Downregulation of ALDH5A1 suppresses cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating ferroptosis signaling pathways.

This study explores the specific role and underlying mechanisms of ALDH5A1 in the chemoresistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The levels of cleaved caspase-3, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), intracellular Fe2+, and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated via immunofluorescence. Cell viability and migration were quantified using cell counting kit-8 assays and wound healing assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze cell apoptosis and ROS production. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proteome profiling was performed using data-independent acquisition. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model of ESCC was established to investigate the relationship between ALDH5A1 expression and the cisplatin (DDP)-resistance mechanism in vivo. ALDH5A1 is overexpressed in both ESCC patients and ESCC/DDP cells. Silencing of ALDH5A1 significantly enhances the inhibitory effects of DDP treatment on the viability and migration of KYSE30/DDP and KYSE150/DDP cells and promotes apoptosis. Furthermore, it intensifies DDP's suppressive effects on tumor volume and weight in nude mice. Gene ontology biological process analysis has shown that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in both KYSE30/DDP cells and KYSE30/DDP cells transfected with si-ALDH5A1. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that DDP treatment promotes the accumulation of ROS, lipid ROS, MDA, LPO, and intracellular Fe2+ content, increases the levels of proteins that promote ferroptosis (ACSL4 and FTH1), and decreases the expression of anti-ferroptosis proteins (SLC7A11, FTL, and GPX4). Silencing of ALDH5A1 further amplifies the regulatory effects of DDP both in vitro and in vivo. ALDH5A1 potentially acts as an oncogene in ESCC chemoresistance. Silencing of ALDH5A1 can reduce DDP resistance in ESCC through promoting ferroptosis signaling pathways. These findings suggest a promising strategy for the treatment of ESCC in clinical practice.

The "Heater" of "Cold" Tumors-Blocking IL-6.

The resolution of inflammation is not simply the end of the inflammatory response but rather a complex process that involves various cells, inflammatory factors, and specialized proresolving mediators following the occurrence of inflammation. Once inflammation cannot be cleared by the body, malignant tumors may be induced. Among them, IL-6, as an immunosuppressive factor, activates a variety of signal transduction pathways and induces tumorigenesis. Monitoring IL-6 can be used for the diagnosis, efficacy evaluation and prognosis of tumor patients. In terms of treatment, improving the efficacy of targeted and immunotherapy remains a major challenge. Blocking IL-6 and its mediated signaling pathways can regulate the tumor immune microenvironment and enhance immunotherapy responses by activating immune cells. Even transform "cold" tumors that are difficult to respond to immunotherapy into immunogenic "hot" tumors, acting as a "heater" for "cold" tumors, restarting the tumor immune cycle, and reducing immunotherapy-related toxic reactions and drug resistance. In clinical practice, the combined application of IL-6 inhibition with targeted therapy and immunotherapy may produce synergistic results. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials are imperative to further validate the safety and efficacy of this therapeutic approach.

AMPK-a key factor in crosstalk between tumor cell energy metabolism and immune microenvironment?

Immunotherapy has now garnered significant attention as an essential component in cancer therapy during this new era. However, due to immune tolerance, immunosuppressive environment, tumor heterogeneity, immune escape, and other factors, the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy has been limited with its application to very small population size. Energy metabolism not only affects tumor progression but also plays a crucial role in immune escape. Tumor cells are more metabolically active and need more energy and nutrients to maintain their growth, which causes the surrounding immune cells to lack glucose, oxygen, and other nutrients, with the result of decreased immune cell activity and increased immunosuppressive cells. On the other hand, immune cells need to utilize multiple metabolic pathways, for instance, cellular respiration, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways to maintain their activity and normal function. Studies have shown that there is a significant difference in the energy expenditure of immune cells in the resting and activated states. Notably, competitive uptake of glucose is the main cause of impaired T cell function. Conversely, glutamine competition often affects the activation of most immune cells and the transformation of CD4+T cells into inflammatory subtypes. Excessive metabolite lactate often impairs the function of NK cells. Furthermore, the metabolite PGE2 also often inhibits the immune response by inhibiting Th1 differentiation, B cell function, and T cell activation. Additionally, the transformation of tumor-suppressive M1 macrophages into cancer-promoting M2 macrophages is influenced by energy metabolism. Therefore, energy metabolism is a vital factor and component involved in the reconstruction of the tumor immune microenvironment. Noteworthy and vital is that not only does the metabolic program of tumor cells affect the antigen presentation and recognition of immune cells, but also the metabolic program of immune cells affects their own functions, ultimately leading to changes in tumor immune function. Metabolic intervention can not only improve the response of immune cells to tumors, but also increase the immunogenicity of tumors, thereby expanding the population who benefit from immunotherapy. Consequently, identifying metabolic crosstalk molecules that link tumor energy metabolism and immune microenvironment would be a promising anti-tumor immune strategy. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes, serving as the central regulator of metabolic pathways. The sequential activation of AMPK and its associated signaling cascades profoundly impacts the dynamic alterations in tumor cell bioenergetics. By modulating energy metabolism and inflammatory responses, AMPK exerts significant influence on tumor cell development, while also playing a pivotal role in tumor immunotherapy by regulating immune cell activity and function. Furthermore, AMPK-mediated inflammatory response facilitates the recruitment of immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TIME), thereby impeding tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. AMPK, as the link between cell energy homeostasis, tumor bioenergetics, and anti-tumor immunity, will have a significant impact on the treatment and management of oncology patients. That being summarized, the main objective of this review is to pinpoint the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy by regulating the energy metabolism of the tumor immune microenvironment and to provide guidance for the development of new immunotherapy strategies.

Ubiquitin specific peptidase 38 epigenetically regulates KLF transcription factor 5 to augment malignant progression of lung adenocarcinoma.

Protein ubiquitination is a common post-translational modification and a critical mechanism for regulating protein stability. This study aimed to explore the role and potential molecular mechanism of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 38 (USP38) in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). USP38 expression was significantly higher in patients with LUAD than in their counterparts, and higher USP38 expression was closely associated with a worse prognosis. USP38 silencing suppresses the proliferation of LUAD cells in vitro and impedes the tumorigenic activity of cells in xenograft mouse models in vivo. Further, we found that USP38 affected the protein stability of transcription factor Krüppel-like factors 5 (KLF5) by inhibiting its degradation. Subsequent mechanistic investigations showed that the N-terminal of USP38 (residues 1-400aa) interacted with residues 1-200aa of KLF5, thereby stabilizing the KLF5 protein by deubiquitination. Moreover, we found that PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation of USP38 was promoted, whereas SENP2-mediated de-SUMOylation of USP38 suppressed the deubiquitination effects of USP38 on KLF5. Additionally, our results demonstrated that KLF5 overexpression restored the suppression of the malignant properties of LUAD cells by USP38 knockdown. SUMOylation of USP38 enhances the deubiquitination and stability of KLF5, thereby augmenting the malignant progression of LUAD.

Molecular mechanism underlying epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal cancer (EC) occupies the seventh spot of the most prevalent malignancy cancer ailments worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is also the most predominant histological subtype of EC, and cisplatin (DDP) is commonly used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the late advanced stages of the disease. However, the emergence of drug resistance during clinical treatment possesses a significant challenge to the therapeutic success and patient outcomes. Collectively, the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a process in which transcription factors are induced to regulate the expression of epithelial and stromal markers to promote the differentiation of epithelial cells into stromal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated a close association between EMT and chemotherapy resistance in tumor cells, with concrete evidence of reciprocal reinforcement. Therefore, in this review, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying ESCC, shed light on the mechanisms driving DDP resistance, and provide insights into the intricate interplay between EMT and ESCC. We have aimed to provide some new hypotheses and perspectives that may address-inform future therapeutic strategies for ESCC treatment.

Photodynamic therapy improves the outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors via remodelling anti-tumour immunity in patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) plays an immunoregulatory role in tumours. Here, we conducted a retrospective patient analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of PDT plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in gastric cancer. Further, we performed a dynamic analysis of gastric cancer patients receiving PDT to clarify its effects on anti-tumour immunity. METHODS: Forty ICI-treated patients that received PDT or not were retrospectively analysed. Five patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were enrolled for sample collection before and after PDT. Single-cell RNA/T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, flow cytometry and histological exanimation were used to analyse the collected specimens. RESULTS: Patients in PDT group had a significantly better OS after ICI treatment than those in No PDT group. Single-cell analysis identified ten cell types in gastric cancer tissues and four sub-populations of T cells. Immune cell infiltration increased in the tumours after PDT and the circular immune cells showed consistent alterations. TCR analysis revealed a specific clonal expansion after PDT in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), but a constriction in Tregs. The B2M gene is upregulated in tumour cells after PDT and is associated with immune cell infiltration. Several pathways involving the positive regulation of immunity were enriched in tumour cells in the post-PDT group. The interactions following PDT were increased between tumour cells and effector cells but decreased between Tregs and other immune cells. Some co-stimulatory signaling emerged, whereas co-inhibitory signaling disappeared in intercellular communication after PDT. CONCLUSIONS: PDT elicits an anti-tumour response through various mechanisms and is promising as an adjuvant to enhance ICI benefit.

Good or bad: Paradox of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in digestive system tumors.

The fibrinolytic system is involved in many physiological functions, among which the important members can interact with each other, either synergistically or antagonistically to participate in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) acts as a crucial element of the fibrinolytic system and functions in an anti-fibrinolytic manner in the normal coagulation process. It inhibits plasminogen activator, and affects the relationship between cells and extracellular matrix. PAI-1 not only involved in blood diseases, inflammation, obesity and metabolic syndrome but also in tumor pathology. Especially PAI-1 plays a different role in different digestive tumors as an oncogene or cancer suppressor, even a dual role for the same cancer. We term this phenomenon "PAI-1 paradox". PAI-1 is acknowledged to have both uPA-dependent and -independent effects, and its different actions can result in both beneficial and adverse consequences. Therefore, this review will elaborate on PAI-1 structure, the dual value of PAI-1 in different digestive system tumors, gene polymorphisms, the uPA-dependent and -independent mechanisms of regulatory networks, and the drugs targeted by PAI-1 to deepen the comprehensive understanding of PAI-1 in digestive system tumors.

Electrohydraulic lithotripsy through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography combined with SpyGlass in the treatment of complex pancreatic duct stones: A case report and literature review.

The incidence of pancreatic duct stones (PDS) is less than 1%. After the formation of stones, the lumen of the pancreatic duct is blocked, and the pancreatic juice cannot be discharged smoothly, resulting in the impairment of the internal and external secretions of the pancreas. Several national guidelines now recommend endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as the treatment for PDS. The emergence of SpyGlass makes it possible to visualize the ERCP blind area of the pancreatic system directly. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) under SpyGlass can crush large and pressure-resistant stones into smaller fragments, significantly improving the success of the endoscopic treatment of large stones. Here, we report a patient presented with acute alcohol-associated pancreatitis, found to have PDS on imaging, who underwent ERCP combined with SpyGlass (EHL), avoiding surgery, reducing trauma, and being discharged from the hospital with a rapid recovery. Therefore, endoscopic therapy is effective and safe for PDS patients. The combination therapy of this patient is the first use of SpyGlass for PDS in our centre, which marks a new stage in the application of endoscopic therapy for pancreatic diseases.

Utility of near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green in resection of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A literature review and a case report.

BACKGROUND: Surgery remains the main primary treatment for non-advanced oesophageal cancer. Conventional thoracotomy and laparotomy can result in severe trauma, slow recovery, more complications, low quality of life, and reduced survival outcomes. Laparoscopic surgery has reduced the above-mentioned problems. However, some challenges remain associated with this approach, such as lymphadenectomy, anastomotic leakage, and inadequate surgical margins. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) in combination with laparoscopic surgery, provides real-time navigation throughout the entire surgical procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: A middle-aged male patient presented to our health centre with progressive dysphagia for > 2 months. Endoscopy and biopsy revealed oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma 34 cm from the incisors (tumour node metastasis classification (TNM) T3N1M0 IIIB). ICG imaging fluorescence laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed to complete the oesophagectomy and oesophageal and tubular stomach anastomosis by accurately locating the lesion, retaining adequate upper and lower margins, visually dissecting the lymph nodes, and testing the anastomotic blood supply. The postoperative TNM stage was T2N0M0 ⅡA. The patient recovered quickly without complications. Postoperative chemotherapy was administered. After three years of follow-up, the patient had no recurrence or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence laparoscopy provides an excellent surgical treatment modality for patients with oesophageal cancer.

