Development of the research on the application of chlorotoxin in imaging diagnostics and targeted therapies for tumors.

Precisely locating tumors always proves to be difficult. To find a molecule that can specifically bind to tumor cells is the key. Recently, chlorotoxin (CTX) has been proved to be able to bind to many kinds of tumor cells. The CTX receptor on the cell surface has been demonstrated to be matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Many researchers have combined CTX with other molecules, including 131I, Cy5.5, iron oxide nanoparticles coated by polyethylene glycol (NP-PEG), and so on, and thus synthesized various types of probes that can be detected by gamma-camera, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With these methods, the binding degree of CTX could be assessed. These studies demonstrated that CTX has a highly specific binding ability, high stability, and security. CTX could also inhibit or kill the tumor cells. A nonviral nanovector has been developed for gene therapy. As a result, it gradually develops into a new method of diagnosis and targeted therapy of tumors. This article reviews the current progress on CTX including the origin, chemical construction, the mechanism of binding with tumor cells, and the application to tumor imaging diagnosis and therapy.

A new surgical strategy for treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma based on anatomic study with preliminary clinical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: This study characterized the infiltration of primary tumors along the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), to create a new surgical strategy that is suitable for most stages. A preliminary evaluation of this novel surgical approach was also conducted. METHODS: An anatomic study of macroscopic specimens from 10 human cadavers and 100 OTSCC patients was conducted. The anatomic characteristics of the primary tumors and the origin and distribution of fibers of the intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles were observed and measured. After initial treatment with curative intent, the 100 patients were regularly followed-up with clinical examination and imaging. RESULT: Based on the anatomic characteristics of the primary tumors and tongue muscles, a new surgical approach was developed, and was described as muscle anatomy tongue surgery (MATS). MATS proved suitable for almost all stages of OTSCC. According to the morphology of the invasive tumor front, the 100 cases were divided into four types. The rate of 2-year local disease control was 98%, locoregional control 86%, disease-free survival 85%, and overall survival 89%. Tongue functions were perfectly recovered in more than 60% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Application of the principles of MATS to the treatment of OTSCC proved suitable for almost all stages of the disease. MATS is a novel surgical technique that may improve outcomes in tongue cancer surgery.

[Maxillofacial deformity caused by cancrum oris: a case report].

Cancrum oris is a kind of gangrenous disease happening on the maxillofacial region. It is characterized by developing rapidly, high lethality and deforming rate. This article reported a case of maxillofacial deformity caused by cancrum oris, and discussed based on relevant literatures.