Dual or multiple drug loaded nanoparticles to target breast cancer stem cells

Breast cancer stem(-like) cells (BCSCs) have been found to be responsible for therapeutic resistance and disease relapse. BCSCs are difficult to eradicate due to their high resistance to conventional treatments and high plasticity. Functionalised nanoparticles have been investigated as smart vehicles to transport across various barriers and increase the interaction of therapeutic agents with cancer cells, as well as BCSCs. In this review, we discuss the different characteristics of BCSCs, and challenges to tackle BCSCs at cellular and molecular levels. The mechanisms of action and physicochemical properties of the current BCSC targeting agents are also covered. We will focus on the rational design and recent advances of "Nano + Nano" or single tumour targeting nanoparticle systems loaded with dual or multiple agents to kill all cancer cells including BCSCs. These cocktail therapies include the combination of a chemotherapy agent with a BCSC-specific inhibitor, a phytochemical agent or RNA based therapy. Given the heterogeneity of breast tumour tissue, targeting both BCSCs and bulk breast cancer cells simultaneously with multiple agents holds great promise in eliminating breast cancer. The future research needs to focus on overcoming various barriers in the 'clinical translation' of BCSC-targeting nanomedicines to cure breast cancer, which requires a significant multidisciplinary effort.

Relationships of maternal body mass index and plasma biomarkers with childhood body mass index and adiposity at 6 years: The Children of SCOPE study

BACKGROUND

Maternal obesity has been implicated in the origins of childhood obesity through a suboptimal environment in-utero.

OBJECTIVE

We examined relationships of maternal early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), overweight/obesity, and plasma biomarkers of obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and placental function with measures of childhood BMI and adiposity.

METHODS

BMI z-score, sum of skinfold thicknesses (SST), body fat percentage (BFP, by bioelectrical impedance), and waist, arm, and hip circumferences were measured in 1173 6-year-old children of nulliparous pregnant women in the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study, New Zealand. Relationships of maternal early pregnancy (15 weeks' gestation) BMI and biomarkers with these childhood anthropometric measures were assessed by linear regression, with appropriate adjustment.

RESULTS

28.1% of mothers were classified as overweight and 10.1% with obesity; compared with normal weight mothers, the BFP of their children were 5.3% higher (0.16 SD [95% CI, 0.04-0.29] p = .01) and 7.8% higher (0.27 [0.08-0.47] p = .006) with comparable values for BMI z-score and arm, waist, and hip circumferences. Early pregnancy maternal BMI and plasma placental growth factor (PlGF) were associated with higher child's SST, BMI z-score, hip circumference, and BFP. None of the metabolic or inflammatory maternal biomarkers were associated with childhood obesity.

CONCLUSION

In this contemporary large prospective cohort study with extensive maternal/childhood phenotyping and a high prevalence of maternal overweight/obesity, we found independent relationships of maternal early pregnancy BMI with childhood BMI and adiposity; similar associations were observed with PlGF, which may imply a role for placenta function in the developmental programming of childhood obesity risk.

The futility of fertility research? Barriers to embryo research in New Zealand

AIMS

Successive New Zealand Health Ministers have failed to approve guidelines for research using viable human embryos, which effectively places a blanket ban on all research that "uses" viable human embryos in this country. This includes research that aims to improve currently available reproductive technologies, illustrated by a failed application to ministerial ethics committees for a clinical research project investigating the efficacy of in vitro fertilisation procedures. However, no data currently exists describing the degree to which these restrictions are inhibiting reproductive research in this country.

METHODS

We have conducted a qualitative survey of New Zealand researchers from 20 major academic, clinical and governmental institutes to qualify the impact these restrictions are having on New Zealand's research outputs.

RESULTS

The results suggest dissatisfaction with the current guidelines, and the lack of guidance from the Ministry of Health and associated ethics committees regarding what constitutes embryo research and therefore what research can be performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of current guidelines regarding the use of embryos for research is restricting improvements to established reproductive technologies, and any future research. We suggest that the Minister of Health instructs ministerial advisory and ethics committees to review the current guidelines and to define the term "use of embryos".