Advances in the Application of Preclinical Models in Photodynamic Therapy for Tumor: A Narrative Review.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive laser light local treatment that has been utilized in the management of a wide variety of solid tumors. Moreover, the evaluation of efficacy, adverse reactions, the development of new photosensitizers and the latest therapeutic regimens are inseparable from the preliminary exploration in preclinical studies. Therefore, our aim was to better comprehend the characteristics and limitations of these models and to provide a reference for related research. METHODS: We searched the databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for the past 25 years of original research articles on the feasibility of PDT in tumor treatment based on preclinical experiments and animal models. We provided insights into inclusion and exclusion criteria and ultimately selected 40 articles for data synthesis. RESULTS: After summarizing and comparing the methods and results of these studies, the experimental model selection map was drawn. There are 7 main preclinical models, which are used for different research objectives according to their characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this narrative review, preclinical experimental models are crucial to the development and promotion of PDT for tumors. The traditional animal models have some limitations, and the emergence of organoids may be a promising new insight.

Research progress of potential factors influencing photodynamic therapy for gastrointestinal cancer.

Gastrointestinal cancer is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and its associated digestive organs, including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, carcinoma of the ampulla, pancreas, bile duct, intestines and rectal cancer. They account for about 30% of global cancer-related incidence and about 40% of mortality. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), as a treatment mode, has been applied to the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer due to potential advantages targeting and potentially lower toxic side effects. However, In the course of clinical treatment, we have found that different patients have various responsiveness to PDT, and even the same patients may have different clinical effects after receiving treatment in different time periods. For influencing factors, traditionally, we only focus on adjusting the dose of photosensitizer and the intensity and time of irradiation,while minimizing other potential factors.Therefore, this paper looks for factors that affect PDT from the patient's own conditions, tumor characteristics and tumor microenvironment(including:tumor acidic microenvironment,tumor hypoxic microenvironment, multi-drug resistance, different tumor characteristics and the immune status of patients) and summarizes how to potentially improve the curative effect of PDT.

Coagulation- and fibrinolysis-related genes for predicting survival and immunotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer and has a poor prognosis. The coagulation system and fibrinolysis system are closely related to the progression of malignant tumors and is also related to the immunotherapy of malignant tumors. Herein, we tried to predict survival and the immunotherapy effect for patients with CRC using a novel potential prognostic model. Methods: Through online data of TCGA and GEO, we screened significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to construct a prognostic model, followed by obtaining immune-related genes (IRGs) from the ImmPort database and coagulation- and fibrinolysis-related genes (CFRGs) from the GeneCards database. The predictive power of the model is assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves as well as the time-dependent ROC curve. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for OS using Cox regression models, and the nomogram prognostic model was built. In the end, we further studied the possibility that CXCL8 was associated with immunocyte infiltration or immunotherapy effect and identified it by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results: Five DEGs (CXCL8, MMP12, GDF15, SPP1, and NR3C2) were identified as being prognostic for CRC and were selected to establish the prognostic model. Expression of these genes was confirmed in CRC samples using RT-qPCR. Notably, those selected genes, both CFRGs and IRGs, can accurately predict the OS of CRC patients. Furthermore, CXCL8 is highly correlated with the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy response in CRC. Conclusion: Overall, our established IRGPI can very accurately predict the OS of CRC patients. CXCL8 reflects the immune microenvironment and reveals the correlation with immune checkpoints among CRC patients.

Photodynamic therapy improves the clinical efficacy of advanced colorectal cancer and recruits immune cells into the tumor immune microenvironment.

Objective: Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proven effective in various tumors, it has not been widely used as a routine treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC), and the characteristics of changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) after PDT have not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the efficacy of PDT in patients with advanced CRC and the changes in systemic and local immune function after PDT. Methods: Patients with stage III-IV CRC diagnosed in our hospital from November 2020 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the survival outcomes among each group. Subsequently, short-term efficacy, systemic and local immune function changes, and adverse reactions were assessed in CRC patients treated with PDT. Results: A total of 52 CRC patients were enrolled in this retrospective study from November 2020 to July 2021, and the follow-up period ended in March 2022. The overall survival (OS) of the PDT group was significantly longer than that of the non-PDT group (p=0.006). The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate two months after PDT were 44.4% and 88.9%, respectively. Differentiation degree (p=0.020) and necrosis (p=0.039) are two crucial factors affecting the short-term efficacy of PDT. The systemic immune function of stage III patients after PDT decreased, whereas that of stage IV patients increased. Local infiltration of various immune cells such as CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD20+ B cells and macrophages in the tumor tissue were significantly increased. No severe adverse reactions associated with PDT were observed. Conclusion: PDT is effective for CRC without significant side effects according to the available data. It alters the TME by recruiting immune cells into tumor tissues.

Effectiveness of additional antireflux surgery after resection of oesophagogastric junction cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Gastro-oesophageal reflux is common in patients with oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) cancer following radical surgery. We aim to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effectiveness and clinical value of additional antireflux surgery (pyloroplasty and fundoplication) for OGJ cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We intend to search Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase databases for studies published in English, from database inception to October 2022. Randomised controlled trials and (non-random) controlled clinical trials will be eligible for inclusion. We will search for all eligible studies that have compared proximal gastrectomy plus additional antireflux surgery and proximal gastrectomy alone in patients with resectable OGJ cancer. All potential outcomes related to gastro-oesophageal reflux, including occurrence of reflux symptoms, reflux oesophagitis, reflux occurrence based on barium meal examination, pH of fluid from the lower oesophagus, and 24-hour oesophageal pH test will be assessed as the primary outcomes. Other outcomes, such as patients' survival and postoperative complications (eg, stenosis, infection and leak) will also be analysed. Two reviewers will independently screen the literature, extract data and assess the risk of bias in the included studies; subsequently, a meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan V.5.3 software to pool the results. The χ2 and I2 tests will be used for heterogeneity assessment and sources of heterogeneity will be explored using subgroup analysis. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation method will be applied to assess the level of evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This proposed study is a secondary analysis of previously published data. Therefore, ethics approval is not required. The results will be presented for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and data will be stored in public databases.

Interaction between gut microbiota and tumour chemotherapy

Chemotherapeutic drugs play an important role in the treatment of cancer, but the individual differences of patients' sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and the drug resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs have always been a thorny problem in clinical treatment. In recent years, with the progress in research on human microbiota, gut microbiome plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that gut microbiota can regulate the tumour microenvironment and affect the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy through a variety of mechanisms. This paper focuses on the specific mechanism that gut microbiota uses to influence chemotherapy and the potential therapeutic effect of supplementing with probiotics, to provide an important basis for individualised treatment strategies to be used when treating malignant tumours (AU)

Pathological complete remission of a locally advanced gastric cancer by neoadjuvant therapy "sandwich" regimen as SOXAP+ fluorescence laparoscopic surgery +SOXAP: Case report.

Gastric cancer is an extremely burdensome and challenging malignant tumor with a high incidence and a high mortality rate, which seriously results in a thorny prognosis for oncology patients. Surgical treatment combined with postoperative adjuvant therapy are currently the most regular methods for the treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC), but long-term efficacy is not an ideal outcome. Therefore, herein we report a case of a pathologically confirmed complete remission of LAGC treated by the administration of neoadjuvant therapy combined with fluorescence laparoscopic surgery with more significant long-term survival. With that being mentioned, a 60-year-old man was diagnosed as moderately differentiated gastric antrum adenocarcinoma (T3N1M0). Moreover, after three cycles of SOXAP regimen (Oxaliplatin + S-1+Apatinib + Camrelizumab), and it was found out that the gastric lesion was smaller in size than before, total laparoscopic radical resection of the distal gastric cancer was performed at the time. Furthermore, no tumor cells were seen in gross specimen post operatively, achieving complete remission of the case. In addition, he also underwent three cycles of SOXAP regimen postoperatively. Interestingly and assuredly, he was in good health after an almost 2-year follow up period. These results suggest that this therapeutic regimen is a promising treatment modality for the management of locally advanced gastric cancers.

