Anti-cancer effects of Tranilast: An update.

Tranilast (TRN) or (N-3,4 -dimethoxy cinnamoyl]-anthranilic acid) is an analog of a tryptophan metabolite and is identified mainly as an anti-allergic agent with limited side effects. The anti-cancer effects of tranilast either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs have been evidenced in several pre-clinical studies. The main mechanism of action of tranilast includes targeting and modulation of various signaling and immune regulatory pathways including Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), MAP-Kinase (MAPK), Protein kinase B ( Akt/PKB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase, modulation of cancer stem cells, etc. Most of these pathways are involved in tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and it is postulated that tranilast, with its low toxicity profile and high anti-carcinogenic abilities, can serve as a potential anti-tumorigenic agent. The main aim of this review is to provide updated information on the anti-cancer effects of tranilast and its significance as a therapeutic agent.

Information gaps for patients requiring craniotomy for benign brain lesion: a qualitative study.

Doctor-patient communication in the setting of a life-threatening illness poses considerable challenges. This study aimed to determine the information needs of a subset of neurosurgical patients. Qualitative case study methodology was used. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with ambulatory adult patients who had undergone surgery for a benign brain tumor, arteriovenous malformation, or unruptured aneurysm. Interviews were digitally audio recorded and transcribed, and the data subjected to thematic analysis. Six overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) the amount of information patients want varies; (2) the type of information needed is not limited to information about treatment options and risks; (3) patients engage in independent information seeking for a variety of reasons; (4) patients consider compassion from their surgeon as important; (5) direct communication with the surgeon post-operatively is very important; and (6) patients' information needs are greatest post-operatively. Many patients felt that the amount and quality of information they received was not sufficient, particularly regarding post-operative recovery and long-term life issues, leading many to do their own research. The findings from this study emphasize the need for improved communication with patients so they can participate meaningfully in choices about their treatment, give a truly informed consent, and effectively participate in their own recovery.