ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. MicroRNAs regulate more than 60% of human genes, including tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Accordingly, they can affect cancer risk. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum miR-148a as a non-invasive biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to assess the correlation between miR-148a and Bcl-2, as one of its target proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 newly diagnosed NSCLC cases and 30 apparently healthy controls were recruited in this study. MiR-148a level was measured by TaqMan- Real time RT-PCR assay and Bcl-2 level was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Significant lower expression of serum miR-148a and higher serum Bcl-2 levels were observed in NSCLC patients as compared to the control group (p.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/blood , Lung Neoplasms/blood , MicroRNAs/blood , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/blood , Adult , Aged , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Case-Control Studies , Egypt , Female , Humans , Male , Neoplasm Grading , Neoplasm StagingABSTRACT
AIM & METHODS: To assess the impact of pretreatment serum levels of IL-18 and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) on the clinical outcome of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with an R-CHOP protocol. Total 73 patients were included. RESULTS: Elevated serum IL-18 (using mean as cutoff) was associated with numerically lower complete remission, and 3-year disease-free survival rates; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the 3-year overall survival rates were significantly more favorable for the lower serum level group. Correspondingly, the complete remission, 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates for patients with low pretreatment sIL-2R levels were significantly better than individuals with higher levels. CONCLUSION: There is a growing body of evidence supporting the utility of pretreatment serum levels of sIL-2R and IL-18 as prognostic factors in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients.