Influence of reminiscence therapy on mental health and quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer

Reminiscence therapy (RT) attenuates psychological disorders in cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RT on anxiety, depression, spiritual well-being, and quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer. A total of 222 elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer were randomized into RT group (RT plus usual care, n=112) or control group (usual care, n=110) with a 6-month intervention. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp), and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) were evaluated at month (M)0, M1, M3, and M6. Concerning the primary outcome, HADS-A score at M6 decreased in the RT group compared to the control group (P=0.005). As to secondary outcomes, the RT group showed decreased HADS-A scores at M3, anxiety rate at M3, HADS-D scores at M3 and M6, depression rate at M6, as well as greater FACIT-Sp scores at M1, M3, and M6 vs the control group (all P<0.050). Additionally, QLQ-C30 global health score was elevated at M1 (P=0.046) and M6 (P=0.005), functions score was greater at M6 (P=0.038), and symptoms score was lower at M3 (P=0.019) in the RT group than in the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the addition of RT was more effective for patients with anxiety or depression at baseline. In summary, RT alleviated anxiety and depression, and improved the spiritual well-being and quality of life within 6 months in elderly patients with unresectable, metastatic gastrointestinal cancer.

Efficacy and safety of paclitaxel albumin assisted platinum chemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer based on tumor factors and inflammatory status / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel albumin assisted platinum chemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer based on tumor factors and inflammatory status. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were randomly divided into two groups: 50 patients in the control group were treated with paclitaxel-assisted nedaplatin regimen, and 50 patients in the study group were treated with paclitaxel-assisted nedaplatin regimen. The short-term efficacy, tumor factors, inflammatory factors, relapse-metastasis related indexes, quality of life, functional status and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total remission rate of the study group (72.00%) was higher than that of the control group (48.00%) (P0.05), but the total incidence of adverse reactions (12.00%) was lower than that of the control group (32.00%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel albumin-assisted nedaplatin has a reliable effect in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer, which can further reduce the level of tumor factors, relieve inflammation, and has high safety.

Research advances in thermal ablation for lung cancer / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Although surgical resection remains to be the best treatment strategy for stageⅠnon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), percutaneous thermal ablation offers an important option for patients who are unable to undergo surgical resection. Currently, there are three main thermal ablation methods used in the treatment of lung cancer, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA) and argon-helium cryoablation (AHC). With the improvement of technique and the accumulation of experience in the treatment of lung cancer, some limitations are disclosed in the initial application of RFA, such as heat sink effect, skin burns and rapid carbonization. These shortcomings have been overcome in the development of MWA and AHC. The feasibility and safety of thermal ablation for the treatment of lung cancer has been demonstrated and its efficacy has been significantly improved (especially for the tumour diameter≤3 cm). This article will focus on the application and recent research developments of these ablation techniques in the treatment of lung cancer.

Cost-utility analysis of trastuzumab deruxtecan versus trastuzumab emtansine in the second-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of trastuzumab deruxtecan（T-DXd） versus trastuzumab emtansine （T-DM1） in the second-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer， and to provide a basis for the selection of clinical medication regimen and medical and health decisions. METHODS Based on the clinical trial DESTINY-Breast03， a partitioned survival model was constructed， with a cycle of 3 weeks as the simulation of patients’ lifetime. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） was calculated by using quality-adjusted life years （QALY） as output indicators， and sensitivity analysis was used to verify the robustness of the basic analysis results； the cost-effectiveness of the second-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer was compared between T-DXd and T-DM1. RESULTS Under the premise of taking 3 times China’s per capita gross domestic product （GDP） in 2022 as the willingness-to-pay threshold （257 094 yuan/QALY）， the T-DXd group also needed to pay more cost compared with T-DM1 group while obtaining incremental utility （0.69 QALYs）， and the ICER value was 1 850 478.40 yuan/QALY. The results of univariate sensitivity analysis showed that progression-free survival state utility value， T-DXd price， cost discount rate were factors that had a great influence on ICER value， but these parameters could not flip the basic analysis results within a reasonable range. In the probability sensitivity analysis， when the threshold of willingness-to-pay rose to 1 500 400 yuan/QALY， the probability of economic activity was 50% in the T-DXd regimen. The results of the scenario analysis also verified the robustness of the original research results. CONCLUSIONS Under the premise of 3 times China’s per capita GDP as the WTP threshold， compared with T-DM1， T-DXd is not cost-effective in the second-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Pharmacotherapy plan for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer：a network meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal therapeutic plan for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer （mHSPC）， and to provide reference for clinical decision-making. METHODS Retrieved from Medline， Embase， BIOSIS preview， the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials. gov systematically， randomized controlled trials about mHSPC therapy， with overall survival （OS） and radiographic progression-free survival （rPFS） as efficacy outcomes and the incidence of serious adverse events （SAEs） as safety outcome， were collected during the inception-Mar. 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature， extracted data， and evaluated the risk of bias for the included study before conducting a Bayesian network meta-analysis. RESULTS Eight studies with 9 437 patients were finally included. The effectiveness and safety of 7 therapy plans were compared [abiraterone acetate， apalutamide， darolutamide+docetaxel， docetaxel， enzalutamide， standard non-steroidal antiandrogen （SNA） in addition to ADT， and ADT alone]. In terms of efficacy index， the most beneficial regimen （except for ADT+SNA） for OS was ADT+darolutamide+docetaxel （HR＝0.54， 95%CI of 0.44-0.66）， followed by ADT+abiraterone acetate （HR＝0.64，95%CI of 0.57- 0.71）， apalutamide （HR＝0.65， 95%CI of 0.53-0.79）， enzalutamide （HR＝0.66， 95%CI of 0.53-0.82）； the least beneficial regimen for OS was ADT+docetaxel （HR＝0.79， 95%CI of 0.71-0.88）. The most beneficial regimen （except for ADT+SNA） for rPFS was ADT+enzalutamide （HR＝0.39， 95%CI of 0.30-0.50）， followed by ADT+apalutamide （HR＝0.48， 95%CI of 0.39- 0.60）， abiraterone acetate （HR＝0.57， 95%CI of 0.51-0.64）， docetaxel （HR＝0.62， 95%CI of 0.56-0.69）. The results of the tumor- loading subgroup analysis were the same. In terms of safety， ADT+darolutamide+docetaxel （OR＝25.86， 95%CI of 14.08-51.33）， and ADT+docetaxel （OR＝23.35， 95%CI of 13.26-44.81） were associated with markedly increased SAEs； the incidence of SAEs caused by ADT+abiraterone acetate （OR＝1.42，95%CI of 1.10-1.82） was slightly increased， and those of other therapy plans had no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS Compared with ADT alone， ADT+ darolutamide+docetaxel may provide the most significant OS benefit， but the incidence of SAEs is increased greatly； compared with ADT+docetaxel， ADT+abiraterone acetate， apalutamide or enzalutamide provide more OS benefits. ADT+enzalutamide provide optimal rPFS benefits with no increased SAEs.

Cancer cell membrane-coated bacterial ghosts for highly efficient paclitaxel delivery against metastatic lung cancer

Chemotherapy is one of the major approaches for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer, although it is limited by the low tumor delivery efficacy of anticancer drugs. Bacterial therapy is emerging for cancer treatment due to its high immune stimulation effect; however, excessively generated immunogenicity will cause serious inflammatory response syndrome. Here, we prepared cancer cell membrane-coated liposomal paclitaxel-loaded bacterial ghosts (LP@BG@CCM) by layer-by-layer encapsulation for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. The preparation processes were simple, only involving film formation, electroporation, and pore extrusion. LP@BG@CCM owned much higher 4T1 cancer cell toxicity than LP@BG due to its faster fusion with cancer cells. In the 4T1 breast cancer metastatic lung cancer mouse models, the remarkably higher lung targeting of intravenously injected LP@BG@CCM was observed with the almost normalized lung appearance, the reduced lung weight, the clear lung tissue structure, and the enhanced cancer cell apoptosis compared to its precursors. Moreover, several major immune factors were improved after administration of LP@BG@CCM, including the CD4+/CD8a+ T cells in the spleen and the TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in the lung. LP@BG@CCM exhibits the optimal synergistic chemo-immunotherapy, which is a promising medication for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer.

