., sacral fracture should be considered in the differential diagnosis of LBP and hip pain started soon after child birth. Pregnancy-related osteoporosis may lead to fracture during vaginal delivery.

  13. Ribociclib and Doxorubicin in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-05-09

    Metastatic Angiosarcoma; Metastatic Epithelioid Sarcoma; Metastatic Fibrosarcoma; Metastatic Leiomyosarcoma; Metastatic Liposarcoma; Metastatic Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor; Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma; Metastatic Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma; Myxofibrosarcoma; Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcoma; Stage III Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Stage IV Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Undifferentiated (Embryonal) Sarcoma

  14. The presence of a negative sacral slope in patients with ankylosing spondylitis with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis.

    PubMed

    Qian, Bang-Ping; Jiang, Jun; Qiu, Yong; Wang, Bin; Yu, Yang; Zhu, Ze-Zhang

    2014-11-19

    Pelvic retroversion is one of the mechanisms for regulating sagittal balance in patients with a kyphotic deformity. This retroversion is limited by hip extension, which prevents the pelvis from becoming excessively retroverted, achieving a sacral slope of <0°. However, a negative sacral slope can be found in some patients with ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar kyphosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze this finding. We performed a retrospective review of 106 consecutive Chinese Han patients with ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar kyphosis treated at our center from October 2005 to October 2012. Forty-one patients in whom the upper third of the femur was clearly visualized on lateral radiographs were analyzed. Seventeen had a sacral slope of <0° (group A) and twenty-four had a sacral slope of ≥0° (group B). Eight sagittal parameters were measured and compared between the two groups. Correlations among sacral slope, the femoral obliquity angle, and the other sagittal parameters were analyzed. Mean global kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, the sagittal vertical axis, and the femoral obliquity angle were significantly larger in group A than in group B, whereas mean pelvic incidence and sacral slope were significantly smaller in group A (p < 0.05 for all). Global kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and the sagittal vertical axis were significantly negatively associated with sacral slope but positively associated with the femoral obliquity angle, whereas pelvic incidence was significantly positively associated with sacral slope but negatively associated with the femoral obliquity angle (p < 0.05 for all). The femoral obliquity angle was significantly negatively associated with sacral slope (p < 0.05). Negative sacral slope does exist in Chinese Han patients with ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar kyphosis. This appears to be caused by severe kyphosis, an initially small sacral slope, and pronounced tilting of the femoral shaft

  15. Stereotactic body radiotherapy for primary and metastatic liver tumors — the Mayo Clinic experience

    PubMed Central

    Merrell, Kenneth W.; Johnson, Jedediah E.; Mou, Benjamin; Barney, Brandon M.; Nelson, Kathryn E.; Mayo, Charles S.; Haddock, Michael G.; Hallemeier, Christopher L.

    2016-01-01

    Introduction To better understand the efficacy of liver SBRT we reviewed our prospectively collected institutional SBRT database. Methods Between May 2008 and March 2013, 80 patients with 104 liver lesions received SBRT. The Kaplan-Meier method estimated local control (LC), overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards regression models identified factors associated with LC and OS. Results The median follow-up for living patients was 38.6 months. Patients had primary (n=17) or metastatic (n=63) tumors. The median tumor size was 2.7 cm (range, 0.6-14.0). The 1 and 4 year rates of LC were 89.4% and 88%, respectively. Colorectal (CRC) metastasis was associated with lower rates of LC (p=0.013). OS at 1 and 4 years was 78% and 25%, respectively. Patients with CRC metastases had higher rates of OS (p=0.03). The occurrence of severe acute and late toxicity was 3.8% and 6.3%, respectively. Conclusions SBRT should be studied in prospective clinical trials compared with other liver-directed treatment modalities. PMID:29296438

  16. Sacral root neuromodulation in the treatment of various voiding and storage problems.

    PubMed

    Shaker, H; Hassouna, M M

    1999-01-01

    This paper reviews the use of sacral neuromodulation as a treatment modality for patients with bladder dysfunction. The dual functions of the urinary bladder are to act as a reservoir and to evacuate under voluntary control. Bladder dysfunction is a descriptive term describing the loss or the impairment of one or both of these functions. In the first part of the manuscript we describe the different components of sacral neuromodulation: the screening test known as percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE), which involves screening patients who could potentially benefit from the therapy. Those who show a satisfactory response will have a permanent neuroprosthesis implanted. The technical aspects of both components of neuromodulation are described in detail, as well as the technical difficulties encountered. In the second part we present our long-term results in patients with sacral neuromodulation. Sacral neuromodulation is a safe and efficient therapeutic modality that helps patients with refractory voiding dysfunction restore their bladder function.

  17. Interpedicular Approach in Percutaneous Sacroplasty for Treatment of Sacral Vertebral Body Pathologic Fractures

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    F Latin-Small-Letter-Dotless-I rat, Ahmet Kemal, E-mail: ahmetfirat2@hotmail.com; Guemues, Burcak, E-mail: bgumus@yahoo.com; Kaya, Emin, E-mail: ekaya@inonu.edu.tr

    2011-02-15

    For this technique, bone needle is introduced into the S1 vertebral body through the interpedicular route by penetrating the central spinal canal at the level of S3-4 and passing through the vertebral body of S2-3 parallel to the anterior border of sacrum. With the interpedicular approach, two sacral vertebral bodies can be injected in one session and lower sacral body injection also is available. interpedicular technique is a safe, practical, and effective technique for the treatment of sacral vertebral body pathologic fractures.

  18. Sacroplasty for symptomatic sacral hemangioma: a novel treatment approach. A case report.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, V; Sreedher, G; Weiss, K R; Hughes, M A

    2013-06-01

    Painful vertebral body hemangiomas have been successfully treated with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Sacral hemangiomas are uncommon and as such painful sacral hemangiomas are rare entities. We report what we believe is only the second successful treatment of a painful sacral hemangioma with CT-guided sacroplasty. A 56-year-old woman with a history of right-sided total hip arthroplasty and lipoma excision presented to her orthopedic surgeon with persistent right-sided low back pain which radiated into her buttock and right groin and hindered her ability to walk and perform her activities of daily living. MRIs of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and pelvis showed numerous lesions with imaging characteristics consistent with multiple hemangiomas including a 2.2×2.1 cm lesion involving the right sacrum adjacent to the right S1 neural foramen. Conservative measures including rest, physical therapy, oral analgesics and right-sided sacroiliac joint steroid injection did not provide significant relief. Given her lack of improvement and the fact that her pain localized to the right sacrum, the patient underwent CT-guided sacroplasty for treatment of a painful right sacral hemangioma. Under CT fluoroscopic guidance, a 10 gauge introducer needle was advanced through the soft tissues of the back to the margin of the lesion. Biopsy was then performed and after appropriate preparation, cement was then introduced through the needle using a separate cement filler cannula. Appropriate filling of the right sacral hemangioma was visualized using intermittent CT fluoroscopy. After injection of approximately 2.5 cc of cement, it was felt that there was near complete filling of the right sacral hemangioma. With satisfactory achievement of cement filling, the procedure was terminated. Pathology from biopsy taken at the time of the procedure was consistent with hemangioma. Image-guided sacroplasty with well-defined endpoints is an effective, minimally invasive and safe procedure

  19. Location of Primary Tumor and Benefit From Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients With RAS and BRAF Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Moretto, Roberto; Cremolini, Chiara; Rossini, Daniele; Pietrantonio, Filippo; Battaglin, Francesca; Mennitto, Alessia; Bergamo, Francesca; Loupakis, Fotios; Marmorino, Federica; Berenato, Rosa; Marsico, Valentina Angela; Caporale, Marta; Antoniotti, Carlotta; Masi, Gianluca; Salvatore, Lisa; Borelli, Beatrice; Fontanini, Gabriella; Lonardi, Sara; De Braud, Filippo; Falcone, Alfredo

    2016-08-01

    Right- and left-sided colorectal cancers (CRCs) differ in clinical and molecular characteristics. Some retrospective analyses suggested that patients with right-sided tumors derive less benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies; however, molecular selection in those studies was not extensive. Patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic CRC (mCRC) who were treated with single-agent anti-EGFRs or with cetuximab-irinotecan (if refractory to previous irinotecan) were included in the study. Differences in outcome between patients with right- and left-sided tumors were investigated. Of 75 patients, 14 and 61 had right- and left-sided tumors, respectively. None of the right-sided tumors responded according to RECIST, compared with 24 left-sided tumors (overall response rate: 0% vs. 41%; p = .0032), and only 2 patients with right-sided tumors (15%) versus 47 patients with left-sided tumors (80%) achieved disease control (p < .0001). The median duration of progression-free survival was 2.3 and 6.6 months in patients with right-sided and left-sided tumors, respectively (hazard ratio: 3.97; 95% confidence interval: 2.09-7.53; p < .0001). Patients with right-sided RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC seemed to derive no benefit from single-agent anti-EGFRs. Right- and left-sided colorectal tumors have peculiar epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics, distinct gene expression profiles and genetic alterations, and different prognoses. This study assessed the potential predictive impact of primary tumor site with regard to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody treatment in patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. The results demonstrated the lack of activity of anti-EGFRs in RAS and BRAF wild-type, right-sided tumors, thus suggesting a potential role for primary tumor location in driving treatment choices. ©AlphaMed Press.

  20. CD147 and matrix-metalloproteinase-2 expression in metastatic and non-metastatic uveal melanomas.

    PubMed

    Lüke, Julia; Vukoja, Vlatka; Brandenbusch, Tim; Nassar, Khaled; Rohrbach, Jens Martin; Grisanti, Salvatore; Lüke, Matthias; Tura, Aysegül

    2016-06-03

    Extracellular matrix remodelling regulated by matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) inducer (CD147) is a crucial process during tumor cell invasion and regulation of blood supply. In this study, we evaluated the correlation of CD147 and MMP-2 expression with major prognostic factors for uveal melanoma and the development of metastasis. The expression of CD147 and MMP-2 was analyzed in 49 samples of uveal melanomas. Triple immunofluorescence stainings using markers against glial cells (GFAP), endothelial cells (CD34) and macrophages (CD68) were performed to further analyse the exact localisation of CD147 and MMP-2 positivity. In 28 cases clinical metastatic disease were found. The remaining 21 cases showed no signs of metastatic disease for an average follow-up of 10 years. Correlation analysis (Pearson correlation) was performed to analyse the association of CD147 and MMP-2 expression with known prognostic factors, vasculogenic mimicry (VM), the mature vasculature (von Willebrand Factor) and tumor induced angiogenesis (by means of Endoglin expression). CD147 and MMP-2 were expressed in 47 (96.0 %) of the uveal melanomas. CD147 up-regulation was significantly correlated with a higher MMP-2 expression. The overall expression analysis revealed no significant difference in the metastatic (p = 0.777) and non-metastatic subgroup (p = 0.585). No correlation of CD147 expression and any system of blood supply was evident. In the non-metastatic sub-group a significant correlation of clustered CD147 positive cells with largest basal diameter (p = 0.039), height (p = 0.047) and TNM-stage (p = 0.013) was evident. These data may indicate that CD147 regulates MMP-2 expression in uveal melanoma cells.

  1. Biometric assessment of prostate cancer's metastatic potential.

    PubMed

    Cooper, C R; Emmett, N; Harris-Hooker, S; Patterson, R; Cooke, D B

    1994-01-01

    Currently, no protocol exists that can assess the metastatic potential of prostate adenocarcinoma. The reason for this is partly due to the lack of information on cellular changes that result in a tumor cell's becoming metastatic. In this investigation, attempts were made to devise a method that correlated with the metastatic potential of AT-1, Mat-Lu, and Mat-LyLu cell lines of the Dunning R-3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma system. To accomplish this, we applied BioQuant biometric parameters, i.e., area, shape factor, and cell motility. AT-1 had a lower shape factor and a greater area as compared with the more highly metastatic Mat-Lu subline. No significant difference in area or shape factor was detected between the AT-1 cell line and the highly metastatic Mat-LyLu line. However, the lowly metastatic AT-1 line had less motility as compared with the Mat-Lu and Mat-LyLu lines. This study revealed that metastatic potential could be partially predicted via area and shape factor and accurately predicted via cell motility.

  2. FSensitive detection of mono- and polyclonal ESR1 mutations in primary tumors, metastatic lesions and cell free DNA of breast cancer patients

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Peilu; Bahreini, Amir; Gyanchandani, Rekha; Lucas, Peter C.; Hartmaier, Ryan J.; Watters, Rebecca J.; Jonnalagadda, Amruth R.; Trejo Bittar, Humberto E.; Berg, Aaron; Hamilton, Ronald L.; Kurland, Brenda F.; Weiss, Kurt R.; Mathew, Aju; Leone, Jose Pablo; Davidson, Nancy E; Nikiforova, Marina N.; Brufsky, Adam M.; Ambros, Tadeu F.; Stern, Andrew M.; Puhalla, Shannon L.; Lee, Adrian V.; Oesterreich, Steffi

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Given the clinical relevance of ESR1 mutations as potential drivers of resistance to endocrine therapy, this study used sensitive detection methods to determine the frequency of ESR1 mutations in primary and metastatic breast cancer, and in cell free DNA (cfDNA). Patients and Methods Six ESR1 mutations (K303R, S463P, Y537C, Y537N, Y537S, D538G) were assessed by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), with lower limits of detection of 0.05% to 0.16%, in primary tumors (n=43), bone (n=12) and brain metastases (n=38), and cfDNA (n=29). Correlations between ESR1 mutations in metastatic lesions and single (1 patient) or serial blood draws (4 patients) were assessed. Results ESR1 mutations were detected for D538G (n=13), Y537S (n=3) and Y537C (n=1), and not for K303R, S463P or Y537N. Mutation rates were 7.0% (3/43 primary tumors), 9.1% (1/11 bone metastases), 12.5% (3/24 brain metastases), and 24.1% (7/29 cfDNA). Two patients showed polyclonal disease with more than one ESR1 mutation. Mutation allele frequencies were 0.07% to 0.2% in primary tumors, 1.4% in bone metastases, 34.3 to 44.9% in brain metastases, and 0.2% to 13.7% in cfDNA. In cases with both cfDNA and metastatic samples (n=5), mutations were detected in both (n=3) or in cfDNA only (n=2). Treatment was associated with changes in ESR1 mutation detection and allele frequency. Conclusions ESR1 mutations were detected at very low allele frequencies in some primary breast cancers, and at high allele frequency in metastases, suggesting that in some tumors rare ESR1 mutant clones are enriched by endocrine therapy. Further studies should address if sensitive detection of ESR1 mutations in primary breast cancer and in serial blood draws may be predictive for development of resistant disease. PMID:26500237

  3. Metastatic Growth from Dormant Cells Induced by a Col-I Enriched Fibrotic Environment

    PubMed Central

    Barkan, Dalit; El Touny, Lara H.; Michalowski, Aleksandra M.; Smith, Jane Ann; Chu, Isabel; Davis, Anne Sally; Webster, Joshua D.; Hoover, Shelley; Simpson, R. Mark; Gauldie, Jack; Green, Jeffrey E.

    2010-01-01

    Breast cancer that recurs as metastatic disease many years after primary tumor resection and adjuvant therapy appears to arise from tumor cells that disseminated early in the course of disease but did not develop into clinically apparent lesions. These long-term surviving, disseminated tumor cells maintain a state of dormancy, but may be triggered to proliferate through largely unknown factors. We now demonstrate that the induction of fibrosis, associated with deposition of type I collagen (Col-I) in the in vivo metastatic microenvironment, induces dormant D2.0R cells to form proliferative metastatic lesions through β1-integrin signaling. In vitro studies using a 3D culture system modeling dormancy demonstrated that Col-I induces quiescent D2.0R cells to proliferate through β1-integrin activation of SRC and FAK, leading to ERK-dependent myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and actin stress fiber formation. Blocking β1-integrin, Src, ERK or MLCK by shRNA or pharmacologic approaches inhibited Col-I-induced activation of this signaling cascade, cytoskeletal reorganization and proliferation. These findings demonstrate that fibrosis with type I collagen enrichment at the metastatic site may be a critical determinant of cytoskeletal reorganization in dormant tumor cells leading to their transition from dormancy to metastatic growth. Thus, inhibiting Col-I production, its interaction with β1-integrin and downstream signaling of β1-integrin may be important strategies for preventing or treating recurrent metastatic disease. PMID:20570886

  4. Exploring the rising incidence of neuroendocrine tumors: a population-based analysis of epidemiology, metastatic presentation, and outcomes.

    PubMed

    Hallet, Julie; Law, Calvin How Lim; Cukier, Moises; Saskin, Refik; Liu, Ning; Singh, Simron

    2015-02-15

    An increased incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has been reported worldwide, but the reasons underlying this rise have not been identified. By assessing patterns of metastatic presentation, this study sought to examine the epidemiologic characteristics of NETs and the contribution of early-stage detection to the rising incidence. A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted with prospectively maintained databases linked at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. Adult patients with a NET diagnosis from 1994 to 2009 in Ontario, Canada were included. The main outcomes included the overall and site-specific incidence, proportion of metastatic disease, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Five thousand six hundred nineteen NET cases were identified. The incidence of NETs increased from 2.48 to 5.86 per 100,000 per year. Metastases were found in 20.8% at presentation and in another 38% after the initial diagnosis. The proportion of metastases at presentation decreased from 1994 to 2009 (from 29% to 13%). Therefore, although the incidence of all NETs increased, the overall incidence of metastases did not change (0.63-0.69 per 100,000 per year). The 10-year OS rate was 46.5%, and the RFS rate was 64.6%. In addition to the primary tumor site, independent predictors of worse OS included an advanced age (P < .0001), male sex (P < .0001), a low socioeconomic status (P < .0001), and rural living (P = 0.049). The incidence of NETs has markedly increased over the course of 15 years. This is the first study to provide evidence suggesting that the increase in the incidence of NETs may be due to increased detection. In addition to tumor characteristics, low income and rural residency portend worse survival for patients with NETs. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

  5. Sacral nerve stimulation can be an effective treatment for low anterior resection syndrome.

    PubMed

    Eftaiha, S M; Balachandran, B; Marecik, S J; Mellgren, A; Nordenstam, J; Melich, G; Prasad, L M; Park, J J

    2017-10-01

    Sacral nerve stimulation has become a preferred method for the treatment of faecal incontinence in patients who fail conservative (non-operative) therapy. In previous small studies, sacral nerve stimulation has demonstrated improvement of faecal incontinence and quality of life in a majority of patients with low anterior resection syndrome. We evaluated the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of low anterior resection syndrome using a recently developed and validated low anterior resection syndrome instrument to quantify symptoms. A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of low anterior resection syndrome was performed. Procedures took place in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at two academic tertiary medical centres. Pre- and post-treatment Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Scores and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome scores were assessed. Twelve patients (50% men) suffering from low anterior resection syndrome with a mean age of 67.8 (±10.8) years underwent sacral nerve test stimulation. Ten patients (83%) proceeded to permanent implantation. Median time from anterior resection to stimulator implant was 16 (range 5-108) months. At a median follow-up of 19.5 (range 4-42) months, there were significant improvements in Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Scores and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome scores (P < 0.001). Sacral nerve stimulation improved symptoms in patients suffering from low anterior resection syndrome and may therefore be a viable treatment option. Colorectal Disease © 2017 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

  6. Co-evolution of somatic variation in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer may expand biopsy indications in the molecular era.

    PubMed

    Kim, Richard; Schell, Michael J; Teer, Jamie K; Greenawalt, Danielle M; Yang, Mingli; Yeatman, Timothy J

    2015-01-01

    Metastasis is thought to be a clonal event whereby a single cell initiates the development of a new tumor at a distant site. However the degree to which primary and metastatic tumors differ on a molecular level remains unclear. To further evaluate these concepts, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) to assess the molecular composition of paired primary and metastatic colorectal cancer tissue specimens. 468 colorectal tumor samples from a large personalized medicine initiative were assessed by targeted gene sequencing of 1,321 individual genes. Eighteen patients produced genomic profiles for 17 paired primary:metastatic (and 2 metastatic:metastatic) specimens. An average of 33.3 mutations/tumor were concordant (shared) between matched samples, including common well-known genes (APC, KRAS, TP53). An average of 2.3 mutations/tumor were discordant (unshared) among paired sites. KRAS mutational status was always concordant. The overall concordance rate for mutations was 93.5%; however, nearly all (18/19 (94.7%)) paired tumors showed at least one mutational discordance. Mutations were seen in: TTN, the largest gene (5 discordant pairs), ADAMTS20, APC, MACF1, RASA1, TP53, and WNT2 (2 discordant pairs), SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, FBXW7, and 66 others (1 discordant pair). Whereas primary and metastatic tumors displayed little variance overall, co-evolution produced incremental mutations in both. These results suggest that while biopsy of the primary tumor alone is likely sufficient in the chemotherapy-naïve patient, additional biopsies of primary or metastatic disease may be necessary to precisely tailor therapy following chemotherapy resistance or insensitivity in order to adequately account for tumor evolution.

  7. Co-Evolution of Somatic Variation in Primary and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer May Expand Biopsy Indications in the Molecular Era

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Richard; Schell, Michael J.; Teer, Jamie K.; Greenawalt, Danielle M.; Yang, Mingli; Yeatman, Timothy J.

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Metastasis is thought to be a clonal event whereby a single cell initiates the development of a new tumor at a distant site. However the degree to which primary and metastatic tumors differ on a molecular level remains unclear. To further evaluate these concepts, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) to assess the molecular composition of paired primary and metastatic colorectal cancer tissue specimens. Methods 468 colorectal tumor samples from a large personalized medicine initiative were assessed by targeted gene sequencing of 1,321 individual genes. Eighteen patients produced genomic profiles for 17 paired primary:metastatic (and 2 metastatic:metastatic) specimens. Results An average of 33.3 mutations/tumor were concordant (shared) between matched samples, including common well-known genes (APC, KRAS, TP53). An average of 2.3 mutations/tumor were discordant (unshared) among paired sites. KRAS mutational status was always concordant. The overall concordance rate for mutations was 93.5%; however, nearly all (18/19 (94.7%)) paired tumors showed at least one mutational discordance. Mutations were seen in: TTN, the largest gene (5 discordant pairs), ADAMTS20, APC, MACF1, RASA1, TP53, and WNT2 (2 discordant pairs), SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, FBXW7, and 66 others (1 discordant pair). Conclusions Whereas primary and metastatic tumors displayed little variance overall, co-evolution produced incremental mutations in both. These results suggest that while biopsy of the primary tumor alone is likely sufficient in the chemotherapy-naïve patient, additional biopsies of primary or metastatic disease may be necessary to precisely tailor therapy following chemotherapy resistance or insensitivity in order to adequately account for tumor evolution. PMID:25974029

  8. Biopsy confirmation of metastatic sites in breast cancer patients: clinical impact and future perspectives

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Determination of hormone receptor (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in the primary tumor is clinically relevant to define breast cancer subtypes, clinical outcome, and the choice of therapy. Retrospective and prospective studies suggest that there is substantial discordance in receptor status between primary and recurrent breast cancer. Despite this evidence and current recommendations, the acquisition of tissue from metastatic deposits is not routine practice. As a consequence, therapeutic decisions for treatment in the metastatic setting are based on the features of the primary tumor. Reasons for this attitude include the invasiveness of the procedure and the unreliable outcome of biopsy, in particular for biopsies of lesions at complex visceral sites. Improvements in interventional radiology techniques mean that most metastatic sites are now accessible by minimally invasive methods, including surgery. In our opinion, since biopsies are diagnostic and changes in biological features between the primary and secondary tumors can occur, the routine biopsy of metastatic disease needs to be performed. In this review, we discuss the rationale for biopsy of suspected breast cancer metastases, review issues and caveats surrounding discordance of biomarker status between primary and metastatic tumors, and provide insights for deciding when to perform biopsy of suspected metastases and which one (s) to biopsy. We also speculate on the future translational implications for biopsy of suspected metastatic lesions in the context of clinical trials and the establishment of bio-banks of biopsy material taken from metastatic sites. We believe that such bio-banks will be important for exploring mechanisms of metastasis. In the future, advances in targeted therapy will depend on the availability of metastatic tissue. PMID:25032257

  9. Mucosal colonization by metastatic carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract: a potential mimic of primary neoplasia.

    PubMed

    Estrella, Jeannelyn S; Wu, Tsung-Teh; Rashid, Asif; Abraham, Susan C

    2011-04-01

    The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a common site for both primary and metastatic carcinomas. Distinguishing the two can occasionally be difficult, particularly when metastatic tumor reaches the mucosal surface. Features that are typically used to make this distinction include the presence of an adenomatous precursor lesion, regional lymph node involvement, and gross configuration of the tumor. However, we recently encountered 2 index cases of metastatic carcinoma in the small intestine (1 from the colorectum and 1 of endocervical origin) that were initially misinterpreted as primary small bowel carcinomas because of apparent in situ growth in the mucosal surface resembling polypoid, adenomatous precursor lesions. We, therefore, studied 100 GI resections from 1987 to 2009 that were reported to show mucosal involvement by metastatic carcinoma, and compared the histologic features with a control group of 29 primary small bowel adenocarcinomas. Gross descriptions and histologic sections were evaluated for the following: (1) tumor spread along an intact basement membrane of villi/crypts (mucosal colonization), (2) resemblance to an adenoma/precursor lesion, (3) gross configuration of the tumor, (4) lymphovascular invasion, and (5) regional lymph node involvement in the metastatic site. Metastatic sites included the small intestine (n=74), colorectum (n=16), or both (n=10). Primary tumors were GI (n=55, with 47 from colorectum), gynecologic (n=28), pulmonary (n=8), genitourinary (n=6), head and neck (n=2), and breast (n=1). Overall, 42 (42%) of the metastases that reached the mucosal surface of the bowel showed at least focal mucosal colonization, 26% resembled a precursor adenoma, 62% had regional lymph node positivity, and only 24% cases showed a classic serosal-based configuration. In 4 cases (2 of GI origin and 2 of gynecologic origin), metastatic tumors were initially interpreted as new primaries by the pathologist (n=2) or clinicians (n=2). Metastatic carcinomas

  10. AIP1 expression in tumor niche suppresses tumor progression and metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Ji, Weidong; Li, Yonghao; He, Yun; Yin, Mingzhu; Zhou, Huanjiao Jenny; Boggon, Titus J.; Zhang, Haifeng; Min, Wang

    2015-01-01

    Studies from tumor cells suggest that tumor suppressor AIP1 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the role of AIP1 in the tumor microenvironment has not been examined. We show that a global or vascular endothelial cell (EC)-specific deletion of the AIP1 gene in mice augments tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma and breast cancer models. AIP1-deficient vascular environment not only enhances tumor neovascularization and increases pre-metastatic niche formation, but also secrets tumor EMT-promoting factors. These effects from AIP1 loss are associated with increased VEGFR2 signaling in the vascular EC and could be abrogated by systemic administration of VEGFR2 kinase inhibitors. Mechanistically, AIP1 blocks VEGFR2-dependent signaling by directly binding to the phosphotyrosine residues within the activation loop of VEGFR2. Our data reveal that AIP1, by inhibiting VEGFR2-dependent signaling in tumor niche, suppresses tumor EMT switch, tumor angiogenesis and tumor pre-metastatic niche formation to limit tumor growth and metastasis. PMID:26139244

  11. Novel Preclinical Testing Strategies for Treatment of Metastatic Pheochromocytoma

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-01

    Treatment of Metastatic Pheochromocytoma PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Arthur S. Tischler...Treatment of Metastatic Pheochromocytoma 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-11-1-0670 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S...Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Pheochromocytomas (PCC) are catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumors. Up to 30% give

  12. The accuracy of preoperative axillary nodal staging in primary breast cancer by ultrasound is modified by nodal metastatic load and tumor biology

    PubMed Central

    Dihge, Looket; Grabau, Dorthe A.; Rasmussen, Rogvi W.; Bendahl, Pär-Ola; Rydén, Lisa

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Background The outcome of axillary ultrasound (AUS) with fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnostic work-up of primary breast cancer has an impact on therapy decisions. We hypothesize that the accuracy of AUS is modified by nodal metastatic burden and clinico-pathological characteristics. Material and methods The performance of AUS and AUS-guided FNAB for predicting nodal metastases was assessed in a prospective breast cancer cohort subjected for surgery during 2009–2012. Predictors of accuracy were included in multivariate analysis. Results AUS had a sensitivity of 23% and a specificity of 95%, while AUS-guided FNAB obtained 73% and 100%, respectively. AUS-FNAB exclusively detected macro-metastases (median four metastases) and identified patients with more extensive nodal metastatic burden in comparison with sentinel node biopsy. The accuracy of AUS was affected by metastatic size (OR 1.11), obesity (OR 2.46), histological grade (OR 4.43), and HER2-status (OR 3.66); metastatic size and histological grade were significant in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions The clinical utility of AUS in low-risk breast cancer deserves further evaluation as the accuracy decreased with a low nodal metastatic burden. The diagnostic performance is modified by tumor and clinical characteristics. Patients with nodal disease detected by AUS-FNAB represent a group for whom neoadjuvant therapy should be considered. PMID:27050668

  13. Bowenoid epidermotropic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Ihm, C W; Park, S L; Sung, S Y; Lee, I S

    1996-10-01

    Epidermotropic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma produced full-thickness cellular atypia of bowenoid carcinoma in situ or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, grade 3 (VIN 3), in a 73-year-old woman who had past history of uterine cervical carcinoma. The presence of intravascular tumor cell nests and areas showing smooth continuity of the malignant squamous cell nodules with the adjoining benign epidermis supported the possibility of the epidermotropic metastasis. To our knowledge, metastatic epidermotropic squamous carcinoma clinicopathologically simulating primary Bowen's disease has not been reported.

  14. Sacral chordomas: Impact of high-dose proton/photon-beam radiation therapy combined with or without surgery for primary versus recurrent tumor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Park, Lily; De Laney, Thomas F.; Liebsch, Norbert J.

    2006-08-01

    Purpose: To assess the efficacy of definitive treatment of sacral chordoma by high-dose proton/photon-beam radiation therapy alone or combined with surgery. Methods and Materials: The records of 16 primary and 11 recurrent sacral chordoma patients treated from November 1982 to November 2002 by proton/photon radiation therapy alone (6 patients) or combined with surgery (21 patients) have been analyzed for local control, survival, and treatment-related morbidity. The outcome analysis is based on follow-up information as of 2005. Results: Outcome results show a large difference in local failure rate between patients treated for primary and recurrent chordomas. Local control results by surgerymore » and radiation were 12/14 vs. 1/7 for primary and recurrent lesions. For margin-positive patients, local control results were 10 of 11 and 0 of 5 in the primary and recurrent groups, respectively; the mean follow-up on these locally controlled patients was 8.8 years (4 at 10.3, 12.8, 17, and 21 years). Radiation alone was used in 6 patients, 4 of whom received {>=}73.0 Gy (E); local control was observed in 3 of these 4 patients for 2.9, 4.9, and 7.6 years. Conclusion: These data indicate a high local control rate for surgical and radiation treatment of primary (12 of 14) as distinct from recurrent (1 of 7) sacral chordomas. Three of 4 chordomas treated by {>=}73.0 Gy (E) of radiation alone had local control; 1 is at 91 months. This indicates that high-dose proton/photon therapy offers an effective treatment option.« less

  15. Second-harmonic generation reveals a relationship between metastatic potential and collagen fiber structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burke, Kathleen A.; Dawes, Ryan P.; Cheema, Mehar K.; Perry, Seth; Brown, Edward

    2014-02-01

    Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) of collagen signals allows for the analysis of collagen structural changes throughout metastatic progression. The directionality of coherent SHG signals, measured through the ratio of the forward-propagating to backward propagating signal (F/B ratio), is affected by fibril diameter, spacing, and order versus disorder of fibril packing within a fiber. As tumors interact with their microenvironment and metastasize, it causes changes in these parameters, and concurrent changes in the F/B ratio. Specifically, the F/B ratio of breast tumors that are highly metastatic to the lymph nodes is significantly higher than those in tumors with restricted lymph node involvement. We utilized in vitro analysis of tumor cell motility through collagen gels of different microstructures, and hence different F/B ratios, to explore the relationship between collagen microstructures and metastatic capabilities of the tumor. By manipulating environmental factors of fibrillogenesis and biochemical factors of fiber composition we created methods of varying the average F/B ratio of the gel, with significant changes in fiber structure occurring as a result of alterations in incubation temperature and increasing type III collagen presence. A migration assay was performed using simultaneous SHG and fluorescent imaging to measure average penetration depth of human tumor cells into the gels of significantly different F/B ratios, with preliminary data demonstrating that cells penetrate deeper into gels of higher F/B ratio caused by lower type III collagen concentration. Determining the role of collagen structure in tumor cell motility will aid in the future prediction metastatic capabilities of a primary tumor.

  16. Sacral root neuromodulation in idiopathic nonobstructive chronic urinary retention.

    PubMed

    Shaker, H S; Hassouna, M

    1998-05-01

    Sacral root neuromodulation is becoming a superior alternative to the standard treatment of idiopathic nonobstructive urinary retention. We report results in 20 successive patients who underwent sacral foramen implantation to restore bladder function. After an initial, thorough baseline assessment 20 patients 19.43 to 55.66 years old with idiopathic nonobstructive urinary retention underwent percutaneous nerve evaluation. Response was assessed by a detailed voiding diary. Responders underwent implantation with an S3 foramen implant, and were followed 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and every 6 months thereafter. Sacral root neuromodulation restored voiding capability in these patients. Bladders were emptied with minimal post-void residual urine, which decreased from 78.3 to 5.5 to 10.2% of the total voided volume from baseline to postoperative followup. These results were reflected in uroflowmetry and pressure-flow studies, which were almost normal after implantation. Furthermore, the urinary tract infection rate decreased significantly and associated pelvic pain improved substantially. The Beck depression inventory and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire indicated some improvement but reached significance in only 1 item. In addition, cystometrography showed no significant difference after 6 months of implantation compared with baseline values. Complications were minimal and within expectations. Sacral root neuromodulation is an appealing, successful modality for nonobstructive urinary retention. Only patients who have a good response to percutaneous nerve evaluation are candidates for implantation. The high efficacy in patients who undergo implantation, relative simplicity of the procedure and low complication rate make this a treatment breakthrough in this difficult group.

  17. The Macroanatomy of the Sacral Plexus and Its Nerves in Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo).

    PubMed

    Akbulut, Y; Demiraslan, Y; Aslan, K; Coban, A

    2016-10-01

    This study was carried out to reveal the formation of the sacral plexus in the Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) and the nerves originating from this plexus. Five EEOs, three of them were male and two were female, were provided from Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of Kafkas University and used as materials. Following the euthanizing of the animals, abdominal cavity was opened. The nerves of plexus sacrales were dissected and photographed. It was detected that the sacral plexus was formed by the ventral ramus of five synsacral nerves. Moreover, it was determined that the roots of the sacral plexus formed three trunks: the truncus cranialis, the truncus medius and the truncus caudalis in fossa renalis. The availability of the n. ischiofemoralis and the availability of n. parafibularis were detected in the EEOs. Five branches were specified as having segregated from the sacral plexus: the n. cutaneus femoralis caudalis, the mutual root of n. fibularis with n. tibialis (n. ischiadicus), the rami musculares, the n. coxalis caudalis and the ramus muscularis. It was observed that the sacral plexus was linked to the lumbar plexus by the n. furcalis, to the pudendus plexus via the n. bigeminus. Consequently, the anatomic structure of the EEO's sacral plexus, the participating synsacral nerves to plexus and the innervation areas of these nerves were revealed. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  18. The size of the primary tumor and age at initial diagnosis are independent predictors of the metastatic behavior and survival of patients with SDHB-related pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: a retrospective cohort study.

    PubMed

    Schovanek, Jan; Martucci, Victoria; Wesley, Robert; Fojo, Tito; Del Rivero, Jaydira; Huynh, Thanh; Adams, Karen; Kebebew, Electron; Frysak, Zdenek; Stratakis, Constantine A; Pacak, Karel

    2014-07-21

    Succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) mutations are associated with aggressive pheochromocytoma (PHEO)/paraganglioma (PGL) behavior, often resulting in metastatic disease and fatal outcomes. These tumors are often larger, extra-adrenal, and contain lower catecholamine concentrations than other hereditary PHEOs/PGLs. This study evaluated the size and age at diagnosis of primary SDHB-related PHEOs/PGLs as independent predictors of their metastatic behavior and outcome (survival). One hundred six patients with SDHB mutation-related PHEO/PGL were included in this retrospective study. The recorded largest diameters, locations, and patient ages at initial diagnosis of SDHB-related primary tumors were analyzed in the context of time to metastasis and patient survival. First, the development of metastatic disease in patients with primary tumors ≥4.5 cm was significantly earlier than in patients with smaller tumors (P = 0.003). Second, patients with primary tumors larger than 5.5 cm also had worse overall survival than patients with smaller tumors (P = 0.008). Third, age at initial diagnosis was found to be an independent predictor of patient survival (PHEOs: P = 0.041; PGLs: P < 0.001). Fourth, we did not observe a significant difference in survival based on the specific SDHB mutations or patient sex. Receiver operating characteristic curves established 4.5 cm as the best value to dichotomize the primary SDHB-related PHEO/PGL in order to evaluate the development of metastatic disease and 5.5 cm as the best value for survival prediction. Subsequently, the size of the primary tumor was found as an age-independent predictor of patient survival and metastases development in PGL. In both PHEO and PGL, age at diagnosis was found to be a size-independent predictor of patient survival. No significant difference was found in metastases development or patient survival between males and females or among specific SDHB mutations. This data further extends and supports previous

  19. Dual-dermal-barrier fashion flaps for the treatment of sacral pressure sores.

    PubMed

    Hsiao, Yen-Chang; Chuang, Shiow-Shuh

    2015-02-01

    The sacral region is one of the most vulnerable sites for the development of pressure sores. Even when surgical reconstruction is performed, there is a high chance of recurrence. Therefore, the concept of dual-dermal-barrier fashion flaps for sacral pressure sore reconstruction was proposed. From September 2007 to June 2010, nine patients with grade IV sacral pressures were enrolled. Four patients received bilateral myocutaneous V-Y flaps, four patients received bilateral fasciocutaneous V-Y flaps, and one patient received bilateral rotation-advanced flaps for sacral pressure reconstruction. The flaps were designed based on the perforators of the superior gluteal artery in one patient's reconstructive procedure. All flaps' designs were based on dual-dermal-barrier fashion. The mean follow-up time was 16 months (range = 12-25). No recurrence was noted. Only one patient had a complication of mild dehiscence at the middle suture line, occurring 2 weeks after the reconstructive surgery. The dual-dermal fashion flaps are easily duplicated and versatile. The study has shown minimal morbidity and a reasonable outcome.

