interplay between c-Myconcogene expression and circulating vascular endothelial growth factor, its antagonist receptor, funs-like tyrosine kinase 1 in diffuse large b cell lymphoma: relationship to patient outcome

Aim: is to assess the relation between c-Myc oncogene expression and angiogenic factors namely vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], funs-like tyrosine kinase 1[Flt-1] in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma [DLBCL] and their impact on the patient outcome

Methods: Forty Five DLBCL patients beside 10 normal controls were included. c-Myc oncoprotein was assessed by immunohistochemistry and sVEGF, and sFlt-1 were assessed by immunosorbent assay

Results: c-Myc over-expression was detected in 66.6% of DLBCL. The DLBCL patient group with positive c-Myc overexpression showed significantly higher sVEGF and significantly decreased sFlt-1 as compared to group with negative c-Myc over-expression [P=0.000, 0.009 respectively]. sVEGF was positively correlated to sLDH and .v./32 microglobulin [r =0.6, p;0.000, r =0.69, P= 0.000] respectively. The non-survived DLBCL group showed significantly higher expression of c-Myc, high concentration of sVEGF and lower concentration in sFlt-1 as compared to the living group [P=0.000 for all]

Conclusion: These findings confirm the in vitro based suggestion that c-Myc over-expression orchestrate the angiogenic mritch necessary for tumor progression. c-Myc over-expression, elevated sVEGF, and normal sFlt-1 at diagnosis are poor prognostic markers· in DLBCL patients

Is esophageal band ligation superior to injection sclerotherapy of varices

Although endoscopic injection sclerotherapy is widely used to treat bleeding oesophageal varices effectively, it has several complications. Endoscopic band ligation of the varices claimed to be more safe and effective. The aim in this study was to assess that effcacy and safty of EVL [endoscopic variceal ligation] and compare the results withthoes of EIS [endoscopic injection sclerotherapy]. Compared 42 patients in EVL group to 43 patients in EIS group with follow up more than 6 months, active bleeding which was present in 0.5% in EVL group was successfully controlled in 88.2% compared to 78.9% controll in EIS groupwhere the active bleeding was 44.2%. Also the incidence of re-bleeding, oblitration of the varices and complications were statistically non-significant. We concluded that both techniques were effective without big advantage of one over the other, but everyone has preferable situations. Combination of both techniques may be better than either one alone