Human papilloma virus in head and neck squamous cell cancer

Epidemiologic and molecular evidences have established a strong link between high risk types of Human Papilloma Virus and a subgroup of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas [HNSCC]. We evaluated the frequency of HPV positivity in HNSCC and its relationship to demographic and some risk factor variables in an open casecontrol study. Fourteen recently diagnosed patients with squamous cell cancer of oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx aged 18-50 years were examined from 2008-2010 in Tabriz, Iran. HPV DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded blocks of each patient's sample for PCR evaluation. Saliva samples of 94 control cancer-free subjects were collected for DNA analysis. Multivariable logistic regression method was used to calculate odds ratio for case-control comparisons. High risk HPV was detected in 6[42.8%] patients, and 6[5.3%] control subjects which was statistically significant [p<0.0001]. HPV-18 was the most frequent type both in the cases and controls. HPV-16 DNA was detected in two patients of the case group, but it was not detected in any of the controls. The relation between demographic and risk factor variables was not statistically significant. HPV infection has a significant impact on HNSCC. Despite HPV-16 stronger impact, HPV-18 is more likely to cause malignant degeneration in such cancers amongst some communities. It is vital to introduce and conduct immunization schedules in health care systems to protect communities to some extent

Evaluation of copper, zinc, Cu/Zn, and VEGF in patients with AML in Iran

Copper and zinc are the elements with numerous physiological activities. Copper [Cu] has an important role in angiogenesis and acts by increasing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor [VEGF]. Serum levels of copper will be increased in cancer incidence, progression and recurrence. The aim of this study was to measure blood levels of copper, zinc, and the ratio of Cu /Zn, as well as VEGF levels before and after treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Thirty patients who were recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia [AML] in Shahid Ghazi Tabatabai oncology hospital enrolled in this clinical trial. On the first day, blood samples were taken for copper, zinc, and VEGF assay and flowcytometry. Treatment protocol was [7x3] regimen. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of copper, zinc, and VEGF. They were sent to Biochemistry Laboratory in medicine faculty for analysis. Amongst 30 AML patients, 14 [46.7%] were female and 16 [53.3%] were male. Patients of various ages ranged from 16 to 53 years, with a median age of 9.1 +/- 9.35 years. The mean serum level of copper, zinc, and mean Cu/Zn ratio before and after treatment showed significant difference [p<0.05] There was also significant difference between the mean VEGF level before and after treatment [p<0.05]. This study reveals that there is no significant relationship between copper, zinc serum levels, their ratio, and VEGF in AML patients. We hypothesize that increased serum copper is associated with increase of VEGF levels which can indicate the impact of copper in malignancies including AML

Blood transfusion acute reactions in patients of Shahid Ghazi Hospital

Cancer patients due to bone marrow suppression, sepsis, and other relevant complications require appropriate blood components for transfusion. However, there are risks of transfusion reactions. These reactions are influenced by many factors varying across different geographic regions and medical centers. This study was performed to determine incidence of early transfusion reactions and their clinical symptoms and signs in cancer patients, and to calculate the correlation of these adverse reactions with some demographic data and some specifications of blood components. In this descriptive study, 39 reactions from 4023 blood transfusion attempts were assessed. Patients were monitored for symptoms and changes in vital signs within 24 hours following transfusion. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics [X 2 and ANOVA].The majority of reactions belonged to platelets [56.43%] and packed cells [43.58%]. The most common symptoms were shown to be rigors [2.72%], and fever [2.33%]. The incidence rate was estimated to be 2.7% for FNHTR, and 2.1% for allergic reactions. Haptoglobin deficiency was found in 0.8% of FNHTR cases. A correlation was observed between sex and history of previous reactions [p=0.048, p=0.04, respectively] with blood transfusion reactions. These findings indicated that incidence of blood transfusion reactions and clinical symptoms correlated with other studies. The incidence of reactions in women and individuals with previous history of repeated blood transfusions was shown to be greater. Transfusion of packed cell was associated with allergic reactions [p=0.04], and high platelet lifetime associated with pulmonary reactions [p=0.044]