Clinical Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Older Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape among non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The efficacy of ICI therapy in older patients (≥65 years) is controversial and not fully clarified. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of ICIs in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC based on age (<65 years vs. ≥65 years). Methods: A comprehensive literature search for eligible randomized control phase II/III trials that compared the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents against chemotherapy in advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients. Pooled overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) estimates were calculated based on random/fixed effects models according to the heterogeneity between the studies. Results: A total of 10 studies involving 8 randomized controlled trials (2 updates) were enrolled in this meta-analysis [2,662 young patients (<65 years) and 1,971 older patients (≥65 years)]. The efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents is comparable between young (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) patients for OS [HR 0.75 95% CI (0.64-0.88) vs. 0.76 95% CI (0.66-0.87)]. However, our pooled analysis was not sufficient to show a significant benefit in terms of PFS for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents [HR 0.87 95% CI (0.74-1.01), P = 0.06]. In addition, we failed to see a PFS superiority of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents against chemotherapy in two age subgroups [<65 years and ≥65 years, HR 0.85 95% CI (0.72-1.01), P = 0.07 and HR 0.87 95% CI (0.68-1.10), P = 0.25]. Conclusion: ICIs therapy presents comparable efficacy in older advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients with young patients.

[Expressions of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in primary or recurrent metastatic breast cancers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in primary and recurrent metastatic breast cancers and explore their relationship. METHODS: The expressions of Her-2 and VEGF in 60 primary and recurrent metastatic breast cancers were detected using immunohistochemical methods. Their relationship was analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rates of Her-2 and VEGF in the recurrent metastatic breast cancer were 40.00% and 53.33%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in the primary breast cancer (18.33% and 31.67%) (P < 0.05). The total diversify rates of Her-2 and VEGF were 28.33% and 35.00%, respectively. Her-2 and VEGF expressions were significantly correlated between the primary and the recurrent metastatic breast cancers( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Her-2 and VEGF may play synergic roles in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. Over-expressions of Her-2 and VEGF predict poor prognosis.

[Effects of pilose antler and antler glue on osteoporosis of ovariectomized rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of pilose antler and antler glue on osteoporosis of ovariectomized rats. METHODS: 60 6-month-old female rats were divided randomly into sham-operated group, model group, the positive group, pilose antler high-dose group, pilose antler low-dose group and antler glue group. We extracted bilateral ovaries to establish osteoporosis model and treated at two weeks postoperationally for consecutively 13 weeks, then observed the effects of pilose antler and antler glue on rat bone mineral density, bone mineral content, serum biochemical indicators, bone tissue morphology and other indicators. RESULTS: After 13 weeks, the high-dose group and antler glue group could significantly improve the BMD and bone mineral content of the ovariectomized rats, reduce BGP and ALP content, and remarkably increase the width of trabecula bone and bone trabecula area percentage, increase osteoblasts significantly, and decrease osteoclast cells significantly. Pilose antler low-dose also had the phenomenon above, but the result was not so good as high-dose group. CONCLUSION: Pilose antler and antler glue can antagonize osteoporosis of the ovariectomized rats.