In vivo induction of hepatocellular carcinoma by diethylnitrosoamine and pharmacological intervention in Balb C mice using Bergenia ciliata extracts / Indução in vivo de carcinoma hepatocelular por dietilnitrosoamina e intervenção farmacológica em camundongos balb c usando extratos de Bergenia ciliata

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent primary malignancy of liver and accounts for as many as one million deaths worldwide in a year. Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-cancerous efficiency of Bergenia ciliata rhizome against diethylnitrosoamine induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Balb C mice. Methods One percent diethylnitrosoamine was prepared by using 99 ml of normal saline NaCl (0.9 percent) solution to which was added 1 ml of concentrated diethylnitrosoamine (DEN) solution (0.01 μg/μl). Extract of Bergenia ciliata was prepared by maceration technique. Mice were classified into four groups as follows: Group 1 a control group (N=7) received saline solution (3.5 μl/mg), group 2 (N=14) received diethylnitrosoamine (3.5 μl/mg) intraperitoneally once in a week for eight consecutive weeks, group 3 (N=7) received plant extract (150 mg/kg (Body weight)) once in a week, while group 4 (N=7) was given combination of diethylnitrosoamine (3.5 μl/mg) and plant extract (150 mg/kg (Body weight)). After eight weeks of DEN induction group 2 mice were divided into two subgroups containing seven mice each, subgroup 1 was sacrificed while subgroup 2 was treated with plant extract (150 mg/kg (Body weight)) once in a week for eight consecutive weeks. Results The model of DEN injected hepatocellular carcinomic (HCC) mice elicited significant decline in levels of albumin with concomitant significant elevations in tumor markers aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha feto protein (AFP), gamma glutamyl transferase (Y-GT), 5 nucleotidase (5NT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and bilirubin. The intraperitoneal administration of B. ciliata as a protective agent, produced significant increase in albumin levels with significant decrease in the levels of tumor markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha feto protein (AFP), gamma glutamyl transferase (Y-GT), 5 nucleotidase (5NT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and bilirubin. Conclusion Bergenia ciliata has potent antioxidant activity, radical scavenging capacity and anticancerous properties. Bergenia ciliata extracts may provide a basis for development of anti-cancerous drug.

Resumo Antecedentes O carcinoma hepatocelular é a neoplasia primária mais frequente do fígado e é responsável por até um milhão de mortes em todo o mundo em um ano. Objetivos O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficiência anticancerígena do rizoma de Bergenia ciliata contra a hepatocarcinogênese induzida por dietilnitrosoamina em camundongos balb c. Métodos Um por cento de dietilnitrosoamina foi preparado usando 99 ml de solução salina normal (0,9 por cento) à qual foi adicionado 1 ml de solução concentrada de dietilnitrosoamina (DEN) (0,01 μg / μl). O extrato de Bergenia ciliata foi preparado pela técnica de maceração. Os ratos foram classificados em quatro grupos: Grupo 1 grupo controle (N = 7) recebeu solução salina (3,5 mL / mg), grupo 2 (N = 14) recebeu dietilnitrosoamina (3,5 mL / mg) por via intraperitoneal uma vez por semana para oito semanas consecutivas, o grupo 3 (N = 7) recebeu extrato vegetal (150 mg / kg (peso corporal)) uma vez por semana, enquanto o grupo 4 (N = 7) recebeu combinação de dietilnitrosoamina (3,5 μl / mg) e extrato (150 mg / kg (peso corporal). Após oito semanas do grupo de indução DEN 2 ratos foram divididos em dois subgrupos contendo sete ratos cada, subgrupo 1 foi sacrificado enquanto subgrupo 2 foi tratado com extrato vegetal (150 mg / kg)) uma vez por semana durante oito semanas consecutivas. Resultados O modelo de camundongos hepatocelulares carcinômicos (CHC) injetados com DEN provocou declínio significativo nos níveis de albumina com elevações significativas concomitantes nos marcadores tumorais: aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), proteína alfa feto (AFP), gama glutamiltransferase (Y-GT), 5 nucleotidase (5NT), glicose-6-fosfato ehidrogenase (G6PDH) e bilirrubina. A administração intraperitoneal de B. ciliata como agente protetor produziu um aumento significativo nos níveis de albumina com uma diminuição significativa nos níveis dos marcadores tumorais: aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), proteína alfa feto (AFP), gama glutamiltransferase (Y-GT), 5 nucleotidase (5NT), glicose-6-fosfato desidrogenase (G6PDH) e bilirrubina. Conclusão Bergenia ciliata possui atividade antioxidante potente, capacidade de eliminação de radicais livres e propriedades anticancerígenas. Extratos de Bergenia ciliata podem fornecer uma base para o desenvolvimento de drogas anti-cancerígenas.

Effect of diethylnitrosamine on renal metabolic pathway in rats / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To explore the renal metabolic markers relavant to the renal toxicity of diethylnitrosamine and the metabolic pathways involved in the renal metabolic markers.
 Methods: Nineteen Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into 2 groups: A normal control group (n=9) and a diethylnitrosamine (DEN) administration group (n=10). The rats in the normal control group were given sterilized water for free drinking. The rats in the DEN administration group were given 0.1 mg/mL DEN solution for free drinking. After 18 weeks, the kidney tissues were collected and tested for nuclear magnetic resonance detection and pathological examination.
 Results: The content of kidneys metabolites in the rats with the DEN administration was changed significantly. The levels of alanine, taurine, pyruvate, acetate, and choline were significantly reduced compared with rat in the normal control group, while the levels of creatine, glycine, TMAO, methionine, proline, lactate, valine, leucine and isoleucine were significantly increased.
 Conclusion: Metabolicomics studies have revealed significant differences in five metabolic pathways, including valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, glycine serine and threonine metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, cysteine and methionine metabolism.

Recovery of Spermatogenesis Following Cancer Treatment with Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

The survival rates of boys and men with cancer have increased due to advances in cancer treatments; however, maintenance of quality of life, including fertility preservation, remains a major issue. Fertile male patients who receive radiation and/or chemotherapy face temporary, long-term, or permanent gonadal damage, particularly with exposure to alkylating agents and whole-body irradiation, which sometimes induce critical germ cell damage. These cytotoxic treatments have a significant impact on a patient's ability to have their own biological offspring, which is of particular concern to cancer patients of reproductive age. Therefore, various strategies are needed in order to preserve male fertility. Sperm cryopreservation is an effective method for preserving spermatozoa. Advances have also been achieved in pre-pubertal germ cell storage and research to generate differentiated male germ cells from various types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and spermatogonial stem cells. These approaches offer hope to many patients in whom germ cell loss is associated with sterility, but are still experimental and preliminary. This review examines the current understanding of the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on male fertility.

Mitomycin C in the endoscopic treatment of tracheal stenosis: a prospective cohort study / Mitomicina C no tratamento endoscópico de estenose traqueal: estudo prospectivo de coorte

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of mitomycin C (MMC) in the endoscopic treatment of tracheal stenosis. Methods: Patients with laryngotracheal, tracheal, or tracheobronchial stenosis were treated with dilation and topical MMC. The inclusion criteria were as follows: being ineligible for surgery (for medical reasons) at the time of evaluation; membranous stenosis responding well to dilation; and postoperative stenosis at the anastomosis site. Etiology of stenosis and indication for treatment with MMC, as well as site, length, and percentage of stenosis, together with presence of tracheostomy and duration of follow-up, were analyzed. The outcomes evaluated were symptom-free interval ≥ 12 months, number of dilations with topical application of MMC, and complications. Results: Twenty-two patients (15 men and 7 women) were treated between 2003 and 2010. Stenosis was due to endotracheal intubation in 15 patients and surgery in 8. Pure tracheal stenosis was encountered in 13 patients, subglottic stenosis was encountered in 4, tracheobronchial stenosis was encountered in 3, and complex stenosis was encountered in 2. The length of stenosis ranged from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm, and the percentage of stenosis ranged from 40% to 100%. Nine patients had undergone tracheostomy and had a Montgomery T-tube in situ. Treatment was successful in 14 patients, who remained free of symptoms for at least 12 months. The number of topical applications of MMC ranged from 1 to 5, and complications included fungal infection, keloid scarring, granuloma, and mediastinal emphysema. Conclusions: MMC appears to be effective in the endoscopic treatment of tracheal stenosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da mitomicina C (MMC) no tratamento endoscópico de estenose traqueal. Métodos: Pacientes com estenose laringotraqueal, traqueal ou traqueobrônquica foram tratados por meio de dilatação e MMC tópica. Foram empregados os seguintes critérios de inclusão: pacientes inaptos para cirurgia (por motivos médicos) no momento da avaliação; estenose membranosa com boa resposta a dilatação e estenose pós-operatória no local da anastomose. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: etiologia da estenose; indicação de tratamento com MMC; local e extensão da estenose, bem como a porcentagem de estenose; presença de traqueostomia e tempo de seguimento. Os desfechos avaliados foram 12 meses ou mais sem sintomas, número de dilatações com aplicação de MMC tópica e complicações. Resultados: Vinte e dois pacientes (15 homens e 7 mulheres) foram tratados entre 2003 e 2010. As causas da estenose foram intubação endotraqueal em 15 pacientes e cirurgia em 8. A estenose traqueal pura foi observada em 13 pacientes, a subglótica, em 4, a traqueobrônquica, em 3 e a complexa, em 2. A extensão da estenose variou de 0,5 a 2,5 cm, e a porcentagem de estenose variou de 40 a 100%. Nove pacientes haviam sido submetidos a traqueostomia e apresentavam tubo T de Montgomery in situ. O tratamento teve êxito em 14 pacientes, que permaneceram sem sintomas durante pelo menos 12 meses. O número de aplicações de MMC tópica variou de 1 a 5, e as complicações foram infecção fúngica, queloide, granuloma e enfisema mediastinal. Conclusões: A MMC é aparentemente eficaz no tratamento endoscópico de estenose traqueal.

