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Endocrine/Neuroendocrine (288 unread)

PubMed - Merkel Cell Cancer

• 

  Melphalan in regional chemotherapy for locally recurrent metastatic melanoma.

  Fetched: May 18th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Melphalan in regional chemotherapy for locally recurrent metastatic melanoma.

  Curr Top Med Chem. 2012;12(1):53-60

  Authors: Defty CL, Marsden JR

  Abstract
  In-transit metastases occur in approximately 3% of melanoma patients, can be very symptomatic and survival in this group may be prolonged. Regional chemotherapy with melphalan delivered by isolated limb perfusion (ILP) or isolated limb infusion (ILI) are effective treatment options which are generally well tolerated. ILI is a less invasive and simpler alternative to ILP. ILI is tolerated better than ILP, though is probably less effective. Complete response rates are 45- 69% for ILP and 23-44% for ILI. The limb is often warmed to lower temperatures in ILI compared to ILP and the limb becomes progressively more hypoxic and acidotic during ILI, each of these parameters potentially having an effect on outcome. ILP & ILI are used primarily as palliative options when excision of in-transit metastases is unfeasible but can be used as an adjunctive procedure to surgery, for other tumour types such as merkel cell carcinoma, and can be repeated if indicated. For ILI correction of melphalan dose for ideal body weight has been shown to substantially decrease the rates of severe local toxicity while maintaining complete response rates, but overall response rate is reduced. Combination treatment with tumour necrosis factor α has been used with variable outcomes and new combinations with buthionine sulfoximine and ADH-1 are being investigated.
  

  PMID: 22196271 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Merkel cell carcinoma in pelvic lymph nodes after surgical staging for endometrial cancer: A case report and review of the literature.

  Fetched: May 17th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Merkel cell carcinoma in pelvic lymph nodes after surgical staging for endometrial cancer: A case report and review of the literature.

  Int J Surg Case Rep. 2012 Apr 5;3(7):340-342

  Authors: Thomakos N, Zacharakis D, Akrivos N, Zagouri F, Simou M, Bamias A, Dimopoulos MA, Rodolakis A, Antsaklis A

  Abstract
  INTRODUCTION: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of MCC in pelvic lymph nodes, revealed after surgical staging for endometrial cancer. A 54-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our department with a three-month history of postmenopausal bleeding. After proper preoperative evaluation, the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. The pathology report confirmed the presence of a small, grade I, endometrioid adenocarcinoma and MCC in the pelvic lymph nodes. Primary site of the disease could not been retrieved. The tumor board decided adjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide) and close follow-up every 2months. Our patient is alive with no evidence of disease 12months after surgery. DISCUSSION: It is noteworthy that 19% of the patients with MCC had lymph node metastasis with no apparent primary lesion. The mechanism of this regression remains unclear, although a higher apoptotic activity has been observed in MCC than other skin tumors. In addition, other co-malignancies have also been linked to MCC patients. The explanation for the frequent occurrence of other primary neoplasms in patients with MCC is still unclear. However, a reasonable cause could be an altered genetic profile or an immuno-compromised situation in these patients. CONCLUSION: Further analytic investigations are needed to clarify the role of various factors in the spontaneous regression or not of this neuroendocrine tumor as well as in the simultaneous genesis of other primary carcinomas.
  

  PMID: 22580079 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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  Survivin is a therapeutic target in merkel cell carcinoma.

  Fetched: May 13th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Survivin is a therapeutic target in merkel cell carcinoma.

  Sci Transl Med. 2012 May 9;4(133):133ra56

  Authors: Arora R, Shuda M, Guastafierro A, Feng H, Toptan T, Tolstov Y, Normolle D, Vollmer LL, Vogt A, Dömling A, Brodsky JL, Chang Y, Moore PS

  Abstract
  Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) causes ~80% of primary and metastatic Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs). By comparing digital transcriptome subtraction deep-sequencing profiles, we found that transcripts of the cellular survivin oncoprotein [BIRC5a (baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5)] were up-regulated sevenfold in virus-positive compared to virus-negative MCC tumors. Knockdown of MCV large T antigen in MCV-positive MCC cell lines decreased survivin mRNA and protein expression. Exogenously expressed MCV large T antigen increased survivin protein expression in non-MCC primary cells. This required an intact retinoblastoma protein-targeting domain that activated survivin gene transcription as well as expression of other G(1)-S-phase proteins including E2F1 and cyclin E. Survivin expression is critical to the survival of MCV-positive MCC cells. A small-molecule survivin inhibitor, YM155, potently and selectively initiates irreversible, nonapoptotic, programmed MCV-positive MCC cell death. Of 1360 other chemotherapeutic and pharmacologically active compounds screened in vitro, only bortezomib (Velcade) was found to be similarly potent, but was not selective in killing MCV-positive MCC cells. YM155 halted the growth of MCV-positive MCC xenograft tumors and was nontoxic in mice, whereas bortezomib was not active in vivo and mice displayed serious morbidity. Xenograft tumors resumed growth once YM155 treatment was stopped, suggesting that YM155 may be cytostatic rather than cytotoxic in vivo. Identifying the cellular pathways, such as those involving survivin, that are targeted by tumor viruses can lead to rapid and rational identification of drug candidates for treating virus-induced cancers.
  

  PMID: 22572880 [PubMed - in process]

• 

  Detection of Merkel cell virus and correlation with histologic presence of Merkel cell carcinoma in sentinel lymph nodes.

  Fetched: May 13th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Detection of Merkel cell virus and correlation with histologic presence of Merkel cell carcinoma in sentinel lymph nodes.

  Br J Cancer. 2012 Mar 27;106(7):1314-9

  Authors: Loyo M, Schussel J, Colantuoni E, Califano J, Brait M, Kang S, Koch WM, Sidransky D, Westra WH, Taube JM

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Adjuvant treatment can dramatically improve the survival of patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), making early, accurate detection of nodal disease critical. The purpose of this study was to correlate Merkel cell virus (MCV) detection with histopathologic disease in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) of MCC.
  METHODS: Merkel cell carcinoma cases with SLN (n=25) were compared with negative controls (n=27). Viral load was obtained by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for regions VP1 and LT3 of MCV. Histopathologic disease and viral load were correlated.
  RESULTS: Merkel cell virus was detected in 16 out of 17 (94%) of primary MCC (mean viral load (MVL)=1.44 copies per genome). Viral load in the negative controls was <0.01 copies per genome. Merkel cell carcinoma was present in 5 out of 25 (20%) SLN by histopathology, and MCV was detected in 11 out of 25 (44%) MCC SLN (MVL=1.68 copies per genome). In all, 15 out of 25 (60%) SLN showed correlation between histologic and MCV results. In all, 2 out of 25 (8%) samples were histopathologically positive and PCR negative. Of note, 8 out of 25 (32%) samples had detectable MCV without microscopic disease.
  CONCLUSION: Patients with positive SLN for MCV even if negative by histopathology were identified. The application of molecular techniques to detect subhistologic disease in SLN of MCC patients may identify a subset of patients who would benefit from adjuvant nodal treatment.
  

  PMID: 22415238 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Intracranial spread of Merkel cell carcinoma to the cerebellopontine angle.

  Fetched: May 10th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Intracranial spread of Merkel cell carcinoma to the cerebellopontine angle.

  J Cutan Med Surg. 2012 Jan-Feb;16(1):54-60

  Authors: Seaman B, Brem S, Fromm A, Staller A, McCardle T, Jain S

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly malignant, and aggressive dermal neuroendocrine neoplasm that rarely metastasizes to the central nervous system.
  OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature regarding treatment of neurometastatic MCC.
  METHODS: A case of a 78-year-old male with intracranial extra-axial metastatic MCC involving the left cerebellopontine angle is presented.
  RESULTS: A retrosigmoid craniectomy was performed with complete resection of the metastatic focus. Adjuvant treatment included whole-brain radiation therapy followed by etoposide and carboplatin chemotherapy. Seven months postoperatively, the patient was free of metastatic disease.
  CONCLUSION: Surgical resection should be performed when feasible to prevent local recurrence. This may be followed by early adjuvant fractionated whole-brain radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy; however, no clinical trials have been performed to demonstrate a survival benefit.
  

  PMID: 22417997 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Genetic variability and integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus in Merkel cell carcinoma.

  Fetched: May 10th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Genetic variability and integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus in Merkel cell carcinoma.

  Virology. 2012 May 10;426(2):134-42

  Authors: Martel-Jantin C, Filippone C, Cassar O, Peter M, Tomasic G, Vielh P, Brière J, Petrella T, Aubriot-Lorton MH, Mortier L, Jouvion G, Sastre-Garau X, Robert C, Gessain A

  Abstract
  Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated to Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). We studied 113 MCC tumoral skin lesions originating from 97 patients. MCPyV detection was higher in fresh-frozen (FF) biopsies (94%) than in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies (39-47%). Mean viral load in FF tumor was of 7.5 copies per cell with a very wide range (0.01-95.4). Nineteen complete sequences of LTAg were obtained, mainly from FF biopsies when the viral load was high. Seventeen showed stop codons, all localized downstream of the pRb protein binding domain. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis showed that all sequences clustered in the large C clade of MCPyV strains. MCPyV integration was demonstrated in 19 out of 27 FF MCC DNA biopsies without evidence of specific host cellular genome integration site. In 13/19 cases, the viral junction was located within the second exon of the LTAg, after the pRB binding domain.
  

  PMID: 22342276 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  Skin cancers of the hand and upper extremity.

  Fetched: May 10th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Skin cancers of the hand and upper extremity.

  J Hand Surg Am. 2012 Jan;37(1):171-8

  Authors: Ilyas EN, Leinberry CF, Ilyas AM

  Abstract
  Skin cancers represent the most common primary malignancies of the hand. They typically present as painless lesions on areas of high sun exposure, such as the dorsum of the hand and upper extremity. The most common malignancy is squamous cell carcinoma, followed by basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The key to successful treatment is early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Unlike open biopsies, which are indicated for deep soft tissue and bone lesions, biopsies for skin cancer can be performed under local anesthesia in the office setting in the form of shave or punch biopsies. A number of nonsurgical treatment options are available for treatment. However, when surgical excision is indicated, appropriate margin resections are dictated by the grade and stage of the malignancy.
  

  PMID: 22196297 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with decreased survival of patients with malignant melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma in a SEER population-based study.

  Fetched: May 7th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with decreased survival of patients with malignant melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma in a SEER population-based study.

