microRNA profiling of exosomes derived from plasma and their potential as biomarkers for Opisthorchis viverrini-associated cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a life-threatening disease that impacts patients worldwide. In Southeast Asian countries, the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini plays a major role in inducing carcinogenesis of the bile ducts. Due to its asymptomatic nature, O. viverrini infections are rarely treated, consequently leading to the development of advanced stages of CCA before diagnosis. Despite the current use of exosomal microRNAs (miRNA) as diagnostic biomarkers for the early detection of many types of cancer, the applications for miRNA remain limited with CCA. Circulating exosomes, membranous vesicles essential for intercellular communication, were found to contain unique miRNA. In this study, we conducted next-generation sequencing (Ion Torrent PGM) and bioinformatics to characterize and compare the contents of exosomal miRNA derived from the plasma of CCA patients, O. viverrini-infected patients, and healthy individuals, as well as to identify and validate key molecules as markers for screening the diagnosis of CCA and O. viverrini infection. The obtained results showed the success of using NGS technology in discovering exosomal miRNAs, specifically miR-194-5p and miR-192-5p, both of which were upregulated in the O. viverrini-infected group. Interestingly, miR-192-5p was upregulated while miR-194-5p was downregulated in CCA, suggesting their potential use as biomarkers for screening CCA and O. viverrini infection, especially in O. viverrini-endemic areas.

Investigation of Plasma Cell-Free DNA and MiRNA in Cholangiocarcinoma and Opisthorchiasis Viverrini Patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free miRNA (cf-miRNA) for distinguishing between Healthy, asymptomatic opisthorchiasis viverrini and cholangiocarcinoma in a preliminary manner. METHODS: In this study, 36 participants were enrolled into three health status groups: a healthy control group (HC), Opisthorchis viverrini-infected group (OV), and a cholangiocarcinoma group (CCA), each comprising 12 participants. Concentration measurements of cfDNA and cf-miRNA from plasma were conducted. Additionally, ultra-low-pass whole-genome sequencing (ULP-WGS) was employed to investigate DNA alterations. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant elevation in plasma cfDNA concentration in the cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) group compared to healthy controls (HC) and Opisthorchis viverrini-infected (OV) groups (P < 0.001). The cfDNA concentration demonstrated a sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 95.83% for differentiating cholangiocarcinoma, with a cut-off of > 30.50 ng/ml plasma. Likewise, the concentration of cf-miRNA in the CCA group significantly differed from that in the HC and OV groups, demonstrating a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 95.83% with a cut-off set at > 70.50 ng/ml plasma. Furthermore, a positive correlation between plasma concentrations of cfDNA and cf-miRNA suggests a potential relationship between these two biomarkers. These findings indicated the diagnostic potential of cfDNA and cf-miRNA in distinguishing cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing their role as promising biomarkers for further investigation and clinical applications. CONCLUSION: Elevated plasma concentrations of cfDNA and cf-miRNA could serve as potential diagnostic tools for distinguishing cholangiocarcinoma from other conditions. cf-miRNA was superior to cfDNA in terms of sensitivity.

Update on the risk factors for opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand.

This study aimed to identify the recent risk factors for Opisthorchis viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) to improve disease prevention. The participants were divided into the following 3 groups based on their health status: healthy control (nonOV and nonCCA), those with O. viverrini infection (OV), and those with CCA. A questionnaire was used to explore their lifestyle and behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression and backward elimination were used to identify the significant risk factors. The results showed that the significant risk factors for both O. viverrini infection and CCA were age>50 years (odd ratio (OR)=8.44, P<0.001, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.98-23.90 and OR=43.47, P=0.001, 95% CI 14.71-128.45, respectively) and raw fish consumption (OR=8.48, P< 0.001, 95% CI 3.18-22.63 and OR=3.15, P=0.048, 95% CI 1.01-9.86, respectively). A history of O. viverrini infection was identified as an additional risk factor for CCA (OR=20.93, P=0.011, 95% CI 2.04-215.10). This study provided an update on the risk factors for O. viverrini infection and CCA. Asymptomatic patients with O. viverrini infection, particularly those>50 years old, should be carefully monitored to prevent CCA.

Differential plasma proteomes of the patients with Opisthorchiasis viverrini and cholangiocarcinoma identify a polymeric immunoglobulin receptor as a potential biomarker.

In Southeast Asian countries, nitrosamine compounds and the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini have long been identified as carcinogens for cholangiocarcinoma (CHCA). In order to effectively treat O. viverrini infections and prevent the development of CHCA, methods for disease detection are needed. This study aims to identify biomarkers for O. viverrini infection and CHCA. In the discovery phase, technical triplicates of five pooled plasma pools (10 plasma each) of healthy control subjects (noOVCCA), O. viverrini subjects (OV), and cholangiocarcinoma subjects (CCA), underwent solution-based digestion, with the label-free method, using a Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ HF hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer and UltiMate 300 LC systems. The noOVCCA, OV, and CCA groups demonstrated different profiles and were clustered, as illustrated by PCA and heat map analysis. The STRING and reactome analysis showed that both OV and CCA groups up-regulated proteins targeting immune system-related proteins. Differential proteomic profiles, S100A9, and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) were specifically expressed in the CCA group. During the validation phase, another 50 plasma samples were validated via the PIGR sandwich ELISA. Using PIGR >1.559 ng/ml as a cut-off point, 78.00% sensitivity, 71.00% specificity, and AUC = 0.8216, were obtained. It is sufficient to differentially diagnose cholangiocarcinoma patients from healthy patients and those with Opisthorchiasis viverrini. Hence, in this study, PIGR was identified and validated as a potential biomarker for CHCA. Plasma PIGR is suggested for screening CHCA, especially in an endemic region of O. viverrini infection.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit beta as a potential biomarker for Opisthorchis viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma.

The human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (Ov), the primary risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma (CHCA), is a parasite endemic to southeast Asian countries. With no effective treatments for CHCA currently available, early diagnosis and treatment of Ov infection remains the only practical method for the prevention of CHCA. In this study, plasma phosphoproteomes of patients in the non-Ov infection, non-cholangiocarcinoma subject group (non-OVCCA), the asymptomatic Ov infected group (OV), and the CHCA group (CCA), were investigated to identify potential biomarkers for Ov infection and CHCA. The AKT signalling pathway was found to be up-regulated. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit beta isoform (PIK3CB), an upstream signalling molecule, was selected as a potential biomarker and evaluated using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results demonstrated evidence that levels of PIK3CB in both the OV group and CCA group was statistically different compared to the non-OVCCA group (P < 0.01). However, the levels of PIK3CB between the OV group and the CCA group were found not to be statistically different. Sensitivity and specificity for OV using OD450 cut-off at >1.570 was 76 and 72%, respectively. For CCA, sensitivity and specificity using OD450 cut-off at >1.398 was 68 and 76%, respectively. Application of indirect ELISA detecting plasma PIK3CB will be of great benefit for screening of opisthorchiasis and CHCA.

Plasma checkpoint protein 1 (Chk1) as a potential diagnostic biomarker for opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Patients infected with a parasite often develop opisthorchiasis viverrini, which often progresses into cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection. Currently, there are no effective diagnostic methods for opisthorchiasis or cholangiocarcinoma. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the host-responsive protein that can be developed as a diagnostic biomarker of opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected from non-OVCCA, OV, and CCA subjects, and the proteomes were investigated by LC-MS/MS. Venn diagrams and protein network prediction by STITCH were used to identify the potential biomarkers. The level of candidate protein, the plasma checkpoint protein 1 (Chk1), was measured by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Chk1 was present in the center of the protein network analysis in both the OV and CCA groups. In addition, the plasma Chk1 levels were significantly increased in both groups (P< 0.05). The sensitivity of the opisthorchiasis viverrini and cholangiocarcinoma was 59.38% and 65.62%, respectively, while the specificity of both was 85.71%. CONCLUSION: Chk1 was identified by differential plasma proteomes and was increased in O. viverrini-infected and cholangiocarcinoma-derived plasma samples. Higher levels of plasma Chk1 levels may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma.

Efficacy and tolerability of BP-C1 in metastatic breast cancer: a Phase II, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled Thai multi-center study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of BP-C1 vs equal-looking placebo in metastatic breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center study with a semicross-over design was performed. Sixteen patients received daily intramuscular injection of 0.035 mg/kg bodyweight of BP-C1 and 15 patients received equal-looking placebo for 32 days. After 32 days, the placebo patients crossed to BP-C1 with the last observation in the placebo period as baseline. The status of receptors including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PtR), and human EGF receptor 2 (HER2) was analyzed prior to inclusion in the study. Thoracoabdominal CT scan was blindly analyzed by the same independent radiologist in accordance with the RECIST criteria 1.1. Toxicity was assessed according to the NCI Bethesda Version 2.0 (CTC-NCI), and the quality of life (QOL) was assessed according to European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL-C30 and QOL-BR23. RESULTS: The sum of target lesion diameters (sum lesions) after 32 days of treatment increased by 8.9% (P=0.08) in the BP-C1 arm compared to 37.6% (P<0.001) in placebo patients. Twelve of the 15 placebo patients subsequently had BP-C1 treatment. The increase in sum lesions was 3.5% in these patients. The sum of CTC-NCI was increased 18.7% in the BP-C1 arm (P=0.38) compared to 50.9% (P=0.04) in placebo patients. Four mild/moderate adverse events (AEs) present in BP-C1. Two mild/moderate AEs and one severe AE present in placebo. The QOL benchmarks "breast cancer problems last week", "sexual interest and activity last 4 weeks", and "breast cancer-related pain and discomfort last week" were stable in the BP-C1 arm but deteriorated in placebo patients. The sum lesions increased significantly in ER+ (P=0.02) and PtR+ (P=0.03) but not in HER2+. The increase in sum lesions significantly decreased (P=0.02) with an increasing number of negative receptors. CONCLUSION: A total of 32 days of BP-C1 treatment inhibited cancer growth and was well tolerated with few and mainly mild AEs. The efficacy of BP-C1 was superior in receptor-negative patients. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03603197.

Expression and Serum Levels of Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) as a Biomarker for Cholangiocarcinoma: a Meta-analysis.

AIM: The potential of biomarkers in detecting early cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is facilitated by examining CCA-associated proteins from primary studies. One such protein is mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) but inconsistency of reported associations between its expression/serum levels and CCA prompts a meta-analysis to obtain more precise estimates. METHODS: A literature search yielded 17 included articles where multiple data in some raised the number of studies to 22. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals from negative and positive readings of MUC5AC levels. Data were subgrouped by ethnicity, detection method, sample source, and cancer type. RESULTS: Outcome in the overall analysis was non-significant but those in the subgroups were. Thus, significant associations (P < 0.001) indicating high MUC5AC levels were found in three subgroups: (i) Thai (OR 8.32) and (ii) serum (OR 4.52). Heterogeneity of these two outcomes (I2 = 90-93%) was erased with outlier treatment (I2 = 0%) which also modulated the pooled effects (OR 2.48-2.59). (iii) Immunoblot (OR 2.61) had low initial heterogeneity (I2 = 2%). Robustness and significant tests for interaction (Pinteraction = 0.01-0.02) improved MUC5AC associations with CCA in the Thai population. CONCLUSIONS: Our pooled effect findings target the biomarker potential of MUC5AC to the Thai population.

BP-C1 in the treatment of patients with stage IV breast cancer: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study and an additional open-label treatment phase.

UNLABELLED: The aims were to compare the efficacy and tolerability of a new benzene-poly-carboxylic acids complex with cis-diammineplatinum (II) dichloride (BP-C1) versus placebo and to investigate the long-term tolerability of BP-C1 in the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study was performed with a semi-crossover design. Patients allocated to placebo switched to BP-C1 after 32 days of treatment. Patients who completed 32 days of BP-C1 treatment were offered the opportunity to continue on BP-C1 for an additional 32 days in an open-label extension. Patients were then followed up for another 28 days. Thirty patients were given daily intramuscular injections of 0.035 mg/kg of body weight BP-C1 or placebo for 32 days. Biochemistry, hematology, National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTC-NCI), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (QOL-C30 and the breast-cancer-specific BR23) data were recorded at screening and after every 16 days of treatment. Computed tomography was performed at screening and every 32 days. RESULTS: The sum of target lesions increased 2.4% in the BP-C1 group and 14.3% in the placebo group. Only the increase in the placebo group was significant (P=0.013). The difference between the groups was significant in favor of BP-C1 (P=0.04). There was a significant difference (P=0.026) in favor of BP-C1 regarding Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) classification. The sum of lesions increased slightly in the patients receiving 64 days of continuous BP-C1 treatment, of whom 68.4% were classified as responders. The sum CTC-NCI toxicity score increased nonsignificantly in the BP-C1 group but significantly in the placebo group (P=0.05). The difference in increase between groups did not meet the level of significance (P=0.12). The sum toxicity score was reduced in the patients receiving 64 days of BP-C1 from 9.2 at screening to 8.9 at Day 48, but it increased again to 10.1 by Day 64 and 10.6 during the 28-day follow-up. "Breast cancer-related pain and discomfort" and "Breast cancer treatment problem last week" were significantly reduced (P=0.02) in the BP-C1 group but increased slightly in the placebo group; between-group differences were significant in favor of BP-C1 (P=0.05). "Breast cancer related pain and discomfort", "Breast cancer treatment problem last week," and "Physical activity problem" were significantly reduced during the 64 days of BP-C1 treatment (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: For patients suffering from stage IV metastatic breast cancer, treatment with BP-C1 reduces cancer growth, is well tolerated, improves quality of life, and produces few adverse events, which were mainly mild and manageable.

Treatment outcome of palliative chemotherapy in inoperable cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common cancer in males in Thailand. The outcome is poor although systemic chemotherapy has been used in attempts to improve disease control, quality of life and prolong survival in patient with unresectable and advanced disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study the medical records of all patients diagnosed as having unresectable and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and receiving systemic chemotherapy at Udonthani Cancer Hospital during January 2007 to December 2010 were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the total of 105 patients, 21 received gemcitabine-based chemotherapy and 84 5FU-based chemotherapy. Most received platinum doublet regimens. 5FU-based regimens yielded an overall response rate (tumor control) of 23.8% and a median survival of 7.2 months while gemcitabine-based regimens yielded an overall response rate (tumor control) 19.1% and a median survival of 10.0 months. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor control and survival of patient with advanced cholangiocarcinoma treated with gemcitabine-based and 5FU-based chemotherapy do not markedly differ.