Comprehensive review of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome with report of two new cases

The BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) tumor predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) is a recently identified hereditary cancer syndrome. Germline mutations in this tumor suppressor gene predispose families to the development of various malignancies. The molecular functions of the gene as well as the clinical phenotype of the syndrome are still being clarified. We sought to conduct a comprehensive review of published research into BAP1-TPDS to more thoroughly delineate the clinical implications of germline BAP1 mutations. We also report two additional families with germline BAP1 mutations. Current evidence demonstrates that germline BAP1 mutations predispose families to uveal melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, malignant mesothelioma, cutaneous melanoma, and possibly to a range of other cancers as well. Some of these cancers tend to be more aggressive, have a propensity to metastasize, and onset earlier in life in patients with BAP1 mutations as compared to non-predisposed patients with equivalent cancers. Although further research is necessary, this information can aid in the management, diagnosis, and therapy of these patients and their families, and highlights the importance of genetic counseling.

nab-Paclitaxel in Combination with Carboplatin for a Previously Treated Thymic Carcinoma

We present the case of a 40-year-old man with previously treated thymic carcinoma, complaining of gradually worsening back pain. Computed tomography scans of the chest showed multiple pleural disseminated nodules with a pleural effusion in the right thorax. The patient was treated with carboplatin on day 1 plus nab-paclitaxel on day 1 and 8 in cycles repeated every 4 weeks. Objective tumor shrinkage was observed after 4 cycles of this regimen. In addition, the elevated serum cytokeratin 19 fragment level decreased, and the patient's back pain was relieved without any analgesics. Although he experienced grade 4 neutropenia and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) injection, the severity of thrombocytopenia and nonhematological toxicities such as reversible neuropathy did not exceed grade 1 during the treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel against thymic carcinoma. This case report suggests that nab-paclitaxel in combination with carboplatin can be a favorable chemotherapy regimen for advanced thymic carcinoma.

Diffuse parenchymal pulmonary amyloidosis showing an objective response to bortezomib-based chemotherapy

A 77-year-old woman was admitted because of bilateral hand numbness and dyspnea on exertion. Her serum IgG was increased, and a bone marrow aspiration analysis supported a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Additionally, computed tomography scans of the chest showed bilateral ground glass attenuations, linear opacities, and consolidations. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed Congo Red-positive amorphous eosinophilic deposits. She was therefore diagnosed with diffuse parenchymal pulmonary amyloidosis accompanied by multiple myeloma. Following combination chemotherapy including bortezomib, her serum monoclonal protein levels were normalized, and pulmonary function and oxygenation improved.

Evaluating the physicochemical properties and inorganic elements of saliva in caries-free and caries-active children. An in vivo study

AIM The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the physicochemical properties of saliva, such as salivary flow rate, volume, pH and buffer capacity and the levels of salivary sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate ions in caries-free and caries-active children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included 100 healthy children aged 7-12 years belonging to a rural population from Thiruvallur district (in Chennai, India), who were divided into Group 1 caries-free and Group 2 caries-active children, of 50 children each. Unstimulated saliva was collected by draining method and flow rate and volume were determined. The samples were then analysed for pH and buffering capacity using a manual pH meter. Sodium, potassium, and calcium concentration were analysed by Flame Photometer. Phosphates were analysed by Fiske and Subbarow's colorimetric method. Data were then statistically analysed using the Student's t-test (unpaired).

RESULTS

The results revealed that when all these parameters were compared among the caries-free and caries-active children, the flow rate, volume, pH and buffering capacity were slightly reduced in the caries-active group and this was statistically significant, whereas the calcium, potassium and sodium concentrations were increased in the caries-free group in a statistically significant manner.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitation of this study, we can conclude that alterations in the physicochemical properties of saliva such as increased salivary flow rate, volume, calcium, sodium and potassium concentrations play a major role in the development of resistance to caries.

Rebamipide attenuates nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) induced lipid peroxidation by the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) overexpression in gastrointestinal epithelial cells

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often cause gastrointestinal complications such as gastric ulcers and erosions. Recent studies on the pathogenesis have revealed that NSAIDs induce lipid peroxidation in gastric epithelial cells by generating superoxide anion in mitochondria, independently with cyclooxygenase-inhibition and the subsequent prostaglandin deficiency. Although not clearly elucidated, the impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, or uncoupling, by NSAIDs is associated with the generation of superoxide anion. Physiologically, superoxide is immediately transformed into hydrogen peroxide and diatomic oxygen with manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Rebamipide is an antiulcer agent that showed protective effects against NSAID-induced lipid peroxidation in gastrointestinal tracts. We hypothesized that rebamipide may attenuate lipid peroxidation by increasing the expression of MnSOD protein in mitochondria and decreasing the leakage of superoxide anion in NSAID-treated gastric and small intestinal epithelial cells. Firstly, to examine rebamipide increases the expression of MnSOD proteins in mitochondria of gastrointestinal epithelial cells, we underwent Western blotting analysis against anti-MnSOD antibody in gastric RGM1 cells and small intestinal IEC6 cells. Secondly, to examine whether the pretreatment of rebamipide decreases NSAID-induced mitochondrial impairment and lipid peroxidation, we treated these cells with NSAIDs with or without rebamipide pretreatment, and examined with specific fluorescent indicators. Finally, to examine whether pretreatment of rebamipide attenuates NSAID-induced superoxide anion leakage from mitochondria, we examined the mitochondria from indomethacin-treated RGM1 cells with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy using a specific spin-trapping reagent, CYPMPO. Rebamipide increased the expression of MnSOD protein, and attenuated NSAID-induced mitochondrial impairment and lipid peroxidation in RGM1 and IEC6 cells. The pretreatment of rebamipide significantly decreased the signal intensity of superoxide anion from the mitochondria. We conclude that rebamipide attenuates lipid peroxidation by increasing the expression of MnSOD protein and decreasing superoxide anion leakage from mitochondria in both gastric and small intestinal epithelial cells.

A case of colorectal cancer with double-activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutations

We describe the case of a 72-year-old woman with locally advanced lung tumor mimicking primary lung cancer. She was diagnosed with rectal cancer at the age of 65 years and was initially treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and thoracic irradiation as a treatment for primary lung cancer. One year later, a thyroid tumor was detected in her right thyroid lobe and was confirmed to have metastasized from rectal cancer based on pathological findings. Therefore, we suspected that she had metachronous double cancers and treated her with conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. However, new life-threatening multiple lung metastases appeared. We treated her with the drug erlotinib because additional genetic analysis against primary lung tumor revealed typical double-activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. Histological review by immunostaining concluded that the primary lung tumor was composed of metastatic tumors from rectal cancer. In addition, genetic analysis revealed that the primary rectal cancer contained nearly the same types of double-activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutations as were present in the lung tumor. This is the first report of a case of rectal adenocarcinoma with double-activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutations.

Liposomal delivery of MicroRNA-7-expressing plasmid overcomes epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistance in lung cancer cells

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have been strikingly effective in lung cancers harboring activating EGFR mutations. Unfortunately, the cancer cells eventually acquire resistance to EGFR-TKI. Approximately 50% of the acquired resistance involves a secondary T790M mutation. To overcome the resistance, we focused on EGFR suppression using microRNA-7 (miR-7), targeting multiple sites in the 3'-untranslated region of EGFR mRNA. Two EGFR-TKI-sensitive cell lines (PC-9 and H3255) and two EGFR-TKI-resistant cell lines harboring T790M (RPC-9 and H1975) were used. We constructed miR-7-2 containing miR-7-expressing plasmid. After transfection of the miR-7-expressing plasmid, using cationic liposomes, a quantitative PCR and dual luciferase assay were conducted to examine the efficacy. The antiproliferative effect was evaluated using a cell count assay and xenograft model. Protein expression was examined by Western blotting. The miR-7 expression level of the transfectants was approximately 30-fold higher, and the luciferase activity was ablated by 92%. miR-7 significantly inhibited cell growth not only in PC-9 and H3255 but also in RPC-9 and H1975. Expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), RAF-1, and EGFR was suppressed in the four cell lines. Injection of the miR-7-expressing plasmid revealed marked tumor regression in a mouse xenograft model using RPC-9 and H1975. EGFR, RAF-1, and IRS-1 were suppressed in the residual tumors. These findings indicate promising therapeutic applications of miR-7-expressing plasmids against EGFR oncogene-addicted lung cancers including T790M resistance by liposomal delivery.

Running with the hares and hunting with the hounds: an impossibility?

Vascular surgery has emerged as an independent speciality in India. The growth and development of vascular surgery in India has been slow, yet steady. It is a matter of concern that almost a quarter century down the line this speciality is faced with several problems. This article examines the issue of whether it is feasible for vascular surgery to exist as an independent subspeciality. Does one follow a conciliatory or a confrontational approach with the 'competing specialities'?

Abstract 4041: Lipofection of the designed plasmid expressing microRNA-7 has antitumor effect in gefitinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma in vivo

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is strikingly effective in tumors harboring activating EGFR mutations since the tumor cells depend on “oncogene addiction” to EGFR signaling that is inhibited effectively by a change in the affinity of ATP and EGFR-TKI to ATP binding site of mutated EGFR. Unfortunately, approximately 50% of patients who responded to EGFR-TKI acquired the resistance to EGFR-TKI due to additional mutation T790M in EGFR. Since T790M mutation restores the affinity of ATP to the ATP binding site of mutated EGFR, the oncogene addiction by EGFR pathway is presumed to sustain in the gefitinib-resistant cells harboring T790M mutation. MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) is predicted to suppress EGFR expression by targeting three sites in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of EGFR mRNA in silico. It was proved to be a potential tumor suppressor in EGFR-TKI-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting the 3′-UTR of EGFR mRNA (#1396: Annual AACR meeting, 2009). The object of this experiment is to elucidate whether the miR-7 is effective or not in vivo. We established gefitinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cell line (RPC-9) carrying a secondary mutation T790M (Cancer Res 67: 7807-14, 2007) from gefitinib-sensitive EGFR mutated (delE746-A750 in exon 19) PC-9 cell line. RPC-9 cells (2 × 106) were injected s.c. into the backs of the female athymic mice at 7 week of age. At 1 week after injection, the mice were randomly assigned into one of three groups (five mice per group) that received either 3 μg/body of miR-7 expressing plasmid, control plasmid or mock using cationic liposome by direct injection. Marked tumor regression was observed within 2 weeks, and 60% of xenograft tumors disappeared. The immunostaining of residual tumor showed the suppression of EGFR expression on the tumor cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show the dramatic effect of miR-7 against EGFR-TKI resistant lung cancer model in vivo.Tumor size after treatment with miR-7 Day 1Day 5Day 11Day 18miR-710094.9445.7914.62*Control100144.0103.3242.6*tumor size(%), *p=0.00253, tumor diminished macroscopically in miR-7 group(3/5)

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4041.

Prevalence of immediate vasovagal reaction in blood donors visiting two blood banks of Karachi

Vasovagal reaction (VVR) is a very common adverse event related to blood donation. No study has been conducted in Pakistan to estimate the prevalence of VVR in blood donors. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of immediate VVR in blood donors of Karachi, Pakistan. The study was conducted in two blood banks of Karachi. Data regarding the development of immediate VVR were documented. The effect of blood donation on vital parameters like pulse rate, blood pressure (BP), temperature and respiratory rate was also observed. Six hundred and seventy-four blood donors were recruited. All the donors who consented were males. Weakness and dizziness were two most common symptoms which were reported by 91 (13.5%) and 73 (10.8%) of the participants, respectively. Out of 91 donors in whom signs and symptoms of immediate VVR were observed, a significant drop in systolic BP (13.5 +/- 2.5 mmHg) and decrease in pulse rate (13.3 +/- 3.6) were concurrently noted in 55 donors (8.2% of all the participants). There was lack of association of age, body mass index (BMI), estimated blood volume, ethnicity, educational status, profession and first time donation status with the frequency of VVR. Only marital status was found to be significantly associated with higher frequency of immediate VVR, where married donors were having higher odds as compared to singles. The prevalence of VVR in the blood donors at two blood banks of Karachi is at least 8.2%. Furthermore, married men are at more risk of experiencing VVR in our population.

[Treatment-refractory-dental-extraction-associated pyothorax involving infection by 2 species of oral originated bacteria requires surgical debridement by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)]

Cases of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) diagnosed clinically by CT after dental extraction rarely include verification of bacteria from the local infection site. We report the case of a 70-year-old man without background disease suffering severe pyothrax after dental extraction. We detected two species of oral bacteria from his pleural effusion. Treatment was so difficult that it required surgical debridement by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), even after the appropriate administration of antibiotics. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) prophylaxis guidelines for preventing infective endocarditis indicate that it is uncommon to prescribe antibiotics to patients without background disease after dental extraction. No appropriate Japanese guidelines exist considering the prevention of SPE causing severe pyothorax as in our case. The hematogenous spread of bacteria such as SPE caused by sepsis after tooth extraction thus requires more attended careful consideration in clinical practice if patients are to be properly protected against potentially serious complications.

The effect of alemtuzumab maintenance therapy on B and T lymphocytes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

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Background: We are conducting a pilot, exploratory study of the potential value of alemtuzumab(alem) in maintenance therapy of previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients(pts) after they have achieved stable disease or partial remission with chemo or chemo-immunotherapy. We present the results of serially monitored CD19+ (B)lymphocytes and CD4+ (T) lymphocytes on eight evaluable patients. Methods: 30mg doses of alem were administered SC to all patients at the following schedule: wkly for 8 doses (8 wks), followed by q2 wks for 8 doses(16 wks), followed by q3 wks for 8 doses (24 wks). This schedule provides a total of 48 wks of maintenance treatment with alem. Patients received standard prophylaxis with sulfamethoxizole and acyclovir with regular CMV monitoring by quantitative PCR. Results: In the table we present data on the pattern of decrease in blood CD19+(B) cells and CD4+ (T) cells on eight evaluable pts at different time points after starting alem maintenance. Because flow cytometry was not done on all pts at each time point, the number of pts contributing to the calculation of mean counts at each given time point is variable. CD19+(B) cells were markedly reduced to 37% of baseline consistently, from 8 wks onward. CD4+(T) cells, on the other hand, were consistently higher than 50% of the baseline after 8 wks. No opportunistic infections were seen in any pt and treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion: These results from a single institution based pilot study demonstrate that alem used in maintenance schedule is effective in keeping the blood levels of CD19+(B) cells extremely low without concordant suppression of CD4+(T) lymphocytes.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Table: see text]

Impact of prognostic markers on outcomes in patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with the regimen of fludarabine/rituximab plus oblimersen (Bcl-2 Antisense)

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Background: Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein is associated with treatment resistance and poor prognosis in pts with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Preclinical studies have shown that oblimersen (Obl) enhances apoptosis induced by fludarabine (Flu) and rituximab (Rit). Increased CR and nPR in a phase 3 study confirmed the clinical benefit of combining Obl with a standard Flu+cyclophosphamide regimen in relapsed or refractory CLL pts. Similarly, in a phase 2 study, we found encouraging clinical activity when Obl was added to Flu/Rit. Here we report on outcomes related to baseline prognostic markers. Methods: All patients received Flu+Rit+Obl. Pts received Obl 1.5mg/kg/d, d1–7 by continuous IV, Rit (125 mg/m2 on d4, 250 mg/m2 on d6), and Flu 25mg/m2/d, d6–8 in the 1st cycle, and Obl 3mg/kg/d and Rit 375mg/m2 on d5 only, plus Flu on d5–7 in later q28 d cycles. Baseline data were collected on baseline cytogenetics and expression of Zap-70 and CD38 expression. Results: In the initial cohort, 24 pts (19 PT, 5 UT) were treated. CD 38 over-expression, Zap-70 expression, and abnormal cytogenetics were common; normal karyotypes (NK) were observed in only 5 (3 UT, 2 PT) pts. Median number of Flu+Rit+Obl cycles was 6. Overall, 5/5 UT and 12/19 PT pts responded. Two molecular CRs were noted (by flow and IgVh gene analysis), including 1 UT (CD38+, NK) and 1 PT (13q deletion) that had been refractory to Flu+Rit+Obl. Three nPRs were noted (2 UT [both CD38 and Zap-70+; 1 trisomy 12; 1 NK], and 1 PT [13q deletion]). Two PRs were observed in pts refractory to Flu and Flu+Rit, respectively. Two PRs were observed in 2 pts with poor risk (11q-) cytogenetics. Overall, 8/10 CD38+ pts and 5/11 Zap-70+ pts responded. Conclusions: Flu+Rit+Obl is an active and tolerable regimen in CLL. Major responses were noted in Flu- and/or Rit-refractory pts. Activity is noted despite poor prognostic markers. Accrual is ongoing. Efficacy, safety, and Bcl-2 regulation data will be presented.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

The evolving role of Alemtuzumab in management of patients with CLL

New insights into prognostic markers and the pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are beginning to change the concept of CLL treatment. Alemtuzumab has evolved as a potent and effective therapeutic option for patients with CLL. Specifically, alemtuzumab has demonstrated substantial efficacy in fludarabine-refractory patients and has shown impressive responses when administered subcutaneously in first-line therapy. A group of experts gathered to discuss new data related to the use of alemtuzumab in CLL and to assess its place in the rapidly changing approach to treating patients with this disease. The main goals of this program were to update the management guidelines that were previously developed for alemtuzumab-treated patients and to provide community oncologists with guidance on the most effective way to integrate alemtuzumab into a CLL treatment plan.

Dermatoglyphic peculiarities in children with oral clefts

In humans, the development of the primary palate and the lip is completed by the 7th week of intra uterine life and that of secondary palate by 12th week. The dermal ridges develop in relation to the volar pads, which are formed by the 6th week of gestation and reach maximum size between 12th and 13th weeks. This means that the genetic message contained in the genome--normal or abnormal is deciphered during this period and is also reflected by dermatoglyphics. Hence this study was done in order to observe the differences in dermatoglyphic patterns between the children with oral clefts and normal children and to determine the usefulness of dermatoglyphics in studying the genetic etiology of oral clefts. Dermatoglyphic data from 50 oral cleft children and 50 normal children were collected using the ink method and comparison was done between them. In the present study, we found an increase in the ulnar loop patterns on the distal phalanges of the ten fingers, an increase in the atd angle and an increase in the fluctuating asymmetry of the atd angle in the oral cleft children which indicates the degree of developmental instability of the oral cleft individual.

[A case of a young woman with tuberculous peritonitis diagnosed owing to high value of ADA]

A 26-year-old woman visited the first hospital due to ascites in August 2003, She had continual abdominal pain diagnosed as Irritable bowel disease after a gastrointestinal and colon fiberscopy was performed. Chest-abdominal CT scan revealed normal chest, massive ascites and swollen ovary. To rule out malignancy, surgical biopsy was performed, which brought no significant findings. We focused on the high value of Adenosin deaminase (ADA) in ascites and strongly suspected tuberculotic peritonitis. Consequently, pathologist confirmed the existence of bacterial bodies stained by acid-fast stain after our consultation. Compared with the poor diagnostic accuracy of surgical biopsy, the value of ADA in ascites has a very high sensitivity and specificity. Considering the high risk of being infertile, to begin diagnostic medication of tuberculotic peritonitis is an acceptable choice for young women with a high value of ADA in the ascites.

Experience with Implanon in a northeast London family planning clinic

AIM

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the continuation rates of a relatively new long-acting method of contraception, Implanon. The secondary objective was to study discontinuations related to bleeding problems and their management.

METHOD

A retrospective review of records of women fitted with Implanon was undertaken during February 2000--January 2003.

RESULTS

Results from the secondary objective will be the subject of a separate communication. Of the 147 implants fitted, 132 records could be retrieved; of these, 97% of the women had pre-insertion counselling by the clinician. The most common indications for Implanon usage were choice of a long-acting method, unhappy experience with other contraceptive methods and suboptimal compliance with contraceptive pills and injectables. The median age of fitting was 25 years and 36% of the women were nulliparous. No problems were experienced with fitting or removal of implants. Twenty (15%) women were lost to follow-up. Twenty-two implants were removed by the end of the study period, with 12 (60%) removals attributed to prolonged heavy/light bleeding. There were no known pregnancies during the study. Given that 15% of the women could not be followed up or contacted, the assumed lifetimes of Implanon using the Kaplan-Meier method are 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.82-0.95) at 12 months, 0.80 (0.67-0.88) at 24 months and 0.75 (0.58-0.85) at 35 months. The confirmed lifetimes are 0.84 (0.71-0.91) at 12 months, 0.63 (0.42-0.78) at 24 months and 0.53 (0.28-0.73) at 35 months.

CONCLUSION

Although not free of side-effects, Implanon can be a good choice for women who are properly informed and counselled and seek long-term 'forgettable' contraception.