The diagnostic value of G-CSF measurement in the sera of colorectal cancer and adenoma patients. Clin Chim Acta. 2006;371:143-147. [PMID: 16603145 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2006.02.037]

Glycoproteomics-based liquid biopsy: translational outlook for colorectal cancer clinical management in Southeast Asia

Colorectal cancer (CRC) signifies a significant healthcare challenge in Southeast Asia. Despite advancements in screening approaches and treatment modalities, significant medical gaps remain, ranging from prevention and early diagnosis to determining targeted therapy and establishing personalized approaches to managing CRC. There is a need to expand more validated biomarkers in clinical practice. An advanced technique incorporating high-throughput mass spectrometry as a liquid biopsy to unravel a repertoire of glycoproteins and glycans would potentially drive the development of clinical tools for CRC screening, diagnosis and monitoring, and it can be further adapted to the existing standard-of-care procedure. Therefore this review offers a perspective on glycoproteomics-driven liquid biopsy and its potential integration into the clinical care of CRC in the southeast Asia region.

Plasma protein changes reflect colorectal cancer development and associated inflammation

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Efficient non-invasive blood-based biomarkers for CRC early detection and prognosis are urgently needed.

Methods

To identify novel potential plasma biomarkers, we applied a proximity extension assay (PEA), an antibody-based proteomics strategy to quantify the abundance of plasma proteins in CRC development and cancer-associated inflammation from few μL of plasma sample.

Results

Among the 690 quantified proteins, levels of 202 plasma proteins were significantly changed in CRC patients compared to age-and-sex-matched healthy subjects. We identified novel protein changes involved in Th17 activity, oncogenic pathways, and cancer-related inflammation with potential implications in the CRC diagnosis. Moreover, the interferon γ (IFNG), interleukin (IL) 32, and IL17C were identified as associated with the early stages of CRC, whereas lysophosphatidic acid phosphatase type 6 (ACP6), Fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (FLT4), and MANSC domain-containing protein 1 (MANSC1) were correlated with the late-stages of CRC.

Discussion

Further study to characterize the newly identified plasma protein changes from larger cohorts will facilitate the identification of potential novel diagnostic, prognostic biomarkers for CRC.

Identifying Novel Biomarkers Ready for Evaluation in Low-Prevalence Populations for the Early Detection of Lower Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Prognosis improves with earlier diagnosis, and non-invasive biomarkers have the potential to aid with early detection. Substantial investment has been made into the development of biomarkers; however, studies are often carried out in specialist settings and few have been evaluated for low-prevalence populations.

METHODS

We aimed to identify novel biomarkers for the detection of lower GI cancers that have the potential to be evaluated for use in primary care. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies published in English from January 2000 to October 2019. Reference lists of included studies were also assessed. Studies had to report on measures of diagnostic performance for biomarkers (single or in panels) used to detect colorectal or anal cancers. We included all designs and excluded studies with fewer than 50 cases/controls. Data were extracted from published studies on types of biomarkers, populations and outcomes. Narrative synthesis was used, and measures of specificity and sensitivity were meta-analysed where possible.

RESULTS

We identified 142 studies reporting on biomarkers for lower GI cancers, for 24,844 cases and 45,374 controls. A total of 378 unique biomarkers were identified. Heterogeneity of study design, population type and sample source precluded meta-analysis for all markers except methylated septin 9 (mSEPT9) and pyruvate kinase type tumour M2 (TuM2-PK). The estimated sensitivity and specificity of mSEPT9 was 80.6% (95% CI 76.6-84.0%) and 88.0% (95% CI 79.1-93.4%) respectively; TuM2-PK had an estimated sensitivity of 81.6% (95% CI 75.2-86.6%) and specificity of 80.1% (95% CI 76.7-83.0%).

CONCLUSION

Two novel biomarkers (mSEPT9 and TuM2-PK) were identified from the literature with potential for use in lower-prevalence populations. Further research is needed to validate these biomarkers in primary care for screening and assessment of symptomatic patients.

Suppressing neutrophil-dependent angiogenesis abrogates resistance to anti-VEGF antibody in a genetic model of colorectal cancer

Using mouse models that recapitulate key genetic abnormalities accumulating during colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, we report that chemically induced colitis promoted development of colon tumors that were largely resistant to anti-VEGF antibody treatment. Serum G-CSF levels were markedly elevated after induction of colitis. Inhibition of G-CSF or Bv8/PROK2 increased the efficacy of anti-VEGF antibody and prevented onset of resistance. To verify the potential clinical relevance of these findings, we examined a series of CRC specimens and found that tumor-infiltrating neutrophils strongly expressed Bv8/PROK2. CRC patients had significantly higher plasma Bv8/PROK2 levels than healthy volunteers and high plasma Bv8/PROK2 levels were inversely correlated with overall survival. These findings establish Bv8/PROK2 as a translational target in CRC, in combination with anti-VEGF agents.

We tested cis-Apc^Δ716/Smad4^+/− and cis-Apc^Δ716/Smad4^+/−Kras^G12D mice, which recapitulate key genetic abnormalities accumulating during colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis in humans, for responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy. We found that even tumors in cis-Apc^Δ716/Smad4^+/−Kras^G12D mice, although highly aggressive, were suppressed by anti-VEGF treatment. We tested the hypothesis that inflammation, a major risk factor and trigger for CRC, may affect responsiveness to anti-VEGF. Chemically induced colitis (CIC) in cis-Apc^Δ716/Smad4^+/− and cis-Apc^Δ716/Smad4^+/−Kras^G12D mice promoted development of colon tumors that were largely resistant to anti-VEGF treatment. The myeloid growth factor G-CSF was markedly increased in the serum after induction of colitis. Antibodies blocking G-CSF, or its target Bv8/PROK2, suppressed tumor progression and myeloid cell infiltration when combined with anti-VEGF in CIC-associated CRC and in anti-VEGF-resistant CRC liver metastasis models. In a series of CRC specimens, tumor-infiltrating neutrophils strongly expressed Bv8/PROK2. CRC patients had significantly higher plasma Bv8/PROK2 levels than healthy volunteers and high plasma Bv8/PROK2 levels were inversely correlated with overall survival. Our findings establish Bv8/PROK2 as a translational target in CRC, in combination with anti-VEGF agents.

Plasma cytokine levels and the presence of colorectal cancer

Background/Aims

Cancer-related activation of cytokine networks are central aspects of tumor development. The goal of the study was to examine the possibility of plasma cytokines for the screening of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

We carried out a multicenter, hospital-based case-control study in 66 adult Japanese patients with CRC and 87 healthy adult Japanese. A multiplex bead array immunoassay was used to examine 27 different plasma cytokines. Their association with the presence of CRC was evaluated by logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results

Thirteen plasma cytokines were notably associated with the presence of CRC (p< 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the combinatorial assessment of some of these plasma cytokines showed “good” capability for discriminating between CRC patients and control subjects (area under the curve (AUC): 0.819 for the combination of IL-9, Eotaxin, G-CSF, and TNF-α; 0.832 for the combination of IL-4, IL-8, Eotaxin, IP-10, and TNF-α). Individual cytokine assessments presented lower AUCs (0.657–0.755) than the combinatorial cytokine assessments.

Conclusions

The levels of several plasma cytokines varied significantly between CRC patients and control subjects, suggesting the possibility of differentially expressed plasma cytokines as potential biomarkers for detecting the presence of CRC. Our results should be validated in other populations.

Use of amantadine as substrate for SSAT-1 activity as a reliable clinical diagnostic assay for breast and lung cancer

Aim:

Spermidine/spermine N¹-acetyltransferase (SSAT-1) plays a critical role in cell growth, proliferation and death, and is known to be activated in human cancer cells. Amantadine, a US FDA-approved antiviral drug, is a substrate for SSAT-1 and can be used to indirectly measure SSAT-1 activity because of its conversion to acetylamantadine (AA). This study was undertaken to further validate SSAT-1 activity in breast and lung cancer patients.

Results:

An increase in the urinary concentration of AA in lung and breast cancer patients was observed. The 0–2 h collection time point was determined to be optimal in revealing significant differences in urinary AA concentration between healthy controls and cancer patients.

Conclusion:

The high urine concentration of AA could be used as a simple and useful test for the detection of breast and lung cancer.

This study describes a novel noninvasive urine test for detecting and screening of breast and lung cancer using a safe and approved drug called amantadine. Higher concentration of the acetylated form of amantadine in the urine are detectable in the urine of both breast and lung cancer patients as compared with healthy adult volunteers. This test is simple and may serve as a useful tool for determining the presence of breast and lung cancer.

Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase-1 as a diagnostic biomarker in human cancer

Aim:

SSAT-1 is an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell growth. Amantadine, a FDA-approved antiviral drug, is a substrate for SSAT-1. The utility of amantadine as an agent to demonstrate elevated SSAT-1 activity linked to cancer was conducted.

Results:

High levels of SSAT-1 expression were measured in tumor human cell lines, and in breast, prostate and lung tumor tissue. An increase in the urinary levels of acetylated amantadine in cancer patients was observed.

Conclusion:

Increases in SSAT-1 contents in tumor tissue could be of value in targeting cancers with high SSAT-1 expression for confirmation/quantification. The high levels of acetylated amantadine could be used as a simple and useful screening test for the presence of cancer.

In response to cancer, cells tend to overproduce specific enzymes as a self-defense mechanism. By using a safe and reliable method to capture and measure the excess enzyme spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase-1, the presence of cancer can be established. This study describes a novel approach of detecting and screening cancer noninvasively in the urine of cancer patients using a safe and approved drug called amantadine that acts as a smart-tracking agent. Higher levels of the acetylated form of amantadine are detectable in the urine of cancer patients, which may serve as a detection tool. In addition, increases in the amount of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase-1 in tumor tissue may provide a tool for determining the presence of cancer during pathology assessment.

Resistance to Anti-Angiogenic Therapy in Cancer-Alterations to Anti-VEGF Pathway

Anti-angiogenic therapy is one of the promising strategies for many types of solid cancers. Bevacizumab (Avastin), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A, was approved for the first time as an anti-angiogenic drug for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. In addition, the other VEGF pathway inhibitors including small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, sorafenib, and pazopanib), a soluble VEGF decoy receptor (aflibercept), and a humanized monoclonal antibody of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) (ramucirumab) have been approved for cancer therapy. Although many types of VEGF pathway inhibitors can improve survival in most cancer patients, some patients have little or no beneficial effect from them. The primary or acquired resistance towards many oncological drugs, including anti-VEGF inhibitors, is a common problem in cancer treatment. This review summarizes the proposed alternative mechanisms of angiogenesis other than the VEGF pathway. These mechanisms are involved in the development of resistance to anti-VEGF therapies in cancer patients.

Cell Line Secretome and Tumor Tissue Proteome Markers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Objective: In order to find low abundant proteins secretome and tumor tissue proteome data have been explored in the last few years for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this review we aim to summarize the results of studies evaluating markers derived from the secretome and tumor proteome for blood based detection of colorectal cancer. Methods: Observing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for relevant studies published up to 18 July 2017. After screening for predefined eligibility criteria a total of 47 studies were identified. Information on diagnostic performance indicators, methodological procedures and validation was extracted. Functions of proteins were identified from the UniProt database and the the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was used to assess study quality. Results: Forty seven studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Overall, 83 different proteins were identified, with carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) being by far the most commonly reported (reported in 24 studies). Evaluation of the markers or marker combinations in blood samples from CRC cases and controls yielded apparently very promising diagnostic performances, with area under the curve >0.9 in several cases, but lack of internal or external validation, overoptimism due to overfitting and spectrum bias due to evaluation in clinical setting rather than screening settings are major concerns. Conclusions: Secretome and tumor proteome-based biomarkers when validated in blood yield promising candidates. However, for discovered protein markers to be clinically applicable as screening tool they have to be specific for early stages and need to be validated externally in larger studies with participants recruited in true screening setting.

The ESRP1-GPR137 axis contributes to intestinal pathogenesis

Aberrant alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS) events have been associated with several disorders. However, it is unclear whether deregulated AS directly contributes to disease. Here, we reveal a critical role of the AS regulator epithelial splicing regulator protein 1 (ESRP1) for intestinal homeostasis and pathogenesis. In mice, reduced ESRP1 function leads to impaired intestinal barrier integrity, increased susceptibility to colitis and altered colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Mechanistically, these defects are produced in part by modified expression of ESRP1-specific Gpr137 isoforms differently activating the Wnt pathway. In humans, ESRP1 is downregulated in inflamed biopsies from inflammatory bowel disease patients. ESRP1 loss is an adverse prognostic factor in CRC. Furthermore, generation of ESRP1-dependent GPR137 isoforms is altered in CRC and expression of a specific GPR137 isoform predicts CRC patient survival. These findings indicate a central role of ESRP1-regulated AS for intestinal barrier integrity. Alterations in ESRP1 function or expression contribute to intestinal pathology.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor expressed in non-cancer tissues provides predictive powers for recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

To investigate the role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery.

METHODS

Expression of M-CSF, distribution of M2 macrophages (MΦs), and angiogenesis were assessed in the liver, including tumors and peritumoral liver tissues. The prognostic power of these factors was assessed. Mouse isolated hepatic MΦs or monocytes were cultured with media containing M-CSF. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in media was assessed. Furthermore, the role of the M-CSF-matured hepatic MΦs on proliferation of the vascular endothelial cell (VEC) was investigated.

RESULTS

A strong correlation between the expressions of M-CSF and CD163 was observed in the peritumoral area. Also, groups with high density of M-CSF, CD163 or CD31 showed a significantly shorter time to recurrence (TTR) than low density groups. Multivariate analysis revealed the expression of M-CSF or hepatic M2MΦs in the peritumoral area as the most crucial factor responsible for shorter TTR. Moreover, the expression of M-CSF and hepatic M2MΦs in the peritumoral area had better predictable power of overall survival. Values of VEGF in culture media were significantly greater in the hepatic MΦs compared with the monocytes. Proliferation of the VEC was greatest in the cells co-cultured with hepatic MΦs when M-CSF was present in media.

CONCLUSION

M-CSF increases hepatocarcinogenesis, most likely by enhancing an angiogenic factor derived from hepatic MΦ and could be a useful target for therapy against HCC.

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of genkwanin on colorectal cancer in the APC(Min/+) mice

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. To evaluate the antitumor effect of genkwanin on colorectal cancer enhanced by western high-fat diet, we investigated the activity of genkwanin on HT-29 and SW-480 human colorectal cancer lines in vitro and on the APC(Min/+) mice in vivo. In a cell culture system, six different inflammatory cytokines obviously stimulated two cancer cells growth in a concentration-dependent manner, while genkwanin significantly inhibited HT-29 and SW-480 human colorectal cancer cells proliferation and inflammatory cytokine IL-8 secretion. In the APC(Min/+) mice, the body weights, spleen and thymus indexes and immunity cytokine secretions were significantly improved after oral administration 12.5 and 25mg/kg/day of genkwanin. Besides, the tumor multiplicity changes and inflammatory cytokine levels were markedly reduced in two genkwanin-treated groups. The dysplastic adenomatous changes were also obviously ameliorated in gut histopathology. Taken together, our results indicated that genkwanin had a better antitumor activity partly via enhancing host immunity and decreasing the inflammatory cytokine levels. Genkwanin may be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Hematopoietic cytokines as tumor markers in breast malignancies. A multivariate analysis with ROC curve in breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

Plasma levels of selected hematopoietic cytokines: interleukin 3 ( IL-3), stem cell factor (SCF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and the tumor marker carcinoma antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) in breast cancer (BC) patients were investigated and compared to control groups: benign breast tumor patients and healthy subjects.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA, CA 15-3 - using the CMIA method.

RESULTS

A significant differences in the concentration of cytokines (with the exception of IL-3) and CA15-3 between the groups of BC patients, benign breast tumor patients and the healthy controls have been demonstrated. M-CSF has demonstrated higher or equal to CA 15-3 values of diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and the predictive values of positive and negative test results. The M-CSF area under the ROC curve (AUC) was the largest from all the cytokines tested and marginally lower than the AUC of CA 15-3.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the usefulness of M-CSF in diagnosing breast cancer, especially when discriminating between cancer and non-carcinoma lesions.

VEGF, M-CSF and CA 15-3 as a new tumor marker panel in breast malignancies: a multivariate analysis with ROC curve

The plasma levels of Vascular endothelial growth factor, macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and CA15-3 in breast cancer patients (BC) were investigated and compared with control groups: benign breast tumor patients and the healthy subjects. Cytokine levels were determined by the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, CA 15-3 - by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method. Our results have demonstrated significant differences in the concentration of cytokines and CA 15-3 between the groups of BC patients and two control groups. Cytokines have demonstrated equal to CA 15-3 or even higher values of the diagnostic sensitivity (SE), the predictive values of positive and negative test results (PV-PR, PV-NR), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) in the studied groups. The combined use of tested parameters resulted in the increase of the SE, PV-PR and AUC. These findings suggest the usefulness of both cytokines in the diagnosis of BC, but only M-CSF in discrimination between cancer and non-carcinoma lesions, especially in combination with CA 15-3.

Hematopoietic cytokines as tumor markers in gynecological malignancies. A multivariate analysis in epithelial ovarian cancer patients

We investigated plasma levels of selected hematopoietic cytokines: stem cell factor (SCF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and the tumor marker cancer antigen (CA 125) in epithelial ovarian cancer patients as compared with control groups: benign ovarian tumor patients (cysts) and healthy subjects. Cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, CA 125 - using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method. Our results have demonstrated significant differences in the concentrations of M-CSF, G-CSF, SCF (with the exception of GM-CSF), and CA 125 between the groups of ovarian cancer patients, cysts patients, and the healthy controls. When compared with CA 125, M-CSF has equal or higher values of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The M-CSF area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was the largest from all the cytokines tested and slightly lower than the AUC of CA 125. These findings suggest the usefulness of M-CSF in diagnosing ovarian cancer, especially when discriminating between cancer and non-carcinoma lesions.

Hematopoietic cytokines as tumor markers in gynecological malignancies: a multivariate analysis with ROC curve in endometrial cancer patients

Hematopoietic cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of malignant diseases. This study compared the diagnostic utility of hematopoietic growth factors with commonly accepted tumor marker (CA 125) in the early stages (I and II) of endometrial cancer (EC) patients (65) in relation to the control groups: uterine myoma patients (40) and healthy subjects (45). The pretreatment plasma levels of interleukin 3, stem cell factor, granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) were determined by the use of immunoenzyme assay, and those of CA 125 were determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Our results have demonstrated significant differences in the concentration of cytokines and CA 125 between the groups of EC patients, uterine myoma patients, and the healthy controls. M-CSF has demonstrated equal to CA 125 or higher values of the diagnostic sensitivity, the predictive values of positive and negative test results, and the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve in the tested groups. These findings suggest the usefulness of M-CSF in the diagnosis of EC and uterine myomas.

The diagnostic value of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) isoenzymes and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) measurement in the sera of colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The activity of total alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and class I isoenzymes is significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissue than in healthy mucosa. The activity of these enzymes in cancer cells is probably reflected in the sera and could thus be helpful for diagnosing colorectal cancer.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate a potential role of ADH and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) as tumor markers for colorectal cancer. We defined diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve for tested enzymes.

METHODS

Serum samples were taken from 182 patients with colorectal cancer before treatment and from 160 control subjects. Total ADH activity and class III and IV isoenzymes were measured by photometric, but ALDH activity and ADH I and II by the fluorometric method, with class-specific fluorogenic substrates.

RESULTS

There was significant increase in the activity of ADH I isoenzyme and ADH total in the sera of colorectal cancer patients compared to the control. The diagnostic sensitivity for ADH I was 76%, specificity 82%, AND positive and negative predictive values were 85 and 74%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ADH I increased with the stage of the carcinoma. The area under ROC curve for ADH I was 0.72.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest a potential role for ADH I as marker for colorectal cancer.

Biomarkers for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common epithelial malignancy in the world. Since CRC develops slowly from removable precancerous lesions, detection of the lesion at an early stage by regular health examinations can reduce the incidence and mortality of this malignancy. Colonoscopy significantly improves the detection rate of CRC, but the examination is expensive and inconvenient. Therefore, we need novel biomarkers that are non-invasive to enable us to detect CRC quite early. A number of validation studies have been conducted to evaluate genetic, epigenetic or protein markers for identification in the stool and/or serum. Currently, the fecal occult blood test is the most widely used method of screening for CRC. However, advances in genomics and proteomics will lead to the discovery of novel non-invasive biomarkers.

Noninvasive molecular biomarkers for the detection of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in the world. Because CRC develops slowly from removable precancerous lesions, detection of the disease at an early stage during regular health examinations can reduce both the incidence and mortality of the disease. Although sigmoidoscopy offers significant improvements in the detection rate of CRC, its diagnostic value is limited by its high costs and inconvenience. Therefore, there is a compelling need for the identification of noninvasive biomarkers that can enable earlier detection of CRC. Accordingly, many validation studies have been conducted to evaluate genetic, epigenetic or protein markers that can be detected in the stool or in serum. Currently, the fecal-occult blood test is the most widely used method of screening for CRC. However, advances in genomics and proteomics combined with developments in other relevant fields will lead to the discovery of novel non invasive biomarkers whose usefulness will be tested in larger validation studies. Here, noninvasive molecular biomarkers that are currently used in clinical settings and have the potential for use as CRC biomarkers are discussed.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor producing rectal cancer

Background

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing cancer has been reported to occur in various organs, especially the lung. However, G-CSF-producing colorectal cancer (CRC) has never been reported in the English literature.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old man was admitted for the surgical removal of a rectal cancer. Some hepatic tumors in the liver were revealed concurrently, and their appearance suggested multiple liver metastases. Low anterior resection was performed. with the help of histopathological examination and immunohistochemical studies, we diagnosed this case to be an undifferentiated carcinoma of the rectum. After the operation, the white blood cell (WBC) count increased gradually to 81,000 cells/μL. Modified-FOLFOX6 therapy was initiated to treat the liver metastases, but there was no effect, and peritoneal dissemination had also occurred. The serum level of G-CSF was elevated to 840 pg/mL (normal range, <18.1 pg/mL). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry with a specific monoclonal antibody against G-CSF was positive; therefore, we diagnosed this tumor as a G-CSF-producing cancer. The patient died from rapid growth of the liver metastases and peritoneal dissemination 2 months after surgery.

Conclusion

This is the first case of G-CSF-producing rectal cancer, and its prognosis was very poor.

High Expression of Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor in Peritumoral Liver Tissue Is Associated With Poor Survival After Curative Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

To investigate prognostic values of the intratumoral and peritumoral expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factors (M-CSF) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative resection.

Patients and Methods

Expression of M-CSF and density of macrophages (MΦ) were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays containing paired tumor and peritumoral liver tissue from 105 patients who had undergone hepatectomy for histologically proven HCC. Prognostic value of these and other clinicopathologic factors was evaluated.

Results

Neither intratumoral M-CSF nor MΦ density was associated with overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS). High peritumoral M-CSF and MΦ density, which correlated with large tumor size, presence of intrahepatic metastasis, and high TNM stage, were independent prognostic factors for both OS (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively) and DFS (P = .001 and P = .003, respectively) and affected incidence of early recurrence. In a small HCC subset, peritumoral M-CSF was also correlated with both OS and DFS (P = .038 and P = .001, respectively). The combination of peritumoral M-CSF and MΦ had a better power to predict the patients' death and disease recurrence (P < .001 for both).

Conclusion

High peritumoral M-CSF and MΦ were associated with HCC progression, disease recurrence, and poor survival after hepatectomy, highlighting the importance of peritumoral tissue in the recurrence and metastasis of HCC. M-CSF and MΦ may be targets of postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Use of multidimensional separation protocols for the purification of trace components in complex biological samples for proteomics analysis

The routine detection of low abundance components in complex samples for detailed proteomics analysis continues to be a challenge. Whilst the potential of multidimensional chromatographic fractionation for this purpose has been proposed for some years, and was used effectively for the purification to homogeneity of trace components in bulk biological samples for N-terminal sequence analysis, its practical application in the proteomics arena is still limited. This article reviews some of the recent data using these approaches, including the use of microaffinity purification as part of multidimensional protocols for downstream proteomics analysis.

Serum macrophage-colony stimulating factor levels in colorectal cancer patients correlate with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

Elevated serum concentrations of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) have been found in a variety of malignant diseases. The aim of our study was to assess correlations between serum levels of M-CSF and clinicopathological features and survival rates in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

PATIENTS/METHODS

M-CSF and the established tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen - CEA and carbohydrate antigen - CA 19-9) were investigated in the sera of 116 colorectal cancer patients and correlated with the clinical parameters of the disease and with the survival of patients. We compared M-CSF serum levels in CRC with colorectal adenoma patients. M-CSF was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tumor markers were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassays (MEIA).

RESULTS

CRC patients had significantly higher M-CSF and tumor markers levels compared to healthy controls and colorectal adenoma patients, with a significant association between M-CSF levels, disease stage and lymph node metastasis. Serum levels of M-CSF and CEA decreased significantly after radical resection of the tumor. Moreover, the multivariate analysis showed that the serum level of M-CSF in CRC patients was an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the potential clinical use of circulating M-CSF measurements, particularly in estimating prognosis for patients with CRC.