Metastatic clear-cell renal carcinoma: an exceptional cause of ileocolonic intussusception in adults

Introduction: Intussusceptions in adults are rare, representing 1% to 5% of intestinal obstructions in this age group. This condition can be caused by benign and malignant lesions acting as lead points, the latter being the most frequent. Furthermore, the diagnosis is challenging due to the non-specific symptoms with variable duration. Case Presentation: A 43-year-old man, with a history of localized clear-cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) treated 9 years earlier with a right radical nephrectomy, presented with bowel obstruction symptoms. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed an ileocolonic intussusception. Hence, the patient required a right hemicolectomy with ileotransverse anastomosis. The histopathological analysis showed a metastatic ccRC to the terminal ileum causing the intussusception. Discussion: Adult intussusceptions are rare. However, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain and symptoms of bowel obstruction. Metastases of renal cancer to the small bowel are uncommon and even more so in the form of intussusception. Definitive treatment must be tailored to the patient's condition and underlying cause. (AU)

Prostatectomía radical citorreductora comparado a no realizar tratamiento local en pacientes con cáncer de próstata metastásico / Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy versus no local treatment in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

Introducción El cáncer de próstata es uno de los cánceres más frecuentes en Chile, con 8157 nuevos casos en 2020. A nivel mundial, 5 a 10% de los hombres presentan metástasis al diagnóstico, y la terapia de deprivación androgénica con o sin quimioterapia es el estándar de cuidado para estos pacientes. El uso de tratamiento local en este contexto tiene una recomendación formal debido a la falta de evi-dencia de alta calidad. Algunos estudios retrospectivos han intentado dilucidar el beneficio de la cirugía sobre el tumor primario en el contexto de la enfermedad metastásica, ya que se ha demostrado que es un tratamiento local eficaz para otras neoplasias metastá-sicas. A pesar de estos esfuerzos, el beneficio de la prostatectomía radical citorreductora como tratamiento local en estos pacientes sigue sin estar claro. Métodos Se realizó una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, que se mantiene mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE y Cochrane, entre otras. Se extrajeron los datos de las revisiones sistemáticas, se volvieron a analizar los datos de los estudios primarios, se realizó un metanálisis y se generó una tabla de resumen de resultados utilizando el enfoque GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones Se identificaron 12 revisiones sistemáticas, que incluían siete estudios primarios en total, ninguno de los cuales era un ensayo alea-torizado controlado. Sólo seis de esos siete estudios primarios se utilizaron en el resumen de resultados. A pesar de la falta de evi-dencia de alta calidad, los resultados de este resumen muestran los beneficios de realizar la cirugía en el tumor primario en términos de mortalidad por cualquier causas, mortalidad específica por cáncer y progresión de la enfermedad. También se observó un bene-ficio potencial en las complicaciones locales relacionadas con la progresión del tumor primario, lo que apoya la realización de esta intervención en pacientes con enfermedad metastásica. La ausencia de recomendaciones formales subraya la necesidad de evaluar los beneficios de la cirugía caso por caso, presentando la evidencia disponibles a los pacientes para un proceso de toma de decisiones compartido, teniendo en cuenta las futuras complicaciones locales que podrían ser difíciles de manejar.

Introduction Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in Chile, with 8157 new cases in 2020. Worldwide, 5 to 10% of men have metastatic disease at diagnosis, and androgen deprivation therapy with or without chemotherapy is the standard of care for these patients. The use of local treatment in this setting has no formal recommendation due to the lack of high- quality evidence. Some retrospective studies have sought to elucidate the benefit of surgery on the primary tumor in the setting of metastatic disease since it has been proven to be an effective local treatment for other metastatic malignant diseases. Despite these efforts, the benefit of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy as local treatment in these patients remains unclear. Methods We searched Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is main-tained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from systematic reviews, reanalyzed data from primary studies, conducted a meta- analysis, and generated a summary results table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions We identified 12 systematic reviews, including seven studies in total, none of which was a trial. Only six of those seven primary studies were used in the results summary. Despite the lack of high- quality evidence, the results summary shows the benefits of performing surgery on the primary tumor in terms of all- cause mortality, cancer- specific mortality, and disease progression. There was also a potential benefit in local complications related to the progression of the prima-ry tumor, supporting the implementation of this intervention in patients with metastatic disease. The absence of formal recommendations highlights the need to evaluate the benefits of surgery on a case- by- case basis, presenting the available evidence to patients for a shared decision- making process and considering future local complications that could be difficult to manage.

Nivolumab rechallenge after severe immune hepatitis in a metastatic renal cell cancer patient with hepatitis B and no detectable primary

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an aggressive tumor with high metastatic potential and most of cases are determined incidentally on radiologic imaging. Metastatic RCC (mRCC) without a primary is very rare, and only a small number of cases have been reported in the literature. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been used to treat mRCC, but they are associated with immune-related adverse events. Immune hepatitis is rare and usually observed within three months of initiation of therapy. Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have generally been excluded from immunotherapy trials, although a small number of reports and retrospective studies exist on the use of immunotherapy in patients with HBV infection. A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with mRCC with adrenal and liver metastases and vena cava inferior thrombosis but without evidence of a primary. Second-line therapy with nivolumab achieved a good clinical response, but grade IV immune-related hepatitis was observed after one year. He also had an occult HBV infection. However, HBV reactivation did not occur with continuous entecavir prophylaxis. The hepatitis gradually resolved within two months without any management, and the patient was rechallenged with nivolumab. Metastatic RCC rarely presents without a primary mass in the kidney. In such cases, histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics are critical. Nivolumab-induced immune hepatitis may occur as late as one year after initiation of therapy. Rechallenge of immunotherapy may be considered in selected patients. HBV infection is not a contraindication for immunotherapy, these patients can be treated safely with frequent monitoring and antiviral prophylaxis

HCC masquerading as gluteal mass: A rare presentation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary tumor of the liver. Extrahepatic metastasis occurs mostly through the hematogenous route and is seen in around one-third of patients with the common sites of involvement being the lungs, regional lymph nodes, bone, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Soft-tissue metastasis from HCC is an extremely rare condition. Here, we present a rare case of an elderly male, with HCC presenting as a soft-tissue mass in the gluteal region. We further provide a detailed discussion regarding the investigative approach used to arrive at the diagnosis and the treatment modalities offered. Case reports like this may offer insight into the possibilities of such unusual presentations and aid the clinician in his endeavor to the early diagnose and treat the patient.

Efficacy of Bevacizumab Combined with Paclitaxel and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Advanced Metastatic Cervical Cancer and Its Effect on T Lymphocyte Subsets and Tumor Markers / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the efficacy of bevacizumab combined with paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced metastatic cervical cancer and its effect on T lymphocyte subsets and tumor markers. Methods Sixty patients with advanced metastatic cervical cancer (treated in our hospital) were randomly divided into control (30 cases) and treatment (30 cases) groups. All patients were given radiotherapy; the control group received paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy, whereas the treatment group received the same with added bevacizumab. The pain conditions (visual analog score (VAS)) and quality of life (Karl Fischer quality of life (KPS)), clinical efficacy, T lymphocyte subset levels (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+), tumor markers (carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and squamous epithelial carcinoma-associated antigen (SCCA)) and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The VAS score, serum CA125, CEA, SCCA, and CD8+ level were significantly reduced in both groups after treatment (P < 0.05), and it significantly decreased in the treatment group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). KPS score, CD3+, and CD4+ levels significantly increased after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05), and compared with the control group, the treatment group significantly increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, the total effective rate (66.67%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (40.00%) (P < 0.05), and no significant difference existed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Bevacizumab combined with paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy can effectively reduce the pain and improve the immune function and quality of life of patients with advanced metastatic cervical cancer. This chemotherapy is also safe and effective.

Thoughts and Analysis on Regulating Tumor Pre-Metastatic Niche by Regulating Qi and Detoxifying / 中医杂志

Based on the concept of “imbalance of qi movement with the latent cancer toxin”， it is believed that the development process of tumor pre-metastatic niche （PMN） could be summarized as tumor derived secretory factors， exosomes and other “cancer toxin”， which latent in the body， were diffusion-prone by means of meridians and membrane-sources. Besides， the latent toxin induced the imbalance of qi movement， especially the distant weakest qi， and the local sweat pore and collateral vessels were blocked， which resulted in phlegm and blood stasis， and the cross-aggregation of poison. We also proposed therapeutic principles of PMN as first regulating qi and then clearing and expelling toxin， and tried to discuss the theoretical model of traditional Chinese medicine for PMN based on the theory of qi regulation and detoxification， aimed at providing ideas for the future theory construction of traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment for malignant tumor metastasis.

