Prognostic utility of lncRNAs (LINC00565 and LINC00641) as molecular markers in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is primary brain tumor grade IV characterized by fast cell proliferation, high mortality and morbidity and most lethal gliomas. Molecular approaches underlying its pathogenesis and progression with diagnostic and prognostic value have been an area of interest. Long-non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) aberrantly expressed in GBM have been recently studied. The aim is to investigate the clinical role of lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 in GBM patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were withdrawn from 35 newly diagnosed GBM cases with 15 healthy individuals, then lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 expression were evaluated using real time-PCR. Their diagnostic efficacy was detected using receiver operating characteristic curve. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: lncRNAs expressions were increased significantly among GBM as compared to control group. Their expressions were correlated with clinico-pathological data and survival pattern for the studied GBM patients. Higher levels of both lncRNAs were correlated to worse performance status. Expression of lncRNA565 was increased with large tumor size (≥ 5 cm). Survival analysis showed that both investigated lncRNA were increased with worse PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: Expression of lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 in a liquid biopsy sample can be used as prognostic biomarker for GBM patients.

Correlation Between Tumor Infiltration CD8+ T-cells And PD-L1 Expression In Laryngeal Cancer And Their Prognostic Significance: Prospective Non-interventional Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor microenvironment plays crucial role in cancer evolution. There is a dynamic and continuous relation between immune cells and cancer cells' resistance. Tumor infiltration CD8-lymphocytes and programmed death ligand-1 have proved important prognostic role in different malignancies. We aimed at evaluating this role in laryngeal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed laryngeal cancer patients' specimens, to identify the CD8-lymphocytes and the PD-L1 expression. A total score formed of the sum of percentage and intensity of PD-L1. A final rate was considered as negative or low when combined percentage and intensity scores 0 to 4, and high when scores 5-7. CD8-lymphocyte infiltration was divided into strong (= 10/100 of epithelial cells or =20/100 stromal cell infiltration) or weak (<10/100 epithelial cells or <20/100 stromal cell infiltration). RESULTS: Forty patients were included; twelve had stage 1 or 2 and 28 with advanced stages. PD-L1 expressionwas positive in 92.5%. Neither the PD-L1 nor CD8- lymphocytes had overall survival impact, however high PD-L1 correlated with better survival in advanced stage subgroup (p = 0.036), high CD8-lymphocytes infiltration had better survival but did not reach significance. Therewas significant correlation between the CD8-lymphocyte infiltration; whether epithelial or stromal, and tumor PD-L1 expression; p-value of 0.001 and < 0.0001 respectively. Subgroup of patients with low CD8+ infiltration and low PD-L1 had the worst survival. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between CD8- l lymphocytes infiltration and PD-L1 expression inlaryngeal cancer and high PD-L1 expression is associated with better OS in advanced stages. Key words: PD-L1, CD8, laryngeal cancer, tumor microenvironment.