Multiparametric MRI-based radiomics combined with pathomics features for prediction of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate a new method that combines radiological and pathological breast cancer information to predict discrepancies in pathological responses for individualized treatment planning. We used baseline multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and hematoxylin and eosin-stained biopsy slides to extract quantitative feature information and predict the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our hospital from August 2016 to January 2018; multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging) and whole slide image of hematoxylin and eosin-stained biopsy sections were collected. Quantitative imaging features were extracted from the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and the whole slide image were used to construct a radiopathomics signature model powered by machine learning methods. Models based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging or whole slide image alone were also constructed for comparison and referred to as the radiomics signature and pathomics signature models, respectively. Four modeling methods were used to establish prediction models. Model performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the area under the curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results: The radiopathomics signature model had favourable performance for the prediction of pathological complete response in the training set (the best value: area under the curve 0.83, accuracy 0.84, and sensitivity 0.87), and in the test set (the best value: area under the curve 0.91, accuracy 0.90, and sensitivity 0.88). In the test set, the radiopathomics signature model also significantly outperformed the radiomics signature (the best value: area under the curve 0.83, accuracy 0.64, and sensitivity 0.62), pathomics signature (the best value: area under the curve 0.60, accuracy 0.74, and sensitivity 0.62) (p > 0.05). Decision curve analysis and calibration curves confirmed the excellent performance of these prediction models in discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that radiopathomics, the combination of both radiological information regarding the whole tumor and pathological information at the cellular level, could potentially predict discrepancies in pathological response and provide evidence for rational treatment plans.

SRSF1 induces glioma progression and has a potential diagnostic application in grading primary glioma.

Glioma is the most common intracranial tumor of the central nervous system in adults; however, the diagnosis of glioma, and its grading and histological subtyping, is challenging for pathologists. The present study assessed serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) expression in 224 glioma cases in the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database, and verified its expression by immunohistochemical analysis of specimens from 70 clinical patients. In addition, the prognostic potential of SRSF1 concerning the survival status of patients was evaluated. In vitro, the biological role of SRSF1 was assessed using MTT, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. The results revealed that SRSF1 expression was significantly associated with the grading and the histopathological subtype of glioma. As determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the specificity of SRSF1 for glioblastoma (GBM) and World Health Organization (WHO) grade 3 astrocytoma was 40 and 48%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity was 100 and 85%. By contrast, pilocytic astrocytoma tumors exhibited negative immunoexpression of SRSF1. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that high SRSF1 expression predicted a worse prognosis for patients with glioma in both the CGGA and clinical cohorts. In vitro, the results demonstrated that SRSF1 promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of U87MG and U251 cells. These data suggested that immunohistochemical analysis of SRSF1 expression is highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of GBM and WHO grade 3 astrocytoma, and may have an important role in glioma grading. Furthermore, the lack of SRSF1 is a potential diagnostic biomarker for pilocytic astrocytoma. However, neither in oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma, nor in GBM was an association detected between SRSF1 expression and IDH1 mutations or 1p/19q co-deletion. These findings indicated that SRSF1 may serve as a prognostic factor in glioma cases and could have an active role in promoting glioma progression.

LncRNA FAM13A-AS1, transcriptionally regulated by PHOX2B, modulates hepatocellular carcinoma chemoresistance via stabilizing PPARγ.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global public health concern, with approximately 79 million new cases and 75 million HCC-related deaths occurring annually worldwide. Among the drugs, cisplatin (DDP) is considered a cornerstone and has been shown to significantly inhibit cancer progression. However, the mechanism underlying DDP-resistance in HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to identify a novel lncRNA. FAM13A Antisense RNA 1 (FAM13A-AS1), that promotes the proliferation of DDP-resistant HCC cells and to elucidate its downstream and upstream mechanisms in the progression of HCC DDP-resistance. Our results suggest that FAM13A-AS1 interacts directly with Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor γ (PPARγ), stabilizing its protein through de-ubiquitination. Moreover, our findings indicate that Paired Like Homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) transcriptionally regulates the expression of FAM13A-AS1 in HCC cells. These results shed new light on the understanding of the progression of HCC DDP-resistance.

