British journal of cancer
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British journal of cancer · Aug 2013
Multicenter StudyPhase II study of pemetrexed and carboplatin plus bevacizumab as first-line therapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The aim of this open label phase II study (NCT00407459) was to assess the activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacizumab combined with pemetrexed and carboplatin in patients with previously untreated, unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). ⋯ The primary end point of the trial was not reached. However, due to the limitation of a non-randomised phase II design, further data are needed before drawing any definite conclusion on the role of bevacizumab in MPM.
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British journal of cancer · Aug 2013
Downregulation of miR-302c and miR-520c by 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment enhances the susceptibility of tumour cells to natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
NKG2D recognises several ligands, including polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related chain-related proteins A and B (MICA/B) and unique long 16-binding proteins (ULBPs). These ligands are present on cancer cells and are recognised by NKG2D in a cell-structure-sensing manner, triggering natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. However, the mechanisms that control the expression of NKG2D ligands in malignant cells are poorly understood. 1-α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) was recently shown to enhance the susceptibility of melanoma cells to the cytotoxicity of NK cells. However, the function of 1,25(OH)2D3 in other cancers and its potential mechanisms of action remain unknown. ⋯ 1,25(OH)2D3 facilitates the immuno-attack of NK cells against malignant cells partly through downregulation of miR-302c and miR-520c and hence upregulation of the NKG2D ligands MICA/B and ULBP2.
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Population-based studies of breast cancer have estimated that at least some PALB2 mutations are associated with high breast cancer risk. For women carrying PALB2 mutations, knowing their carrier status could be useful in directing them towards effective cancer risk management and therapeutic strategies. We sought to determine whether morphological features of breast tumours can predict PALB2 germline mutation status. ⋯ This study identified minimal sclerosis to be a predictor of germline PALB2 mutation status. Morphological review can therefore facilitate the identification of women most likely to carry mutations in PALB2.
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British journal of cancer · Jun 2013
Histopathologic evaluation of liver metastases from colorectal cancer in patients treated with FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab.
The FOLFOXIRI regimen produces a high rate of radiological and histopathological responses. Bevacizumab added to chemotherapy showed an improvement in pathological response and necrosis of colorectal liver metastases (CLMs). FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab produced promising early clinical results and is under investigation in several randomised trials, although no data are currently available on its effects on response of CLMs and on liver toxicities. ⋯ The addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOXIRI produces high rates of pathologic responses and necrosis of CLM without increasing liver toxicity.