In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Docetaxel and Dasatinib in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Research Study.

Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors with a single trait in common: an evident aggressive nature with higher rates of relapse and lower overall survival in the metastatic context when compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. To date, not a single targeted therapy has been approved for the treatment of TNBC, and cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the standard treatment. In the present experimental study, we examine the effects of the chemotherapeutic docetaxel and the bcr/abl kinase inhibitor dasatinib on TNBC cell lines (in vitro) and on TNBC tumor xenograft mouse models (in vivo). Materials and methods TNBC cell lines were cultivated and treated with various concentrations of docetaxel and dasatinib (5 nM to 100 nM). Cell death and apoptosis were studied by flow cytometry. TNBC cell lines were then injected in BALB/c athymic nude mice to express the tumor in vivo. Four groups of mice were created (group A: control; group B: DOC; group C: DAS; group D: DOC + DAS) and treated, respectively, with the drugs and their combination. Tumors were obtained, maintained in a 10% formaldehyde solution, embedded in paraffin, and sent for further histological evaluation (hematoxylin-eosin staining and immune-histochemical analysis) to assess the tumor growth inhibition. Results The cytotoxic effects of docetaxel seem statistically important, with little effect on apoptosis. The effect of dasatinib in vitro and vivo is statistically important, in terms of apoptosis and tumor reduction, with little adverse effects. Conclusions TNBC is a difficult-to-treat oncologic condition, even in an experimental setting. Promising results concerning the addition of targeted therapies (dasatinib) to the conventional cytotoxic ones (docetaxel) have been shown, awaiting further evaluation.

Isolated Pneumopericardium: A Rare Manifestation of Penetrating Chest Trauma.

Pneumopericardium (PPC) is a clinical entity defined by the presence of air in the pericardial sac. It occurs mainly in patients who sustain blunt or penetrating chest trauma and may coexist with pneumothorax, hemothorax, rib fractures, and pulmonary contusions. Although it is a strong indicator of cardiac injury and therefore requires immediate attention for possible surgical treatment, it still remains a commonly misdiagnosed condition in the trauma bay. Only a few cases of isolated PPC associated with penetrating chest trauma have been reported to date. We present the case of a 40-year-old man who was stabbed in the anterior chest, specifically in the left subxiphoid area and left forearm. Imaging, which included chest x-ray, chest computed tomography, and cardiac ultrasound, demonstrated the presence of rib fractures in addition to isolated PPC, with no pneumothorax or active bleeding. The patient was managed conservatively and actively monitored for three days and remained hemodynamically stable upon discharge. PPC is an uncommon clinical entity, suggestive of severe thoracic trauma. Clinical features may include chest discomfort and dyspnea, while asymptomatic patients have also been reported. Since it can be monitored by electrocardiograms and cardiac ultrasound, its presence is not an absolute indicator for surgical intervention, while the treatment plan should be based on the patient's clinical indications and symptoms.

Traumatic Lateral Abdominal Wall Hernia: A Rare Manifestation of Blunt Trauma.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) following blunt injury is a rare clinical entity, induced by traumatic disruption of the abdominal wall's muscle and fascia, alongside abdominal organ herniation. A thorough clinical examination and a high level of suspicion are necessary for the diagnosis. We present the case of a 45-year-old individual who presented to the surgical outpatient clinic with a left lateral bulge in his belly caused by a mountaineering accident. After obtaining a thorough history of the mechanism of injury and clinical assessment, abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a significant traumatic left lateral abdominal wall hernia. The patient subsequently underwent an open surgical mesh repair, followed by anatomical and functional restoration of the muscular deficit over the mesh, with an uneventful postoperative course. TAWH constitutes a diagnostic challenge, and in many cases remains untreated for long periods of time. Considering that TAWH occurs in less than 1% of all blunt abdominal trauma, many surgeons are unaware of this rare manifestation. Here we suggest that elective surgery with an open, tension-free polypropylene mesh repair appears to be an appropriate therapeutic option.