  20. Metastatic malignant blue nevus: a case report.

    PubMed

    Ozgür, F; Akyürek, M; Kayikçioğlu, A; Barişta, I; Gököz, A

    1997-10-01

    This report presents a 63-year-old Caucasian woman with a malignant blue nevus, which is an extremely rare form of melanoma originating from or associated with a preexisting blue nevus. The background blue nevus on the left upper arm, which had been present for 5 to 6 years, increased in size and darkened in color for 3 months prior to histological diagnosis of malignant blue nevus. Although the tumor looked much like a nodular melanoma clinically, the diagnosis of malignant blue nevus was established histologically. The patient had a poor outcome due to metastatic spread of the tumor to the visceral organs 1 year following the initial excision of the tumor. To distinguish this rare tumor from other melanocytic lesions, strict histological criteria are needed to make the diagnosis of malignant blue nevus. Differential diagnosis includes cellular blue nevus, atypical cellular blue nevus, primary malignant melanoma, and metastatic melanoma to the dermis. Malignant blue nevus is most commonly seen on the scalp. The tumor has an aggressive behavior and metastasizes in the majority of patients. This paper describes the second reported case of malignant blue nevus involving the upper arm. Clinical and histological features of this uncommon tumor are presented, along with a review of the literature.

  1. Divergent and convergent evolution in metastases suggest treatment strategies based on specific metastatic sites

    PubMed Central

    Cunningham, Jessica J.; Brown, Joel S.; Vincent, Thomas L.

    2015-01-01

    Background and objective: Systemic therapy for metastatic cancer is currently determined exclusively by the site of tumor origin. Yet, there is increasing evidence that the molecular characteristics of metastases significantly differ from the primary tumor. We define the evolutionary dynamics of metastases that govern this molecular divergence and examine their potential contribution to variations in response to targeted therapies. Methodology: Darwinian interactions of transformed cells with the tissue microenvironments at primary and metastatic sites are analyzed using evolutionary game theory. Computational models simulate responses to targeted therapies in different organs within the same patient. Results: Tumor cells, although maximally fit at their primary site, typically have lower fitness on the adaptive landscapes offered by the metastatic sites due to organ-specific variations in mesenchymal properties and signaling pathways. Clinically evident metastases usually exhibit time-dependent divergence from the phenotypic mean of the primary population as the tumor cells evolve and adapt to their new circumstances. In contrast, tumors from different primary sites evolving on identical metastatic adaptive landscapes exhibit phenotypic convergence. Thus, metastases in the liver from different primary tumors and even in different hosts will evolve toward similar adaptive phenotypes. The combination of evolutionary divergence from the primary cancer phenotype and convergence towards similar adaptive strategies in the same tissue cause significant variations in treatment responses particularly for highly targeted therapies. Conclusion and implications: The results suggest that optimal therapies for disseminated cancer must take into account the site(s) of metastatic growth as well as the primary organ. PMID:25794501

  2. Sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of the unstable bladder.

    PubMed

    Bosch, J L

    1998-07-01

    Sacral neuromodulation as a treatment for urge incontinence in patients with an unstable bladder is the subject of ongoing clinical studies. Although approximately 75% of the patients treated with a permanent sacral foramen electrode implant have experienced significant improvements, it is now also clear that there is an initial failure rate of about 25%. Recent studies have pointed out the importance of improved patient selection on the basis of sex differences, urodynamic parameters and psychological factors. Also, newer forms of test stimulation and permanent electrode implantation are being explored in an effort to improve on the present results.

  3. Breast cancer metastatic to the kidney with renal vein involvement.

    PubMed

    Nasu, Hatsuko; Miura, Katsutoshi; Baba, Megumi; Nagata, Masao; Yoshida, Masayuki; Ogura, Hiroyuki; Takehara, Yasuo; Sakahara, Harumi

    2015-02-01

    The common sites of breast cancer metastases include bones, lung, brain, and liver. Renal metastasis from the breast is rare. We report a case of breast cancer metastatic to the kidney with extension into the renal vein. A 40-year-old woman had undergone left mastectomy for breast cancer at the age of 38. A gastric tumor, which was later proved to be metastasis from breast cancer, was detected by endoscopy. Computed tomography performed for further examination of the gastric tumor revealed a large left renal tumor with extension into the left renal vein. It mimicked a primary renal tumor. Percutaneous biopsy of the renal tumor confirmed metastasis from breast cancer. Surgical intervention of the stomach and the kidney was avoided, and she was treated with systemic chemotherapy. Breast cancer metastatic to the kidney may present a solitary renal mass with extension into the renal vein, which mimics a primary renal tumor.

  4. IL-12 Expressing oncolytic herpes simplex virus promotes anti-tumor activity and immunologic control of metastatic ovarian cancer in mice.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Eric D; Meza-Perez, Selene; Bevis, Kerri S; Randall, Troy D; Gillespie, G Yancey; Langford, Catherine; Alvarez, Ronald D

    2016-10-27

    Despite advances in surgical aggressiveness and conventional chemotherapy, ovarian cancer remains the most lethal cause of gynecologic cancer mortality; consequently there is a need for new therapeutic agents and innovative treatment paradigms for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Several studies have demonstrated that ovarian cancer is an immunogenic disease and immunotherapy represents a promising and novel approach that has not been completely evaluated in ovarian cancer. Our objective was to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of an oncolytic herpes simplex virus "armed" with murine interleukin-12 and its ability to elicit tumor-specific immune responses. We evaluated the ability of interleukin-12-expressing and control oncolytic herpes simplex virus to kill murine and human ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. We also administered interleukin-12-expressing oncolytic herpes simplex virus to the peritoneal cavity of mice that had developed spontaneous, metastatic ovarian cancer and determined overall survival and tumor burden at 95 days. We used flow cytometry to quantify the tumor antigen-specific CD8 + T cell response in the omentum and peritoneal cavity. All ovarian cancer cell lines demonstrated susceptibility to oncolytic herpes simplex virus in vitro. Compared to controls, mice treated with interleukin-12-expressing oncolytic herpes simplex virus demonstrated a more robust tumor antigen-specific CD8 + T-cell immune response in the omentum (471.6 cells vs 33.1 cells; p = 0.02) and peritoneal cavity (962.3 cells vs 179.5 cells; p = 0.05). Compared to controls, mice treated with interleukin-12-expressing oncolytic herpes simplex virus were more likely to control ovarian cancer metastases (81.2 % vs 18.2 %; p = 0.008) and had a significantly longer overall survival (p = 0.02). Finally, five of 6 mice treated with interleukin-12-expressing oHSV had no evidence of metastatic tumor when euthanized at 6 months, compared to two of 4 mice treated with

  5. Deconstruction of a Metastatic Tumor Microenvironment Reveals a Common Matrix Response in Human Cancers.

    PubMed

    Pearce, Oliver M T; Delaine-Smith, Robin M; Maniati, Eleni; Nichols, Sam; Wang, Jun; Böhm, Steffen; Rajeeve, Vinothini; Ullah, Dayem; Chakravarty, Probir; Jones, Roanne R; Montfort, Anne; Dowe, Tom; Gribben, John; Jones, J Louise; Kocher, Hemant M; Serody, Jonathan S; Vincent, Benjamin G; Connelly, John; Brenton, James D; Chelala, Claude; Cutillas, Pedro R; Lockley, Michelle; Bessant, Conrad; Knight, Martin M; Balkwill, Frances R

    2018-03-01

    We have profiled, for the first time, an evolving human metastatic microenvironment by measuring gene expression, matrisome proteomics, cytokine and chemokine levels, cellularity, extracellular matrix organization, and biomechanical properties, all on the same sample. Using biopsies of high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastases that ranged from minimal to extensive disease, we show how nonmalignant cell densities and cytokine networks evolve with disease progression. Multivariate integration of the different components allowed us to define, for the first time, gene and protein profiles that predict extent of disease and tissue stiffness, while also revealing the complexity and dynamic nature of matrisome remodeling during development of metastases. Although we studied a single metastatic site from one human malignancy, a pattern of expression of 22 matrisome genes distinguished patients with a shorter overall survival in ovarian and 12 other primary solid cancers, suggesting that there may be a common matrix response to human cancer. Significance: Conducting multilevel analysis with data integration on biopsies with a range of disease involvement identifies important features of the evolving tumor microenvironment. The data suggest that despite the large spectrum of genomic alterations, some human malignancies may have a common and potentially targetable matrix response that influences the course of disease. Cancer Discov; 8(3); 304-19. ©2017 AACR. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 253 . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  6. Design and use of an artificial capillary in the study of metastatic cell adhesion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rafi, Adam; Peramo, Antonio; Boren, Rebecca; Heim, August; Matthews, William G.

    2006-03-01

    To improve the quality of life of patients with cancer, treatments will need to both minimize existing tumors and reduce the metastasis of cancer cells. The effectiveness of potential treatments on existing tumors can be directly probed, but anti-metastasis treatments are difficult to quantify. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the metastatic process is required for drug design. Details of the metastatic deposition of tumor cells in the circulatory system are not well understood. We are investigating the binding of tumor cells to an artificial endothelium. The model system allows for control over molecular composition at the interface, presenting the proteoglycans (PGs) found in the glycocalyx to tumor cells under shear flow conditions. Whether rolling or static adhesion is preferred, as well as what mechanical properties of the interaction between the cells and the PGs are important is to be determined. The outcomes of these experiments will help guide the search for pharmaceuticals that can disrupt the metastatic process at the endothelial adhesion step.

  7. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans undergo differential expression alterations in right sided colorectal cancer, depending on their metastatic character.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Vega, Iván; García-Suárez, Olivia; García, Beatriz; Crespo, Ainara; Astudillo, Aurora; Quirós, Luis M

    2015-10-20

    Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are complex molecules involved in the growth, invasion and metastatic properties of cancerous cells. This study analyses the alterations in the expression patterns of these molecules in right sided colorectal cancer (CRC), both metastatic and non-metastatic. Twenty right sided CRCs were studied. A transcriptomic approach was used, employing qPCR to analyze both the expression of the enzymes involved in heparan sulfate (HS) chains biosynthesis, as well as the proteoglycan core proteins. Since some of these proteoglycans can also carry chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains, we include the study of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of these glycosaminoglycans. Immunohistochemical techniques were also used to analyze tissue expression of particular genes showing significant expression differences, of potential interest. Changes in proteoglycan core proteins differ depending on their location; those located intracellularly or in the extracellular matrix show very similar alteration patterns, while those located on the cell surface vary greatly depending on the nature of the tumor: glypicans 1, 3, 6 and betaglycan are affected in the non-metastatic tumors, whereas in the metastatic, only glypican-1 and syndecan-1 are modified, the latter showing opposing alterations in levels of RNA and of protein, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation in these tumors. Furthermore, in non-metastatic tumors, polymerization of glycosaminoglycan chains is modified, particularly affecting the synthesis of the tetrasaccharide linker and the initiation and elongation of CS chains, HS chains being less affected. Regarding the enzymes responsible for the modificaton of the HS chains, alterations were only found in non-metastatic tumors, affecting N-sulfation and the isoforms HS6ST1, HS3ST3B and HS3ST5. In contrast, synthesis of the CS chains suggests changes in epimerization and sulfation of the C4 and C2 in both types of tumor. Right sided CRCs show

  8. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Metastatic Potential of Melanoma Xenografts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ovrebo, Kirsti Marie; Ellingsen, Christine; Galappathi, Kanthi

    2012-05-01

    Purpose: Gadolinium diethylene-triamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-based dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been suggested as a useful noninvasive method for characterizing the physiologic microenvironment of tumors. In the present study, we investigated whether Gd-DTPA-based DCE-MRI has the potential to provide biomarkers for hypoxia-associated metastatic dissemination. Methods and Materials: C-10 and D-12 melanoma xenografts were used as experimental tumor models. Pimonidazole was used as a hypoxia marker. A total of 60 tumors were imaged, and parametric images of K{sup trans} (volume transfer constant of Gd-DTPA) and v{sub e} (fractional distribution volume of Gd-DTPA) were produced by pharmacokinetic analysis of themore » DCE-MRI series. The host mice were killed immediately after DCE-MRI, and the primary tumor and the lungs were resected and prepared for histologic assessment of the fraction of pimonidazole-positive hypoxic tissue and the presence of lung metastases, respectively. Results: Metastases were found in 11 of 26 mice with C-10 tumors and 14 of 34 mice with D-12 tumors. The primary tumors of the metastatic-positive mice had a greater fraction of hypoxic tissue (p = 0.00031, C-10; p < 0.00001, D-12), a lower median K{sup trans} (p = 0.0011, C-10; p < 0.00001, D-12), and a lower median v{sub e} (p = 0.014, C-10; p = 0.016, D-12) than the primary tumors of the metastatic-negative mice. Conclusions: These findings support the clinical attempts to establish DCE-MRI as a method for providing biomarkers for tumor aggressiveness and suggests that primary tumors characterized by low K{sup trans} and low v{sub e} values could have a high probability of hypoxia-associated metastatic spread.« less

  9. The predictive value of the sacral base pressure test in detecting specific types of sacroiliac dysfunction

    PubMed Central

    Mitchell, Travis D.; Urli, Kristina E.; Breitenbach, Jacques; Yelverton, Chris

    2007-01-01

    Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the sacral base pressure test in diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It also determined the predictive powers of the test in determining which type of sacroiliac joint dysfunction was present. Methods This was a double-blind experimental study with 62 participants. The results from the sacral base pressure test were compared against a cluster of previously validated tests of sacroiliac joint dysfunction to determine its validity and predictive powers. The external rotation of the feet, occurring during the sacral base pressure test, was measured using a digital inclinometer. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the results of the sacral base pressure test between the types of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In terms of the results of validity, the sacral base pressure test was useful in identifying positive values of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It was fairly helpful in correctly diagnosing patients with negative test results; however, it had only a “slight” agreement with the diagnosis for κ interpretation. Conclusions In this study, the sacral base pressure test was not a valid test for determining the presence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction or the type of dysfunction present. Further research comparing the agreement of the sacral base pressure test or other sacroiliac joint dysfunction tests with a criterion standard of diagnosis is necessary. PMID:19674694

  10. Therapeutic Trial for Patients With Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumor and Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2017-09-18

    Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor; Ewing Sarcoma of Bone or Soft Tissue; Localized Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor

  11. Mutational analysis of multiple lung cancers: Discrimination between primary and metastatic lung cancers by genomic profile.

    PubMed

    Goto, Taichiro; Hirotsu, Yosuke; Mochizuki, Hitoshi; Nakagomi, Takahiro; Shikata, Daichi; Yokoyama, Yujiro; Oyama, Toshio; Amemiya, Kenji; Okimoto, Kenichiro; Omata, Masao

    2017-05-09

    In cases of multiple lung cancers, individual tumors may represent either a primary lung cancer or both primary and metastatic lung cancers. Treatment selection varies depending on such features, and this discrimination is critically important in predicting prognosis. The present study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and validity of mutation analysis as a means of determining whether multiple lung cancers are primary or metastatic in nature. The study involved 12 patients who underwent surgery in our department for multiple lung cancers between July 2014 and March 2016. Tumor cells were collected from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of the primary lesions by using laser capture microdissection, and targeted sequencing of 53 lung cancer-related genes was performed. In surgically treated patients with multiple lung cancers, the driver mutation profile differed among the individual tumors. Meanwhile, in a case of a solitary lung tumor that appeared after surgery for double primary lung cancers, gene mutation analysis using a bronchoscopic biopsy sample revealed a gene mutation profile consistent with the surgically resected specimen, thus demonstrating that the tumor in this case was metastatic. In cases of multiple lung cancers, the comparison of driver mutation profiles clarifies the clonal origin of the tumors and enables discrimination between primary and metastatic tumors.

  12. Spinal and Paraspinal Ewing Tumors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Indelicato, Daniel J., E-mail: dindelicato@floridaproton.or; University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL; Keole, Sameer R.

    Purpose: To perform a review of the 40-year University of Florida experience treating spinal and paraspinal Ewing tumors. Patients and Methods: A total of 27 patients were treated between 1965 and 2007. For local management, 21 patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone and 6 with surgery plus RT. All patients with metastatic disease were treated with RT alone. The risk profiles of each group were otherwise similar. The median age was 17 years, and the most frequent subsite was the sacral spine (n = 9). The median potential follow-up was 16 years. Results: The 5-year actuarial overall survival, cause-specificmore » survival, and local control rate was 62%, 62%, and 90%, respectively. For the nonmetastatic subset (n = 22), the 5-year overall survival, cause-specific survival, and local control rate was 71%, 71%, and 89%, respectively. The local control rate was 84% for patients treated with RT alone vs. 100% for those treated with surgery plus RT. Patients who were >14 years old and those who were treated with intensive therapy demonstrated superior local control. Of 9 patients in our series with Frankel C or greater neurologic deficits at presentation, 7 experienced a full recovery with treatment. Of the 27 patients, 37% experienced Common Toxicity Criteria Grade 3 or greater toxicity, including 2 deaths from sepsis. Conclusion: Aggressive management of spinal and paraspinal Ewing tumors with RT with or without surgery results in high toxicity but excellent local control and neurologic outcomes. Efforts should be focused on identifying disease amenable to combined modality local therapy and improving RT techniques.« less

  13. Prediction of treatment response and metastatic disease in soft tissue sarcoma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farhidzadeh, Hamidreza; Zhou, Mu; Goldgof, Dmitry B.; Hall, Lawrence O.; Raghavan, Meera.; Gatenby, Robert A.

    2014-03-01

    Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogenous group of malignant tumors comprised of more than 50 histologic subtypes. Based on spatial variations of the tumor, predictions of the development of necrosis in response to therapy as well as eventual progression to metastatic disease are made. Optimization of treatment, as well as management of therapy-related side effects, may be improved using progression information earlier in the course of therapy. Multimodality pre- and post-gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance images (MRI) were taken before and after treatment for 30 patients. Regional variations in the tumor bed were measured quantitatively. The voxel values from the tumor region were used as features and a fuzzy clustering algorithm was used to segment the tumor into three spatial regions. The regions were given labels of high, intermediate and low based on the average signal intensity of pixels from the post-contrast T1 modality. These spatially distinct regions were viewed as essential meta-features to predict the response of the tumor to therapy based on necrosis (dead tissue in tumor bed) and metastatic disease (spread of tumor to sites other than primary). The best feature was the difference in the number of pixels in the highest intensity regions of tumors before and after treatment. This enabled prediction of patients with metastatic disease and lack of positive treatment response (i.e. less necrosis). The best accuracy, 73.33%, was achieved by a Support Vector Machine in a leave-one-out cross validation on 30 cases predicting necrosis < 90% post treatment and metastasis.

  14. Mena deficiency delays tumor progression and decreases metastasis in polyoma middle-T transgenic mouse mammary tumors.

    PubMed

    Roussos, Evanthia T; Wang, Yarong; Wyckoff, Jeffrey B; Sellers, Rani S; Wang, Weigang; Li, Jiufeng; Pollard, Jeffrey W; Gertler, Frank B; Condeelis, John S

    2010-01-01

    The actin binding protein Mammalian enabled (Mena), has been implicated in the metastatic progression of solid tumors in humans. Mena expression level in primary tumors is correlated with metastasis in breast, cervical, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Cells expressing high Mena levels are part of the tumor microenvironment for metastasis (TMEM), an anatomical structure that is predictive for risk of breast cancer metastasis. Previously we have shown that forced expression of Mena adenocarcinoma cells enhances invasion and metastasis in xenograft mice. Whether Mena is required for tumor progression is still unknown. Here we report the effects of Mena deficiency on tumor progression, metastasis and on normal mammary gland development. To investigate the role of Mena in tumor progression and metastasis, Mena deficient mice were intercrossed with mice carrying a transgene expressing the polyoma middle T oncoprotein, driven by the mouse mammary tumor virus. The progeny were investigated for the effects of Mena deficiency on tumor progression via staging of primary mammary tumors and by evaluation of morbidity. Stages of metastatic progression were investigated using an in vivo invasion assay, intravital multiphoton microscopy, circulating tumor cell burden, and lung metastases. Mammary gland development was studied in whole mount mammary glands of wild type and Mena deficient mice. Mena deficiency decreased morbidity and metastatic dissemination. Loss of Mena increased mammary tumor latency but had no affect on mammary tumor burden or histologic progression to carcinoma. Elimination of Mena also significantly decreased epidermal growth factor (EGF) induced in vivo invasion, in vivo motility, intravasation and metastasis. Non-tumor bearing mice deficient for Mena also showed defects in mammary gland terminal end bud formation and branching. Deficiency of Mena decreases metastasis by slowing tumor progression and reducing tumor cell invasion and intravasation. Mena

  15. Quantitative Method of Measuring Metastatic Activity

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morrison, Dennis R. (Inventor)

    1999-01-01

    The metastatic potential of tumors can be evaluated by the quantitative detection of urokinase and DNA. The cell sample selected for examination is analyzed for the presence of high levels of urokinase and abnormal DNA using analytical flow cytometry and digital image analysis. Other factors such as membrane associated uroldnase, increased DNA synthesis rates and certain receptors can be used in the method for detection of potentially invasive tumors.

  16. Restoration of bladder function in spastic neuropathic bladder using sacral deafferentation and different techniques of neurostimulation.

    PubMed

    Schumacher, S; Bross, S; Scheepe, J R; Alken, P; Jünemann, K P

    1999-01-01

    Conventional sacral anterior root stimulation (SARS) results in simultaneous activation of both the detrusor muscle and the external urethral sphincter. We evaluated the possibilities of different neurostimulation techniques to overcome stimulation induced detrusor-sphincter-dyssynergia and to achieve a physiological voiding. The literature was reviewed on different techniques of sacral anterior root stimulation of the bladder and the significance of posterior rhizotomy in patients with supraconal spinal cord injury suffering from the loss of voluntary bladder control, detrusor hyperreflexia and sphincter spasm. The achievement of selective detrusor activation would improve current sacral neurostimulation of the bladder, including the principle of "poststimulus voiding". This is possible with the application of selective neurostimulation in techniques of anodal block, high frequency block, depolarizing prepulses and cold block. Nowadays, sacral deafferentation is a standard therapy in combination with neurostimulation of the bladder because in conclusion advantages of complete rhizotomy predominate. The combination of sacral anterior root stimulation and sacral deafferentation is a successful procedure for restoration of bladder function in patients with supraconal spinal cord injury. Anodal block technique and cryotechnique are excellent methods for selective bladder activation to avoid detrusor-sphincter-dyssynergia and thus improve stimulation induced voiding.

  17. The Influence of Tumor-Host Interactions in the Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1/CXCR4 Ligand/Receptor Axis in Determining Metastatic Risk in Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Hassan, Saima; Ferrario, Cristiano; Saragovi, Uri; Quenneville, Louise; Gaboury, Louis; Baccarelli, Andrea; Salvucci, Ombretta; Basik, Mark

    2009-01-01

    The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) may function to attract CXCR4-expressing cancer cells to metastatic organs. We have previously demonstrated that low plasma SDF-1, a host-derived marker, increases distant metastatic risk in breast cancer. We therefore hypothesized that tumors overexpressing the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4 have an enhanced ability to metastasize in patients with low plasma SDF-1 levels. In this study, we determined the prognostic significance of activated CXCR4, or phosphorylated CXCR4 (p-CXCR4), and CXCR7, another receptor for SDF-1. Immunohistochemistry was performed on a tissue microarray built using 237 samples from the same cohort of patients for which we measured plasma SDF-1 levels. We found that the prognostic value of p-CXCR4 expression (hazard ratio or HR, 3.95; P = 0.004) was superior to total CXCR4 expression (HR, 3.20; P = 0.03). The rate of breast cancer-specific mortality was much higher in patients with both high p-CXCR4 expression and low plasma SDF-1 levels (HR, 5.96; P < 0.001) than either low plasma SDF-1 (HR, 3.59; P = 0.01) or high p-CXCR4 expression (HR, 3.83; P = 0.005) alone. The added prognostic value of low plasma SDF-1 was only effective in patients with high p-CXCR4 expression, and as such, provides clinical validation for modulation of the metastatic potential of tumor cells by an inherent host-derived metastatic risk factor. PMID:19497995

  18. Expression of MMP-9 decreases metastatic potential of Chondrosarcoma: an immunohistochemical study.

    PubMed

    Malcherczyk, Dominik; Heyse, Thomas J; El-Zayat, Bilal F; Kunzke, Vanessa; Moll, Roland; Fuchs-Winkelmann, Susanne; Paletta, Jürgen R J

    2018-01-09

    Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor. Because of their heterogeneity, with differences in invasive and metastatic behavior, it is important to identify biological markers that will allow for a more accurate estimation of prognosis in patients with these tumors. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a crucial role in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. The mechanism of tumor progression dependent of MMPs is complex and influences malignant transformation, angiogenesis and tumor growth at the primary and metastatic sites. The purpose of this study was to investigate immunohistochemicaly the influence of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 expression on prognostic parameter in chondrosarcoma. We investigated tissue samples of 28 patients with chondrosarcoma. Immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 was performed. Subsequently, the expression level was correlated with metastatic potential, histological grading and overall survival in patients with this neoplasm. In consideration of semi quantitative scoring 64% of chondrosarcoma were scored as positive for MMP-1, 46% for MMP-3, 61% for MMP-9. The specimens had shown no expression of MMP-13. High expression of MMP-9 was associated with better histological differentiation, decreased metastatic potential and favourable overall survival. No correlation was found for expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 or MMP-13. MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 are expressed in chondrosarcoma. Our findings suggest that the expression of MMP-9 is associated with clinical outcome parameters in chondrosarcoma.

  19. Cediranib for Metastatic Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma

    PubMed Central

    Kummar, Shivaani; Allen, Deborah; Monks, Anne; Polley, Eric C.; Hose, Curtis D.; Ivy, S. Percy; Turkbey, Ismail B.; Lawrence, Scott; Kinders, Robert J.; Choyke, Peter; Simon, Richard; Steinberg, Seth M.; Doroshow, James H.; Helman, Lee

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare, highly vascular tumor, for which no effective standard systemic treatment exists for patients with unresectable disease. Cediranib is a potent, oral small-molecule inhibitor of all three vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). Patients and Methods We conducted a phase II trial of once-daily cediranib (30 mg) given in 28-day cycles for patients with metastatic, unresectable ASPS to determine the objective response rate (ORR). We also compared gene expression profiles in pre- and post-treatment tumor biopsies and evaluated the effect of cediranib on tumor proliferation and angiogenesis using positron emission tomography and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Results Of 46 patients enrolled, 43 were evaluable for response at the time of analysis. The ORR was 35%, with 15 of 43 patients achieving a partial response. Twenty-six patients (60%) had stable disease as the best response, with a disease control rate (partial response + stable disease) at 24 weeks of 84%. Microarray analysis with validation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction on paired tumor biopsies from eight patients demonstrated downregulation of genes related to vasculogenesis. Conclusion In this largest prospective trial to date of systemic therapy for metastatic ASPS, we observed that cediranib has substantial single-agent activity, producing an ORR of 35% and a disease control rate of 84% at 24 weeks. On the basis of these results, an open-label, multicenter, randomized phase II registration trial is currently being conducted for patients with metastatic ASPS comparing cediranib with another VEGFR inhibitor, sunitinib. PMID:23630200

  20. Validation of pathological grading systems for predicting metastatic potential in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

    PubMed Central

    Koh, Jung-Min; Ahn, Seong Hee; Kim, Hyeonmok; Kim, Beom-Jun; Sung, Tae-Yon; Kim, Young Hoon; Hong, Suck Joon; Song, Dong Eun

    2017-01-01

    Purpose The Grading system for Adrenal Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (GAPP) was proposed for predicting the metastatic potential of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma to overcome the limitations of the Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Scaled Score (PASS). However, to date, no study validating the GAPP has been conducted, and previous studies did not include mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase type B (SDHB) gene in the score calculation. In this retrospective cohort study, we validated the prediction ability of GAPP and assessed whether it would be improved by inclusion of the loss of SDHB immunohistochemical staining. Methods We divided the tumors into non-metastatic and metastatic groups based on the presence of synchronous or metachronous metastases. The GAPP score and PASS at the initial operation were measured. Moreover, we combined some GAPP parameters with the immunohistochemical staining of SDHB to obtain a modified GAPP (M-GAPP) score. Results Metastasis occurred in 15/72 (20.8%) patients, with a mean follow-up of 43.5 months. Loss of SDHB staining was more frequent (P = 0.044) in the metastatic group. The GAPP score (P = 0.006), PASS (P = 0.003), and M-GAPP score (P<0.001) were all higher in the metastatic group. Twelve of 40 (30.0%) moderately or poorly differentiated tumors, as defined by the GAPP score, and 12/34 (35.3%) tumors with a PASS ≥4 were metastatic. Conversely, 10/19 (52.6%) tumors with an M-GAPP score ≥3 were metastatic. The area under the curve of the M-GAPP score (0.822) was significantly higher than that of the GAPP (0.728) (P = 0.012), but similar to that of the PASS (0.753) (P = 0.411). The GAPP (P = 0.032) and M-GAPP scores (P = 0.040), but not PASS (P = 0.200), negatively correlated with metastasis-free survival. Conclusion The GAPP was validated, and M-GAPP, a combination of some GAPP parameters and loss of SDHB staining, might be useful for the prediction of the metastatic potential of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

  1. Improving efficacy of metastatic tumor segmentation to facilitate early prediction of ovarian cancer patients' response to chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Danala, Gopichandh; Wang, Yunzhi; Thai, Theresa; Gunderson, Camille C.; Moxley, Katherine M.; Moore, Kathleen; Mannel, Robert S.; Cheng, Samuel; Liu, Hong; Zheng, Bin; Qiu, Yuchen

    2017-02-01

    Accurate tumor segmentation is a critical step in the development of the computer-aided detection (CAD) based quantitative image analysis scheme for early stage prognostic evaluation of ovarian cancer patients. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the efficacy of several different methods to segment the metastatic tumors occurred in different organs of ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we developed a segmentation scheme consisting of eight different algorithms, which can be divided into three groups: 1) Region growth based methods; 2) Canny operator based methods; and 3) Partial differential equation (PDE) based methods. A number of 138 tumors acquired from 30 ovarian cancer patients were used to test the performance of these eight segmentation algorithms. The results demonstrate each of the tested tumors can be successfully segmented by at least one of the eight algorithms without the manual boundary correction. Furthermore, modified region growth, classical Canny detector, and fast marching, and threshold level set algorithms are suggested in the future development of the ovarian cancer related CAD schemes. This study may provide meaningful reference for developing novel quantitative image feature analysis scheme to more accurately predict the response of ovarian cancer patients to the chemotherapy at early stage.

  2. Broad-spectrum anti-tumor and anti-metastatic DNA vaccine based on p62-encoding vector

    PubMed Central

    Sherman, Michael Y.; Gabai, Vladimir; Kiselev, Oleg; Komissarov, Andrey; Grudinin, Mikhail; Shartukova, Maria; Romanovskaya-Romanko, Ekaterina A.; Kudryavets, Yuri; Bezdenezhnykh, Natalya; Lykhova, Oleksandra; Semesyuk, Nadiia; Concetti, Antonio; Tsyb, Anatoly; Filimonova, Marina; Makarchuk, Victoria; Yakubovsky, Raisa; Chursov, Andrey; Shcherbinina, Vita; Shneider, Alexander

    2013-01-01

    Autophagy plays an important role in neoplastic transformation of cells and in resistance of cancer cells to radio- and chemotherapy. p62 (SQSTM1) is a key component of autophagic machinery which is also involved in signal transduction. Although recent empirical observations demonstrated that p62 is overexpressed in variety of human tumors, a mechanism of p62 overexpression is not known. Here we report that the transformation of normal human mammary epithelial cells with diverse oncogenes (RAS, PIK3CA and Her2) causes marked accumulation of p62. Based on this result, we hypothesized that p62 may be a feasible candidate to be an anti-cancer DNA vaccine. Here we performed a preclinical study of a novel DNA vaccine encoding p62. Intramuscularly administered p62-encoding plasmid induced anti-p62 antibodies and exhibited strong antitumor activity in four models of allogeneic mouse tumors – B16 melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), S37 sarcoma, and Ca755 breast carcinoma. In mice challenged with Ca755 cells, p62 treatment had dual effect: inhibited tumor growth in some mice and prolonged life in those mice which developed tumor size similar to control. P62-encoding plasmid has demonstrated its potency both as a preventive and therapeutic vaccine. Importantly, p62 vaccination drastically suppressed metastasis formation: in B16 melanoma where tumor cells where injected intravenously, and in LLC and S37 sarcoma with spontaneous metastasis. Overall, we conclude that a p62-encoding vector(s) constitute(s) a novel, effective broad-spectrum antitumor and anti-metastatic vaccine feasible for further development and clinical trials. PMID:24121124

  3. Safe Zone Quantification of the Third Sacral Segment in Normal and Dysmorphic Sacra.

    PubMed

    Hwang, John S; Reilly, Mark C; Shaath, Mohammad K; Changoor, Stuart; Eastman, Jonathan; Routt, Milton Lee Chip; Sirkin, Michael S; Adams, Mark R

    2018-04-01

    To quantify the osseous anatomy of the dysmorphic third sacral segment and assess its ability to accommodate internal fixation. Retrospective chart review of a trauma database. University Level 1 Trauma Center. Fifty-nine patients over the age of 18 with computed tomography scans of the pelvis separated into 2 groups: a group with normal pelvic anatomy and a group with sacral dysmorphism. The sacral osseous area was measured on computed tomography scans in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes in normal and dysmorphic pelves. These measurements were used to determine the possibility of accommodating a transiliac transsacral screw in the third sacral segment. In the normal group, the S3 coronal transverse width averaged 7.71 mm and the S3 axial transverse width averaged 7.12 mm. The mean S3 cross-sectional area of the normal group was 55.8 mm. The dysmorphic group was found to have a mean S3 coronal transverse width of 9.49 mm, an average S3 axial transverse width of 9.14 mm, and an S3 cross-sectional area of 77.9 mm. The third sacral segment of dysmorphic sacra has a larger osseous pathway available to safely accommodate a transiliac transsacral screw when compared with normal sacra. The S3 segment of dysmorphic sacra can serve as an additional site for screw placement when treating unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures.

  4. The diagnostic value of serum tumor markers CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3, and TPS in metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Wang, Weigang; Xu, Xiaoqin; Tian, Baoguo; Wang, Yan; Du, Lili; Sun, Ting; Shi, Yanchun; Zhao, Xianwen; Jing, Jiexian

    2017-07-01

    This study aims to understand the diagnostic value of serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), and tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A total of 164 metastatic breast cancer patients in Shanxi Cancer Hospital were recruited between February 2016 and July 2016. 200 breast cancer patients without metastasis in the same period were randomly selected as the control group. The general characteristics, immunohistochemical, and pathological results were investigated between the two groups, and tumor markers were determined. There were statistical differences in the concentration and the positive rates of CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3, and TPS between the MBC and control group (P<0.05). The highest sensitivity was in CEA and the highest specificity was in CA125 for the diagnosis of MBC when using a single tumor marker at 56.7% and 97.0%, respectively. In addition, two tumor markers were used for the diagnosis of MBC and the CEA and TPS combination had the highest diagnostic sensitivity with 78.7%, while the CA15-3 and CA125 combination had the highest specificity of 91.5%. Analysis of tumor markers of 164 MBC found that there were statistical differences in the positive rates of CEA and CA15-3 between bone metastases and other metastases (χ 2 =6.00, P=0.014; χ 2 =7.32, P=0.007, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity values of the CEA and CA15-3 combination in the diagnosis of bone metastases were 77.1% and 45.8%, respectively. The positive rate of TPS in the lung metastases group was lower than in other metastases (χ 2 =8.06, P=0.005).There were significant differences in the positive rates of CA15-3 and TPS between liver metastases and other metastases (χ 2 =15.42, P<0.001; χ 2 =9.72, P=0.002, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of the CA15-3 and TPS combination in the diagnosis of liver metastases were 92.3% and

  5. Tanespimycin in Treating Young Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Leukemia or Solid Tumors

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2013-06-03

    Childhood Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia; Childhood Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor; Disseminated Neuroblastoma; Metastatic Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Metastatic Osteosarcoma; Previously Treated Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma; Recurrent Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; Recurrent Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia; Recurrent Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma; Recurrent Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Recurrent Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Recurrent Neuroblastoma; Recurrent Osteosarcoma

  6. Ocular melanoma metastatic to skin: the value of HMB-45 staining.

    PubMed

    Schwartz, Robert A; Kist, Joseph M; Thomas, Isabelle; Fernández, Geover; Cruz, Manuel A; Koziorynska, Ewa I; Lambert, W Clark

    2004-06-01

    Cutaneous metastatic disease is an important finding that may represent the first sign of systemic cancer, or, if already known, that may change tumor staging and thus dramatically altered therapeutic plans. Although cutaneous metastases are relatively frequent in patients with cutaneous melanoma, they are less so from ocular melanoma. To demonstrate the value of HMB-45, staining in the detection of ocular melanoma metastatic to skin. The immunohistochemical stain HMB-45 a monoclonal antibody directed against intact human melanoma cells, was employed on a skin biopsy specimen from a cutaneous tumor. HMB-45 staining was positive in the atypical hyperchromatic cells of the deep dermis. HMB-45 may be of value in the detection of ocular melanoma metastatic to skin. Cutaneous metastatic disease is a somewhat common and extremely important diagnosis. Although cutaneous metastases from cutaneous melanoma are relatively frequent, those from ocular melanomas are less so. Use of histochemical staining, especially the HMB-45 stain, allows confirmation of the diagnosis.

  7. Nanoparticles for imaging and treatment of metastatic breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Mu, Qingxin; Wang, Hui; Zhang, Miqin

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Metastatic breast cancer is one of the most devastating cancers that have no cure. Many therapeutic and diagnostic strategies have been extensively studied in the past decade. Among these strategies, cancer nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy in preclinical studies by enabling early identification of primary tumors and metastases, and by effective killing of cancer cells. Areas covered This review covers the recent progress made in targeting and imaging of metastatic breast cancer with nanoparticles, and treatment using nanoparticle-enabled chemo-, gene, photothermal- and radio-therapies. This review also discusses recent developments of nanoparticle-enabled stem cell therapy and immunotherapy. Expert opinion Nanotechnology is expected to play important roles in modern therapy for cancers, including metastatic breast cancer. Nanoparticles are able to target and visualize metastasis in various organs, and deliver therapeutic agents. Through targeting cancer stem cells, nanoparticles are able to treat resistant tumors with minimal toxicity to healthy tissues/organs. Nanoparticles are also able to activate immune cells to eliminate tumors. Owing to their multifunctional, controllable and trackable features, nanotechnology-based imaging and therapy could be a highly potent approach for future cancer research and treatment. PMID:27401941

  8. Sensitive Detection of Mono- and Polyclonal ESR1 Mutations in Primary Tumors, Metastatic Lesions, and Cell-Free DNA of Breast Cancer Patients.

