NETosis as an oncologic therapeutic target: a mini review.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are a key form of pro-inflammatory cell death of neutrophils characterized by the extrusion of extracellular webs of DNA containing bactericidal killing enzymes. NETosis is heavily implicated as a key driver of host damage in autoimmune diseases where injurious release of proinflammatory enzymes damage surrounding tissue and releases 70 known autoantigens. Recent evidence shows that both neutrophils and NETosis have a role to play in carcinogenesis, both indirectly through triggering DNA damage through inflammation, and directly contributing to a pro-tumorigenic tumor microenvironment. In this mini-review, we summarize the current knowledge of the various mechanisms of interaction and influence between neutrophils, with particular attention to NETosis, and cancer cells. We will also highlight the potential avenues thus far explored where we can intercept these processes, with the aim of identifying promising prospective targets in cancer treatment to be explored in further studies.

Is There a Relationship Between Frequency of Port-Care Maintenance and Related Complications in Patients With Cancer?

PURPOSE: Totally implantable ports require regular maintenance to prevent port-related complications. Manufacturers recommend monthly maintenance port flushes for patients for the life of the port. Previous studies show that extending intervals between maintenance port flushes up to 16 weeks does not increase incidence of port-related complications. To date, no prospective study has been conducted to evaluate the medical safety of extending flush intervals from monthly to every 12 weeks within a heterogeneous disease cohort. Research Question: Is it feasible and medically safe to extend intervals between maintenance port flushes to every 12 weeks in patients with cancer not on active treatment? PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study enrolled oncology and hematology patients who had retained their port following completion of anticancer treatment. Clinical data were extracted for 1,059 participants. The primary end points of this study were the overall number of ports removed and incidence of port-related complications reported between cohorts 1 and 2 (flushes every 4-8 weeks), and cohort 3 (flushes every 12 weeks). RESULTS: Data were allocated into three study cohorts on the basis of year and duration between port flushes. No difference was observed in the overall percentage of ports removed because of physician-reported complications across all cohorts (25%-30%). No change in the incidence of port-related complications including suspected infection and malfunction was observed between cohorts 1 and 2 (8%), or cohort 3 (5%). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that extending maintenance port flush intervals to 12 weeks does not increase the incidence of port-related adverse events and is medically safe.