Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Biology

Real-World Clinical Outcomes of Low Dose versus Standard Dose Abiraterone in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Pragmatic Study

2024-10-05T05:29:48+00:00

Introduction: Abiraterone is a standard treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Food intake has shown significant effect on its pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standard dose abiraterone under fasting conditions versus low dose abiraterone with a low-fat meal in patients with mCRPC.

Methods: In this prospective real world study 32 patients with mCRPC were treated in two groups of 16 cases by routine clinical practice of their treating physician with low-dose abiraterone (250 mg with a low fat breakfast) or standard-dose abiraterone (1000 mg in fasting state). The changes in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and PSA response rate (≥50% reduction after 12 weeks) were the primary end points.

Results: The median changes of serum PSA before and after treatment, as well as the PSA nadir were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.128 and P = 0.051, respectively). Despite a trend toward higher PSA response rate in the low-dose group, the difference was not statistically significant (75.0% vs. 62.5%; P = 0.704). Median serologic progression free survival (PFS) was significantly higher in the low-dose group (15 vs. 8 months; Log-rank P = 0.031). There was a trend toward lower adverse events in the low-dose group, but this difference was not statistically significant (37.5% vs. 62.5%; P = 0.289).

Conclusion: Low-dose abiraterone seems to be comparable to standard-dose abiraterone in mCRPC with 75% lower financial cost; however, this conclusion needs to be proved by further well designed and large scale studies.

Comparison among Various Prognostic Pathologic Markers Revealed Significantly Poorer Prognosis in Non-basal-like than in Basal-like Triple Negative Breast Cancer

2024-10-05T05:51:47+00:00

Objective: To find the incidence and prognosis of basal-like (TNB) and non-basal-like (TNN) in triple negative breast cancer.

Methods: Triple negative breast cancer (TN) cases were retrospectively reviewed and biomarkers studied on tissue microarray for ER, PR, HER2, Ki67, basal cytokeratins (CK5/6, CK14, CK17), EGFR, CD117, p63, p53, vimentin, CK7, CK8/18, CK19, BCL2, p16, WT1, and cyclin D1. The patients were reclassified according to ER, PR, HER2, Ki67 index, basal CKs and EGFR results into: lumA, lumB, HER2+, TNB and TNN.

Results: From 2007 to 2010, there were 193 female patients (120 TNB, 17 TNN, 42 lumB, and 14 HER2+). There were 184 (95.3%) invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). All 17 TNN were IDC. High grade histology accounted for 71.5%. The median follow up time was 62.93 months. There were no significant differences in age, histologic grade, and tumor size between TNB and TNN while TNN had significant number of higher stage (p=0.028), axillary lymph node metastasis of more than 3 nodes (p=0.005) and lower disease free survival (DFS, p= 0.004) and overall survival (OS, p=0.001). TNN also had the poorest prognosis among the four subtypes.Tumor size and axillary nodal involvement were the independent predictors for DFS and OS. Absence of EGFR expression was an independent factor for lower DFS and OS in TN. Absence of CK8/18 expression was an independent factor for lower DFS in any combined group and OS in the combined TN and lumB group. Absence of p16 expression was an independent factor for lower DFS and OS of all cohort.

Conclusion: TNN accounted for12.3% of TN and had poorer prognosis. Tumor size and axillary nodal involvement were the independent predictors for DFS and OS. Absence of EGFR, CK8/18 or p16 expression had influence on survival in TN or combined group.

Enhancing the Cytotoxic Effects of Paclitaxel, Methotrexate, and Vincristine on Oral Cancer Cells with Curcumin

2024-10-05T06:08:37+00:00

Objective: Curcumin, a potent polyphenolic compound, has been closely studied for its potential to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, curcumin has shown promise in enhancing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents, especially in cancer cells that have developed resistance.

Methods: This study investigated curcumin’s potential benefits in treating oral cancer. Researchers cultured CAL-27 oral cancer cells and treated them with varying concentrations of curcumin under standard laboratory conditions. To evaluate the effects on cell health and survival, they combined curcumin with common anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel, methotrexate, or vincristine.

Results: The results were significant. Treating the CAL-27 cells with curcumin showed a noticeable decrease in cell viability, indicating that curcumin significantly inhibited cancer cell growth. This suggests that curcumin could potentially enhance the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy treatments for oral cancer. The study underscores the potential of curcumin as a complementary tool in the fight against oral cancer. Combining it with traditional chemotherapy could lead to better outcomes and improved management of this serious disease.