    PubMed

    Wang, Peilu; Bahreini, Amir; Gyanchandani, Rekha; Lucas, Peter C; Hartmaier, Ryan J; Watters, Rebecca J; Jonnalagadda, Amruth R; Trejo Bittar, Humberto E; Berg, Aaron; Hamilton, Ronald L; Kurland, Brenda F; Weiss, Kurt R; Mathew, Aju; Leone, Jose Pablo; Davidson, Nancy E; Nikiforova, Marina N; Brufsky, Adam M; Ambros, Tadeu F; Stern, Andrew M; Puhalla, Shannon L; Lee, Adrian V; Oesterreich, Steffi

    2016-03-01

    Given the clinical relevance of ESR1 mutations as potential drivers of resistance to endocrine therapy, this study used sensitive detection methods to determine the frequency of ESR1 mutations in primary and metastatic breast cancer, and in cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Six ESR1 mutations (K303R, S463P, Y537C, Y537N, Y537S, D538G) were assessed by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), with lower limits of detection of 0.05% to 0.16%, in primary tumors (n = 43), bone (n = 12) and brain metastases (n = 38), and cfDNA (n = 29). Correlations between ESR1 mutations in metastatic lesions and single (1 patient) or serial blood draws (4 patients) were assessed. ESR1 mutations were detected for D538G (n = 13), Y537S (n = 3), and Y537C (n = 1), and not for K303R, S463P, or Y537N. Mutation rates were 7.0% (3/43 primary tumors), 9.1% (1/11 bone metastases), 12.5% (3/24 brain metastases), and 24.1% (7/29 cfDNA). Two patients showed polyclonal disease with more than one ESR1 mutation. Mutation allele frequencies were 0.07% to 0.2% in primary tumors, 1.4% in bone metastases, 34.3% to 44.9% in brain metastases, and 0.2% to 13.7% in cfDNA. In cases with both cfDNA and metastatic samples (n = 5), mutations were detected in both (n = 3) or in cfDNA only (n = 2). Treatment was associated with changes in ESR1 mutation detection and allele frequency. ESR1 mutations were detected at very low allele frequencies in some primary breast cancers, and at high allele frequency in metastases, suggesting that in some tumors rare ESR1-mutant clones are enriched by endocrine therapy. Further studies should address whether sensitive detection of ESR1 mutations in primary breast cancer and in serial blood draws may be predictive for development of resistant disease. See related commentary by Gu and Fuqua, p. 1034. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

  9. The superior gluteal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of sacral sores

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Weijian; Jiang, Bo; Zhao, Jiaju; Wang, Peiji

    2016-01-01

    This report describes our experiences using the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps for reconstruction of 2 sacral sore cases. A 47-year-old female patient and a 38-year-old man with sacral sores were treated in our unit. The size of the defects were approximately 5×6 cm2 and 8×9 cm2, the defects were repaired by SGAP flaps. The size of designed was SGAP flaps varied from 7×20 to 9×16 cm2. All flaps survived and healed primary, the texture, functions, and appearance of flaps were satisfactory, and also without region dysfunction of donor and recipient sites. The SGAP flap, which has reliable blood supply, preserves the gluteus maximus muscle and could be transferred simply and safely, is an ideal and reusable method to reconstruct sacral sores with low rate of postoperative recurrence and satisfactory appearance. PMID:27652367

  10. Retention of urine and sacral paraesthesia in anogenital herpes simplex infection.

    PubMed

    Edis, R H

    1981-01-01

    Two definite and 2 probable cases of anogenital herpes simplex and sacral radiculitis are described. Symptoms were typical and consisted of paraesthesia and neuralgic pain in the perineum and legs, urinary retention and constipation occurring within several days to a week after an anogenital herpetic eruption. However, at presentation only 1 case had an obvious history of anogenital herpes simplex. Neurological signs were not striking and consisted of a reduced appreciation of light touch and pin prick over the sacral dermatomes and in 2 cases reduced anal sphincter tone. CSF examination in 3 patients showed a lymphocytosis. Bladder catheterisation was required for up to 2 weeks in 2 patients. The paraesthesia persisted for weeks to months. It should be more widely recognised that anogenital herpes simplex, with sacral radiculitis, is probably the commonest cause of acute retention of urine in young sexually active people.

  11. Altered Redox Status Accompanies Progression to Metastatic Human Bladder Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Hempel, Nadine; Ye, Hanqing; Abessia, Bryan; Mian, Badar; Melendez, J. Andres

    2009-01-01

    The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bladder cancer progression remains an unexplored field. Expression levels of enzymes regulating ROS levels are often altered in cancer. Search of publicly available micro-array data reveals that expression of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (Sod2), responsible for the conversion of superoxide (O2-.) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is consistently increased in high grade and advanced stage bladder tumors. Here we aim to identify the role of Sod2 expression and ROS in bladder cancer. Using an in vitro human bladder tumor model we monitored the redox state of both non-metastatic (253J) and highly metastatic (253J B-V) bladder tumor cell lines. 253J B-V cells displayed significantly higher Sod2 protein and activity levels compared to their parental 253J cell line. The increase in Sod2 expression was accompanied by a significant decrease in catalase activity, resulting in a net increase in H2O2 production in the 253J B-V line. Expression of pro-metastatic and –angiogenic factors, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and vascular endothelial derived growth factor (VEGF), respectively, were similarly upregulated in the metastatic line. Expression of both MMP-9 and VEGF were shown to be H2O2-dependent, as removal of H2O2 by overexpression of catalase attenuated their expression. Similarly, expression of catalase effectively reduced the clonogenic activity of 253J B-V cells. These findings indicate that metastatic bladder cancer cells display an altered antioxidant expression profile, resulting in a net increase in ROS production, which leads to the induction of redox-sensitive pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic genes such as VEGF and MMP-9. PMID:18930813

  12. Effects of letrozole on breast cancer micro-metastatic tumor growth in bone and lung in mice inoculated with murine 4T1 cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wendan; Belosay, Aashvini; Yang, Xujuan; Hartman, James A; Song, Huaxin; Iwaniec, Urszula T; Turner, Russell T; Churchwell, Mona I; Doerge, Daniel R; Helferich, William G

    2016-06-01

    Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in women worldwide. Metastasis occurs in stage IV BC with bone and lung being common metastatic sites. Here we evaluate the effects of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole on BC micro-metastatic tumor growth in bone and lung metastasis in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) mice with murine estrogen receptor negative (ER-) BC cells inoculated in tibia. Forty-eight BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: OVX, OVX + Letrozole, Intact, and Intact + Letrozole, and injected with 4T1 cells intra-tibially. Letrozole was subcutaneously injected daily for 23 days at a dose of 1.75 µg/g body weight. Tumor progression was monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Following necropsy, inoculated tibiae were scanned via µCT and bone response to tumor was scored from 0 (no ectopic mineralization/osteolysis) to 5 (extensive ectopic mineralization/osteolysis). OVX mice had higher tibial pathology scores indicative of more extensive bone destruction than intact mice, irrespective of letrozole treatment. Letrozole decreased serum estradiol levels and reduced lung surface tumor numbers in intact animals. Furthermore, mice receiving letrozole had significantly fewer tumor colonies and fewer proliferative cells in the lung than OVX and intact controls based on H&E and Ki-67 staining, respectively. In conclusion, BC-inoculated OVX animals had higher tibia pathology scores than BC-inoculated intact animals and letrozole reduced BC metastases to lungs. These findings suggest that, by lowering systemic estrogen level and/or by interacting with the host organ, the aromatase inhibitor letrozole has the potential to reduce ER- BC metastasis to lung.

  13. Comparative sequencing analysis reveals high genomic concordance between matched primary and metastatic colorectal cancer lesions.

    PubMed

    Brannon, A Rose; Vakiani, Efsevia; Sylvester, Brooke E; Scott, Sasinya N; McDermott, Gregory; Shah, Ronak H; Kania, Krishan; Viale, Agnes; Oschwald, Dayna M; Vacic, Vladimir; Emde, Anne-Katrin; Cercek, Andrea; Yaeger, Rona; Kemeny, Nancy E; Saltz, Leonard B; Shia, Jinru; D'Angelica, Michael I; Weiser, Martin R; Solit, David B; Berger, Michael F

    2014-08-28

    Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with over 50,000 deaths estimated in 2014. Molecular profiling for somatic mutations that predict absence of response to anti-EGFR therapy has become standard practice in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer; however, the quantity and type of tissue available for testing is frequently limited. Further, the degree to which the primary tumor is a faithful representation of metastatic disease has been questioned. As next-generation sequencing technology becomes more widely available for clinical use and additional molecularly targeted agents are considered as treatment options in colorectal cancer, it is important to characterize the extent of tumor heterogeneity between primary and metastatic tumors. We performed deep coverage, targeted next-generation sequencing of 230 key cancer-associated genes for 69 matched primary and metastatic tumors and normal tissue. Mutation profiles were 100% concordant for KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF, and were highly concordant for recurrent alterations in colorectal cancer. Additionally, whole genome sequencing of four patient trios did not reveal any additional site-specific targetable alterations. Colorectal cancer primary tumors and metastases exhibit high genomic concordance. As current clinical practices in colorectal cancer revolve around KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutation status, diagnostic sequencing of either primary or metastatic tissue as available is acceptable for most patients. Additionally, consistency between targeted sequencing and whole genome sequencing results suggests that targeted sequencing may be a suitable strategy for clinical diagnostic applications.

  14. Long-term efficacy and safety of sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence.

    PubMed

    Mellgren, Anders; Wexner, Steven D; Coller, John A; Devroede, Ghislain; Lerew, Darin R; Madoff, Robert D; Hull, Tracy

    2011-09-01

    Sacral nerve stimulation is effective in the treatment of urinary incontinence and is currently under Food and Drug Administration review in the United States for fecal incontinence. Previous reports have focused primarily on short-term results of sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence. The present study reports the long-term effectiveness and safety of sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence in a large prospective multicenter study. Patients with fecal incontinent episodes more than twice per week were offered participation in this multicentered prospective trial. Patients showing ≥ 50% improvement during test stimulation were offered chronic implantation of the InterStim Therapy system (Medtronic; Minneapolis, MN). The aims of the current report were to provide 3-year follow-up data on patients from that study who underwent sacral nerve stimulation and were monitored under the rigors of an Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational protocol. One hundred thirty-three patients underwent test stimulation with a 90% success rate, of whom 120 (110 females) with a mean age of 60.5 years and a mean duration of fecal incontinence of 7 years received chronic implantation. Mean length of follow-up was 3.1 (range, 0.2-6.1) years, with 83 patients completing all or part of the 3-year follow-up assessment. At 3 years follow-up, 86% of patients (P < .0001) reported ≥ 50% reduction in the number of incontinent episodes per week compared with baseline and the number of incontinent episodes per week decreased from a mean of 9.4 at baseline to 1.7. Perfect continence was achieved in 40% of subjects. The therapy also improved the fecal incontinence severity index. Sacral nerve stimulation had a positive impact on the quality of life, as evidenced by significant improvements in all 4 scales of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life instrument at 12, 24, and 36 months of follow-up. The most common device- or therapy-related adverse events through the

  15. A comparative, descriptive study of systemic factors and survival in elderly patients with sacral pressure ulcers.

    PubMed

    Jaul, Efraim; Menczel, Jacob

    2015-03-01

    Sacral pressure ulcers (PUs) are a serious complication in frail elderly patients. Thin tissue in the sacral area, low body mass index, and anatomical location contribute to the development of sacral PUs. A comparative, descriptive study was conducted to identify patient systemic factors associated with sacral PUs and to compare survival time in patients with and without PU. All consecutive patients with PUs (n = 77) and without sacral PUs (n = 53) admitted to the skilled nursing department of a geriatric hospital in Jerusalem, Israel between July 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011 were eligible to participate. Charts of previously admitted patients were abstracted and patients were prospectively followed until discharge, death, or the end of the study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, nutritional status, physical and cognitive function (measured using the Reisberg's Functional Assessment Staging Tool [FAST], Stages of Dementia of Alzheimer Scale, and the Glasgow Coma Scale), PU status, number of courses of antibiotic treatment during admission, length of hospitalization, and mortality were compared between patients admitted with and without a sacral PU using descriptive and univariate statistics. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for sacral PU versus without PU by study covariate. The association between sacral PU and survival time was assessed using Kaplan-Meier models. Patients with a sacral PU were significantly older (average age 81.60 ±10.78 versus 77.06±11.19 years old, P = 0.02) and had a higher prevalence of dementia (70% versus 30%, P = 0.007), Parkinson's disease (92.3% versus 7.7%, P = 0.03), and anemia (67.7% versus 32.3%, P = 0.06) than patients admitted without a PU. Patients with a sacral PU also had a lower body mass index (23.1 versus 25.4, P = 0.04), and lower hemoglobin (10.54 versus 11.11, P = 0.03), albumin (26.2 versus 29.7, P = 0.002), and total protein levels (61.3 versus

  16. A rare case of metastatic squamous urachal carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Andrei, S; Andrei, A; Rusu Muntean, G; Ungureanu, M; Herlea, V; Becheanu, G; Popescu, I

    2013-01-01

    Squamous cell carcinoma is a very rare type of urachal malignancy, only a few cases being reported in the medical literature. We present the case of a 49-year-old male patient diagnosed with infected squamous cell urachal carcinoma with multiple pulmonary metastases, after complaints of lower abdominal pain, abdominal mass and fever, without respiratory symptoms. The abdominal ultrasonography and the CT scan revealed a tumoral mass in the lower abdomen in contact with the abdominal wall and the urinary bladder dome, displacing the small bowel. Pulmonary nodular lesions were described in the left lobe pyramid. The intraoperative diagnosis was necrotic urachal tumor with urinary bladder dome invasion and suspected pulmonary metastases, and tumor ablation with bladder dome resection and suture of the bladder were performed. The histopathological result was poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (G3), with negative resection margins. The patient recovered well after surgery, but the prognosis is very poor due to the metastatic stage in which the tumor was diagnosed, no standard chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of metastatic urachal carcinoma being known as effective until now. Celsius.

  17. A case of metastatic hemangiopericytoma occurring 16 years after initial presentation: with special reference to the clinical behavior and treatment of metastatic hemangiopericytoma.

    PubMed

    Fujita, Itsuo; Kiyama, Teruo; Chou, Kazumitsu; Kanno, Hitoshi; Naito, Zenya; Uchida, Eiji

    2009-08-01

    A 40-year-old woman was referred to our Department of Surgery because of an abdominal wall mass. Sixteen years earlier, she had undergone surgical resection of an inguinal tumor that had been diagnosed as a hemangiosarcoma. Fourteen months after the initial resection, the tumor recurred locally, and complete resection was performed. Twenty-nine months later, computed tomography showed multiple metastatic tumors in the lung. All these tumors were resected during thoracoscopic surgery. Thirteen years after the patient's 3rd operation, a firm mass was detected in the left lower quadrant of the abdominal wall. Magnetic resonance image showed a well-defined mass with heterogeneous contrast enhancement within the rectus abdominis muscle. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography demonstrated no recurrent tumors other than this mass. Complete resection was performed. Microscopic examination showed that this tumor was composed of hypercellular spindle cells and staghorn-shaped blood vessels. The average number of mitotic figures was 28 per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemical examination of the tumor showed focal positivity for CD34. Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as a metastatic hemangiopericytoma with malignant potential. Careful long-term follow-up is required because metastases can develop after an extended disease-free interval. Aggressive surgical treatment is recommended for distant metastases.

  18. Metastatic colorectal cancer responsive to regorafenib for 2 years: a case report.

    PubMed

    Yoshino, Kenji; Manaka, Dai; Kudo, Ryo; Kanai, Shunpei; Mitsuoka, Eisei; Kanto, Satoshi; Hamasu, Shinya; Konishi, Sayuri; Nishitai, Ryuta

    2017-08-18

    Regorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor that has been demonstrated as clinically effective in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in phase III studies. Although disease control was achieved in 40% of the pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in the pivotal studies, radiological response has rarely been reported. Severe adverse events associated with regorafenib are known to occur during the first and second courses of treatment. We present a case of a 62-year-old Japanese patient whose metastatic colorectal cancer has been responding to treatment with regorafenib for 2 years. A 54-year-old Japanese man visited our institute exhibiting general malaise, and he was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer in April 2006. He underwent right hemicolectomy, and the final staging was T3N0M0, stage II. After 19 months, pulmonary metastasis and anastomotic recurrences were detected, and a series of operations were performed to resect both metastatic lesions. After that, liver metastasis, a duodenal metastasis with right renal invasion, right adrenal metastasis, and para-aortic lymph node metastases were observed during follow-up, and chemotherapy and resection were performed. The patient had metastatic para-aortic lymph nodes after the fifth tumor resection and underwent multiple lines of chemotherapy in April 2014. Regorafenib monotherapy was started at 80 mg/day. Then, regorafenib was increased to 120 mg/day in the second cycle. Regorafenib monotherapy led to 60% tumor shrinkage within the initial 2 months, and the tumor further decreased in size over 4 months until it became unrecognizable on imaging studies. The clinical effects of regorafenib monotherapy have shown a partial response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. No severe adverse events were observed, except for mild fatigue and hand-foot syndrome. The patient has received 24 courses of regorafenib over 2 years without exhibiting tumor progression. To the

  19. Evaluate Risk/Benefit of Nab Paclitaxel in Combination With Gemcitabine and Carboplatin Compared to Gemcitabine and Carboplatin in Triple Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer (or Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer)

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-03-07

    Breast Tumor; Breast Cancer; Cancer of the Breast; Estrogen Receptor- Negative Breast Cancer; HER2- Negative Breast Cancer; Progesterone Receptor- Negative Breast Cancer; Recurrent Breast Cancer; Stage IV Breast Cancer; Triple-negative Breast Cancer; Triple-negative Metastatic Breast Cancer; Metastatic Breast Cancer

  20. Toward a full understanding of the EPR effect in primary and metastatic tumors as well as issues related to its heterogeneity.

    PubMed

    Maeda, Hiroshi

    2015-08-30

    The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of solid tumors as seen with nanomedicines and macromolecular drugs is well known. However, many researchers appear to lack a full understanding of this effect. The effect varies depending on a patient's pathological and physiological characteristics and clinical condition. When a patient's systolic blood pressure is low side of about 90mmHg instead of 120-130mmHg, the hydrodynamic force pushing blood from the luminal side of a vessel into tumor tissue becomes significantly low, which results in a low EPR. Also, a vascular embolism in a tumor may impede blood flow and the EPR. Here, I describe the background of the EPR effect, heterogeneity of this effect, physiological and pathological factors affecting the effect, the EPR effect in metastatic tumors, artifacts of the EPR effect with micellar and liposomal drugs, problems of macromolecular drug stability and drug release, and access to target sites. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Imaging Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Dynamics in Primary and Metastatic Colon Cancer in Nude Mice.

    PubMed

    Hasegawa, Kosuke; Suetsugu, Atsushi; Nakamura, Miki; Matsumoto, Takuro; Aoki, Hitomi; Kunisada, Takahiro; Bouvet, Michael; Shimizu, Masahito; Hoffman, Robert M

    2016-05-01

    Colon cancer frequently results in metastasis to the liver, where it becomes the main cause of death. However, the cell cycle in primary tumors and metastases is poorly understood. We developed a mouse model of liver metastasis using the human colon cancer cell line HCT-116, which expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent protein (RFP) in the cytoplasm (HCT-116-GFP-RFP). HCT-116 GFP-RFP cells were injected into the spleen of nu/nu nude mice. HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells subsequently formed primary tumors in the spleen, as well as metastatic colonies in the liver and retroperitoneum by 28 days after cell transplantation. Using an Olympus FV1000 confocal microscope, it was possible to clearly image mitosis of the dual-colored colon cancer cells in the primary tumor as well as liver and other metastases. Multi-nucleate cancer cells, in addition to mono-nucleate cancer cells and their mitosis, were observed in the primary tumor and metastasis. Multi-nucleate HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells were also observed after culture of the primary and metastatic tumors. A similar ratio of mono-nucleate, multi-nucleate, and mitotic cells grew from the primary and metastatic tumors in culture, suggesting similarity of the nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics of primary and metastatic cancer cells, further emphasizing the stochastic nature of metastasis. Our results demonstrate a similar heterogeneity of nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics within primary tumors and metastases, which may be an important factor in the stochastic nature of metastasis. Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  2. Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to the skin staining positive with HMB-45.

    PubMed

    Gross, Joshua A; Perniciaro, Charles; Gross, David J; Barksdale, Sarah K

    2012-02-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is uncommonly observed as a cutaneous metastasis. We report a 76-year-old man with metastatic HCC to the skin of the nasal ala, diagnosed antecedent to the primary tumor. HCC was confirmed by positive immunostaining with Hep Par 1 in tissue from the metastasis and from a needle biopsy of the primary lesion. In addition, tumor cells from both the metastasis and liver stained positive with HMB-45. To our knowledge, HMB-45 positive staining has not been reported in either primary or metastatic HCC.

  3. Ki67 Proliferative Index in Carcinoid Tumors Involving Ovary.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaotun; Jones, Andrea; Jenkins, Sarah M; Huang, Yajue

    2018-03-01

    Primary ovarian carcinoid tumors are rare neoplasms that constitute less than 0.1% of all ovarian carcinomas. However, carcinoid tumors metastatic to ovaries are more common. Cell proliferative rate is an important factor in the determination of neuroendocrine tumor prognosis. Limited data are available as regards Ki67 proliferation index in predicting the physiological features of carcinoid tumors involving the ovary. Pathology files of Mayo Clinic Rochester (1995-2014) were searched, and clinical information was collected from medical records. All cases were stained with an antibody against Ki67, and digital analysis was performed with digital imaging analysis. A total of 36 cases (median age 64 years, range 33-83 years), including 9 primary (median age 68 years, range 33-73 years) and 27 metastatic carcinoid cases (median age 64 years, range 36-83 years), were investigated in the current study. Seven out of nine (77.8%) primary ovarian carcinoids are associated with mature teratoma. Twenty two metastatic carcinoids (81.5%) were from the GI tract, four (14.8%) from the pancreas, and one (3.7%) from the posterior thorax location. There was significant difference of Ki67 index between primary (median 2.3%, range, 0.6-8.4%) and metastatic carcinoid tumors (median 9.7%, range, 1.3-46.7%) (p = 0.002). The survival time is much shorter among patients with metastatic carcinoid tumor (median survival 5.8 years) comparing to primary ovarian carcinoid tumor (median 14.2 years) (p = 0.0005). A strong association between Ki67 index and patient survival time was identified (Hazard ratio for 1-percentage point increase 1.11, p = 0.001). Comparing to primary ovarian carcinoid tumor, metastatic carcinoid usually exhibits a higher Ki67 index and a worse outcome.

  4. Characterizing the efficacy of cancer therapeutics in patient-derived xenograft models of metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Turner, Tia H; Alzubi, Mohammad A; Sohal, Sahib S; Olex, Amy L; Dozmorov, Mikhail G; Harrell, J Chuck

    2018-03-12

    Basal-like breast cancers are aggressive and often metastasize to vital organs. Treatment is largely limited to chemotherapy. This study aims to characterize the efficacy of cancer therapeutics in vitro and in vivo within the primary tumor and metastatic setting, using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. We employed two basal-like, triple-negative PDX models, WHIM2 and WHIM30. PDX cells, obtained from mammary tumors grown in mice, were treated with twelve cancer therapeutics to evaluate their cytotoxicity in vitro. Four of the effective drugs-carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dacarbazine-were tested in vivo for their efficacy in treating mammary tumors, and metastases generated by intracardiac injection of tumor cells. RNA sequencing showed that global gene expression of PDX cells grown in the mammary gland was similar to those tested in culture. In vitro, carboplatin was cytotoxic to WHIM30 but not WHIM2, whereas bortezomib, dacarbazine, and cyclophosphamide were cytotoxic to both lines. Yet, these drugs were ineffective in treating both primary and metastatic WHIM2 tumors in vivo. Carboplatin and cyclophosphamide were effective in treating WHIM30 mammary tumors and reducing metastatic burden in the brain, liver, and lungs. WHIM2 and WHIM30 metastases showed distinct patterns of cytokeratin and vimentin expression, regardless of treatment, suggesting that different tumor cell subpopulations may preferentially seed in different organs. This study highlights the utility of PDX models for studying the efficacy of therapeutics in reducing metastatic burden in specific organs. The differential treatment responses between two PDX models of the same intrinsic subtype, in both the primary and metastatic setting, recapitulates the challenges faced in treating cancer patients and highlights the need for combination therapies and predictive biomarkers.

  5. Biological Therapy in Treating Patients With Metastatic Cancer

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2013-02-21

    Breast Cancer; Colorectal Cancer; Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer; Gallbladder Cancer; Gastric Cancer; Head and Neck Cancer; Liver Cancer; Lung Cancer; Metastatic Cancer; Ovarian Cancer; Pancreatic Cancer; Testicular Germ Cell Tumor

  6. Sacral Peak Pressure in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: With and Without Liquid-Based Pad.

    PubMed

    Duetzmann, Stephan; Forsey, Lynn M; Senft, Christian; Seifert, Volker; Ratliff, John; Park, Jon

    2015-01-01

    The prevalence of sacral pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injuries is high. The sacral area is vulnerable to compressive pressure because of immobility and because the sacrum and posterior superior iliac prominence lie closely under the skin with no muscle layer in between. The aim of this study was to assess peak sacral pressure before and after use of PURAP, a liquid-based pad that covers only the sacral area and can be applied on any bed surface. Healthy volunteers (n = 12) and patients with spinal cord injuries (n = 10) took part; the patients had undergone spine surgery within 7 days before data collection. Participants were in bed, pretest pressure maps were generated, PURAP was placed for 15 minutes, and then posttest pressure maps were generated. Peak pressure was obtained every second and averaged over the entire period. Patients rated whether their comfort had improved when PURAP was in use. For healthy volunteers, mean pretest peak sacral pressure was 74.7 (SD = 16.2) mmHg; the posttest mean was 49.1 (SD = 7.5) mmHg (p < .001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). For patients with spinal cord injuries, mean pretest peak sacral pressure was 105.7 (SD = 22.4) mmHg; the posttest mean was 81.4 (SD = 18.3) mmHg (p < .001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The pad reduced the peak sacral pressure in the patient group by 23% (range = 11%-42%) and in the volunteers by 32% (range = 19%-46%). Overall, 70% of the patients reported increased comfort with PURAP. Peak sacral pressure was reduced when PURAP was used. It covers only the sacral area but could help many patients with spinal cord injury because the prevalence of sacral pressure ulcers is high in this group. PURAP may be economically advantageous in countries and hospitals with limited financial resources needed for more expensive mattresses and cushions.

  7. CD8+ T-cell immunosurveillance constrains lymphoid pre-metastatic myeloid cell accumulation

    PubMed Central

    Li, Wenzhao; Deng, Jiehui; Herrmann, Andreas; Priceman, Saul J.; Liang, Wei; Shen, Shudan; Pal, Sumanta K.; Hoon, Dave S.B.; Yu, Hua

    2014-01-01

    Increasing evidence suggests that pre-metastatic niches, consisting mainly of myeloid cells, provide microenvironment critical for cancer cell recruitment and survival to facilitate metastasis. While CD8+ T cells exert immunosurveillance in primary human tumors, whether they can exert similar effects on myeloid cells in the pre-metastatic environment is unknown. Here, we show that CD8+ T cells are capable of constraining pre-metastatic myeloid cell accumulation by inducing myeloid cell apoptosis in C57BL/6 mice. Antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity against myeloid cells in pre-metastatic lymph nodes is compromised by Stat3. We demonstrate here that Stat3 ablation in myeloid cells leads to CD8+ T-cell activation and increased levels of IFN-γ and granzyme B in the pre-metastatic environment. Furthermore, Stat3 negatively regulates soluble antigen cross-presentation by myeloid cells to CD8+ T cells in the pre-metastatic niche. Importantly, in tumor-free lymph nodes of melanoma patients, infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells inversely correlates with STAT3 activity, which is associated with a decrease in number of myeloid cells. Our study suggested a novel role for CD8+ T cells in constraining myeloid cell activity through direct killing in the pre-metastatic environment, and the therapeutic potential by targeting Stat3 in myeloid cells to improve CD8+ T-cell immunosurveillance against metastasis. PMID:25310972

  8. Optical imaging of metabolic adaptability in metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rebello, Lisa; Rajaram, Narasimhan

    2018-02-01

    Accurate methods for determining metastatic risk from the primary tumor are crucial for patient survival. Cell metabolism could potentially be used as a marker of metastatic risk. Optical imaging of the endogenous fluorescent molecules nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) provides a non-destructive and label-free method for determining cell metabolism. The optical redox ratio (FAD/FAD+NADH) is sensitive to the balance between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). We have previously established that hypoxia-reoxygenation stress leads to metastatic potential-dependent changes in optical redox ratio. The objective of this study was to monitor the changes in optical redox ratio in breast cancer cells in response to different periods of hypoxic stress as well various levels of hypoxia to establish an optimal protocol. We measured the optical redox ratio of highly metastatic 4T1 murine breast cancer cells under normoxic conditions and after exposure to 30, 60, and 120 minutes of 0.5% O2. This was followed by an hour of reoxygenation. We found an increase in the optical redox ratio following reoxygenation from hypoxia for all durations. Statistically significant differences were observed at 60 and 120 minutes (p˂0.01) compared with normoxia, implying an ability to adapt to OXPHOS after reoxygenation. The switch to OXPHOS has been shown to be a key promoter of cell invasion. We will present our results from these investigations in human breast cancer cells as well as non-metastatic breast cancer cells exposed to various levels of hypoxia.

  9. ABCB1 identifies a subpopulation of uveal melanoma cells with high metastatic propensity

    PubMed Central

    Landreville, Solange; Agapova, Olga A.; Kneass, Zachary T.; Salesse, Christian; Harbour, J. William

    2011-01-01

    SUMMARY Metastasis of tumor cells to distant organs is the leading cause of death in melanoma. Yet, the mechanisms of metastasis remain poorly understood. One key question is whether all cells in a primary tumor are equally likely to metastasize or whether subpopulations of cells preferentially give rise to metastases. Here, we identified a subpopulation of uveal melanoma cells expressing the multidrug resistance transporter ABCB1 that are highly metastatic compared to ABCB1− bulk tumor cells. ABCB1+ cells also exhibited enhanced clonogenicity, anchorage independent growth, tumorigenicity and mitochondrial activity compared to ABCB1− cells. A375 cutaneous melanoma cells contained a similar subpopulation of highly metastatic ABCB1+ cells. These findings suggest that some uveal melanoma cells have greater potential for metastasis than others, and that a better understanding of such cells may be necessary for more successful therapies for metastatic melanoma. PMID:21575142

  10. Caloric restriction coupled with radiation decreases metastatic burden in triple negative breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Simone, Brittany A.; Dan, Tu; Palagani, Ajay; Jin, Lianjin; Han, Sunny Y.; Wright, Christopher; Savage, Jason E.; Gitman, Robert; Lim, Meng Kieng; Palazzo, Juan; Mehta, Minesh P.; Simone, Nicole L.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Purpose: Metastatic breast cancer is devastating and triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) have a higher propensity for metastasis. Improved local control upfront in this aggressive cancer could potentially decrease its propensity toward metastasis. We sought to determine if using caloric restriction (CR) as a systemic therapy, combined with radiation therapy (IR) to the primary tumor, may impact metastatic disease. Methods: An orthotopic mouse model using a highly metastatic, luciferase-tagged TNBC cell line (4T1), was used to generate palpable tumors. Mice were then treated with CR, IR, and a combination of the two. In vivo imaging was performed for metastatic evaluation. Molecular evaluation of the tumors was performed, generating a mechanistic hypothesis for CR, which was then tested with pertinent pathway inhibition in the model. Results: CR significantly increased the time to developing metastases, decreased the overall number and volume of lung metastases, and increased survival. CR decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis and globally downregulated the IGF-1R signaling pathway. Adding an IGF-1R/INSR inhibitor to local IR in vivo accomplished a decrease in metastases similar to CR plus IR, demonstrating the importance of the IGF-1R signaling pathway, and underscoring it as a possible mechanism for CR. Conclusions: CR decreased metastatic burden and therefore may complement cytotoxic therapies being used in the clinical setting for metastatic disease. Downregulation of the IGF-1R pathway, is in part responsible for this response and modulating IGF-1R directly resulted in similar improved progression-free survival. The novel use of CR has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer. PMID:27027731

  11. Caloric restriction coupled with radiation decreases metastatic burden in triple negative breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Simone, Brittany A; Dan, Tu; Palagani, Ajay; Jin, Lianjin; Han, Sunny Y; Wright, Christopher; Savage, Jason E; Gitman, Robert; Lim, Meng Kieng; Palazzo, Juan; Mehta, Minesh P; Simone, Nicole L

    2016-09-01

    Metastatic breast cancer is devastating and triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) have a higher propensity for metastasis. Improved local control upfront in this aggressive cancer could potentially decrease its propensity toward metastasis. We sought to determine if using caloric restriction (CR) as a systemic therapy, combined with radiation therapy (IR) to the primary tumor, may impact metastatic disease. An orthotopic mouse model using a highly metastatic, luciferase-tagged TNBC cell line (4T1), was used to generate palpable tumors. Mice were then treated with CR, IR, and a combination of the two. In vivo imaging was performed for metastatic evaluation. Molecular evaluation of the tumors was performed, generating a mechanistic hypothesis for CR, which was then tested with pertinent pathway inhibition in the model. CR significantly increased the time to developing metastases, decreased the overall number and volume of lung metastases, and increased survival. CR decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis and globally downregulated the IGF-1R signaling pathway. Adding an IGF-1R/INSR inhibitor to local IR in vivo accomplished a decrease in metastases similar to CR plus IR, demonstrating the importance of the IGF-1R signaling pathway, and underscoring it as a possible mechanism for CR. CR decreased metastatic burden and therefore may complement cytotoxic therapies being used in the clinical setting for metastatic disease. Downregulation of the IGF-1R pathway, is in part responsible for this response and modulating IGF-1R directly resulted in similar improved progression-free survival. The novel use of CR has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

  12. Proteomic profiling of isogenic primary and metastatic medulloblastoma cell lines reveals differential expression of key metastatic factors.

    PubMed

    Gu, Shuo; Chen, Kai; Yin, Minzhi; Wu, Zhixiang; Wu, Yeming

    2017-05-08

    Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Around 30% of medulloblastoma patients are diagnosed with metastasis, which often results in a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, molecular mechanisms of medulloblastoma metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, we employed the recently developed deep proteome analysis approach to quantitatively profile the expression of >10,000 proteins from CHLA-01-MED and CHLA-01R-MED isogenic cell lines derived from the primary and metastatic tumor of the same patient diagnosed with a group IV medulloblastoma. Using statistical analysis, we identified ~1400 significantly altered proteins between the primary and metastatic cell lines including known factors such as placental growth factor (PLGF), LIM homeobox 1 (LHX1) and prominim 1 (PROM1), as well as the negative regulator secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC). Additional transwell experiments and immunohistochemical analysis of clinical medulloblastoma samples implicated yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) as a potential key factor contributing to metastasis. Taken together, our data broadly defines the metastasis-relevant regulated proteome and provides a precious resource for further investigating potential mechanisms of medulloblastoma metastasis. This study represented the first deep proteome analysis of metastatic medulloblastomas and provided a valuable candidate list of altered proteins in metastatic medulloblastomas. The primary data suggested YAP1 as a potential driver for the metastasis of medulloblastoma. These results open up numerous avenues for further investigating the underlying mechanisms of medulloblastoma metastasis and improving the prognosis of medulloblastoma patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Complications and troubleshooting of sacral neuromodulation therapy.

    PubMed

    Hijaz, Adonis; Vasavada, Sandip

    2005-02-01

    As evident from the authors' series, the complications of sacral neuromodulation have changed with the introduction of the tined lead and the placement of the generator over the back. In the earlier series, most complications were related to pain at the generator site, which was rare in the authors' series. The posterior location of the generator seems to be better tolerated than the anterior location, which could explain the rare need for revisions for pain at the generator site. Lead migration was observed in 8.4% of the original sacral neuromodulation study group series. This was seen rarely in the authors' series in either stage-one or stage-two revisions. As part of the routine work-up of patients who present with decreased function after a successful period response in stage two, the authors obtain a lateral radiograph of the sacrum; the authors have made the diagnosis of lead migration rarely (1/130; 0.6%). Spinelli and colleagues reported on the use of the tined lead in 15 patients, and observed no lead migration during either the screening period (average 38.8 days) or during follow-up of IPG implantation cases (average 11 months). The total infection rate in the whole series was 18/180 (10%), which was slightly higher than that reported by the sacral neuromodulation study group (6.1%). Revision rates for stage one and stage two were 12.2% and 20%, respectively. The revision rate in the original study group was 33.3%. Thus, with advancing technology, new problems may arise, but the implanting physician should be aware of the ways to evaluate and manage these complications and appropriately troubleshoot patients with suboptimal responses.

  14. Cancer associated fibroblasts promote tumor growth and metastasis by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment in a 4T1 murine breast cancer model.

    PubMed

    Liao, Debbie; Luo, Yunping; Markowitz, Dorothy; Xiang, Rong; Reisfeld, Ralph A

    2009-11-23

    Local inflammation associated with solid tumors commonly results from factors released by tumor cells and the tumor stroma, and promotes tumor progression. Cancer associated fibroblasts comprise a majority of the cells found in tumor stroma and are appealing targets for cancer therapy. Here, our aim was to determine the efficacy of targeting cancer associated fibroblasts for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. We demonstrate that cancer associated fibroblasts are key modulators of immune polarization in the tumor microenvironment of a 4T1 murine model of metastatic breast cancer. Elimination of cancer associated fibroblasts in vivo by a DNA vaccine targeted to fibroblast activation protein results in a shift of the immune microenvironment from a Th2 to Th1 polarization. This shift is characterized by increased protein expression of IL-2 and IL-7, suppressed recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid derived suppressor cells, T regulatory cells, and decreased tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Additionally, the vaccine improved anti-metastatic effects of doxorubicin chemotherapy and enhanced suppression of IL-6 and IL-4 protein expression while increasing recruitment of dendritic cells and CD8(+) T cells. Treatment with the combination therapy also reduced tumor-associated Vegf, Pdgfc, and GM-CSF mRNA and protein expression. Our findings demonstrate that cancer associated fibroblasts promote tumor growth and metastasis through their role as key modulators of immune polarization in the tumor microenvironment and are valid targets for therapy of metastatic breast cancer.

  15. Adoptive T-cell Therapy Using Autologous Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes for Metastatic Melanoma: Current Status and Future Outlook

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Richard; Forget, Marie-Andree; Chacon, Jessica; Bernatchez, Chantale; Haymaker, Cara; Chen, Jie Qing; Hwu, Patrick; Radvanyi, Laszlo

    2012-01-01

    Immunotherapy using autologous T-cells has emerged to be a powerful treatment option for patients with metastatic melanoma. These include the adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), T-cells transduced with high-affinity T-cell receptors (TCR) against major melanosomal tumor antigens, and T cells transduced with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) composed of hybrid immunoglobulin light chains with endo-domains of T-cell signaling molecules. Among these and other options for T-cell therapy, TIL together with high-dose IL-2 has had the longest clinical history with multiple clinical trials in centers across the world consistently demonstrating durable clinical response rates near 50% or more. A distinct advantage of TIL therapy making it still the T-cell therapy of choice is the broad nature of the T-cell recognition against both defined as well as un-defined tumors antigens against all possible MHC, rather than the single specificity and limited MHC coverage of the newer TCR and CAR transduction technologies. In the past decade, significant inroads have been made in defining the phenotypes of T cells in TIL mediating tumor regression. CD8+ T cells are emerging to be critical, although the exact subset of CD8+ T cells exhibiting the highest clinical activity in terms of memory and effector markers is still controversial. We present a model in which both effector-memory and more differentiated effector T cells ultimately may need to cooperate to mediate long-term tumor control in responding patients. Although TIL therapy has shown great potential to treat metastatic melanoma, a number of issues have emerged that need to be addressed to bring it more into the mainstream of melanoma care. First, we have a reached the point where a pivotal phase II or phase III trials are needed in an attempt to gain regulatory approval of TIL as standard-of-care. Second, improvements in how we expand TIL for therapy are needed, that minimize the time the T

  16. Anti-tumor response induced by immunologically modified carbon nanotubes and laser irradiation using rat mammary tumor model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Acquaviva, Joseph T.; Hasanjee, Aamr M.; Bahavar, Cody F.; Zhou, Fefian; Liu, Hong; Howard, Eric W.; Bullen, Liz C.; Silvy, Ricardo P.; Chen, Wei R.

    2015-03-01

    Laser immunotherapy (LIT) is being developed as a treatment modality for metastatic cancer which can destroy primary tumors and induce effective systemic anti-tumor responses by using a targeted treatment approach in conjunction with the use of a novel immunoadjuvant, glycated chitosan (GC). In this study, Non-invasive Laser Immunotherapy (NLIT) was used as the primary treatment mode. We incorporated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) into the treatment regimen to boost the tumor-killing effect of LIT. SWNTs and GC were conjugated to create a completely novel, immunologically modified carbon nanotube (SWNT-GC). To determine the efficacy of different laser irradiation durations, 5 minutes or 10 minutes, a series of experiments were performed. Rats were inoculated with DMBA-4 cancer cells, a highly aggressive metastatic cancer cell line. Half of the treatment group of rats receiving laser irradiation for 10 minutes survived without primary or metastatic tumors. The treatment group of rats receiving laser irradiation for 5 minutes had no survivors. Thus, Laser+SWNT-GC treatment with 10 minutes of laser irradiation proved to be effective at reducing tumor size and inducing long-term anti-tumor immunity.

  17. Clinical applications of circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells in pancreatic cancer.

    PubMed

    Riva, Francesca; Dronov, Oleksii I; Khomenko, Dmytro I; Huguet, Florence; Louvet, Christophe; Mariani, Pascale; Stern, Marc-Henri; Lantz, Olivier; Proudhon, Charlotte; Pierga, Jean-Yves; Bidard, Francois-Clement

    2016-03-01

    Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequent pancreatic cancer type and is characterized by a dismal prognosis due to late diagnosis, local tumor invasion, frequent distant metastases and poor sensitivity to current therapy. In this context, circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA constitute easily accessible blood-borne tumor biomarkers that may prove their clinical interest for screening, early diagnosis and metastatic risk assessment of PDAC. Moreover these markers represent a tool to assess PDAC mutational landscape. In this review, together with key biological findings, we summarize the clinical results obtained using "liquid biopsies" at the different stages of the disease, for early and metastatic diagnosis as well as monitoring during therapy. Copyright © 2016 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Heat shock protein 27 regulates human prostate cancer cell motility and metastatic progression

    PubMed Central

    Voll, Eric A; Ogden, Irene M; Pavese, Janet M; Huang, XiaoKe; Xu, Li; Jovanovic, Borko D; Bergan, Raymond C

    2014-01-01

    Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common form of cancer in American men. Mortality from PCa is caused by the movement of cancer cells from the primary organ to form metastatic tumors at distant sites. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is known to increase human PCa cell invasion and its overexpression is associated with metastatic disease. The role of HSP27 in driving PCa cell movement from the prostate to distant metastatic sites is unknown. Increased HSP27 expression increased metastasis as well as primary tumor mass. In vitro studies further examined the mechanism of HSP27-induced metastatic behavior. HSP27 did not affect cell detachment, adhesion, or migration, but did increase cell invasion. Cell invasion was dependent upon matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), whose expression was increased by HSP27. In vivo, HSP27 induced commensurate changes in MMP-2 expression in tumors. These findings demonstrate that HSP27 drives metastatic spread of cancer cells from the prostate to distant sites, does so across a continuum of expression levels, and identifies HSP27-driven increases in MMP-2 expression as functionally relevant. These findings add to prior studies demonstrating that HSP27 increases PCa cell motility, growth and survival. Together, they demonstrate that HSP27 plays an important role in PCa progression. PMID:24798191

  19. A novel three-dimensional printed guiding device for electrode implantation of sacral neuromodulation.

    PubMed

    Cui, Z; Wang, Z; Ye, G; Zhang, C; Wu, G; Lv, J

    2018-01-01

    The aim was to test the feasibility of a novel three-dimensional (3D) printed guiding device for electrode implantation of sacral neuromodulation (SNM). A 3D printed guiding device for electrode implantation was customized to patients' anatomy of the sacral region. Liquid photopolymer was selected as the printing material. The details of the device designation and prototype building are described. The guiding device was used in two patients who underwent SNM for intractable constipation. Details of the procedure and the outcomes are given. With the help of the device, the test needle for stimulation was placed in the target sacral foramen successfully at the first attempt of puncture in both patients. The time to implant a tined SNM electrode was less than 20 min and no complications were observed. At the end of the screening phase, symptoms of constipation were relieved by more than 50% in both patients and permanent stimulation was established. The customized 3D printed guiding device for implantation of SNM is a promising instrument that facilitates a precise and quick implantation of the electrode into the target sacral foramen. Colorectal Disease © 2017 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

  20. A pilot study with very low-intensity, intermediate-frequency electric fields in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors.

    PubMed

    Salzberg, Marc; Kirson, Eilon; Palti, Yoram; Rochlitz, Christoph

    2008-07-01

    The transmission of electric fields using insulated electrodes has demonstrated that very low-intensity, properly tuned, intermediate-frequency electric fields, termed tumor-treating fields (TTFields), selectively stunts tumor cell growth and is accompanied by a decrease in tumor angiogenesis. This open, prospective pilot study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy profile of TTFields treatment in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors using the NovoTTF100A(TM) device. All 6 patients were heavily pre-treated with several lines of therapy; no additional standard treatment option was available to them. TTFields treatment using continuous NovoTTF-100A lasted a minimum of 14 days and was very well tolerated. No related serious adverse events occurred. Outcomes showed 1 partial response of a treated skin metastasis from a primary breast cancer, 3 cases where tumor growth was arrested during treatment, and 1 case of disease progression. One mesothelioma patient experienced lesion regression near TTFields with simultaneous tumor stability or progression in distal areas. Although the number of patients in this study is small, the lack of therapy toxicity and the efficacy observed in data gathered to date indicate the potential of TTFields as a new treatment modality for solid tumors, definitely warranting further investigation. (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  1. Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Aids in Distinguishing Metastatic Recurrence from Second Primary Cancers

    PubMed Central

    Weinberg, Benjamin A.; Gowen, Kyle; Lee, Thomas K.; Ou, Sai‐Hong Ignatius; Bristow, Robert; Krill, Lauren; Almira‐Suarez, M. Isabel; Ali, Siraj M.; Miller, Vincent A.; Liu, Stephen V.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Background. Metastatic recurrence after treatment for locoregional cancer is a major cause of morbidity and cancer‐specific mortality. Distinguishing metastatic recurrence from the development of a second primary cancer has important prognostic and therapeutic value and represents a difficult clinical scenario. Advances beyond histopathological comparison are needed. We sought to interrogate the ability of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to aid in distinguishing between these clinical scenarios. Materials and Methods. We identified three prospective cases of recurrent tumors in patients previously treated for localized cancers in which histologic analyses suggested subsequent development of a distinct second primary. Paired samples from the original primary and recurrent tumor were subjected to hybrid capture next‐generation sequencing‐based CGP to identify base pair substitutions, insertions, deletions, copy number alterations (CNA), and chromosomal rearrangements. Genomic profiles between paired samples were compared using previously established statistical clonality assessment software to gauge relatedness beyond global CGP similarities. Results. A high degree of similarity was observed among genomic profiles from morphologically distinct primary and recurrent tumors. Genomic information suggested reclassification as recurrent metastatic disease, and patients received therapy for metastatic disease based on the molecular determination. Conclusions. Our cases demonstrate an important adjunct role for CGP technologies in separating metastatic recurrence from development of a second primary cancer. Larger series are needed to confirm our observations, but comparative CGP may be considered in patients for whom distinguishing metastatic recurrence from a second primary would alter the therapeutic approach. Implications for Practice. Distinguishing a metastatic recurrence from a second primary cancer can represent a difficult clinicopathologic

  2. Nivolumab-induced vitiligo in a metastatic melanoma patient: A case report.

    PubMed

    Edmondson, Lindsay A; Smith, Leticia V; Mallik, Alka

    2017-12-01

    The programmed-death-1 inhibitors selectively block programmed-death-1 interaction with its receptor, which restores active T-cell response directed at tumor cells, inducing an anti-tumor effect. This nonspecific activation of the immune system can also lead to a wide spectrum of side effects. Nivolumab has been used effectively to prolong survival in patients with metastatic melanoma and is recommended as a category 1 agent for systemic therapy in metastatic or unresectable melanoma per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. We present a case of a 64-year-old woman who began nivolumab therapy for metastatic melanoma. After six doses of nivolumab therapy, the patient experienced generalized hypopigmentation on her face, chest, back, arms, and lower extremities. Although vitiligo has been reported in as many as 10.7% of patients undergoing nivolumab therapy in some clinical trials, we believe this is the first case to describe the progression of nivolumab-induced vitiligo in a metastatic melanoma patient. This case provides significant insight into the onset, symptoms, development, and treatment options for patients experiencing vitiligo as a result of nivolumab therapy.

  3. High expression of TRF2, SOX10, and CD10 in circulating tumor microemboli detected in metastatic melanoma patients. A potential impact for the assessment of disease aggressiveness.

    PubMed

    Long, Elodie; Ilie, Marius; Bence, Coraline; Butori, Catherine; Selva, Eric; Lalvée, Salomé; Bonnetaud, Christelle; Poissonnet, Gilles; Lacour, Jean-Philippe; Bahadoran, Philippe; Brest, Patrick; Gilson, Eric; Ballotti, Robert; Hofman, Véronique; Hofman, Paul

    2016-06-01

    Circulating tumors cells (CTCs) can be detected in the blood of metastatic melanoma patients (MMPs) both as isolated circulating tumor cells (iCTCs) and circulating tumor microemboli (CTMs), but their clinical significance remains unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prognostic impact in metastatic cutaneous melanoma of CTMs and iCTCs identified by a cytomorphological approach using the isolation by size of tumor cell (ISET) method. We characterized the phenotype of CTCs using anti-PS100, anti-SOX10, anti-CD10, and anti-TRF2 antibodies. 128 MMPs and 37 control healthy individuals with benign nevi were included in this study. Results were compared to the follow-up of patients. 109/128 (85%) MMPs showed CTCs, 44/128 (34%) with 2 to 6 CTMs and 65/128 (51%) with 4 to 9 iCTCs. PS100 expression was homogeneous in iCTCs and heterogeneous in CTMs. SOX10, CD10, and TRF2 were mainly expressed in CTMs. None of the control subjects demonstrated circulating malignant tumor cells. Overall survival was significantly decreased in patients with CTMs, independently of the therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, the presence of CTMs is an independent predictor of shorter survival from the time of diagnosis of MMPs. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment (PDQ®)—Health Professional Version

    Cancer.gov

    Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (islet cell tumors) treatment includes surgery with curative intent and surgery for metastatic disease. Hormone therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy are sometimes used. Get detailed information on the treatment of this disease in this clinician summary.

  5. Sacral Stress Fracture Mimicking Lumbar Radiculopathy in a Mounted Police Officer: Case Report and Literature Review.

    PubMed

    Bednar, Drew A; Almansoori, Khaled

    2015-10-01

    Study Design Case report and review of the literature. Objective To present a unique case of L5 radiculopathy caused by a sacral stress fracture without neurologic compression. Methods We present our case and its clinical evolution and review the available literature on similar pathologies. Results Relief of the unusual mechanical loading causing sacral stress fracture led to rapid resolution of radiculopathy. Conclusion L5 radiculopathy can be caused by a sacral stress fracture and can be relieved by simple mechanical treatment of the fracture.

  6. Mechanical entrapment is insufficient and intercellular adhesion is essential for metastatic cell arrest in distant organs.

    PubMed

    Glinskii, Olga V; Huxley, Virginia H; Glinsky, Gennadi V; Pienta, Kenneth J; Raz, Avraham; Glinsky, Vladislav V

    2005-05-01

    In this report, we challenge a common perception that tumor embolism is a size-limited event of mechanical arrest, occurring in the first capillary bed encountered by blood-borne metastatic cells. We tested the hypothesis that mechanical entrapment alone, in the absence of tumor cell adhesion to blood vessel walls, is not sufficient for metastatic cell arrest in target organ microvasculature. The in vivo metastatic deposit formation assay was used to assess the number and location of fluorescently labeled tumor cells lodged in selected organs and tissues following intravenous inoculation. We report that a significant fraction of breast and prostate cancer cells escapes arrest in a lung capillary bed and lodges successfully in other organs and tissues. Monoclonal antibodies and carbohydrate-based compounds (anti-Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen antibody, anti-galectin-3 antibody, modified citrus pectin, and lactulosyl-l-leucine), targeting specifically beta-galactoside-mediated tumor-endothelial cell adhesive interactions, inhibited by >90% the in vivo formation of breast and prostate carcinoma metastatic deposits in mouse lung and bones. Our results indicate that metastatic cell arrest in target organ microvessels is not a consequence of mechanical trapping, but is supported predominantly by intercellular adhesive interactions mediated by cancer-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich glycoantigen and beta-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-3. Efficient blocking of beta-galactoside-mediated adhesion precludes malignant cell lodging in target organs.

  7. Cetuximab plus FOLFOX for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer with Poor Performance Status and/or Severe Tumor-Related Complications

    PubMed Central

    Shitara, Kohei; Yokota, Tomoya; Takahari, Daisuke; Shibata, Takashi; Sato, Yozo; Tajika, Masahiro; Ura, Takashi; Muro, Kei

    2010-01-01

    Introduction Cetuximab-based chemotherapy showed a statistically significantly higher response rate compared with chemotherapy such as FOLFOX. Therefore, FOLFOX plus cetuximab is suspected to be the best regimen to alleviate tumor-related symptoms with a high response rate. Case Report Here we present the results of 8 consecutive patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with poor performance status and/or severe complications who were treated with first-line FOLFOX with cetuximab. Six of 8 patients achieved an apparent clinical benefit, including radiological response and symptoms improvement. Two patients with BRAF mutation could achieve neither clinical benefit nor radiological response. Conclusion Although an optimal line of therapy with cetuximab is unclear yet with bevacizumab in mind, we propose that patients who need a tumor response to alleviate their symptoms due to advanced disease might be candidates for first-line cetuximab-based therapy as shown in our cases. Additionally, patients with BRAF mutant tumors might be important candidates for novel targeted therapy in the future to improve their poor prognosis. PMID:21347194

  8. Biomechanics of metastatic disease in the vertebral column.

    PubMed

    Whyne, Cari M

    2014-06-01

    Metastatic disease in the vertebral column compromises the structural stability of the spine leading to increased risk of fracture. The complex patterns of osteolytic and osteoblastic disease within the bony spine have motivated a multimodal approach to better characterize the biomechanics of tumor-involved bone. This review presents our current understanding of the biomechanical behavior of metastatically involved vertebrae, and experimental and computational image-based approaches that have been employed to quantify structural integrity in preclinical models with translation to clinical data sets.

  9. Everolimus and Vatalanib in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-01-12

    Gastrinoma; Glucagonoma; Insulinoma; Metastatic Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor; Metastatic Pheochromocytoma; Pancreatic Polypeptide Tumor; Recurrent Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor; Recurrent Islet Cell Carcinoma; Recurrent Melanoma; Recurrent Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin; Recurrent Non-small Cell Lung Cancer; Recurrent Pheochromocytoma; Recurrent Renal Cell Cancer; Somatostatinoma; Stage III Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Skin; Stage IV Melanoma; Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer; Stage IV Renal Cell Cancer; Thyroid Gland Medullary Carcinoma; Unspecified Adult Solid Tumor, Protocol Specific

  10. Epithelioid malignant mesothelioma metastatic to the skin: A case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Ward, Rachel Elizabeth; Ali, Stefanie Ann; Kuhar, Matthew

    2017-12-01

    Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive and invasive neoplasm primarily affecting the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. While mesothelioma commonly metastasizes to visceral organs, it has rarely been documented to involve the skin and subcutaneous tissue. There is a paucity of reports of cutaneous metastatic mesothelioma, and histologic examination is often challenging because the tumor closely mimics other primary and metastatic neoplasms. We report a case of a 75-year-old man presenting with a firm, hard nodule on his upper back, which on initial histologic evaluation resembled metastatic adenocarcinoma. However, upon review of his medical history and immunohistochemical evaluation of the lesion, the diagnosis of epithelioid MM metastatic to the skin was rendered. The purpose of this case report and review of the literature is to summarize the most effective available immunostains to aid in the diagnosis of this challenging entity, highlight the histologic similarities between metastatic epithelioid MM and other primary and metastatic neoplasms of the skin, and provide prognostic information for these rare tumors. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. EpCAM-Independent Enrichment of Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Schneck, Helen; Gierke, Berthold; Uppenkamp, Frauke; Behrens, Bianca; Niederacher, Dieter; Stoecklein, Nikolas H; Templin, Markus F; Pawlak, Michael; Fehm, Tanja; Neubauer, Hans

    2015-01-01

    Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the potential precursors of metastatic disease. Most assays established for the enumeration of CTCs so far-including the gold standard CellSearch-rely on the expression of the cell surface marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). But, these approaches may not detect CTCs that express no/low levels of EpCAM, e.g. by undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here we present an enrichment strategy combining different antibodies specific for surface proteins and extracellular matrix (ECM) components to capture an EpCAMlow/neg cell line and EpCAMneg CTCs from blood samples of breast cancer patients depleted for EpCAM-positive cells. The expression of respective proteins (Trop2, CD49f, c-Met, CK8, CD44, ADAM8, CD146, TEM8, CD47) was verified by immunofluorescence on EpCAMpos (e.g. MCF7, SKBR3) and EpCAMlow/neg (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines. To test antibodies and ECM proteins (e.g. hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen I, laminin) for capturing EpCAMneg cells, the capture molecules were first spotted in a single- and multi-array format onto aldehyde-coated glass slides. Tumor cell adhesion of EpCAMpos/neg cell lines was then determined and visualized by Coomassie/MitoTracker staining. In consequence, marginal binding of EpCAMlow/neg MDA-MB-231 cells to EpCAM-antibodies could be observed. However, efficient adhesion/capturing of EpCAMlow/neg cells could be achieved via HA and immobilized antibodies against CD49f and Trop2. Optimal capture conditions were then applied to immunomagnetic beads to detect EpCAMneg CTCs from clinical samples. Captured CTCs were verified/quantified by immunofluorescence staining for anti-pan-Cytokeratin (CK)-FITC/anti-CD45 AF647/DAPI. In total, in 20 out of 29 EpCAM-depleted fractions (69%) from 25 metastatic breast cancer patients additional EpCAMneg CTCs could be identified [range of 1-24 CTCs per sample] applying Trop2, CD49f, c-Met, CK8 and/or HA magnetic enrichment. EpCAMneg dual

  12. Congenital talipes equinovarus and congenital vertical talus secondary to sacral agenesis.

    PubMed

    Bray, Jonathan James Hyett; Crosswell, Sebastien; Brown, Rick

    2017-05-05

    Sacral agenesis is a rare congenital defect which is associated with foot deformities such as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) and less commonly congenital vertical talus (CVT). We report a 3-year-old Caucasian girl who was born with right CTEV and left CVT secondary to sacral agenesis. Her right foot was managed with a Ponseti casting method at 2 weeks, followed by an Achilles tenotomy at 4 months. The left foot was initially managed with a nocturnal dorsi-flexion splint. Both feet remained resistant and received open foot surgery at 10 months producing plantigrade feet with neutral hindfeet. At 19 months, she failed to achieve developmental milestones and examinations revealed abnormal lower limb reflexes. A full body MRI was performed which identified the sacral agenesis. We advocate early MRI of the spine to screen for spinal defects when presented with resistant foot deformities, especially when bilateral. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  13. Long-term results of sacral neuromodulation for women with urinary retention.

    PubMed

    Dasgupta, Ranan; Wiseman, Oliver J; Kitchen, Neil; Fowler, Clare J

    2004-08-01

    OBJECTIVE ; To review the long-term results of sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of women with Fowler's syndrome, over a 6-year period at one tertiary referral centre. Between 1996 and 2002, 26 women with urinary retention were treated by implanting a sacral nerve stimulator. Their case records were reviewed for follow-up, complications and revision procedures, and the most recent uroflowmetry results. There were 20 patients (77%) still voiding spontaneously at the time of review (with two having deactivated their stimulator because of pregnancy). Fourteen patients (54%) required revision surgery, and the most common complications included loss of efficacy, implant-related discomfort and leg pain. The mean postvoid residual volume was 75 mL and mean maximum flow rate 20.8 mL/s. In young women with retention, for whom there is still no alternative to lifelong self-catheterization, sacral neuromodulation is effective for up to 5 years after implantation. However, there was a significant complication rate, in line with other reports, which may be improved by new technical developments.

  14. Ligament-induced sacral fractures of the pelvis are possible.

    PubMed

    Steinke, Hanno; Hammer, Niels; Lingslebe, Uwe; Höch, Andreas; Klink, Thomas; Böhme, Jörg

    2014-07-01

    Pelvic ring stability is maintained passively by both the osseous and the ligamentous apparatus. Therapeutic approaches focus mainly on fracture patterns, so ligaments are often neglected. When they rupture along with the bone after pelvic ring fractures, disrupting stability, ligaments need to be considered during reconstruction and rehabilitation. Our aim was to determine the influence of ligaments on open-book injury using two experimental models with body donors. Mechanisms of bone avulsion related to open-book injury were investigated. Open-book injuries were induced in human pelves and subsequently investigated by anatomical dissection and endoscopy. The findings were compared to CT and MRI scans of open-book injuries. Relevant structures were further analyzed using plastinated cross-sections of the posterior pelvic ring. A fragment of the distal sacrum was observed, related to open-book injury. Two ligaments were found to be responsible for this avulsion phenomenon: the caudal portion of the anterior sacroiliac ligament and another ligament running along the ventral surface of the third sacral vertebra. The sacral fragment remained attached to the coxal bone by this second ligament after open-book injury. These results were validated using plastination and the structures were identified. Pelvic ligaments are probably involved in sacral avulsion caused by lateral traction. Therefore, ligaments should to be taken into account in diagnosis of open-book injury and subsequent therapy. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. [Unusually large stromal tumor of the rectum causing obstruction].

    PubMed

    Hornok, L; Lestár, B; Nagy, P; Ritter, L; László, S; Kiss, J

    2000-06-01

    A male, 74 years old patient with perineal, sacral pain and with defecation disorders attended the outpatient clinic of HIETE. The origine of the complains was a retrorectal, fist like, rectum narrowing tumor. The tumor was covered by normal mucosa from rectal side. Preoperative examinations--endoscopy, CT, MRI transrectal US--detected a tumor with size 7 x 6 x 5 cm, growing from the muscular wall of the rectum, with no connection with the surrounding tissues. Deep biopsy revealed malignant mesenchymal tumor. After preoperative irradiation abdominoperineal rectum amputation was performed. The recovery was uneventful. The definitive hystological examination proved a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). This type of tumor rarely occurs in the large intestine or in the rectum, that why the publishing can be interesting.

  16. [PELVIS/SACRAL syndrome with livedoid haemangioma and amniotic band].

    PubMed

    Bourrat, E; Lemarchand-Venencie, F; Jacquemont, M-L; El Ghoneimi, A; Wassef, M; Leger, J; Morel, P

    2008-12-01

    PELVIS or SACRAL syndrome denotes the association of local haemangioma and malformation in the pelvic region. In this paper, we report a case noteworthy on account of the initially livedoid appearance of the haemangioma as well as associated amniotic banding of an upper limb. A newborn male infant underwent left colostomy on the day of birth due to anal imperforation and anomalies of the external genital organs with sexual ambiguity. Examination of the skin and appendages revealed poorly delineated hypopigmentation in the sacrolumbar region and a fibrous groove around the right arm characteristic of amniotic band syndrome. Sacrolumbar and pelvic MRI scans revealed deviation towards the left of the last three sacral vertebrae with no medullary anomalies. Retrograde cystography showed a recto-uretral fistula. Progression of the infant's condition was marked by the appearance during the first month of a flat, violaceous, angiomatous, livedoid lesion in the middle of the buttocks and the perineum and a linear lesion on the rear aspect of the right lower limb. The skin biopsy of this lesion revealed a single capillary lobule at the dermal-hypodermal junction of non-specific appearance but with marked Glut1 expression by endothelial cells highly evocative of infantile haemangioma. Segmented haemangiomas are commonly associated with extracutaneous abnormalities. By analogy with PHACE syndrome, defined as association of segmented facial haemangioma with cerebral, ocular and cardio-aortic abnormalities, PELVIS/SACRAL syndrome denotes the association of segmented haemangioma of the loins (sacrolumbar region, buttocks or perineum=napkin haemangioma) with spinal dysraphia affecting the sacrolumbar spine, the terminal medullary cone, the genitourinary organs and the anal region to different degrees. Diagnosis of haemangioma associated with PELVIS/SACRAL syndrome may be delayed or complicated due to the macular, telangiectasic or livedoid appearance commonly seen. To our

  17. Guanylyl Cyclase C Is a Specific Marker for Differentiating Primary and Metastatic Ovarian Mucinous Neoplasms

    PubMed Central

    Ciocca, Vincenzo; Bombonati, Alessandro; Palazzo, Juan P.; Schulz, Stephanie; Waldman, Scott A.

    2011-01-01

    Distinguishing primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms from metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas with ovarian involvement can be difficult, especially when characteristic gross and microscopic features are not present. CK7/CK20 expression appears to be more useful for distinguishing metastatic gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas from the lower tract. The addition of CDX2 for distinguishing metastatic upper gastrointestinal tract adenocarcinomas from primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms offers little advantage over CK7/CK20 coordinate expression. Guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) is a brush border membrane receptor for the endogenous peptides guanylin and uroguanylin, and the homologous diarrheagenic bacterial heat-stable enterotoxins that is selectively expressed by epithelial cells from the duodenum to the rectum, but not by normal epithelia of the stomach or esophagus, or normal extramucosal cells in humans. We studied 50 ovarian tumors: 27 primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms (7 cystadenomas, 10 borderline tumors, and 10 cystadenocarcinomas) and 23 metastatic mucinous adenocarcinomas with ovarian involvement (13 colorectal adenocarcinomas, 4 gastric adenocarcinomas, 6 appendiceal mucinous tumors (4 adenocarcinomas, 1 with neuroendocrine features, and 2 appendiceal mucinous cystadenomas). For primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms, 25 of 27 were negative for GCC. Twelve of thirteen cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma (except for 1 neuroendocrine adenocarcinoma) were positive for GCC. Three of four appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinomas were positive for GCC in both the primary and metastatic tumors (except for 1 neuroendocrine adenocarcinoma). Two of two appendiceal mucinous cystadenomas were positive for GCC. Of four cases of gastric adenocarcinoma with ovarian involvement, only one (primary tumor) exhibited focal GCC staining. These findings suggest GCC may be a useful marker for differentiating primary and secondary ovarian mucinous neoplasms. PMID:19694825

  18. Genetic landscape of metastatic and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Hedberg, Matthew L.; Goh, Gerald; Chiosea, Simion I.; Bauman, Julie E.; Freilino, Maria L.; Zeng, Yan; Wang, Lin; Diergaarde, Brenda B.; Gooding, William E.; Lui, Vivian W.Y.; Herbst, Roy S.; Lifton, Richard P.; Grandis, Jennifer R.

    2015-01-01

    BACKGROUND. Recurrence and/or metastasis occurs in more than half of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and these events pose the greatest threats to long-term survival. We set out to identify genetic alterations that underlie recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. METHODS. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on genomic DNA extracted from fresh-frozen whole blood and patient-matched tumor pairs from 13 HNSCC patients with synchronous lymph node metastases and 10 patients with metachronous recurrent tumors. Mutational concordance within and between tumor pairs was used to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of HNSCC in individual patients and to identify potential therapeutic targets for functional evaluation. RESULTS. Approximately 86% and 60% of single somatic nucleotide variants (SSNVs) identified in synchronous nodal metastases and metachronous recurrent tumors, respectively, were transmitted from the primary index tumor. Genes that were mutated in more than one metastatic or recurrent tumor, but not in the respective primary tumors, include C17orf104, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, type 3 (ITPR3), and discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (DDR2). Select DDR2 mutations have been shown to confer enhanced sensitivity to SRC-family kinase (SFK) inhibitors in other malignancies. Similarly, HNSCC cell lines harboring endogenous and engineered DDR2 mutations were more sensitive to the SFK inhibitor dasatinib than those with WT DDR2. CONCLUSION. In this WES study of patient-matched tumor pairs in HNSCC, we found synchronous lymph node metastases to be genetically more similar to their paired index primary tumors than metachronous recurrent tumors. This study outlines a compendium of somatic mutations in primary, metastatic, and/or recurrent HNSCC cancers, with potential implications for precision medicine approaches. FUNDING. National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Agency for Science, Technology and Research of Singapore

  19. Aggressive rat prostate tumors reprogram the benign parts of the prostate and regional lymph nodes prior to metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Thysell, Elin; Halin Bergström, Sofia; Bergh, Anders

    2017-01-01

    In order to grow and spread tumors need to interact with adjacent tissues. We therefore hypothesized that small but aggressive prostate cancers influence the rest of the prostate and regional lymph nodes differently than tumors that are more indolent. Poorly metastatic (Dunning AT1) or highly metastatic (Dunning MLL) rat prostate tumor cells were injected into the ventral prostate lobe of immunocompetent rats. After 10 days—when the tumors occupied about 30% of the prostate lobe and lymph node metastases were undetectable—the global gene expression in tumors, benign parts of the prostate, and regional iliac lymph nodes were examined to define tumor-induced changes related to preparation for future metastasis. The tumors induced profound effects on the gene expression profiles in the benign parts of the prostate and these were strikingly different in the two tumor models. Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that tumors with high metastatic capacity were more successful than less metastatic tumors in inducing tumor-promoting changes and suppressing anti-tumor immune responses in the entire prostate. Some of these differences such as altered angiogenesis, nerve density, accumulation of T-cells and macrophages were verified by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression alterations in the regional lymph nodes suggested decreased quantity and activation of immune cells in MLL-lymph nodes that were also verified by immunostaining. In summary, even when small highly metastatic prostate tumors can affect the entire tumor-bearing organ and pre-metastatic lymph nodes differently than less metastatic tumors. When the kinetics of these extratumoral influences (by us named TINT = tumor instructed normal tissue) are more precisely defined they could potentially be used as markers of disease aggressiveness and become therapeutic targets. PMID:28472073

  20. Tumor-stroma interactions a trademark for metastasis.

    PubMed

    Morales, Monica; Planet, Evarist; Arnal-Estape, Anna; Pavlovic, Milica; Tarragona, Maria; Gomis, Roger R

    2011-10-01

    We aimed to unravel genes that are significantly associated with metastasis in order to identify functions that support disseminated disease. We identify genes associated with metastasis and verify its clinical correlations using publicly available primary tumor expression profile data sets. We used facilities in R and Bioconductor (GSEA). Specific data structures and functions were imported. Our results show that genes associated with metastasis in primary tumor enriched for pathways associated with immune infiltration or cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. As an example, we focus on the enrichment of TGFBR2 and TGF|X A set of communication tools capital for tumor-stroma interactions that define metastasis to the lung and support bone colonization. We showed that tumor-stroma communication through cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway is selected in primary tumors with high risk of relapse. High levels of these factors support systemic instigation of the far metastatic nest as well as local metastatic-specific functions that provide solid ground for metastatic development. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Tumor-associated macrophages and stromal TNF-α regulate collagen structure in a breast tumor model as visualized by second harmonic generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burke, Ryan M.; Madden, Kelley S.; Perry, Seth W.; Zettel, Martha L.; Brown, Edward B.

    2013-08-01

    Collagen fibers can be imaged with second harmonic generation (SHG) and are associated with efficient tumor cell locomotion. Preferential locomotion along these fibers correlates with a more aggressively metastatic phenotype, and changes in SHG emission properties accompany changes in metastatic outcome. We therefore attempted to elucidate the cellular and molecular machinery that influences SHG in order to understand how the microstructure of tumor collagen fibers is regulated. By quantifying SHG and immunofluorescence (IF) from tumors grown in mice with and without stromal tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and in the presence or absence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), we determined that depletion of TAMs alters tumor collagen fibrillar microstructure as quantified by SHG and IF. Furthermore, we determined that abrogation of TNF-α expression by tumor stromal cells also alters fibrillar microstructure and that subsequent depletion of TAMs has no further effect. In each case, metastatic burden correlated with optical readouts of collagen microstructure. Our results implicate TAMs and stromal TNF-α as regulators of breast tumor collagen microstructure and suggest that this regulation plays a role in tumor metastasis. Furthermore, these results indicate that quantification of SHG represents a useful strategy for evaluating the cells and molecular pathways responsible for manipulating fibrillar collagen in breast tumor models.

  2. Spatiotemporal progression of metastatic breast cancer: a Markov chain model highlighting the role of early metastatic sites

    PubMed Central

    Newton, Paul K; Mason, Jeremy; Venkatappa, Neethi; Jochelson, Maxine S; Hurt, Brian; Nieva, Jorge; Comen, Elizabeth; Norton, Larry; Kuhn, Peter

    2015-01-01

    Background: Cancer cell migration patterns are critical for understanding metastases and clinical evolution. Breast cancer spreads from one organ system to another via hematogenous and lymphatic routes. Although patterns of spread may superficially seem random and unpredictable, we explored the possibility that this is not the case. Aims: Develop a Markov based model of breast cancer progression that has predictive capability. Methods: On the basis of a longitudinal data set of 446 breast cancer patients, we created a Markov chain model of metastasis that describes the probabilities of metastasis occurring at a given anatomic site together with the probability of spread to additional sites. Progression is modeled as a random walk on a directed graph, where nodes represent anatomical sites where tumors can develop. Results: We quantify how survival depends on the location of the first metastatic site for different patient subcategories. In addition, we classify metastatic sites as “sponges” or “spreaders” with implications regarding anatomical pathway prediction and long-term survival. As metastatic tumors to the bone (main spreader) are most prominent, we focus in more detail on differences between groups of patients who form subsequent metastases to the lung as compared with the liver. Conclusions: We have found that spatiotemporal patterns of metastatic spread in breast cancer are neither random nor unpredictable. Furthermore, the novel concept of classifying organ sites as sponges or spreaders may motivate experiments seeking a biological basis for these phenomena and allow us to quantify the potential consequences of therapeutic targeting of sites in the oligometastatic setting and shed light on organotropic aspects of the disease. PMID:28721371

  3. Challenging metastatic breast cancer with the natural defensin PvD1.

    PubMed

    Figueira, Tiago N; Oliveira, Filipa D; Almeida, Inês; Mello, Érica O; Gomes, Valdirene M; Castanho, Miguel A R B; Gaspar, Diana

    2017-11-09

    Metastatic breast cancer is a very serious life threatening condition that poses many challenges for the pharmaceutical development of effective chemotherapeutics. As the therapeutics targeted to the localized masses in breast improve, metastatic lesions in the brain slowly increase in their incidence compromising successful treatment outcomes overall. The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is one important obstacle for the management of breast cancer brain metastases. New therapeutic approaches are in demand for overcoming the BBB's breaching by breast tumor cells. In this work we demonstrate the potential dual role of a natural antimicrobial plant defensin, PvD 1 : it interferes with the formation of solid tumors in the breast and concomitantly controls adhesion of breast cancer cells to human brain endothelial cells. We have used a combination of techniques that probe PvD 1 's effect at the single cell level and reveal that this peptide can effectively damage breast tumor cells, leaving healthy breast and brain cells unaffected. Results suggest that PvD1 quickly internalizes in cancer cells but remains located in the membrane of normal cells with no significant damage to its structure and biomechanical properties. These interactions in turn modulate cell adhesiveness between tumor and BBB cells. PvD 1 is a potential template for the design of innovative pharmacological approaches for metastatic breast cancer treatment: the manipulation of the biomechanical properties of tumor cells that ultimately prevent their attachment to the BBB.