  J Clin Oncol. 2012 Mar 10;30(8):843-9

  Authors: Brewer JD, Shanafelt TD, Otley CC, Roenigk RK, Cerhan JR, Kay NE, Weaver AL, Call TG

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: To delineate outcomes of malignant melanoma (MM) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
  PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified patients with MM or MCC reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and analyzed the effects of history of CLL/NHL on overall (OS) and cause-specific survival after MM or MCC. Expected survival was derived from patients with MM or MCC without CLL/NHL.
  RESULTS: From 1990 to 2006, 212,245 patients with MM and 3,613 patients with MCC were identified, of whom 1,246 with MM and 90 with MCC had a prior diagnosis of CLL/NHL. Patients with MM and a history of CLL/NHL had worse-than-expected OS as measured by standardized mortality ratio (SMR; SMR for CLL, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.3 to 3.0; SMR for NHL, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.1 to 2.6). MM cause-specific survival was worse than expected for patients with a history of CLL (SMR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.4) or NHL (SMR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7 to 2.6). Among patients with MCC, OS was worse than expected for those with a history of CLL (SMR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.2 to 4.3) or NHL (SMR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.8). MCC cause-specific survival was worse than expected for patients with a history of CLL (SMR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.5 to 5.9), but no difference was observed for NHL (SMR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.4 to 2.1).
  CONCLUSION: Patients with CLL before diagnosis of MM or MCC have significantly worse OS and MM or MCC cause-specific survival than those without a history of CLL/NHL.
  

  PMID: 22331952 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  Skull base surgery for the management of deeply invasive scalp cancer.

  Fetched: May 3rd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Skull base surgery for the management of deeply invasive scalp cancer.

  Skull Base. 2011 Nov;21(6):343-50

  Authors: Donald PJ, Boggan J, Farwell DG, Enepekides DJ

  Abstract
  Skin cancer involving the scalp is a common malignancy in the "sun belt areas of the United States." Most early lesions are well managed by primary care physicians and dermatologists. Occasionally we encounter basal cell, squamous cell, and rarely Merkel cell carcinomas that have failed local therapy and present with large tumors invading full thickness scalp, calvarium, and even underlying dura. We describe our experience with 52 such tumors and illustrate their resections and reconstruction. For full thickness lesions we generally do a wide field resection of skin and underlying calvarium followed by dural resection. Reconstruction is usually with dural replacement, calvarial reconstruction with titanium mesh, and cutaneous reconstruction with a musculocutaneous free flap or muscular free flap with an overlying skin graft. Complications, survival rates, and recurrence rates will be presented.
  

  PMID: 22547959 [PubMed - in process]

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  Merkel cell carcinoma with heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation: the role of immunohistochemistry for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T-antigen in confirmation.

  Fetched: May 3rd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Merkel cell carcinoma with heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation: the role of immunohistochemistry for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T-antigen in confirmation.

  J Cutan Pathol. 2012 Jan;39(1):47-51

  Authors: Adhikari LA, McCalmont TH, Folpe AL

  Abstract
  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) represents an uncommon and lethal form of cutaneous malignancy. Historically, the pathogenesis of MCC has been presumed to be linked to ultraviolet light overexposure, but recently, it has been documented that some examples harbor polyomavirus genome, the presence of which is presumed to be of pathogenetic importance. Extremely rare cases of MCC may show heterologous differentiation. We report an example of MCC with heterologous rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation, the third such case to date, with emphasis on its distinction from fusion-negative alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The role of immunohistochemistry for Merkel cell polyomavirus large T-antigen in this differential diagnosis is emphasized.
  

  PMID: 22032237 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  Merkel cell carcinoma: High recurrence rate despite aggressive treatment.

  Fetched: April 29th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Merkel cell carcinoma: High recurrence rate despite aggressive treatment.

  J Surg Res. 2012 Apr 16;

  Authors: Soult MC, Feliberti EC, Silverberg ML, Perry RR

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive neuroendocrine cancer of the skin whose incidence has been increasing. The objective of the study was to evaluate current treatment modalities, including sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and outcomes and identify prognostic factors in patients with MCC. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with MCC. Clinical, pathologic, treatment characteristics, disease status, and survival were collected. All slides were reviewed by a single pathologist, and additional pathologic elements were evaluated for prognosis. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were identified in the study period. All patients were Caucasian with an average age of 71.3 y. Twenty-one patients had tumors in sun-exposed locations, and 13 had a prior history of skin cancer. All nonmetastatic patients underwent wide excision. SLN biopsy was successful in 19 patients. The SLN was positive in 21% of patients. Radiation therapy was used in 13 patients. Average follow-up was 26 mo, and median survival was 29 mo. Recurrence occurred in eight patients: four locoregional, two distant, one combined, and one unknown. Recurrence occurred in five patients with stage I disease. Five patients with negative SLN later developed recurrence. The presence of metastasis to the nodes was significant for recurrence. No other pathologic factor was found to have prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite aggressive surgical and radiation treatment, MCC has a high rate of locoregional recurrence, even in early stage disease. SNLB is useful for the staging and management of patients. Further research is needed to identify better prognostic markers.
  

  PMID: 22537840 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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  Merkel cell polyomavirus in non-small cell lung carcinomas from Chile.

  Fetched: April 29th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Merkel cell polyomavirus in non-small cell lung carcinomas from Chile.

  Exp Mol Pathol. 2012 Apr 16;

  Authors: Gheit T, Muñoz JP, Levican J, González C, Ampuero S, Parra B, Gaggero A, Corvalán AH, Meneses M, Tommasino M, Aguayo F

  Abstract
  Lung cancer is a leading pathology strongly associated with the smoking habit. However, a viral etiology for a subset of patients developing lung cancer has been suggested. Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are small double stranded DNA viruses associated with the development of some human diseases. However, a causal role of these viruses in human cancer has been difficult to demonstrate. In this study, eighty-six non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs), including adenocarcinomas (AdCs) and squamous cell lung carcinomas (SQCs) from Chile were analyzed for the presence of PyVs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All of the specimens were positive for a fragment of the betaglobin gene. We found that 4/86 (4.7%) of lung carcinomas were positive for PyVs. After sequencing and BlastN alignment, all four cases were identified as Merkel cell polyomaviruses (MCV) that corresponded to two AdCs and two SQCs. A non-significant statistical association was found between the presence of MCV and clinic-pathological features of the patients and tumors. In addition, 1/4 (25%) of the carcinomas were actively expressing large T antigen (LT) transcripts, as demonstrated by reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Thus a possible role of MCV in a very small subset of patients with lung cancer cannot be ruled out and warrants more investigation.
  

  PMID: 22537543 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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  Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: an emerging role and the Westmead hospital experience.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: an emerging role and the Westmead hospital experience.

  Australas J Dermatol. 2012 Feb;53(1):26-31

  Authors: Howle J, Veness M

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy which has a high rate of nodal metastasis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) enables the identification of occult nodal metastases. We sought to calculate the rates of positive and false negative SLNB and to evaluate the impact of SLNB on the staging and management of patients with MCC at our institution.
  METHODS: A total of 16 patients with stage I or II MCC who had undergone SLNB were identified from a prospectively maintained database of 114 patients with MCC who presented to Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia between 2000 and 2010. Data on patient characteristics, tumour and treatment details and patient follow up were extracted from a computer database and patient medical records.
  RESULTS: Eight patients (50%) had a positive SLNB and eight had a negative SLNB. The median follow up from diagnosis was 19.5 months (range 4-40) with most patients (69%) alive without evidence of disease at the time of last follow up. All eight patients with a positive SLNB subsequently underwent nodal treatment. This consisted of radiotherapy in five and completion lymphadenectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy in three. None of the eight patients who had a negative SLNB underwent any nodal treatment following SLNB. Two of these patients developed nodal relapse, giving a false negative rate of 20%.
  CONCLUSION: Half of our patients were upstaged and underwent nodal treatment as a result of their SLNB. Given the high rate of SLNB positivity, we believe that SLNB has a role in the management of MCC. As there is a risk of a false negative SLNB, close observation of the regional nodal basins is warranted in patients who have had a negative SLNB. Further studies are required to investigate the impact of SLNB on survival.
  

  PMID: 22309327 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  Combined intraepidermal neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ with CM2B4 negativity and p53 overexpression(*).

  Fetched: April 26th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Combined intraepidermal neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ with CM2B4 negativity and p53 overexpression(*).

  J Cutan Pathol. 2012 Apr 24;

  Authors: Tan BH, Busam KJ, Pulitzer MP

  Abstract
  Primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, also known as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), usually presents as a dermal and/or subcutaneous tumor. Rarely, it is confined to the epidermis or adnexal epithelium [MCC in situ (MCCIS)]. Little is known about the spectrum of features and biology of MCCIS. Herein, we report a case of MCCIS arising on the cheek of a 77-year-old Caucasian male, which was associated with squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The tumor cells of both the neuroendocrine and squamous components prominently involved adnexal structures but did not invade the dermis. The tumor cells with neuroendocrine features were immunoreactive for cytokeratin-20, chromogranin and synaptophysin. They also expressed p53 but were non-reactive with the monoclonal antibody CM2B4. Lack of labeling for CM2B4 is in keeping with prior observations of combined squamous and MCC. Our findings support the concept of a distinct subtype of virus-independent cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that differs from conventional MCC. The observed overexpression of p53 suggests that the development of this tumor type may be related to chronic ultraviolet damage. Tan BH, Busam KJ, Pulitzer MP. Combined intraepidermal neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ with CM2B4 negativity and p53 overexpression.
  

  PMID: 22524588 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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  Tumor location is an independent prognostic factor in head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma.

  Fetched: April 26th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Tumor location is an independent prognostic factor in head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma.

  Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar;146(3):403-8

  Authors: Smith VA, MaDan OP, Lentsch EJ

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: Explore the relationship between tumor location and prognosis among patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the head and neck.
  STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of large population database.
  SETTING: Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database/multiple settings.
  SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using the SEER database, the authors identified patients with MCC of the head and neck. They compared clinicopathologic characteristics and disease-specific survival (DSS) between patients with head and neck MCC at different anatomic subsites. DSS was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and a multivariable regression model was constructed so that independent predictors of DSS could be determined.
  RESULTS: Of the 2104 patients identified, 61.0% were men. The mean age at diagnosis was 77.5 years. Tumors were most commonly located on the face (61.1%). Scalp tumors were significantly larger (10.4% >5 cm, P = .0001) and more likely to present with distant metastasis (8.7%, P = .07) than other head and neck tumors. Lip tumors had the highest rate of invasion into bone, cartilage, and muscle (13.7%, P = .012), and ear tumors had the highest rate of nodal metastasis (63.2%, P = .011). Patients with scalp/neck and lip primary sites had significantly worse survival on univariable analysis (P = .0054 and P = .0007, respectively); however, the lip was the only site associated with worse survival on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio = 1.8, P = .005).
  CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report lip location as an independent prognostic factor in head and neck MCC. More aggressive treatment of patients with MCC of the lip may be warranted to improve outcomes.
  

