Assessment of Circulating Tumor Cells in Colorectal Cancer as an Adjunctive Non-invasive Diagnostic Method.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Biopsy remains the gold standard for CRC diagnosis, but invasive testing may not be preferred as an initial diagnostic procedure. Therefore, alternative non-invasive approaches are needed. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) present in the bloodstream have great potential as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for CRC patients. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of CTC in CRC as an adjunctive diagnostic method using a subjective manual identification method and laser capture microdissection at 40x magnification. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients suspected to have CRC at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, between November 2020 and March 2021. CTC analysis was performed using the negative selection immunomagnetic method with Easysep™ and the CD44 mesenchymal tumor marker. The identification and quantification of CTC were conducted manually and subjectively, with three repetitions of cell counting per field of view at 40x magnification. RESULTS: Of 80 subjects, 77.5% were diagnosed with CRC, while 7.5% and 15% exhibited adenomatous polyps and inflammatory/hyperplastic polyps, respectively. The diagnostic analysis of CTC for detecting CRC (compared to polyps) using a CTC cutoff point of >1.5 cells/mL suggested sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 50%, 88.89%, and 93.94%. Additionally, the negative predictive value (NPV), as well as the positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR) were 34.04%, 4.5, and 0.56, respectively. The subjective manual identification and quantification of CTC were performed at 40x magnification using laser capture microdissection. CONCLUSION: This study assessed the diagnostic potential of CTC examination in CRC as an adjunctive diagnostic method using the subjective manual identification method and laser capture microdissection at 40x magnification. Despite the limitations associated with subjective cell counting, the results showed 50% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity in diagnosing CRC. Further studies are needed to optimize the manual identification process and validate the clinical utility of CTC analysis in CRC patients.

Gut Microbiota Profiles in Early- and Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Potential Diagnostic Biomarker in the Future.

BACKGROUND: Researchers believe the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the raised incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). The development of EOCRC may be associated with microbiota dysbiosis either dependently or independently (combined with other risk factors). SUMMARY: Recently, the rising of incidence and mortality of EOCRC have been noted. Some researchers are looking for risk factors influencing this fact. They hypothesize that it may be because of microbiota dysbiosis. Microbiota dysbiosis has been known to promote cancer development through immunity dysregulation and chronic inflammation. Microbiomes profile in late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC) among older patients has been documented, but there is still lack of data about microbial profiles among younger colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This review tries to explain microbial profiles differences between EOCRC and LOCRC as a potential diagnostic biomarker in the future, and whether microbiota can have a role in EOCRC genesis. Key Messages: Microbiota does vary with age, and EOCRC may be associated with colonization of some specific bacteria. Further studies about gut microbiota profiles in EOCRC and LOCRC may provide a new insight on diagnostic biomarker of CRC.

Severe Malaria in an Adult Patient from Low-Endemic Area in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara.

Malaria is an infection caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of the disease and may progress to life-threatening manifestations. This case describes a 26-year-old man who suffered cerebral malaria with multiple organ dysfunction and successfully recovered despite poor initial prognosis. Negligent and late diagnosis of malaria leads to severe complications and a worse prognosis. This case emphasizes despite living in a low-endemic malaria area, physicians should remain meticulous and consider malaria as differential diagnosis even after initially presenting with nonspecific symptoms. Consequently, malarial screening should be performed to modify the risk of mortality. Furthermore, close monitoring and early administration of intravenous artesunate are also particularly critical.