Health-Promoting Lifestyle among the Survivors of Colorectal Cancer: An Integrative Review.

Introduction: Health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) among the survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC) is essential to reduce CRC complications, prevent its recurrence, and improve survival. Nonetheless, there is no comprehensive definition for the concept of HPL in CRC survivors. This study aimed to define the concept of HPL among CRC survivors based on the existing literature. Methods: This integrative review was conducted in 2021 using Whittemore and Knafl's method. The national and international databases of SID, Magiran, ProQuest, Medline, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. Quality appraisal was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the data were analyzed using the four-step approach proposed by Whittemore and Knafl. Results: After data evaluation, 167 documents were included in final analysis. In total, 1863 codes were generated and categorized into eighteen main categories and the three main themes of antecedents, attributes, and consequences. Accordingly, HPL among CRC survivors was defined as "a set of behaviors in the areas of health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, psychological management, and interpersonal relations which are affected by socio-demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, psychological status, physical conditions, time and place limitations, and patient education, and lead to better disease prognosis, better general health status, better bio-psycho-social status, and better quality of life". Conclusion: The definition of HPL among CRC survivors provided in the present study can be used in counseling, educational, supportive, and care programs for CRC survivors in order to improve their quality of life and survival.

Development and psychometric properties of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Scale in Colorectal Cancer Survivors (HPLS-CRCS): a mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: Detecting a health-promoting lifestyle in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is of paramount importance to manage disease complications, prevent their recurrence, and enhance survival; however, no specialized tool has yet been provided to measure the lifestyle of these patients. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop and determine the psychometric properties of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Scale in CRC Survivors (HPLS-CRCS). METHODS: This study was a mixed study with an exploratory sequential design in two phases. Concept analysis was performed in the first phase according to Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's (2000) hybrid model to explain the concept, identify dimensions, and generate items. In the second phase, psychometrics including validity (face, content, and construct) and reliability (internal consistency and stability) were determined. Responsiveness, interpretability, ease of use, item weighting, and scale scoring were also determined. RESULTS: After explaining the concept, an initial scale encompassing 211 items was developed, content and item analyses were conducted, and the items decreased to 89 items after the face validity assessment. For construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with a sample size of 500 survivors, and convergent validity was performed for the Persian version of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). Accordingly, 80 items were classified into six factors: activity and rest, spiritual growth, health responsibility, nutrition, interpersonal relationships, and psychological management, with RMSEA = 0.055, χ2/df = 2.484, and χ2 = 6816.516. The reliability of the scale was confirmed, Cronbach's alpha was between 0.865 and 0.928, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM), the minimal important change (MIC), and the smallest detectable change (SDC) were 0.896, 3.36, 13.86, and 19.87, respectively. CONCLUSION: The HPLS-CRCS consists of 80 items in six dimensions and is a valid and reliable scale for evaluating the health-promoting lifestyle in CRC survivors. Using this scale to evaluate the healthy lifestyle in these survivors can lead healthcare providers to detect deficiencies and plan the lifestyle of CRC survivors during the post-treatment period.

Preliminary Results of the Effects of Localized High-Dose Radiotherapy Combined with Total Body Low-Dose Irradiation on Tumor Growth and Stimulating the Immune System in Tumor-Bearing Mice.

Background: The immune system plays an extensive role in eliminating tumor cells. On the other hand, low-dose irradiation stimulates the immune system. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic outcomes of localized high-dose radiotherapy (LH) alone and combined with total body low-dose irradiation (TB). Material and Methods: In this experimental study, B16F0 tumor cells were injected into the right flank of C57JL/6 mice. The mice were treated with LH alone (13 Gy X-rays to the tumor surface) (LH group) or combined with TB (85 mGy X-rays at the skin) (TB+LH group). Then the tumor volume, the mice's lifespan, the number of lymphocytes extracted from the spleen, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production were measured. Results: Reduced number of lymphocytes, compared to non-irradiated mice (control group), was observed in LH and TB+LH groups. However, the identical number of cultured lymphocytes produced a higher level of IFN-γ in irradiated groups. Comparing the irradiated groups, the number of lymphocytes and their IFN-γ production, tumor growth control, and the mice's lifespan were statistically higher in TB+LH group. Conclusion: Observing a higher level of IFN-γ in TB+LH group compared to LH group indicates that low-dose radiation enhanced the stimulating effects of high-dose radiation on the immune system. It caused the mice in TB+LH group to have a more prolonged lifespan and a lower tumor growth rate. Therefore, it is worth our attention for future studies to investigate whether total body low-dose irradiation can be utilized before radiotherapy to enhance its efficiency.

Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Healthy Lifestyle Instrument for Breast Cancer Survivors (HLI-BCS).

BACKGROUND: Precise examination of breast cancer survivors' lifestyles can lead to improved planning and implementation of care and counseling interventions to increase their survival rate and improve their quality of life. Therefore, a valid and reliable instrument needs to be developed. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Healthy Lifestyle Instrument for Breast Cancer Survivors (HLI-BCS). METHODS: This methodological study was conducted on 420 Iranian breast cancer survivors between May and November 2022. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. The face, content, construct validity, convergent, and reliability of the Persian version of the HLI-BCS were assessed. RESULTS: After assessing face, content, and construct validity, the Persian version of the HLI-BCS with five factors and 20 items was provided. The total Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated as 0.86 and 0.79, respectively, which were at acceptable levels. A healthy lifestyle in breast cancer survivors was observed to have strong and significant relationships with quality of life in general (p < 0.001, r = 0.832), physical health (r = 0.786), and mental health (r = 0.809). CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the HLI-BCS has favorable properties, is consistent with the conditions of breast cancer survivors, and is valid and reliable. This version of the scale can provide adequate and precise information on the lifestyles of these patients.

The Synergistic Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Mediated Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated with Indocyanine Green as An Innovative Approach to Cooperation with Radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The multimodality treatment of cancer provides a secure and effective approach to improve the outcome of treatments. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has got attention because of selectively target and kills cancer cells. Likewise, gold nanoparticles (GNP) have been introduced as a radiosensitizer and drug delivery with high efficacy and low toxicity in cancer treatment. Conjugating GNP with indocyanine green (ICG) can develop a multifunctional drug to enhance radio and photosensitivity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anticancer effects of GNP@ICG in radiotherapy (RT) and CAP on DFW melanoma cancer and HFF fibroblast normal cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, the cells were irradiated to RT and CAP, alone and in combination with or without GNP@ICG at various time sequences between RT and CAP. Apoptosis Annexin V/PI, MTT, and colony formation assays evaluated the therapeutic effect. Finally, the index of synergism was calculated to compare the results. RESULTS: Most crucially, the cell viability assay showed that RT was less toxic to tumors and normal cells, but CAP showed a significant anti-tumor effect on melanoma cells with selective toxicity. In addition, cold plasma sensitized melanoma cells to radiotherapy so increasing treatment efficiency. This effect is enhanced with GNP@ICG. In comparison to RT alone, the data showed that combination treatment greatly decreased monolayer cell colonization and boosted apoptotic induction. CONCLUSION: The results provide new insights into the development of better approaches in radiotherapy of melanoma cells assisted plasma and nanomedicine.

Evaluation of dose distribution of an intraoperative radiotherapy device using thermoluminescent dosimeters and radiographic films.

Background: To investigate dose distribution of the 5cm spherical applicator of the INTRABEAM™ intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) device via thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) and Radiographic films. Independent dose distribution assessment of IORT devices is considered important. Several methods are described for this purpose, including TLDs and films. However, Radiographic films are not routinely used. Materials and methods: Twenty TLDs were used for depth dose measuring and evaluating the isotropy in water. Additionally, the isotropy was assessed separately via Radiographic films in air by drawing isodose curves. Results: TLD measurements showed a steep dose decline which the relative average dose of 0.94 at the applicator surface reduced to 0.32, 0.13, and 0.07 at 1, 2, and 3 cm depths in water, respectively. Some remarkable isodose curves prepared using Radiographic films showed forward anisotropy of the 5 cm applicator. Conclusion: A very steep dose decline and approximately isotropic dose distribution of the 5 cm applicator were observed via TLD measurements. Radiographic films showed acceptable potential for drawing dose distribution maps. However, they should be applied in more various radiation setups to be implemented more confidently.

Corrigendum to 'Health-Promoting Lifestyle in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences and Perspectives of Colorectal Cancer Survivors and Healthcare Providers' [Asia-Pacific J Oncol Nursing 8 (2021) 696-710].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.4103/apjon.apjon-2132.].

Tongue metastasis originated from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A case report.

The tongue is a rare site for metastasis. In this report, we present a woman with a history of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who suffered from two metastatic masses on the left side of her tongue 2 years after completion of definitive chemoradiation. The patient underwent chemotherapy and left hemi-glossectomy.

Association of SMAD7 genetic markers and haplotypes with colorectal cancer risk.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the common cancers with a high mortality rate worldwide. In Iran, there has been a trend of increased incidence of colorectal cancer in the last three decades that necessitates the early diagnosis. Genetic factors have an influential role in its etiology along with the conventional risk factors such as age, diet, and lifestyle. Results from GWAS have shown significant associations between SMAD7 gene variants and risk of CRC. This study aimed to assess the association of certain polymorphisms as well as haplotypes of this gene and risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study was designed as a case-control association study. After obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, blood samples from 209 patients with colorectal cancer were collected and DNA was extracted. Four variants: rs4939827, rs34007497, rs8085824 and rs8088297 were genotyped using ARMS-PCR method. RESULTS: SMAD7 rs4939827 in the recessive and co-dominant models was associated with colorectal cancer risk [TT/CT + CC: OR = 2.90, 95%CI (1.38-6.09), p = 0.005; CC + TT/CT: OR = 1.66, 95%CI (1.00-2.75), p = 0.01]. Haplotype analysis indicated that some SNP combinations including two for-SNPs haplotypes of T-T-C-C and T-C-C-A were significantly associated with CRC risk. CONCLUSION: Based on the identified association of SMAD7 gene variations and haplotypes with colorectal cancer risk in our population, genetic variations in this gene region may have a role in CRC development. This data may shed light on the genetic predisposition of CRC which involves different pathways including TGF-ß.

Health-Promoting Lifestyle in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences and Perspectives of Colorectal Cancer Survivors and Healthcare Providers.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the experiences of survivors and healthcare providers about health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is important in planning for coping with the disease, managing treatment side effects, increasing survival, and improving quality of life (QOL). This study was conducted to explore the experiences and perspectives of CRC survivors and healthcare providers about HPL in CRC survivors. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study was performed in 2020 at Omid and Imam Reza Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. Participants were CRC survivors (n = 12) and healthcare providers (n = 33) who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interview by face to face and then analyzed by Zhang and Wildemuth content analysis method. MaxQDA software was used to organize the data. RESULTS: Following the treatment of cancer, CRC survivors seek to make changes in lifestyle and they choose a HPL that maintains or improves their health. HPL in CRC survivors includes nutrition, activity and rest, health responsibility, interpersonal relations, spiritual growth, and psychological management. The results showed that HPL can lead to motivation, the ability to self-care and improve daily performance, reduce treatment complications, and increase the QOL. CONCLUSIONS: CRC survivors can help change their lifestyle patterns with healthy eating, treatment adherence, regular physical activity, and good sleep habits. Furthermore, effective personal and social relationships, spiritual growth, and management of psychological disorders develop health-promoting behaviors in them. CRC survivors also face challenges and limitations in their life after treatment; identifying the components of a HPL in CRC survivors can lead to desirable care, treatment, education, and counseling services.

Post-neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy tumor resectability following induction chemotherapy in locally advanced proximal gastric and adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) of patients with proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma may result in increased local control and improved patients' survival rate. This study aimed to investigate the effect of NACRT on resectability of tumor in patients with proximal gastric and EGJ adenocarcinoma. METHODS: In this single-arm clinical trial, patients with locally advanced proximal gastric and EGJ adenocarcinoma were included. Two courses of paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy alone followed by NACRT with a similar treatment regimen and a total radiation dose of 45-50.4/1.8-2 Grays were prescribed. After surgery, patients were evaluated for resection rate, pathologic response rate, and post-surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients with a mean age of 65.9 years participated. Grades 1 and 2 were the most prevalent side effects, with grade 3 being the worst grade and exhibiting as leukopenia (4.9%) and thrombocytopenia (1.6%). 25 (41%) patients underwent surgery after NACRT. Post-surgery complication was reported in 20% of cases (including 8% mortality and 12% morbidity). R0 and R2 resection was observed in 88% and 12% of cases, respectively. Complete pathologic-response was achieved in 24% of patients. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel/carboplatin based neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with potential resectability and appropriate pathologic response in patients with locally advanced proximal gastric and EGJ adenocarcinoma. However, by reducing patient tolerance to complete courses of weekly chemotherapy, induction chemotherapy lowered the effectiveness of concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy (as a sensitizing agent). Hence, induction chemotherapy proved to be more unbeneficial causing delayed treatment and reducing concurrent chemoradiotherapy tolerance.