  4. Atezolizumab in invasive and metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Crist, Michael; Balar, Arjun

    2017-12-01

    Until recently, there has been little advancement in the management of invasive and metastatic urothelial cancer in over 30 years, and outcomes with cisplatin-based chemotherapy remain unchanged. Inhibitors targeting PD-1 signaling on cytotoxic T-cells have revolutionized bladder cancer therapy leading to durable responses. Atezolizumab is an engineered humanized anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits PD-L1 binding to PD-1 and B7.1, enhancing immune-mediated tumor killing and is currently approved as second-line treatment after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy as well as first-line in cisplatin-ineligible patients. Areas covered: This article summarizes all reported phase I, II and III clinical trials that assessed the safety and efficacy of atezolizumab in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Expert commentary: Treatment with atezolizumab showed durable response and a toxicity profile that appears favorable to cytotoxic chemotherapy historically in the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer among individuals who had progressed after prior platinum-based therapy and among those ineligible for treatment with first-line cisplatin. PD-L1 expression and tumor mutation load associate with response, however further research is needed to identify additional markers to improve prediction of response to atezolizumab.

  5. Rectal ulcer in a patient with VZV sacral meningoradiculitis (Elsberg syndrome).

    PubMed

    Matsumoto, Hideyuki; Shimizu, Takahiro; Tokushige, Shin-ichi; Mizuno, Hideo; Igeta, Yukifusa; Hashida, Hideji

    2012-01-01

    This report describes the case of a 55-year-old woman with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) sacral meningoradiculitis (Elsberg syndrome) who presented with herpes zoster in the left S2 dermatome area, urinary retention, and constipation. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed the left sacral nerve root swelling with enhancement. Thereafter, she suddenly showed massive hematochezia and hemorrhagic shock because of a rectal ulcer. To elucidate the relation between Elsberg syndrome and rectal ulcer, accumulation of similar cases is necessary. To avoid severe complications, attention must be devoted to the possibility of rectal bleeding in the early stage of Elsberg syndrome.

  6. Sacral electrical neuromodulation as an alternative treatment option for lower urinary tract dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Grünewald, Volker; Höfner, Klaus; Thon, Walter F.; Kuczyk, Markus A.; Jonas, Udo

    1999-01-01

    Temporary electrical stimulation using anal or vaginal electrodes and an external pulse generator has been a treatment modality for urinary urge incontinence for nearly three decades. In 1981 Tanagho and Schmidt introduced chronic electrical stimulation of the sacral spinal nerves using a permanently implanted sacral foramen electrode and a battery powered pulse generator for treatment of different kinds of lower urinary tract dysfunction, refractory to conservative treatment. At our department chronic unilateral electrical stimulation of the S3 sacral spinal nerve has been used for treatment of vesi-courethral dysfunction in 43 patients with a mean postoperative follow up of 43,6 months. Lasting symptomatic improvement by more than 50 % could be achieved in 13 of 18 patients with motor urge incontinence (72,2 %) and in 18 of the 21 patients with urinary retention (85,7 %). Implants offer a sustained therapeutic effect to treatment responders, which is not achieved by temporary neuromodulation. Chronic neuromodulation should be predominantly considered in patients with urinary retention. Furthermore in patients with motor urge incontinence, refusing temporary techniques or in those requiring too much effort to achieve a sustained clinical effect. Despite high initial costs chronic sacral neuromodulation is an economically reasonable treatment option in the long run, when comparing it to the more invasive remaining therapeutic alternatives.

  7. Surface localization of sacral foramina for neuromodulation of bladder function. An anatomical study.

    PubMed

    Hasan, S T; Shanahan, D A; Pridie, A K; Neal, D E

    1996-01-01

    A method is described for percutaneous localization of the sacral foramina, for neuromodulation of bladder function. We carried out an anatomical study of 5 male and 5 female human cadaver pelves. Using the described surface markings, needles were placed percutaneously into all sacral foramina from nine different angles. Paths of needle entry were studied by subsequent dissection. We observed that although it was possible to enter any sacral foramen at a wide range of insertion angles, the incidence of nerve root/vascular penetration increased with increasing angle of needle entry. Also, the incidence of nerve root penetration was higher with the medial approach compared with lateral entry. The insertion of a needle into the S1 foramen was associated with a higher incidence of nerve root penetration and presents a potential for arterial haemorrhage. On the other hand the smaller S3 and S4 nerve roots were surrounded by venous plexuses, presenting a potential source of venous haemorrhage during procedures. Our study suggests a new method for identifying the surface markings of sacral foramina and it describes the paths of inserted needles into the respective foramina. In addition, it has highlighted some potential risk factors secondary to needle insertion.

  8. Merkel Cell Carcinoma Metastatic to Pleural Fluid: A Case Report.

    PubMed

    Rhee, Ye-Young; Kim, Soo Hee; Kim, Eun Kyung; Kim, Se Hoon

    2018-05-01

    Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin that shows locoregional or distant metastasis. Metastasis of MCC to body cavity effusion is extremely rare; only three cases have been reported so far. Metastatic MCC in effusion cytology shows small blue round cells with fine stippled chromatin like other small blue round cell tumors such as small cell lung carcinoma or lymphoma. The diagnosis of metastatic MCC can grant patients good chances at recently advanced therapeutic options. Here, we present a case of metastatic MCC to pleural effusion with characteristic single file-like pattern.

  9. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from metastatic breast cancer patients linked to decreased immune function and response to treatment.

    PubMed

    Green, Taryn L; Cruse, Julius M; Lewis, Robert E; Craft, Barbara S

    2013-10-01

    We aimed to examine the use of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as an effective measure of treatment efficacy and immune system function in metastatic breast cancer patients. CTCs are believed to be indicators of residual disease and thus pose an increased risk of metastasis and poorer outcomes to those patients who are CTC-positive. We obtained peripheral blood samples from 45 patients previously diagnosed with metastatic disease originating in the breast. Using TLR agonists that bind TLR ligands and upregulate immune effects versus unstimulated cells, we calculated a percent specific lysis using chromium-51 assay to illustrate the functional abilities of patient natural killer (NK) cells. We found those with greater than 5 CTCs per 7.5 mL blood had significantly decreased responses by their immune cells when compared with those patients who had 5 CTCs or less. We furthermore found a correlation between disease progression and CTC-positive patients, indicating that those who have a positive test should be closely monitored by their clinician. CTCs represent an exciting new clinical opportunity that will ideally utilize their low invasiveness and quick turnaround time to best benefit clinical scenarios. © 2013.

  10. IDO and galectin-3 hamper the ex vivo generation of clinical grade tumor-specific T cells for adoptive cell therapy in metastatic melanoma.

    PubMed

    Melief, Sara M; Visser, Marten; van der Burg, Sjoerd H; Verdegaal, Els M E

    2017-07-01

    Adoptive T cell transfer (ACT) with ex vivo-expanded tumor-reactive T cells proved to be successful for the treatment of metastatic melanoma patients. Mixed lymphocyte tumor cell cultures (MLTC) can be used to generate tumor-specific T cells for ACT; however, in a number of cases tumor-reactive T cell, expansion is far from optimal. We hypothesized that this is due to tumor intrinsic and extrinsic factors and aimed to identify and manipulate these factors so to optimize our clinical, GMP-compliant MLTC protocol. We found that the tumor cell produced IDO and/or galectin-3, and the accumulation of CD4 + CD25 hi FoxP3 + T cells suppressed the expansion of tumor-specific T cells in the MLTC. Strategies to eliminate CD4 + CD25 hi FoxP3 + T cells during culture required the depletion of the whole CD4 + T cell population and were found to be undesirable. Blocking of IDO and galectin-3 was feasible and resulted in improved efficiency of the MLTC. Implementation of these findings in clinical protocols for ex vivo expansion of tumor-reactive T cells holds promise for an increased therapeutic potential of adoptive cell transfer treatments with tumor-specific T cells.

  11. The Role of Hypoxia in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Ovarian Cancer Therapy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-07-01

    microenvironmental factor promoting metastatic progression. A critical step in metastatic tumor progression is the ability of tumor cells to evade immune attack...Tumor cells utilize a complex set of mechanisms that prevent the immune system from mounting effective anti-tumor responses. Moreover, the hypoxic...promote the immunosuppressive phenotypes of both tumor cells as well as infiltrating immune cells . However, the mechanisms by which hypoxia promotes

  12. Pim Kinases Promote Migration and Metastatic Growth of Prostate Cancer Xenografts

    PubMed Central

    Santio, Niina M.; Eerola, Sini K.; Paatero, Ilkka; Yli-Kauhaluoma, Jari; Anizon, Fabrice; Moreau, Pascale; Tuomela, Johanna; Härkönen, Pirkko; Koskinen, Päivi J.

    2015-01-01

    Background and methods Pim family proteins are oncogenic kinases implicated in several types of cancer and involved in regulation of cell proliferation, survival as well as motility. Here we have investigated the ability of Pim kinases to promote metastatic growth of prostate cancer cells in two xenograft models for human prostate cancer. We have also evaluated the efficacy of Pim-selective inhibitors to antagonize these effects. Results We show here that tumorigenic growth of both subcutaneously and orthotopically inoculated prostate cancer xenografts is enhanced by stable overexpression of either Pim-1 or Pim-3. Moreover, Pim-overexpressing orthotopic prostate tumors are highly invasive and able to migrate not only to the nearby prostate-draining lymph nodes, but also into the lungs to form metastases. When the xenografted mice are daily treated with the Pim-selective inhibitor DHPCC-9, both the volumes as well as the metastatic capacity of the tumors are drastically decreased. Interestingly, the Pim-promoted metastatic growth of the orthotopic xenografts is associated with enhanced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, forced Pim expression also increases phosphorylation of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor, which may enable the tumor cells to migrate towards tissues such as the lungs that express the CXCL12 chemokine ligand. Conclusions Our results indicate that Pim overexpression enhances the invasive properties of prostate cancer cells in vivo. These effects can be reduced by the Pim-selective inhibitor DHPCC-9, which can reach tumor tissues without serious side effects. Thus, Pim-targeting therapies with DHPCC-9-like compounds may help to prevent progression of local prostate carcinomas to fatally metastatic malignancies. PMID:26075720

  13. CXCR4 regulates growth of both primary and metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Smith, Matthew C P; Luker, Kathryn E; Garbow, Joel R; Prior, Julie L; Jackson, Erin; Piwnica-Worms, David; Luker, Gary D

    2004-12-01

    The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its cognate ligand CXCL12 recently have been proposed to regulate the directional trafficking and invasion of breast cancer cells to sites of metastases. However, effects of CXCR4 on the growth of primary breast cancer tumors and established metastases and survival have not been determined. We used stable RNAi to reduce expression of CXCR4 in murine 4T1 cells, a highly metastatic mammary cancer cell line that is a model for stage IV human breast cancer. Using noninvasive bioluminescence and magnetic resonance imaging, we showed that knockdown of CXCR4 significantly limited the growth of orthotopically transplanted breast cancer cells. Mice in which parental 4T1 cells were implanted had progressively enlarging tumors that spontaneously metastasized, and these animals all died from metastatic disease. Remarkably, RNAi of CXCR4 prevented primary tumor formation in some mice, and all mice transplanted with CXCR RNAi cells survived without developing macroscopic metastases. To analyze effects of CXCR4 on metastases to the lung, an organ commonly affected by metastatic breast cancer, we injected tumor cells intravenously and monitored cell growth with bioluminescence imaging. Inhibiting CXCR4 with RNAi, or the specific antagonist AMD3100, substantially delayed the growth of 4T1 cells in the lung, although neither RNAi nor AMD3100 prolonged overall survival in mice with experimental lung metastases. These data indicate that CXCR4 is required to initiate proliferation and/or promote survival of breast cancer cells in vivo and suggest that CXCR4 inhibitors will improve treatment of patients with primary and metastatic breast cancer.

  14. Genetic rearrangements, hotspot mutations, and microRNA expression in the progression of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland

    PubMed Central

    Andreasen, Simon; Agander, Tina Klitmøller; Bjørndal, Kristine; Erentaite, Daiva; Heegaard, Steffen; Larsen, Stine R.; Melchior, Linea Cecilie; Tan, Qihua; Ulhøi, Benedicte Parm; Wessel, Irene; Homøe, Preben

    2018-01-01

    Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is among the most common salivary gland malignancies, and is notorious for its unpredictable clinical course with frequent local recurrences and metastatic spread. However, the molecular mechanisms for metastatic spread are poorly understood. This malignancy is known to frequently harbor gene fusions involving MYB, MYBL1, and NFIB, and to have a low mutational burden. Most studies have focused on primary tumors to understand the biology of ACC, but this has not revealed a genetic cause for metastatic dissemination in the majority of cases. Hence, other molecular mechanisms are likely to be involved. Here, we characterize the genetic and microRNA expressional landscape of primary ACC and corresponding metastatic lesions from 11 patients. FISH demonstrated preservation of MYB aberrations between primary tumors and metastases, and targeted next-generation sequencing identified mutations exclusive for the metastatic lesions in 3/11 cases (27.3%). Global microRNA profiling identified several differentially expressed miRNAs between primary ACC and metastases as compared to normal salivary gland tissue. Interestingly, individual tumor pairs differed in miRNA profile, but there was no general difference between primary ACCs and metastases. Collectively, we show that MYB and NFIB aberrations are consistently preserved in ACC metastatic lesions, and that additional mutations included in the 50-gene hotspot panel used are infrequently acquired by the metastatic lesions. In contrast, tumor pairs differ in microRNA expression and our data suggest that they are heterogeneous according to their microRNA profile. This adds an additional layer to the complex process of ACC metastatic spread. PMID:29731974

  15. Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: Adoptive T Cell Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Bernatchez, Chantale; Radvanyi, Laszlo G.; Hwu, Patrick

    2012-01-01

    Metastatic melanoma is notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens. The prospect for newly diagnosed metastatic melanoma patients is grim with a median survival of less than a year. Currently, the only therapies resulting in long term disease free intervals, high dose Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and more recently anti-CTLA-41, work through activation of the immune system. However, with both therapies the response rate is low. Advances in our knowledge of how the immune system interacts with cancer have led to a number of strategies to manipulate anti-tumor immune responses through immunotherapy. This review will focus on one avenue of immunotherapy using the transfer of T cells referred to as “Adoptive Cell Therapy” (ACT), which involves the ex vivo expansion of autologous tumor-specific T cells to large numbers that are ultimately transferred back to the patient to boost anti-tumor immunity. This approach has been shown to be effective in the treatment of virally induced cancers, as well as metastatic melanoma. Recent successes with ACT hold promise and further emphasize the tremendous potential benefit of harnessing the immune system in the fight against cancer. PMID:22484193

  16. Sacral orientation revisited.

    PubMed

    Peleg, Smadar; Dar, Gali; Steinberg, Nili; Peled, Nathan; Hershkovitz, Israel; Masharawi, Youssef

    2007-07-01

    A descriptive study of the sacral anatomic orientation (SAO) and its association with pelvic incidence (PI). To introduce the concept of SAO, establish a method for measuring it, and evaluate its association with pelvic orientation. Pelvic orientation (PO) is considered a key factor in spinal shape and balance. Sacral slope (SS), PI, and pelvic tilt (PT) are the most frequently used parameters for evaluating PO. Nevertheless, the association between the anatomic orientation of the sacrum and these parameters has never been established. The aim of the present study is to define the anatomic orientation of the sacrum, to establish a reliable method for measuring it, and to examine its association with PI. SAO was defined as the angle created between the intersection of a line running parallel to the superior endplate surface of the sacrum and a line running between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the anterior-superior edge of the symphysis pubis. Methods for measuring SAO and PI on both skeletal populations and living individuals are described. The study was carried out on 424 skeletons (articulated pelves) using a three-dimensional digitizer and on 20 adult individuals using CT three-dimensional images (volume-rendering method). Reliability (intratester and intertester) was assessed using intraclass correlation test. A regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the association between the two measurements. The mean SAO and PI in the human skeletal population were found to be 48.46 degrees +/- 10.17 degrees and 54.08 degrees +/- 12.64 degrees , respectively and of the living individuals (CT) 52.76 degrees +/- 10.31 degrees and 57.14 degrees +/- 13.08 degrees , respectively. SAO and PI measurements were highly correlated (r = -0.824, and r = -0.828, P < 0.001 for skeletal material and living individuals, respectively). PI can be predicted via SAO, i.e., PI = [-0.971 x SAO] + 101.16 degrees . The newly suggested parameter (SAO) may be an important

  17. Clinical significance of peripheral circulating tumor cell counts in colorectal polyps and non-metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chengguang; Zhuang, Wenfang; Hu, Yuemei; Zhu, Leiming

    2018-01-22

    The presence of peripheral circulating tumor cells indicates the possible existence of a tumor in vivo; however, low numbers of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected in peripheral blood of healthy individuals as well as patients with benign tumors. It is not known whether peripheral CTC counts differ between patients with benign colorectal disease and those with colorectal cancer. Comparative analysis of preoperative peripheral circulating tumor cells counts was completed in patients with benign colorectal disease (colorectal polyps) and non-metastatic cancer of the colon and rectum. The results of this analysis showed that patients with colorectal cancer had higher CTC counts than patients with colorectal polyps (3.47 ± 0.32/3.2 ml vs 1.49 ± 0.2/3.2 ml, P < 0.001). Colorectal cancer patients with tumors of the sigmoid colon displayed the highest CTC counts (4.87 ± 0.95/3.2 ml), followed by those with tumors of the rectum (3.73 ± 0.54/3.2 ml), ascending colon (3.5 ± 0.63/3.2 ml), transverse colon (2.4 ± 0.68/3.2 ml), and descending colon (2.08 ± 0.46/3.2 ml). Colorectal polyp patients with polyps in the rectum showed the highest CTC counts (2.2 ± 0.77/3.2 ml), followed by those with polyps in the ascending colon (1.82 ± 0.54/3.2 ml), sigmoid colon (1.38 ± 0.25/3.2 ml), transverse colon (0.75 ± 0.25/3.2 ml), and descending colon (0.33 ± 0.21/3.2 ml). The differences in CTC counts suggest that anatomical location of colorectal tumors may affect blood vessel metastasis. Meanwhile, patients with moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated tumors displayed higher peripheral blood CTC counts compared to those with well-differentiated tumors (P < 0.001). This result suggests that the type of tissue differentiation of colorectal tumors may act as another factor that affects blood vessel metastasis. Circulating tumor cells can be detected in the peripheral blood of colorectal

  18. Emerging insights into recurrent and metastatic human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Faraji, Farhoud; Eisele, David W.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objective To review recent literature on human papillomavirus‐related (HPV‐positive) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) and focus on implications of recurrent and metastatic disease. Methods Primary articles from 1990 to 2016 indexed in MEDLINE (1) pertaining to the epidemiology of HPV‐positive OPC and (2) providing clinical insight into recurrent and metastatic OPC. Results The incidence of HPV‐positive OPC is increasing globally. HPV‐positive OPC is a subtype with distinct molecular and clinical features including enhanced treatment response and improved overall survival. While disease recurrence is less common in patients with HPV‐positive OPC, up to 36% of patients experience treatment failure within eight years. Recurrent and metastatic OPC has historically signified poor prognosis, however recent data are challenging this dogma. Here, we discuss recurrent and metastatic OPC in the context of HPV tumor status. Conclusion HPV‐positive OPC exhibits distinct genetic, cellular, epidemiological, and clinical features from HPV‐negative OPC. HPV tumor status is emerging as a marker indicative of improved prognosis after disease progression in both locoregionally recurrent and distant metastatic OPC. Level of Evidence N/A. PMID:28894817

  19. Adenocarcinoma metastatic to the uterine cervix: a case series.

    PubMed

    Pérez-Montiel, Delia; Serrano-Olvera, Alberto; Salazar, Luz Calderón; Cetina-Pérez, Lucely; Candelaria, Myrna; Coronel, Jaime; Montalvo, Luis Alonso Herrera; de León, David Cantú

    2012-03-01

    The objectives of this report are, first, to describe the clinical behavior of cases of carcinoma metastatic to the uterine cervix treated at our institution in order to carry out a systematic review to establish the behavioral patterns of the most frequent metastases to the cervix and, second, to generate guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment. At the National Institute of Cancer of Mexico (INCan), we performed a review of the clinical files with a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm metastatic to the uterine cervix between 1990 and 2009. For a systematic review, we conducted a PubMed search between the years 1970 and 2009 of case reports and series of cases of patients with metastatic gastric, breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer. We analyzed each report individually and extracted the patients' clinical data from our cases and reports, including the primary tumor, cervical metastases and survival rates. There were 10 cases of tumors metastatic to the uterine cervix. Metastasis was documented in one-half of the patients during follow up, with two of these cases having the cervix as the only site. We included the following reports in the systematic review: 13 reports of gastric-associated cancer, 30 related to breast cancer, nine with ovarian-associated cancer and 10 related to colorectal cancer. Metastatic cervical activity is an infrequent event. The prognosis of survival is poor in the presence of gastric or ovarian cancer and cervical metastases. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

  20. Pathologic features of metastatic lymph nodes identified from prophylactic central neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyoung Shin; Park, Chanwoo; Kim, Sung Won; Noh, Woong Jae; Lim, Soo Jin; Chun, Bong Kwon; Kim, Beom Su; Hong, Jong Chul; Lee, Kang Dae

    2016-10-01

    The importance of pathologic features of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs), such as size, number, and extranodal extension, has been recently emphasized in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We evaluated the characteristics of metastatic LNs identified after prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) in patients with PTC. We performed a retrospective review of 1,046 patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral thyroidectomy with ipsilateral prophylactic CND. We reviewed the characteristics of the metastatic LNs and analyzed their correlation to the clinicopathologic characteristics of the primary tumor. Cervical LN metastasis after prophylactic CND was identified in 280 out of 1046 patients (26.8 %). The size of metastatic foci (≥2 mm) was independently correlated with primary tumor size (≥1 cm) (p = 0.016, OR = 1.88). Primary tumor size (≥1 cm) was also correlated to the number of metastatic LNs (≥5) (p = 0.004, OR = 3.14) and extranodal extension (p = 0.021, OR = 2.41) in univariate analysis. The size of the primary tumor affects pathologic features of subclinical LN metastasis in patients with PTC. Patients with primary tumors ≥1 cm have an increased risk of larger LN metastases (≥2 mm), an increased number of LN metastases (≥5), and a higher incidence of ENE, which should be considered in decision for prophylactic CND.

  1. Surgery Followed by Radiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression From Unfavorable Tumors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rades, Dirk, E-mail: Rades.Dirk@gmx.net; Huttenlocher, Stefan; Bajrovic, Amira

    Purpose: Despite a previously published randomized trial, controversy exists regarding the benefit of adding surgery to radiotherapy for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). It is thought that patients with MSCC from relatively radioresistant tumors or tumors associated with poor functional outcome after radiotherapy alone may benefit from surgery. This study focuses on these tumors. Methods and Materials: Data from 67 patients receiving surgery plus radiotherapy (S+RT) were matched to 134 patients (1:2) receiving radiotherapy alone (RT). Groups were matched for 10 factors and compared for motor function, ambulatory status, local control, and survival. Additional separate matched-pair analyses were performed formore » patients receiving direct decompressive surgery plus stabilization of involved vertebrae (DDSS) and patients receiving laminectomy (LE). Results: Improvement of motor function occurred in 22% of patients after S+RT and 16% after RT (p = 0.25). Posttreatment ambulatory rates were 67% and 61%, respectively (p = 0.68). Of nonambulatory patients, 29% and 19% (p = 0.53) regained ambulatory status. One-year local control rates were 85% and 89% (p = 0.87). One-year survival rates were 38% and 24% (p = 0.20). The matched-pair analysis of patients receiving LE showed no significant differences between both therapies. In the matched-pair analysis of patients receiving DDSS, improvement of motor function occurred more often after DDSS+RT than RT (28% vs. 19%, p = 0.024). Posttreatment ambulatory rates were 86% and 67% (p = 0.30); 45% and 18% of patients regained ambulatory status (p = 0.29). Conclusions: Patients with MSCC from an unfavorable primary tumor appeared to benefit from DDSS but not LE when added to radiotherapy in terms of improved functional outcome.« less

  2. Second-harmonic generation scattering directionality predicts tumor cell motility in collagen gels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burke, Kathleen A.; Dawes, Ryan P.; Cheema, Mehar K.; Van Hove, Amy; Benoit, Danielle S. W.; Perry, Seth W.; Brown, Edward

    2015-05-01

    Second-harmonic generation (SHG) allows for the analysis of tumor collagen structural changes throughout metastatic progression. SHG directionality, measured through the ratio of the forward-propagating to backward-propagating signal (F/B ratio), is affected by collagen fibril diameter, spacing, and disorder of fibril packing within a fiber. As tumors progress, these parameters evolve, producing concurrent changes in F/B. It has been recently shown that the F/B of highly metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) breast tumors is significantly different from less metastatic tumors. This suggests a possible relationship between the microstructure of collagen, as measured by the F/B, and the ability of tumor cells to locomote through that collagen. Utilizing in vitro collagen gels of different F/B ratios, we explored the relationship between collagen microstructure and motility of tumor cells in a "clean" environment, free of the myriad cells, and signals found in in vivo. We found a significant relationship between F/B and the total distance traveled by the tumor cell, as well as both the average and maximum velocities of the cells. Consequently, one possible mechanism underlying the observed relationship between tumor F/B and metastatic output in IDC patient samples is a direct influence of collagen structure on tumor cell motility.

  3. Metastatic brain cancer: prediction of response to whole-brain helical tomotherapy with simultaneous intralesional boost for metastatic disease using quantitative MR imaging features

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Harish; Bauman, Glenn; Rodrigues, George; Bartha, Robert; Ward, Aaron

    2014-03-01

    The sequential application of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and more targeted stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is frequently used to treat metastatic brain tumors. However, SRS has side effects related to necrosis and edema, and requires separate and relatively invasive localization procedures. Helical tomotherapy (HT) allows for a SRS-type simultaneous infield boost (SIB) of multiple brain metastases, synchronously with WBRT and without separate stereotactic procedures. However, some patients' tumors may not respond to HT+SIB, and would be more appropriately treated with radiosurgery or conventional surgery despite the additional risks and side effects. As a first step toward a broader objective of developing a means for response prediction to HT+SIB, the goal of this study was to investigate whether quantitative measurements of tumor size and appearance (including first- and second-order texture features) on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan acquired prior to treatment could be used to differentiate responder and nonresponder patient groups after HT+SIB treatment of metastatic disease of the brain. Our results demonstrated that smaller lesions may respond better to this form of therapy; measures of appearance provided limited added value over measures of size for response prediction. With further validation on a larger data set, this approach may lead to a means for prediction of individual patient response based on pre-treatment MRI, supporting appropriate therapy selection for patients with metastatic brain cancer.

  4. Critical Anatomy Relative to the Sacral Suture: A Postoperative Imaging Study After Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

    PubMed

    Crisp, Catrina C; Herfel, Charles V; Pauls, Rachel N; Westermann, Lauren B; Kleeman, Steven D

    2016-01-01

    This study aimed to characterize pertinent anatomy relative to the sacral suture placed at time of robotic sacrocolpopexy using postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A vascular clip was placed at the base of the sacral suture at the time of robotic sacrocolpopexy. Six weeks postoperatively, subjects returned for a computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Ten subjects completed the study. The middle sacral artery and vein coursed midline or to the left of midline in all the subjects. The left common iliac vein was an average of 26 mm from the sacral suture. To the right of the suture, the right common iliac artery was 18 mm away. Following the right common iliac artery to its bifurcation, the right internal iliac was on average 10 mm from the suture. The bifurcations of the inferior vena cava and the aorta were 33 mm and 54 mm further cephalad, respectively.The right ureter, on average, was 18 mm from the suture. The thickness of the anterior longitudinal ligament was 2 mm.The mean angle of descent of the sacrum was 70 degrees. Lastly, we found that 70% of the time, a vertebral body was directly below the suture; the disc was noted in 30%. We describe critical anatomy surrounding the sacral suture placed during robotic sacrocolpopexy. Proximity of both vascular and urologic structures within 10 to 18 mm, as well as anterior ligament thickness of only 2 mm highlights the importance of adequate exposure, careful dissection, and surgeon expertise.

  5. Paraspinal Transposition Flap for Reconstruction of Sacral Soft Tissue Defects: A Series of 53 Cases from a Single Institute

    PubMed Central

    Chattopadhyay, Debarati; Agarwal, Akhilesh Kumar; Guha, Goutam; Bhattacharya, Nirjhar; Chumbale, Pawan K; Gupta, Souradip; Murmu, Marang Buru

    2014-01-01

    Study Design Case series. Purpose To describe paraspinal transposition flap for coverage of sacral soft tissue defects. Overview of Literature Soft tissue defects in the sacral region pose a major challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Goals of sacral wound reconstruction are to provide a durable skin and soft tissue cover adequate for even large sacral defects; minimize recurrence; and minimize donor site morbidity. Various musculocutaneous and fasciocutanous flaps have been described in the literature. Methods The flap was applied in 53 patients with sacral soft tissue defects of diverse etiology. Defects ranged in size from small (6 cm×5 cm) to extensive (21 cm×10 cm). The median age of the patients was 58 years (range, 16-78 years). Results There was no flap necrosis. Primary closure of donor sites was possible in all the cases. The median follow up of the patients was 33 months (range, 4-84 months). The aesthetic outcomes were acceptable. There has been no recurrence of pressure sores. Conclusions The authors conclude that paraspinal transposition flap is suitable for reconstruction of large sacral soft tissue defects with minimum morbidity and excellent long term results. PMID:24967044

  6. Nivolumab for Metastatic Melanoma without a BRAF Mutation

    Cancer.gov

    A summary of results from an international phase III trial show that nivolumab (Opdivo®) improves overall survival compared with the chemotherapy drug dacarbazine in patients with metastatic melanoma whose tumors do not have a mutation in the BRAF gene.

  7. Epidemiology and therapies for metastatic sarcoma

    PubMed Central

    Amankwah, Ernest K; Conley, Anthony P; Reed, Damon R

    2013-01-01

    Sarcomas are cancers arising from the mesenchymal layer that affect children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Although most sarcomas are localized, many display a remarkable predilection for metastasis to the lungs, liver, bones, subcutaneous tissue, and lymph nodes. Additionally, many sarcoma patients presenting initially with localized disease may relapse at metastatic sites. While localized sarcomas can often be cured through surgery and often radiation, controversies exist over optimal management of patients with metastatic sarcoma. Combinations of chemotherapy are the most effective in many settings, and many promising new agents are under active investigation or are being explored in preclinical models. Metastatic sarcomas are excellent candidates for novel approaches with additional agents as they have demonstrated chemosensitivity and affect a portion of the population that is motivated toward curative therapy. In this paper, we provide an overview on the common sarcomas of childhood (rhabdomyosarcoma), adolescence, and young adults (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor) and older adults (leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and undifferentiated high grade sarcoma) in terms of the epidemiology, current therapy, promising therapeutic directions and outcome with a focus on metastatic disease. Potential advances in terms of promising therapy and biologic insights may lead to more effective and safer therapies; however, more clinical trials and research are needed for patients with metastatic sarcoma. PMID:23700373

  8. Aspiration cytology of extramammary tumours metastatic to the breast.

    PubMed

    Handa, Uma; Chhabra, Seema; Mohan, Harsh

    2007-10-01

    This study was undertaken to highlight the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to distinguish tumours metastatic to the breast from primary breast malignancies. A total of 1866 fine needle aspirates of the breast were performed during a period of 7 years. Three hundred and fourteen cases of breast malignancies were diagnosed and 5 (1.5%) out of these cases were metastatic in origin. The metastatic tumors included, 2 cases of malignant melanoma (chest wall and left arm), 1 case each of haematolymphoid malignancy, adenocarcinoma of the ovary, and squamous cell carcinoma (left leg). FNA diagnosis of metastasis to the breast is essential in order to avoid unnecessary mastectomy and to ensure appropriate chemotherapy and/or irradiation treatment.

  9. Long-term durability of sacral nerve stimulation therapy for chronic fecal incontinence.

    PubMed

    Hull, Tracy; Giese, Chad; Wexner, Steven D; Mellgren, Anders; Devroede, Ghislain; Madoff, Robert D; Stromberg, Katherine; Coller, John A

    2013-02-01

    Limited data have been published regarding the long-term results of sacral nerve stimulation, or sacral neuromodulation, for severe fecal incontinence. The aim was to assess the outcome of sacral nerve stimulation with the use of precise tools and data collection, focusing on the long-term durability of the therapy. Five-year data were analyzed. Patients entered in a multicenter, prospective study for fecal incontinence were followed at 3, 6, and 12 months and annually after device implantation. Patients with chronic fecal incontinence in whom conservative treatments had failed or who were not candidates for more conservative treatments were selected. Patients with ≥ 50% improvement over baseline in fecal incontinence episodes per week during a 14-day test stimulation period received sacral nerve stimulation therapy. Patients were assessed with a 14-day bowel diary and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index questionnaires. Therapeutic success was defined as ≥ 50% improvement over baseline in fecal incontinence episodes per week. All adverse events were collected. A total of 120 patients (110 women; mean age, 60.5 years) underwent implantation. Seventy-six of these patients (63%) were followed a minimum of 5 years (maximum, longer than 8 years) and are the basis for this report. Fecal incontinence episodes per week decreased from a mean of 9.1 at baseline to 1.7 at 5 years, with 89% (n = 64/72) having ≥ 50% improvement (p < 0.0001) and 36% (n = 26/72) having complete continence. Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scores also significantly improved for all 4 scales between baseline and 5 years (n = 70; p < 0.0001). Twenty-seven of the 76 (35.5%) patients required a device revision, replacement, or explant. The therapeutic effect and improved quality of life for fecal incontinence is maintained 5 years after sacral nerve stimulation implantation and beyond. Device revision, replacement, or explant rate was acceptable, but future

  10. Emerging therapeutic targets in metastatic progression: a focus on breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Li, Zhuo; Kang, Yibin

    2016-01-01

    Metastasis is the underlying cause of death for the majority of breast cancer patients. Despite significant advances in recent years in basic research and clinical development, therapies that specifically target metastatic breast cancer remain inadequate, and represents the single greatest obstacle to reducing mortality of late-stage breast cancer. Recent efforts have leveraged genomic analysis of breast cancer and molecular dissection of tumor-stromal cross-talk to uncover a number of promising candidates for targeted treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Rational combinations of therapeutic agents targeting tumor-intrinsic properties and microenvironmental components provide a promising strategy to develop precision treatments with higher specificity and less toxicity. In this review, we discuss the emerging therapeutic targets in breast cancer metastasis, from tumor-intrinsic pathways to those that involve the host tissue components, including the immune system. PMID:27000769

  11. GATA3 expression in clinically useful groups of breast carcinoma: a comparison with GCDFP15 and mammaglobin for identifying paired primary and metastatic tumors.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yuqiong; Lu, Shanming; Zeng, Wenqin; Xie, Shoucheng; Xiao, Shengjun

    2017-02-01

    GATA3 has been recognized as the novel marker for identifying primary and metastatic breast carcinomas, consistently showing that GATA3 was significantly more sensitive than traditional markers gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP15) and mammaglobin (MGB). However, clinically useful groups of breast carcinomas status were not identified, which were determining appropriate treatment strategy, affecting the prognosis. In this study, we undertook a comparative study of the marker GATA3 and GCDFP15 and MGB in clinically useful groups of paired primary and metastatic breast cancer. We retrieved 64 cases of matched primary and metastatic breast cancer from the surgical pathology archive at our institution. According to the emerging 2015 St. Gallen Consensus, the clinically useful groups were divided into ER and/or PR (+), HER2 (-), abbreviated as A; ER and/or PR (+), HER2 (+), abbreviated as B; ER and PR (-), HER2 (+), abbreviated as C; ER, PR and HER2 (-), abbreviated as D; each group contained 16 cases (n=16). Tissue microarrays were created, with three 1-mm punch specimens from each case. The tissue microarrays were cut at 4-μm thickness and stained with monoclonal antibodies to GATA3, GCDFP15, and MGB. Staining intensity (0-3+) and extent (0%-100%) were scored with an H-score calculated (range, 0-300). Sensitivities by varying H-score cutoffs (any; ≥50; ≥150) for a positive result in the clinically useful groups of matched primary or metastatic breast cancer among GATA3, GCDFP15, and MGB. GATA3 was significantly more sensitive than GCDFP15 and MGB A and B groups (P<.05) rather than C and D groups (P>.05). However, GATA3 in conjunction with GCDFP15 and MGB detection could improve the sensitivity of C group (P<.05) rather than D group (P>.05). Significantly, good coincidence was observed between primary and metastatic tumor GATA3 expression (κ value = 0.826 >0.75) as compared with the coincidence of GCDFP15 (κ value =0.492 <0.75) and MGB (κ value =0

  12. PRC2/EED-EZH2 Complex Is Up-Regulated in Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis Compared to Primary Tumor and Correlates with Tumor Proliferation In Situ

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Hongxiang; Simons, Diana L.; Segall, Ilana; Carcamo-Cavazos, Valeria; Schwartz, Erich J.; Yan, Ning; Zuckerman, Neta S.; Dirbas, Frederick M.; Johnson, Denise L.; Holmes, Susan P.; Lee, Peter P.