Hipertensão arterial no tratamento do câncer / Hypertension in cancer treatment

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma condição clínica multifatorial caracterizada por elevação sustentada dos níveis pressóricos. No Brasil, a hipertensão arterial atinge 32,5% (36 milhões) de indivíduos adultos, mais de 60% idosos, contribuindo direta ou indiretamente para 50% das mortes por doença cardiovascular. A HAS é uma das comorbidades mais frequentemente observadas em pacientes com câncer. Algumas drogas são diretamente relacionadas ao desenvolvimento ou piora da HAS como os agentes alquilantes e os inibidores do fator de crescimento endotelial. O controle adequado dos níveis de pressão arterial (PA) em pacientes com câncer visa aumentar a tolerância dos doentes à quimioterapia, reduzir a incidência de lesões em órgãos-alvo e, em última análise, reduzir a mortalidade geral. A PA deve ser aferida semanalmente durante o primeiro ciclo e a cada duas a três semanas após. O diagnóstico e tratamento da HAS devem seguir as recomendações atuais da 7aDiretriz Brasileira de Hipertensão e, quando possível, realizados antes do tratamento oncológico. Os IECA e BRA são anti-hipertensivos usados com maior frequência para o tratamento da HAS associada aos inibidores de fator de crescimento endotelial (iVEGF). Os bloqueadores de canal de cálcio não diidropiridínicos, como o verapamil e o diltiazem, são contraindicados com o uso concomitante de iVEGF. A descontinuação definitiva deve ser o último recurso. Os oncologistas e cardiologistas devem desenvolver abordagens em conjunto para manejar a HAS de forma eficaz e segura, com objetivo de manter o benefício do tratamento oncológico e de diminuir a morbidade e mortalidade cardiovascular

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifactorial condition, characterized by a sustained elevation in blood pressure. In Brazil, arterial hypertension affects 32.5% (36 million) adult individuals, more of 60% of whom are elderly, directly or indirectly contributing to 50% of deaths due to cardiovascular disease. SAH is one of the most commonly observed comorbidities in people with cancer. Some drugs are directly related to the development or worsening of SAH, such as alkylating agents and endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Adequate control of blood pressure (BP) in patients with cancer aims to increase patients' tolerance to chemotherapy, reduce the incidence of target organ damage and, ultimately, reduce overall mortality. BP must be measured every week in the first cycle and every two-three weeks after. The diagnosis and treatment of SAH should follow the current recommendations of the VII Brazilian Guideline on Hypertension, and where possible, should be performed before the oncological treatment. ACE inhibitors and ARBs are the most commonly used antihypertensive drugs for the treatment of SAH associated with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFI). Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as Verapamil and Diltiazem, are contraindicated with the concomitant use of VEGFI. Definitive suspension should be the final resort. Oncologists and cardiologists must develop joint approaches to manage the SAH effectively and safely, with the objective of maintaining the benefit of the oncological treatment and reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality

Análisis de impacto presupuestal de la temozolomida para el tratamiento de pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de novo de glioma maligno en Colombia / Budgetary impact analysis of temozolomide for the treatment of adult patients with de novo diagnosis of malignant glioma in Colombia

Tecnologías evaluadas: Nueva: temozolomida. Población: Pacientes mayores de 16 años con diagnóstico reciente de glioblástoma multiforme en Colombia. Perspectiva: La perspectiva del presente AIP corresponde al tercero pagador, que en este caso es el Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS) en Colombia. Horizonte temporal: El horizonte temporal de este AIP en el caso base corresponde a un año. Adicionalmente se reportan las estimaciones del impacto presupuestal para los años 2 y 3, bajo el supuesto de la inclusión en el POS en el año 1. Costos incluidos: Costos de las tecnologías analizadas. Fuente de costos: Los precios de cada tecnología considerada fueron consultados en el manual tarifario ISS 2001 y ajustados con un +25%, +30% y +48%. Escenarios: Para este AIP no fueron diseñados escenarios de adopción debido a que la tecnología evaluada ya se utiliza en la práctica clínica colombiana, para toda la población objetivo del análisis. Resultados: El caso base involucraría una inversión total de $29.494.699.472\r\npara el año 1, $4.225.358.276,32 para el año 2 y $ 4.974.085.010,60 para el año 3. En el caso base se asuma la inclusión de la temozolomida en el POS.(AU)

Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy in conjunction with mitomycin C in corneal macular and granular dystrophies / Ceratectomia fototerapêutica com excimer laser em conjunto com mitomicina C em distrofias granular e macular da córnea

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcomes, recurrence patterns, safety, and efficacy of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in conjunction with mitomycin C (MMC) for corneal macular and granular diystrophies. Methods: The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included patients with macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) that caused superficial corneal plaque opacities, and Group 2 included patients with granular corneal dystrophy (GCD). Patients in both groups were pre-, peri-, and postoperatively evaluated. The groups were compared in terms of uncorrected visual acuity (VA), best spectacle-corrected VA, presence of mild or significant recurrence, and time of recurrence. Results: Eighteen eyes (nine with MCD and nine with GCD) of 18 patients (10 men and eight women) were included. PTK was performed for each eye that was included in this study. The mean ablation amount was 117.8 ± 24.4 µm and 83.5 ± 45.7 µm in MCD and GCD, respectively, (p=0.18). The postoperative improvement of the mean VA was similar between the two groups before recurrences (p>0.43) and after recurrences (p>0.71). There were no statistically significant differences in the recurrence rate and the recurrence-free period for any recurrence type. Conclusion: PTK was an effective, safe, and minimally invasive procedure for patients with MCD and GCD. PTK in conjunction with MMC was similarly effective for both groups in terms of recurrence and visual outcomes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados visuais, padrões de recorrência, segurança e eficácia da ceratectomia fototerapêutica (PTK) por excimer laser em conjunto com mitomicina C (MMC) em distrofias macular e granular da córnea. Métodos: Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos. Grupo 1 incluiu pacientes com distrofia macular de córnea (MCD) que causaram opacidades superficiais corneanas em placa e o grupo 2 incluiu pacientes com distrofia corneana granular (GCD). Todos os pacientes em ambos os grupos foram avaliados no pré, per e pós-operatório. Os grupos foram comparados em termos de acuidade visual (VA) não corrigida, VA melhor corrigida por óculos, presença de recorrência leve ou significativa e o tempo de recorrência. Resultados: Dezoito olhos de 18 pacientes (10 homens e 8 mulheres) foram incluídos no estudo, 9 olhos com MCD e 9 olhos com GCD. Um procedimento de PTK foi realizado em cada olho incluídos neste estudo. A quantidade média de ablação foi 117,8 ± 24,4, 83,5 ± 45,7 µm de MCD e GCD, respectivamente, (p=0,18). A melhora pós-operatória da acuidade visual média foi semelhante entre os dois grupos antes de as recidivas (p>0,43) e após as recidivas (p>0,71). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na taxa de recorrência ou do período livre de recorrência para qualquer tipo de recorrência. Conclusão: PTK foi um procedimento eficaz, seguro e minimamente invasivo para pacientes MCD e GCD. PTK em conjunto com MMC é igualmente eficaz para ambos os grupos em termos de recorrência e resultados visuais.

