Cancer investigation
-
Cancer investigation · Jun 2013
Association of CTLA-4 polymorphisms with improved overall survival in melanoma patients treated with CTLA-4 blockade: a pilot study.
CTLA-4 blockade with monoclonal antibodies can lead to cancer regression in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM). CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms may influence the response to anti-CTLA-4 antibodies although few data are available regarding this issue. ⋯ We found a significant association between the -1577G/A and CT60G/A genotypes and improved overall survival (Pc < 0.006, Bonferroni corrected), further confirmed by the diplotype analysis (-1577 & CT60 GG-AA diplotype, p < 0.001). A positive trend toward an association between these genotypes and response to therapy was also observed.
-
Cancer investigation · May 2012
ReviewTreatment of adult soft tissue sarcoma: old concepts, new insights, and potential for drug discovery.
Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal tumors that vary in their behavior as well as treatment. Certain histologic subtypes predict for response to particular chemotherapy drugs, while molecular genetics not only increasingly aid in the diagnosis but also has an emerging role in the identification of potential targets for drug therapy. Herein we review the varying soft tissue sarcoma subtypes, their staging, and management. Furthermore, improvement in the understanding of novel mechanisms involved in soft tissue sarcomas lends insight into the compelling role of the use of newer agents with promising results that are discussed.
-
Cancer investigation · Mar 2012
ReviewPeritoneal carcinomatosis: cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC--overview and basics.
Tumor involvement of the peritoneum-peritoneal carcinomatosis-is a heterogeneous form of cancer that had been generally regarded as a sign of systemic tumor disease and as a terminal condition. The multimodal treatment approach for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, which had been conceived and developed, consists of what is known as cytoreductive surgery, followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Depending on the tumor mass as assessed intraoperatively and the histopathological differentiation, patients who undergo cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC have a significant survival benefit. ⋯ In view of the substantial logistic effort and the extent of the surgery involved, this treatment approach represents a major challenge both for patients and for surgical oncologists, as well as for the members of the overall interdisciplinary structure required, which includes oncology, anesthesiology and intensive care, psycho-oncology, and patient management. The surgical procedures alone may take 8-14 hr. The present paper provides an overview of the basis for the approach and the use of specialized classifications and quantitative prognostic indicators.
-
Cancer investigation · May 2011
ReviewAntiangiogenic agents in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present with advanced disease requiring systemic chemotherapy. Treatment with the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab in combination with standard platinum-based doublet chemotherapy has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC. Several multitargeted antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., sorafenib, sunitinib, cediranib, vandetanib, BIBF 1120, pazopanib, and axitinib) are also being evaluated in combination with standard chemotherapy. Here we review current clinical data with combination therapy involving antiangiogenic agents and cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.
-
Cancer investigation · Dec 2010
Clinical TrialHigh-level mRNA of excision repair cross-complementation group 1 gene is associated with poor outcome of platinum-based doublet chemotherapy of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer patients.
DNA excision repair gene expression plays a pivotal role in the resistance of platinum-based doublet chemotherapy of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) mRNA level in fresh tumor tissue and the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy of NSCLC. ⋯ High level of ERCC1 mRNA may serve as a useful prognostic factor for poor outcome in advanced NSCLC patients treated with platinum-based third-generation doublet chemotherapy and may provide important information to guide tailored therapy of NSCLC patients.