CD markers polymorphisms as prognostic biomarkers in hematological malignancies

AML treatment: conventional chemotherapy and emerging novel agents

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is driven by complex mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities with profound tumoral heterogeneity, making it challenging to treat. Ten years ago, the 5-year survival rate of patients with AML was only 29% with conventional chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. All attempts to improve conventional therapy over the previous 40 years had failed. Now, new genomic, immunological, and molecular insights have led to a renaissance in AML therapy. Improvements to standard chemotherapy and a wave of new targeted therapies have been developed. However, how best to incorporate these advances into frontline therapy and sequence them in relapse is not firmly established. In this review, we highlight current treatments of AML, targeted agents, and pioneering attempts to synthesize these developments into a rational standard of care (SoC).

CD38 gene polymorphism rs1130169 contribution to the increased gene expression and risk of colorectal cancer (pilot study)

BACKGROUND

Genetic variations in immune signaling genes may have regulatory effect on phenotypic heterogeneity of immune cells and immune functions, hence promoting tumor growth.

PURPOSE

We compared the frequencies of potentially functional CD38 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1130169 (T > C) in 86 healthy controls and 90 colorectal cancer (CRC) cases to assess their association with cancer risk and CD38 gene expression.

RESULTS

The association between allele C rs1130169 and CRC risk was observed. Allele C was also significantly correlated with an increased CD38 mRNA level and CD38 positive cell percentages in peripheral blood of healthy controls that could be a possible explanation for CRC risk in C allele carriers. In peripheral blood of CRC patients CD38 mRNA and serum soluble CD38 protein levels significantly differed from those in healthy controls. Calculation of the CD38 full-length and with the third exon deletion mRNA ratio in corresponding samples showed that the mRNA isoform ratio was significantly higher in CRC cases than in controls. It suggests that alternative splicing regulates elevation of CD38 full-length mRNA level in peripheral blood of CRC patients. We also have observed higher expression levels of CD38 full-length mRNA in peripheral blood of CRC patients with lymph node metastases compared to patients without metastases.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated biological significance of rs1130169 variations that can alter differences in CRC risk by regulating CD38 gene expression.

The fate of adipose tissue and adipose-derived stem cells in allograft

Utilizing adipose tissue and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) turned into a promising field of allograft in recent years. The therapeutic potential of adipose tissue and ADSCs is governed by their molecular secretions, ability to sustain multi-differentiation and self-renewal which are pivotal in reconstructive, genetic diseases, and cosmetic goals. However, revisiting the existing functional capacity of adipose tissue and ADSCs and their intricate relationship with allograft is crucial to figure out the remarkable question of safety to use in allograft due to the growing evidence of interactions between tumor microenvironment and ADSCs. For instance, the molecular secretions of adipose tissue and ADSCs induce angiogenesis, create growth factors, and control the inflammatory response; it has now been well determined. Though the existing preclinical allograft studies gave positive feedback, ADSCs and adipose tissue are attracted by some factors of tumor stroma. Moreover, allorecognition is pivotal to allograft rejection which is carried out by costimulation in a complement-dependent way and leads to the destruction of the donor cells. However, extensive preclinical trials of adipose tissue and ADSCs in allograft at molecular level are still limited. Hence, comprehensive immunomodulatory analysis could ensure the successful allograft of adipose tissue and ADSCs avoiding the oncological risk.

ImmunoPET imaging of hematological malignancies: From preclinical promise to clinical reality

Immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging is a paradigm-shifting imaging technique for whole-body and all-lesion tumor detection, based on the combined specificity of tumor-targeting vectors [e.g., monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nanobodies, and bispecific antibodies] and the sensitivity of PET imaging. By noninvasively, comprehensively, and serially revealing heterogeneous tumor antigen expression, immunoPET imaging is gradually improving the theranostic prospects for hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarize the available literature regarding immunoPET in imaging hematological malignancies. We also highlight the pros and cons of current conjugation strategies, and modular chemistry that can be leveraged to develop novel immunoPET probes for hematological malignancies. Lastly, we discuss the use of immunoPET imaging in guiding antibody drug development.

Effects of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors on the Risk of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Result of a Hospital-based Case-Control Study

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common malignancy in adults. A vast variety of environmental and lifestyle factors play a role in AML incidence. This study aimed to assess the factors related to AML.

Study design: A case-control study.

Methods: This case-control study was performed on 137 AML cases during 2018-2021 at Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, and 137 gender/age-matched controls. A questionnaire including 12 items was used to obtain information about lifestyle and environmental factors. A univariate and multiple variate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR), and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to investigate the relationship between the studied variables and the incidence of AML.

Results: Based on findings, 62 (45.3%) out of the 137 leukemic cases were male and 75 (4.7%) were females. A statistically significant increased risk for AML was found with regard to prior usage of cytotoxic agents (OR: 8.00, 95% CI: 1.01, 63.9, P=0.050), family history of malignancies (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.65, 7.92, P=0.001), exposure to electrical power (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.52, 6.81, P=0.002), and history of mental diseases (OR: 8.50, 95% CI: 3.64, 19.80, P=0.001). It was found that the AML incidence had no association with age, gender, radiation therapy, cigarette smoking, prior chemotherapy, congenital disorders, exposure to chemical agents, history of infectious mononucleosis, exercise, and blood transfusion (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The current results suggested that cytotoxic agents, family history of malignancy, mental disorders, and exposure to electrical power could play a role in AML incidence.