COVID-19 in cancer patients may be presented by atypical symptoms and higher mortality rate, a case-controlled study from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic imposes serious problems to health systems around the world and its rapid expansion makes it difficult to serve patients with certain health conditions such as cancer patients which might be at high risk for mortality if they are infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. AIM: To compare the outcomes of cancer patients admitted due to COVID-19 and compare them with data of COVID-19 infected patients without a history of cancer. METHODS: In this case-controlled study, 93 healthy people and 92 patients with malignancy admitted for COVID-19 were enrolled. The clinical features and laboratory indicators were assessed at the presentation and both groups were followed-up for treatment options and outcomes prospectively and compared at the level of P ≤ .05. RESULTS: COVID-19 related mortality rate in malignant patients was significantly higher than patients without malignancy (41.3% vs 17.2%, P = .0001). The risk of death increased significantly in patients with malignancy (OR = 8.4, P = .007) and mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.3, P = .034) independent of other variables. Fever (64.5% vs 43.5%, P = .004), chill (35.5% vs 14.1%, P = .001), malaise (49.5% and 30.4%, P = .008), dry cough (51.6% vs 26.1%, P = .0001), and vomiting (17.2% vs 5.4%, P = .012) were reported significantly lower in cancer patients. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that cancer patients who were infected by COVID-19 may present with atypical symptoms are at higher risk of mortality independent of the demographic data, comorbidities, and treatments.

Epidemiology of lung cancer in northeast of Iran: A 25-year study of 939 patients.

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is a global public health priority. In this study, the epidemiology and current trends of primary LCs were investigated in northeast of Iran. Methods: Demographic and pathologic records of primary LCs during 1985-2012 in Mashhad (capital of northeast of Iran) were reviewed. Data were obtained from archives of the largest referral oncologic hospital and the only private outpatient radiation-oncologic clinic in the region. To investigate trends, study duration was classified into 3 periods: 1985-1995, 1995-2005, and 2005-2012. Patients were placed in one of these 3 groups, based on the date of their pathologic diagnosis. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software. T test, chi-squared, and ANOVA tests were used for data analysis, and statistical significant level was set at < 0.05. Results: Among 939 cases with pathologic diagnosis of primary LC, male-to-female ratio was 2.36. Mean±SD age at diagnosis was 61.47±12.01 years in males and 58.45±12.75 in females (p=0.001). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most frequent pathologic subtype. Mean age at diagnosis and rate of smokers were unchanged during the study (p= 0.978 and 0.153, respectively). Relative frequency of leading pathologic subtypes changed in 3 intervals (p<0.001): it was increasing in adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma and decreasing in SCC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). There were statistically significant differences in the mean age at diagnosis (p<0.001), rate of smokers (p<0.001), and male-to-female ratio (p=0.011) between leading pathologic subtypes. Conclusion: Similar to universal picture, rate of adenocarcinoma in northeast of Iran was rising during recent decades, especially among younger patients, women, and nonsmokers. These trends are indicative of changes in exposures and smoking habits and reveal the need for regional studies in these contexts.

Adherence to a Standardized Chemotherapy Order form for Colorectal Cancer in a Referral Teaching Hospital, Mashhad, Iran.

Using standardized forms for prescription and administration of medications is one of the main solutions for reducing medication errors in the chemotherapy process. Considering the high prevalence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer, in this study we tried to design and validate a standard printed form and evaluate oncologists' and nurses' adherence to this form. This cross-sectional study was performed in Omid hospital, Mashhad, Iran from January 2015 to October 2015. A Chemotherapy form including various demographic and clinical parameters and approved chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer was designed by the clinical pharmacist and validated by clinical oncologists working in this center. All eligible patients admitted in this center during this period of time were included in the study. Adherence of the oncologists and nurses to this form and probable medication errors were identified by the pharmacy student. Sixty-seven patients with colorectal cancer and a total of 251 chemotherapy courses were evaluated. All patients received regimens compatible with developed form but in 206 courses (98.56%) of chemotherapy dosing error happened and in most of cases patients received lower than calculated dose (37.8%). Three errors occurred in administration step by nurses which they infused the medication in shorter than recommended duration. In general, oncologists' adherence with developed form for chemotherapy of colorectal cancer was relatively high, except in dose calculation. Avoiding from rounding the calculated medications' doses and precise calculation of patients' body surface area can prevent most of medication errors and reduce risk of adverse drug reaction occurrence.

Utilizing photosensitizing and radiosensitizing properties of TiO2-based mitoxantrone imprinted nanopolymer in fibrosarcoma and melanoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Some materials such as TiO2 display a luminescence property when exposed to X-ray radiation. Therefore, a proper photosensitizer can induce photodynamic effects by absorbing the emitted photons from these materials during radiotherapy. In this way, the problem of limited photo- penetration depth in photodynamic therapy is resolved. In this paper, following the production of a nanopolymer containing TiO2 cores and imprinted for mitoxantron (MIP), the possibility of utilizing its optical and radio properties on two lines of cancer cells were studied. METHODS: Mitoxantron (MX) was selected as the photosensitizer. The emission spectrum of the nanopolymers synthesized with/without MX was recorded during excitation by 6 MV X-rays. Also, the fluorescence signal of hydroxyl radicals produced into terephthalic acid medium by the nanopolymers were recorded during X irradiation. The percentage of cell survival following irradiation by X-rays was determined for various concentrations of drug agents by MTT assay. The synergistic index and IC50 were calculated to compare the findings. RESULTS: The emission spectrum of the nanopolymer reloaded with MX during X-ray irradiation indicated a considerable decline in comparison with the nanopolymer without MX. The level of free radicals produced by nanopolymer was significantly increased during irradiation with X-rays. The highest mean of synergistic indexes was observed in MIP. CONCLUSION: The higher level of hydroxyl free radicals in MIP and lower cell viability in the DFW cell line as well as enhanced treatment efficiency confirm the hypothesis regarding the production of photodynamic effects by synthesized nanopolymer during radiotherapy.

In-vitro Study of Multifunctional PLGA-SPION Nanoparticles Loaded with Gemcitabine as Radiosensitizer Used in Radiotherapy.

This study aimed to modify the biological response of cells to ionizing radiation by combination therapy using radio-sensitizer agent and anticancer drug. Super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were prepared and used with gemcitabine (Gem). These two agents were encapsulated simultaneously intopoly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to form multifunctional drug delivery system. The physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles (NPs) were studied. The dose enhancement ratio (DER) of various treatment groups was calculated and compared using human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The DER for PLGA-SPION-Gem was the highest at 1 Gy60Co (3.18). Cumulative effect from simultaneous use of two radiosensitizer (Gem and SPIONs) was observed. Thus, we have successfully developed PLGA NPs loaded with gemcitabine and SPIONas a radiosensitizersystem which potentially could be used in radiotherapy.

Evaluating the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme by immunohistochemistry in normal and tumoral tissue before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer in Khorasan Province.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is the third most common cancer in Iran. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) is the appropriate treatment for esophageal cancer. AIM: This study investigated the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme in normal and tumoral tissues before any treatment in patients with esophageal cancer, this study also assessed the effect of NCRT on the expression of COX-2 enzyme in normal and tumoral tissue in samples derived by surgery furthermore, and this study investigated the relationship between expression of COX-2 enzyme and the pathologic tumor regression grade (PTRG) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a total of 120 patients admitted to Omid Hospital, Imam Reza Hospitals, and Reza-Mashhad Medical Center, who were treated with NCRT, were recruited and the expression of the COX-2 enzyme in normal and tumoral tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry before and after treatment by an expert pathologist between zero and 300. PTRG was determined by a pathologist after treatment. RESULTS: The mean levels of COX-2 expression, obtained from tumoral and normal tissue baseline biopsy in patients, were 177.69 and 64.29, respectively, while in surgical specimen were 177.25 and 49.84, respectively. A significant association was found between PTRG of surgical specimen and COX-2 expression in normal tissue (baseline biopsy) at diagnosis (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that expression of COX-2 in tumoral tissues exceeds the expression of COX-2 in normal tissue of the baseline biopsy. Patients with a high expression of COX-2 in baseline tumor biopsies had less response to treatment of pathology compared to patients with lower expression of COX-2 in baseline tumor biopsies.

A genetic polymorphism in the CYP1B1 gene in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: an Iranian Mashhad cohort study recruited over 10 years.

AIM: Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer globally and the seventh most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Recent studies have shown that CYP450, family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1, which plays a role in the metabolism of xenobiotics, is associated with several cancers. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the association between a genetic variant, CYP1B1-rs1056836 gene, with the clinical characteristics of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC). METHOD: In this study, 117 patients with ESCC and 208 healthy controls were recruited. DNA was extracted and genotyped using real-time PCR-based TaqMan. Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to assess overall and progression-free survival. To evaluate the relationship between clinicopathological data, genotypic frequencies, disease prognosis and survival, Pearson's χ2 and t-test were used. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the association between the risk of ESCC and genotypes. RESULTS: The genotypic frequency for GG, GC and CC were 58.6, 29.8 and 11.5%, respectively, in the healthy subjects and 51.8, 36.14 and 12% in the ESCC group. An association between the GG genotype and stage of ESCC was found. Also, statistically significant results were not found for this variation and risk of ESCC. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a relationship between the CYP1B1-rs1056836 genetic polymorphism and clinical features of ESCC, supporting further studies in larger populations in different ethnic groups, taking into account potentially important environmental factors such as diet.

Comparative proteome analysis of human esophageal cancer and adjacent normal tissues.

OBJECTIVES: Ranking as the sixth commonest cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) represents one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. One of the main reasons for the low survival of patients with esophageal cancer is its late diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used proteomics approach to analyze ESCC tissues with the aim of a better understanding of the malignant mechanism and searching candidate protein biomarkers for early diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The differential protein expression between cancerous and normal esophageal tissues was investigated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). Then proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS) and MASCOT web based search engine. RESULTS: We reported 4 differentially expressed proteins involved in the pathological process of esophageal cancer, such as annexinA1 (ANXA1), peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2), transgelin (TAGLN) andactin-aortic smooth muscle (ACTA2). CONCLUSION: In this report we have introduced new potential biomarker (ACTA2). Moreover, our data confirmed some already known markers for EC in our region.

Increased radiotoxicity in two cancerous cell lines irradiated by low and high energy photons in the presence of thio-glucose bound gold nanoparticles.

PURPOSE: Gold nanoparticles modified by thio-glucose are believed to increase the toxicity of radiotherapy in human malignant cells. We report the effect of thio-glucose bound gold nanoparticles (Glu-G nanoparticles), 16 nm in size, on two human lung (QU-DB) and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines combined with kilo and megavoltage X-rays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The shape and surface characteristics, the size distribution and light absorption spectrum of the prepared nanoparticles were measured by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, respectively. The cell uptake was assayed using the atomic absorption spectrometry. Mitochondrial activity, colony formation, and comet assays were applied to assess and compare the enhanced radiotoxicity of 100 KV and 6 MV X-rays, when combined with Glu-G nanoparticles. RESULTS: Glu-G nanoparticles had no significant toxicity for MCF7 and QU-DB cells up to 100 micromolar concentration. Compared to radiation alone, the intracellular uptake of Glu-G nanoparticles resulted in increased inhibition of cell proliferation by 64.1% and 38.7% for MCF7 cells, and 64.4% and 32.4% for QU-DB cells by 100 kVp and 6 MV X-rays, respectively. Comet assay confirmed an increase of DNA damage as a result of combination of 6 MV photons with Glu-G nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: Glu-G nanoparticles have remarkable potential for enhancing radiotoxicity of both low and high energy photons in MCF7 and QU-DB cells.