Serum Interleukin-38 and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Primary Brain Tumors.

Background: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and brain stromal cells produce immunosuppressive cytokines, contributing to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Interleukin-38 (IL-38) is a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine and a natural modulator of the innate and adaptive immune system. However, its biological roles in brain tumors are not well defined. Objective: To assess the serum levels of IL-38 and the percentages of TILs in the tumor tissues of patients with primary brain tumors and to determine their associations with the pathological features of the disease. Methods: IL-38 was evaluated in sera using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections were scored to determine the percentages of TILs in four different areas: the invasive margin, central tumor, perivascular and perinecrotic areas. Results: IL-38 serum levels were significantly higher in low- and high-grade tumors than in healthy individuals, meanwhile, its levels remained consistent between these two grades. Although no significant difference was found in IL-38 serum levels between different histological subtypes of brain tumors, its levels were significantly higher in intra-axial brain tumors than in extra-axial ones. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum levels of IL-38 and tumor size in patients with low-grade tumors. TILs were detected in at least one of the four examined areas; however, no statistically significant correlation was found between IL-38 levels and TILs. Conclusion: Our data may suggest a connection between IL-38 and immune suppression and tumor progression in primary brain tumors. Further investigation is needed to uncover the role of IL-38 in the brain tumor microenvironment.

Frequent expression of CD45RO memory T cell marker as well as low to high expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitory molecules in seminoma and dysgerminoma.

BACKGROUND: Seminoma and dysgerminoma are rare testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors characterized by a significant infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. According to the failure of conventional treatments in some patients, it is crucial to identify novel prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for these patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the expression of CD45RO and PD-1/PD-L1 and investigate their association with the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of CD45RO, PD-1, and PD-L1 in tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes (TILs), and tumor cells in 33 seminoma and 31 dysgerminoma patients. The expression levels were evaluated using a semiquantitative approach, weighted histoscore, which considers both the intensity and extent of staining. RESULTS: All seminoma and dysgerminoma patients exhibited CD45RO expression in TILs, with 66.7 % and 90.3 % displaying high levels of expression, respectively. PD-1 expression in TILs was observed at low levels in 81.8 % and 77.4 % and at high levels in 18.2 % and 19.4 % of seminoma and dysgerminoma patients, respectively. Likewise, low expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells was detected in 63.6 % of seminoma and 61.3 % of dysgerminoma patients, while none of the patients exhibited high expression of PD-L1. In seminoma patients, a positive correlation was observed between PD-1 expression in TILs and CD45RO expression and between PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and TILs score. CONCLUSION: The frequent infiltration of CD45RO, along with variable expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on TILs and tumor cells, could impact the effectiveness of anti-tumor responses and immunotherapy.

The combination treatment of methylprednisolone and growth factor-rich serum ameliorates the structural and functional changes after spinal cord injury in rat.

STUDY DESIGN: Preclinical pharmacology. OBJECTIVES: Our study aims to evaluate the combined effect of Methylprednisolone (MP) and growth factor-rich serum (GFRS) on structural and functional recovery in rats following spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham group (laminectomy); SCI group (the spinal cord clip compression model); SCI-MP group (30 mg/kg MP was administrated intraperitoneally (IP) immediately after SCI); SCI-GFRS group (GFRS (200 µl, IP) was administrated for six consecutive days); and SCI-MP + GFRS group (the rats received MP (30 mg/kg, IP) immediately after SCI, and GFRS (200 µl, IP) for six consecutive days). Motor function was assessed weekly using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale. After 4 weeks, we conducted the rotarod test, then removed and prepared the spinal cords (including the epicenter of injury) for stereological and histological estimation, and biochemical assays. RESULTS: The results showed that MP and GFRS combining treatment enhanced functional recovery, which was associated with a decrement in lesion volume, increased spared white and gray matter volume, reduced neuronal loss, as well as decreased necrosis and hemorrhage after SCI. Moreover, administration of MP and GFRS inhibited lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA) content), and increased antioxidant enzymes including glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) after rat SCI. CONCLUSIONS: We suggests that the combination treatment of MP and GFRS may ameliorate the structure and functional changes following SCI by reducing oxidative stress, and increasing the level of antioxidants enzymes.

