Polymorphisms of ABCB1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 Genes in Ovarian Cancer and Treatment Response in Poles.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecological malignancy, with 5-year survival of only about one third of patients. The ABCB1 gene encodes the P-glycoprotein which is one of the multidrug efflux pumps. Its decreased activity may result in multidrug resistance of cancer cells. Drug-metabolizing enzymes Cyp3A4 and Cyp3A5 may affect success of chemotherapy. In this study we attempted to examine the effects of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ABCB1 gene and one SNP in each of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genes on the incidence of ovarian cancer in Polish women and their response to treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 276 patients and 369 healthy control women. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences between patients and controls in allele frequencies of the tested SNPs, with one exception: rs2157926T allele decreased cancer risk by 99.4% (odds ratio, 0.006). Moreover, rs2032582T increased fourfold the risk of metastasis. Finally, rs1128503CC genotype prolonged survival (p=0.024778). CONCLUSION: These findings may contribute to a better prediction of therapy outcome.

Mcm-2 protein expression predicts prognosis better than Ki-67 antigen in oral cavity squamocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed at evaluating the expression intensities of the Mcm-2 protein and Ki-67 antigen in squamocellular carcinomas of the oral cavity and comparing their prognostic value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients, operated on and treated with radiotherapy for carcinoma of the oral cavity floor and/or the mobile part of the tongue, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was noted between the expression of Mcm-2 protein and that of the Ki-67 antigen, as well as an absence of such correlations with the remaining examined factors. A significant correlation with worse disease-specific survival period (DSS) in the group of patients demonstrating Mcm-2 protein expression in over 10% of cancer cells was detected (5-year cumulative DSS 50% vs. 76%). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the expression of Mcm-2 protein may be used as a prognostic factor in patients with squamocellular carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Vertebroplasty with methacrylate bone cement and radiotherapy in the treatment of spinal metastases with epidural spinal cord compression. Preliminary report.

Background. The choice of treatment method for metastases to the spine remains an unresolved and controversial question. The major complication in disseminated neoplastic disease compression of the spine and nervous elements. Vertebroplasty performed jointly with palliative radiotherapy has been proposed as a procedure to treat metastases complicated by cancer infiltrations in the vicinity of the spine. Material and methods. We examined 21 patients treated since May 2004. Vertebroplasty was performed by surgery using acrylic cement, followed by palliative radiotherapy. Results. Outcome was assessed by clinical examination, neurological evaluation, and other methods, such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI. All patients showed prompt relief of pain and substantial improvement in mobility. No complications or side effects were observed in connection with the joint palliative treatment. Conclusions. Vertebroplasty is an effective method and works to help stabilize spinal fractures. Satisfactory results were obtained using palliative treatment. The use of acrylic cement made it possible to perform radiotherapy safely with an optimum margin of healthy tissues, which enhances treatment. These initial results point to the need for further clinical collaboration between neurosurgeon and radiotherapist.

[Assessment of hematopoiesis regeneration in patients with solid tumors after radiotherapy]. / Ocena regeneracji ukladu krwiotwórczego u chorych na nowotwory lite leczonych promieniowaniem jonizujacym.

The myelotoxicity is one of the most severe adverse events of radiotherapy. Increase of CD34+ cells level in peripheral blood as result of raised output of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) can be result of hematopoiesis regeneration after radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the hematopoiesis regeneration using analysis of CD34+ cells level in peripheral blood and serum concentration of G-CSF in patients treated with radiotherapy according to irradiated body region and irradiation field size. Two groups of irradiated patients were examined. Group I consisted of 11 patients (mean age 56) with gynecological malignancies (teletherapy dose 40-50 Gy for pelvic area and brachytherapy with Cs). Group II consisted of 10 patients (mean age 58) with head and neck malignancies (teletherapy only 50-70 Gy). Every patient was evaluated 3 times: before radiotherapy, in the day of ending and 14 days after therapy. 3 ml of blood for CD34 and serum for G-CSF estimation were collected. Blood cells were stained with monoclonal antibody specific for CD34 antigen and analysed by flow cytometry. G-CSF level was estimated by ELISA. After radiotherapy in both groups statistically significant leukopenia (p < 0.001) was observed. There was no difference between two groups in levels of CD34+ cells before and in the last day of therapy but there was significant increase of CD34+ cells in group I compared with group II 14 days after treatment (p < 0.01). Decrease of CD34+ cells during radiotherapy and after its ending in all patients was observed but only in group II was statistically significant. Positive correlation between amount of leukocytes and CD34+ cells percentage was stated. There were no statistically significant differences in serum G-CSF concentration within particular groups and between group I and II. Our results indicate that evaluation of CD34+ cells level in peripheral blood is useful in prediction of hematopoiesis regeneration after radiotherapy. G-CSF serum concentration is not prognostic factor in these groups of patients.