  PMID: 22166964 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  Detection of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and Human Papillomaviruses in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Combined With Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Immunocompetent European Patients.

  Fetched: April 18th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Detection of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and Human Papillomaviruses in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Combined With Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Immunocompetent European Patients.

  Am J Dermatopathol. 2012 Apr 12;

  Authors: Mitteldorf C, Mertz KD, Fernández-Figueras MT, Schmid M, Tronnier M, Kempf W

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND:: About 10% of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) suffer from an associated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In European patients, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is detectable in 60%-88% of the MCC tumors. In combined lesions, MCPyV was not detectable so far. METHODS:: We investigated 2 combined tumors of MCC and SCC for the presence of MCPyV and human papillomavirus (HPV) by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:: In both lesions, MCPyV DNA was found, and in 1 case, HPV DNA was also detected. This is the first report of a coinfection with HPV and MCPyV in combined MCC-SCC tumors. CONCLUSIONS:: The results underline the hypothesis of cocancerogenesis of 2 oncogenic viruses in nonmelanoma skin cancer. Technical reasons and a low viral copy number of MCPyV hampering immunohistochemical detection may be responsible for the negative results in the literature.
  

  PMID: 22505039 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Treatment of a multicentric Merkel cell carcinoma using imatinib.

  Fetched: April 18th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Treatment of a multicentric Merkel cell carcinoma using imatinib.

  Eur J Dermatol. 2011 Nov-Dec;21(6):1009-10

  Authors: Peuvrel L, Quereux G, Brocard A, Renaut JJ, Dréno B

  PMID: 21926041 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Identification and validation of a novel mature microRNA encoded by the Merkel cell polyomavirus in human Merkel cell carcinomas.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  Identification and validation of a novel mature microRNA encoded by the Merkel cell polyomavirus in human Merkel cell carcinomas.

  J Clin Virol. 2011 Nov;52(3):272-5

  Authors: Lee S, Paulson KG, Murchison EP, Afanasiev OK, Alkan C, Leonard JH, Byrd DR, Hannon GJ, Nghiem P

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is present in approximately 80% of human Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs). A previous in silico prediction suggested MCPyV encodes a microRNA (miRNA) that may regulate cellular and viral genes.
  OBJECTIVES: To determine the presence and prevalence of a putative MCPyV-encoded miRNA in human MCC tumors.
  STUDY DESIGN: Over 30 million small RNAs from 7 cryopreserved MCC tumors and 1 perilesional sample were sequenced. 45 additional MCC tumors were examined for expression of an MCPyV-encoded mature miRNA by reverse transcription real-time PCR.
  RESULTS: An MCPyV-encoded mature miRNA, "MCV-miR-M1-5p", was detected by direct sequencing in 2 of 3 MCPyV-positive MCC tumors. Although a precursor miRNA, MCV-miR-M1, had been predicted in silico and studied in vitro by Seo et al., no MCPyV-encoded miRNAs have been directly detected in human tissues. Importantly, the mature sequence of MCV-miR-M1 found in vivo was identical in all 79 reads obtained but differed from the in silico predicted mature miRNA by a 2-nucleotide shift, resulting in a distinct seed region and a different set of predicted target genes. This mature miRNA was detected by real-time PCR in 50% of MCPyV-positive MCCs (n = 38) and in 0% of MCPyV-negative MCCs (n = 13).
  CONCLUSIONS: MCV-miR-M1-5p is expressed at low levels in 50% of MCPyV-positive MCCs. This virus-encoded miRNA is predicted to target genes that may play a role in promoting immune evasion and regulating viral DNA replication.
  

  PMID: 21907614 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  A merkel cell carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  A merkel cell carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.

  Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Jan;28(1):e11-3

  Authors: Gess AJ, Silkiss RZ

  Abstract
  Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma that most often arises in sun-exposed skin. Primary Merkel cell carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is exceedingly rare, with only one prior case reported in the literature. The authors present a 49-year-old woman with a 6-month history of painless swelling of the left upper eyelid. MRI showed a lacrimal gland mass. Surgical excision was performed, and histologic evaluation revealed a Merkel cell carcinoma. Virology testing was positive for Merkel cell polyomavirus. The patient was treated with local radiation following surgical excision. She has had no recurrence after 1 year of follow up.
  

  PMID: 21743373 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  Cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma.

  Am J Otolaryngol. 2012 Jan-Feb;33(1):88-92

  Authors: Mendenhall WM, Kirwan JM, Morris CG, Amdur RJ, Werning JW, Mendenhall NP

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the treatment outcomes of patients with cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma managed with curative intent.
  MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1984 and November 2009, 40 patients with previously untreated Merkel cell carcinoma were managed with curative intent with radiotherapy alone (3 patients) or combined with surgery (37 patients). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 11 patients. Primary sites were the following: head and neck, 32 patients; extremities, 6 patients; and trunk, 2 patients. Patients were staged according to the Yiengpruksawan staging system: stage I, local disease; stage II, regional disease; and stage III, distant metastases. Twenty-four patients had stage I disease, and 16 patients had stage II disease. Median follow-up on all patients was 3.0 years (range, 0.6-15.6 years). Median follow-up on survivors was 4.2 years (range, 2.2-14.2 years).
  RESULTS: The 5-year outcomes were local control, 92%; regional control, 78%; local-regional control, 79%; distant metastasis-free survival, 57%; cause-specific survival, 45%; and overall survival, 36%. The 5-year outcomes for those with stage I vs stage II disease were the following: local-regional control, 87% and 67% (P = .1607); distant metastasis-free survival, 71% and 37% (P = .0073); cause-specific survival, 58% and 27% (P = .0090); and overall survival, 48% and 18% (P = .0037). Local-regional recurrences were observed in 6 patients; one patient was successfully salvaged. Severe complications were observed in 3 patients.
  CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy alone or combined with surgery results in a high local-regional control rate. The main mode of recurrence is distant. Approximately one half of patients are cured.
  

  PMID: 21696854 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Next generation sequencing fails to identify human virus sequences in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  Next generation sequencing fails to identify human virus sequences in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

  Int J Cancer. 2012 Apr 5;

  Authors: Ganzenmueller T, Yakushko Y, Kluba J, Henke-Gendo C, Gutzmer R, Schulz TF

  Abstract
  Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) shows a strongly increased incidence in solid organ transplant recipients (OTR) and AIDS patients, suggesting an infectious etiology. The role of certain viruses, i.e. cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPV) in NMSC in immunosuppressed patients remains controversial. Merkel cell carcinoma polyomavirus (MCPyV), which was recently identified using high-throughput sequencing, has been linked to cutaneous proliferations. Here we aimed to identify novel or known viral sequences at the transcript level in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) from OTR by using 454 high-throughput pyrosequencing, which can produce long reads (∼400bp) and thus is better suited for the analysis of unknown sequences than other sequencing platforms. cDNA libraries from three OTR SCC biopsies were generated and submitted to next generation sequencing using a 454 platform. Bioinformatic analysis included digital transcriptome subtraction (DTS) and - in parallel - reference mapping as an alternative way for depleting human sequences. All control sequences introduced for bioinformatics analysis were recovered correctly. Among 717,029 454-sequenced transcripts nearly all identified viral reads were derived from phages. Bacterial sequences originated from the skin flora or environmental sources. Our study did not reveal any transcripts of known oncogenic or related unknown human viruses. These findings suggest that there is no abundant expression of known human viruses, or viruses with a high degree of homology to known human viruses, in cutaneous SCCs of OTR. Further studies are required to exclude the presence of viruses in NMSC which cannot easily be identified on the basis of sequence homology to known viruses. © 2012 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
  

  PMID: 22488422 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Recent advances in the understanding of the genetics, etiology, and treatment of merkel cell carcinoma.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  Recent advances in the understanding of the genetics, etiology, and treatment of merkel cell carcinoma.

  Semin Oncol. 2012 Apr;39(2):163-72

  Authors: Donepudi S, Deconti RC, Samlowski WE

  Abstract
  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive skin malignancy. The growing incidence and recognition of this cancer in elderly or immunosuppressed individuals suggests that it is becoming an increasing clinical challenge. MCC recently has been demonstrated to have a probable viral pathogenesis related to a novel member of the polyomavirus (termed Merkel cell polyomavirus [MCV]). The molecular pathogenesis of viral carcinogenesis is currently being worked out in MCC. Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed, with an eye toward the future development of molecularly targeted treatments.
  

  PMID: 22484188 [PubMed - in process]

• 

  Tumor Infiltrating Immune Cells And Outcome of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population-based Study.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  Tumor Infiltrating Immune Cells And Outcome of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Population-based Study.

  Clin Cancer Res. 2012 Apr 3;

  Authors: Sihto H, Bohling T, Kavola H, Koljonen V, Salmi M, Jalkanen S, Joensuu H

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer that often harbors Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA. The clinical importance of intratumoral immune cells and their associations with MCPyV infection are poorly understood.EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We identified T-lymphocytes (CD3-positive cells), T cell subsets (CD4, CD8, and FoxP3-positive cells), natural killer cells (small CD16-positive cells), and macrophages (CD68 and CD163-positive cells) in tumors of 116 individuals diagnosed with MCC in Finland from 1979 to 2004 using immunohistochemistry, and detected MCPyV DNA with quantitative PCR. The associations between immune cell counts, MCPyV DNA, patient and tumor characteristics, and patient outcome were examined. RESULTS: MCPyV DNA-positive cancers contained higher numbers of CD3+, CD8+, CD16+, FoxP3+, and CD68+ cells as compared to MCPyV DNA-negative carcinomas (all P-values less than 0.05). High intratumoral numbers of CD3+, CD8+, or FoxP3+ cells, and high CD8+/CD4+ or FoxP3+/CD4+ ratios were significantly associated with favorable overall survival. Individuals with a high tumor CD3+ count had less often metastases and survived longer irrespective of the tumor MCPyV status. Tumor CD3+ count and MCPyV DNA-status had independent influence on survival in a Cox multivariable model that included also presence of locoregional metastases at diagnosis and gender as covariates. CONCLUSIONS: High intratumoral T-lymphocyte counts are associated with favorable survival in MCC. Although the numbers of T-cells are generally higher in MCPyV-positive than in MCPyV-negative MCC, high intratumoral T-cell counts are associated with favorable survival also in MCPyV-negative MCC.
  