Stage I granulosa cell tumours: A management conundrum? Results of long-term follow up

Optimal management of women with early stage granulosa cell tumours (GCT) presents a management conundrum - they have excellent prognosis but a third will relapse. Advances uncovering the molecular characteristics of GCT have not been matched by improvements in our understanding and treatment.

METHODS

Stage I GCT patients referred to Auckland City Hospital (1955-2012) and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (1992-2012) were identified. Baseline characteristics, histopathology and outcomes were recorded retrospectively.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty stage I GCT patients were identified with a median age of 49 years. Median follow-up was 7.0 years (range 0.1-44.2 years). Fifty-one patients (32%) relapsed with a median time to relapse (TTR) of 12.0 years (1.3-17.7 years) - 20 initial relapses occurred 10 years post-diagnosis. Higher relapse rates (43% vs. 24% p=0.02) and shorter TTR (10.2 vs. 16.2 years p=0.007) were seen with stage Ic versus stage Ia disease. Cyst rupture was associated with increased relapse (p=0.03). Surgery was the main therapeutic modality at relapse. Eighty six percent of patients received non-surgical management at least once post-relapse. Clinical benefit rate was 43% with chemotherapy, 61% with hormonal therapy and 86% with radiation. Five- and 10-year overall survival (OS) were 98.5 and 91.6%, respectively. Median OS was similar in patients with (24.3 years) and without relapse (22.3 years).

CONCLUSION

Surgery remains fundamental at diagnosis and relapse. Caution should be exercised in recommending adjuvant chemotherapy at initial diagnosis given median OS was greater than 20 years even with relapse. Hormonal therapy at relapse appears encouraging but needs further assessment. Novel treatment strategies need exploration with international collaboration essential for this.

New Zealand University students' knowledge of fertility decline in women via natural pregnancy and assisted reproductive technologies

Female fertility declines with age. University students are the group of people most likely to postpone parenthood, yet several international studies have shown that they overestimate their fertility. We designed a questionnaire based on a previous study in Israel, where university students were asked to answer questions related to their awareness of fertility decline in spontaneous and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) pregnancies, and methods they considered would prolong their reproductive lifespan. Our study has shown that New Zealand University students overestimated the rates of pregnancy for both spontaneous natural and IVF pregnancies. Students are mainly aware of the availability of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), but overestimate their effectiveness. Few students mentioned non-medical or well-being initiatives as measures to prolong parenthood. It is important that university students are aware of the rate of fertility decline in women, as although ARTs can be effective at times, they are not a guaranteed solution to an ageing woman's fertility. New Zealand University students, like other cohorts, overestimated the chances of a woman getting pregnant and predicted the fertility decline to occur much later than it does in reality.

Adult granulosa cell tumors (GCT): 56 years of clinicopathologic outcomes including FOXL2 mutational status

5536

Background: GCT account for 2-3% of ovarian cancers with a tendency for late relapse. Treatment is primarily surgical. The role of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy is more controversial. The FOXL2 mutation (402C→G) has been identified as a potential driver mutation and may be useful in diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of GCT patients (pts) referred to the Auckland Gynae-Oncology Multidisciplinary Team from 1955 to 2011. Baseline characteristics, clinical course, histopathology and survival data was recorded. FOXL2 mutation status was determined by DNA sequencing, and correlated with clinical data. Results: 56 GCT pts were identified. Median (med) age 48.6 years (y) (22-86). Stage I were 82.1%. 48% of tumours were ≥10cm. Med follow up was 10.0y (0.2-40.4). 25 pts progressed, med time to progression (TTP) was 4.5y (0.1-17.7). Med progression free survival was 14.5y. Med overall survival (OS) was 21.8y but med disease specific survival was not reached. 9/18 pts died of disease. Stage III GCT and size ≥10cm had a higher risk of relapse (RR 3.1 and 2.9) and death (RR 8.2 and 8.6) respectively. 17/46 (37%) Stage I pts progressed. Med TTP was 8.3y (1.3 to 17.7), med OS was 29.0y. Stage I relapse rate was higher in tumours ≥10cm (RR 3.9 p<0.01). 12/17 1st relapses were treated with surgery. 10/17 pts received ≥1 line of chemotherapy and 7 ≥1 hormonal therapy. Clinical benefit rates (CR, PR and SD>6m) for first-line chemotherapy was 25% and 71% for hormones. All 7 Stage III pts progressed with med OS of 6.3yr (0.2-12.3y). Currently the FOXL2 mutation statuses are known for 18 patients. 89% carried the mutation. Homozygous, heterozygous and wild-type mutations had no difference in risk of relapse or death. Further FOXL2 mutation analysis is ongoing. Conclusions: This long term series confirms the protracted natural history of this disease. Early stage GCT, despite progression has a good prognosis with med OS >25y. Stage and tumour size remain the most consistent prognostic factors. Whilst surgery remains the mainstay of therapy, the high response rate to hormonal therapy deserves investigation. Currently the FOXL2 mutation status does not appear prognostic but this needs further research.

General practitioner attitudes to direct-to-consumer genetic testing in New Zealand

AIM

The aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of general practitioners (GPs) towards direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing and elicit their perceptions of the risks and benefits associated with DTC genetic testing.

METHOD

A postal questionnaire was mailed to a national random sample of 300 registered GPs from a list provided by the New Zealand Medical Council. Non-responders were followed up with an abridged survey questionnaire.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 38% of the GPs contacted. This consisted of 113 responses from the full questionnaire. The proportion of respondents who had heard about DTC genetic testing was 47.8%. Respondents considered convenience to be the greatest benefit for the individual requesting DTC genetic testing. Misunderstanding of results and inadequate provision of information were perceived to be the greatest risks associated. Lack of knowledge, experience and time were all considered barriers to GPs providing genetic counselling, and a genetic specialist was highlighted as the most appropriate to provide this. Respondents thought advertising of DTC genetic testing should be regulated in a similar manner to DTC advertising of prescription medicines. Clinical validity of tests and counselling were thought to be the most important aspects to be regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

As public access to DTC genetic testing increases, the role of GPs knowledge and training to reflect this growth will become increasingly more important. The 'Patient-Doctor-Counsellor Model of Delivery of Genetic Services' may be more appropriate for the provision of this service than the current model of direct access by patients. The involvement of health professionals in the DTC genetic testing process will aid patients in making informed health decisions, and ensure increased benefit from recent advances in genetic information.

Predictive and prognostic molecular markers for cancer medicine

Over the last 10 years there has been an explosion of information about the molecular biology of cancer. A challenge in oncology is to translate this information into advances in patient care. While there are well-formed routes for translating new molecular information into drug therapy, the routes for translating new information into sensitive and specific diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tests are still being developed. Similarly, the science of using tumor molecular profiles to select clinical trial participants or to optimize therapy for individual patients is still in its infancy. This review will summarize the current technologies for predicting treatment response and prognosis in cancer medicine, and outline what the future may hold. It will also highlight the potential importance of methods that can integrate molecular, histopathological and clinical information into a synergistic understanding of tumor progression. While these possibilities are without doubt exciting, significant challenges remain if we are to implement them with a strong evidence base in a widely available and cost-effective manner.

Advanced preparative techniques to establish probes for molecular cytogenetics

The methods covered in this unit include flow cytometry of metaphase chromosomes, chromosome dissection, and the DOP-PCR amplification methods for reverse chromosome painting. Successful application in these areas requires care and attention to methodological details, and this unit is particularly comprehensive.

