TACSTD2 upregulation is an early reaction to lung infection.

TACSTD2 encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein Trop2 commonly overexpressed in carcinomas. While the Trop2 protein was discovered already in 1981 and first antibody-drug conjugate targeting Trop2 were recently approved for cancer therapy, the physiological role of Trop2 is still not fully understood. In this article, we show that TACSTD2/Trop2 expression is evolutionarily conserved in lungs of various vertebrates. By analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data we demonstrate that TACSTD2 level consistently increases in lungs infected with miscellaneous, but mainly viral pathogens. Single cell and subpopulation based transcriptomic data revealed that the major source of TACSTD2 transcript are lung epithelial cells and their progenitors and that TACSTD2 is induced directly in lung epithelial cells following infection. Increase in TACSTD2 expression may represent a mechanism to maintain/restore epithelial barrier function and contribute to regeneration process in infected/damaged lungs.

New trends in neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced rectal cancer from a surgeons perspective - a commentary.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer treatment advanced rapidly during last decades. The most important factors of this progress are new neoadjuvant therapy options, improvement in imaging (allowing for quality staging and restaging) and routine implementation of the total mesorectal excision technique. For the best outcomes, it is crucial to combine the treatment methods in the best way possible with ideal timing. It is necessary to keep in mind both advantages and complications of the individual kinds of approach. Therefore, interdisciplinary agreement is essential in the treatment of rectal cancer. Considering these new therapeutic possibilities, the debate about timing, indication and radicality of the surgical procedures is reopened. Surgical approaches are currently focused on mini-invasive methods and robotic surgery. New trend with promising potential seems to be clinical complete response achievement with watch and wait follow-up strategy. This approach, in the spirit of the organ sparing philosophy, however asks new questions about indication, timing and conception of this method. Proper answers are essential for sparing, yet radical oncotherapy of this disease.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare systemic disease that occurs sporadically (S/LAM) or as part of tuberous sclerosis (TS/LAM). LAM is characterized by proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle cells. This disease clinically manifests as dyspnea on exertion and pneumothorax. Lymphadenopathy in the abdominal and pelvic region leading to lymphatic obstruction can also occur. LAM is associated with kidney angiomyolipoma and meningioma. The disease is diagnosed histologically and/or using typical high-resolution computed tomography findings and anamnestic information. In histopathological studies, the diagnosis is supported by detection of characteristic LAM cells. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are possible treatment options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients diagnosed with LAM and pulmonary manifestation (eight with S/LAM and two with TS/LAM) in 2002-2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Their individual clinical characteristics and our treatment experience are described. RESULTS: The patients varied in terms of disease stage. The best predictors of prognosis were lung function parameters (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide). Four patients are currently being treated with mTOR inhibitors. This treatment stabilized lung functions in all four patients. The median follow-up was 48 months (12-132 months). Median survival was not achieved and only three patients died. CONCLUSION: An interdisciplinary approach is required to care for LAM patients. Cooperation of pneumologists, surgeons, oncologists, and geneticists is needed. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors led to stabilization in our patients. The side effects were well managed.

Infrared thermal imaging: a potential tool used in open colorectal surgery.

Aim of this pilot study was to assess blood perfusion of bowel in resection lines by means of the infrared thermal imaging in order to choose the best place for anastomosis. The paper brings a first experience with infrared thermal imaging used in colorectal surgery operation from initial observation of the patient with T3 adenomatous carcinoma with no lymph node metastasis. The obtained infrared images show a clear boundary between parts of the intestine with blood perfusion and without it. The proposed position of resection of colon identified by infrared camera is in accordance with routinely designated position. Infrared thermal imaging seems to be a complimentary diagnostic method to see the perfusion in colorectal surgery.