Immunotherapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Current Agents and Potential Molecular Targets.

From radiation therapy and surgery to chemotherapy and targeted therapy, the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has remarkably evolved over the past few decades. In recent years, immunotherapy has become an increasingly attractive area of interest in the treatment of NSCLC, especially those in advanced stages. Cytokine and immune checkpoint inhibitors are among the most studied immunotherapies for many cancer types. Herein, we provide an overview of current popular cytokine and checkpoint inhibitor treatment regimens available for patients with NSCLC. Ongoing clinic trials and novel molecular targets that are discussed here could lead to promising new treatment options for NSCLC. The evidence summarized in this review might be helpful for clinicians to better manage patients with NSCLC.

Harnessing the Power of Kiwifruit for Radiosensitization of Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is the deadliest variant of skin cancer and its incidence continues to increase. There are limited treatment options for advanced and metastatic cases of melanoma, despite advances in immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Melanoma is notorious as a radioresistant tumor. Previous studies found that phytochemicals, such as resveratrol and those found in green tea and blueberry, can sensitize various cancer cells, including melanoma, to radiotherapy. Our previous study also revealed that kiwifruit extract (KE) has antitumor activity to melanoma cells. This study was designed to expand upon our previous investigation and determine KE's potential as a radiosensitizer on CRL-11147 melanoma cancer cells and elucidate the possible mechanisms behind its potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proliferation and apoptosis of CRL-11147 melanoma cells under radiation therapy (RT) plus KE versus RT alone were investigated using Proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining, quick cell proliferation assay, clonogenic assay, and caspase-3 activity assay. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were then used to investigate the mechanisms behind the observed results. RESULTS: The percentage of CRL-11147 colonies, PCNA staining intensity, and the optic density value of CRL-11147 cells decreased with RT/KE vs. RT alone. Relative caspase-3 activity was increased with RT/KE vs. RT alone. Increased expression of the anti-proliferative molecule p27 and pro-apoptotic molecule TRAILR1 correlated with the anti-tumor effect seen in the RT/KE group versus the RT alone group. CONCLUSION: KE augments radiosensitivity of CRL-11147 by up-regulating both p27 and TRAILR1 to inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis, respectively.

Raspberry Extract With Potential Antitumor Activity Against Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Previously, we reported that blueberry extract constrains the growth of CC. Raspberry is a widely consumed fruit that exhibits antitumor properties against several cancer types but little is known about its direct effect on CC. This study was designed to investigate the potential antitumor effect of raspberry extract (RE) on CC cells and to elucidate the possible mechanisms behind it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clonogenic survival assay and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects of RE on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of a widely used CC cell line, HeLa. Possible molecular mechanisms were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The percentage of colonies and optic density value of HeLa cells decreased in the presence of RE in comparison to controls. Relative caspase-3 activity in cancer cells increased in the presence of RE in comparison to controls. The antitumor effect displayed on HeLa cells by RE was associated with the increased expression of antiproliferative molecule P53 and the increased expression of pro-apoptotic molecule tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (FAS). CONCLUSION: RE displays anticancer activity against CC HeLa cells. The mechanism behind this is by up-regulation of anti-proliferative molecule P53 and pro-apoptotic molecule FAS.

A Clinical Diagnostic Dilemma: a Case Report of Primary Hepatic Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Primary hepatic tuberculosis is a very rare clinical form of tuberculosis, with atypical clinical presentations and nonspecific imaging features. This results in great difficulty to reach a correct and timely clinical diagnosis. Traditionally, liver biopsy is the gold standard for its diagnosis. Here we assessed the effectiveness of using a T-SPOT.TB test in the early diagnosis of primary hepatic tuberculosis. METHODS: We report a case of primary hepatic tuberculosis whose location of hepatic lesion renders it hard to perform a biopsy. Instead, a T-SPOT.TB test was utilized to help in the early diagnosis of this rare form of tuberculosis. A conventional fourdrug regimen for anti-tubercular therapy together with vitamin B6 was initiated and maintained for 6 months. RESULTS: The T-SPOT.TB test was highly positive for ESAT-6 (87 > 20) and CFP-10 (89 > 20). Dull pain in the upper right abdomen was gone 2 months post treatment. The abnormal lesions shown in an MRI reduced significantly 4 months post treatment. Spot count for ESAT-6 and CFP-10 decreased 6 months post treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest the critical role of T-SPOT.TB test in the earlier diagnosis of prima¬ry hepatic tuberculosis for those patients who have difficulties having a hepatic biopsy.