221. SPRASA, a sperm protein with a post-fertilization function?

Objectives: SPRASA is a highly conserved sperm protein that is localised to the inner acrosome membrane, and shows high homology to the alpha-lactalbumin/C-type lysozyme family.1,2 We have previously shown that SPRASA is the antigen for antisperm antibodies in some infertile patients.1 To date, the function of SPRASA is unknown but in vitro, antibodies reactive with SPRASA inhibit sperm-oocyte binding in a zona-free hamster oocyte binding assay2. Based on this preliminary data, we postulated that SPRASA plays an integral role in fertilization, and that binding of antibodies to SPRASA may inhibit its function leading to infertility. In this study we investigated the effect of inhibiting bovine SPRASA, in vitro, on fertilization and embryonic development. Methods: Viable, motile sperm was prepared from frozen-thawed bovine sperm by swim up. Bovine oocytes were obtained from slaughter-house killed animals and matured in vitro. Three different treatments were investigated. (1) Sperm were incubated for an hour with a SPRASA-reactive antiserum, washed and used to fertilize 100 oocytes in insemination droplets. (2) One hundred in vitro matured oocytes were incubated for an hour with the SPRASA-reactive antiserum, washed, and fertilized with untreated swim-up sperm in insemination droplets. (3) Sperm and oocytes (n = 100) were coincubated with the SPRASA-reactive antiserum in insemination droplets. Controls consisted of similar numbers of sperm and/or oocytes incubated with an irrelevant antiserum. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of embryos that reached morula (P = 0.03) or blastocyst (P=0.01) when oocytes were pre-treated with the SPRASA antiserum (treatment 2) or when sperm and oocytes were co-incubated with the antiserum (P=0.05 morula; P=0.01 blastocyst; treatment 3). However, there was no significant difference in the rates of embryos reaching earlier developmental stages in any of the treatment groups. Conclusion: These data suggest that SPRASA may be expressed by oocytes and/or preimplantation embryos. (1)Chiu WW, Erikson EK, Sole CA, Shelling AN, Chamley LW. (2004). SPRASA, a novel sperm protein involved in immune-mediated infertility. Human Reproduction 19(2), 243–249.(2)Mandal A, Klotz KL, Shetty J, Jayes FL, Wolkowicz MJ, Bolling LC, Coonrod SA, Black MB, Diekman AB, Haystead TA, Flickinger CJ, Herr JC. (2003). SLLP1, a unique, intra-acrosomal, non-bacteriolytic, c lysozyme-like protein of human spermatozoa. Biology of Reproduction 68(5), 1525–1537.

Evidence for susceptibility genes to familial Wilms tumour in addition to WT1, FWT1 and FWT2

Three loci have been implicated in familial Wilms tumour: WT1 located on chromosome 11p13, FWT1 on 17q12-q21, and FWT2 on 19q13. Two out of 19 Wilms tumour families evaluated showed strong evidence against linkage at all three loci. Both of these families contained at least three cases of Wilms tumour indicating that they were highly likely to be due to genetic susceptibility and therefore that one or more additional familial Wilms tumour susceptibility genes remain to be found.

Physical training plasma lipoproteins and faecal steroid excretion in sedentary men

Thirty sedentary men aged 25-52 participated in a 4-month randomized and controlled study of the effects of exercise on plasma lipoproteins and faecal steroid excretion. After 4 months the aerobic training group showed a significant (P = 0.047) increase in physical work capacity (+38 watts) and a significant (P = 0.025) decrease in faecal total steroid excretion (-257 mg/day) compared to corresponding changes in the control group. The drop in faecal total steroid excretion in the men who trained was mainly due to a significant (P less than 0.05) fall in faecal neutral sterol excretion (-240 mg/day). Plasma lipoprotein lipid concentrations did not change significantly during the study although plasma levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol tended to fall in the men who trained. In the aerobic training group individual changes in plasma LDL cholesterol levels were significantly correlated with decreases in faecal total steroid excretion (p = 0.615, P less than 0.05) and faecal neutral sterol excretion (p = 0.627, P less than 0.05). The results of this study show that regular exercise is associated with a drop in faecal neutral sterol excretion which, if sufficiently large, may be associated with a decrease in plasma LDL cholesterol concentration.