Conclusion: These findings contribute to the growing body of research exploring natural compounds like curcumin as adjunct therapies in cancer treatment.

In vitro Assessment of Paclitaxel-loaded Niosome Nanoparticles and Their Cytotoxic Effects on the Ovarian Cancer Cell Line A2780CP

2024-10-05T06:24:43+00:00

Background: One of the major concerns in contemporary medical science is the issue of cancer, with ovarian cancer being a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths. A key challenge in treating ovarian cancer is its initial responsiveness followed by resistance to paclitaxel therapy. However, recent advances in nanotechnology, particularly drug delivery systems like niosomes, offer promising solutions.

Methods: Researchers fabricated nanoparticles via the ether injection approach and analyzed them for particle dimensions, surface charge, and medication release characteristics. Subsequently, they employed A2780CP ovarian cancer cell lines to evaluate the impact of nanodrug using an MTT assay.

Results: The average particle size was reported at 190.3 ± 20.6 nm, with a zeta potential of -18.9 ± 2.7 mV. Notably, high encapsulation proficiency (87.6 ± 32%) verified the successfulness of the applied technique. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assessment demonstrated enhanced efficacy of nanodrug over free carboplatin when targeting A2780CP cell lines (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: these findings suggest that pegylated liposomal nanocarriers could be effective carriers for delivering paclitaxel to A2780CP ovarian cancer cell lines.

The Epidemiological Trends of Primary Benign and Malignant Bone Tumors in Iran

2024-10-05T06:47:51+00:00

Background & objective: The incidence of various tumors is strongly influenced by racial characteristics, and therefore the distribution of benign and malignant lesions follows different epidemiological and pathophysiological patterns in the societies. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological trend of primary benign and malignant bone tumors in the Iranian population.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, epidemiological and pathological information related to cases of benign and malignant primary bone tumors registered in the data registry of pathology laboratory of Imam Khomeini Complex hospital in Iran between 2017 and 2022 were assessed. Including criteria was all patient with established pathology diagnosis of bone tumors and excluding criteria was patients with incomplete data.

Results: In total, 617 primary bone tumors (233 benign lesions and 384 malignant lesions) were assessed within 5 years between 2017 and 2022. The average age of patients in benign and malignant lesions subgroups was 29.50±16.95 years and 35.30±19.70 years respectively with the highest incidence in the second and third decades of life in both lesion types. Overall, 52.8% of benign tumors and 58.9% of malignant tumors were found in men. The most frequent benign tumors reported in the study periods including osteochondroma found in 30.5%, and enchondroma in 29.2%. Of malignant bone tumors, osteosarcoma was the most prevalent type with an overall prevalence of 32.6% followed by chondrosarcoma (20.8%) and Ewing sarcoma (16.7%). In the case of benign tumors, a decrease in the trend during the last four years was showed, while the trend of malignant tumors was completely upward in the last four years.

Conclusion: The epidemiological distribution of primary benign and malignant bone tumors in Iran is similar to global statistics, but with a downward trend in benign masses and vice versa, an increasing trend in malignant tumors in recent years.

Identification of Tumor Microenvironment Genes in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

2024-10-05T06:55:35+00:00

Introduction: In triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) an aggressive molecular subtype of breast cancer, tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a pivotal role in the tumor growth, disease metastasis, immune escape and therapeutic resistance. Understanding the TME holds significant potential for identification of biomarkers of TME and pathways associated as therapeutic targets for improving survival in patients with TNBC.

Materials and Methods: The current study evaluated 682 TME related genes by Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) in 55 patients with TNBC.

Results: Gain/amplification of 411 genes and loss/deletion of 196 genes of tumor microenvironment was observed in TNBC. Further PPI network analysis using Cytoscape plugin and degree ranking method identified GNAQ, MAPK1, AKT1, HRAS, and MAPK3 are five key up-regulated hub genes, and IL4, LCK, STAT6, MTOR, and NFKBIA are five key down-regulated hub genes.

Conclusion: Gain/amplification of GNAQ and loss/deletion of LCK leads to activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MEK pathways which can be targeted to improve survival of patients with TNBC. However, validation of these pathway genes by RT-PCR or protein expression by immunohistochemistry are further needed to establish these biomarkers as therapeutic targets for TNBC.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Silybum Marianum Extraction Against Acetamiprid-Induced Stress Oxidative in Male Rats: Potential Anticancer Application

2024-10-16T06:17:29+00:00

Objective: Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, has been extensively studied for its hepatoprotective effects. While most documented data focus on its benefits for liver disorders, recent research has highlighted its protective effects on other organs such as the kidneys. Studies have shown that Silybum marianum exhibits antioxidant, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotective properties.

Materials and Methods: In the present study we investigated the protective effect of aqueous extraction of Silybum marianum against acetamiprid-induced (N’-cyano-N-methyl-acetamidine phosphorothioate) stress oxidative on liver and kidney function by evaluating the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and urea in male rats. Furthermore, an anatomical study was conducted on the liver and kidney to enhance the research.

Results: The results showed the effective impacts of aqueous extraction of Silybum marianum on AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea serum levels. There was also a protective effect in the group of rats fed with both acetamiprid and extraction of Silybum marianum compared to the group fed with only acetamiprid.

Conclusion: Our results revealed that Marianum extract can reduce hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects caused by acetamiprid and has anti-hepatocyte cancer potential.

Histopathological Spectrum of Gastroduodenal Biopsies in North East India - A 1 Year Cross-sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Centre

2024-11-23T04:43:49+00:00

Background: Gastrointestinal problems are very common nowadays and most people are likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms throughout their lives. Acid peptic disease (APD), including gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastro esophageal reflux disease is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal region, the pathogenesis of which involves an imbalance between acid secretion and gastric mucosal defenses. Besides, malignancies are also fairly common in these regions. This is a study done in 100 cases of gastroduodenal biopsies in a 1 year period.

Aims and Objectives: To see the histopathological spectrum of gastro-duodenal biopsy tissue collected by endoscopy and to correlate the association with clinical and demographic findings.

Result: The prevalence of gastroduodenal lesion is more common among males around the fifth decade of life. Abdominal pain and dyspepsia were the most common presenting clinical complaint. There were 56 benign cases, 11 cases of premalignant category (Dysplasia/ Metaplasia) and 27 malignant cases, out of which Moderately differentiated Adenocarcinoma was the most common.

Conclusion: Endoscopic gastroduodenal biopsies helps in detecting benign as well as malignant lesions. A variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions were reported in the present study across a wide range of age and site distribution. The combination of endoscopy and histopathological study of gastroduodenal biopsy provide a powerful diagnostic tool for better management of patients.

Histopathological Study of Gastroduodenal Biopsies and to See the Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori with the Help of Special Stains in Selected Cases in North East India- A Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Centre

2024-11-23T04:49:47+00:00

Background: Acid peptic disease (APD), including gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastro esophageal reflux disease is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal region, the pathogenesis of which involves an imbalance between acid secretion and gastric mucosal defenses. Acid peptic diseases mostly affect the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The imbalance could be caused by factors such as H pylori infection and acid secretory abnormalities in APD. Helicobacter pylori infection is a factor in 85% to 100% of duodenal ulcers and 70% to 90% of gastric ulcers. Besides, malignancies are also fairly common in these regions. Due to long standing APD or H. Pylori infection it may lead to dysplastic changes or malignancy in this region. These disorders are easily detected by endoscopy nowadays. This is a cross-sectional study done in 100 cases of gastroduodenal biopsies in a 1 year period.

Aims and Objectives: To see the histopathological spectrum of gastroduodenal lesions and to detect the presence of H. pylori infection in suspected cases with the help of special stains in North East India.

Result: There were 13 cases (%) of Helicobacter pylori gastritis diagnosed by H&E and Giemsa staining procedure. Out of the 13 cases, the highest number of cases, 46.1% was in the age group of 51-60 years. Out of the 13 cases of H. Pylori gastritis, 11 cases (84.6%) were male and 2 cases (15.3%) were female. The male: female ratio is 5.5 : 1.

The Relationship between Tumor Budding and Stromal Maturity with Tumor Characteristic and Survival in Patients Gastric Cancer

2024-11-23T04:55:57+00:00

Background: Considering the prognostic role of stromal maturity and tumor budding in various cancer types, along with the importance of gastric cancer as the fifth most prevalent cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, this study aimed to investigate the impact of stromal maturity and tumor budding on patients with gastric cancer.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 91 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer and who underwent total gastrectomy in educational hospitals of Babol between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated. Slides corresponding to the deepest invasive tumor edge were reviewed by two independent pathologists to assess tumor budding and stromal maturity. Immunohistochemical staining with AE1/AE3 marker was used to correlate the results of tumor budding evaluation. Other pathological information was collected from patients’ records, and patient survival data were obtained through telephone follow-up. Data analysis was performed with SPSS V.22, utilizing T-test, Anova, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression method. P-value <0.05 was considered as significant level.

