Locoregional Recurrence in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study (KROG 22-14).

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the treatment approaches and locoregional patterns for Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the breast, which is an uncommon malignant tumor with limited clinical data. Materials and Methods: A total of 93 patients diagnosed with primary ACC in the breast between 1992 and 2022 were collected from multi-institutions. All patients underwent surgical resection, including breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or total mastectomy (TM). The recurrence patterns and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were assessed. Results: Seventy-five patients (80.7%) underwent BCS, and 71 of them (94.7%) received post-operative radiation therapy (PORT). Eighteen patients (19.3%) underwent TM, with 5 of them (27.8%) also receiving PORT. With a median follow-up of 50 months, the LRFS rate was 84.2% at 5 years. Local recurrence (LR) was observed in 5 patients (5.4%) and 4 cases (80%) of the LR occurred in the tumor bed. Three of LR (3/75, 4.0%) had a history of BCS and PORT, meanwhile, two of LR (2/18, 11.1%) had a history of mastectomy. Regional recurrence occurred in 2 patients (2.2%), and both cases had a history of PORT with (n=1) and without (n=1) irradiation of the regional lymph nodes. Partial breast irradiation (p=0.35), BCS (p=0.96) and PORT in BCS group (p=0.33) had no significant association with LRFS. Conclusion: BCS followed by PORT was the predominant treatment approach for ACC of the breast and local recurrence mostly occurred in the tumor bed. The findings of this study suggest that partial breast irradiation might be considered for PORT in primary breast ACC.

Evidence-based clinical recommendations for hypofractionated radiotherapy: exploring efficacy and safety - Part 2. Lung (non-small cell lung cancer).

Several recent studies have investigated the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) for various cancers. However, HFRT for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with or without concurrent chemotherapy is not yet widely used because of concerns about serious side effects and the lack of evidence for improved treatment results. Investigations of HFRT with concurrent chemotherapy in NSCLC have usually been performed in single-arm studies and with a small number of patients, so there are not yet sufficient data. Therefore, the Korean Society for Radiation Oncology Practice Guidelines Committee planned this review article to summarize the evidence on HFRT so far and provide it to radiation oncology clinicians. In summary, HFRT has demonstrated promising results, and the reviewed data support its feasibility and comparable efficacy for the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC. The incidence and severity of esophageal toxicity have been identified as major concerns, particularly when treating large fraction sizes. Strategies, such as esophagus-sparing techniques, image guidance, and dose constraints, may help mitigate this problem and improve treatment tolerability. Continued research and clinical trials are essential to refine treatment strategies, identify optimal patient selection criteria, and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Uvaol ameliorates lipid deposition in hyperlipidemic hepatocytes by suppressing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B/ER stress signaling.

Uvaol (UV), a pentacyclic triterpene found in olives and virgin olive oil, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various disease models. While olive oil is reported to reduce obesity and insulin resistance, the specific impact of UV on liver lipid metabolism and its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, hepatic lipid accumulation was measured using oil red O staining, and protein expression levels in liver cells were assessed via Western blot analysis. Apoptosis was evaluated through cell viability and caspase 3 activity assays. UV treatment reduced lipid accumulation, fatty acid uptake, apoptosis, and ER stress in palmitate-treated liver cells. Additionally, UV enhanced fatty acid oxidation. Mechanistically, increased SIRT6 expression and autophagy were observed in UV-treated cells. SIRT6-targeted siRNA or 3-methyladenine blocked the effects of UV in hyperlipidemic cells. In conclusion, UV improves SIRT6/autophagy signaling, reducing lipid deposition and apoptosis in liver cells under high lipid conditions. This in vitro study provides strong evidence for potential therapeutic strategies for hepatic steatosis.

Glucose transporters and sodium glucose co-transporters cooperatively import glucose into energy-demanding organs in carcinogenic liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis.

BACKGROUND: The liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis imports large amounts of glucose to generate energy and metabolic intermediates through glycolysis. We hypothesized that C. sinensis absorbs glucose through glucose transporters and identified four subtypes of glucose transporter (CsGTP) and one sodium glucose co-transporter (CsSGLT) in C. sinensis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Expressed sequence tags encoding CsGTPs were retrieved from the C. sinensis transcriptome database, and their full-length cDNA sequences were obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The tissue distribution of glucose transporters in C. sinensis adults was determined using immunohistochemical staining. Developmental expression was measured using RT-qPCR. The transport and distribution of glucose into living C. sinensis were monitored using confocal microscopy. Membrane topology and key functional residues of CsGTPs were homologous to their counterparts in animals and humans. CsGTP1, 2, and 4 were transcribed 2.4-5.5 times higher in the adults than metacercariae, while CsGTP3 was transcribed 2.1 times higher in the metacercariae than adults. CsSGLT transcription was 163.6 times higher in adults than in metacercariae. In adults, CsSGLT was most abundant in the tegument; CsGTP3 and CsSGLT were localized in the vitelline gland, uterine wall, eggs, mesenchymal tissue, and testes; CsGTP4 was found in sperm and mesenchymal tissue; and CsGTP1 was mainly in the sperm and testes. In C. sinensis adults, exogenous glucose is imported in a short time and is present mainly in the middle and posterior body, in which the somatic and reproductive organs are located. Of the exogenous glucose, 53.6% was imported through CsSGLT and 46.4% through CsGTPs. Exogenous glucose import was effectively inhibited by cytochalasin B and phlorizin. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We propose that CsSGLT cooperates with CsGTPs to import exogenous glucose from the environmental bile, transport glucose across mesenchymal tissue cells, and finally supply energy-demanding organs in C. sinensis adults. Studies on glucose transporters may pave the way for the development of new anthelmintic drugs.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Bounces Following Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Importance of PSA Test Frequency.

PURPOSE: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) bounce is a common phenomenon that can be observed in patients of prostate cancer treated by radiotherapy. However, the clinical, pathological, or dosimetric predictors and clinical significance of PSA bounce in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) patients is still unknown. METHODS: Between August 2006 to December 2015, 74 prostate cancer patients were treated by SBRT with Cyberknife at two medical centers. The prescription dose was 35-37.5 Gy in 5 fractions. Follow-up PSA tests were more frequently performed in one hospital than the other (median 4 vs. 10 times for initial one year). PSA bounce was defined as a rise of 0.2 ng/mL followed by a decline to or below previous nadir. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients, PSA bounce was observed in 41 patients (55.4%). On univariate analysis, the treated medical center (p = 0.02), PSA follow-up frequency (p = 0.01), patient age (p < 0.01), and total prescription dose (p = 0.03) were significant clinical factors to predict the incidence of PSA bounce, while in multivariable analysis only the PSA follow-up frequency, and patient age remains significant. CONCLUSION: PSA bounce was seen in a significant proportion of patients after Cyberknife SBRT. The PSA follow-up test frequency, and patient age were significant factors that were correlated with the incidence of PSA bounces in this study.

Optimizing Recurrent Glioblastoma Salvage Treatment: A Multicenter Study Integrating Genetic Biomarkers From the Korean Radiation Oncology Group (21-02).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Few studies have used real-world patient data to compare overall treatment patterns and survival outcomes for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). This study aimed to evaluate postprogression survival (PPS) according to the treatment strategy for rGBM by incorporating biomarker analysis. METHODS: We assessed 468 adult patients with rGBM who underwent standard temozolomide-based chemoradiation. The impact of predictors on PPS was evaluated in patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type rGBM (n = 439) using survival probability analysis. We identified patients who would benefit from reirradiation (re-RT) during the first progression. RESULTS: Median PPS was 3.4, 13.8, 6.6, and 10.0 months in the best supportive care (n = 82), surgery (with/without adjuvant therapy, n = 112), chemotherapy alone (n = 170), and re-RT (with/without chemotherapy, n = 75) groups, respectively. After propensity score matching analysis of the cohort, both the surgery and re-RT groups had a significantly better PPS than the chemotherapy-only group; however, no significant difference was observed in PPS between the surgery and re-RT groups. In the surgery subgroup, surgery with chemotherapy (P = .024) and surgery with radio(chemo)therapy (P = .039) showed significantly improved PPS compared with surgery alone. In the no-surgery subgroup, radio(chemo)therapy showed significantly improved PPS compared with chemotherapy alone (P = .047). Homozygous deletion of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B, along with other clinical factors (performance score and progression-free interval), was significantly associated with the re-RT survival benefit. CONCLUSION: Surgery combined with radio(chemo)therapy resulted in the best survival outcomes for rGBM. re-RT should also be considered for patients with rGBM at first recurrence. Furthermore, this study identified a specific genetic biomarker and clinical factors that may enhance the survival benefit of re-RT.

Evidence-based clinical recommendations for hypofractionated radiotherapy: exploring efficacy and safety - Part 1. Brain and head and neck.

Advances in radiotherapy (RT) techniques, including intensity-modulated RT and image-guided RT, have allowed hypofractionation, increasing the fraction size over the conventional dose of 1.8-2.0 Gy. Hypofractionation offers advantages such as shorter treatment times, improved compliance, and under specific conditions, particularly in tumors with a low α/ß ratio, higher efficacy. It was initially explored for use in RT for prostate cancer and adjuvant RT for breast cancer, and its application has been extended to various other malignancies. Hypofractionated RT (HFRT) may also be effective in patients who are unable to undergo conventional treatment owing to poor performance status, comorbidities, or old age. The treatment of brain tumors with HFRT is relatively common because brain stereotactic radiosurgery has been performed for over two decades. However, re-irradiation of recurrent lesions and treatment of elderly or frail patients are areas under investigation. HFRT for head and neck cancer has not been widely used because of concerns regarding late toxicity. Thus, we aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the current evidence for HFRT for brain tumors and head and neck cancer and to offer practical recommendations to clinicians faced with the challenge of choosing new treatment options.

Is reduced-dose whole-brain radiotherapy also feasible in primary CNS lymphoma for curative or salvage purpose?

PURPOSE: Recently, reduced-dose whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has been used to treat primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). However, whether reduced-dose WBRT is also an acceptable option for curative or salvage purposes has not yet been reported. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients with PCNSL who received radiotherapy for curative or salvage purposes and compared the clinical outcomes according to the WBRT dose. METHODS: A total of 66 patients were divided into two groups: those treated with 30 Gy (2 Gy per fraction) or less WBRT (low-dose WBRT, n = 34) and those treated with more than 30 Gy WBRT (high-dose WBRT, n = 32). The median WBRT dose was 25.2 and 49.6 Gy in low-dose and high-dose WBRT groups, respectively. The median total radiotherapy dose, including the boost dose, was 50 Gy (range, 36.0-55.8 Gy). RESULTS: The 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 77.8% and 29.8%, respectively. Intracranial relapse occurred in 31 patients (47.0%) at a median of 27 months after RT. Overall survival and progression-free survival did not differ between the two groups. The 3-year intracranial disease control rate did not differ between the two groups (35.2% vs. 41.6%, p = 0.300). Grade 3 or higher neurological toxicities were observed in six patients, of whom five were in the high-dose WBRT group. CONCLUSION: Reduced-dose WBRT in curative and salvage treatments for PCNSL had no significant negative effect on the intracranial disease control rate or survival. Therefore, without impaired efficacy, use of reduced-dose WBRT appears promising for reduction of neurotoxicity.

Predicting vertebral compression fracture prior to spinal SBRT using radiomics from planning CT.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to develop a predictive model for vertebral compression fracture (VCF) prior to spinal stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using radiomics features extracted from pre-treatment planning CT images. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 85 patients (114 spinal lesions) who underwent spinal SBRT. Radiomics features were extracted from pre-treatment planning CT images and used to develop a predictive model using a classification algorithm selected from nine different machine learning algorithms. Four different models were trained, including clinical features only, clinical and radiomics features, radiomics and dosimetric features, and all features. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The model that used all features (radiomics, clinical, and dosimetric) showed the highest performance with an AUC of 0.871. The radiomics and dosimetric features model had the superior performance in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. CONCLUSION: The developed predictive model based on radiomics features extracted from pre-treatment planning CT images can accurately predict the likelihood of VCF prior to spinal SBRT. This model has significant implications for treatment planning and preventive measures for patients undergoing spinal SBRT. Future research can focus on improving model performance by incorporating new data and external validation using independent data sets.

CTRP4 attenuates apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in podocytes through an AMPK/autophagy-dependent pathway.

Hyperglycemia, characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from pancreatic beta cell dysfunction or impaired insulin signaling, is a contributing factor in the development of diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of C1q/TNF-related protein 4 (CTRP4), known for its anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties in various disease models, on podocyte apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the presence of elevated glucose levels. The expression levels of various proteins in podocytes and adipocytes were evaluated by Western blotting. Autophagosomes in podocytes were stained by MDC. Chromatin condensation in podocytes was examined by Hoechst staining. The research revealed increased expression of CTRP4 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and CIHP-1 podocytes exposed to high glucose (HG) conditions. Treatment with CTRP4 effectively mitigated HG-induced apoptosis and ER stress and normalized epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in CIHP-1 cells. Furthermore, elevated levels of AMPK phosphorylation and autophagy were observed in CIHP-1 cells treated with CTRP4. Silencing of AMPK or the use of 3-methyl adenine (3 MA) reduced the impacts of CTRP4 on apoptosis, EMT markers and ER stress in CIHP-1 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that CTRP4 alleviates ER stress in podocytes under hyperglycemic conditions, leading to the suppression of apoptosis and the restoration of EMT through AMPK/autophagy-mediated signaling. These insights provide valuable information for the development of therapeutic strategies for diabetic nephropathy.

Consolidative Radiotherapy after Complete Remission following R-CHOP Immunochemotherapy in Stage III-IV Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are treated with rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). The role of consolidative radiation therapy (RT) remains unclear among patients with advanced DLBCL who achieved complete remission (CR) after R-CHOP immunochemotherapy. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the role of consolidative RT among these patients. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies comparing RT to no RT following CR after R-CHOP immunochemotherapy in Ann Arbor stage III-IV DLBCL patients. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint, and disease-free survival (DFS) was the secondary endpoint. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the primary and secondary outcomes. Review Manager (version 5.4) was used to analyze the data. Six retrospective studies involving 813 patients who received R-CHOP ± consolidative RT were identified. OS was higher in the consolidative RT group, with an HR of 2.01 and a 95% CI of 1.30 to 3.12 (p = 0.002). DFS was also higher in the RT group, with an HR of 2.18 and a 95% CI of 1.47 to 3.24 (p < 0.0001). The results suggested that consolidative RT improved OS and DFS compared to no RT among advanced-stage DLBCL patients. Further research is needed to determine the optimal radiation fields and the appropriate indications for consolidative RT for advanced-stage DLBCL patients in the rituximab era.

Impact of radiation on immune cells in patients with low-grade brain tumor: Identifying critical factors affecting lymphopenia and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

PURPOSE: Studies about the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on immune cells are usually limited to a high-grade glioma mostly exposed to chemotherapy and a high dose of steroid which also could affect immune cells. The purpose of this retrospective analysis of low-grade brain tumor patients treated by RT alone is to determine significant factors influencing neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), and absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients who received RT between 2007 and 2020 were analyzed. Patients who received chemotherapy and high-dose of steroid were excluded. ANC and ALC were collected before starting RT (baseline) and within one-week before ending RT (post-treatment). Changes of ANC, ALC, and NLR between baseline and post-treatment were calculated. RESULTS: ALC decreased in 32 patients (78.1%). NLR increased in 31 patients (75.6%). No patients developed grade 2 or higher hematologic toxicities. The decrease of ALC was significantly correlated with the dose to brain V15 in a simple and multiple linear regression (p = 0.043). Brain V10 and V20 adjacent to V15 were also marginally significant factors determining the reduction of lymphocytes (p = 0.050 and p = 0.059, respectively). However, it was difficult to find predictive factors affecting changes of ANC and NLR. CONCLUSION: In low-grade brain tumor patients who are treated by RT alone, ALC decreased and NLR increased in three-fourth of patients, although the magnitude was minimal. The decrease of ALC was mainly affected by low dose to the brain. However, RT dose was not correlated with changes of ANC or NLR.

Musclin attenuates lipid deposition in hepatocytes through SIRT7/autophagy-mediated suppression of ER stress.

Musclin, an exercise-responsive myokine, has the ability to attenuate inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under pathogenic conditions. While the potential benefits of musclin in the cardiovascular system have been well documented, its effects on hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipid metabolism are not fully understood. The present study showed that musclin treatment reduced lipid accumulation and lipogenic protein expression in primary hepatocytes exposed to palmitate. Palmitate treatment led to an increase in markers of ER stress, which was reversed by musclin treatment. Musclin treatment increased SIRT7 expression and markers of autophagy in a dose-dependent manner. Small interfering (si) RNA of SIRT7 or 3-methyladenine (3 MA) reduced the effects of musclin on lipogenic lipid deposition in hepatocytes under hyperlipidemic conditions. These findings suggest that musclin can suppress palmitate-induced ER stress by upregulating SIRT7 and autophagy signaling, thereby alleviating lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes. The current study provides a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver diseases characterized by lipid accumulation and ER stress, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Oroxylin-A alleviates hepatic lipid accumulation and apoptosis under hyperlipidemic conditions via AMPK/FGF21 signaling.

Oroxylin-A (OA) is an O-methylated flavone that has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties in various disease models. However, the roles of OA in hepatic lipid metabolism and the specific molecular mechanisms by which it exerts these effects are not yet fully understood. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of OA on hepatic lipid deposition and apoptosis, which play a pivotal role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obesity in vitro models. We found that treatment with OA attenuated lipid accumulation, the expression of lipogenesis-associated proteins and apoptosis in palmitate-treated primary mouse hepatocytes. OA treatment suppressed phosphorylated NFκB and IκB expression in as well as TNFα and MCP-1 release from hepatocytes treated with palmitate. Treatment of hepatocytes with OA augmented AMPK phosphorylation and FGF21 expression. siRNA of AMPK or FGF21 abolished the effects of OA on inflammation as well as lipid accumulation and apoptosis in hepatocytes under palmitate treatment conditions. In conclusion, OA improves inflammation through the AMPK/FGF21 pathway, thereby attenuating lipid accumulation and apoptosis in hepatocytes. This study may help identify new targets for developing treatments for NAFLD.

Structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics of potential inhibitors targeting sodium-bile acid co-transporter of carcinogenic liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis.

BACKGROUND: Clonorchis sinensis requires bile acid transporters as this fluke inhabits bile juice-filled biliary ducts, which provide an extreme environment. Clonorchis sinensis sodium-bile acid co-transporter (CsSBAT) is indispensable for the fluke's survival in the final host, as it circulates taurocholate and prevents bile toxicity in the fluke; hence, it is recognized as a useful drug target. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present study, using structure-based virtual screening approach, we presented inhibitor candidates targeting a bile acid-binding pocket of CsSBAT. CsSBAT models were built using tertiary structure modeling based on a bile acid transporter template (PDB ID: 3zuy and 4n7x) and were applied into AutoDock Vina for competitive docking simulation. First, potential compounds were identified from PubChem (holding more than 100,000 compounds) by applying three criteria: i) interacting more favorably with CsSBAT than with a human homolog, ii) intimate interaction to the inward- and outward-facing conformational states, iii) binding with CsSBAT preferably to natural bile acids. Second, two compounds were identified following the Lipinski's rule of five. Third, other two compounds of molecular weight higher than 500 Da (Mr > 500 Da) were presumed to efficiently block the transporter via a feasible rational screening strategy. Of these candidates, compound 9806452 exhibited the least hepatotoxicity that may enhance drug-likeness properties. CONCLUSIONS: It is proposed that compound 9806452 act as a potential inhibitor toward CsSBAT and further studies are warranted for drug development process against clonorchiasis.

Comprehensive Analysis of Set-Up Gain of 6-Dimensional Cone-Beam CT Correction Method in Radiotherapy for Head and Neck and Brain Tumors.

This study quantitatively analyzed the gain of the six-dimensional (6D) cone-beam CT (CBCT) correction method compared with the conventional set-up method in 60 patients who underwent radiation treatment of head and neck and brain tumors. The correction gain of CBCT was calculated for the translational and rotational motion components separately and in combination to evaluate the individual and overall effects of these motion components. Using a statistical simulation mimicking the actual set-up correction process, the effective gain of periodic CBCT correction during the entire treatment fraction was analyzed by target size and CBCT correction period under two different correction scenarios: translation alone and full 6D corrections. From the analyses performed in this study, the gain of CBCT correction was quantitatively determined for each situation, and the appropriate CBCT correction strategy was suggested based on treatment purpose and target size.

Pathologic Implications of Radial Resection Margin and Perineural Invasion to Adjuvant Chemotherapy after Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy and Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Multi-Institutional and Case-Matched Control Study.

We assessed the exact role of adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery in rectal cancer patients with positive surgical margin or perineural invasion (PNI). This multi-institutional study included 1799 patients with rectal cancer at cT3-4N0-2M0 stages. Patients were divided into two groups. The high-risk group had a positive margin and/or perineural invasion. The low-risk group showed no positive margin or PNI. Propensity-score matching analysis was performed, and a total of 928 patients, with 464 in each arm, were evaluated. The high-risk group showed significant differences in overall survival (OS, 73.4% vs. 53.9%, p < 0.01) and recurrence-free survival (RFS, 52.7% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.01) at five years between the adjuvant chemotherapy arm and observation arm. The low-risk group showed no significant differences in 5-year OS (p = 0.61) and RFS (p = 0.75) between the two arms. Multivariate analyses showed that age, pathologic N stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly correlated with OS and RFS in the high-risk group (all p < 0.05). Adjuvant chemotherapy improved OS and RFS more significantly in rectal cancer patients with positive surgical margin or PNI than in those with negative surgical margin and PNI.

Importance of lymph node ratio in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with surgery and adjuvant treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The pathologic nodal stage of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients is classified according to the number of lymph nodes (LNs), as revised in 2018. Previous studies showed that the LN ratio (LNR) could be also a significant prognostic factor in head and neck cancer, but there are few studies on the LNR in HPV-related [HPV(+)] OPC. The aim of the present study was to analyze the predictive value of the LNR for survival and recurrence in HPV(+) OPC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HPV(+) OPC patients treated with surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy from January 2000 to March 2019 were evaluated. The patients were divided into two sets of three groups, according to LN numbers based on pathologic nodal stages, and LNRs by a cutoff value of 0.05. The medical records were reviewed, and the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, locoregional recurrence, and distant metastasis incidence were analyzed. RESULTS: Ninty patients were included and the median follow-up period was 38.2 months. There were no significant differences in OS in the LN number groups. However, there was a significant difference in OS in the LNR groups (P = 0.010). The incidence of distant metastasis in the LNR groups was significantly different (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The LNR in HPV(+) OPC patients may be a more useful tool to predict survival and distant metastasis than the LN number. Additional research and consensus on surgical pathology are needed before applying the LNR to adjuvant treatment decisions and pathologic nodal staging.

Multiple biochemical indices and metabolomics of Clonorchis sinensis provide a novel interpretation of biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Clonorchiasis, an infectious disease caused by the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis, may lead to the development of liver and gallbladder diseases, and even cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). However, the pathogenesis, host-pathogen interaction, and diagnostic markers for clonorchiasis remain unclear. METHODS: Eighteen rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n = 9) and C. sinensis-infected group (n = 9), and their plasma samples were collected at 7, 14, 28, and 63 days post-infection (dpi). Biochemical indices and metabolites in different infection periods were detected. A non-targeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach was employed to investigate the metabolic profiles of plasma in rabbits, and related metabolic pathways of differential metabolites and correlation between candidate biochemical indices and differential metabolites were analyzed. Finally, the candidate biomarkers were verified with human samples using a targeted metabolomics method. RESULTS: The result of biochemical indices indicated C. sinensis infection would affect the liver function biochemical indices, especially alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase (AST), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bile acid, high-density lipoprotein, and cholinesterase. The metabonomic results showed that 58, 212, 23, and 21 differential metabolites were identified in different phases of the infection. Multivariate statistical analysis of differential metabolites revealed distinct metabolic signatures during different phases of infection, with most of these signatures being observed at 14 dpi, which mainly influences the amino acid metabolisms. For metabolites and biochemical indices, AST, GGT, hypoxanthine, L-pipecolic acid, and D-glucuronate represented potential noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of C. sinensis (P < 0.05 and AUC > 0.8). Furthermore, GGT and D-glucuronate levels were positively correlated with the infection (r(28) = 0.98, P < 0.0001) and showed excellent diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.972; 95% confidence interval, 0.921 to 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The present results provide new insights into plasma metabolic changes in rabbits during C. sinensis infection, and the potential biomarker may be used for developing an effective method to diagnose clonorchiasis in the future.