Case Report: Anlotinib combined with PD-1 inhibitor and sequential GA regimen or FOLFIRINOX Chemotherapy in treatment of KRAS G12V mutated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with liver metastasis: A case and literature review.

There is a high mortality rate associated with pancreatic cancer, and the incidence has been rising globally in recent decades. When patients are diagnosed, there is little chance that surgery will be beneficial. Systemic chemotherapy is the currently accepted treatment option for patients with metastatic advanced pancreatic cancer. However, a very limited survival improvement is possible with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer, and chemotherapy resistance plays a significant role in poor prognosis. Despite the fact that targeting growth factor receptor inhibitors such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR) antibodies significantly improves survival in pancreatic cancer, only a very small number of patients benefit from the treatment. As emerging drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in several tumor types, but monotherapy is not effective in pancreatic cancer. In the first-line treatment of solid tumors, combination therapy may result in remarkable outcomes. Here in, we have reported a younger patient with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with liver metastasis (PDACLM) who had a long-term partial response and good tolerance to the combination of anlotinib and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor and chemotherapy. Gene analysis suggested only one mutation in the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) G12V gene. Consequently, there is some hope for patients with pancreatic cancer, especially for KRAS G12V gene mutated patients. Upon reviewing the literature, this patient's combination therapy is the first to have been reported.

Construction and validation of a novel coagulation-related 7-gene prognostic signature for gastric cancer.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common malignant tumor. Due to the lack of practical molecular markers, the prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer is still poor. A number of studies have confirmed that the coagulation system is closely related to tumor progression. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to construct a coagulation-related gene signature and prognostic model for GC by bioinformatics methods. Methods: We downloaded the gene expression and clinical data of GC patients from the TCGA and GEO databases. In total, 216 coagulation-related genes (CRGs) were obtained from AmiGO 2. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify coagulation-related genes associated with the clinical features of GC. Last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was utilized to shrink the relevant predictors of the coagulation system, and a Coag-Score prognostic model was constructed based on the coefficients. According to this risk model, GC patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, and overall survival (OS) curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn in the training and validation sets, respectively. We also constructed nomograms for predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival in GC patients. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was exploited to explore immune cells' underlying mechanisms and correlations. The expression levels of coagulation-related genes were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: We identified seven CRGs employed to construct a Coag-Score risk model using WGCNA combined with LASSO regression. In both training and validation sets, GC patients in the high-risk group had worse OS than those in the low-risk group, and Coag-Score was identified as an independent predictor of OS, and the nomogram provided a quantitative method to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of GC patients. Functional analysis showed that Coag-Score was mainly related to the MAPK signaling pathway, complement and coagulation cascades, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and KRAS signaling pathway. In addition, the high-risk group had a significantly higher infiltration enrichment score and was positively associated with immune checkpoint gene expression. Conclusion: Coagulation-related gene models provide new insights and targets for the diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and treatment management of GC patients.

Interaction between gut microbiota and tumour chemotherapy.

Chemotherapeutic drugs play an important role in the treatment of cancer, but the individual differences of patients' sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and the drug resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs have always been a thorny problem in clinical treatment. In recent years, with the progress in research on human microbiota, gut microbiome plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that gut microbiota can regulate the tumour microenvironment and affect the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy through a variety of mechanisms. This paper focuses on the specific mechanism that gut microbiota uses to influence chemotherapy and the potential therapeutic effect of supplementing with probiotics, to provide an important basis for individualised treatment strategies to be used when treating malignant tumours.