Guidelines for Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of digestive tract. In 2020， 1.93 million new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed globally， ranking third in the global incidence spectrum， and 930 000 new deaths were reported， ranking second in the global cause of death spectrum. Meanwhile， the medical cost of metastatic colorectal cancer is the highest among all stages. A large number of studies have demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） treatment can bring clinical benefits to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with unique efficacy. In order to further standardize the TCM diagnosis and treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer and improve the level of TCM diagnosis and treatment， Xiyuan Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， together with other relevant units in China， according to the guideline development process of the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development and the relevant requirements of the Clinical Evidence Grading Criteria on TCM Based on Evidence Body， the Regulations for Group Standards of China Association of Chinese Medicine and others， combined with the characteristics of TCM diagnosis and treatment and the actual situation in China， the Guidelines for TCM Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer was developed in accordance with the Catalogue of TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Plans for 105 Diseases in 24 Specialties issued by Department of Medical Administration of National Administration of TCM.

Minutes of seminar on 2023 multi-center cooperation project of liver transplantation for metastatic liver cancer in China / 器官移植

Led by Zheng Shusen, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) from Zhejiang University, the first multi-center cooperation project of liver transplantation for metastatic liver cancer in China, gathering 28 liver transplantation centers nationwide, was launched in Shanghai. All participating experts conducted in-depth exchanges and discussions regarding four topics including inclusion criteria of liver transplantation for metastatic liver cancer, the risk assessment and prognostic evaluation of liver transplantation for metastatic liver cancer, perioperative medication of liver transplantation for metastatic liver cancer, and the implementation details of multi-center cooperation project. Questionnaires were distributed to reach consensus and pinpoint the directions, aiming to carry out high-quality and standardized clinical researches on liver transplantation for metastatic liver cancer in China.

Research progress on radiotherapy and radiation-associated adverse effects of high-risk neuroblastoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) is highly aggressive and has poor prognosis. Treatment of NB mainly includes comprehensive therapies, of which radiotherapy serves as a part of consolidation therapy. For patients who receive complete resection of the primary lesion, usually an irradiation dose of 21-23.4 Gy is given; for patients with incomplete resection, further study focused on radiation dose is necessary. Recurrence is most commonly observed in the bone lesions involved at presentation. Currently, the principle of irradiation to the metastatic sites is to treat lesions where metaio-dobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake remains positive after induction chemotherapy, or those become negative uptake but still at high risk of recurrence. On the premise of lacking of MIBG imaging, positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) may assist in screening for metastatic sites requiring irradiation. The late side effects of radiotherapy are mainly mild musculoskeletal abnormalities. No significant increase is observed in the incidence of second primary tumor during short-term follow-up.

Concern about the prevention and treatment of parathyroid hyperfunction or hyperparathyroidism associated metastatic vascular calcification or calcinosis universalis / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Metastatic vascular calcification and calcinosis universalis, as severe complications of parathyroid hyperfunction and hyperparathyroidism, have attracted more attention in patients with renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and primary hyperparathyroidism. But, they are of little concern in patients with long-term negative calcium balance related parathyroid hyperfunction or hyperparathyroidism caused by calcium and/or vitamin D insufficiency (CVI). CVI is common in the population. Relatively low level of serum calcium and negative calcium balance caused by long-term CVI result in parathyroid hyperfunction or hyperparathyroidism, which may cause secretion of PTH beyond the physiological level, leading to bone absorption and release of a large amount of bone calcium into the blood. It may not only cause bone loss and osteoporosis, but also form metastatic vascular calcification or calcinosis universalis presented by cardiovascular diseases and other multi-organ lesions. Early calcium deposition can gradually fade after reasonable treatment, but middle arterial calcification is not easy to fade once it occurs. Therefore, vascular calcification and calcium deposition should be actively prevented and early screened and diagnosed. The early prevention, diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid hyperfunction or hyperparathyroidism can prevent, delay, or even reverse the occurrence and development of metastatic vascular calcification and calcinosis universalis, which is significant for disease prevention and protecting the patients' health influenced by these diseases.

Bizarre presentation of choriocarcinoma: A case report / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

@#Choriocarcinoma is a malignant subtype of gestational trophoblastic disease that follows any type of pregnancy. It is characterized by rapid hematogenous spread to multiple organs, associated with high human chorionic gonadotropin levels with good response to chemotherapy. We present the case of a 31‑year‑old Filipina who initially presented with severe headaches and blurring of vision 3 years after an unremarkable term pregnancy. The transvaginal ultrasound was normal. After a series of diagnostic tests, the initial working impression was a primary brain tumor with metastases to the lungs, adrenal, kidney, and vulva. Emergency craniotomy was done due to deteriorating status secondary to an intracranial hemorrhage. The histopathology report showed choriocarcinoma. Chemotherapy using Etoposide‑Methotrexate‑Actinomycin D‑Cyclophosphamide‑Vincristine with high‑dose methotrexate and concomitant whole‑brain irradiation was then instituted with good response. This case highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia to prevent the performance of unnecessary procedures, leading to a delay in diagnosis and the institution of the appropriate treatment.

Regulation Mechanism of m6A Methylation Modification in the Development of Prostate Cancer / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

N6-adenosine methylation, a form of methylation of the adenosine N6 site, is often found in eukaryotic mRNA and is one of the most common forms of internal RNA modification. Studies have shown that m6A affects cellular biological processes by regulating gene expression; also the regulators of m6A play a key role in the occurrence and development of various cancers. Prostate Cancer (PCa) is a common malignant tumor in men, and the risk of the disease in men over 60 years of age is increasing year by year. With the aging population, the number of PCa can be expected to continue to rise. In recent years, the role of m6A in tumorigenesis has received widespread attention, but studies on m6A methylation modification in PCa are still limited; therefore, it is particularly important to further explore the relationship between m6A methylation and PCa. In this paper, we review the recent research progress on the role, mechanism, and application of m6A methylation modification in PCa, especially the detailed review of the mechanism of METTL3, FTO, YTHDF2, three classical m6A-related regulatory proteins in PCa; and the potential application of m6A in advanced PCa (e. g., destructive resistant prostate cancer, bone metastatic prostate cancer). From the perspective of methylation modification, this paper may provide some clues to find effective therapeutic strategies for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PCa, and more theoretical references to achieve individualized treatment.

Advances in involvement of pericyte in tumour microenvironment in tumour metastasis / 中国药理学通报

Pericytes are essential components of vessel mural cells that function to regulate blood flow, clear or phagocytose debris, and are contractile cells enwrapping capillaries throughout the body. It controls vascular permeability and is involved in the development of blood vessels and is an important regulator and potential drug target of angiogenesis and vascular function. Pericytes are also thought to play a key role in the tumor microenvironment, especially during tumor growth and distal metastasis. Therefore,in this review we discuss the relationship between pericytes involved in tumor angiogenesis and tumor metastasis, as well as the use of targeted pericytes to treat tumors,with a view to providing a basis for subsequent studies.

Abiraterone combined with prednisone in the treatment of high-risk high-tumor load metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a case report and literature review / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To observe the efficacy of abiraterone (AA) in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). 【Methods】 The clinical data of a newly diagnosed metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patient with high risk and high tumor load were analyzed. After operation and endocrine therapy, the disease evolution was observed. Relevant literature was reviewed. 【Results】 After laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, 6-month bicalutamide and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) was reduced to the lowest of 0.51 ng/mL, and then increased month by month. After domestic abiraterone (trade name: Qingkeshu) in the 8th month was administered for 4 months, tPSA continued to increase to 12.39 ng/mL. The case was then diagnosed as mCRPC. The treatment was adjusted again in the 11th mouth and the patient received AA (trade name: Zeke) combined with prednisone and ADT, and tPSA decreased to 0.17 ng/mL 2 months later. After 14 months of treatment, tPSA remained at about 0.12 ng/mL. Systemic ECT examination indicated that the range of bone metastases decreased and some areas of nuclide concentration turned shallow without obvious adverse reactions. 【Conclusion】 AA combined with prednisone and ADT can produce rapid decline in PSA and a good response in mCRPC patients. It can also significantly slow the progression of bone metastasis and relieve pain symptoms without obvious adverse reactions. Long-term efficacy needs further observation.