Male fertility potential alteration in rheumatic diseases: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background Improved targeted therapies for rheumatic diseases were developed recently resulting in a better prognosis for affected patients. Nowadays, patients are living longer and with improved quality of life, including fertility potential. These patients are affected by impaired reproductive function and the causes are often multifactorial related to particularities of each disease. This review highlights how rheumatic diseases and their management affect testicular function and male fertility. Materials and Methods A systematic review of literature of all published data after 1970 was conducted. Data was collected about fertility abnormalities in male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet disease and gout. Two independent researchers carried out the search in online databases. Results A total of 19 articles were included addressing the following diseases: 7 systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 Behçet disease, 4 ankylosing spondylitis, 2 rheumatoid arthritis, 2 dermatomyositis and one gout. Systemic lupus erythematosus clearly affects gonadal function impairing spermatogenesis mainly due to antisperm antibodies and cyclophosphamide therapy. Behçet disease, gout and ankylosing spondylitis patients, including those under anti-TNF therapy in the latter disease, do not seem to have reduced fertility whereas in dermatomyositis, the fertility potential is hampered by disease activity and by alkylating agents. Data regarding rheumatoid arthritis is scarce, gonadal dysfunction observed as consequence of disease activity and antisperm antibodies. Conclusions Reduced fertility potential is not uncommon. Its frequency and severity vary among the different rheumatic diseases. Permanent infertility is rare and often associated with alkylating agent therapy.

A Case of Coexistence of Bone Marrow-involved Refractory Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma and Therapy-related Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Recent advances in chemotherapy have led to increased survival rates for patients with hematologic malignancies. However, standard chemotherapies, including alkylating agents for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, could induce therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs), a group of disorders categorized by the World Health Organization in 2008. Here, we report a case of coexistence of bone marrow (BM)-involved refractory marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) and therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS). Simultaneous presence of refractory lymphoma and t-MN in the BM is rare, and this is the first report in Korea. The patient received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to cure both the MZL and t-MDS. Since the HSCT, he has been stable for 21 months without any evidence of recurrence.

Comparative histological study on wound healing on rat's skin treated with Mitomycin C or Clobetasol propionate

PURPOSE:To compare histologically the action of Mitomycin C and that of Clobetasol propionate for surgical wound healing in rats.METHODS:A circular skin fragment was surgically removed from 57 Wistar rats. Twenty-two animals were treated with Mitomycin C with topical medication in a single dose, 22 with Clobetasol propionate with a cream medication once a day for 15 days and 13 did not receive any medication. The animals were euthanized 30 and 60 days, and the scars subjected to histological examination.RESULTS: The histological analysis on the samples did not show statistically significant differences regarding the quantities of fibroblasts, fibrocytes and vascular proliferation in the three groups, in the evaluations after 30 and 60 days. In the treated groups with Mitomycin C and Clobetasol there was a decrease in collagen concentration over the 30-day period and an increase in collagen concentration over the 60-day period, in comparison with the control group.CONCLUSIONS: The actions of Mitomycin C and Clobetasol were equivalent and not interfere in fibroplasias and in angiogenesis. Both drugs initially cause a decrease in collagen over a 30-day period and an increase over a 60-day period, demonstrating a delay in the wound healing.

A resistência das células T98G e U87MG à temozolamida está correlacionada com a expressão de genes de reparo de DNA / The resistance of T98G and U87MG cell lines to temozolomide is correlated with the expression of DNA repair genes

Os gliomas são tumores cerebrais definidos patologicamente pela presença de células com características histológicas e imuno-histoquímicas que evidenciam diferenciação glial. Dentre eles, os astrocitomas são os mais frequentes em adultos. Estes tumores normalmente apresentam infiltração difusa no tecido adjacente, são resistentes aos tratamentos e têm uma tendência natural para a progressão maligna. O tratamento padrão atual consiste na realização de ressecção cirúrgica do tecido tumoral seguida de radio e quimioterapia concomitantes, porém o prognóstico permanece extremamente pobre. O quimioterápico padrão-ouro no tratamento de GBM é o agente alquilante de DNA temozolamida (TMZ). Entretanto, os danos induzidos pela TMZ podem ser revertidos pela ação da maquinaria de reparo de DNA, impedindo a morte celular e levando à resistência do GBM ao tratamento. No presente estudo correlacionamos a expressão dos genes ATM, BRCA2, BRIP1, EXO1, NEIL3, RAD54L e XRCC2, envolvidos em reparo de DNA e sabidamente superexpressos em GBM, com a resistência das linhagens celulares T98G e U87MG ao tratamento com TMZ. Mostramos que a linhagem T98G é a mais resistente ao tratamento com TMZ, e apresenta superexpressão de BRCA2, BRIP1, EXO1, NEIL3, RAD54L e XRCC2 e sub-expressão de ATM. Vimos também que a linhagem U87MG, mais sensível ao tratamento com TMZ, apresenta expressão reduzida dos genes ATM, BRCA2 e EXO1. Portanto, estes dados sugerem uma correlação positiva entre a expressão de genes de reparo de DNA e a resistência das células de GBM à TMZ.(AU)

Gliomas are brain tumors pathologically defined by the presence of cells with histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of glial differentiation. Among them, astrocytomas are the most common in adults. These tumors usually show diffuse infiltration into adjacent tissue, are resistant to treatment and have a natural tendency to malignant progression. The current standard treatment consists in surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. However, the prognosis remains extremely poor. The first line chemotherapy for GBM treatment is the DNA alkylating agent temozolamide (TMZ). Nevertheless, TMZ-induced damage can be reversed by the action of DNA repair machinery that prevents cell death and leads to relapse. In this study we correlated the expression of the DNA damage-signaling gene, ATM kinase, and the DNA repair genes BRCA2, BRIP1, EXO1, NEIL3, RAD54L and XRCC2, with the resistance of T98G and U87MG cell lines to TMZ. T98G cells were more resistant to TMZ treatment and showed overexpression of all DNA repair genes, while ATM kinase was down regulated. We also observed that U87MG cells, more sensitive to TMZ, have reduced expression of ATM, BRCA2 and EXO1. Therefore, these data suggest a positive correlation between the expression of DNA repair genes and the resistance of GBM cells to TMZ.(AU)

A Comparative Study of Topical Mitomycin C, Cyclosporine, and Bevacizumab after Primary Pterygium Surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the recurrence rates and complications associated with instillation of topical mitomycin C, cyclosporine, and bevacizumab after primary pterygium surgery. METHODS: Between July 2013 and June 2014, we performed surgery using the bare sclera method on 132 eyes (132 patients) with primary pterygium. We randomly selected 33 eyes (33 patients) and treated them with artificial tears four times a day for three months, 29 eyes (29 patients) were treated with topical 0.02% mitomycin C four times a day for five days, 34 eyes (34 patients) were treated with topical 0.05% cyclosporine four times a day for three months, and 36 eyes (36 patients) were treated with topical 2.5% bevacizumab four times a day for three months after surgery. We prospectively determined the recurrence rates of pterygium and complications at the six-month follow-up examination. RESULTS: At six months after surgery, the recurrence rates in each group were as follows: 45.5% (15 eyes) in the control group, 10.3% (three eyes) in the mitomycin C group, 20.6% (seven eyes) in the cyclosporine group, and 41.7% (15 eyes) in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.004). No serious complications, except subconjunctival hemorrhages, were observed in any group. CONCLUSIONS: Groups receiving topical 0.02% mitomycin C and 0.05% cyclosporine after surgery showed lower recurrence rates than the control group; however, no difference in recurrence rate was observed between the control group and the group receiving topical 2.5% bevacizumab after surgery.

Efectividad y seguridad de temozolamida, en monoterapia o como terapia combinada con radioterapia, comparada con radioterapia o bevacizumab para gliomas malignos / Effectiveness and safety of temozolomide, as monotherapy or as combination therapy with radiotherapy, compared to radiotherapy or bevacizumab for malignant gliomas

Introducción: en países desarrollados la incidencia de tumores malignos del SNC es de 7,27 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. Los gliomas representan el 28 % de todas las neoplasias del SNC y el 80% de los tumores malignos. Estos últimos son más frecuentes en hombres (55%) que en mujeres (45%), y su subtipo histológico más común es el glioblastoma (3.19 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes). El estándar actual de tratamiento para las neoplasias cerebrales consiste, para los casos en los que es posible, de una resección del tumor, seguido por un tratamiento concurrente de radioterapia y temozolamida. La administración de radioterapia, en ciclos diarios de 2 Gy hasta completar un 60 Gy, ligada a dosis diarias de temozolamida, y seguida por ciclos mensuales de esta última al término de la Radioterapia, se denomina Protocolo Stupp. Objetivo: examinar los beneficios y riesgos del uso de la temozolamida en pacientes con gliomas malignos, como uno de los criterios para informar la toma de decisiones relacionada con la posible inclusión de tecnologías en el Plan Obligatorio de Salud, en el marco de su actualización integral para el año 2015. Metodología: a partir de la pregunta PICO se establecieron los criterios de elegibilidad para la realización de la búsqueda de la evidencia científica (a ensayos clínicos, revisiones sistemáticas de estudios observacionales y estudios de cohortes analíticas), se realizó la tamización y selección de la evidencia evaluando su calidad y posteriormente se realizó la extracción de datos y la síntesis de la evidencia. Resultados: tres experimentos clínicos, abarcando un total de 745 pacientes, que evaluaron la temozolamida en combinación con radioterapia y en comparación con Radioterapia sola, para el tratamiento del glioblastoma multiforme. La temozolamida aumento Supervivencia Global [hazard ratio (HR) 0,60; intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC) 0,46 a 0,79; valor de p 0,0003] y el aumento de la Supervivencia Libre de Progresión (HR 0,63, IC del 95%: 0,43 a 0,92; valor P 0,02), en comparación con la radioterapia sola. Conclusiones: cuando la temozolamida se administra tanto en fases concomitante y adyuvante, es una terapia primaria eficaz para los glioblastomas malignos en comparación con la Radioterapia sola. Estos efectos se expresan tanto en la Supervivencia Global como en la Supervivencia Libre de Progresión. (AU)

Meta-Analysis of First-Line Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Korea: Is It Time to Change?

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy consisting of PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin, is the recommended first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the eradication rate of triple therapy has declined over the past few decades. We analyzed the eradication rate and adverse events of triple therapy to evaluate current practices in Korea. A comprehensive literature search was performed up to August 2013 of 104 relevant studies comprising 42,124 patients. The overall eradication rate was 74.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.1%-77.2%) by intention-to-treat analysis and 82.0% (95% CI, 80.8%-83.2%) by per-protocol analysis. The eradication rate decreased significantly from 1998 to 2013 (P < 0.001 for both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses). Adverse events were reported in 41 studies with 8,018 subjects with an overall incidence rate of 20.4% (95% CI, 19.6%-21.3%). The available data suggest that the effectiveness of standard triple therapy for H. pylori eradication has decreased to an unacceptable level. A novel therapeutic strategy is warranted to improve the effectiveness of first-line treatment for H. pylori infection in Korea.

Quimioterápicos y cardiotoxicidad: un enfoque actual y práctico para el clínico de una disciplina en pleno desarrollo / Chemotherapy agents and cardiotoxicity: a current and user-friendly approach for the clinician, a developing discipline

La cardiotoxicidad por fármacos quimioterápicos es un efecto adverso frecuente y esperado. En este sentido se ha creado una especialización, la cardiooncología, que tiene como principal objetivo la prevención de estos efectos. La forma de expresión de este fenómeno es muy variada, pudiendo manifestarse como: insuficiencia cardíaca, hipertensión arterial, eventos coronarios agudos y/o trastornos del ritmo. La clave en la prevención está en la idividualización del riesgo cardiotóxico de cada paciente (en base a factores reconocidos como edad, sexo, irradiación mediastinal previa, tipo de fármaco, dosis acumulada, cardiopatía asociada previamente) y el riesgo potencial cardiotóxico de cada quimioterápico. En este sentido se han creado algoritmos de actuación fundamentados en la monitorización y el inicio de tratamiento precoz y oportuno de cada efecto, previniendo el mal mayor en cada paciente.

Evaluation of prognostic factors in patients with therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND: Therapy-related AML (t-AML) occurs as a late complication of chemotherapy administered to treat a prior disorder. Prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome in t-AML have not yet been clearly defined; therefore, we evaluated these factors in this study. METHODS: Forty-eight patients diagnosed with t-AML within the past 10 years were enrolled, and their chemotherapy regimens categorized into 4 groups: alkylating agents (AK) only, topoisomerase II inhibitors (TI) and AK, TI only, and others. The prognostic factors affecting clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Five (10.4%), 21 (43.8%), 9 (18.8%), and 13 (27.0%) patients were treated with AK only, AK and TI, TI only, and others, respectively. Patients with an AML M3 phenotype showed significantly longer overall survival (OS; 55.1 vs. 14.3 months, P=0.040) and disease-free survival (DFS; 61.2 vs. 17.5 months, P=0.049) than other phenotypes. In contrast, patients with a complex karyotype showed significantly shorter OS (7.9 vs. 31.3 months, P=0.008) and DFS (9.5 vs. 38.6 months, P=0.046); additionally, patients with chromosome 5 or 7 abnormalities showed significantly shorter OS (9.1 vs. 30.7 months, P=0.011) than other phenotypes. Only the presence of a complex karyotype or AML M3 phenotype retained prognostic impact in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Only the AML M3 phenotype was identified as having a good prognosis, and this might suggest that it exhibits unique clinical features in t-AML patients. Moreover, our findings indicated that karyotype was the strongest prognostic indicator and predicted a poor prognosis for t-AML patients with a complex karyotype.

Reduced male fertility in childhood cancer survivors

With advances in cancer treatment, more pediatric cancer patients have increased their life expectancy. Because cancer-related therapy causes various physical and psychological problems, many male survivors experience later problems with thyroid and sexual functions, and with growth. As outcomes have improved, more survivors need to maintain their reproductive function to maximize their long-term quality of life. Cancer and cancer-related treatment can impair fertility by damage to the testes, to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, or to the genitourinary organs. Prior radiation therapy to the testes, the use of alkylating agents, and central hypogonadism further impair fertility in male survivors of childhood cancer. Following any course of chemotherapy, peripubertal maturation, any testicular volume changes, and symptoms of androgen deficiency should be monitored systematically. If patients request fertility testing, spermatogenesis status can be evaluated either directly by semen analysis or indirectly by determination of the levels of testosterone/gonadotropins and by monitoring any changes in testicular volume. According to the patient's condition, semen cryopreservation, hormonal therapy, or assisted reproduction technologies should be provided.

A Case of Therapy-related Myeloid Neoplasm after Successful Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is considered as a curative disease after combined chemotherapy based on all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and anthracycline. However, as long-term survivors continue to increase, reports on sporadic cases of therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN) after successful APL treatment are also increasing. Recently, we have experienced one patient who developed t-MN 7 yr after APL diagnosis. Even though he had not been exposed to alkylating agents at all, he showed alkylating agents-associated features such as long latency period (>5 yr), first presentation as myelodysplatic phase (multilineage dysplasia with increased blasts), and complex karyotype including monosomy 5 and 7. He received only supportive care and expired 3 months after the diagnosis of t-MN (6 months of survival after the onset of cytopenias). t-MN after complete remission of APL is a rare but fatal complication, and patients with complex karyotypes show ominous prognosis in particular. For the early diagnosis of t-MN, long-term and close monitoring of the patient is needed. One should suspect this late complication whenever any unknown cytopenia develops, and should perform bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetic analysis.

Comparison of the Outcome of Repeat Trabeculectomy with Adjunctive Mitomycin C and Initial Trabeculectomy

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of repeat and initial trabeculectomy with mitomycine C (MMC). METHODS: Eighty seven patients, who had underwent repeat (repeat group) or initial (initial group) trabeculectomy with MMC, were enrolled in this prospective trial. Postoperative outcome measures included the amount of decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of anti-glaucoma medications, and the complications. The success of trabeculectomy was defined on the basis of three definitions which were: IOP or =30% (definition 3). Success was further defined as "complete" when these criteria were obtained without any anti-glaucoma medications and "qualified" with or without medical therapy and no further surgical procedures. RESULTS: Fifty nine eyes underwent initial and 28 eyes underwent repeat trabeculectomy. The mean follow-up period was 19.1 +/- 5.9 months. Complete success rates were significantly greater in the initial trabeculectomy group (p = 0.02 for definition 1, p = 0.038 for definition 2, p = 0.003 for definition 3). A higher proportion of eyes in the initial group achieved qualified success relative to the group A eyes, but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.33 for definition 1, p = 0.99 for definition 2, p = 0.24 for definition 3). The mean number of antiglaucomatous medications at the last examination was 1.2 +/- 1.2 in repeat group and 0.7 +/- 1.1 in initial group (p = 0.01). The number of complications during the follow up period did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat trabeculectomy with MMC has high success and low complication rates in patients with previously failed trabeculectomy in spite of the need of higher number of anti-glaucoma medications.