Results: The average survival of patients without tumor budding was 64.64 months, while the average survival of the low tumor budding group (less than 5 tumor buds in 10 microscopic fields at ×400 magnification) was 58.38 months, and the high tumor budding group (less than 5 tumor buds) had an average survival of 28.52 months (p=0.002). The average survival of patients with and without stromal maturity was 41.43 and 61.36 months, respectively (p=0.501).

Conclusion: Tumor budding is an independent prognostic factor in gastric adenocarcinoma, but its predictive value is limited to the intestinal type of adenocarcinoma

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cleistanthus collinus; Investigation on Molecular Mechanism of Apoptosis Cell Death Against Lung Cancer Cells

2024-11-23T04:59:31+00:00

Background: The discovery of novel molecular and cellular signaling pathways for cancer medicines would enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy. In the current study, we made an effort to explore the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis cell death signaling pathway in A549 lung cancer cells by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from leaf extract of Cleistanthus collinus.

Methods: In-depth, A549 lung cancer cells were treated with AgNPs, and further studies such as HOECHST 33342, AO/EB, Rhodamine-123 staining, flowcytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting techniques (24, 48, and 72 h) evidenced apoptosis pathway in cancer cells.

Results: Indeed, the microscopic studies proved that AgNPs-treated lung cancer cells appeared with cell shrinkage, membrane swelling, and apoptotic body formation whereas the untreated cells (control) failed to show any morphological consequences. The flow cytometry analysis revealed the G2/M phase of cell cycle arrest by cells were accumulated in large numbers. The RT-PCR data confirmed the expression (Bax and p53) and suppression (Bcl 2) apoptosis-responsive genes in cancer cells. Finally, immunoblotting proved the increased expression of cytochrome c, initiator caspase 9, and executioner caspase 3, which are effective proteins of intrinsic apoptosis activation.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the overall present investigations confirmed the mitochondrial signaling pathway played a key role in inducing apoptosis in A549 cancer cell death and demonstrated that AgNPs are novel therapeutic agents for cancer nanomedicine

Diagnostic Accuracy of Tumor Imprint Cytology for Ovarian Cancer

2024-11-23T05:03:04+00:00

Background: Due to the lack of ovarian cancer screening tools, the combination of clinical findings, serum tumor markers, imaging, and tumor imprint cytology have been studied with the intention of treating the disease. Thus the aim is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of tumor cytology.

Methods: Cross-sectional prospective study carried out on surgically treated ovarian tumors. The participants enrolled from the routine surgery list of the Gynecology Department from August 2022 to June 2024. An intraoperative tumor cytology test was done and compared with the final histopathology report. Descriptive statistics were used and diagnostic accuracy was calculated.

Results: Out of 82 ovarian tumor surgeries one-third were histopathologically proven malignant tumors and the rest were benign conditions. The most common cancers were of epithelial origin followed by stromal and germ cell origin. The diagnostic accuracy of tumor cytology was 80.5% and two-thirds of cancers were correctly detected. Tumor markers could not consistently guide to characterize the tumor's nature.

Conclusion: All malignant tumors had elevated tumor markers but were not exclusive. Tumor cytology together with imaging and tumor markers could help decide the extent of surgery.

The Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Virulence Factors in Gastric Cancer in Thi-Qar, Iraq

2024-11-23T05:07:03+00:00

Background: The significance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in developing gastric cancer has been increasingly recognized. However, a noticeable gap exists in the literature regarding the prevalence of key virulence factors, particularly in Iraq. Therefore, Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the presence of virulence factors, namely the CagA and VacA genes, in gastric cancer patients.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 45 gastric cancer patients (38 males and 7 females) from September 2020 to February 2021. During routine endoscopic procedures, gastric biopsy specimens were collected from the tumour and adjacent non-tumour tissues. The presence of H. pylori was detected using quantitative real-time PCR, and the virulence factors CagA and vacA were identified using specific primers.

Results: H. pylori infection was detected in a significant 85% (38/45) of the patients, with a higher prevalence in males 89.5% (34/38) compared to females 10.5% (4/38) (P=0.021) (Chi-square test). No significant age-related differences were observed. The CagA gene was present in a substantial 58.8% (22/38) of H. pylori-positive patients, predominantly in tumor tissues at 81.81% (18/22), while the vacA gene was found in only one patient. These results underscore the importance of our research in understanding the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the presence of virulence factors in gastric cancer patients.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of H. pylori infection and the significant presence of the CagA virulence factor in tumour tissues underscore the bacterium’s role and risk factors in gastric carcinogenesis in Thi-Qar, Iraq.

Ameliorative Potential of Ursolic Acid Isolated from Morina coulteriana Royale Targeting P53 Gene Mutation Induced by Cyclophosphamide

2024-11-23T05:18:06+00:00

Objective: More than 50% of human cancers show mutated TP53 gene. Reactivation or restoration of p53 mutations is viewed as a potential approach for treating cancer. The objective of the present study was to determine whether ursolic acid (UA) could effectively restore the p53 mutations to their wild type or normal state and upregulate its expression.

Methods: The animals were divided into 3 groups, each with 10 mice. Group I was the negative control which received normal saline with 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Group II was the positive control which received cyclophosphamide (CP) (50mg/kg bw) intrapritonealy for 4 days continuously after which the animals were kept on normal saline for the rest 10 days. The treatment group received cyclophosphamide (CP) initially for the first 4 successive days intraperitoneally (50mg/kg bw) and then ursolic acid (UA) (60 mg/kg bw) orally for the next 10 days (post-treatment). Isolated DNA was used in Sanger sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified product of the TP53 gene.

Results: Our study demonstrated that UA treatment post CP injection had a restoration efficacy of 89.08%. The molecule, in this investigation, was able to restore the wild type (normal) conformation to the mutations induced by cyclophosphamide in the TP53 gene. 89.08 % mutations converted back to their normal or wild-type forms in the treatment group.

Conclusion: Several investigations have been carried out on this molecule and have indicated UA as a promising chemopreventive agent. The most frequently mutated gene in any type of cancer is the tumor suppressor p53 and UA has shown a potential in functional restoration of the mutated p53 protein. p53 is known to play a vital role in apoptosis and the p53 dependent apoptotic pathway is of prime importance in cancer therapy. Though there has been pioneering work on PRIMA-1 and thiosemicarbazones, identification and development of additional molecules is required.

Assessing Health Literacy, Learning Needs, and Patient Satisfaction in Cancer Care: A Holistic Study in the Omani Context

2024-11-23T05:19:32+00:00

Background: Health literacy is essential in cancer care, affecting patient outcomes, perception, and involvement in healthcare decisions. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and identify gaps and relationships between the levels of health literacy, learning needs, and satisfaction with educational activities among cancer patients in Oman.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 cancer patients at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Medical City, in Muscat, Oman. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which measured health literacy using the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA), assessed learning needs based on importance, and evaluated satisfaction with educational activities. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23 to identify relationships between the variables.

Results: The average health literacy score was 4.36, indicating a generally high level of health literacy among the participants. Learning needs were highest for chemotherapy and hormonal therapy (mean = 4.65), while satisfaction with education activities was highest for overall experience (mean = 4.38). However, there were notable gaps between the perceived importance of learning needs and satisfaction with educational activities, particularly in chemotherapy and hormonal therapy (gap = 0.46). A moderate positive correlation was found between health literacy and learning needs (r = 0.341, p = 0.022), while a stronger positive correlation existed between health literacy and satisfaction with educational activities (r = 0.58, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion: Improving health literacy and addressing gaps in learning needs and educational satisfaction are crucial for enhancing cancer care outcomes and patient satisfaction in Oman.

Unveiling the Anticarcinogenic Efficacy of Nirgundi with Emphasis on Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

2024-11-23T05:25:39+00:00

India contributes one-third to the global cancer burden, which may be attributed to the fact that the diagnosis is usually made in the advanced stage. Oral cancer is the most common cancer, predominantly caused by the use of tobacco in middle-aged males in India. The concept of chemotherapy initially emerged after systemic mustard gas poisoning damaged the bone marrow and lymphatic tissues. Traditional medicine has been proven to have medicinal value with fewer side effects as compared to allopathic drugs. Phytochemicals have been reported to exert anticancer effects by modulating the immune response and targeting the molecular mechanisms. Few studies have demonstrated that the traditional herbs exert antitumor efficacy by inducing cytotoxicity, promoting apoptosis, regulating epigenetic modifications, inhibiting metastasis along with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) in various composition has been used in producing commercial pharmaceutical products for the management of both oral health and general health. The present review focuses on the antitumorigenic efficacy of Nirgundi in various cancers, with an emphasis on oral cancer.