Multiple Metastatic Extra-gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors with Plasmoid Differentiation: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors that arise from the abdominal, pelvic or retroperitoneal region, unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. However, cases with a plasmoid morphology are extremely rare. we hererin report a 49-year-old man with abdominal pain who underwent magnetic resonance imaging that revealed an irregular tumor (103×71 mm) in size, in the space between stomach and pancreas, diagnosed as an EGISIT, we also reviewed the clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical characteristics, molecular genetic features and differential diagnoses previously reported in the literature.

The effectiveness and safety of the rapid titration strategy of background controlled-release oxycodone hydrochloride for patients with moderate-to-severe cancer pain: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Oxycodone hydrochloride is a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic agent. This study aimed to explore optimal titration strategy of controlled-release (CR) oxycodone hydrochloride in patients with cancer pain. Methods: 258 patients, who used regular strong opioids (morphine and CR oxycodone hydrochloride) for cancer pain across 25 three grade class hospitals in China during January 15th 2017 to April 30th 2017, were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to treatment regimens titrated. The pain remission rate and numeric rating scale (NRS) of cancer pain was recorded at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 h after opioid titration. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) with therapy were also observed. Results: 12 h after treatment, pain remission rate of Group B, C and D was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than Group A. For the complete remission rate, there were also significant differences among the four groups (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found among four groups for pain remission rate at 24, 72 h after treatment. Multiple comparison of NRS scores showed that the both Group B and C varied significantly with Group D (P = 0.028, P = 0.05, respectively), showing superior analgesic effect over Group D. AEs were significantly different among groups (P < 0.01), with the most frequent AEs in Group A, lowest in Group B. Conclusion: The rapid titration strategy of background CR oxycodone hydrochloride was effectiveness and safety in patients with moderate-to-severe cancer pain.

Cranial irradiation-induced impairment of axonal transport and sexual function in male rats and imaging of the olfactory pathway by MRI.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) on axonal transport (AT) and sexual function. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Adult male rats received whole-brain radiation with a total dose of 30 Gy (15 Gy with 2 fractions) to build a RIBI model. Foraging behavior and sexual function were assessed, and MRI was performed 8 weeks after brain irradiation. MRI was performed in the early and delayed phases after perfusion of MnCl2 into the rat nostril. The levels of motor proteins and proteins involved in energy metabolism and AT were determined by Western blotting. The levels of sex hormones in the blood were measured by ELISA. Ultrastructural analysis was performed with a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The foraging ability of rats was reduced after brain irradiation, and the foraging time of the radiation group was longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The sexual function of rats in the radiation group was markedly decreased. Compared with control rats, radiation-treated rats showed significant decreases in serum testosterone, FSH, LH, and GnRH levels (P < 0.001). Mn2+ uptake in the olfactory bulb (OB) in the early phase and delayed phase was lower in the radiation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The AT rate in the lateral olfactory tracts (LOT) and the transsynaptic AT rate were significantly lower in the irradiated rats than in the control rats (P < 0.05). The levels of the motor proteins kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein were significantly decreased in the irradiation group (P < 0.05). The expression of the energy metabolism-related proteins ATPB and COX IV was significantly lower in the irradiated rats than in the control rats (P < 0.05). Apoptosis and synaptic damage were observed after irradiation. CONCLUSION: MRI of the olfactory pathway can be used to assess AT impairment in RIBI models. AT deficits secondary to radiation damage are the result of multiple factors, including declines in motor protein levels, neuronal apoptosis, synaptic damage and energy metabolism dysfunction. Cranial irradiation-induced sexual dysfunction was associated with decreased sex hormone levels secondary to hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis injury.

A single-arm, prospective study of apatinib mesylate plus pemetrexed in patients of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer after failure of previous chemotherapy.