    2012-01-01

    Background Lymph node metastasis is a key event in the progression of breast cancer. Therefore it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms which facilitate regional lymph node metastatic progression. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed gene expression profiling of purified tumor cells from human breast tumor and lymph node metastasis. By microarray network analysis, we found an increased expression of polycomb repression complex 2 (PRC2) core subunits EED and EZH2 in lymph node metastatic tumor cells over primary tumor cells which were validated through real-time PCR. Additionally, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and quantitative image analysis of whole tissue sections showed a significant increase of EZH2 expressing tumor cells in lymph nodes over paired primary breast tumors, which strongly correlated with tumor cell proliferation in situ. We further explored the mechanisms of PRC2 gene up-regulation in metastatic tumor cells and found up-regulation of E2F genes, MYC targets and down-regulation of tumor suppressor gene E-cadherin targets in lymph node metastasis through GSEA analyses. Using IHC, the expression of potential EZH2 target, E-cadherin was examined in paired primary/lymph node samples and was found to be significantly decreased in lymph node metastases over paired primary tumors. Conclusions/Significance This study identified an over expression of the epigenetic silencing complex PRC2/EED-EZH2 in breast cancer lymph node metastasis as compared to primary tumor and its positive association with tumor cell proliferation in situ. Concurrently, PRC2 target protein E-cadherin was significant decreased in lymph node metastases, suggesting PRC2 promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lymph node metastatic process through repression of E-cadherin. These results indicate that epigenetic regulation mediated by PRC2 proteins may provide additional advantage for the outgrowth of metastatic tumor cells in lymph nodes. This opens

  13. Diagnostic Study of Tumor Characteristics in Patients With Ewing's Sarcoma

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2013-06-20

    Localized Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Recurrent Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor

  14. Genistein versus ICI 182, 780: an ally or enemy in metastatic progression of prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, Hisae; Wang, Yuwei; Xue, Hui; Romanish, Mark T; Mager, Dixie L; Helgason, Cheryl D; Wang, Yuzhuo

    2013-12-01

    Androgen signalling through the androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in prostate cancer (PCa) initiation and progression. Estrogen in synergy with androgen is essential for cell growth of the normal and malignant prostate. However, the exact role that estrogen and the estrogen receptor play in prostate carcinogenesis remains unclear. We have previously demonstrated the metastasis-promoting effect of an estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) agonist (genistein) in a patient-derived PCa xenograft model mimicking localized and metastatic disease. To test the hypothesis that the tumor-promoting activity of genistein was due to its estrogenic properties, we treated the xenograft-bearing mice with genistein and an anti-estrogen compound (ICI 182, 780) and compared the differential gene expression using microarrays. Using a second xenograft model which was derived from another patient, we showed that genistein promoted disease progression in vivo and ICI 182, 780 inhibited metastatic spread. The microarray analysis revealed that the metallothionein (MT) gene family was differentially expressed in tumors treated by these compounds. Using qRT-PCR, the differences in expression levels were validated in the metastatic and non-metastatic LTL313 PCa xenograft tumor lines, both of which were originally derived from the same PCa patient. Together our data provide evidence that genistein stimulates and ICI 182, 780 inhibits metastatic progression, suggesting that these effects may be mediated by ERβ signalling. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Patient with Gorlin syndrome and metastatic basal cell carcinoma refractory to smoothened inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Gefei A; Li, Angela S; Chang, Anne Lynn S

    2014-08-01

    Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in patients with Gorlin syndrome have been reported to be extremely sensitive to Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, a novel targeted therapy against the Hedgehog pathway, because of characteristic mutations in these patients. A few cases of disease refractory to oral therapy with SMO inhibitors have been reported in patients with Gorlin syndrome and nonmetastatic BCCs, but refractory disease in distantly metastatic tumors has not been documented in this high-risk group. A man with Gorlin syndrome and innumerable cutaneous BCCs presented with biopsy-proven BCC in his lungs. After SMO inhibitor therapy, almost all of his cutaneous tumors shrank, but his lung metastases did not. These lung metastases remained refractory to treatment despite institution of a second SMO inhibitor. We report a case of Gorlin syndrome in a patient with metastatic BCC refractory to SMO inhibitors. Furthermore, clinical responses in this patient's cutaneous tumors did not parallel the responses in the distant site. However, serial imaging after diagnosis of metastatic disease can be critical to monitor for response to therapy.

  16. Iodine-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine treatment for metastatic carcinoid. Results in 98 patients.

    PubMed

    Safford, Shawn D; Coleman, R Edward; Gockerman, Jon P; Moore, Joseph; Feldman, Jerome; Onaitis, Mark W; Tyler, Douglas S; Olson, John A

    2004-11-01

    Iodine-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) is useful for imaging carcinoid tumors and recently has been applied to the palliative treatment of metastatic carcinoid in small studies. The authors now report their results on the therapeutic utility of high-dose 131I-MIBG treatment in a large group of patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors. The authors performed a retrospective review of 98 patients with metastatic carcinoid who were treated at their institution with 131I-MIBG over a 15-year period. Endpoints examined included the World Health Organization criteria for treatment response: symptoms, hormone (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid [5-HIAA]) production, and clinical tumor response. Patients received a median dose of 401 +/- 202 millicuries (mCi) 131I-MIBG. The median survival after treatment was 2.3 years. Patients who experienced a symptomatic response had improved survival (5.76 years vs. 2.09 years; P < 0.01). For the 56 patients who had 5-HIAA levels monitored, the mean urine 5-HIAA levels decreased significantly after 131I-MIBG treatment (126 +/- 122 ng/mL vs. 91 +/- 125 ng/mL; P < 0.01); however, the patients with reduced 5-HIAA levels did not experience improved survival (4.11 years vs. 3.42 years; P = 0.2). Patients who received an initial 131I-MIBG dose > 400 mCi lived longer than patients who received < 400 mCi (4.69 years vs. 1.86 years; P = 0.05). Radiographic tumor response did not predict survival. Toxicity included pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, and emesis. The current data support 131I-MIBG treatment in select patients with metastatic carcinoid who progress despite optimal medical management. Improved survival was predicted best by symptomatic response to 131I-MIBG treatment, but not by hormone or radiographic response.

  17. Salvage Lenvatinib Therapy in Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.

    PubMed

    Iñiguez-Ariza, Nicole M; Ryder, Mabel M; Hilger, Crystal R; Bible, Keith C

    2017-07-01

    Historical anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) outcomes have been terrible, with a median survival of only five months and <20% one-year survival. Improved outcomes are now achieved with aggressive initial therapy in stages IVA and IVB disease, but patients with distant metastatic disease (stage IVC) still do poorly; improved therapies are sorely needed. Kinase inhibitors have emerged as promising agents in the therapy of advanced medullary and differentiated thyroid cancer, but there are limited data regarding the use of lenvatinib in ATC. The aim of this study was to delineate clinical outcomes in a series of patients with advanced ATC in response to lenvatinib therapy. A retrospective analysis was conducted involving all lenvatinib-treated Mayo Clinic ATC patients in 2015. Of 28 distinct ATC patients seen in 2015, three (11%) with metastatic disease of ECOG performance status 2-3 were treated with lenvatinib. Two patients were male; age range at ATC diagnosis was 57-84 years. All three patients attained successful local control of their disease with surgery and/or combined chemoradiotherapy. Lenvatinib was offered as the second, third, or fourth line of therapy at the time of metastatic disease progression. Two patients incurred minor responses to therapy, with structural regression of distant metastatic tumor disease soon after starting lenvatinib treatment (at one to two months), while one patient achieved stable disease, but no Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors partial responses resulted. Overall survival after starting lenvatinib was two, six, and seven months. Fatigue and hypertension were prominent, and one patient developed pulmonary emboli while on lenvatinib. This initial single-institution experience suggests that lenvatinib may have some disease-modifying activity in metastatic ATC that is otherwise refractory to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, observed benefits were transient, and toxicities were prominent. Clinical trials are required

  18. Effect of surgical approach on physical activity and pain control after sacral colpopexy.

    PubMed

    Collins, Sarah A; Tulikangas, Paul K; O'Sullivan, David M

    2012-05-01

    We sought to compare recovery of activity and pain control after robotic (ROB) vs abdominal (ABD) sacral colpopexy. Women undergoing ROB and ABD sacral colpopexy wore accelerometers for 7 days preoperatively and the first 10 days postoperatively. They completed postoperative pain diaries and Short Form-36 questionnaires before and after surgery. At 5 days postoperatively, none of the 14 subjects in the ABD group and 4 of 28 (14.3%) in the ROB group achieved 50% total baseline activity counts (P = .283). At 10 days, 5 of 14 (35.7%) in the ABD group and 8 of 26 (30.8%) in the ROB group (P = .972) achieved 50%. Postoperative pain was similar in both groups. Short Form-36 vitality scores were lower (P = .017) after surgery in the ABD group, but not in the ROB group. Women undergoing ROB vs ABD sacral colpopexy do not recover physical activity faster, and pain control is not improved. Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Adhesive arachnoiditis after percutaneous fibrin glue treatment of a sacral meningeal cyst.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, Kazunori; Nagano, Junji; Hattori, Satoshi

    2014-06-01

    The authors present the case of a 64-year-old woman who was referred for severe sacral pain. She reported that her pain had been longstanding, and had greatly increased after percutaneous fibrin glue placement therapy for a sacral meningeal cyst 2 months earlier at a different hospital. An MRI scan obtained immediately after fibrin glue placement at that hospital suggested that fibrin glue had migrated superiorly into the subarachnoid space from the sacral cyst to the level of L-4. On admission to the authors' institution, physical examination demonstrated no abnormal findings except for perianal hypesthesia. An MRI study obtained at admission demonstrated a cystic lesion in the peridural space from the level of S-2 to S-4. Inhomogeneous intensity was identified in this region on T2-weighted images. Because the cauda equina and nerve roots appeared to be compressed by the lesion, total cyst excision was performed. The cyst cavity was filled with fluid that resembled CSF, plus gelatinous material. Histopathological examination revealed that the cyst wall was composed of hyaline connective tissue with some calcification. No nervous tissue or ganglion cells were found in the tissue. The gelatinous material was acellular, and appeared to be degenerated fibrin glue. Sacral pain persisted to some extent after surgery. The authors presumed that migrated fibrin glue caused the development of adhesive arachnoiditis. The risk of adhesive arachnoiditis should be considered when this therapy is planned. Communication between a cyst and the subarachnoid space should be confirmed to be sufficiently narrow to prevent the migration of injected fibrin glue.

  20. Use of Sacral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Overlapping Constipation and Fecal Incontinence

    PubMed Central

    Sreepati, Gouri; James-Stevenson, Toyia

    2017-01-01

    Patient: Female, 51 Final Diagnosis: Fecal incontinence Symptoms: Constipation • fecal incontinence Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Sacral nerve stimulator Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology Objective: Rare co-existance of disease or pathology Background: Fecal incontinence and constipation are common gastrointestinal complaints, but rarely occur concurrently. Management of these seemingly paradoxical processes is challenging, as treatment of one symptom may exacerbate the other. Case Report: A 51-year-old female with lifelong neurogenic bladder secondary to spina bifida occulta presented with progressive symptoms of daily urge fecal incontinence as well as hard bowel movements associated with straining and a sensation of incomplete evacuation requiring manual disimpaction. Pelvic floor testing showed poor ability to squeeze the anal sphincter, which indicated sphincter weakness as a major contributor to her fecal incontinence symptoms. Additionally, on defecography she was unable to widen her posterior anorectal angle or relax the anal sphincter during defecation consistent with dyssynergic defecation. A sacral nerve stimulator was placed for management of her fecal incontinence. Interestingly, her constipation also dramatically improved with sacral neuromodulation. Conclusions: This unique case highlights the emerging role of sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of complex pelvic floor dysfunction with improvement in symptoms beyond fecal incontinence in a patient with dyssynergic-type constipation. PMID:28265107

  1. Benign notochordal cell tumors.

    PubMed

    Martínez Gamarra, C; Bernabéu Taboada, D; Pozo Kreilinger, J J; Tapia Viñé, M

    Benign notochordal cell tumors (TBCN) are lesions with notochordal differentiation which affect the axial skeleton. They are characterized by asymptomatic or non-specific symptomatology and are radiologically unnoticed because of their small size, or because they are mistaken with other benign bone lesions, such as vertebral hemangiomas. When they are large, or symptomatic, can be differential diagnosis with metastases, primary bone tumors and chordomas. We present a case of a TBCN in a 50-year-old woman, with a sacral lesion seen in MRI. A CT-guided biopsy was scheduled to analyze the lesion, finding that the tumor was not clearly recognizable on CT, so the anatomical references of MRI were used to select the appropriate plane. The planning of the approach and the radio-pathological correlation were determinant to reach the definitive diagnosis. Copyright © 2017 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  2. Occult Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor Metastasis to the Breast Detected on Screening Mammogram.

    PubMed

    Policeni, Fabiana; Pakalniskis, Brittany; Yang, Limin

    2016-01-01

    Metastatic tumors are rare in the breast. Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (WDNETs) are slow-growing neoplasms that arise from neuroendocrine cells, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and bronchial tree. Metastatic WDNET to the breast is a rare entity. We present a case report of ileal WDNET metastatic to the breast which was initially identified as a small mass in the patient's left breast on screening mammography. Targeted ultrasound identified a suspicious mass, and ultrasound-guided percutaneous core biopsy was performed. Pathology revealed metastatic WDNET. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was then performed and demonstrated left axillary Level 2 lymphadenopathy, and liver lesions were suspicious for metastasis. The patient underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) to evaluate for distant metastatic disease. A spiculated mass was found near the ileocecal valve, suggestive of primary ileal WDNET. In addition, CT identified multiple liver lesions, most compatible with metastasis. Indium 111 OctreoScan confirmed radiotracer uptake in the ileum consistent with primary neuroendocrine tumor. In this report, we review the imaging characteristics of metastatic WDNET to the breast by different imaging modalities including mammogram, ultrasound, and breast MRI.

  3. Glyphosate Vedotin for Treatment of Bone Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-01

    eventual death. However, there is no effective treatment available for bone metastatic CRPC. In this project, we propose to create a new drug and test...its selective anti-cancer effects in the cultured prostate cancer cell lines (Specific Aim 1) and in the bone tumor animal models that mimic human...prostate cancer patients. However, there is no effective treatment available for bone metastatic CRPC. The existing FDA-approved therapies only extend

  4. Clinical Outcome of Sacral Chordoma With Carbon Ion Radiotherapy Compared With Surgery

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nishida, Yoshihiro, E-mail: ynishida@med.nagoya-u.ac.j; Kamada, Tadashi; Imai, Reiko

    Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy, post-treatment function, toxicity, and complications of carbon ion radiotherapy (RT) for sacral chordoma compared with surgery. Methods and Materials: The records of 17 primary sacral chordoma patients treated since 1990 with surgery (n = 10) or carbon ion RT (n = 7) were retrospectively analyzed for disease-specific survival, local recurrence-free survival, complications, and functional outcome. The applied carbon ion dose ranged from 54.0 Gray equivalent (GyE) to 73.6 GyE (median 70.4). Results: The mean age at treatment was 55 years for the surgery group and 65 years for the carbon ion RT group. The medianmore » duration of follow-up was 76 months for the surgery group and 49 months for the carbon ion RT group. The local recurrence-free survival rate at 5 years was 62.5% for the surgery and 100% for the carbon ion RT group, and the disease-specific survival rate at 5 years was 85.7% and 53.3%, respectively. Urinary-anorectal function worsened in 6 patients (60%) in the surgery group, but it was unchanged in all the patients who had undergone carbon ion RT. Postoperative wound complications requiring reoperation occurred in 3 patients (30%) after surgery and in 1 patient (14%) after carbon ion RT. The functional outcome evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system revealed 55% in the surgery group and 75% in the carbon ion RT group. Of the six factors in this scoring system, the carbon ion RT group had significantly greater scores in emotional acceptance than did the surgery group. Conclusion: Carbon ion RT results in a high local control rate and preservation of urinary-anorectal function compared with surgery.« less

  5. Paranuclear blue inclusions in metastatic undifferentiated small cell carcinoma in the bone marrow.

    PubMed

    Wittchow, R; Laszewski, M; Walker, W; Dick, F

    1992-09-01

    Paranuclear blue inclusions (PBIs) are frequently identified within metastatic undifferentiated small cell carcinoma (SCC) cells on air-dried bone marrow aspirates stained with Wright's stain. To determine the sensitivity and specificity of this finding, 116 bone marrow aspirates containing metastatic neoplasms were evaluated for the presence and frequency of PBIs. Bone marrow specimens included 47 cases of metastatic SCC of the lung, 13 cases of large cell lymphoma, 19 cases of neuroblastoma, five cases of small, noncleaved cell lymphoma, seven cases of rhabdomyosarcoma, three cases of Ewing's sarcoma, three cases of other sarcomas, and 19 cases of non-small cell carcinoma (adenocarcinoma). PBIs were identified in 40 of 47 (85%) cases of SCC and their frequency varied from 0 to 24% of tumor cells among different cases. In approximately half the cases of SCC, PBIs were identified in 1 to 4% tumor cells; and in eight cases, PBIs were present in 5% or more of tumor cells. PBIs were also identified in two of seven (29%) cases of rhabdomyosarcoma and one case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, but they were not seen in Ewing's sarcoma, small non-cleaved cell lymphoma, large cell lymphoma, neuroblastoma, or non-small cell carcinoma. In addition, PBIs were not seen in alcohol-fixed, Papanicolaou-stained cytology specimens containing SCC. Ultrastructurally, PBIs may represent phagocytized nuclear/cellular material. PBIs are a feature of small cell carcinoma on air-dried, cytologic material stained with Romanowsky type stains. Their presence may provide diagnostic information with regard to the differential diagnosis of metastatic SCC in the bone marrow. Future studies evaluating non-bone marrow Wright's stained fine-needle aspiration specimens are needed to determine if PBIs are useful in distinguishing SCC from other poorly differentiated tumors in the cytology laboratory.

  6. Metastasis Infiltration: An Investigation of the Postoperative Brain-Tumor Interface

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Raore, Bethwel; Schniederjan, Matthew; Prabhu, Roshan

    Purpose: This study aims to evaluate brain infiltration of metastatic tumor cells past the main tumor resection margin to assess the biological basis for the use of stereotactic radiosurgery treatment of the tumor resection cavity and visualized resection edge or clinical target volume. Methods and Materials: Resection margin tissue was obtained after gross total resection of a small group of metastatic lesions from a variety of primary sources. The tissue at the border of the tumor and brain tissue was carefully oriented and processed to evaluate the presence of tumor cells within brain tissue and their distance from the resectionmore » margin. Results: Microscopic assessment of the radially oriented tissue samples showed no tumor cells infiltrating the surrounding brain tissue. Among the positive findings were reactive astrocytosis observed on the brain tissue immediately adjacent to the tumor resection bed margin. Conclusions: The lack of evidence of metastatic tumor cell infiltration into surrounding brain suggests the need to target only a narrow depth of the resection cavity margin to minimize normal tissue injury and prevent treatment size-dependent stereotactic radiosurgery complications.« less

  7. One shot of carbon-ion radiotherapy cured a 6-cm chemo-resistant metastatic liver tumor: a case of breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Harada, Mayumi; Karasawa, Kumiko; Yasuda, Shigeo; Kamada, Tadashi; Nemoto, Kenji

    2015-09-01

    The standard treatment for metastatic liver tumor from breast cancer is systemic medical treatment, and there is controversy regarding the value of local treatment. However, there are some exceptional cases that do benefit from local therapy. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman with systemic therapy-resistant liver metastasis from breast cancer successfully treated with a single shot of 36-GyE carbon-ion radiotherapy and surviving more than 8 years without local recurrence. This case represents a good example of the usefulness and safety of carbon-ion radiotherapy, and who might benefit from local therapy.

  8. Acute urinary retention attributable to sacral herpes zoster.

    PubMed

    Acheson, J; Mudd, D

    2004-11-01

    Acute urinary retention in women is uncommon. A 63 year old woman presented with suprapubic pain, a palpable bladder, and multiple grouped vesicles on the right buttock. Catheterisation showed a residual of 2000 ml. A case is reported of acute urinary retention secondary to herpes zoster infection of the sacral nerves (S2-4).

  9. IL17 Promotes Mammary Tumor Progression by Changing the Behavior of Tumor Cells and Eliciting Tumorigenic Neutrophils Recruitment.

    PubMed

    Benevides, Luciana; da Fonseca, Denise Morais; Donate, Paula Barbim; Tiezzi, Daniel Guimarães; De Carvalho, Daniel D; de Andrade, Jurandyr M; Martins, Gislaine A; Silva, João S

    2015-09-15

    The aggressiveness of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast is associated with increased IL17 levels. Studying the role of IL17 in invasive breast tumor pathogenesis, we found that metastatic primary tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes produced elevated levels of IL17, whereas IL17 neutralization inhibited tumor growth and prevented the migration of neutrophils and tumor cells to secondary disease sites. Tumorigenic neutrophils promote disease progression, producing CXCL1, MMP9, VEGF, and TNFα, and their depletion suppressed tumor growth. IL17A also induced IL6 and CCL20 production in metastatic tumor cells, favoring the recruitment and differentiation of Th17. In addition, IL17A changed the gene-expression profile and the behavior of nonmetastatic tumor cells, causing tumor growth in vivo, confirming the protumor role of IL17. Furthermore, high IL17 expression was associated with lower disease-free survival and worse prognosis in IDC patients. Thus, IL17 blockade represents an attractive approach for the control of invasive breast tumors. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

  10. Adoptive cell therapy with autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and low-dose Interleukin-2 in metastatic melanoma patients.

    PubMed

    Ellebaek, Eva; Iversen, Trine Zeeberg; Junker, Niels; Donia, Marco; Engell-Noerregaard, Lotte; Met, Özcan; Hölmich, Lisbet Rosenkrantz; Andersen, Rikke Sick; Hadrup, Sine Reker; Andersen, Mads Hald; thor Straten, Per; Svane, Inge Marie

    2012-08-21

    Adoptive cell therapy may be based on isolation of tumor-specific T cells, e.g. autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), in vitro activation and expansion and the reinfusion of these cells into patients upon chemotherapy induced lymphodepletion. Together with high-dose interleukin (IL)-2 this treatment has been given to patients with advanced malignant melanoma and impressive response rates but also significant IL-2 associated toxicity have been observed. Here we present data from a feasibility study at a Danish Translational Research Center using TIL adoptive transfer in combination with low-dose subcutaneous IL-2 injections. This is a pilot trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00937625) including patients with metastatic melanoma, PS ≤1, age <70, measurable and progressive disease and no involvement of the central nervous system. Six patients were treated with lymphodepleting chemotherapy, TIL infusion, and 14 days of subcutaneous low-dose IL-2 injections, 2 MIU/day. Low-dose IL-2 considerably decreased the treatment related toxicity with no grade 3-4 IL-2 related adverse events. Objective clinical responses were seen in 2 of 6 treated patients with ongoing complete responses (30+ and 10+ months), 2 patients had stable disease (4 and 5 months) and 2 patients progressed shortly after treatment. Tumor-reactivity of the infused cells and peripheral lymphocytes before and after therapy were analyzed. Absolute number of tumor specific T cells in the infusion product tended to correlate with clinical response and also, an induction of peripheral tumor reactive T cells was observed for 1 patient in complete remission. Complete and durable responses were induced after treatment with adoptive cell therapy in combination with low-dose IL-2 which significantly decreased toxicity of this therapy.

  11. Histotripsy and metastasis: Assessment in a renal VX-2 rabbit tumor model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Styn, Nicholas R.; Hall, Timothy L.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Cain, Charles A.; Roberts, William W.

    2012-10-01

    Histotripsy is a non-invasive, pulsed ultrasound technology where controlled cavitation is used to homogenize targeted tissue. We sought to assess the possibility that histotripsy may increase metastatic spread of tumor by quantifying the number of lung metastasis apparent after histotripsy treatment of aggressive renal VX-2 tumor compared to nontreated controls. VX-2 tumor was implanted in the left kidneys of 28 New Zealand White rabbits. Twenty rabbits were treated with histotripsy (day 13 after implantation) while 8 served as controls. All rabbits underwent left nephrectomy (day 14) and then were euthanized (day 19). This study was powered to detect a doubling in metastatic rate. Homogenized tumor was seen in all treated nephrectomy specimens. Whole-mount, coronal lung sections were viewed to calculate number and density of metastases. Viable tumor was present in all 28 lungs examined. Histology confirmed fractionation of tumor in all treatment rabbits. There was not a statistical difference in total lung metastases (88.7 vs. 72.5; p=0.29) or metastatic density (8.9 vs. 7.0 mets/cm2; p=0.22) between treated and control rabbits. Further investigation is planned to validate these results in the VX-2 model and to assess metastatic rates in less aggressive tumors treated with histotripsy.

  12. A Comparative Review of Demographics, Incidence, and Epidemiology of Histologically Confirmed Intracranial Tumors in Brazil and Bulgaria

    PubMed Central

    Sarraf, Jonathan S; Matev, Boyko K; Dzhenkov, Deyan L; Kitanova, Martina; Iliev, Bogomil; Ghenev, Peter; Tonchev, Anton B; Enchev, Yavor; Adami, Fernando; De Carvalho, Luis Eduardo W

    2018-01-01

    Intracranial tumors (ICTs) attract numerous scientific teams and tremendous financial resources worldwide. These lesions of the central nervous system (CNS) can be both benign and malignant in biological behavior as well as local or metastatic in origin. We compared data from two studies on primary and metastatic ICTs from Brazil and Bulgaria, based on histopathologically confirmed ICTs from tertiary health centers. Primary ICTs significantly outweigh the frequency of metastatic ICTs. Primary ICTs represent 86.45% in Brazil and 69.17% in Bulgaria, with around 60% of their totals being malignant. There is a statistical dominance of tumors from the neuroepithelial origin, with the most common entry being glioblastoma multiforme. The second-most common primary ICT group comprises tumors of meningeal origin. Metastatic ICTs show great variance; 13.55% in Brazil and 31.38% in Bulgaria of all ICT cases being attributed to them. However, metastatic ICTs are even a more diverse group than neuroepithelial tumors, with the majority of this group comprising metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (almost exclusively in males), metastatic breast adenocarcinoma in females, metastatic pulmonary carcinomas (primarily from the non-small cell group with a male predominance), and metastatic melanoma with an even gender ratio. PMID:29682433

  13. Avelumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: a phase 1b JAVELIN Solid Tumor study.

    PubMed

    Dirix, Luc Y; Takacs, Istvan; Jerusalem, Guy; Nikolinakos, Petros; Arkenau, Hendrik-Tobias; Forero-Torres, Andres; Boccia, Ralph; Lippman, Marc E; Somer, Robert; Smakal, Martin; Emens, Leisha A; Hrinczenko, Borys; Edenfield, William; Gurtler, Jayne; von Heydebreck, Anja; Grote, Hans Juergen; Chin, Kevin; Hamilton, Erika P

    2018-02-01

    Agents targeting programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1) have shown antitumor activity in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The aim of this study was to assess the activity of avelumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, in patients with MBC. In a phase 1 trial (JAVELIN Solid Tumor; NCT01772004), patients with MBC refractory to or progressing after standard-of-care therapy received avelumab intravenously 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Tumors were assessed every 6 weeks by RECIST v1.1. Adverse events (AEs) were graded by NCI-CTCAE v4.0. Membrane PD-L1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (Dako PD-L1 IHC 73-10 pharmDx). A total of 168 patients with MBC, including 58 patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), were treated with avelumab for 2-50 weeks and followed for 6-15 months. Patients were heavily pretreated with a median of three prior therapies for metastatic or locally advanced disease. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related AEs occurred in 13.7% of patients, including two treatment-related deaths. The confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 3.0% overall (one complete response and four partial responses) and 5.2% in patients with TNBC. A trend toward a higher ORR was seen in patients with PD-L1+ versus PD-L1- tumor-associated immune cells in the overall population (16.7% vs. 1.6%) and in the TNBC subgroup (22.2% vs. 2.6%). Avelumab showed an acceptable safety profile and clinical activity in a subset of patients with MBC. PD-L1 expression in tumor-associated immune cells may be associated with a higher probability of clinical response to avelumab in MBC.

  14. Preclinical Efficacy of [V4Q5]dDAVP, a Second Generation Vasopressin Analog, on Metastatic Spread and Tumor-Associated Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Garona, Juan; Sobol, Natasha T; Pifano, Marina; Segatori, Valeria I; Gomez, Daniel E; Ripoll, Giselle V; Alonso, Daniel F

    2018-06-01

    Control of metastatic spread of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains as a major therapeutic challenge. [V4Q5]dDAVP is a vasopressin peptide analog with previously reported anticancer activity against carcinoma tumors. By acting as a selective agonist of AVPR2 present in endothelial and tumor cells, [V4Q5]dDAVP is able to impair tumor aggressiveness and distant spread. Our aim was to evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of [V4Q5]dDAVP on highly aggressive CRC disease using experimental models with translational relevance. Murine CT-26 and human Colo-205 AVPR2-expressing CRC cell lines were used to test the preclinical efficacy of [V4Q5]dDAVP, both in vitro and in vivo. In syngeneic mice surgically implanted with CT-26 cells in the spleen, sustained i.v. treatment with [V4Q5]dDAVP (0.3 µg/kg) dramatically impaired metastatic progression to liver without overt signs of toxicity, and also reduced experimental lung colonization. The compound inhibited in vivo angiogenesis driven by Colo-205 cells in athymic mice, as well as in vitro endothelial cell migration and capillary tube formation. [V4Q5]dDAVP exerted AVPR2-dependent cytostatic activity in vitro (IC50 1.08 µM) and addition to 5-FU resulted in synergistic antiproliferative effects both in CT-26 and Colo-205 cells. The present preclinical study establishes for the first time the efficacy of [V4Q5]dDAVP on CRC. These encouraging results suggest that the novel second generation vasopressin analog could be used for the management of aggressive CRC as an adjuvant agent during surgery or to complement standard chemotherapy, limiting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis and thus protecting the patient from CRC recurrence.

  15. PD-L1 inhibition with avelumab for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Gaiser, Maria Rita; Bongiorno, Michelle; Brownell, Isaac

    2018-04-01

    Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that lacks durable responses to traditional chemotherapy. Areas covered: After MCC was shown to be an immunogenic tumor, small trials revealed high objective response rates to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. The JAVELIN Merkel 200 (NCT02155647) trial tested the use of avelumab, a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against PD-L1, in metastatic MCC. Avelumab recently became the first approved drug for metastatic MCC. Expert commentary: By conducting broad phase I studies assessing the safety of avelumab and a small phase II study demonstrating efficacy in this rare orphan tumor type, avelumab gained accelerated approval for the treatment of metastatic MCC. Additional studies are needed to determine how the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) competent Fc region of avelumab contributes to disease control. Remaining questions: Longer follow-up will determine the durability of checkpoint blockade in controlling metastatic MCC. Additional studies will assess the utility and safety of adjuvant checkpoint blockade in patients with excised MCC. How to increase response rates by combining PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with other treatment approaches needs to be explored. In addition, treatment options for MCC patients who fail or do not respond to avelumab need to be identified.

  16. Organ-specific isogenic metastatic breast cancer cell lines exhibit distinct Raman spectral signatures and metabolomes

    PubMed Central

    Winnard, Paul T.; Zhang, Chi; Vesuna, Farhad; Kang, Jeon Woong; Garry, Jonah; Dasari, Ramachandra Rao; Barman, Ishan; Raman, Venu

    2017-01-01

    Molecular characterization of organ-specific metastatic lesions, which distinguish them from the primary tumor, will provide a better understanding of tissue specific adaptations that regulate metastatic progression. Using an orthotopic xenograft model, we have isolated isogenic metastatic human breast cancer cell lines directly from organ explants that are phenotypically distinct from the primary tumor cell line. Label-free Raman spectroscopy was used and informative spectral bands were ascertained as differentiators of organ-specific metastases as opposed to the presence of a single universal marker. Decision algorithms derived from the Raman spectra unambiguously identified these isogenic cell lines as unique biological entities – a finding reinforced through metabolomic analyses that indicated tissue of origin metabolite distinctions between the cell lines. Notably, complementarity of the metabolomics and Raman datasets was found. Our findings provide evidence that metastatic spread generates tissue-specific adaptations at the molecular level within cancer cells, which can be differentiated with Raman spectroscopy. PMID:28145887

  17. Organ-specific isogenic metastatic breast cancer cell lines exhibit distinct Raman spectral signatures and metabolomes.

    PubMed

    Winnard, Paul T; Zhang, Chi; Vesuna, Farhad; Kang, Jeon Woong; Garry, Jonah; Dasari, Ramachandra Rao; Barman, Ishan; Raman, Venu

    2017-03-21

    Molecular characterization of organ-specific metastatic lesions, which distinguish them from the primary tumor, will provide a better understanding of tissue specific adaptations that regulate metastatic progression. Using an orthotopic xenograft model, we have isolated isogenic metastatic human breast cancer cell lines directly from organ explants that are phenotypically distinct from the primary tumor cell line. Label-free Raman spectroscopy was used and informative spectral bands were ascertained as differentiators of organ-specific metastases as opposed to the presence of a single universal marker. Decision algorithms derived from the Raman spectra unambiguously identified these isogenic cell lines as unique biological entities - a finding reinforced through metabolomic analyses that indicated tissue of origin metabolite distinctions between the cell lines. Notably, complementarity of the metabolomics and Raman datasets was found. Our findings provide evidence that metastatic spread generates tissue-specific adaptations at the molecular level within cancer cells, which can be differentiated with Raman spectroscopy.

  18. First Report of Dramatic Tumor Responses with Ramucirumab and Paclitaxel After Progression on Pembrolizumab in Two Cases of Metastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma.

    PubMed

    Chakrabarti, Sakti; Dong, Haidong; Paripati, Harshita R; Ross, Helen J; Yoon, Harry H

    2018-04-19

    Checkpoint inhibitors targeted at programmed cell death-1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) can result in significant benefit to a small proportion of patients with cancer, including those with tumors of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction. These drugs are now approved for several solid tumors, including the recent accelerated approval of pembrolizumab for gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas in the third-line setting and beyond based on the KEYNOTE-059 phase II trial. Data are lacking on the efficacy of chemotherapy after progression on PD-1 blockade in metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. This report describes the exceptional response of two patients who received ramucirumab plus paclitaxel after progressive disease on pembrolizumab. This early clinical observation suggests that the sequence of administration of PD-1 blockade and chemotherapy may be important in this disease. © AlphaMed Press 2018.

  19. Subarachnoid and basal cistern navigation through the sacral hiatus with guide wire assistance.

    PubMed

    Layer, Lauren; Riascos, Roy; Firouzbakht, Farhood; Amole, Adewumi; Von Ritschl, Rudiger; Dipatre, Pier; Cuellar, Hugo

    2011-07-01

    Intraspinal navigation with catheters and fiberscopes has shown feasible results for diagnosis and treatment of intraspinal and intracranial lesions. The most common approach, lumbar puncture, has allowed access to the spinal cord, however, coming with the difficulties of fiberscope damage and decreased torque for guidance. Our objective in this study is to allow an alternate access, the sacral hiatus, with guide wire assistance into the subarachnoid and intracranial structures, while easing the angle of entry and increasing torque. We advanced catheters with guide wire and fluoroscopy assistance into the sacral hiatus of three cadavers. After entry, the thecal sac was punctured and the catheter with guide wire was advanced rostrally until positioned in the basal cisterns of the brain. We confirmed catheter placement with contrast injection, autopsy, and dissection. In our study, the sacral hiatus was easily accessed, but resistance was found when attempting to puncture the thecal sac. The advancement of the catheter with guide wire assistance glided easily rostrally until some mild resistance was discovered at entry into the foramen magnum. With redirection, all catheters passed with ease into the basal cisterns. Positioning was confirmed with contrast injection with fluoroscopy evidence, autopsy, and dissection. There was no macroscopic or microscopic evidence of damage to the spinal roots, spinal cord, or cranial nerves. The sacral hiatus with guide wire assistance is an accessible conduit for uncomplicated entry into the subarachnoid and basal cistern space without damaging surrounding structures.

  20. Critical dimensions of trans-sacral corridors assessed by 3D CT models: Relevance for implant positioning in fractures of the sacrum.

    PubMed

    Wagner, Daniel; Kamer, Lukas; Sawaguchi, Takeshi; Geoff Richards, R; Noser, Hansrudi; Uesugi, Masafumi; Ossendorf, Christian; Rommens, Pol M

    2017-11-01

    Trans-sacral implants can be used alternatively to sacro-iliac screws in the treatment of osteoporosis-associated fragility fractures of the pelvis and the sacrum. We investigated trans-sacral corridor dimensions, the number of individuals amenable to trans-sacral fixation, as well as the osseous boundaries and shape of the S1 corridor. 3D models were reconstructed from pelvic CT scans from 92 Europeans and 64 Japanese. A corridor of <12 mm was considered critical for trans-sacral implant positioning, and <8 mm as impossible. A statistical model of trans-sacral corridor S1 was computed. The limiting cranio-caudal diameter was 11.6 mm (±5.4) for S1 and 14 mm (±2.4) for S2. Trans-sacral implant positioning was critical in 52% of cases for S1, and in 21% for S2. The S1 corridor was impossible in 26%, with no impossible corridor in S2. Antero-superiorly, the S1 corridor was limited not only by the sacrum but in 40% by the iliac fossa. The statistical model demonstrated a consistent oval shape of the trans-section of corridor S1. Considering the variable in size and shape of trans-sacral corridors in S1, a thorough anatomical knowledge and preoperative planning are mandatory using trans-sacral implants. In critical cases, S2 is a veritable alternative. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2577-2584, 2017. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Modified Gold Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Doxorubicin to Brain Metastatic Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Morshed, Ramin A; Muroski, Megan E; Dai, Qing; Wegscheid, Michelle L; Auffinger, Brenda; Yu, Dou; Han, Yu; Zhang, Lingjiao; Wu, Meijing; Cheng, Yu; Lesniak, Maciej S

    2016-06-06

    As therapies continue to increase the lifespan of patients with breast cancer, the incidence of brain metastases has steadily increased, affecting a significant number of patients with metastatic disease. However, a major barrier toward treating these lesions is the inability of therapeutics to penetrate into the central nervous system and accumulate within intracranial tumor sites. In this study, we designed a cell-penetrating gold nanoparticle platform to increase drug delivery to brain metastatic breast cancer cells. TAT peptide-modified gold nanoparticles carrying doxorubicin led to improved cytotoxicity toward two brain metastatic breast cancer cell lines with a decrease in the IC50 of at least 80% compared to free drug. Intravenous administration of these particles led to extensive accumulation of particles throughout diffuse intracranial metastatic microsatellites with cleaved caspase-3 activity corresponding to tumor foci. Furthermore, intratumoral administration of these particles improved survival in an intracranial MDA-MB-231-Br xenograft mouse model. Our results demonstrate the promising application of gold nanoparticles for improving drug delivery in the context of brain metastatic breast cancer.

  2. Exosomes enriched in stemness/metastatic-related mRNAS promote oncogenic potential in breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez, Marta; Silva, Javier; Herrera, Alberto; Herrera, Mercedes; Peña, Cristina; Martín, Paloma; Gil-Calderón, Beatriz; Larriba, María Jesús; Coronado, M Josés; Soldevilla, Beatriz; Turrión, Víctor S; Provencio, Mariano; Sánchez, Antonio; Bonilla, Félix; García-Barberán, Vanesa

    2015-12-01

    Cancer cells efficiently transfer exosome contents (essentially mRNAs and microRNAs) to other cell types, modifying immune responses, cell growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Here we analyzed the exosomes release by breast tumor cells with different capacities of stemness/metastasis based on CXCR4 expression, and evaluated their capacity to generate oncogenic features in recipient cells. Breast cancer cells overexpressing CXCR4 showed an increase in stemness-related markers, and in proliferation, migration and invasion capacities. Furthermore, recipient cells treated with exosomes from CXCR4-cells showed increased in the same abilities. Moreover, inoculation of CXCR4-cell-derived exosomes in immunocompromised mice stimulated primary tumor growth and metastatic potential. Comparison of nucleic acids contained into exosomes isolated from patients revealed a "stemness and metastatic" signature in exosomes of patients with worse prognosis. Finally, our data supported the view that cancer cells with stem-like properties show concomitant metastatic behavior, and their exosomes stimulate tumor progression and metastasis. Exosomes-derived nucleic acids from plasma of breast cancer patients are suitable markers in the prognosis of such patients.

  3. Whole Exome Sequencing of a Patient with Metastatic Hidradenocarcinoma and Review of the Literature

    PubMed Central

    Gupta, Eva; Guthrie, Kimberly J.; Krishna, Murli; Asmann, Yan; Parker, Alexander S.; Joseph, Richard W.

    2015-01-01

    Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy of the sweat glands with only a few cases reported in literature. The management of these tumors is based on the extent of disease with local disease managed with surgical resection. These can tumors carry a high potential of lymphatic and vascular spread and local and distant metastases are not uncommon. Given the rarity of the tumor and lack of genetic and clinical data about these tumors, there is no consensus on the proper management of metastatic disease. Here in we report the first case of metastatic hidradenocarcinoma with detailed molecular profiling including whole exome sequencing. We identified mutations in multiple genes including two that are potentially targetable: PTCH1 and TCF7L1. Further work is necessary to not only confirm the presence of these mutations but also to confirm the clinical significance. PMID:25918615

  4. Whole exome sequencing of a patient with metastatic hidradenocarcinoma and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Gupta, Eva; Guthrie, Kimberly J; Krishna, Murli; Asmann, Yan; Parker, Alexander S; Joseph, Richard W

    2015-02-11

    Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy of the sweat glands with only a few cases reported in literature. The management of these tumors is based on the extent of disease with local disease managed with surgical resection. These can tumors carry a high potential of lymphatic and vascular spread and local and distant metastases are not uncommon. Given the rarity of the tumor and lack of genetic and clinical data about these tumors, there is no consensus on the proper management of metastatic disease. Here in we report the first case of metastatic hidradenocarcinoma with detailed molecular profiling including whole exome sequencing. We identified mutations in multiple genes including two that are potentially targetable: PTCH1 and TCF7L1. Further work is necessary to not only confirm the presence of these mutations but also to confirm the clinical significance.

  5. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of preoperative tumor staging in testicular germ cell tumors.

    PubMed

    Jankovich, M; Jankovichova, T; Ondrus, D; Breza, J

    2017-01-01

    The aim of our study was to evaluate associations of elevated preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) characteristics other than cancer specific survival (CSS) and progression free survival (PFS). NLR was recently presented as a widely available and inexpensive marker of poor prognosis in several types of solid tumors. Previous study showed no predictive value of NLR for CSS and PFS in testicular GCT. Association of high NLR with histological type of tumor, presence of metastatic disease preoperatively and worse than T1 stadium in TNM classification preoperatively was analyzed in 103 patients who underwent radical orchiectomy for testicular GCT. No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of seminomas and non-seminomas neither in the group with NLR≥4 (p=0.6698) nor in the group with NLR<4 (p=0.9115) was detected. Similarly, no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of metastatic and non-metastatic disease in the group with NLR≥4 (p=0.2008), however statistically significant higher prevalence of non-metastatic disease in the group with NLR<4 (p=0.0001) was found. There was a statistically significant higher number of patients with worse than T1 stadium in patients with NLR≥4 (p=0.0105), but not significant difference in the group with NLR<4 (p=0.0956). The results of our study showed that NLR lower than 4 predicts non-metastatic disease and NLR higher or equal 4 predicts worse than T1 stadium (Tab. 3, Ref. 12).

  6. The tumor microenvironment: An irreplaceable element of tumor budding and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-mediated cancer metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hui; Xu, Fangying; Li, Si; Zhong, Anjing; Meng, Xianwen; Lai, Maode

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Tumor budding occurs at the invasive front of cancer; the tumor cells involved have metastatic and stemness features, indicating a poor prognosis. Tumor budding is partly responsible for cancer metastasis, and its initiation is based on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. The EMT process involves the conversion of epithelial cells into migratory and invasive cells, and is a profound event in tumorigenesis. The EMT, associated with the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and resistance to therapy, results from a combination of gene mutation, epigenetic regulation, and microenvironmental control. Tumor budding can be taken to represent the EMT in vivo. The EMT process is under the influence of the tumor microenvironment as well as tumor cells themselves. Here, we demonstrate that the tumor microenvironment dominates EMT development and impacts cancer metastasis, as well as promotes CSC formation and mediates drug resistance. In this review, we mainly discuss components of the microenvironment, such as the extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammatory cytokines, metabolic products, and hypoxia, that are involved in and impact on the acquisition of tumor-cell motility and dissemination, the EMT, metastatic tumor-cell formation, tumor budding and CSCs, and cancer metastasis, including subsequent chemo-resistance. From our point of view, the tumor microenvironment now constitutes a promising target for cancer therapy. PMID:26743180

  7. Unique Metabolic Adaptations Dictate Distal Organ-Specific Metastatic Colonization

    PubMed Central

    Schild, Tanya; Low, Vivien; Blenis, John; Gomes, Ana P.

    2018-01-01

    Summary Metastases arising from tumors have the proclivity to colonize specific organs, suggesting that they must rewire their biology to meet the demands of the organ colonized, thus altering their primary properties. Each metastatic site presents distinct metabolic challenges to a colonizing cancer cell, ranging from fuel and oxygen availability to oxidative stress. Here, we discuss the organ-specific metabolic adaptations cancer cells must undergo, which provide the ability to overcome the unique barriers to colonization in foreign tissues and establish the metastatic tissue tropism phenotype. PMID:29533780

  8. Cytomorphology of Circulating Colorectal Tumor Cells:A Small Case Series

    PubMed Central

    Marrinucci, Dena; Bethel, Kelly; Lazar, Daniel; Fisher, Jennifer; Huynh, Edward; Clark, Peter; Bruce, Richard; Nieva, Jorge; Kuhn, Peter

    2010-01-01

    Several methodologies exist to enumerate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood of cancer patients; however, most methodologies lack high-resolution imaging, and thus, little is known about the cytomorphologic features of these cells. In this study of metastatic colorectal cancer patients, we used immunofluorescent staining with fiber-optic array scanning technology to identify CTCs, with subsequent Wright-Giemsa and Papanicolau staining. The CTCs were compared to the corresponding primary and metastatic tumors. The colorectal CTCs showed marked intrapatient pleomorphism. In comparison to the corresponding tissue biopsies, cells from all sites showed similar pleomorphism, demonstrating that colorectal CTCs retain the pleomorphism present in regions of solid growth. They also often retain particular cytomorphologic features present in the patient's primary and/or metastatic tumor tissue. This study provides an initial analysis of the cytomorphologic features of circulating colon cancer cells, providing a foundation for further investigation into the significance and metastatic potential of CTCs. PMID:20111743

  9. NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene analysis in two cases of meningeal solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma with late distant metastases.

    PubMed

    Nakada, Satoko; Minato, Hiroshi; Takegami, Tsutomu; Kurose, Nozomu; Ikeda, Hiroko; Kobayashi, Masako; Sasagawa, Yasuo; Akai, Takuya; Kato, Takashi; Yamamoto, Norio; Nojima, Takayuki

    2015-10-01

    We present two cases of meningeal solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)/hemangiopericytoma (HPC) with immunohistochemistry of STAT6 and analysis of NAB2-STAT6 fusion genes. Case 1 was a 37-year-old male with a left middle fossa tumor; case 2 was a 68-year-old female with a cerebellar tumor. They showed late metastasis to the lung or bone 8 or 13 years, respectively, after the first surgery. Histology of both primary and metastatic tumors showed a cellular hemangiopericytomatous pattern with nuclear atypia. The primary tumors showed nuclear staining of STAT6, but both metastatic tumors showed nuclear and cytoplasmic STAT6. DNA sequencing revealed two kinds of NAB2-STAT6 fusion genes. One consisted of exon 6 of NAB2, intron 6 of NAB2, and the middle of exon 17 of STAT6 (observed in the primary and metastatic tumors of case 1); the other consisted of exon 6 of NAB2 and the beginning of exon 17 of STAT6 (observed in the metastatic tumor of case 2). The primary tumor of case 2 had both fusion genes. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene analysis in primary and metastatic meningeal SFT/HPCs and a case showed different fusion gene status in the metastatic tumor.

  10. Modeling Efficacy of Bevacizumab Treatment for Metastatic Colon Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Islam, Rezwan; Chyou, Po-Huang; Burmester, James K

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: Bevacizumab, an FDA-approved adjuvant treatment for metastatic colon cancer, has extended survival for many patients. However, factors predicting response to treatment remain undefined. Patients and Methods: Relevant clinical and environmental data were abstracted from medical records of 149 evaluable patients treated with bevacizumab for metastatic colon cancer at a multi-specialty clinic. Tumor response was calculated from radiologic reports using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria and verified by oncologist review. Patients with at least one occurrence of complete or partial response or stable disease were classified as responders; those exhibiting progressive disease were classified as non-responders. Results: Univariate analysis demonstrated that blood in stool (P<0.05), unexplained weight loss (P<0.05), primary colon cancer site (P<0.05), chemotherapy treatment of primary tumor site (P<0.05), and adenocarcinoma versus adenoma subtype (P<0.05) was associated with tumor responsiveness. Factors remaining statistically significant following multivariate modeling included adenocarcinoma as tumor cell type versus other adenocarcinoma subtypes (OR=6.35, 95% CI: 1.08-37.18), chemotherapy treatment applied to primary tumor (OR= 0.07, 95% CI: 0.0-0.76,), tumor localization to cecal/ascending colon (OR=0.061, 95% CI: 0.006-0.588,), and unexplained weight loss (OR=0.1, 95% CI: 0.02-0.56,). Chemotherapy treatment of primary tumor, unexplained weight loss, and cecal/ascending localization of the tumor were associated with poorer outcomes. Adenocarcinoma as cell type compared to other adenocarcinoma subtypes was associated with better response to bevacizumab treatment. Conclusion: Results suggest that response to bevacizumab therapy may be predicted by modeling clinical factors including symptomology on presentation, tumor location and type, and initial response to chemotherapy. PMID:23678369

  11. Origins of Brain Tumor Macrophages.

    PubMed

    De Palma, Michele

    2016-12-12

    The ontogeny of brain-tumor-associated macrophages is poorly understood. New findings indicate that both resident microglia and blood-derived monocytes generate the pool of macrophages that infiltrate brain tumors of either primary or metastatic origin. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Telotristat ethyl: proof of principle and the first oral agent in the management of well-differentiated metastatic neuroendocrine tumor and carcinoid syndrome diarrhea.

    PubMed

    Masab, Muhammad; Saif, Muhammad Wasif

    2017-12-01

    Metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are associated with carcinoid syndrome that is typically characterized by diarrhea, cutaneous flushing and bronchospasm. Treatment with somatostatin analogues (SSA) improves the symptom burden but a significant proportion of patients stop responding to SSA therapy eventually. Novel agents with the potential to effectively control the symptoms are urgently needed. This article reviews an in-depth analysis of the phase I-III clinical trials determining the clinical rationale for the use of tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, telotristat ethyl in patients with well-differentiated metastatic NETs and uncontrolled carcinoid syndrome. Telotristat ethyl has already been approved for the treatment of inadequately controlled carcinoid syndrome symptoms in metastatic NET patients on SSA therapy. Results from multiple phase I-III clinical studies of telotristat ethyl therapy have reported a significant decrease in the daily bowel movement frequency, increase in quality of life and the subsequent decrease in annual health costs related to carcinoid syndrome symptoms in NET patients. The associated decrease in urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (u5-HIAA) provides evidence that telotristat ethyl effectively decreases serotonin production, and therefore, offers a rationale to investigate this agent to mitigate serotonin-mediated complications in this patient population, especially cardiac valvular disease or mesenteric fibrosis.

  13. Intravital characterization of tumor cell migration in pancreatic cancer

    PubMed Central

    Beerling, Evelyne; Oosterom, Ilse; Voest, Emile; Lolkema, Martijn; van Rheenen, Jacco

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Curing pancreatic cancer is difficult as metastases often determine the poor clinical outcome. To gain more insight into the metastatic behavior of pancreatic cancer cells, we characterized migratory cells in primary pancreatic tumors using intravital microscopy. We visualized the migratory behavior of primary tumor cells of a genetically engineered pancreatic cancer mouse model and found that pancreatic tumor cells migrate with a mesenchymal morphology as single individual cells or collectively as a stream of non-cohesive single motile cells. These findings may improve our ability to conceive treatments that block metastatic behavior. PMID:28243522

  14. Diagnostic Approaches to Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma of the Orbit.

    PubMed

    Geske, Michael J; Bloomer, Michele M; Kersten, Robert C; Vagefi, M Reza

    Orbital metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma is exceedingly rare and caries a grave prognosis. Three cases of metastatic orbital hepatocellular carcinoma in which the primary tumor was initially unknown and the diagnostic challenges encountered are presented. With hepatocellular carcinoma, open biopsy and palliative tumor debulking has an increased bleeding risk due to the highly vascular nature of the tumor and coagulopathy associated with chronic liver disease. As an alternative, fine needle aspiration biopsy should be considered for hepatocellular carcinoma with a readily accessible mass and the availability of an experienced cytopathologist.

  15. Prevalence of simple and complex sacral perineural Tarlov cysts in a French cohort of adults and children.

    PubMed

    Kuhn, Félix P; Hammoud, Sonia; Lefèvre-Colau, Marie-Martine; Poiraudeau, Serge; Feydy, Antoine

    2017-02-01

    To determine the prevalence of simple and complex sacral perineural Tarlov cysts (TCs) in a cohort of children and adults. Retrospective observational epidemiological study assessing 1100 consecutive sacral magnetic resonance (MR) studies, including 100 children and adolescents. All patients underwent 1.5T MR imaging with T1 and T2 weighted image acquisitions in sagittal and axial planes. All perineural cysts affecting the sacral nerve roots S1-S4 were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Two hundred and sixty-three sacral TCs were found in 132 adult patients (13.2%), with a female predominance (68%). None was found in children. The prevalence of TCs increased with age. The average number of cysts per patient was 2.0±1.2 with a maximum of 6 cysts in a single patient. Most of the cysts (87.5%) showed a homogenous central fluid collection and a parietal course of the nerve fibers. Complex patterns were present in 33 cysts (12.5%) within which 28 cysts showed endocystic crossing of nerve fibers and 5 cysts contained internal septations. Seventy cysts (26.6%) eroded the adjacent bone and 13 cysts (4.9%) extended to the pelvis. The prevalence of sacral TCs in our cohort corresponded to 13%, with a female predominance. Interestingly no TCs were found in children or adolescents (<18 years). In relation to the non-negligible percentage of complex cysts with internal septations, or endocystic crossing of nerve fibers, pre-interventional characterization of sacral TCs might help to choose an appropriate procedure in the treatment of rare symptomatic variants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. Role of Axumin PET Scan in Germ Cell Tumor

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-05-01

    Testis Cancer; Germ Cell Tumor; Testicular Cancer; Germ Cell Tumor of Testis; Germ Cell Tumor, Testicular, Childhood; Testicular Neoplasms; Testicular Germ Cell Tumor; Testicular Yolk Sac Tumor; Testicular Choriocarcinoma; Testicular Diseases; Germ Cell Cancer Metastatic; Germ Cell Neoplasm of Retroperitoneum; Germ Cell Cancer, Nos

  17. Circulating Tumor Cell Count Is a Prognostic Factor in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving First-Line Chemotherapy Plus Bevacizumab: A Spanish Cooperative Group for the Treatment of Digestive Tumors Study

    PubMed Central

    Maestro, M. Luisa; Gómez-España, Auxiliadora; Rivera, Fernando; Valladares, Manuel; Massuti, Bartomeu; Benavides, Manuel; Gallén, Manuel; Marcuello, Eugenio; Abad, Albert; Arrivi, Antonio; Fernández-Martos, Carlos; González, Encarnación; Tabernero, Josep M.; Vidaurreta, Marta; Aranda, Enrique; Díaz-Rubio, Eduardo

    2012-01-01

    Background. The Maintenance in Colorectal Cancer trial was a phase III study to assess maintenance therapy with single-agent bevacizumab versus bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. An ancillary study was conducted to evaluate the circulating tumor cell (CTC) count as a prognostic and/or predictive marker for efficacy endpoints. Patients and Methods. One hundred eighty patients were included. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and after three cycles. CTC enumeration was carried out using the CellSearch® System (Veridex LLC, Raritan, NJ). Computed tomography scans were performed at cycle 3 and 6 and every 12 weeks thereafter for tumor response assessment. Results. The median progression-free survival (PFS) interval for patients with a CTC count ≥3 at baseline was 7.8 months, versus the 12.0 months achieved by patients with a CTC count <3 (p = .0002). The median overall survival (OS) time was 17.7 months for patients with a CTC count ≥3, compared with 25.1 months for patients with a lower count (p = .0059). After three cycles, the median PFS interval for patients with a low CTC count was 10.8 months, significantly longer than the 7.5 months for patients with a high CTC count (p = .005). The median OS time for patients with a CTC count <3 was significantly longer than for patients with a CTC count ≥3, 25.1 months versus 16.2 months, respectively (p = .0095). Conclusions. The CTC count is a strong prognostic factor for PFS and OS outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. PMID:22643538

  18. Comparison of ESR1 Mutations in Tumor Tissue and Matched Plasma Samples from Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients.

    PubMed

    Takeshita, Takashi; Yamamoto, Yutaka; Yamamoto-Ibusuki, Mutsuko; Tomiguchi, Mai; Sueta, Aiko; Murakami, Keiichi; Omoto, Yoko; Iwase, Hirotaka

    2017-10-01

    ESR1 mutation in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is emerging as a noninvasive biomarker of acquired resistance to endocrine therapy, but there is a paucity of data comparing the status of ESR1 gene in cfDNA with that in its corresponding tumor tissue. The objective of this study is to validate the degree of concordance of ESR1 mutations between plasma and tumor tissue. ESR1 ligand-binding domain mutations Y537S, Y537N, Y537C, and D538G were analyzed using droplet digital PCR in 35 patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) (35 tumor tissue samples and 67 plasma samples). Of the 35 paired samples, 26 (74.3%) were concordant: one patient had detectable ESR1 mutations both plasma (ESR1 Y537S/Y537N) and tumor tissue (ESR1 Y537S/Y537C), and 25 had WT ESR1 alleles in both. Nine (25.7%) had discordance between the plasma and tissue results: five had mutations detected only in their tumor tissue (two Y537S, one Y537C, one D538G, and one Y537S/Y537N/D538G), and four had mutations detected only in their plasma (one Y537S, one Y537N, and two Y537S/Y537N/D538G). Furthermore, longitudinal plasma samples from 19 patients were used to assess changes in the presence of ESR1 mutations during treatment. Eleven patients had cfDNA ESR1 mutations over the course of treatment. A total of eight of 11 patients with MBC with cfDNA ESR1 mutations (72.7%) had the polyclonal mutations. We have shown the independent distribution of ESR1 mutations between plasma and tumor tissue in 35 patients with MBC. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Evaluation of Partial Cut-out of Sacroiliac Screws From the Sacral Ala Slope via Pelvic Inlet and Outlet View.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jingwei; Hamilton, Ryan; Li, Ming; Ebraheim, Nabil A; He, Xianfeng; Liu, Jiayong; Zhu, Limei

    2015-12-01

    An anatomic and radiographic study of placement of sacroiliac screws. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the risk of partial cut-out of sacroiliac screws from the sacral ala slope via inlet and outlet view. The partial cut-out of sacroiliac screws from the superior surface of sacral ala can jeopardize the L5 nerve root, which is difficult to identify on the pelvic inlet and outlet views. Computed tomography images of 60 patients without pelvic ring deformity or injury were used to measure the width (on inlet view) and height (on outlet view) of the sacral ala. The angle of the sacral ala slope was measured on lateral view. According to the measured parameters, the theoretical safe trajectories of screw placement were calculated using inverse trigonometric functions. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a sacroiliac screw was placed close to the midline on both inlet and outlet views, including posterosuperior, posteroinferior, anterosuperior, and anteroinferior regions to the midline. The incidence of screw partial cut-out from the superior surface of sacral ala was identified. The measured widths and heights of the sacral alas were 28.1 ± 2.8 and 29.8 ± 3.1 mm, respectively. The average angle between the superior aspect of the S1 vertebral body and the superior aspect of the sacral ala was 37.2 ± 2.5 degrees. The rate of partial cut-out of the screws from the superior surface of sacral ala slope was 12.5% (5/40) in posterosuperior, 0% (0/40) in posteroinferior, 70% (28/40) in anterosuperior, and 20% (8/40) in anteroinferior. To avoid the risk of partial cut-out from sacroiliac screw placement, more precise description should be added to the conventional description: the sacroiliac screws should be placed at the inferior half portion on outlet view and at the posterior half portion on inlet view. 4.

  20. Surgical management of metastatic tumors of the cervical spine.

    PubMed

    Davarski, Atanas N; Kitov, Borislav D; Zhelyazkov, Christo B; Raykov, Stefan D; Kehayov, Ivo I; Koev, Ilyan G; Kalnev, Borislav M

    2013-01-01

    To present the results from the clinical presentation, the imaging diagnostics, surgery and postoperative status of 17 patients with cervical spine metastases, to analyse all data and make the respective conclusions and compare them with the available data in the literature. The study analysed data obtained by patients with metastatic cervical tumours treated in St George University Hospital over a period of seven years. All patients underwent diagnostic imaging tests which included, separately or in combination, cervical x-rays, computed tomography scan and magnetic-resonance imaging. Severity of neurological damage and its pre- and postoperative state was graded according to the Frankel Scale. For staging and operating performance we used the Tomita scale and Harrington classification. Seven patients had only one affected vertebra, 4 patients--two vertebrae, one patient--three vertebrae, 2 patients--four vertebrae, and in the other 3 patients more than one segment was affected. Surgery was performed in 12 patients. One level anterior corpectomy was performed in 6 patients, three patients had two-level surgery, and one patient--three-level corpectomy; in the remaining 2 cases we used posterior approach in surgery. Complete corpectomy was performed in 4 patients, subtotal corpectomy was used in 6 patients and partial--in 2 patients. Anterior stabilization system ADD plus (Ulrich GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany) was implanted in 2 patients; in 8 patients anterior titanium plate and bone graft were used, and in 1 patient--posterior cervical stabilization system. Because of the pronounced pain syndrome and frequent neurological lesions as a result of the cervical spine metastases use of surgery is justified. The main purpose is to maximize tumor resection, achieve optimal spinal cord and nerve root decompression and stabilize the affected segment.

  1. Sacral myeloradiculitis complicating genital herpes in a HIV-infected patient.

    PubMed

    Corral, I; Quereda, C; Navas, E; Pérez-Elias, M J; Jover, F; Moreno, S

    2005-02-01

    Myeloradiculitis is a rare neurological complication of herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) infection, frequently associated with a fatal outcome. Among patients with HIV infection, HSV-2 myeloradiculitis has occasionally been reported, always associated with advanced immunosuppression and AIDS. We report a patient with HIV infection but no history of previous opportunistic infections, who developed sacral myeloradiculitis immediately after an episode of genital herpes. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium showed necrotizing myelitis in the conus medullaris and enhancement of sacral roots. CD4 lymphocyte count was 530/mm3. Other possible causes of myeloradiculitis in HIV-infected patients were appropriately excluded. Acyclovir therapy resulted in partial clinical improvement. This report shows that myeloradiculitis as a complication of genital herpes may occur in the early stages of HIV infection and may have a favourable outcome with antiviral treatment.

  2. Metastatic hidradenocarcinoma: Surgery and chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Amel, Trabelsi; Olfa, Gharbi; Faten, Hammedi; Makrem, Hochlef; Slim, Ben Ahmed; Moncef, Mokni

    2009-12-01

    Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare carcinoma of high malignant potential. It most metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and distant viscera. We report a case of 52-year-old woman who presented with an invasive hidradenocarcinoma of the finger, treated with surgical excision. The patient presented with skin and lymph node metastases four years after, treated by chemotherapy. Hidradenocarcinoma is an aggressive tumor. It seems important to use adjuvant therapies particularly for recurrent and metastatic forms.

  3. A novel genome-wide in vivo screen for metastatic suppressors in human colon cancer identifies the positive WNT-TCF pathway modulators TMED3 and SOX12

    PubMed Central

    Duquet, Arnaud; Melotti, Alice; Mishra, Sonakshi; Malerba, Monica; Seth, Chandan; Conod, Arwen; Ruiz i Altaba, Ariel

    2014-01-01

    The progression of tumors to the metastatic state involves the loss of metastatic suppressor functions. Finding these, however, is difficult as in vitro assays do not fully predict metastatic behavior, and the majority of studies have used cloned cell lines, which do not reflect primary tumor heterogeneity. Here, we have designed a novel genome-wide screen to identify metastatic suppressors using primary human tumor cells in mice, which allows saturation screens. Using this unbiased approach, we have tested the hypothesis that endogenous colon cancer metastatic suppressors affect WNT-TCF signaling. Our screen has identified two novel metastatic suppressors: TMED3 and SOX12, the knockdown of which increases metastatic growth after direct seeding. Moreover, both modify the type of self-renewing spheroids, but only knockdown of TMED3 also induces spheroid cell spreading and lung metastases from a subcutaneous xenograft. Importantly, whereas TMED3 and SOX12 belong to different families involved in protein secretion and transcriptional regulation, both promote endogenous WNT-TCF activity. Treatments for advanced or metastatic colon cancer may thus not benefit from WNT blockers, and these may promote a worse outcome. PMID:24920608

  4. The carcinoembryonic antigen IgV-like N domain plays a critical role in the implantation of metastatic tumor cells.

    PubMed

    Abdul-Wahid, Aws; Huang, Eric H-B; Cydzik, Marzena; Bolewska-Pedyczak, Eleonora; Gariépy, Jean

    2014-03-01

    The human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cell adhesion molecule involved in both homotypic and heterotypic interactions. The aberrant overexpression of CEA on adenocarcinoma cells correlates with their increased metastatic potential. Yet, the mechanism(s) by which its adhesive properties can lead to the implantation of circulating tumor cells and expansion of metastatic foci remains to be established. In this study, we demonstrate that the IgV-like N terminal domain of CEA directly participates in the implantation of cancer cells through its homotypic and heterotypic binding properties. Specifically, we determined that the recombinant N terminal domain of CEA directly binds to fibronectin (Fn) with a dissociation constant in the nanomolar range (K(D) 16 ± 3 nM) and interacts with itself (K(D) 100 ± 17 nM) and more tightly to the IgC-like A(3) domain (K(D) 18 ± 3 nM). Disruption of these molecular associations through the addition of antibodies specific to the CEA N or A(3)B(3) domains, or by adding soluble recombinant forms of the CEA N, A(3) or A(3)B(3) domains or a peptide corresponding to residues 108-115 of CEA resulted in the inhibition of CEA-mediated intercellular aggregation and adherence events in vitro. Finally, pretreating CEA-expressing murine colonic carcinoma cells (MC38.CEA) with rCEA N, A3 or A(3)B(3) modules blocked their implantation and the establishment of tumor foci in vivo. Together, these results suggest a new mechanistic insight into how the CEA IgV-like N domain participates in cellular events that can have a macroscopic impact in terms of cancer progression and metastasis. Copyright © 2013 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Metastatic breast disease from cutaneous malignant melanoma.

    PubMed

    Moschetta, Marco; Telegrafo, Michele; Lucarelli, Nicola Maria; Martino, Gianluigi; Rella, Leonarda; Stabile Ianora, Amato Antonio; Angelelli, Giuseppe

    2014-01-01

    Malignant melanoma is one of the most rapidly increasing cancer in the world. Breast metastases from melanoma are uncommon but could reflect a widespread disease. We report a case of malignant widespread melanoma presenting with bilateral breast nodules in a 39 year-old pre-menopausal Caucasian woman with an history of cutaneous melanoma of the trunk. Breast clinical examination revealed the presence of a hard and mobile lump located on the left breast. Ultrasound detected two bilateral nodules corresponding to oval opacities with well-defined edges and without calcifications or architectural distortion on mammography. Fine needle aspiration cytology performed on both breast nodules confirmed that the breast lesions were metastases from primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. A total-body CT examination detected brain, lung and abdominal lymph nodes metastases. The breast represents an uncommon site of metastatic disease from extra-mammary tumors. Imaging features of breast metastases from melanoma usually do not allow a differential diagnosis with breast primary tumors. Breast metastases may be asymptomatic or palpable as dense and well-circumscribed nodules. Breast metastases indicate a widespread disease and should lead to avoid aggressive surgical procedures because of the poor prognosis of patients affected by metastatic melanoma. The detection of bilateral breast metastases from melanoma is highly suggestive of metastatic multi-organ disease and could be useful to address the therapeutic approach. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  6. Association of Primary Tumor Site With Mortality in Patients Receiving Bevacizumab and Cetuximab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Aljehani, Mayada A; Morgan, John W; Guthrie, Laurel A; Jabo, Brice; Ramadan, Majed; Bahjri, Khaled; Lum, Sharon S; Selleck, Matthew; Reeves, Mark E; Garberoglio, Carlos; Senthil, Maheswari

    2018-01-01

    Biologic therapy (BT) (eg, bevacizumab or cetuximab) is increasingly used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Recent investigations have suggested that right- or left-sided primary tumor origin affects survival and response to BT. To evaluate the association of tumor origin with mortality in a diverse population-based data set of patients receiving systemic chemotherapy (SC) and bevacizumab or cetuximab for mCRC. This population-based nonconcurrent cohort study of statewide California Cancer Registry data included all patients aged 40 to 85 years diagnosed with mCRC and treated with SC only or SC plus bevacizumab or cetuximab from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2014. Patients were stratified by tumor origin in the left vs right sides. Treatment with SC or SC plus bevacizumab or cetuximab. Mortality hazards by tumor origin (right vs left sides) were assessed for patients receiving SC alone or SC plus bevacizumab or cetuximab. Subgroup analysis for patients with wild-type KRAS tumors was also performed. A total of 11 905 patients with mCRC (6713 men [56.4%] and 5192 women [43.6%]; mean [SD] age, 60.0 [10.9] years) were eligible for the study. Among these, 4632 patients received SC and BT. Compared with SC alone, SC plus bevacizumab reduced mortality among patients with right- and left-sided mCRC, whereas SC plus cetuximab reduced mortality only among patients with left-sided tumors and was associated with significantly higher mortality for right-sided tumors (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14-1.51; P < .001). Among patients treated with SC plus BT, right-sided tumor origin was associated with higher mortality among patients receiving bevacizumab (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.25-1.36; P < .001) and cetuximab (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.68-2.12; P < .001) BT, compared with left-sided tumor origin. In patients with wild-type KRAS tumors (n = 668), cetuximab was associated with reduced mortality among only patients with left-sided mCRC compared

  7. Novel in vivo flow cytometry platform for early prognosis of metastatic activity of circulating tumor cells (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nolan, Jacqueline; Cai, Chenzhoung; Nedosekin, Dmitry A.; Zharov, Vladimir P.

    2017-02-01

    Approximately 8 million people lose their lives due to cancer each year. Metastatic disease is responsible for 90% of those cancer-related deaths. Only viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that can survive in the blood circulation can create secondary tumors. Thus, real-time enumeration of CTCs and assessment of their viability in vivo has great biological significance. However, little progress has been made in this field. Conventional flow cytometry is the current technique being used for the assessment of cell viability, but there are many limitations to this technique: 1) cell properties may be altered during the extraction and processing method; 2) collection of cells from blood prevents the long-term study of individual cells in their natural biological environment; and 3) there are time-consuming preparation procedures. Whether it be for the assessment of antitumor drugs, where induction of apoptosis or necrosis is the preferred event, or the identification of nanoparticle-induced toxicity during nanotherapeutic treatment, it is clear that new approaches for assessment of the viability circulating blood cells and CTCs are urgently needed. We have developed a novel high speed, multicolor in vivo flow cytometry (FC) platform that integrates photoacoustic (PA) and fluorescence FC (PAFFC) and demonstrate its ability to enumerate rare circulating normal and abnormal (e.g. tumor) cells and assess their viability (e.g. apoptotic and necrotic) in a mouse model.

  8. Metastatic tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as a pancreatic cystic tumor and diagnosed by EUS-guided FNA.

    PubMed

    Glass, Ryan; Andrawes, Sherif A; Hamele-Bena, Diane; Tong, Guo-Xia

    2017-11-01

    Metastatic carcinoma to the pancreas is uncommon and head and neck squamous carcinoma metastatic to the pancreas is extremely rare. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the pancreas presents a unique diagnostic challenge: in addition to mimicking the rare primary squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas based on cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical features, it may be mistaken for a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas because of its high predilection for cystic degeneration in metastatic sites. Herein, we report a case of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with a cystic pancreatic metastasis diagnosed by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA). This represents a third reported case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the pancreas from the head and neck region. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of EUS-FNA during evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Changes in cytoskeletal dynamics and nonlinear rheology with metastatic ability in cancer cell lines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coughlin, Mark F.; Fredberg, Jeffrey J.

    2013-12-01

    Metastatic outcome is impacted by the biophysical state of the primary tumor cell. To determine if changes in cancer cell biophysical properties facilitate metastasis, we quantified cytoskeletal biophysics in well-characterized human skin, bladder, prostate and kidney cell line pairs that differ in metastatic ability. Using magnetic twisting cytometry with optical detection, cytoskeletal dynamics was observed through spontaneous motion of surface bound marker beads and nonlinear rheology was characterized through large amplitude forced oscillations of probe beads. Measurements of cytoskeletal dynamics and nonlinear rheology differed between strongly and weakly metastatic cells. However, no set of biophysical parameters changed systematically with metastatic ability across all cell lines. Compared to their weakly metastatic counterparts, the strongly metastatic kidney cancer cells exhibited both increased cytoskeletal dynamics and stiffness at large deformation which are thought to facilitate the process of vascular invasion.

  10. Giant anterior sacral meningocele presenting as bacterial meningitis in a previously healthy adult.

    PubMed

    Miletic, D; Poljak, I; Eskinja, N; Valkovic, P; Sestan, B; Troselj-Vukic, B

    2008-02-01

    Meningocele may be asymptomatic and incidentally discovered. Presenting as a retrorectal mass, sacral meningocele may produce urinary, rectal, and menstrual pain. Anterior sacral meningocele may be the cause of tethered cord syndrome. This article presents a case of a previously healthy 39-year-old man with large meningeal herniation that occupied the entire pelvis who developed symptoms of bacterial meningitis. A 39-year-old man was admitted with fever, chills, headache and photophobia. Escherichia coli was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid culture. Moderate improvement regarding meningeal symptoms was noted due to intravenous antibiotic therapy, but intense pain in the lower back associated with constipation, fecal and urinary incontinence, and saddle anesthesia developed. Abdominal ultrasound was negative. Plain radiographs and computed tomography demonstrated sacral bone defect and retrorectal expansive mass. MRI confirmed anterior sacral meningocele with cord tethering. After posterior laminectomy and dural opening, communication between meningocele and intrathecal compartment was obliterated. Computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage through the ischiorectal fossa was performed to treat residual presacral cyst. Delayed diagnosis in our patient was related to misleading signs of bacterial meningitis without symptoms of intrapelvic expansion until the second week of illness. In our patient, surgical treatment was unavoidable due to resistive meningitis, acute back pain, and symptoms of space-occupying pelvic lesion. Neurosurgical approach was successful in treatment of meningitis and neurological disorders. Computed tomography-guided evacuation of the residual retrorectal cyst was less invasive than laparotomy, resulting in normalization of defecation and miction despite incomplete evacuation. Further follow-up studies may provide insight into the most effective treatment of such conditions.

  11. HPV circulating tumor DNA to monitor the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal: A case report.

    PubMed

    Cabel, Luc; Bidard, François-Clément; Servois, Vincent; Cacheux, Wulfran; Mariani, Pascale; Romano, Emanuela; Minsat, Mathieu; Bieche, Ivan; Farkhondeh, Fereshteh; Jeannot, Emmanuelle; Buecher, Bruno

    2017-10-15

    Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare HPV-associated cancer with limited sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. In a phase 2 study, nivolumab, an anti PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, demonstrated significant efficacy as single-agent therapy in metastatic SCCA patients. Nevertheless, imaging assessment by standard RECIST criteria of the efficacy of immune therapy can be difficult in some patients due to tumor immune cell infiltration, and biomarkers of treatment efficacy are needed. We have previously developed a quantitative droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technique to detect HPV circulating tumor DNA (HPV ctDNA), with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Here, we report, for the first time, the kinetics of HPV ctDNA during therapy in a patient with metastatic SCCA, who obtained sustained partial response to single-agent nivolumab. We observed an early and very significant decrease of HPV ctDNA during therapy from the baseline level of 3713 copies/ml plasma to 564 copies/ml plasma at 4 weeks, and 156 copies/ml at 6 weeks, followed by a plateau. This observation provides proof-of-concept that HPV ctDNA can be used as a noninvasive early dynamic biomarker to monitor the efficacy of new immunotherapy agents. © 2017 UICC.

  12. Jejunal Metastasis Colliding With a Borderline Tumor in the Ovary: A Hitherto Unreported Eventuality.

    PubMed

    Piana, Simonetta; Giunta, Alessandro; Valli, Riccardo

    2015-10-01

    Metastatic adenocarcinomas to the ovary can show morphologically innocuous areas simulating primary benign lesions or borderline tumors. Ruling out a metastasis can be a difficult issue for pathologists, especially when facing with cystic tumors. Because of the important clinical implications of differentiating metastatic adenocarcinomas from primary ovarian tumors, the integration of clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical features is warranted, primarily in case of mucinous adenocarcinomas. Vice versa, the synchronous presence of a metastasis and a primary in the same ovary is virtually excluded as a very unlikely eventuality. Here, we describe a case of metastatic adenocarcinoma from the jejunum colliding with a seromucinous borderline tumor in the same ovary, an unreported eventuality so far. © The Author(s) 2015.

  13. Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress in the Metastatic Microenvironment

    PubMed Central

    Ortega, Ángel L.; Mena, Salvador; Estrela, José M.

    2010-01-01

    Metastases that are resistant to conventional therapies are the main cause of most cancer-related deaths in humans. Tumor cell heterogeneity, which associates with genomic and phenotypic instability, represents a major problem for cancer therapy. Additional factors, such as the attack of immune cells or organ-specific microenvironments, also influence metastatic cell behavior and the response to therapy. Interaction of cancer and endothelial cells in capillary beds, involving mechanical contact and transient adhesion, is a critical step in the initiation of metastasis. This interaction initiates a cascade of activation pathways that involves cytokines, growth factors, bioactive lipids and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) produced by either the cancer cell or the endothelium. Vascular endothelium-derived NO and H2O2 are cytotoxic for the cancer cells, but also help to identify some critical molecular targets that appear essential for survival of invasive metastatic cell subsets. Surviving cancer cells that extravasate and start colonization of an organ or tissue can still be attacked by macrophages and be influenced by specific intraorgan microenvironment conditions. At all steps; from the primary tumor until colonization of a distant organ; metastatic cells undergo a dynamic process of constant adaptations that may lead to the survival of highly resistant malignant cell subsets. In this sequence of molecular events both ROS and RNS play key roles. PMID:24281071

  14. Actomyosin tension as a determinant of metastatic cancer mechanical tropism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McGrail, Daniel J.; Kieu, Quang Minh N.; Iandoli, Jason A.; Dawson, Michelle R.

    2015-04-01

    Despite major advances in the characterization of molecular regulators of cancer growth and metastasis, patient survival rates have largely stagnated. Recent studies have shown that mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix can drive the transition to a malignant phenotype. Moreover, it is also known that the metastatic process, which results in over 90% of cancer-related deaths, is governed by intracellular mechanical forces. To better understand these processes, we identified metastatic tumor cells originating from different locations which undergo inverse responses to altered matrix elasticity: MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that prefer rigid matrices and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells that prefer compliant matrices as characterized by parameters such as tumor cell proliferation, chemoresistance, and migration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed higher expression of genes associated with cytoskeletal tension and contractility in cells that prefer stiff environments, both when comparing MDA-MB-231 to SKOV-3 cells as well as when comparing bone-metastatic to lung-metastatic MDA-MB-231 subclones. Using small molecule inhibitors, we found that blocking the activity of these pathways mitigated rigidity-dependent behavior in both cell lines. Probing the physical forces exerted by cells on the underlying substrates revealed that though force magnitude may not directly correlate with functional outcomes, other parameters such as force polarization do correlate directly with cell motility. Finally, this biophysical analysis demonstrates that intrinsic levels of cell contractility determine the matrix rigidity for maximal cell function, possibly influencing tissue sites for metastatic cancer cell engraftment during dissemination. By increasing our understanding of the physical interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment, these studies may help develop novel therapeutic strategies.

  15. Prevalence of sacral dysmorphia in a prospective trauma population: Implications for a "safe" surgical corridor for sacro-iliac screw placement

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Percutaneous sacro-iliac (SI) screw fixation represents a widely used technique in the management of unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries and sacral fractures. The misplacement of SI-screws under fluoroscopic guidance represents a critical complication for these patients. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of sacral dysmorphia and the radiographic anatomy of surgical S1 and S2 corridors in a representative trauma population. Methods Prospective observational cohort study on a consecutive series of 344 skeletally mature trauma patients of both genders enrolled between January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2007, at a single academic level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria included a pelvic CT scan as part of the initial diagnostic trauma work-up. The prevalence of sacral dysmorphia was determined by plain radiographic pelvic films and CT scan analysis. The anatomy of sacral corridors was analyzed on 3 mm reconstruction sections derived from multislice CT scan, in the axial, coronal, and sagittal plane. "Safe" potential surgical corridors at S1 and S2 were calculated based on these measurements. Results Radiographic evidence of sacral dysmorphia was detected in 49 patients (14.5%). The prevalence of sacral dysmorphia was not significantly different between male and female patients (12.2% vs. 19.2%; P = 0.069). In contrast, significant gender-related differences were detected with regard to radiographic analysis of surgical corridors for SI-screw placement, with female trauma patients (n = 99) having significantly narrower corridors at S1 and S2 in all evaluated planes (axial, coronal, sagittal), compared to male counterparts (n = 245; P < 0.01). In addition, the mean S2 body height was higher in dysmorphic compared to normal sacra, albeit without statistical significance (P = 0.06), implying S2 as a safe surgical corridor of choice in patients with sacral dysmorphia. Conclusions These findings emphasize a high prevalence of sacral

  16. Prevalence of sacral dysmorphia in a prospective trauma population: Implications for a "safe" surgical corridor for sacro-iliac screw placement.

    PubMed

    Hasenboehler, Erik A; Stahel, Philip F; Williams, Allison; Smith, Wade R; Newman, Justin T; Symonds, David L; Morgan, Steven J

    2011-05-10

    Percutaneous sacro-iliac (SI) screw fixation represents a widely used technique in the management of unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries and sacral fractures. The misplacement of SI-screws under fluoroscopic guidance represents a critical complication for these patients. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of sacral dysmorphia and the radiographic anatomy of surgical S1 and S2 corridors in a representative trauma population. Prospective observational cohort study on a consecutive series of 344 skeletally mature trauma patients of both genders enrolled between January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2007, at a single academic level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria included a pelvic CT scan as part of the initial diagnostic trauma work-up. The prevalence of sacral dysmorphia was determined by plain radiographic pelvic films and CT scan analysis. The anatomy of sacral corridors was analyzed on 3 mm reconstruction sections derived from multislice CT scan, in the axial, coronal, and sagittal plane. "Safe" potential surgical corridors at S1 and S2 were calculated based on these measurements. Radiographic evidence of sacral dysmorphia was detected in 49 patients (14.5%). The prevalence of sacral dysmorphia was not significantly different between male and female patients (12.2% vs. 19.2%; P = 0.069). In contrast, significant gender-related differences were detected with regard to radiographic analysis of surgical corridors for SI-screw placement, with female trauma patients (n = 99) having significantly narrower corridors at S1 and S2 in all evaluated planes (axial, coronal, sagittal), compared to male counterparts (n = 245; P < 0.01). In addition, the mean S2 body height was higher in dysmorphic compared to normal sacra, albeit without statistical significance (P = 0.06), implying S2 as a safe surgical corridor of choice in patients with sacral dysmorphia. These findings emphasize a high prevalence of sacral dysmorphia in a representative trauma

  17. Future of circulating tumor cells in the melanoma clinical and research laboratory settings.

    PubMed

    De Souza, Luisa M; Robertson, Bailey M; Robertson, Gavin P

    2017-04-28

    Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have become a field of interest for oncologists based on the premise that they constitute the underpinning for metastatic dissemination. The lethal nature of cancer is no longer attributed to solid tumor formation, but rather to the process of metastasis; shifting the focus of current studies towards the isolation and identification of metastatic progenitors, such as CTCs. CTCs originate from primary tumor masses that undergo morphologic and genetic alterations, which involve the release of mesenchymal-like cancer cells into the bloodstream, capable of invading nearby tissues for secondary tumor development. Cancerous cells contained in the primary tumor mass acquire the motile mesenchymal phenotype as a result of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, where substantial variations in protein expression and signaling pathways take place. CTCs that migrate from the primary tumor, intravasate into the systemic vasculature, are transported through the bloodstream, and invade tissues and organs suitable for secondary tumor development. While only a limited number of CTCs are viable in the bloodstream, their ability to elude the immune system, evade apoptosis and successfully metastasize at secondary tumor sites, makes CTCs promising candidates for unraveling the triggers that initiates the metastatic process. In this article, these subjects are explored in greater depth to elucidate the potential use of CTCs in the detection, disease staging and management of metastatic melanoma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Metastatic Organotropism: An Intrinsic Property of Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes.

    PubMed

    Wei, Shi; Siegal, Gene P

    2017-03-01

    It has long been known that some cancers have the propensity to metastasize to certain organs thus creating a nonrandom distribution of sites for distant relapse, a phenomenon known as "metastatic organotropism." Some of these examples include ovary primary to abdominal cavity, prostate primary to bone, and pancreas primary to liver. In contrast, other tumor types, such as mammary and renal cell carcinoma, can relapse in multiple organs although approximately half of advanced breast cancers metastasize to bone. On the other hand gene expression profiling studies have identified various breast cancer classes with prognostic significance. Recent studies have revealed that breast cancer subtypes differ not only in primary tumor characteristics but also in their metastatic behavior. In particular, the luminal tumors are remarkable for their significant bone-seeking phenotype; the HER2 subtype demonstrates a significant liver-homing characteristic; whereas so-called triple-negative breast cancers predispose to lung metastases. These findings suggest that this knowledge could potentially be utilized in the development of effective disease surveillance strategies in the pursuit of precision medicine, thus necessitating further investigation.

  19. Metastatic polyp of the gallbladder from renal cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Shyr, Bor-Uei; Chen, Shih-Chin; Shyr, Yi-Ming; Lee, Rheun-Chuan; Wang, Shin-E

    2017-04-04

    Gallbladder metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is extremely rare. The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of metastatic RCC to gallbladder. The pooled data for analysis were collected from the case of metastatic RCC to gallbladder encountered by our institution along with sporadic cases reported in literature from 1991 to 2015. A total of 50 cases of metastatic RCC to gallbladder were recruited for study. Fifty-seven percentage of the primary RCC was from the right kidney and 43% from the left. The median interval between diagnoses of primary and metastatic RCC to gallbladder was 36 months, with the longest duration up to 324 months. Most (70%) were asymptomatic. The size of metastatic RCC to gallbladder ranged from 0.8 cm to 9 cm, with median of 2.6 cm. Majority (91%) of the metastatic RCCs presented as a polypoid mass with narrow stalk, and 82% were hypervascular lesion. The overall 1 year, 3 year and 5 year survival rate was 91.5%, 76.2% and 59.3% respectively, with a median of 26.5 months. Number of the metastatic site, timing of gallbladder metastasis, symptom, tumor size and operation type of cholecystectomy seemed to have no impact on survival. Metastatic RCC to the gallbladder should be taken into account for a gallbladder polypoid mass with narrow hypervascular stalk during the diagnosis and/or follow-up of primary RCC. Gallbladder metastasis from RCC is not necessarily to be an advanced stage with poor outcome, and cholecystectomy is recommended whenever possible.

  20. A Case of Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Cisplatin and Adriamycin.

    PubMed

    Kanzaki, Akiko; Ansai, Shin-Ichi; Ueno, Takashi; Kawana, Seiji; Shimizu, Akira; Naito, Zenya; Saeki, Hidehisa

    2017-01-01

    A 72-year-old man was referred to our hospital for treatment of an ulcer that had been growing on his back for 10 years. Physical examination showed an ulcerated tumor from the neck to the back and swollen cervical lymph nodes. The tumor size was 12×9 cm. Histology of the biopsy showed a nodular and morpheic basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple lung tumors. CT-guided biopsy of the lung and the cervical lymph node revealed metastatic basal cell carcinoma (MBCC). The primary skin tumor was resected and a total of 10 courses of cisplatin (25 mg/m 2 /day×75%) and adriamycin (50 mg/m 2 ×75%) were administered for metastatic basal cell carcinoma (MBCC). The patient died 5 years and 3 months after his first visit. Autopsy revealed MBCC in the lung, kidney, pancreas, several lymph nodes, liver and bone. A portion of the tumor cells were composed of squamoid cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, large nuclei, lack of the characteristic peripheral palisading and retraction artifacts, and variable cytoplasmic keratinization. These pathological findings were compatible with basosquamous cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy was effective for MBCC in this patient.

  1. Treatment of metastatic cutaneous Crohn disease with certolizumab.

    PubMed

    Kiuru, Maija; Camp, Brendan; Adhami, Katayun; Jacob, Vinita; Magro, Cynthia; Wildman, Horatio

    2015-11-18

    Metastatic Crohn disease is a rare cutaneous manifestation of Crohn disease characterized by granulomatous lesions discontinuous with the diseased areas of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with history of Crohn disease who was admitted for treatment of cellulitis after presenting with a tender erythematous plaque of the left calf. Microbiological tests including tissue cultures were negative. A skin biopsy revealed granulomatous dermatitis consistent with metastatic cutaneous Crohn disease. Owing to concomitant perianal fistulas and abscesses and prior infusion reaction to infliximab, the patient was treated with certolizumab, a pegylated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor combined with methotrexate resulting in complete resolution of the skin lesion. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing this rare skin manifestation of Crohn disease and adds certolizumab as one of TNF inhibitors useful in the treatment of metastatic cutaneous Crohn disease.

  2. Clinical roundtable monograph: effective management of quality of life in metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Christopher, Twelves; Gradishar, William J; O'Shaughnessy, Joyce A; Bramsen, Betsy; Lurie, Robert H

    2014-02-01

    Quality of life is accepted as an important consideration in the management of patients with metastatic breast cancer, which remains incurable. Recent clinical trials of newer agents, such as eribulin and trastuzumab emtansine, have incorporated quality of life analyses. Quality of life is impacted by multiple patient-related, disease-related, and treatment-related factors. Therapies most beneficial for maintaining or improving quality of life include those that can effectively reduce tumor burden and tumor-related symptoms, but have toxicity profiles that are well tolerated and easily managed. Overall outcomes of patients with metastatic breast cancer improve when therapy is focused not only on the disease itself, but also on the goals of minimizing diseaserelated and treatment-related symptoms. A paradigm shift now reflected in major guidelines is the incorporation of palliative care strategies earlier in the course of metastatic disease management. The selection and sequence of treatments should be made in cooperation with the patient and after consideration of her particular priorities.

  3. Inhibition of p-STAT3 Enhances IFN-α Efficacy Against Metastatic Melanoma in a Murine Model

    PubMed Central

    Kong, Ling-Yuan; Gelbard, Alexander; Wei, Jun; Reina-Ortiz, Chantal; Wang, Yongtao; Yang, Eric C.; Hailemichael, Yared; Fokt, Izabela; Jayakumar, Arumugam; Qiao, Wei; Fuller, Gregory N.; Overwijk, Willem W.; Priebe, Waldemar; Heimberger, Amy B.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose Melanoma is a common and deadly tumor that upon metastasis to the central nervous system (CNS) has a median survival duration of less than 6 months. Activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been identified as a key mediator that drives the fundamental components of melanoma malignancy, including immune suppression in melanoma patients. We hypothesized that WP1193, a novel inhibitor of STAT3 signaling, would enhance the anti-tumor activity of IFN-α against metastatic melanoma. Experimental Design Combinational therapy of STAT3 blockade agents with IFN-α was investigated in a metastatic and an established syngeneic intracerebral murine tumor model of melanoma. The immunological in vivo mechanisms of efficacy were investigated by T cell and NK cell cytotoxic assays. Results IFN-α immunotherapy was synergistic with WP1193 demonstrating marked in vivo efficacy against metastatic and established intracerebral melanoma. At autopsy, it was noted that there was a decreased trend in mice with melanoma developing leptomeningeal disease (LMD) treated with combinational therapy. The combinational approach enhanced both NK and T cell-mediated anti-tumor cytotoxicity. Conclusions The immune modulatory effects of STAT3 blockade can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-α immunotherapy by enhancing both innate and adaptive cytotoxic T cell activities. This combination therapy has the potential in the treatment of metastatic melanoma that is typically refractory to this type of immune therapeutic approach. PMID:20388845

  4. Semiquantitative Analysis Using Thallium-201 SPECT for Differential Diagnosis Between Tumor Recurrence and Radiation Necrosis After Gamma Knife Surgery for Malignant Brain Tumors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Matsunaga, Shigeo, E-mail: shigeo-m@mui.biglobe.ne.jp; Shuto, Takashi; Takase, Hajime

    Purpose: Semiquantitative analysis of thallium-201 chloride single photon emission computed tomography ({sup 201}Tl SPECT) was evaluated for the discrimination between recurrent brain tumor and delayed radiation necrosis after gamma knife surgery (GKS) for metastatic brain tumors and high-grade gliomas. Methods and Materials: The medical records were reviewed of 75 patients, including 48 patients with metastatic brain tumor and 27 patients with high-grade glioma who underwent GKS in our institution, and had suspected tumor recurrence or radiation necrosis on follow-up neuroimaging and deteriorating clinical status after GKS. Analysis of {sup 201}Tl SPECT data used the early ratio (ER) and the delayedmore » ratio (DR) calculated as tumor/normal average counts on the early and delayed images, and the retention index (RI) as the ratio of DR to ER. Results: A total of 107 tumors were analyzed with {sup 201}Tl SPECT. Nineteen lesions were removed surgically and histological diagnoses established, and the other lesions were evaluated with follow-up clinical and neuroimaging examinations after GKS. The final diagnosis was considered to be recurrent tumor in 65 lesions and radiation necrosis in 42 lesions. Semiquantitative analysis demonstrated significant differences in DR (P=.002) and RI (P<.0001), but not in ER (P=.372), between the tumor recurrence and radiation necrosis groups, and no significant differences between metastatic brain tumors and high-grade gliomas in all indices (P=.926 for ER, P=.263 for DR, and P=.826 for RI). Receiver operating characteristics analysis indicated that RI was the most informative index with the optimum threshold of 0.775, which provided 82.8% sensitivity, 83.7% specificity, and 82.8% accuracy. Conclusions: Semiquantitative analysis of {sup 201}Tl SPECT provides useful information for the differentiation between tumor recurrence and radiation necrosis in metastatic brain tumors and high-grade gliomas after GKS, and the RI may be the

  5. Metastatic canine mammary carcinomas can be identified by a gene expression profile that partly overlaps with human breast cancer profiles

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Similar to human breast cancer mammary tumors of the female dog are commonly associated with a fatal outcome due to the development of distant metastases. However, the molecular defects leading to metastasis are largely unknown and the value of canine mammary carcinoma as a model for human breast cancer is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression signatures associated with mammary tumor metastasis and asked for parallels with the human equivalent. Methods Messenger RNA expression profiles of twenty-seven lymph node metastasis positive or negative canine mammary carcinomas were established by microarray analysis. Differentially expressed genes were functionally characterized and associated with molecular pathways. The findings were also correlated with published data on human breast cancer. Results Metastatic canine mammary carcinomas had 1,011 significantly differentially expressed genes when compared to non-metastatic carcinomas. Metastatic carcinomas had a significant up-regulation of genes associated with cell cycle regulation, matrix modulation, protein folding and proteasomal degradation whereas cell differentiation genes, growth factor pathway genes and regulators of actin organization were significantly down-regulated. Interestingly, 265 of the 1,011 differentially expressed canine genes are also related to human breast cancer and, vice versa, parts of a human prognostic gene signature were identified in the expression profiles of the metastatic canine tumors. Conclusions Metastatic canine mammary carcinomas can be discriminated from non-metastatic carcinomas by their gene expression profiles. More than one third of the differentially expressed genes are also described of relevance for human breast cancer. Many of the differentially expressed genes are linked to functions and pathways which appear to be relevant for the induction and maintenance of metastatic progression and may represent new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, dogs

  6. Computer simulation of the metastatic progression.

    PubMed

    Wedemann, Gero; Bethge, Anja; Haustein, Volker; Schumacher, Udo

    2014-01-01

    A novel computer model based on a discrete event simulation procedure describes quantitatively the processes underlying the metastatic cascade. Analytical functions describe the size of the primary tumor and the metastases, while a rate function models the intravasation events of the primary tumor and metastases. Events describe the behavior of the malignant cells until the formation of new metastases. The results of the computer simulations are in quantitative agreement with clinical data determined from a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma in the liver. The model provides a more detailed view on the process than a conventional mathematical model. In particular, the implications of interventions on metastasis formation can be calculated.

  7. Gastric carcinoma metastatic to the bone marrow: immunoperoxidase identification of KMO-1 antigen in MGG-destained aspirate.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, T K; Yakushiji, M

    1991-01-01

    A case is presented that illustrates the application of the immunoperoxidase technique to the May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG)-destained bone marrow aspirate. The cytologic findings in a MGG-stained smear of the bone marrow suggested a metastatic epithelial tumor. Subsequently, a positive reaction to KMO-1, a monoclonal antibody raised against a colon carcinoma cell line, was demonstrated in tumor cells in the MGG-destained smear sample as well as in the paraffin-embedded section of the primary gastric cancer. The demonstration of the cancer-associated antigen in the MGG-destained material may be useful in establishing the diagnosis of metastatic tumor in the bone marrow.

  8. Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Selectively Ablating Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Mian; Holmes, Benjamin; Cheng, Xiaoqian; Zhu, Wei; Keidar, Michael; Zhang, Lijie Grace

    2013-01-01

    Traditional breast cancer treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy contain many inherent limitations with regards to incomplete and nonselective tumor ablation. Cold atomospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionized gas where the ion temperature is close to room temperature. It contains electrons, charged particles, radicals, various excited molecules, UV photons and transient electric fields. These various compositional elements have the potential to either enhance and promote cellular activity, or disrupt and destroy them. In particular, based on this unique composition, CAP could offer a minimally-invasive surgical approach allowing for specific cancer cell or tumor tissue removal without influencing healthy cells. Thus, the objective of this research is to investigate a novel CAP-based therapy for selectively bone metastatic breast cancer treatment. For this purpose, human metastatic breast cancer (BrCa) cells and bone marrow derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were separately treated with CAP, and behavioral changes were evaluated after 1, 3, and 5 days of culture. With different treatment times, different BrCa and MSC cell responses were observed. Our results showed that BrCa cells were more sensitive to these CAP treatments than MSCs under plasma dose conditions tested. It demonstrated that CAP can selectively ablate metastatic BrCa cells in vitro without damaging healthy MSCs at the metastatic bone site. In addition, our study showed that CAP treatment can significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of BrCa cells. The results suggest the great potential of CAP for breast cancer therapy. PMID:24040051

  9. Quantitative method of measuring cancer cell urokinase and metastatic potential

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morrison, Dennis R. (Inventor)

    1993-01-01

    The metastatic potential of tumors can be evaluated by the quantitative detection of urokinase and DNA. The cell sample selected for examination is analyzed for the presence of high levels of urokinase and abnormal DNA using analytical flow cytometry and digital image analysis. Other factors such as membrane associated urokinase, increased DNA synthesis rates and certain receptors can be used in the method for detection of potentially invasive tumors.

  10. Whole-Exome Sequencing of Metastatic Cancer and Biomarkers of Treatment Response.

    PubMed

    Beltran, Himisha; Eng, Kenneth; Mosquera, Juan Miguel; Sigaras, Alexandros; Romanel, Alessandro; Rennert, Hanna; Kossai, Myriam; Pauli, Chantal; Faltas, Bishoy; Fontugne, Jacqueline; Park, Kyung; Banfelder, Jason; Prandi, Davide; Madhukar, Neel; Zhang, Tuo; Padilla, Jessica; Greco, Noah; McNary, Terra J; Herrscher, Erick; Wilkes, David; MacDonald, Theresa Y; Xue, Hui; Vacic, Vladimir; Emde, Anne-Katrin; Oschwald, Dayna; Tan, Adrian Y; Chen, Zhengming; Collins, Colin; Gleave, Martin E; Wang, Yuzhuo; Chakravarty, Dimple; Schiffman, Marc; Kim, Robert; Campagne, Fabien; Robinson, Brian D; Nanus, David M; Tagawa, Scott T; Xiang, Jenny Z; Smogorzewska, Agata; Demichelis, Francesca; Rickman, David S; Sboner, Andrea; Elemento, Olivier; Rubin, Mark A

    2015-07-01

    Understanding molecular mechanisms of response and resistance to anticancer therapies requires prospective patient follow-up and clinical and functional validation of both common and low-frequency mutations. We describe a whole-exome sequencing (WES) precision medicine trial focused on patients with advanced cancer. To understand how WES data affect therapeutic decision making in patients with advanced cancer and to identify novel biomarkers of response. Patients with metastatic and treatment-resistant cancer were prospectively enrolled at a single academic center for paired metastatic tumor and normal tissue WES during a 19-month period (February 2013 through September 2014). A comprehensive computational pipeline was used to detect point mutations, indels, and copy number alterations. Mutations were categorized as category 1, 2, or 3 on the basis of actionability; clinical reports were generated and discussed in precision tumor board. Patients were observed for 7 to 25 months for correlation of molecular information with clinical response. Feasibility, use of WES for decision making, and identification of novel biomarkers. A total of 154 tumor-normal pairs from 97 patients with a range of metastatic cancers were sequenced, with a mean coverage of 95X and 16 somatic alterations detected per patient. In total, 16 mutations were category 1 (targeted therapy available), 98 were category 2 (biologically relevant), and 1474 were category 3 (unknown significance). Overall, WES provided informative results in 91 cases (94%), including alterations for which there is an approved drug, there are therapies in clinical or preclinical development, or they are considered drivers and potentially actionable (category 1-2); however, treatment was guided in only 5 patients (5%) on the basis of these recommendations because of access to clinical trials and/or off-label use of drugs. Among unexpected findings, a patient with prostate cancer with exceptional response to treatment was

  11. Effect of vernolide-A, a sesquiterpene lactone from Vernonia cinerea L., on cell-mediated immune response in B16F-10 metastatic melanoma-bearing mice.

    PubMed

    Pratheeshkumar, P; Kuttan, Girija

    2011-09-01

    One of the major reasons for the rapid progression of cancers is the ability of tumor cells to escape from the immune surveillance mechanism of the body. Modulation of immune responses is highly relevant in tumor cell destruction. Effect of vernolide-A on the cell-mediated immune (CMI) response in metastatic condition was studied using C57BL/6 mice model. Administration of vernolide-A enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and antibody-dependent complement-mediated cytotoxicity (ACC) and the activity was observed in treated group much earlier compared with the metastatic tumor-bearing control. Administration of vernolide-A significantly enhanced the production of interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in metastatic tumor-bearing animals. In addition, vernolide-A significantly down-regulated the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) during metastasis. All these results demonstrate that vernolide-A could enhance the immune response against metastatic progression of B16F-10 melanoma cells in mice.

  12. Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Dosimetry of a Long-Acting Radiolabeled Somatostatin Analogue 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE in Patients with Advanced Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jingjing; Wang, Hao; Jacobson Weiss, Orit; Cheng, Yuejuan; Niu, Gang; Li, Fang; Bai, Chunmei; Zhu, Zhaohui; Chen, Xiaoyuan

    2018-04-13

    Radiolabeled somatostatin analogue therapy has become an established treatment method for patients with well to moderately differentiated unresectable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The most frequently used somatostatin analogues in clinical practice are octreotide and octreotate. However, both peptides showed suboptimal retention within tumors. The aim of this first-in-human study is to explore the safety and dosimetry of a long-acting radiolabeled somatostatin analogue, lutetium-177-1, 4, 7, 10-tetra-azacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid-Evans blue-octreotate ( 177 Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE). Methods: Eight patients (6 males and 2 females; age range, 27-61 y) with advanced metastatic neuroendocrine tumors were recruited. Five patients received a single dose 0.35-0.70 GBq (9.5-18.9 mCi) of 177 Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE and underwent serial whole body planar and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) scans at 2, 24, 72, 120 and 168 h after injection. The other 3 patients received intravenous injection of 0.28-0.41 GBq (7.5-11.1 mCi) of 177 Lu-DOTATATE for the same imaging acquisition procedures at 1, 3, 4, 24 and 72 h after injection. The dosimetry was calculated using the OLINDA/EXM 1.1 software. Results: Administration of 177 Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE was well tolerated, with no adverse symptoms being noticed or reported in any of the patients. Compared with 177 Lu-DOTATATE, 177 Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE showed extended circulation in the blood and achieved 7.9-fold increase of tumor dose delivery. The total body effective doses were 0.205 ± 0.161 mSv/MBq for 177 Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE and 0.174 ± 0.072 mSv/MBq for 177 Lu-DOTATATE. Significant dose delivery increases to the kidneys and bone marrow were also observed in patients receiving 177 Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE than those receiving 177 Lu-DOTATATE (3.2 and 18.2-fold, respectively). Conclusion: By introducing an albumin binding moiety, 177 Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE showed remarkably higher uptake and retention in NET

  13. The Impact of PD-L1 Expression in Patients with Metastatic GEP-NETs

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Seung Tae; Ha, Sang Yun; Lee, Sujin; Ahn, Soomin; Lee, Jeeyun; Park, Se Hoon; Park, Joon Oh; Lim, Ho Yeong; Kang, Won Ki; Kim, Kyoung-Mee; Park, Young Suk

    2016-01-01

    Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is expressed on many cancer cells, interacts with PD1 expressed on the surface of T cells, inhibiting the T cells and blocking the antitumor immune response. Expression of PD-L1 in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) has not been studied. We investigated the impact of PD-L1 expression in 32 patients with metastatic GEP-NET. The expression of PD-L1 was evaluated using an anti-PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) antibody optimized for staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The correlation between PD-L1 and clinicopathological data including survival and response to systemic treatments was analyzed. Primary sites were 24 foregut-derived GEP-NETs, including stomach (n=1), duodenum (n=2), biliary tract (n=7), and pancreas (n=14), and 8 hindgut-derived GEP-NETs of the distal colon and rectum. Among the 32 patients with metastatic GEP-NET analyzed in this study, 7 (21.9%) had expression of PD-L1 in tumor tissues. Expression of PD-L1 was significantly associated with high-grade WHO classification (grade 3) (p=0.008) but not with gender, primary site, and number of metastatic sites (p>0.05). The status of PD-L1 expression was statistically associated with progression-free survival (PFS) for first-line systemic treatment (p=0.047). Moreover, the status of PD-L1 expression could significantly predict overall survival (p=0.037). The expression of PD-L1 was associated with higher WHO tumor grade (grade 3) in metastatic GEP-NETs. PD-L1 expression had both predictive and prognostic value for survival of patients with metastatic GEP-NETs. PMID:26958083

  14. Photo-nano immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer using synergistic single-walled carbon nanotubes and glycated chitosan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Feifan; Hasanjee, Aamr; Doughty, Austin; West, Connor; Liu, Hong; Chen, Wei R.

    2015-03-01

    In our previous work, we constructed a multifunctional nano system, using single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) and glycated chitosan (GC), which can synergize photothermal and immunological effects. To further confirm the therapy efficacy, with a metastatic mouse mammary tumor model (4T1), we investigate the therapy effects and immune response induced by SWNT-GC, under laser irradiation. Laser+SWNT-GC treatment not only suppressed the prime tumor, but also induced antitumor immune response. It could be developed into a promising treatment modality for the metastatic breast cancer.

  15. Effect of PKC412, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, on spontaneous metastatic model mice.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, Kazuki; Yoshikawa, Noriko; Yamaguchi, Yu; Kagota, Satomi; Shinozuka, Kazumasa; Kunitomo, Masaru

    2003-01-01

    We investigated the anti-metastatic effect of PKC412, a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), on a spontaneous metastatic mouse model, which was prepared by inoculation with B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells into the footpad of the right hind leg. At two weeks after inoculation, the primary tumor was amputated completely. PKC412 (200 mg/kg) administered orally for four weeks after the tumor inoculation, significantly prolonged survival compared with the control. Furthermore, to elucidate the mechanism of the anti-metastatic effect of PKC412, we examined the growth rate of B16-BL6 cells premixed with Matrigel in vivo and the invasiveness of B16-BL6 cells using a chemo-invasion chamber in vitro. PKC412 significantly reduced the growth rate of cells in vivo (100 and 200 mg/kg) and the invading cells in vitro (10, 30 and 100 nM) in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, PKC412 exerts an anti-metastatic action through inhibition of the invasiveness of melanoma cells in the extracellular matrix.

  16. Metastatic gastric carcinoma from breast cancer mimicking primary linitis plastica: A case report.

    PubMed

    Yagi, Yasumichi; Sasaki, Shozo; Yoshikawa, Akemi; Tsukioka, Yuji; Fukushima, Wataru; Fujimura, Takashi; Hirosawa, Hisashi; Izumi, Ryohei; Saito, Katsuhiko

    2015-12-01

    Metastases to the gastrointestinal tract rarely occur in breast cancer except in invasive lobular carcinoma. The present study reports a rare case of metastatic gastric cancer from invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast mimicking primary gastric linitis plastica. A 51-year-old premenopausal female, who had a history of partial mastectomy for right breast cancer at the age of 40, was referred to Toyama City Hospital (Toyoma, Japan) for an endoscopic diagnosis of gastric linitis plastica. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed left hydronephrosis, while peritoneal metastasis and malignant ascites were not detected. Chest CT detected a left lung tumor, which had invaded the left upper bronchus. Biopsy specimens were obtained and the histopathological findings on both the gastric tumor and lung tumor demonstrated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, whereas the histology of the original breast cancer was IDC with a solid-tubular type. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the biopsied specimens of the gastric and lung tumors were positive for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR) and negative for human epithelial growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). These molecular characteristics indicated the case was metastatic gastric carcinoma from the breast cancer with lung metastasis, since the statuses of ER, PgR and HER2 were concordant with those of the original breast cancer. However, the possibility of primary gastric cancer could not be completely ruled out. Therefore, a total gastrectomy was performed for the purpose of both diagnosis and treatment. Pathological examination of the resected specimen provided a definite diagnosis of multiple metastatic gastric carcinomas from the breast. To the best of our knowledge, metastatic gastric cancer derived from the breast presenting as linitis plastica 11 years following the surgical removal of IDC has not been described previously.

  17. Vismodegib and Gamma-Secretase/Notch Signalling Pathway Inhibitor RO4929097 in Treating Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Sarcoma

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2016-06-09

    Adult Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma; Adult Angiosarcoma; Adult Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor; Adult Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma; Adult Epithelioid Sarcoma; Adult Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma; Adult Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma; Adult Fibrosarcoma; Adult Leiomyosarcoma; Adult Liposarcoma; Adult Malignant Mesenchymoma; Adult Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor; Adult Rhabdomyosarcoma; Adult Synovial Sarcoma; Adult Unclassified Pleomorphic Sarcoma; Chondrosarcoma; Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney; Conjunctival Kaposi Sarcoma; Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor; Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Metastatic Osteosarcoma; Ovarian Sarcoma; Recurrent Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Recurrent Adult Unclassified Pleomorphic Sarcoma of Bone; Recurrent Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Recurrent Kaposi Sarcoma; Recurrent Osteosarcoma; Recurrent Uterine Corpus Sarcoma; Small Intestine Leiomyosarcoma; Stage III Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Stage III Uterine Sarcoma; Stage IV Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Stage IV Uterine Sarcoma; Unclassified Pleomorphic Sarcoma of Bone

  18. An Evaluation of Algorithms for Identifying Metastatic Breast, Lung, or Colorectal Cancer in Administrative Claims Data.

    PubMed

    Whyte, Joanna L; Engel-Nitz, Nicole M; Teitelbaum, April; Gomez Rey, Gabriel; Kallich, Joel D

    2015-07-01

    Administrative health care claims data are used for epidemiologic, health services, and outcomes cancer research and thus play a significant role in policy. Cancer stage, which is often a major driver of cost and clinical outcomes, is not typically included in claims data. Evaluate algorithms used in a dataset of cancer patients to identify patients with metastatic breast (BC), lung (LC), or colorectal (CRC) cancer using claims data. Clinical data on BC, LC, or CRC patients (between January 1, 2007 and March 31, 2010) were linked to a health care claims database. Inclusion required health plan enrollment ≥3 months before initial cancer diagnosis date. Algorithms were used in the claims database to identify patients' disease status, which was compared with physician-reported metastases. Generic and tumor-specific algorithms were evaluated using ICD-9 codes, varying diagnosis time frames, and including/excluding other tumors. Positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity were assessed. The linked databases included 14,480 patients; of whom, 32%, 17%, and 14.2% had metastatic BC, LC, and CRC, respectively, at diagnosis and met inclusion criteria. Nontumor-specific algorithms had lower specificity than tumor-specific algorithms. Tumor-specific algorithms' sensitivity and specificity were 53% and 99% for BC, 55% and 85% for LC, and 59% and 98% for CRC, respectively. Algorithms to distinguish metastatic BC, LC, and CRC from locally advanced disease should use tumor-specific primary cancer codes with 2 claims for the specific primary cancer >30-42 days apart to reduce misclassification. These performed best overall in specificity, positive predictive values, and overall accuracy to identify metastatic cancer in a health care claims database.

  19. Depsipeptide (Romidepsin) in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Unresectable Soft Tissue Sarcoma

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2017-05-18

    Adult Alveolar Soft-part Sarcoma; Adult Angiosarcoma; Adult Epithelioid Sarcoma; Adult Extraskeletal Chondrosarcoma; Adult Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma; Adult Fibrosarcoma; Adult Leiomyosarcoma; Adult Liposarcoma; Adult Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma; Adult Malignant Hemangiopericytoma; Adult Malignant Mesenchymoma; Adult Neurofibrosarcoma; Adult Rhabdomyosarcoma; Adult Synovial Sarcoma; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor; Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Recurrent Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Recurrent Ewing Sarcoma/Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor; Stage III Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Stage IV Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma

  20. Epidemiology and national trends in prevalence and surgical management of metastatic spinal disease.

    PubMed

    Horn, Samantha R; Dhillon, Ekamjeet S; Poorman, Gregory W; Tishelman, Jared C; Segreto, Frank A; Bortz, Cole A; Moon, John Y; Behery, Omar; Shepard, Nicholas; Diebo, Bassel G; Vira, Shaleen; Passias, Peter G

    2018-07-01

    Surgical treatment for spinal metastasis has benefited from improvements in surgical techniques. However, the trends in treatment and outcomes for spinal metastasis surgery have not been well-established in a pediatric population. Patients <20 years old with metastatic spinal tumors undergoing spinal surgery were identified in the KID database. Trends for spinal metastases treatment and patient outcomes were analyzed using weight-adjusted ANOVAs. 333 patients were identified in the KID database. The top five primary diagnoses were metastatic brain/spinal cord tumor (19.8%), metastatic nervous system tumor (15.9%), metastatic bone cancer (13.2%), spinal cord tumor (4.2%), and tumor of ventricles (3.0%). There was an increased incidence of spinal metastasis diagnoses from 2003 to 2012 (88.5-117.9 per 100,000; p < 0.001) and an increased trend in the incidence of surgical treatment for spinal metastasis from 2003 to 2012 (p = 0.014). The average age was 10.19 ± 6.33 years old and 38.4% were female. The average length of stay was 17.34 ± 24.36 days. Average CCI increased over time (2003: 7.87 ± 1.40, 2012: 8.44 ± 1.39; p = 0.006). The most common surgeries were excision of spinal cord/meninges lesions (69.1%) and decompression of spinal canal (38.1%). Length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality did not change over time (17.34-18.04 days, p = 0.337; 1.6%-2.9%, p = 0.801). 10.5% of patients underwent a posterior fusion and 22.2% had at least one complication (nervous system, respiratory, dysphagia, infection). The overall complication rate remained stable over time (23.4%-21.8%, p = 0.952). Surgical treatment for spinal metastasis in the last decade has increased, though the complication rates, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay have remained stable. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.