Antiangiogenic therapy has entered clinical practice and shown good clinical benefits. However, no validated biomarker has been confirmed to be useful for screening patients who will respond to antiangiogenic therapy. Many systemic, circulating, tissue and imaging biomarkers are emerging and need to be prospectively validated.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Biomarkers ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy

Objective To compare the difference of the HBsAg detected results between the Roche cobas e601 electrochemilumi-nescence immunoassay instrument and the Abbott Architect i2000chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay instrument.Methods The HBsAg positive specimens with the quantitation results of lower than 250IU/mL detected by the Abbott Architect i2000 were selected and simultaneously detected by the Roche cobas e601.The differences of detected results were compared and per-formed the linear correlation and analysis regression.Results 46 clinical specimens were detected.The detected results had best correlation between the two instruments by getting rid of 1 specimen with unconformable reactivity of detected results.15 speci-mens had the HBsAg detected result of 0.05-1.00 IU/mL by the Abbott Architect i2000,the linear regression equation was Y =17.49X+0.843(r=0.979);15 specimens had the HBsAg detected result of 1.1 -10.00 IU/mL IU/mL by the Abbott Architect i2000,the linear regression equation was Y =15.72X +21.06(r=0.952);15 specimens had the HBsAg detected result of 11 -250 IU/mL by the Abbott Architect i2000,the linear regression equation was Y =29.17X -129(r=1.000).Conclusion The detected results have better correlation between the two instruments and can be mutually converted by the formulas.

Objective To study the neuroprotective effect of orexin-B on rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and its molecular mechanism. Methods The artery occlusion model of male Wister rats(middle cerebral ar-tery occlusion,MCAO) was established which has been ischemic 2 h and reperfusion 24 h. Rats were randomly di-vided into sham group (control), ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R), ischemia-reperfusion +PBS group (I/R+PBS),and ischemia-reperfusion +orexin-B group (I/R+OXB). The neurological deficit scores were processed to inclusion and exclusion. Infarct size was determined by TTC staining;Using Western blot,the expressions of orexin receptor 2,p-AKT,p-GSK-3β proteins in hippocampus were detected;Jumping test was used to detect learning and memory abilities in rats. Results Orexin-B significantly reduced the volume of cerebral infarction in TTC staining;orexin-B group was significantly increased the expression of orexin receptor 2as well as p-AKT,which decreased p-GSK-3β (P<0.05),compared with the untreated group. Furthmore,the orexin-B treated group can improve the latency period and decline the mistakes in rat Jumping test(P<0.05). Conclusions The neuroprotective effect of orexin-B in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may enhance p-AKT activity and inhibit p-GSK-3β activity,which may increase the proliferation of neurons and improve the cerebral blood glucose concentration.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination chemotherapy of oxaliplatin with capecitabine(XELOX)in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

METHODSThirty-eight advanced gastric cancer patients who received XELOX regimen during 2004-2009 were analyzed retrospectively. The combination chemotherapy included oxaliplatin as 2-hour infusion on day 1 and capecitabine po bid on days 1 to 14. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks.

RESULTSXELOX regime was applied as first-line therapy in 34 patients and as second-line therapy in 4 patients. After three cycles of chemotherapy, the outcomes in 32 patients who received XELOX as the first-line therapy included partial response (n = 8,25.0%), stable disease (n=14,43.8%), and progressive disease (n=10, 31.2%); no patient achieved complete response. The median time to progression and overall survival time were 7.0 months (95% CI: 4.5-9.5 months) and 12 months (95% CI: 9.8-14.2 months), respectively. One-year and two-year survival rates were 40.6% and 23.7%, respectively. Grade 3-4 toxicities including neutropenia (10.5%), thrombocytopenia (2.6%), nausea (7.9%), and vomiting (5.3%)were noted in a few patients.

CONCLUSIONXELOX regimen can be effectively and safely applied as first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Capecitabine ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; administration & dosage ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: To investigate the function and mechanism of phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) in cell-matrix adhesion in colorectal cancer. Methods: Highly metastatic colorectal cancer cell line LoVo and lowly metastatic colorectal cancer cell line SW480 were subjected to cell-matrix adhesion assay. U73122 (a specific inhibitor of PLC) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) (an inhibitor of NF-κB) were used to study the effect of PLCγ1 and NF-κB on cell-matrix adhesion. Furthermore, Western blot and gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) were performed to detect the mechanism of PLCγ1 in colorectal cancer cell adhesion to matrix. Results: Inhibition of PLCγ1 or NF-κB resulted in reduction of cell-matrix adhesion in a dose-dependent manner in LoVo cells(P<0.05), but had no marked effect on SW480 cells. Western blot analysis showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated the phosphorylation of PLCγ1 in LoVo. The results of EMSA indicated that inhibition of PLCγ1 signaling pathway also down-regulated the activity of NF-κB while EGF reversed the function. Conclusion:These data suggest that PLCγ1 plays a pivotal role in the EGF-induced cell-matrix adhesion of highly metastatic colorectal cancer cells and that NF-κB is also functional in this signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy,clinical benefits and toxicities of gemcitabine combined with erlotinib for advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODClinical data of 20 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8 (repeated every 21 days) plus erlotinib 100-150 mg/d at Peking Union Medical College Hospital was reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTSNo patient achieved complete remission or partial remission, 11 patients (55%) had stable disease, and 9 patients (45%) experienced disease progression. The disease control rate was 55%, and clinical benefit rate was 30%. The median progression free survival was 4.0 months, and the median overall survival was 8 months. The total incidence of hematologic toxicity was 70%, including 15% of grade 3-4 leucopenia and 5% of grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. Eleven patients (55%) had rash, which were all grade 1-2. One patient had grade 2 diarrhea and five had grade 1 transaminase elevation. No chemotherapy-related death occurred.

CONCLUSIONSGemcitabine combined with erlotinib is an effective regimen for pancreatic cancer with good clinical tolerance. The most common adverse events are hematologic toxicities and rash.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Erlotinib Hydrochloride ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Quinazolines ; administration & dosage ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect of Corbrin shugan capsule for treatment of alcoholic hepatic fibrosis in rats.

METHODSThe rat model of alcoholic hepatic fibrosis was induced by intragastric administration of alcohol repeatedly. The serum procollagen III (PC III), laminin (LN) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) levels were measured with ELISA, and the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in liver tissue were determined with colorimetric method. Collagen deposition in liver tissue was observed with Masson's staining, and the fibrosis area was measured with digital medical image analysis system (Motic Med 6.0).

RESULTSCompared with the model control group, the serum TIMP-1 and LN levels and hepatic fibrosis area in liver tissue significantly decreased in Corbrin shugan capsule groups with doses of 0.09,0.27 and 0.45 g*kg(-1), and the serum PC III and the Hyp contents in liver tissue also decreased of Corbrin shugan capsule groups with doses of 0.27 and 0.45g*kg(-1).

CONCLUSIONCorbrin shugan capsule can decrease serum PC III, TIMP-1 and LN levels and Hyp levels in liver tissue and hepatic fibrosis area in rats, indicating it may have therapeutic effect on alcoholic hepatic fibrosis.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Hydroxyproline ; metabolism ; Laminin ; blood ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Procollagen ; blood ; Rats ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; blood

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with solid tumor.

METHODSIn this randomized crossover self-controlled multi-center clinical trial, 154 patients with solid tumor were randomly divided into two groups (group A 77 cases and group B 77 cases). All patients were given the same two cycles of chemotherapy. In group A, the first cycle was treated cycle, in which patients were given rhTPO, while the second cycle was non-treated cycle as a control. In group B, the first cycle was non-treated cycle as a control, while the second cycle was treated cycle. RhTPO 1.0 microg/(kg x d) was administered subcutaneously 6-24 hours after chemotherapy for the longest 14 days. Laboratory tests included complete blood counts, urinalysis, serum chemistry, coagulant test, chest radiography, and electrocardiogram. Serum samples were screened for anti-rhTPO antibodies.