Background: The outcomes of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after first- or second-line therapy are still discouraging due to a lack of effective treatment strategies. As a novel oral anti-angiogenesis drug, apatinib, approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China only for advanced gastric cancer, has been increasingly used in off-label treatment across various cancer types in recent years, especially advanced NSCLC. It has shown strong anti-tumor efficacy and acceptable safety. Methods: This prospective study (NCT02974933) was conducted in patients with advanced NSCLC, who had suffered disease progression from the first- or second-line treatment, in Hubei Cancer Hospital. Eligible patients were enrolled and administrated with apatinib mesylate (500 mg qd) in combination with pemetrexed (500 mg/m2, every 4 weeks). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: From September 2016 to September 2019, a total of 21 advanced NSCLC patients were enrolled in Hubei Cancer Hospital. As of January 2021, treatment was discontinued in all patients, with 1 still in follow-up. There were 7/21 (33.3%) patients who achieved objective response. The median PFS and median overall survival (OS) were 7.0 months (95% CI: 6.15-7.85 months) and 13.0 months (95% CI: 7.39-18.6 months), respectively. Toxicities were tolerable or could be clinically managed. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) were hypertension (14.3%, 3/21), hand-foot syndrome (4.7%, 1/21), and proteinuria (4.7%, 1/21). Hematological toxicities were moderate, with rare occurrences of grade 3/4 toxicities. During the period of treatment, there was no occurrence of treatment-related death. Conclusions: Apatinib plus pemetrexed demonstrated promising efficacy and a high level of safety profile in previously heavily-treated NSCLC patients. More definitive studies on the combination of apatinib and pemetrexed are warranted.

Long-term survival in a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring synchronous EGFR exon 18 G719A and BRAF V600E mutations and treated with afatinib: a case report.

EGFR and BRAF V600E mutations are both early driven and usually mutually exclusive. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring coexisting EGFR exon 18 G719A and BRAF V600E mutations. She experienced a long-term response to oral afatinib, with a progression-free survival rate of 33 months and an overall survival rate of 11 years. Lung adenocarcinoma with synchronous EGFR G719A and BRAF V600E mutations is rare and has not been previously reported. This case highlights the importance of an adequate response to afatinib and provides an optimal therapeutic option for such patients.

AFF4 facilitates melanoma cell progression by regulating c-Jun activity.

Melanoma is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis due to metastasis. AFF4 (AF4/FMR2 family member 4), as a scaffold protein, is a component of the super elongation complex (SEC), and is involved in the progression of tumors, e.g., leukemia, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, few studies on AFF4 have focused on melanoma. Here, AFF4 expression levels and clinicopathological features were evaluated in melanoma tissue samples. Then, we performed cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays in A375 and A2058 cells lines in vitro to evaluate the role of AFF4 in melanoma. The effects of AFF4 knockdown in vivo were characterized via a xenograft mouse model. Finally, the correlation between c-Jun and AFF4 protein levels in melanoma was analyzed by rescue assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We found that AFF4 expression was upregulated in melanoma tumor tissues and that AFF4 protein expression was also closely related to the prognosis of patients with cutaneous melanoma. Moreover, AFF4 could promote the invasion and migration of melanoma cells by mediating epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). AFF4 might regulate c-Jun activity to promote the invasion and migration of melanoma cells. Importantly, c-Jun was regulated by the AFF4 promoted melanoma tumorigenesis in vivo. Taken together, AFF4 may be a novel oncogene that promotes melanoma progression through regulation of c-Jun activity.

Expert Consensus for Treating Cancer Patients During the Pandemic of SARS-CoV-2.

The sudden pandemic of SARS-Cov-2 (also known as novel coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) poses a severe threat to hundreds of millions of lives in the world. The complete cure of the virus largely relies on the immune system, which becomes particularly a challenge for the cancer subjects, whose immunity is generally compromised. However, in a constant evolving situation, the clinical data on the prevalence of SARS-Cov-2 for cancer patients is still limited. On top of a wide range of medical references and interim guidelines including CDC, NCI, ASCO, ESMO, NCCN, AACR, ESMO, and the National Health Commission of China, etc., we formed into a guideline based on our experience in our specialized cancer hospital in Wuhan, the originally endemic center of the virus. Furthermore, we formulated an expert consensus which was developed by all contributors from different disciplines after fully discussion based on our understanding and analysis of limited information of COVID-19. The consensus highlighted a multidisciplinary team diagnostic model with assessment of the balance between risks and benefits prior to treatment, individualizing satisfaction of patients' medical needs, and acceptability in ethics and patients' socio-economic conditions.

MicroRNA-20a promotes proliferation and invasion by directly targeting early growth response 2 in non-small cell lung carcinoma.

MicroRNA-20a (miR-20a) serves a notable role in tumor development and progression; it functions differently in different types of malignant tumor, and its role and mechanism in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) remains unclear. In the present study, the effects of miR-20a on the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells and the underlying mechanisms behind this were investigated. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that the expression level of miR-20a was higher in human NSCLC than in normal tissues. Following this, the effect of miR-20a on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of NSCLCA-549 cells was further evaluated. In vitro analysis, including a Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and Transwell migration assay, indicated that miR-20a-knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration, while promoting the cell apoptosis of the A-549 cells. Early growth response 2 (EGR2) protein and mRNA levels were downregulated or upregulated following the overexpression or knockdown of miR-20a, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays implied that EGR2 is a direct target gene of miR-20a. The results of the present study indicated that miR-20a may function as an oncomiR in the development of NSCLC by promoting cell viability and motility. The inhibition of miR-20a could even become a novel therapeutic method for the treatment of NSCLC.

Characterization of Anti-bacterial Compounds from the Seed Coat of Chinese Windmill Palm Tree (Trachycarpus fortunei).

The increasing of multidrug resistance in bacterial associated infections has impaired the current antimicrobial therapy and it forces the search for other alternatives. In this study, we aimed to find the in vitro antibacterial activity of seed coat of Trachycarpus fortunei against a panel of clinically important bacterial species. Ethanolic extracts of target tissues were fractionated through macro porous resin by column chromatography, using ethanol as an organic solvent with a concentration gradient of 0-100%, each along with 20% concentration increment. The minimum inhibitory (MIC) concentrations of all fractions were measured. It is found that 20% ethanolic fraction showed the most significant inhibition against tested bacterial species. All fractions were analyzed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) and compounds were identified by comparing mass spectra with standard libraries. By pairing the identified compounds from different fractions with the antibacterial activity of each fraction, it was shown that compounds stearamide (7), 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-(methylthio)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (9) and 2,4,5 triacetoxybiphenyl (10) topped in the list for anti-bacterial activity. Further experiment with pure chemicals verified that compounds 9 and 10 have antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Whereas, the lowest MIC value (39.06 µg/mL) was obtained by compound 10 against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Hence, the seed coat of T. fortunei with its antimicrobial spectrum could be a good candidate for further bactericidal research.

Downregulation of Rap1 promotes 5-fluorouracil-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2.

Recent studies have revealed that repressor/activator protein (Rap1) not only protects telomeres from sister chromatid exchange, but also functions in genomewide transcriptional regulation. Knockdown of Rap1 sensitizes breast cancer cells to adriamycin-induced apoptosis. However, little is known about the role of Rap1 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aimed to investigate the functions of Rap1 in HCC progression and to determine whether targeting the Rap1 signaling pathway may be of therapeutic value against HCC. We found knockdown of Rap1 by microRNA (miRNA) interference enhanced significantly apoptosis and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemosensitivity in HepG2 cell line. Rap1 miRNA downregulated nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) expression, and upregulated inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) expression. In vivo, Rap1 miRNA combined with 5-FU treatment led to a significant reduction of tumor growth as compared with 5-FU alone. The results indicate that Rap1 miRNA can effectively enhance sensitivity of HepG2 cell line to 5-FU chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo.