The location of the bladder neck in postoperative cystography predicts continence convalescence after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine whether the location of the bladder neck in postoperative cystography predicts recovery of continence after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2015, 203 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP, n = 99) and robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP, n = 104) were analyzed. The location of the bladder neck was visualized by postoperative routine cystography, and quantitative evaluation of the bladder neck position was performed according to the bladder neck to pubic symphysis (BNPS) ratio proposed by Olgin et al. (J Endourol, 2014). Recovery of continence was defined as no pad use or one security pad per day. To determine the predictive factors for recovery of continence at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, several parameters were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, including age (≤68 vs. > 68, BMI (≤23.4 vs. > 23.4 kg/m2), surgical procedure (LRP vs. RARP), prostate volume (≤38 vs. > 38 mL), nerve-sparing technique, vesico-urethral anastomosis leakage, and BNPS ratio (≤0.59 vs. > 0.59). RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up was 1131 days (79-2880). At 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, continence recovery rates were 25, 53, 68 and 81%, respectively. Although older age (> 68) and RARP were significant risk factors for incontinence within 3 months, neither was significant after 6 months. A high BNPS ratio (> 0.59) was the only significant risk factor for the persistence of incontinence at all observation points, up to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: A lower bladder neck position after prostatectomy predicts prolonged incontinence.

The Effect of D-Aspartate on Spermatogenesis in Mouse Testis.

Spermatogenesis is controlled by hormonal secretions from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, by factors produced locally in the testis, and by direct interaction between germ cells and Sertoli cells in seminiferous tubules. Although the mammalian testis contains high levels of D-aspartate (D-Asp), and D-Asp is known to stimulate the secretion of testosterone in cultured Leydig cells, its role in testis is unclear. We describe here biochemical, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometric studies designed to elucidate developmental changes in testicular D-Asp levels and the direct effect of D-Asp on germ cells. We found that the concentration of D-Asp in mouse testis increased with growth and that fluctuations in D-Asp levels were controlled in part by its degradative enzyme, D-aspartate oxidase expressed in Sertoli cells. In vitro sperm production studies showed that mitosis in premeiotic germ cells was strongly inhibited by the addition of D-Asp to the culture medium. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that d-Asp accumulated in the differentiated spermatids, indicating either transport of D-Asp to spermatids or its de novo synthesis in these cells. Such compartmentation seems to prevent premeiotic germ cells in mouse testis from being exposed to the excess amount of D-Asp. In concert, our results indicate that in mouse testis, levels of D-Asp are regulated in a spatiotemporal manner and that D-Asp functions as a modulator of spermatogenesis.

TESTIS SPARING SURGERY FOR ADULT MATURE TERATOMA OF THE TESTIS; REPORT OF A CASE.

A 25-year-old man presented complaining of a painful, left scrotal swelling. He first noticed a mass in his left scrotum during childhood, but, in the absence of clinical symptoms, did not seek medical attention. We detected a left testicular tumor which was elastic, firm and smooth. Serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were all within normal range. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound revealed a solid tumor with cysts accompanied by intracystic hemorrhage and calcified walls. From the above findings, the tumor was suspected to be benign and, we therefore planned testis-sparing surgery. We performed tumor enucleation under cold ischemia. Since an intraoperative frozen section revealed the tumor to be benign, we preserved the remaining testis as planned. The final pathologic diagnosis was a mature teratoma without a malignant germ cell component. Evidence of recurrence has not been observed five years after the operation. In conclusion, when a mature teratoma that has been present since prepuberty is suspected in an adult, testis-sparing surgery should be considered.

Proteome research in urothelial carcinoma.

In all creatures including humans, the molecules that function in accordance with the genetic code are mainly proteins. After completing the sequencing of the human genome, rapid progress has been made in proteome analysis. The primary structures of almost all proteins were determined by the human genome sequence. However, the whole picture of proteins cannot be elucidated because of alternative splicing and post-translational modifications. Therefore, genomic as well as systematic and comprehensive information of proteins is required. Modern methods of proteomics have dramatically improved the quality and speed of protein analysis. Developments in both bioinformatics and mass spectrometry have contributed to the technical improvement, making it possible to identify proteins in a short time with high accuracy even from a very small sample. In the field of cancer research, many studies of useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers using these proteomic technologies have been reported, and target molecules for treatment have been explored. The aim of the present review was to summarize the basic technologies of proteomics and recent research in the field of urothelial cancer obtained using proteomic methods.

Successful delivery following ICSI with macrocephalic sperm head syndrome: a case report.

This article reports a case of macrocephalic sperm head syndrome, which is defined as the presence of a very high percentage of spermatozoa with enlarged heads and multiple flagellae, together with detailed morphological analysis. After a couple presented with infertility, sperm analysis showed severe teratozoospermia and almost all of the spermatozoa had macrocephaly with multiple tails. The morphological analysis revealed that most of the sperm heads contained several nuclei and had a similar number of tails as that of nuclei. However, detailed analysis revealed that there were a very few spermatozoa with an almost normal morphology. After genetic counselling, intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed using a few spermatozoa that had an almost normal morphology, resulting in pregnancy and successful delivery. Even in macrocephalic sperm head syndrome, which may be caused by meiotic division failure, pregnancy is possible if some spermatozoa with almost normal morphology can be utilized, although there may be genetic risks.

[Psoas abscess after ureteral stent exchange for cutaneous ureterostomy: report of a case].

A 69-year-old man underwent a radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy for carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder. The ureteral stents were exchanged for cutaneous ureterostomy 35 days after the operation. The patient suffered from high fever with chills a few hours after the stent exchange, and was readmitted to our hospital. High fever was not improved by treatment with Ceftriaxone for 5 days. Five days after the stent exchange, computed tomography (CT) revealed a right psoas abscess. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in the blood culture. Urine culture showed MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecium. Computed tomography-guided percutaneous catheter drainage and treatment consisting of vancomycin, minocycline and ciprofloxacin were performed for the psoas abscess. This treatment significantly reduced the size of the abscess and high fever was improved. The catheter was removed 22 days after the drainage. However, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spondylitis at L4 and L5. Therefore, antibiotics treatment was continued for about 3 months. There has been no sign of recurrence of bladder cancer and psoas abscess at 23 months after the operation.

[Incidence and risk factors of early postoperative paralytic ileus after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy with a unilateral and parallel stoma].

To identify the incidence and risk factors for developing early postoperative paralytic ileus (POPI) after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy with a unilateral and parallel stoma, we retrospectively reviewed 21 patients (mean age 73.0, 19 males and 2 females) with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up. POPI occurred in 4 patients (19.0%), who did not need surgical treatment and the insertion of a nasogastric tube. Age and past history of abdominal surgery influenced the occurrence of POPI. The patients with and without POPI had a mean age of 82.3±7.4 and 70.8±6.3 years old, respectively (p＝0.0025), and 75.0% (3/4) and 11.8% (2/17) of the patients, respectively, had a past history of abdominal surgery (p＝ 0.0276). There were no significant differences between patients with and without POPI in any of the following factors examined : sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, pT-category, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative serum levels of hemoglobin, creatinine, total protein, and albumin, operative time, blood loss, transfusion volume, stomal side, postoperative day of ambulation, and removal of epidural anesthesia tube. In conclusion, our results showed that increasing age and a past history of abdominal surgery were significantly associated with the occurrence of POPI after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy.

Long-Term Prostate-Specific Antigen Response on a Low-Dose Cabazitaxel Regimen for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Cabazitaxel is a second-generation taxane approved for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Although cabazitaxel improves overall survival when used following docetaxel chemotherapy, duration of the clinical response is relatively short, and few patients achieve a long-term response. CASE REPORT A 71-year-old man with prostate adenocarcinoma with an initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 4956 ng/ml, Gleason score 4+5 and cTxN0M1b was referred to our department for treatment. Several therapeutic approaches, including androgen deprivation therapy, with a combination of bicalutamide and a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue, and 4 sequential hormonal therapies including flutamide, estramustine, enzalutamide, and abiraterone, all failed to prevent disease progression. Subsequently, after 5 cycles of docetaxel chemotherapy were also ineffective, cabazitaxel chemotherapy at a dose of 20 mg/m² together with prednisone and pegfilgrastim was initiated. The patient developed grade 4 thrombocytopenia during the first 4 cycles, and the dosage of cabazitaxel had to be tapered to 12.5 mg/m² by the fifth cycle. In subsequent cycles, the treatment was continued without grade 4 thrombocytopenia or any other toxicities ³grade 3. The patient achieved a long-term clinical response over 4 years and his PSA level continued to decrease, from 29.8 ng/ml at treatment initiation to a nadir of 2.0 ng/ml after the 60th cycle. CONCLUSIONS The present case is a rare example of a sustained response to low-dose cabazitaxel, and suggests its potential as a treatment option for metastatic CRPC patients. In our patient, this approach achieved a good clinical response with manageable toxicity over the long term.

[false-positive results of human chorionic gonadotropin ß measurement after high orchiectomy for stage i seminoma: report of a case].

A 21-year-old male presented at our hospital with a complaint of left scrotal swelling. The serum human chorionic gonadotropin-ß (hCG-ß) level was 1.3 ng/ml. A left high orchitectomy was performed, and a histological study demonstrated seminoma. Computerized tomography showed no evidence of metastasis. Adjuvant radiation therapy with 25 Gy was performed for stage I seminoma. Although complete clinical remission was achieved,the hCG-ß level remained slightly positive (0.3-0.5 ng/ml). The urine hCG-ß-core fragment was determined to be within normal limits. This confirmed that the result of serum hCG-ß measurement was false-positive in our case. The patient received no additional treatment, and is free from recurrence 3 years and 1 month after surgery. In the testicular germ cell tumors,the measurement of urine hCG-ß-core fragment is useful for differential diagnosis in cases of low level-positive serum hCG-ß without clinical evidence of disease.

[Renal arteriovenous fistula induced by blunt renal trauma : a case report].

We report a case of renal arteriovenous fistula (RAVF) following blunt renal trauma. An 84-year-old woman who presented with massive gross hematuria after striking her right flank region on the corner of a table was transferred to neighboring hospital on October 24, 2006. Plain computerized tomography (CT) revealed a small subcapsular hematoma on the right kidney, corresponding to a type I renal injury according to the classification of the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma. However, subsequent enhanced CT demonstrated the migration of injected contrast material from the main trunk of the right renal artery to the inferior vena cava in the early phases. Because these findings suggested the occurrence of RAVF, the patient was referred to our hospital for further evaluation and therapy. Selective right renal arteriography enabled observation of trauma-induced RAVF in the upper pole of the affected kidney. Consecutively, transcatheter arterial embolization was performed with a metal coil, after which the shunt blood flow was successfully stopped. RAVF associated with blunt renal injury is extremely rare : only four cases have been previously reported in the literature.

Off-clamp tumor excision using soft coagulation in laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the perioperative outcomes of off-clamp tumor excision using soft coagulation in laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 78 patients who underwent minimally invasive partial nephrectomy, using soft coagulation, at the Shiga University of Medical Science, between September 2013 and April 2017. Tumor excision and hemostasis without renal arterial clamping was performed using soft coagulation. Collecting system repair and renorrhaphy with arterial clamping were carried out only if the collecting system had been opened. RESULTS: Forty-three of the 78 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using soft coagulation and the other 35 patients underwent robotic partial nephrectomy using soft coagulation. The median estimated total blood loss was 73 (0-1140) mL and no patient needed a blood transfusion. No cases featured postoperative hemorrhagic events. Six patients with urinary fistula needed prolonged ureteral stenting. The median percentage change of the estimated glomerular filtration rate was -7.2 at one to 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The off-clamp soft coagulation technique in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robotic partial nephrectomy is a safe and feasible approach to excise kidney tumors. This procedure may reduce the incidence of perioperative hemorrhagic complications.

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 7 Is Essential for Ejaculation.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (mGluR7) is a member of the group III mGluRs, which are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase via Gi/Go proteins and localized to presynaptic active zones of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). To elucidate the mechanism of impaired reproductivity of mGluR7 knockout (KO) mice, we investigated sexual behavior in this line, which exhibits ejaculatory disorder, although with normal sexual motivation and erectile function. To identify the site of action within the CNS responsible for the effect of mGluR7 on ejaculation, we then used a para-chloroamphetamine (PCA)-induced ejaculation model. Intrathecal administration of the mGluR7-selective antagonist 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-3-pyridin-4-ylisoxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one (MMPIP) into the lumbosacral spinal cord inhibited PCA-induced ejaculation. Immunohistochemistry revealed mGluR7-like immunoreactivity (LI) expressed in the same area where lumbar spinothalamic (LSt) cells regulate the parasympathetic ejaculatory pathway. At high magnification, the apposition of mGluR7-LI puncta and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-LI-positive putative parasympathetic preganglionic neurons was evident. These results indicate that mGluR7 in the lumbosacral spinal cord regulates ejaculation by potentiating the excitability of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. The ejaculatory disorder is a major issue in the field of male reproductive function. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be treated by phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra®), but the ejaculatory disorder cannot. Lack of understanding of the ejaculatory mechanism hinders the development of therapies for ejaculatory problems. This study is the first to demonstrate that mGluR7 regulates ejaculation and the results provide insight into the mechanism of ejaculation as well as a strategy for future therapies to treat ejaculatory disorders in humans.

[Clinical study of tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy].

We constructed Toyoda cutaneous ureterostomy with fixation between the anterior and posterior rectus sheath by four interrupted sutures to maintain the stability of the abdominal wall tunnel for the ureters. After the operation, the stent catheters were placed in the renal pelvis through the stoma, and exchanged every 4 weeks. The stent catheters were removed 3 months after the operation, because the stomal conditions were unstable and obstructive in the early phase after the operation. Fifteen patients (27 renal units) with at least 6 months of follow-up were enrolled in this study. The follow-up period was 6 to 33 months (average 14.0 +/- 7.9). Radical cystectomy was performed for bladder cancer in these patients. There were 12 men and 3 women with an average age of 73.3 +/- 7.2 years. At the operation, the ureters were intact in all 27 renal units. Six months after operation, 26 (96.3%) of 27 renal units achieved a tubeless condition, and 25 renal units (92.6%) had no hydronephrosis. Acute pyelonephritis had developed 2 (13.3%) of the 15 patients both within 3 months after the operation and after this period. In conclusion, our operative modification of cutaneous ureterostomy achieved a high catheter-free rate.

Generation of an OCT3/4 reporter cynomolgus monkey ES cell line using CRISPR/Cas9.

Cynomolgus monkey ES (Cyn ES) cells can be generated in a similar manner as human ES cells. However, Cyn ES cells are difficult to maintain in an undifferentiated state by untrained researchers. For easier culture, we generated an OCT3/4-P2A tdTomato IRES ZeocinR Cyn ES cell line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. The stop codon of the endogenous OCT3/4 locus was replaced with the P2A tdTomato IRES ZeocinR pA cassette by homologous recombination. This cell line enables us to isolate pluripotent stem cells and exclude differentiated cells by addition of zeocin, especially for culture without feeder cells.

Changes in renal function following nedaplatin-containing chemotherapy in patients with urothelial carcinoma unfit for cisplatin.

The present study evaluated the impact of nedaplatin-containing chemotherapy on renal function in 35 patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) between 2001 and 2014 who were unfit for cisplatin treatment. As comparative controls, the present study also examined 35 patients with the same disease who underwent cisplatin-containing chemotherapy during the same period. The changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) prior to and following the administration of nedaplatin during each cycle of chemotherapy was investigated. The present study also reported the overall response rates and adverse events in each group. A total of 31 cycles of the gemcitabine/nedaplatin regimen and 66 cycles of the methotrexate/epirubicin/nedaplatin regimen were administered. In the nedaplatin group, the mean eGFRs prior to and following chemotherapy were 45.4 and 47.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The eGFR of the post-chemotherapy group was significantly increased (P<0.001). On the other hand, in the cisplatin group, the eGFR following chemotherapy was significantly lower than the rate prior to chemotherapy (P<0.001). The overall response rates were 30.4 and 66.7% in the nedaplatin and cisplatin groups, respectively. In the two groups, myelosuppression was the most common side effect, but the occurrence rates in both groups were similar, and these adverse events were manageable. With regard to nephrotoxicity, nedaplatin-containing chemotherapy for cisplatin-unfit patients with UC is a safe treatment modality.

Exploratory Investigation of Target Pazopanib Concentration Range for Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Severe adverse events frequently occur in patients treated with pazopanib, necessitating dose reduction and discontinuation. However, information on the exposure-toxicity relationship is limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this retrospective and observational clinical study, we examined 27 patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with pazopanib and enrolled between October 2014 and March 2018. The primary goal was to evaluate the association between trough pazopanib concentration and occurrence of grade ≥ 3 toxicities, and secondarily, to estimate the association between trough pazopanib concentration and objective response rate. RESULTS: Mean trough pazopanib concentration was significantly higher in the grade ≥ 3 toxicity group (n = 9) than in the grade ≤ 2 toxicity group (n = 18). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the threshold value of trough pazopanib concentration for predicting grade ≥ 3 toxicities was 50.3 µg/mL (area under the curve, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.99; P < .05). In the pazopanib < 20.5 µg/mL group (n = 3), no patient experienced an objective response. Objective response rates between patients with 20.5 to 50.3 µg/mL pazopanib (n = 11) and patients with ≥ 50.3 µg/mL (n = 13) were similar (45.5% vs. 46.2%). CONCLUSION: From results of this study, the target trough pazopanib concentration range may be 20.5 to 50.3 µg/mL for patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Prediction of intravesical recurrence of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer by evaluation of intratumoral Foxp3+ T cells in the primary transurethral resection of bladder tumor specimens.

Patients with a history of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer sometimes have recurrence of tumors after transurethral resection of bladder tumor treatment. To find factors related to the recurrence of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, we examined tissue specimens taken at transurethral resection of bladder tumor as an initial treatment. We revealed the association between prognosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and infiltration of Foxp3+ T cells that suppress anti-tumor immunity in 115 primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients retrospectively identified and followed for at least 3 months after primary transurethral resection. In immunohistological staining, we counted the number of cells positive for CD3 and positive for CD3 and Foxp3 together and calculated the percentage of Foxp3+ T cells among the CD3+ T cells. The recurrence-free survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and a Cox regression analysis of recurrence factors was performed. The median (interquartile range) percentage of Foxp3+ T cells in all cases was 17.1% (11.9, 11.4-23.3%). Compared by risk stratification, it was 11.4% (10.4, 7.8-18.2%) in the low-risk group (n = 32), 16.8% (12.6, 11.6-24.2%) in the intermediate-risk group (n = 45), and 22.0% (9.7, 16.4-26.1%) in the high-risk group (n = 38). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the Foxp3+ T cell high group (≥ 17.1%) had a worse RFS rate than did the low group (< 17.1%) (P = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, the percentage of Foxp3+ T cells was an independent risk factor for intravesical recurrence (hazard ratio 2.25). Thus, peritumoral Foxp3+ T cell infiltration was correlated to risk stratification and recurrence-free survival. Therefore, the percentage of Foxp3+ T cells in tumor specimens may predict a risk for intravesical recurrence.

Indocyanine Green Angiography-assisted Laparoendoscopic Single-site Varicocelectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of a new laparoscopic varicocelectomy technique using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. METHODS: Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) varicocelectomy using ICG angiography was performed in a single institution on 11 patients with a grade 2 or 3 varicocele. Adult men (N = 9, 82%) who were apparently infertile and had a varicocele, as well as prepubertal boys (N = 2, 18%) with testicular growth retardation, underwent a LESS varicocelectomy using ICG angiography. After the separation of testicular veins, arteries, and lymphatics, ICG was injected intravenously, and arterial and venous blood flows were observed by ICG fluorescence. Spermatic veins were cauterized by bipolar forceps and cut. The spermatic artery and lymphatics were preserved. RESULTS: The mean time to the arterial phase (AP) from the ICG injection was 34.9 seconds and the mean time to the venous phase was 58.3 seconds. The mean interval from the arterial phase to the venous phase was 23.3 seconds, and in all cases, this time interval facilitated the identification of arteries and veins. The rates of residual varicocele 3 and 6 months after surgery were 9.1% and 0%, respectively. Serious postoperative complications were not observed nor were adverse events induced by ICG. CONCLUSION: ICG angiography appears to be safe and appears to facilitate the detection of artery and veins during LESS varicocelectomy. Continuing investigations of efficacy are required of this new and promising procedure in a larger number of patients.

Promoter of Arabidopsis thaliana phosphate transporter gene drives root-specific expression of transgene in rice.

The PHT1 promoter::GUS fusion gene was constructed and introduced into Arabidopsis and rice by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Strong beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activity was detected in roots and showed phosphate starvation induction both in Arabidopsis and rice. In contrast, GUS activity in aerial tissues such as those of the leaf and stem was low. In situ GUS staining of root tissue indicated that PHT1 was expressed in root hairs and the outer layer of the main roots, but not in root tips. The PHT1 promoter has a desirable character for biotechnological transgene expression in monocot rice plants.

Gamma-Glutamylcyclotransferase: A Novel Target Molecule for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

Gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT) is one of the major enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism. However, its gene locus was unknown for many years. Recently, the gene for GGCT was found to be identical to C7orf24, which is registered as a hypothetical protein. Orthologs have been found in bacteria, plants, and nematodes as well as higher organisms, and the GGCT gene is highly preserved among a wide range of species. GGCT (C7orf24) was also reported as an upregulated protein in various cancers. Although the function of GGCT in cancer cells has not been determined, the following important activities have been reported: (1) high expression in various cancer tissues and cancer cell lines, (2) low expression in normal tissues, (3) inhibition of cancer cell proliferation via anti-GGCT RNAi, (4) inhibition of cancer cell invasion and migration via anti-GGCT RNAi, (5) an epigenetic transcriptional regulation in cancer cells, and (6) an antitumor effect in cancer-bearing xenograft mice. Therefore, GGCT is promising as a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target for various cancers. This review summarizes these interesting findings.