Investigations into the impact of non-coding RNA on the sensitivity of gastric cancer to radiotherapy.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a newly discovered functional RNA different from messenger RNA, which can participate in regulating the occurrence and development of tumors. More and more research results show that ncRNAs can participate in the regulation of gastric cancer (GC) radiotherapy response, and its mechanism may be related to its effect on DNA damage repair, gastric cancer cell stemness, cell apoptosis, activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, etc. This article summarizes the relevant mechanisms of ncRNAs regulating the response to radiotherapy in gastric cancer, which will be directly important for the introduction of ncRNAs particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) into clinical medicine as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Three-Dimensional Endoscopy-Assisted Excision and Reconstruction for Metastatic Disease of the Dorsal and Lumbar Spine: Early Results.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the role of three-dimensional (3D) endoscopy in surgical management of metastatic disease of the dorsal and lumbar spine. METHODS: This is a prospective study on 33 patients (15 men and 18 women, mean age of 61.6 ± 8.9 years) with biopsy-proven metastatic disease of the spine managed by sequential/staged posterior decompression-stabilization, followed by 3D endoscopy-assisted anterior corpectomy and stabilization with a mesh cage. All patients had significant extradural compression or spinal instability or both. Sixteen patients had neurological deficits. Visual analog scale (VAS), Frenkel grade (neurological deficits), Karnofsky performance status scale, and the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) were used for assessment preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months from surgery. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 0.7 years from surgery, 18 patients were alive. VAS showed significant improvement at the latest follow-up compared to preoperative levels (4.39 vs. 6.61, p = 0.001). Karnofsky status did not show any significant improvement. Frenkel grade improved in 5 patients, deteriorated in 4 patients, and remained unchanged in 24 patients. Regarding SF-36 parameters, general health showed deterioration, but role functioning-physical, role functioning-emotional, social functioning, and body pain showed statistically significant improvement. There was no change in physical health, viability, and mental health. Subjectively the surgeons felt better depth perception and smoother surgical experience with the 3D optics technology. The only complication was delayed wound healing in three patients who had a previous history of radiotherapy to the surgical site. CONCLUSIONS: 3D endoscopy is a valuable tool in the management of metastatic spinal disease requiring excision and reconstruction using the combined posterior and anterior approaches. These early results warrant confirmation with more data and longer follow-ups.

Reconstruction by bone transport after resection of benign tumors of tibia: A retrospective study of 38 patients.

BACKGROUND: The commonly used reconstructive options after post resection defects in bone tumors like megaprosthesis, autograft, allograft, bone graft substitutes and recycled bone have their own demerits on a long term. Bone transport that regenerates patient's own bone is a less explored option of reconstruction after resection of benign bone tumors and reports on this are limited. This technique is very much relevant in tibia where Ilizarov fixator is surgeon and patient friendly. We report our experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective series of resection and bone transport in 38 patients with benign tumor of tibia. There were 14 males and 24 females with mean age of 23.40 years (range 9-40 years). Lesion was located in proximal third tibia in 27, middle third in two and distal third in nine patients. The diagnosis was giant cell tumor in 32, chondroblastoma in three, chondromyxoid fibroma, enchondroma and desmoplasic fibroma in one patient each. The resection was intercalary in 28 and transarticular in 10 patients. Osteosynthesis was monofocal in three, bifocal in 31 and polyfocal in four cases. RESULTS: Mean followup was 7.22 years (range 1.5-15 years). Mean resection length was 10.21 cm (range 3-22 cm). The mean duration of external fixator was 308.03 days (range 89-677 days) and mean external fixator index was 36.14 days/cm (range 16.84-97.43 days/cm). Twelve patients had difficulties in the form of 11 problems and five obstacles that were successfully managed. None of the patients had local recurrence of tumor or any long term complication. Mean Musculo-skeletal Tumour Society score at final followup was 27.18 (90.60%). CONCLUSIONS: Bone transport is an excellent option after resection of benign tumors of tibia with good local control and functional outcome, despite minor difficulties that need timely management.