PI3-kinase inhibition synergistically promoted the anti-tumor effect of lupeol in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Lup-20(29)-en-3H-ol (Lupeol), a dietary triterpene, has been shown to possess multiple pharmacological activities including anti-tumor effects Methods: In the current study, we noted that low doses of lupeol (<40muM) promoted the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells with a significant activation of the PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway. We further investigated the combined anti-tumor effect of lupeol and S14161, a newly identified PI3-Kinase inhibitor in vitro and in vivo Results: The results demonstrated that lupeol and S14161 could exert a synergistic antitumor effect resulting in chemo-sensitization of HCC to low doses of lupeol. Using an in vivo HCC model, we further demonstrated that lupeol and S14161 synergistically inhibited tumor growth without any adverse effects on body weight Conclusion: Our studies showed that the activation of PI3-kinase/Akt pathway resulted in the tumor-promoting effect with low doses of lupeol. Combining PI3-kinase inhibitor with lupeol could synergistically augment the anti-tumor effect of lupeol and might be an applicable strategy for HCC therapy.

via Cancer Cell International

FDG-PET parameter predicts locally advanced lung cancer survival

High post-treatment concentrations of a radioactive imaging marker are predictive of worse overall survival from inoperable, locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, prospective study findings suggest.

via Med Wire News

Factors associated with receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy among married women with breast cancer

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapies are recommended for most women after breast cancer surgery, and can greatly affect the patients' survival. We describe and evaluate possible factors influencing receipt of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy among breast cancer patients in China. Methods: A total of 1,431 women diagnosed with breast cancer from 1997 to 2005 were enrolled. We reviewed medical records and abstracted information about these patients. Details on social-demographic factors and clinical-pathological characteristics of participants were collected and analyzed. To meet our objectives, the patient's age at diagnosis, comorbidities, menstrual status, rural/urban status, tumor size, lymph node status, distant metastasis, tumor stage and hormone receptor status were estimated. Results: Overall, 936 of these 1,431 patients (65.41%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Receipt of chemotherapy was significantly associated with age at diagnosis, rural--urban disparities, and lymph node status of patients, though no significant difference was found between the age <50 and age 50 to 64 groups. Moderate association was also observed between hormone receptor status and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy, though it was still not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study suggests that age at diagnosis, rural--urban disparities and lymph node status of breast cancer patients are independent predictors for receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy among married Chinese women. Further investigations are warranted, and related public health education needs to be expanded in China.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology

Toxicity limits benefits of bevacizumab–erlotinib NSCLC maintenance therapy

Two targeted anticancer drugs used together after first-line chemotherapy for advanced stage non-small-cell lung cancer improve progression-free survival, the results of a large, prospective study show.

via Med Wire News

DNA methylation signature marks recurrence in early stage lung cancer

An international research team has identified a DNA methylation signature that identifies patients with stage I non-small-cell lung cancer who are at high risk for relapse.

via Med Wire News

STAT3 mutations are frequent in T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia with pure red cell aplasia

T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder and can cooccur in the context of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). The aim of the current study was to analyze the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mutation status and its clinical significance in T-LGLL. We found STAT3 mutations in 21.4% of patients with T-LGLL. High beta2-MG (beta2-microglobulin) levels (P = 0.005), neutropenia (P = 0.018) and PRCA (P = 0.001) all displayed a significant association with STAT3 mutations. In univariate analysis, treatment-free survival (TFS) was affected by STAT3 mutation status (P = 0.008) and beta2-MG (P = 0.006). Our results demonstrate the remarkable correlation of STAT3 mutation with PRCA, neutropenia and beta2-MG.

via Journal of Hematology & Oncology

Breast adenomyoepithelioma: a case report with malignant proliferation of epithelial and myoepithelial elements

Background: Breast adenomyoepithelioma is an unusual tumor characterized by a biphasic proliferation of epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Most breast adenomyoepitheliomas are considered to be benign or to have a low-grade malignant potential, characterized by propensity for local recurrence. Malignant changes arising in this lesion are extremely rare and may involve one or both cellular components.Case report: We discuss a case of a 60 year-old woman who began to experience pain in her right breast in January 2009. Breast ultrasound and mammography were performed showing a rounded, hypoechoic solid lesion with ill-defined margins in the right inner-inferior quadrant, suspicious of malignancy. Quadrantectomy of the inner-inferior quadrant of the right breast with sampling of ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes was performed. The histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of adenomyoepithelioma with focal malignant change of the epithelial component, associated with high-grade malignant myoepithelial change. The patient was treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and her right breast received a dose of Gy 50 with a boost of Gy 10 to the tumor bed. At present, the patient shows no sign of tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Breast malignant adenomyoepithelioma is a rare tumor which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other solid breast lesions. Only few cases have been reported in the literature. Diagnosis, optimal therapy and predicting the outcome are problematic issues due to the rarity of this disease which appears to have hematogenous rather than lymphatic spread and usually occurs in primary tumors >= 1.6 cm in size.

via World Journal of Surgical Oncology