Evaluation of the topical gel and oral administration of Punica Granatum Var Pleniflora on oral mucositis induced by 5-Fluorouracil in golden hamsters.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis (OM), an acute inflammation of the oral cavity, is a common complication in patients undergoing invasive myeloblastic chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most effective therapeutic drugs, but one of the common side effects of 5-FU administration is OM. Unfortunately, no suitable treatment has been found, so far to control its side effects. Studies showed that herbal medicine like Punica granatum var pleniflora (PGP) has medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and can be an alternative for the treatment of fungal infection. Accordingly, we decided to investigate the therapeutic effect of PGP in the treatment of OM caused by 5-FU in golden hamsters. METHODS: Sixty male golden hamsters were divided into six main group. Chemotherapy with 5-FU at dose of 60 mg/kg was performed at a ten-day duration. Then, cheek pouches of the hamsters were scratched with an 18-gauge sterile needle to induce oral mucositis in animals. On the twelfth day, as a day of intensification of OM, treatment with PGP including topical gel with concentrations of 5% and 10% and oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract with doses of 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg for three- and five-day therapeutic duration were separately started. Finally, samples of cheek pouches in hamsters were collected on 14th and 17th days and histopathologic score (HPS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were assayed. RESULTS: A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in histopathologic score was observed in G10%-, P125-treated groups in comparison to the Ctrl group. Our data showed that treatment with G10% is more potent than P125-treated group. In contrast, histopathologic score in G10%, P125, and P250 treated groups demonstrated almost similar values On the 17th day. However, the levels of MDA and MPO in the treatment groups were enhanced compared with control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that PGP can play protective role in the healing of tissue damage caused by chemotherapy with 5-FU due to the presence of its natural compounds and antioxidant properties.

Development and characterization of a fucoidan-based nanoemulsion using Nigella sativa oil for improvement of anti-obesity activity of fucoxanthin in an obese rat model.

The anti-obesity activity of encapsulated fucoxanthin in fucoidan-based nanoemulsion was investigated. Then, high-fat diet (HFD) induced-obese rats were fed along with different treatments including administration of encapsulated fucoxanthin (10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg/day), fucoidan (70 mg/kg), Nigella sativa oil (250 mg/kg), metformin (200 mg/kg), and free form of fucoxanthin (50 mg/kg) by oral gavage daily for 7 weeks. The study discovered that fucoidan-based nanoemulsions with a low and high dose of fucoxanthin had droplet size in the range of 181.70-184.87 nm and encapsulation efficacy of 89.94-91.68 %, respectively. Also exhibited 75.86 % and 83.76 % fucoxanthin in vitro release. The TEM images and FTIR spectera confirmed the particle size and encapsulation of fucoxanthin, respectively. Moreover, in vivo results revealed that encapsulated fucoxanthin reduced body and liver weight compared with a HFD group (p < 0.05). Biochemical parameters (FBS, TG, TC, HDL, LDL) and liver enzymes (ALP, AST, and ALT) were decreased after fucoxanthin and fucoidan administration. According to the histopathological analysis, fucoxanthin and fucoidan attenuated lipid accumulation in the liver.

Clinicopathological significance and prognostic role of LAG3 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in colorectal cancer; relationship with sidedness.