RESULTSIn both group A and group B, platelet decrease and duration had no significant difference between the treated cycle and non-treated cycle. Platelet count was higher in the treated cycle, than in the non-treated cycle: [minimal mean platelet count (64.4 +/- 45.4) x 10(9) cells/L and (52.4 +/- 30.9) x 10(9) cells/L (P=0.000), maximal mean platelet count (263.9 +/- 142.5) x 10(9) cells/L and (148.9 +/- 67.7) x 10(9) cells/L (P=0.000)]. Duration of thrombocytopenia was shorter in the treated cycle than in the non-treated cycle [days with platelet count < 50 x 10(9) cells/L, (2.5 +/- 3.9) and (3.7 +/- 5.7) (P=0.04); days with platelet count recovered > or = 75 x 10(9) cells/L, (10.3 +/- 8.7) and (14.0 +/- 8.9) (P=0.000), and days with platelet count recovered > or = 100 x 10(9) cells/L, (15.9 +/- 10.5) and (21.1 +/- 9.5) (P=0.000)]. The need for platelet transfusion was not significantly reduced in treated cycle. The effects of rhTPO on WBC, Hb, hepatic function, renal function, and coagulant function were not found. Transient low-titer non-neutralizing antibody was developed in one patient. Therapy with rhTPO was tolerated by all patients. Mild side effects were observed in individual patients, including fever, dizziness, and chill. Conclusion Administration of rhTPO after chemotherapy can significantly reduce the degree and duration of thrombocytopenia and promote platelet recovery. Therapy with rhTPO seems to be safe.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; adverse effects ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; Platelet Count ; Recombinant Proteins ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Thrombocytopenia ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Thrombopoietin ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical manifestations,treatment,and prognosis of gastric cancer in the elderly patients.

METHODA total of 252 patients with gastric cancer who admitted to the Oncology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were divided into elderly group (≥ 65 years) and non-elderly group (< 65 years) and the clinical characteristics of these two groups were analyzed and compared.

RESULTSThe elderly accounted for 36.0% of all gastric cancer patients in our department. The proportion of male was significantly higher in elderly group than non-elderly group (male:female = 3.74:1, P=0.020). Abdominal satiety and pain were the most common symptoms,which were significantly lower in elderly group (43.3% vs. 61.7%, P=0.005). However,the frequency of weight loss was significantly higher in the elderly group (15.6% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.015). Significantly more elderly patients with gastric cancer were found the second tumors (12.2% vs. 2.5%, P=0.002). The most common tumor location was cardia (36.7%) in elderly group and antrum (34.6%) in non-elderly group. A small proportion (2.2%) of elderly patients had multi-original lesions, which was not found in non-elderly group. The overall rate of surgery and R0 resection rate were 77.8% and 70.9% respectively, which were similar in both groups. The overall rate of chemotherapy was 98%. The ratio was one third compared with younger patients who received three and more than three lines chemotherapy (3.3% vs. 9.3%), but did not reach statistical difference. More elderly patients chose FOLFOX / XELOX regimen (73.3%) compared with younger arm. The median survival time was 26.5 months in elderly group and 28.0 months in non-elderly group (P=0.835). Subgroup analysis showed that the median survival time of stage 4 gastric cancer was longer in elderly group than in non-elderly group (22.7 months and 16.1 months, respectively; P=0.057), which was marginally statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONSMore old men may get gastric cancer. More elderly patients may present with weight loss. Cardia is the most common tumor location. The ratio of multi-original lesions and secondary tumors is higher for elderly patients. Elderly patients with good performance status can receive surgery and chemotherapy safely. The resection rate is similar between elderly and non-elderly patients. Elderly patients receive more two-drug combination regimens. The overall prognoses are similar between elderly patients and non-elderly patients.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical pathological characteristics and treatment patterns of breast cancer in elderly women.

METHODSA total of 87 patients (≥ 60 years) admitted to our hospital between January and December 2007 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into 60-69-year group and ≥ 70-year group, and their clinical pathological data and treatment modes were summarized and compared.

RESULTSThe tumor size (T2-T3), number of involved axillary lymph nodes,and positive rates of estrogen/progesterone receptors,over-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and ≥ 2 complication were not significantly different between two groups (P > 0.05). The ≥ 70-year group tended to have similar p53 gene mutation and Ki-67 labeling index with the 60-69-year group, although the P values were close to 0.05 (P = 0.09, P = 0.08,respectively). In the ≥ 70-year group, 33.3% of patients underwent extended resection,while in the 60-69-year group, all patients received modified radical treatment (P < 0.005). The percentages of adjuvant chemotherapy were 25% and 56.9% in the ≥ 70-year group and the 60-69-year group (0.005). The percentages of adjuvant endocrine therapy applied after surgery were similar in 2 groups (77.8% and 68.6% separately, P=0.347). Binary logistic regression showed that age,number of involved axillary lymph nodes,and estrogen receptor-positive rate were independently associated with adjuvant chemotherapy,while the pathological tumor size and complication were irrelevant. The 2-year disease-free survival rates of 2 groups were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONSThe clinical pathological characteristics of breast cancer were similar in elderly patients who are 60-69 years old or ≥ 70 years. In the treatment pattern,patients who are ≥ 70 years tend to receive endocrine therapy rather than adjuvant chemotherapy.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies