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Editor's Choice : pH Monitoring of Tumor Microenvironment and Low Volume of Urine in Experimental Rats
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Abstract: The pH monitoring of the tumor microenvironment in vivo seems to be in fact complicated and technically quite challenging nowadays. Also the strategy of measuring urine pH of a little amount is not fully solved. Thus, the aim of our study was to monitor pH of urine samples (< 0.1 ml) and of tumor microenvironment of anesthetized rats in a minimal invasive way. The small urine volumes of rats or mice make pH measurements difficult, as standard pH electrodes usually need a minimal volume of several milliliters to function. The manual micromanipulator together with a needle-type housed pH microsensor offers a simple and effective way to do so. Our results show that pH of urine and tumor microenvironment was lower in tumor bearing rats compared to healthy subjects. The unique technology of pH microsensors could be a promising way to monitor the pH in many experimental designs and clinical praxis. Keywords: pH, tumor microenvironment, urine, monitoring, in vivo, rats.Download Full Article |
Editor's Choice : Solitary Extramedullary Plasmocytoma of the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report
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Abstract: Solitary extramedullary plasmocytoma (SEP) of the thyroid gland is a very rare disease. The diagnosis of SEP can be made after ruling out multiple myeloma. Histological examinations, immunohistochemical analysis with an overexpression of CD 138, CD 38 and kappa light chain reaction confirmed this uncommon condition in our case. Medullary carcinoma, MALT-Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the thyroid should be excluded in the diagnosis. Surgical resection and radiotherapy, or a combination of both, are standard treatment methods. However, because of rareness of this disease, no general therapy can be recommended. We report about a 75 year old male patient and its involvement of the right remainder thyroid lobe by SEP five years post a Dunhill-Procedure due to multinodular goiter. Keywords: Solitary, plasmocytoma, extramedullary, thyroid, multiple myeloma.Download Full Article |
Editor's Choice : The Management of Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer
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Abstract: Objectives: To determine the optimal time to wait for urination ability restoration after urethral catheterization and anti – androgen treatment, in cases of acute urinary retention and advanced prostate cancer. Methods: We enrolled 26 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer after transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate and CT or MRI proven advanced stages (T3-T4). We evaluated the dynamic changes of the following factors; IPSS, QoL, Vmax, residual urine, serum concentration of PSA at the following periods; before hormonal treatment, 1, 3 and 6 months after hormonal treatment. Results: How long we have to wait after urethral catheter insertion and hormonal treatment for voiding ability restoration? Our data analyses revealed the answer to this question. The dynamic changes of all the parameters (IPSS, QoL, Vmax, PSA) we studied disclosed interesting regularity. The consequent comparative analyses of parameters showed statistically significant changes only 1 month after anti – androgen treatment. These changes indicate that the prostate cancerous process is significantly suppressed within 1 month after hormonal treatment and there is no point to wait more than 1 month. Conclusion: Analyzing our data we obtained versatile evidence, that in advanced prostate cancer and acute urinary retention cases the optimal time to wait for sufficient voiding is 1 month period after permanent catheter insertion and anti – androgen treatment. Keywords: Non-small-cell lung carcinoma, EGFR, wild-type, erlotinib, second-line.Download Full Article |
Editor's Choice : The Neurotoxicity and Pharmacokinetics of Oral Ifosfamide
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Abstract: Purpose:Ifosfamide can cause an unexplained encephalopathy. The incidence after intravenous infusion is 10%, but is much higher after oral administration. This study assesses the pharmacokinetics of oral ifosfamide in relation to neurotoxicity. Patients and Methods:Eleven patients received oral ifosfamide 500 mg twice daily for 14 days, with concurrent oral mesna. The concentrations of ifosfamide, isophosphoramide mustard, 2-dechloroethylifosfamide, 3-dechloroethylifosfamide, carboxyifosfamide, ketoifosfamide, chloroethylamine and 3-oxazolidine-2-one were measured using GC-MS. Patients were evaluated clinically, and also with the EEG, psychometric testing, the national adult reading test, and the mini-mental state examination. Results:A decrease in the electroencephalogram alpha frequency was observed, with the development of pathological slow wave activity. Psychometric performance was also impaired. Neurotoxicity was progressive during treatment, and the incidence of grade 3 neurotoxicity was 22%. The mean day 14 / day 1 Cmax ratios for 2-dechloroethylifosfamide and 3-dechloroethylifosfamide were 2.73 (± 2.11) and 2.04 (± 1.32) respectively. The metabolite with the lowest ratio was isophosphoramide mustard 1.07 (± 0.39). High chloroethylamine Cmax values were associated with lower alpha frequencies, and increased clinical neurotoxicity. Conclusion:Oral ifosfamide 500 mg twice daily for 14 days causes unacceptable neurotoxicity. It was not possible to identify one particular metabolite responsible for the neurotoxicity, although the dechloroethyl metabolites and chloroethylamine are implicated. Keywords: Oral ifosfamide, metabolites, pharmacology, encephalopathy, electroencephalogram, lung neoplasms, cervical neoplasmsa.Download Full Article |
Editor's Choice : The Role of the IGF Axis in Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition during the Progression of Prostate Cancer
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Abstract: Prostate cancer is the second most common lethal cancer in men worldwide. Despite the fact that the prognosis for patients with localized disease is good, many patients succumb to metastatic disease with the development of resistance to hormone treatments. This is normally termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The development of metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer has been associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process where cancer cells acquire a more mesenchymal phenotype with enhanced migratory potential, invasiveness and elevated resistance to apoptosis. The main event in EMT is the repression of epithelial markers such as E-cadherin and upregulation of mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling axis is essential for normal development and maintenance of tissues, including that of the prostate, and dysregulation of this pathway contributes to prostate cancer progression and malignant transformation. It is becoming increasingly clear that one of the ways in which the IGF axis impacts upon cancer progression is through promoting EMT. This review will explore the role of EMT in prostate cancer progression with a specific focus on the involvement of the IGF axis and its downstream signalling pathways in regulating EMT in prostate cancer. Keywords: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, insulin-like growth factor family, prostate cancer progression, lifestyle factors.Download Full Article |