BACKGROUND: It is well-documented that the interplay between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor cells is a major determining factor in cancer progression. CD45RO seems to be a reliable indicator for predicting prognosis and disease outcome, along with CD3 and CD8 markers. LAG-3 is another important marker that overexpresses on TILs in a variety of cancers and is associated with disease prognosis; however, its prognostic impact is controversial. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of CD45RO + , LAG3 + , CD3 + , and CD8 + lymphocytes in CRC tumor tissues and their association with clinicopathological parameters of the disease as well as patients' survival, according to primary tumor locations. METHODS: Expression of CD45RO, LAG3, CD3, and CD8 was immunohistochemically assessed in tissue sections of 136 patients with CRC. The percentages of TILs expressing these markers were then separately determined in both invasive margin (IM) and center of tumor (CT). Their associations with clinicopathological factors and patients' survival were analyzed in the entire cohort and the subgroups of patients with right- and left- rectum tumors. RESULTS: Based on our observation, CD45RO + and CD3 + cells were the most frequent infiltrated lymphocytes in both CT and IM regions of colon tumor tissue. Whilst, LAG3 + lymphocytes were the least frequent subset in both areas. Statistical analysis indicated that the frequency of CD45RO + TILs was positively associated with advanced TNM stages (III/IV), in the entire cohort and right-sided tumors (P < 0.05). LAG3 + TILs in IM were also increased in tumor tissues with higher T-stages in the entire cohort (P = 0.027). In univariate analysis, high score of CD45RO + TILs in IM was associated with better overall survival in the entire cohort. High score of CD8 + and CD45RO + lymphocytes in IM were also associated with improved survival in patients with right-sided tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings generally suggest that the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of immune system-related markers such as CD45RO and LAG3 depends on the primary tumor sides. Our results collectively demonstrated that infiltration of CD45RO + lymphocytes in IM could be an independent prognostic factor in a site-dependent manner.

Reconstruction of C1 lateral mass with an expandable cage in addition to vertebral artery preservation: presenting two cases.

PURPOSE: C1 lateral mass reconstruction is recommended, in cases of instability caused by tumor involvement or extensive C1 lateral mass resection. However, because of the anatomical complexity of the area and, most importantly, the proximity to vertebral arteries, few cases of reconstruction have been reported to date. The purpose of this report is to present technical details of C1 lateral mass reconstruction in conjunction with vertebral artery preservation from a posterior approach. METHODS: Two cases of one stage craniovertebral junction instrumentation and C1 lateral mass reconstruction in conjunction with vertebral artery preservation from a posterior approach are presented. RESULTS: In both cases of extensive resection of lateral mass due to tumor involvement, an expandable cage was used for C1 lateral mass reconstruction, which has been used only in one patient in literature. Complementary pathological examinations of the two cases indicated two rare tumors that had been reported in the upper cervical region so far. The first case became an unknown origin metastatic cancer and the second was reported to be a primary non- Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: C1 lateral mass reconstruction with an expandable cage together with VA preservation is recommended in cases of extensive C1 lateral mass resection to increase the total strength and to shorten the length of the posterior device and probably better fusion. The expandable cage is preferred because of safer placement under compression instead of the lateral mass.

The Comparative Effects of Dexamethasone, Nanocurcumin, and Coenzyme Q10 Against Lumbar Laminectomy-Induced Epidural Fibrosis in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: One of the major problems in neurosurgical procedures is fibrosis formation. Therefore, the prevention of fibrosis is an important issue in spinal cord injury that needs to be addressed. No approved therapy has yet been found, and epidural fibrosis (EF) is a huge treatment challenge. In this regard, new drugs that can effectively prevent EF are still being considered. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dexamethasone (DEX), nanocurcumin (Nano-CUR), and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the prevention of EF in a rat laminectomy model. METHODS: Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham group, laminectomy group, laminectomy + DEX group, in which 0.5 ml DEX (8 mg/ml) was applied locally on the laminectomy area, laminectomy + Nano-CUR group, in which 100 mg/kg Nano-CUR was administered intraperitoneally once a day for 7 days, and laminectomy + CoQ10 group, in which 30 mg/kg CoQ10 was administered once daily intraperitoneally for 7 days. After 4 weeks, the vertebral columns were removed from L1 and L3 and prepared for histopathological assays. RESULTS: The local administration of DEX could not improve the histological parameters, and EF was induced by laminectomy after 4 weeks. On the other hand, Nano-CUR could ameliorate EF at the laminectomy site compared to the laminectomy group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CoQ10 significantly reduced EF (P < 0.05), collagen density (P < 0.01), and inflammation in the arachnoid layer (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that Nano-CUR and CoQ10 had the potential to be used for treatment of EF.

Alternative approach to treatment of unusual site giant cell tumor at cervical spine: A case report and review of literature.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is an intermediate malignant bone tumor which mostly involves long extremity bones, less commonly involving the spine with sacral predominance. Cervical spine involvement is rare. According to literature, the selective approach for the treatment of GCT is en bloc resection with spinal reconstruction. For unusual sites, such as cervical region, which is a mobile spinal segment and critically proximate to the cervical spinal cord, great vessels, and vital organs, it is almost impossible to perform the selective approach for treatment. Alternative approaches in such situations are under investigations. We present a case of C2 vertebral body GCT, who was treated with polymethylmethacrylate intravertebral injection and was followed by adjuvant therapy with denosumab. A 16-year-old boy without any past medical history presented with progressive suboccipital and axial neck pain since 3 months earlier, which had not responded to conservative treatments. There was no neurologic deficit, and pain was significantly controlled. In the 1-year follow-up, no complication and tumor recurrence was seen. Vertebroplasty with bone cement for lytic spinal GCT lesions, followed by adjuvant therapy with denosumab, not only is a less invasive treatment but also has good results in spinal stability, patient recovery, and 12-month recurrence.

Concomitant uveal melanoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin; ocular melanoma accounts for 3-4% of all malignant melanomas. Thyroid tumors are the most common endocrine neoplasms, with more than 95% of cases arising from follicular cell origin. Previous studies have reported associations between malignant melanoma and a wide variety of malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 54-year-old Iranian woman who was diagnosed with ocular melanoma based on a mushroom-shaped filling defect with homogeneous echo pattern arising from the anterior third of the temporal side of the globe detected on ocular sonography during routine ophthalmological examination. She underwent right globe enucleation and implant replacement. During tumor surveillance, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan showed low-grade metabolically active tumoral involvement in the anterolateral aspect of the right lobe of thyroid. The patient subsequently underwent thyroidectomy and submandibular lymphadenectomy. Pathologic report demonstrated micropapillary carcinoma (9 × 8 mm2), tall cell variant without lymphovascular or perineural invasion in the base of lymphocytic thyroiditis. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the importance of precise active surveillance in case of papillary carcinoma of thyroid or malignant melanoma to avoid missing other associated pathologies and emphasizes the simultaneous treatment of two tumors.

Effectiveness and Safety of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injection Regarding Anatomical Landmarks: A Cadaveric Study.

Background Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injections can be applied using anatomical landmarks or under the guide of ultrasound (US). US is not always available, and the physician may rely on the anatomical landmarks. Objective The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TFCC injection with anatomic landmarks. Methods Forty wrist specimens from cadavers were randomly assigned to four rapid blue stain injection groups as follows: Group A: perpendicular to skin with 5 mm depth; Group B: perpendicular to skin with 10 mm depth; Group C: 45-degree angulation to skin surface, oriented from proximal to distal with 10 mm depth; and Group D: 45-degree angulation to skin surface, oriented from distal to proximal with 10 mm depth. TFCC specimens were excised and evaluated with microscopy, and adjacent neurovascular structures were checked for any injury. Results Injections in group A were more accurate than others, in which 8/10 injections were successful. Group C injections were least accurate in that only 4/10 were successful. The other remaining groups (groups B and D) revealed similar results (5/10 were successful). However, statistical analyses did not show any significant difference ( p -value = 0.35). No injury to neurovascular structures was seen. Conclusion Needle placement perpendicular to skin with 5 mm depth and just medial to ulnar styloid can be used as an accurate method of palpation-guided technique for TFCC injections.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment using plasmonic nanoparticles irradiated by laser in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: In the current study we have stimulated the efficacy of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) by laser hyperthermia to achieve a less invasive method for tumor photothermal therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: The levels of apoptosis on induced BPH in rats were assessed after treatment and revealed and recorded by various assayed. Moreover, the expression of caspases was considered to demonstrate the apoptotic pathways due to laser induced plasmonic NPs. RESULTS: In the Laser + NPs group prostate size of induced BPH decreased. Laser + NPs also decreased prostate specific antigen in comparison with the BPH groups. Furthermore, Laser + NPs attenuated BPH histopathologic indices in the rats. Laser + NPs induced apoptosis in prostatic epithelial cells via caspase-1 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the approach and findings from this study can be applied to introduce the laser irritated NPs method as a novel and less invasive therapy for patients suffering from BPH.

Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and reduced cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin delivered in a novel plant virus nanoparticle.

Plant viruses are one of the newly applied nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles. Here, we investigated drug delivery performance of Johnson grass chlorotic stripe mosaic virus (JgCSMV) conjugated to folic acid (FA) for targeted delivery of doxorubicin (Dox). The FA-JgCSMV-Dox complex was synthesized and characterized using spectrophotometry, native and denaturing gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy, which disclosed that JgCSMV virions encapsulated Dox and showed comparable size and morphology to the native particles. The JgCSMV nanoparticles loaded with Dox showed a sustained drug release profile in tumor tissue and improved the uptake of Dox in breast cancer cells, leading to enhanced tumor homing. Lastly, we demonstrated that FA-JgCSMV-Dox reduced the tumor growth and cardiotoxicity of athymic mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts in comparison to free Dox. This study is the first report on applicability of JgCSMV for Dox delivery with superior benefits over generally marketed formulations of doxorubicin.

The application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in the photo-thermal therapy of melanoma cancer model.

OBJECTIVES: Photo-thermal therapy (PTT) is a therapeutic method in which photon energy is converted into heat to induce hyperthermia in malignant tumor cells. In this method, energy conversion is performed by nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance induced heat efficacy. The low-cytotoxicity and high optical absorbance of NPs used in this technique are very important. In the present study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs were used as agents for PTT. For increasing water dispersibility and biocompatibility, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-TiO2 NPs (PEGylated TiO2 NPs) were synthesized and the effect of these NPs on reducing melanoma tumor size after PTT was experimentally assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To improve the dispersibility of TiO2 NPs in water, PEG was used for wrapping the surface of TiO2 NPs. The formation of a thin layer of PEG around the TiO2 NPs was confirmed through thermo-gravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Forty female cancerous mice were divided into four equal groups and received treatment with NPs and a laser diode (λ = 808 nm, P = 2 W & I = 2 W/cm2) for seven min once in the period of the treatment. RESULTS: Compared to the mice receiving only the laser therapy, the average tumor size in the mice receiving TiO2-PEG NPs with laser excitation treatment sharply decreased. CONCLUSION: The results of animal studies showed that PEGylated TiO2 NPs were exceptionally potent in destroying solid tumors in the PTT technique.

Huge mesenteric low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma: A case report and review of the literature.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is a rare soft tissue tumor which has been mostly reported in lower extremities; however, it can also occur in other parts of the body such as head and neck and abdominal wall, but its occurrence in the abdominal cavity and mesentery of bowel is an extremely rare event and has very rarely been reported. Herein, we report our experience with a 24-year-old lady with a huge mesenteric mass, turned out to be low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. This case is the largest one reported in the English literature. We will also discuss about the previously reported cases of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in the English literature.

Novel Combination of Silver Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotubes for Plasmonic Photo Thermal Therapy in Melanoma Cancer Model.

Purpose: Plasmonic photo thermal therapy (PPTT) is a therapeutic method in which the photon energy is rapidly transformed into heat via a series of radiative and non-radiative phenomena to ablate cancer. Plasmonic NPs, such as silver NPs (Ag NPs), have considerable properties in optical absorbance. Furthermore, good thermal conductivity and cell penetration ability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could improve the efficacy of Ag NPs for PPTT. Decoration of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with silver has been developed to enhance thermal conductivity of the MWCNT particles. Methods: The Ag NPs were decorated on the CNTs and the ability of these particles (CNT/Ag NPs) in reduction of melanoma tumor size after PTT was evaluated experimentally. For comparison, the PTT of silver nanorods (Ag NRs) and CNTs were investigated. The melanoma tumor was induced by injection of B16/F10 cell line to the inbred mice. Different NPs were injected into the tumors and then irradiated via laser diode (λ=670 nm, P=500 mW, and I= 3.5 W/cm2) at scheduled time. Results: Monitoring of tumor sizes showed that integration of CNTs with silver could enhance the optical absorption of CNTs and improve tumor destruction in PPTT technique. Conclusion: The CNT/Ag NPs could act as a potent agent in PPTT method in curing solid tumors.

Lumbosacral Epidural Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET): Case Report and Literature Review.

The primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) of the spine are rare. They are usually intramedullary and reported in children. We herein report an epidural PNET of lumbosacral area presenting with the cauda equina syndrome in an adult. A 38-year-old woman presented to our emergency room with acute onset lower extremity weakness and urinary incontinence. Emergent magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion isointense on T1-weighted and heterogeneously hyperintense in T2-weighted images in the epidural lumbosacral area. The patient underwent emergent laminectomy of L1-L3 and total resection of the lesion. The patient"s neurological examination improved dramatically after the surgery and after 6-month of follow-up, she was neurologically intact. The histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed PNET. Epidural PNET of the spinal column, although rare, can present with an acute neurological deficit. Surgery remains the treatment of choice and immunohistochemistry is required for confirming the diagnosis.

Quantitative determination of tumor platinum concentration of patients with advanced Breast, lung, prostate, or colorectal cancers undergone platinum-based chemotherapy.

CONTEXT: Previous studies have reported direct relationship between tumor reduction and its platinum concentration following platinum-based (Pt-based) chemotherapy. However, quantitative data of tumor platinum concentration have not yet been reported for the most common cancers. AIMS: Determination of tumor platinum concentration of breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers after Pt-based chemotherapy; and evaluation of the influence of chemo drug type, chemotherapy regimen, and time lapse from last chemotherapy on tumor platinum concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor samples of patients with advanced breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers undergone Pt-based chemotherapy were collected from pathology collection of various hospitals. The platinum concentration of each sample was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The data were categorized by drug type, time lapse from last chemotherapy, and regimen type to evaluate their effects on platinum concentration. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. RESULTS: Tumor platinum concentrations of breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers were all obtained in the range of 1-10 µg/g tumor tissue. Large values of P (>0.05) indicate no significant differences between various chemo drug, regimen, and time groups. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the platinum concentration was higher in prostate and lower in lung tumors. The type of Pt-based chemo drug, time lapse from the last chemotherapy, and concurrency of other antineoplastic agents administered with Pt-based chemo drugs had no significant effect on tumor platinum concentration.

Comparison of c-Kit expression between primary and metastatic melanoma of skin and mucosa.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma causes the greatest morbidity and mortality of all skin cancers. Mucosal melanoma is a rare but highly aggressive neoplasm. According to previous studies the prevalence of KIT mutations in acral lentiginous and mucosal melanomas is relatively low (less than 15-20%), but it can have profound therapeutic implications for localized high risk or metastatic diseases. Our goal was to evaluate c-Kit expression in different types of primary and metastatic melanoma to discriminate potential candidates for targeted therapy. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional study and selected 50 cases of malignant melanoma (primary, metastatic cutaneous, and mucosal) from the affiliated hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in the period of 2008 to 2012. Immunohistochemistry for KIT expression was performed. Multistage sampling method was selected for sampling and chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In our study, male to female ratio was 1.77. The male sex was correlated with higher tumor stage (p< 0.05). 62% (n= 31) of cases showed at least 5% of KIT-positive cells, consist of 18% (n= 9) with 5-50%, 16% (n= 8) with 51-95%, and 28% (n= 14) of cases showed more than 95% of cells expressing KIT. But in 38% (n= 19) of cases KIT expression was less than 5% of positive cells. Tumor stage was positively correlated with tumor cell immunoreactivity and intensity (p< 0.05). Metastatic melanoma showed lower percentage (43%) of positivity. Intensity of staining and percentage of positive cells were positively correlated (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: In primary melanomas, significant KIT expression was found by immunohistochemistry, which may be useful to screen the patients for advising to KIT mutation analysis and targeted therapy.