  PMID: 22467679 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Clinical Stage of Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Survival Are Not Associated with Breslow Thickness of Biopsied Tumor.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  Clinical Stage of Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Survival Are Not Associated with Breslow Thickness of Biopsied Tumor.

  Dermatol Surg. 2012 Mar 27;

  Authors: Izikson L, Helm T, Sroa N, Zeitouni NC

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive malignancy that often presents on the skin with concurrent metastatic disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Breslow thickness of biopsied MCC correlates with clinical disease stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of clinical data and histopathology specimens from 34 individuals with MCC treated at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute for whom complete clinical information and histopathology specimens were available. RESULTS: There was no correlation between Breslow thickness of biopsied MCC on the head and neck or body and clinical stage of disease, progression-free survival, or overall survival. Hence, thin MCCs should not be taken to represent lesions with less-aggressive clinical behavior. CONCLUSION: Our findings validate the current practice of staging all newly diagnosed MCC, irrespective of size or Breslow thickness.
  

  PMID: 22455371 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with conjunctival and eyelid cancers: experience in 17 patients.

  Fetched: April 13th, 2012, 11:01pm MDT

  Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with conjunctival and eyelid cancers: experience in 17 patients.

  Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Jan;28(1):30-4

  Authors: Maalouf TJ, Dolivet G, Angioi KS, Leroux A, Genin P, George JL

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: To assess lymph node invasion through the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in conjunctival and eyelid tumor patients and ascertain the impact of this technique in therapeutic management recommended by the multidisciplinary consensus committee.
  METHODS: A single center prospective nonrandomized clinical study was conducted between January 2008 and January 2010. Seventeen patients were included: 4 (2 conjunctiva and 2 eyelid) melanomas, 4 eyelid Merkel cell tumors, 8 (2 conjunctiva, 2 eyelid, 2 eyelid and conjunctiva, 2 cornea and conjunctiva) squamous cell tumors, and 1 eyelid meibomian carcinoma. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was done the day before surgery to label lymph node(s). The surgical biopsy was then performed along with an extemporaneous pathological examination followed by secondary complete lymph node dissection only in instances of positive histology.
  RESULTS: In all cases, one or more sentinel lymph nodes were identified (3-13). Two biopsies (1 Merkel cell carcinoma and 1 squamous cell carcinoma) revealed neoplastic invasion and led to complete cervical node dissection. Adjunct regional treatment was indicated for 1 melanoma, for 4 Merkel cell tumors, and for 2 squamous cell carcinomas. One false negative result was noted in the group of squamous cell carcinomas after 6 months, and it was treated. No relapse or death was observed for the other 16 patients. The mean overall follow-up was 18.2 months.
  CONCLUSION: As in previous studies, we found that SLNB for eyelid and conjunctival tumors is safe and effective in identifying microscopically positive SLNs. This procedure may also revive interest in the study of cervicofacial lymphatic drainage. Our current investigation is to be expanded and extended to other medical teams.
  

  PMID: 22262287 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA detection in a patient with Merkel cell carcinoma and multiple other skin cancers.

  Fetched: March 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA detection in a patient with Merkel cell carcinoma and multiple other skin cancers.

  Int J Dermatol. 2012 Apr;51(4):442-4

  Authors: Haitz KA, Rady PL, Nguyen HP, He Q, Prieto VG, Tyring SK, Ciurea AM

  PMID: 22435435 [PubMed - in process]

Google - Neuroendocrine Tumor

• 

  Cancer battle won't keep Candye Kane from performing at Simi Valley's Cajun ... - Ventura County Star

  Posted: May 24th, 2012, 5:52pm MDT

  Cancer battle won't keep Candye Kane from performing at Simi Valley's Cajun ... Ventura County Star Kane is a cancer survivor — specifically, neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. The survival rate is equivalent to that of the extra "Star Trek" crewmen who beam down to uncharted planets with Kirk and Spock. This is Kane's second round with this ... and more »

• 

  Struma ovarii with follicular thyroid-type carcinoma and neuroendocrine ... - 7thSpace Interactive (press release)

  Posted: May 21st, 2012, 6:05am MDT

  Struma ovarii with follicular thyroid-type carcinoma and neuroendocrine ... 7thSpace Interactive (press release) A 50-year-old female was subjected to upper gut endoscopy which showed a 30-mm masslocated in the gastric antrum, suggestive of mesenchimal tumor. Incidentally, a pelvic CTscan also documented a solid mass in the right adnexa, with morphological ...

• 

  Candye Kane's Cancer Surgery Successful, but... - San Diego Reader (blog)

  Posted: May 18th, 2012, 12:32am MDT

  Candye Kane's Cancer Surgery Successful, but... San Diego Reader (blog) But music is my life and neuroendocrine cancer is a mostly manageable disease. I will continue to work as much as I can because I know life is fragile anyway. I would be fine if I died onstage doing what I love like Country Dick Montana or Johnny ...

• 

  This Week in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute - GenomeWeb

  Posted: May 17th, 2012, 10:09am MDT

  This Week in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute GenomeWeb Also in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this week, researchers in Italy examine the best way to devise a TNM — tumor, node, metastasis — staging system for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Both the European Neuroendocrine Tumor ...

• 

  New Data from Silence's Atu027 Anticancer Trial Published at ASCO - Sacramento Bee

  Posted: May 17th, 2012, 4:59am MDT

  New Data from Silence's Atu027 Anticancer Trial Published at ASCO Sacramento Bee Two patients with neuroendocrine cancers had disease stabilisation for nine and 12 months respectively, including partial regression of liver metastases in one patient. Another patient with breast cancer demonstrated regression of liver metastases. and more »

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  New Data from Silence's Atu027 Anticancer Trial Published at ASCO - MarketWatch (press release)

  Posted: May 17th, 2012, 10:02pm MDT

  New Data from Silence's Atu027 Anticancer Trial Published at ASCO MarketWatch (press release) Two patients with neuroendocrine cancers had disease stabilisation for nine and 12 months respectively, including partial regression of liver metastases in one patient. Another patient with breast cancer demonstrated regression of liver metastases. and more »

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  New Data from Silence's Atu027 Anticancer Trial Published at ASCO - PR Newswire (press release)

  Posted: May 17th, 2012, 10:01pm MDT

  New Data from Silence's Atu027 Anticancer Trial Published at ASCO PR Newswire (press release) Two patients with neuroendocrine cancers had disease stabilisation for nine and 12 months respectively, including partial regression of liver metastases in one patient. Another patient with breast cancer demonstrated regression of liver metastases. and more »

• 

  Disappointing Data on Pfizer Drug - Zacks.com

  Posted: May 16th, 2012, 12:17pm MDT

  Disappointing Data on Pfizer Drug Zacks.com Sutent is also approved for the treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease. Torisel is currently approved in the US and other countries for ... and more »

• 

  Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market ... - MarketWatch (press release)

  Posted: May 15th, 2012, 4:48am MDT

  Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market ... MarketWatch (press release) Summary GlobalData, the industry analysis specialist, has released its new report, "Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market Forecast to 2019". The report is an essential source of information and analysis on the global ... and more »

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  Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market ... - SBWire (press release)

  Posted: May 14th, 2012, 12:57pm MDT

  Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market ... SBWire (press release) Naperville, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/14/2012 -- Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market Forecast to 2019 report is an essential source of information and analysis on the global neuroendocrine carcinoma market. and more »

• 

  Locating Rare Pancreatic Tumors With New Imaging Technique - Medical News Today

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 9:05am MDT

  Locating Rare Pancreatic Tumors With New Imaging Technique Medical News Today Insulinomas are pancreatic tumors derived from beta cells. They are known as secreting neuroendocrine tumors (NET) as they secrete insulin. However, they secrete insulin in an unregulated way, causing blood sugar levels to drop lower than normal. and more »

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  6 Best Biotech Stocks With More Upside Potential - Seeking Alpha

  Posted: May 7th, 2012, 7:30am MDT

  6 Best Biotech Stocks With More Upside Potential Seeking Alpha The "410 trial" is a Phase 1/2 trial in combination with sunitinib in patients with renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. To date, across all clinical trials, TH-302 has been administered to more ...

• 

  Novartis drug pasireotide LAR shows superior efficacy compared to SandostatinR ... - Reuters

  Posted: May 7th, 2012, 10:01pm MDT

  Novartis drug pasireotide LAR shows superior efficacy compared to SandostatinR ... Reuters Treatment of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors of the midgut or unknown primary tumor location. Sandostatin LAR was first approved in France in June 1995 and is currently approved in 95 countries. For more than a decade, Sandostatin LAR has ... Novartis drug pasireotide LAR shows superior efficacy compared to Sandostatin ...The FINANCIAL all 23 news articles »

• 

  It's the season for Relay for Life in the San Jose area - San Jose Mercury News

  Posted: May 3rd, 2012, 7:07pm MDT

  It's the season for Relay for Life in the San Jose area San Jose Mercury News Young is battling a neuroendocrine tumor in his chest. As winter turns to spring, work on the annual San Jose Relays For Life begins in earnest. This year, three of them--Cambrian, Almaden and Willow Glen--are within a 30 day period.

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  Exelixis's CEO Discusses Q1 2012 Results - Earnings Call Transcript - Seeking Alpha

  Posted: May 3rd, 2012, 6:45pm MDT

  Exelixis's CEO Discusses Q1 2012 Results - Earnings Call Transcript Seeking Alpha Ongoing non-CRPC ISTs include a phase 2 trial in women with hormone receptive positive metastatic breast cancer and bone metastases, and a trial in patients with advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors. Additional phase 1 ISPs in ... and more »

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  Threshold Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial and Operational ... - MarketWatch (press release)

  Posted: May 3rd, 2012, 12:31pm MDT

  Threshold Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial and Operational ... MarketWatch (press release) The "410 trial" is a Phase 1/2 trial in combination with sunitinib in patients with renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. To date, across all clinical trials, TH-302 has been administered to more ... and more »

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  Threshold Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial and Operational ... - MarketWatch (press release)

  Posted: May 3rd, 2012, 12:29pm MDT

  Threshold Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial and Operational ... MarketWatch (press release) The "410 trial" is a Phase 1/2 trial in combination with sunitinib in patients with renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. To date, across all clinical trials, TH-302 has been administered to more ... and more »

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  Wednesday's Bio Pharma Drug Approval And Catalyst Watch List - Seeking Alpha

  Posted: May 2nd, 2012, 3:59am MDT

  Wednesday's Bio Pharma Drug Approval And Catalyst Watch List Seeking Alpha Carcinoid syndrome is a chronic condition caused by neuroendocrine tumors that usually originate from the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by severe diarrhea and flushing episodes with long-term consequences that may include cardiac valve ... and more »

• 

  Afinitor for Non-Cancerous Kidney Tumors - dailyRx

  Posted: April 28th, 2012, 11:21pm MDT

  Afinitor for Non-Cancerous Kidney Tumors dailyRx The US Food and Drug Administration approved Afinitor (everolimus), the first drug approved specifically to treat non-cancerous kidney tumors (renal angiomyolipomas) not requiring immediate surgery in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). FDA Expands Everolimus LabelMedPage Today Novartis drug AfinitorR approved by FDA as first medication to treat patients ...Reuters Novartis drug Afinitor® approved by FDA as first medication to treat patients ...PR Newswire (press release) Medscape -Genetic Engineering News all 56 news articles »

• 

  FDA Expands Everolimus Label - MedPage Today

  Posted: April 27th, 2012, 9:05am MDT

  FDA Expands Everolimus Label MedPage Today The drug also is approved to treat renal cell carcinoma that has been treated unsuccessfully with other medications, and progressive neuroendocrine tumors in the pancreas that cannot be removed by surgery or that have spread to other areas of the body. Afinitor Approved for Non-cancerous Kidney TumorsKansas City infoZine FDA accelerates approval for tuberous sclerosis drugMedCity News all 11 news articles »

• 

  Novartis' Afinitor Gets FDA Okay for Treating Renal Angiomyolipoma Associated ... - Genetic Engineering News

  Posted: April 27th, 2012, 5:54am MDT

  Novartis' Afinitor Gets FDA Okay for Treating Renal Angiomyolipoma Associated ... Genetic Engineering News Afinitor has previously been approved in the US and other markets for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, progressive neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin, and for treating adult adn pediatric patients with ...

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  Afinitor Approved for Non-cancerous Kidney Tumors - Kansas City infoZine

  Posted: April 27th, 2012, 5:14am MDT

  Afinitor Approved for Non-cancerous Kidney Tumors Kansas City infoZine Washington, DC - infoZine - The US Food and Drug Administration today approved Afinitor (everolimus), the first drug approved specifically to treat non-cancerous kidney tumors (renal angiomyolipomas) not requiring immediate surgery in patients with ... FDA accelerates approval for tuberous sclerosis drugMedCity News all 3 news articles »

• 

  The Coalition to Cure Prostate Cancer Breaks Ground, Announces Four Young ... - PharmiWeb.com (press release)

  Posted: April 27th, 2012, 11:13pm MDT

  The Coalition to Cure Prostate Cancer Breaks Ground, Announces Four Young ... PharmiWeb.com (press release) The first four CCPC Young Investigators are: Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a very aggressive, lethal subtype of advanced prostate cancer that is poorly understood, partly due to the lack of a good animal model in which study the disease.

• 

  Novartis drug AfinitorR approved by FDA as first medication to treat patients ... - Reuters

  Posted: April 26th, 2012, 2:01pm MDT

  Novartis drug AfinitorR approved by FDA as first medication to treat patients ... Reuters Afinitor is approved for the treatment of locally advanced, metastatic or unresectable progressive neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin in adults in the US and EU. Everolimus is also available from Novartis for use in other non-oncology patient ... Novartis drug Afinitor® approved by FDA as first medication to treat patients ...PR Newswire (press release) Afinitor for Non-Cancerous Kidney TumorsdailyRx FDA Approves Everolimus for Renal AngiomyolipomasMedscape all 56 news articles »

• 

  FDA approves Afinitor for non-cancerous kidney tumors caused by rare genetic ... - FDA.gov

  Posted: April 26th, 2012, 12:39pm MDT

  FDA approves Afinitor for non-cancerous kidney tumors caused by rare genetic ... FDA.gov The US Food and Drug Administration today approved Afinitor (everolimus), the first drug approved specifically to treat non-cancerous kidney tumors (renal angiomyolipomas) not requiring immediate surgery in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex ... FDA Expands Everolimus LabelMedPage Today FDA accelerates approval for tuberous sclerosis drugMedCity News all 10 news articles »

• 

  Now on ScienceBlogs: Stanislaw Burzynski: Kind-hearted strangers and a failure ... - ScienceBlogs (blog)

  Posted: April 25th, 2012, 11:12pm MDT

  Now on ScienceBlogs: Stanislaw Burzynski: Kind-hearted strangers and a failure ... ScienceBlogs (blog) ... her story sounds an awful lot like Steve Jobs in that she had a pancreatic tumor resected, states that she is now receiving "hormone injections" to keep her symptoms at bay (which implies to me that she had a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor), ...

• 

  Hypothyroidism Risks With MKIs Examined - OncLive

  Posted: April 23rd, 2012, 1:42pm MDT

  OncLive

  Hypothyroidism Risks With MKIs Examined OncLive Sunitinib (Sutent) also is approved to treat certain gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors while sorafenib (Nexavar) is additionally indicated for hepatocellular carcinoma. A number of phase II trials are under ...

• 

  Osakis woman battles rare form of cancer - Alexandria Echo Press

  Posted: April 17th, 2012, 9:17pm MDT

  Osakis woman battles rare form of cancer Alexandria Echo Press After coping with bouts of abdominal pain for about five years, Dayni Imdieke was diagnosed last September with cancer, specifically, a neuroendocrine tumor on her pancreas. Two years ago, Dayni decided to have her gallbladder taken out. and more »

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  Study Supports Combining c-MET Targeted Therapies With Angiogenesis Inhibitors - OncLive

  Posted: April 16th, 2012, 2:22pm MDT

  OncLive

  Study Supports Combining c-MET Targeted Therapies With Angiogenesis Inhibitors OncLive Donald M. McDonald, MD, PhD, led a research group at the University of California, San Francisco, that explored single VEGF and dual inhibition strategies in preclinical mouse models of neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors. Their results confirmed that ...

• 

  Plant A Sunflower And Harvest Life - Patch.com

  Posted: April 14th, 2012, 2:00pm MDT

  Plant A Sunflower And Harvest Life Patch.com The sunflower symbol reminds us of the many individuals who dedicate themselves to discovering a cure for neuroendocrine tumors. Together we are powerful." I discovered how powerful and supportive groups like CFCF can be after I started my recovery ...

• 

  PGx Highlights from the American Association for Cancer Research Meeting - GenomeWeb

  Posted: April 13th, 2012, 6:23am MDT

  PGx Highlights from the American Association for Cancer Research Meeting GenomeWeb The researchers looked at 21 prostate cancer samples, 18 neuroendocrine prostate cancer samples, and 18 benign prostate samples. They identified 133 mutations in 30 genes, with 87 percent of cancer samples containing at least one mutation. and more »

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  Heart risks of cancer drugs underestimated - Oncology Nurse Advisor

  Posted: April 12th, 2012, 3:10am MDT

  Heart risks of cancer drugs underestimated Oncology Nurse Advisor Used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, sunitinib is associated with cardiac toxicity. However, the FDA labeling for the drug warned of a much higher incidence of such ...

• 

  Novel Cancer Treatment Gains Acceptance - Seeking Alpha

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 7:27am MDT

  Novel Cancer Treatment Gains Acceptance Seeking Alpha We concluded a multi-arm Phase II trial to evaluate the Delcath CHEMOSAT system for the treatment of other cancers in the liver, such as tumors of neuroendocrine and colorectal adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma origin that have spread to the liver ... and more »

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  Plant A Sunflower And Harvest Life - Patch.com

  Posted: April 9th, 2012, 12:38pm MDT

  Plant A Sunflower And Harvest Life Patch.com The sunflower symbol reminds us of the many individuals who dedicate themselves to discovering a cure for neuroendocrine tumors. Together we are powerful." I discovered how powerful and supportive groups like CFCF can be after I started my recovery ...

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  NYU Langone Medical Center Expands Gastrointestinal Malignancies Team - Newswise (press release)

  Posted: April 6th, 2012, 11:49am MDT

  NYU Langone Medical Center Expands Gastrointestinal Malignancies Team Newswise (press release) They will specialize in gastrointestinal cancers that include: esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, liver, bile duct, carcinoid or neuroendocrine tumors of the small bowel, colon cancer, rectal cancer and cancer of the anal canal. They will have offices at ... and more »

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  Neuroendocrine Tumor Program Recognized for Excellence - Newswise (press release)

  Posted: April 6th, 2012, 11:49am MDT

  Neuroendocrine Tumor Program Recognized for Excellence Newswise (press release) The three are longtime collaborators on research of targeted cancer therapies. The 2012 Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-AARC grant is being awarded in recognition of their research titled “Octreotide-targeted treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the ...

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  Prognostic Factors for Progression of Neuroendocrine Tumors Identified in ... - OncLive

  Posted: April 5th, 2012, 6:00am MDT

  OncLive

  Prognostic Factors for Progression of Neuroendocrine Tumors Identified in ... OncLive The placebo-controlled phase III RADIANT-2 trial showed that the addition of everolimus to standard octreotide LAR achieved about a 5-month improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

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  Firefighters support peer in cancer battle - Seacoastonline.com

  Posted: April 5th, 2012, 10:42pm MDT

  Firefighters support peer in cancer battle Seacoastonline.com Firefighter Jeff Bokum, a 9½-year veteran of the Fire Department, was diagnosed in late November 2011 with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare cancer that is affecting his liver and thyroid. He is undergoing treatment in Houston, Texas, at MD Anderson Center ...

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  Relapse-free survival now easier to predict for several tumor stages - News-Medical.net

  Posted: April 4th, 2012, 5:34am MDT

  Relapse-free survival now easier to predict for several tumor stages News-Medical.net Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have carried out a study to validate the utility of new tumor classification systems for staging and predicting relapse-free survival for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and who may be candidates for ...

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  Researchers validate staging classifications for neuroendocrine pancreatic ... - Medical Xpress

  Posted: April 3rd, 2012, 7:16am MDT

  Researchers validate staging classifications for neuroendocrine pancreatic ... Medical Xpress Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have carried out a study to validate the utility of new tumor classification systems for staging and predicting relapse-free survival for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and who may be candidates for ... and more »

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  Researchers Validate New Staging Classifications for Neuroendocrine Pancreatic ... - Newswise (press release)

  Posted: April 3rd, 2012, 5:38am MDT

  Researchers Validate New Staging Classifications for Neuroendocrine Pancreatic ... Newswise (press release) (April 3, 2012) – Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have carried out a study to validate the utility of new tumor classification systems for staging and predicting relapse-free survival for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and who may be ... and more »

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  1st Balkan Congress of Nuclear Medicine to be held in Antalya - Today's Zaman

  Posted: April 2nd, 2012, 6:03am MDT

  1st Balkan Congress of Nuclear Medicine to be held in Antalya Today's Zaman The main topics of the congress will be hybrid imaging, the future of nuclear cardiology, current trends in infection imaging, molecular imaging of low FDG avid tumor tissue, imaging of neuroendocrine tumors, radionuclide therapy of neuroendocrine ...

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  The dark side of mast cell-targeted therapy in prostate cancer - Abstract - UroToday

  Posted: March 29th, 2012, 11:14pm MDT

  The dark side of mast cell-targeted therapy in prostate cancer - Abstract UroToday The common expression of c-Kit by mast cells and neuroendocrine clones suggests a possible competition for the ligand Stem cell factor and offers the chance of curing early-stage disease while preventing neuroendocrine tumors using c-Kit-targeted ...

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  Prognostic Factors Elucidated in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors - Clinical Oncology News

  Posted: March 27th, 2012, 1:27pm MDT

  Clinical Oncology News

  Prognostic Factors Elucidated in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Clinical Oncology News A team of researchers from Verona, Italy, believes it has identified two “powerful” predictors of recurrence in patients with malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). In a study published online by the European Journal of Cancer (2011 Nov 28 ...

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  Radionuclide therapy may be linked to hematologic consequences in ... - HemOncToday

  Posted: March 27th, 2012, 10:05am MDT

  Radionuclide therapy may be linked to hematologic consequences in ... HemOncToday Patients with neuroendocrine tumors who have undergone iodine-131–metaiodobenzylguanidine therapy experience respectable rates of survival, but a minority develops hematological pathologies in long-term follow-up, according to research presented at the ... and more »

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  Radionuclide therapy may be linked to hematologic consequences in ... - Endocrine Today

  Posted: March 27th, 2012, 10:00am MDT

  Radionuclide therapy may be linked to hematologic consequences in ... Endocrine Today Patients with neuroendocrine tumors who have undergone iodine-131–metaiodobenzylguanidine therapy experience respectable rates of survival, but a minority develops hematological pathologies in long-term follow-up, according to research presented at the ... and more »

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  Relay for Life teams raising funds for annual main events - WatertownDailyTimes.com

  Posted: March 26th, 2012, 1:05am MDT

  Relay for Life teams raising funds for annual main events WatertownDailyTimes.com Teammate Mary S. Paradise, who has carcinoid,, or neuroendocrine, cancerous tumors, said the team holds can-and-bottle drives, garage sales, partners with local stores, hosts trips and other events to raise as much money as they can for the American ... and more »

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  Dr. K: New medications treat pancreatic cancer - GoErie.com

  Posted: March 23rd, 2012, 8:05pm MDT

  Dr. K: New medications treat pancreatic cancer GoErie.com Q I am a 55-year-old man who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is a neuroendocrine tumor. My doctor will be performing surgery in a couple of weeks and has discussed some new drugs that the FDA recently approved.

Google - Merkel Cell Cancer

• 

  PET more sensitive than CT for Merkel cell carcinoma - Oncology Nurse Advisor

  Posted: May 16th, 2012, 6:59am MDT

  PET more sensitive than CT for Merkel cell carcinoma Oncology Nurse Advisor ... with traditional computed tomography (CT) imaging for evaluation of the regional lymph node basin in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), according to research published online May 2 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. and more »

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  With Melanoma Rising Among Young Adults, New Treatments Could Play a Key Role - CisionWire (press release)

  Posted: May 16th, 2012, 6:31am MDT

  With Melanoma Rising Among Young Adults, New Treatments Could Play a Key Role CisionWire (press release) Currently, three Phase II clinical trials to test OncoSec's technology are underway, not only in metastatic melanoma but also in Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. There are currently few, if any, treatment options for these cancers. and more »

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  PET More Sensitive Than CT for Merkel Cell Carcinoma - MD News (press release)

  Posted: May 16th, 2012, 12:46am MDT

  MD News (press release)

  PET More Sensitive Than CT for Merkel Cell Carcinoma MD News (press release) Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography is significantly more sensitive and equally specific compared with traditional computed tomography imaging for evaluation of the regional lymph node basin in patients with Merkel cell ... and more »

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  PET More Sensitive Than CT for Merkel Cell Carcinoma - Doctors Lounge

  Posted: May 15th, 2012, 9:03am MDT

  PET More Sensitive Than CT for Merkel Cell Carcinoma Doctors Lounge Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography is significantly more sensitive and equally specific compared with traditional computed tomography imaging for evaluation of the regional lymph node basin in patients with Merkel cell ... and more »

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  Skin Cancer Awareness: With Melanoma Rising Among Young Adults, New Treatments ... - Newswise (press release)

  Posted: May 15th, 2012, 5:43am MDT

  Skin Cancer Awareness: With Melanoma Rising Among Young Adults, New Treatments ... Newswise (press release) Currently, three Phase II clinical trials to test OncoSec's technology are underway, not only in metastatic melanoma but also in Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. There are currently few, if any, treatment options for these cancers. and more »

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  Genomics IDs a molecular-based treatment for viral skin cancer - ScienceBlog.com (blog)

  Posted: May 15th, 2012, 5:22am MDT

  Genomics IDs a molecular-based treatment for viral skin cancer ScienceBlog.com (blog) Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a skin cancer that is more common among seniors and those with weakened immune systems, could not be readily diagnosed at one time, and it still has a very poor prognosis, said Patrick S. Moore, MD, MPH, and Yuan Chang, MD, ... and more »

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  Viral skin cancer treatment targets protein - Futurity: Research News

  Posted: May 14th, 2012, 8:18am MDT

  Viral skin cancer treatment targets protein Futurity: Research News The researchers “knocked out” a key viral protein called T antigen and found that Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) directly elevates a cellular protein called survivin, a protein that triggers tumor growth. (Credit: "virus cell" image via Shutterstock) ... and more »

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  Pitt team makes Quick progress against skin cancer - Pittsburgh Post Gazette

  Posted: May 11th, 2012, 8:16pm MDT

  Pitt team makes progress against skin cancer Pittsburgh Post Gazette By David Templeton / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Merkel cell carcinoma wasn't even identified as a separate skin cancer until 30 years ago. As recent as four years ago, no one knew what caused it or how to treat it. But, in a quick succession of ... and more »

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  Genomics Used to Identify a Molecular-Based Treatment for a Viral Skin Cancer - Science Daily (press release)

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 6:57pm MDT

  Genomics Used to Identify a Molecular-Based Treatment for a Viral Skin Cancer Science Daily (press release) Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a skin cancer that is more common among seniors and those with weakened immune systems, could not be readily diagnosed at one time, and it still has a very poor prognosis, said Patrick S. Moore, MD, MPH, and Yuan Chang, MD, ... and more »

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  Pitt/UPCI Team Uses Genomics to Identify a Molecular-based Treatment for a ... - HealthCanal.com

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 1:09pm MDT

  Pitt/UPCI Team Uses Genomics to Identify a Molecular-based Treatment for a ... HealthCanal.com Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a skin cancer that is more common among seniors and those with weakened immune systems, could not be readily diagnosed at one time, and it still has a very poor prognosis, said Patrick S. Moore, MD, MPH, and Yuan Chang, MD, ... and more »

• 

  Pitt team uses genomics to identify a molecular-based treatment for a viral ... - Science Codex

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 11:09am MDT

  Pitt team uses genomics to identify a molecular-based treatment for a viral ... Science Codex Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a skin cancer that is more common among seniors and those with weakened immune systems, could not be readily diagnosed at one time, and it still has a very poor prognosis, said Patrick S. Moore, MD, MPH, and Yuan Chang, MD, ... and more »

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  Pitt team uses genomics to identify a molecular-based treatment for a viral ... - EurekAlert (press release)

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 10:20am MDT

  Pitt team uses genomics to identify a molecular-based treatment for a viral ... EurekAlert (press release) Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a skin cancer that is more common among seniors and those with weakened immune systems, could not be readily diagnosed at one time, and it still has a very poor prognosis, said Patrick S. Moore, MD, MPH, and Yuan Chang, MD, ... and more »

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  Researchers use genomics to identify a molecular-based treatment for a viral ... - Medical Xpress

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 10:10am MDT

  Researchers use genomics to identify a molecular-based treatment for a viral ... Medical Xpress Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a skin cancer that is more common among seniors and those with weakened immune systems, could not be readily diagnosed at one time, and it still has a very poor prognosis, said Patrick S. Moore, MD, MPH, and Yuan Chang, MD, ... and more »

• 

  Pitt Scientists Find Promising Treatment for Rare Skin Cancer - Essential Public Radio

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 10:02am MDT

  Essential Public Radio

  Pitt Scientists Find Promising Treatment for Rare Skin Cancer Essential Public Radio A research team at the University of Pittsburgh has discovered a possible treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), just four years after determing the cause of the rare skin cancer. Merkel cell polyomavirus, the agent that causes Merkel cell ... and more »

• 

  ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton Cancer Survivor to Take Part in "Celebration of Life ... - Patch.com

  Posted: May 4th, 2012, 9:22am MDT

  ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton Cancer Survivor to Take Part in "Celebration of Life ... Patch.com Mark fought for his life against the rare and deadly Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Surgery, regular chemotherapy and radiation couldn't halt the cancer, and it threatened his leg and his life. An experimental five hour procedure, called Isolated Limb Infusion ...

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  Benefit Set for Family of Longtime BASF Employee - Patch.com

  Posted: April 18th, 2012, 2:34pm MDT

  Benefit Set for Family of Longtime BASF Employee Patch.com The Wyandotte man retired a few months back to deal with his health after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, Merkel Cell Carcinoma. After months of conventional treatment with little success, he opted to try alternative chemotherapy ...

• 

  Why Cancer Doesn't Always Suck - Huffington Post

  Posted: April 13th, 2012, 1:06pm MDT

  Why Cancer Doesn't Always Suck Huffington Post In many ways, cancer does suck. I know. I received that dreaded phone call on my birthday, of all days, and that day sucked. My diagnosis, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, not only destroyed the left side of my face but forced me to endure seven surgeries and a ...

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Healthcare Global (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 2:38pm MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Healthcare Global (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

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  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Manufacturing Digital (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 2:24pm MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Manufacturing Digital (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Business Review India (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 1:37pm MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Business Review India (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - African Business Review (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 1:31pm MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... African Business Review (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Business Review Europe (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 1:20pm MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Business Review Europe (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Business Review Australia (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 11:58am MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Business Review Australia (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Business Review USA (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 10:04am MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Business Review USA (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Business Review Canada (press release)

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 9:37am MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Business Review Canada (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Medical highlights 2 articles in press - Proactive Investors USA & Canada

  Posted: April 10th, 2012, 11:34am MDT

  Proactive Investors USA & Canada

  OncoSec Medical highlights 2 articles in press Proactive Investors USA & Canada The story, titled “OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology”, highlights the company's ElectroImmunotherapy program to treat Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer. OncoSec Medical offers biomedical services and also focuses on ... and more »

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  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - Sacramento Bee

  Posted: April 10th, 2012, 5:29am MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... Sacramento Bee ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  Lillian Marie Mueller - WISC Madison

  Posted: April 10th, 2012, 5:28am MDT

  WISC Madison

  Lillian Marie Mueller WISC Madison Lillian Marie Mueller, age 82, passed away on April 7, 2012 from Merkel cell carcinoma. She was born May 7, 1929 in Troy Township, Sauk County, WI, a daughter of Benjamin and Gladys (Callaway) Fuchs. Lillian attended Harrisburg School, graduated from ...

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - SYS-CON Media (press release)

  Posted: April 10th, 2012, 2:31am MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... SYS-CON Media (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... - DigitalJournal.com (press release)

  Posted: April 10th, 2012, 2:02am MDT

  OncoSec Executive Team Contributes to Manufacturing Chemist and Company ... DigitalJournal.com (press release) ... titled "OncoSec Inches Ahead on Skin Cancer Zapping Technology" discusses OncoSec's development plan, highlighting the company's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy program for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, metastatic melanoma and cutaneous T-cell ... and more »

• 

  ImmunoGen announces Phase II lung cancer trial, T-DM1 showing promise - Proactive Investors USA & Canada

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 9:52am MDT

  Proactive Investors USA & Canada

  ImmunoGen announces Phase II lung cancer trial, T-DM1 showing promise Proactive Investors USA & Canada ImmunoGen's IMGN901 was developed to kill CD56 cancer cells which, aside from SCLC, also include multiple myeloma and Merkel cell carcinoma. The company said the drug has demonstrated "encouraging initial activity in these cancers as well as in SCLC in ... and more »

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  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... - Genetic Engineering News (press release)

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 5:48am MDT

  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... Genetic Engineering News (press release) In addition to SCLC, other CD56-expressing cancers include multiple myeloma and Merkel cell carcinoma. IMGN901 has demonstrated encouraging initial activity in these cancers as well as in SCLC in early-stage clinical testing, and also has orphan drug ... and more »

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  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... - Business Wire (press release)

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 5:33am MDT

  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... Business Wire (press release) NORTH trial assesses impact of adding IMGN901 to standard care for first-line treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Trial includes planned interim analysis to enable early decisions on next steps to advancement. WALTHAM, Mass. and more »

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  ImmunoGen begins small-cell lung cancer treatment trial - Mass High Tech

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 4:48am MDT

  ImmunoGen begins small-cell lung cancer treatment trial Mass High Tech Immunogen's drug candidate was developed to kill CD56 cancer cells which aside from SCLC also include multiple myeloma and Merkel cell carcinoma. The product has been granted orphan drug designation for SCLC in the US and Europe, according to the ... and more »

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  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... - PharmaLive (press release) (subscription)

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 4:10am MDT

  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... PharmaLive (press release) (subscription) NORTH trial assesses impact of adding IMGN901 to standard care for first-line treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Trial includes planned interim analysis to enable early decisions on next steps to advancement. WALTHAM, Mass. and more »

• 

  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... - PharmiWeb.com (press release)

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 3:09am MDT

  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... PharmiWeb.com (press release) In addition to SCLC, other CD56-expressing cancers include multiple myeloma and Merkel cell carcinoma. IMGN901 has demonstrated encouraging initial activity in these cancers as well as in SCLC in early-stage clinical testing, and also has orphan drug ... and more »

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  IMMUNOGEN, INC. : Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... - 4-traders

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 2:07am MDT

  IMMUNOGEN, INC. : Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... 4-traders NORTH trial assesses impact of adding IMGN901 to standard care for first-line treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Trial includes planned interim analysis to enable early decisions on next steps to advancement. ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN) ... and more »

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  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... - MarketWatch (press release)

  Posted: March 30th, 2012, 2:01am MDT

  ImmunoGen, Inc. Announces Initiation of Phase II Evaluation of Its IMGN901 ... MarketWatch (press release) In addition to SCLC, other CD56-expressing cancers include multiple myeloma and Merkel cell carcinoma. IMGN901 has demonstrated encouraging initial activity in these cancers as well as in SCLC in early-stage clinical testing, and also has orphan drug ... and more »

• 

  OncoSec announces $7.75 mln public offering with institutional investors - Proactive Investors USA & Canada

  Posted: March 26th, 2012, 5:31am MDT

  Proactive Investors USA & Canada

  OncoSec announces $7.75 mln public offering with institutional investors Proactive Investors USA & Canada The goal was to launch three phase 2 based ElectroImmunotherapy trials for rare skin cancer indications, two of which have already been started. Dhillon says these two trials, for metastatic melanoma and merkel cell carcinoma, are now open for ... and more »

Trial - Neuroendocrine Cancers

• 

  Phase 2 Study of the Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor E7016 in Combination With Temozolomide in Subjects With Wild Type BRAF Stage IV or Unresectable Stage III Melanoma

  Posted: May 22nd, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Wild Type BRAF Stage IV Melanoma;   Unresectable Stage III Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: E7016;   Drug: E7016 plus TMZ
  Sponsors:   Eisai Inc.;   Eisai Inc.
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Systemic Therapy With Interferon, Interleukin-2 and BRAF Inhibitor

  Posted: May 18th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Vemurafenib;   Drug: IL-2;   Drug: Interferon Alpha-2b
  Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
  Not yet recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Potential Imaging and Molecular Predictors of Response to Novel Therapies in Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

  Posted: May 16th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer
  Intervention:   Other: MRI
  Sponsors:   Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center;   Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Dabrafenib Plus Trametinib vs Vemurafenib Alone in Unresectable or Metastatic BRAF V600E/K Cutaneous Melanoma

  Posted: May 10th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Dabrafenib;   Drug: Vemurafenib;   Drug: Trametinib
  Sponsors:   GlaxoSmithKline;   GlaxoSmithKline
  Not yet recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  A Phase 1/2 Randomized, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Study of Ipilimumab in Combination With INCB024360 or Placebo in Subjects With Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: May 9th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Metastatic Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: INCB024360 in combination with ipilimumab;   Drug: Placebo in combination with ipilimumab;   Drug: INCB024360 in combination with ipilimumab;   Drug: INCB024360 in combination with ipilimumab
  Sponsors:   Incyte Corporation;   Incyte Corporation
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Extension Study to the Open-label, Multi-center, Expanded Access Study of Everolimus in Patients With Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors

  Posted: May 7th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Neuroendocrine Tumors
  Intervention:   Drug: RAD001
  Sponsors:   Novartis;   Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  Not yet recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Autonomic Phenotype Before and After Akt Inhibition

  Posted: May 4th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Diagnosis of Melanoma
  Interventions:   Behavioral: Autonomic Function Tests;   Other: supine and standing catecholamines
  Sponsors:   Vanderbilt University;   Vanderbilt University
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Expanded Access Protocol Using I131-MIBG

  Posted: May 1st, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Neuroblastoma;   Pheochromocytoma;   Paraganglioma
  Intervention:   Radiation: I-131 MIBG
  Sponsors:   Jubilant DraxImage Inc.;   Jubilant DraxImage Inc.
  Available - verified April 2012
• 

  Doxycycline, Temozolomide and Ipilimumab in Melanoma

  Posted: April 30th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Doxycycline;   Drug: Ipilimumab;   Drug: Temozolomide
  Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   National Institutes of Health (NIH);   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Not yet recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Vorinostat in Treating Patients With Metastatic Melanoma of the Eye

  Posted: April 26th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Intraocular Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: vorinostat;   Genetic: gene expression analysis;   Genetic: mutation analysis;   Genetic: western blotting;   Other: immunohistochemistry staining method;   Other: laboratory biomarker analysis
  Sponsors:   National Cancer Institute (NCI);   Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  A Open-Label, Multiple Ascending Dose Study of DS-3078a, an Oral TORC1/2 Kinase Inhibitor, in Subjects With Advanced Solid Tumors or Lymphomas

  Posted: April 26th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Advanced Solid Tumor;   Lymphoma
  Intervention:   Drug: DS-3078a
  Sponsors:   Daiichi Sankyo Inc.;   Daiichi Sankyo Inc.
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Vemurafenib and White Blood Cell Therapy for Advanced Melanoma

  Posted: April 24th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Metastatic Cancer;   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Vemurafenib;   Drug: Young TIL;   Drug: Cyclophosphamide;   Drug: Fludarabine;   Drug: Aldesleukin
  Sponsors:   National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC);   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  A Multipeptide Vaccine Plus Toll-Like Receptor Agonists in Melanoma Patients

  Posted: April 24th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Biological: MELITAC 12.1 + Montanide ISA-51 + lipopolysaccharide (LPS);   Biological: MELITAC 12.1 + Montanide ISA-51 + polyICLC
  Sponsors:   University of Virginia;   University of Virginia;   UVA Human Immune Therapy Center;   National Cancer Institute (NCI);   Oncovir, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Transfer of Genetically Engineered Lymphocytes in Melanoma Patients

  Posted: April 24th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Biological: Dose 1;   Biological: Dose 2;   Biological: Dose 3;   Biological: Dose 4
  Sponsors:   Loyola University;   Loyola University;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Not yet recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Study Of Zelboraf (Vemurafenib) in Patients With Locally-Advanced, Unresectable, Stage IIIc Or Metastatic Melanoma and Activating Exon 15 BRAF Mutations Other Than V600E

  Posted: April 24th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Malignant Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: Zelboraf (vemurafenib)
  Sponsors:   Genentech;   Genentech
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Ipilimumab for Uveal Melanoma

  Posted: April 23rd, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: Ipilimumab
  Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   Bristol-Myers Squibb
  Not yet recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  A Study Comparing Trametinib and Dabrafenib Combination Therapy to Dabrafenib Monotherapy in Subjects With BRAF-mutant Melanoma

  Posted: April 23rd, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: dabrafenib plus trametinib;   Drug: dabrafenib plus trametinib placebo
  Sponsors:   GlaxoSmithKline;   GlaxoSmithKline
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Clinical Trial of a Therapeutic Vaccine With NY-ESO-1 in Combination With the Adjuvant MPLA

  Posted: April 21st, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Cancer.;   Melanoma.;   Ovarian Cancer.;   Lung Cancer.
  Interventions:   Biological: NY-ESO-1 combined with MPLA;   Biological: NY-ESO-1 combined with MPLA vaccine
  Sponsors:   Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia;   Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia;   Butantan Institute
  Not yet recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Evaluate Safety and Tolerability of Pasireotide LAR in Combination With Everolimus in Advanced Metastatic NETs

  Posted: April 11th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Neuroendocrine Tumors
  Interventions:   Drug: RAD001;   Drug: SOM230
  Sponsors:   Novartis;   Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  Not yet recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  A Study Comparing Treatment With 177Lu-DOTA0-Tyr3-Octreotate to Octreotide LAR in Patients With Inoperable, Progressive, Somatostatin Receptor Positive Midgut Carcinoid Tumours

  Posted: April 10th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Carcinoid Tumor of the Small Bowel;   Neuroendocrine Tumour
  Interventions:   Drug: Octreotide;   Drug: Octreotide;   Drug: 177Lu-DOTA0-Tyr3-Octreotate
  Sponsors:   Advanced Accelerator Applications;   Advanced Accelerator Applications;   Pierrel Research Europe GmbH
  Not yet recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Pilot Study Evaluating Sulforaphane in Atypical Nevi-Precursor Lesions

  Posted: March 29th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Atypical Nevi;   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: broccoli sprout extract - sulforaphane (BSE-SFN);   Drug: broccoli sprout extract - sulforaphane (BSE-SFN);   Drug: broccoli sprout extract - sulforaphane (BSE-SFN)
  Sponsors:   University of Pittsburgh;   John Kirkwood
  Not yet recruiting - verified March 2012
• 

  Concurrent Ipilimumab and Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy (SART) for Oligometastatic But Unresectable Melanoma

  Posted: March 26th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Ipilimumab;   Radiation: Stereotactic Ablative Radiosurgery (SART)
  Sponsors:   Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada;   Wolfram Samlowski;   Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada
  Not yet recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Everolimus Combined With Octeotride LAR to Treat Advanced GI NET

  Posted: March 26th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
  Interventions:   Drug: Everolimus;   Drug: octeotride LAR
  Sponsors:   Grupo Espanol de Tumores Neuroendocrinos;   Grupo Espanol de Tumores Neuroendocrinos
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Anesthesia and Cancer Recurrence im Malignant Melanoma

  Posted: March 13th, 2012, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Malignant Melanoma
  Interventions:   Procedure: Spinal anesthesia with Bupivacaine hyperbar 0.5 %;   Procedure: General anesthesia with Sufentanil, Propofol and Rocuronium and Sevoflurane
  Sponsors:   University Hospital Muenster;   University Hospital Muenster
  Recruiting - verified March 2012
• 

  Vemurafenib (R05185426) in Poor Performance Status Patients With Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma Harboring a V600E/K Mutation

  Posted: November 15th, 2011, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: vemurafenib
  Sponsors:   Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center;   Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center;   Genentech
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  A Study of CDX-1127 in Patients With Select Solid Tumor Types or Hematologic Cancers

  Posted: October 12th, 2011, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   CD27 Expressing B-cell Malignancies;   CD27 Expressing Solid Tumors;   Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia;   Burkett's Lymphoma;   Mantle Cell Lymphoma;   Primary Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System;   Marginal Zone B Cell Lymphoma;   Solid Tumor;   Metastatic Melanoma;   Renal (Clear) Cell Carcinoma;   Hormone-refractory Prostate Adenocarcinoma;   Ovarian Cancer;   Colorectal Adenocarcinoma;   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
  Intervention:   Drug: CDX-1127
  Sponsors:   Celldex Therapeutics;   Celldex Therapeutics
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Biomarkers for Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma and Neuro-endocrine Tumours.

  Posted: July 19th, 2011, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Carcinoma;   Carcinoma, Renal Cell;   Neuroendocrine Tumors;   Carcinoid Tumor;   Pancreatic Islet Cell Tumors
  Intervention:   Other: Blood sampling by vena punction.
  Sponsors:   University Medical Centre Groningen;   University Medical Centre Groningen
  Completed - verified May 2012
• 

  Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor and Ipilimumab as Therapy in Melanoma

  Posted: May 27th, 2011, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Malignant Melanoma, Metastatic
  Interventions:   Biological: Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF);   Biological: Ipilimumab
  Sponsors:   Northern California Melanoma Center;   Lynn E. Spitler, MD;   University of California, San Francisco
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Dose Escalation Study of Pasireotide (SOM230) in Patients With Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

  Posted: May 18th, 2011, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Neuroendocrine Tumors
  Intervention:   Drug: Pasireotide LAR
  Sponsors:   Novartis;   Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  A Trial Looking at Nilotinib to Treat Acral and Mucosal Melanoma Skin Cancer That Has Spread

  Posted: April 13th, 2011, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Mucosal Lentiginous Melanoma;   Acral Lentiginous Malignant Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: nilotinib
  Sponsors:   Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom;   Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom;   Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
  Recruiting - verified April 2011
• 

  Safety and Efficacy of RAD001 in Chinese Patients With Advanced Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumor

  Posted: March 24th, 2011, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasm
  Intervention:   Drug: RAD001
  Sponsors:   Novartis;   Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  MelaViD: A Trial on Vitamin D Supplementation for Resected Stage II Melanoma Patients

  Posted: December 21st, 2010, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Vitamin D3 ( Colecalciferol);   Other: placebo
  Sponsors:   European Institute of Oncology;   European Institute of Oncology
  Recruiting - verified August 2011
• 

  Hearing Outcomes Using Fractionated Proton Radiation Therapy for Vestibular Schwannoma

  Posted: September 9th, 2010, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Vestibular Schwannoma;   Acoustic Neuroma
  Intervention:   Radiation: Fractionated proton radiation
  Sponsors:   Massachusetts General Hospital;   Massachusetts General Hospital;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Study to Assess Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of Oral CC-223 for Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or Multiple Myeloma

  Posted: August 5th, 2010, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Multiple Myeloma;   Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma;   Glioblastoma Multiforme;   Hepatocellular Carcinoma;   Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer;   Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors of Non-Pancreatic Origin;   Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
  Intervention:   Drug: CC-223
  Sponsors:   Celgene Corporation;   Celgene Corporation
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Bevacizumab in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Progressive Meningiomas

  Posted: May 7th, 2010, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Acoustic Schwannoma;   Adult Anaplastic Meningioma;   Adult Ependymoma;   Adult Grade I Meningioma;   Adult Grade II Meningioma;   Adult Meningeal Hemangiopericytoma;   Adult Papillary Meningioma;   Neurofibromatosis Type 1;   Neurofibromatosis Type 2;   Recurrent Adult Brain Tumor
  Intervention:   Biological: bevacizumab
  Sponsors:   Northwestern University;   Northwestern University
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  NIR-Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Melanoma

  Posted: May 6th, 2010, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Procedure: Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping
  Sponsors:   Dana-Farber Cancer Institute;   Dana-Farber Cancer Institute;   Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Completed - verified May 2012
• 

  Ipilimumab + Temozolomide in Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: May 6th, 2010, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Metastatic Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Ipilimumab;   Drug: Temozolomide
  Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   Bristol-Myers Squibb
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Study of LX1606 in Subjects With Symptomatic Carcinoid Syndrome

  Posted: April 12th, 2010, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Symptoms of Carcinoid Syndrome
  Interventions:   Drug: Low Dose LX1606 - Day 1 (start);   Drug: Mid-low dose LX1606 - Day 15 (start);   Drug: Mid-high dose LX1606 - Day 29 (start);   Drug: High dose LX1606 - Day 43 (start);   Drug: 4-Week Open Label Dose Extension;   Drug: 72-Week Open Label Dose Extension
  Sponsors:   Lexicon Pharmaceuticals;   Lexicon Pharmaceuticals
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  A Study of Immunotherapy With TIL (Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes) in Combination With Intra-tumoral Injections of Interferon Gamma-adenovirus (Ad-IFNg) in Patients With Stage IIIc or Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma (AJCC)(Protocol TIL-Ad-INFg)

  Posted: March 8th, 2010, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Metastatic Melanoma
  Intervention:   Other: TIL-Ad-INFg
  Sponsors:   Nantes University Hospital;   Nantes University Hospital
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  High Dose Interleukin-2 Followed by Intermittent Low Dose Temozolomide in Patients With Melanoma

  Posted: March 4th, 2010, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Malignant Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Interleukin-2;   Drug: Interleukin-2;   Drug: Temozolomide
  Sponsors:   Penn State University;   Penn State University
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Vorinostat and Temozolomide in Treating Young Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Primary Brain Tumors or Spinal Cord Tumors

  Posted: February 25th, 2010, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors;   Extra-adrenal Paraganglioma
  Interventions:   Drug: temozolomide;   Drug: vorinostat;   Genetic: DNA methylation analysis;   Genetic: western blotting;   Other: laboratory biomarker analysis;   Other: pharmacological study
  Sponsors:   National Cancer Institute (NCI);   Children's Oncology Group;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Active, not recruiting - verified November 2010
• 

  Phase II Study of Tesetaxel in Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: February 5th, 2010, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Advanced Melanoma;   Cancer
  Intervention:   Drug: Tesetaxel
  Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   Genta Incorporated
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Seneca Valley Virus-001 and Cyclophosphamide in Treating Young Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, or Rare Tumors With Neuroendocrine Features

  Posted: January 13th, 2010, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Adrenocortical Carcinoma;   Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor;   Kidney Cancer;   Neuroblastoma;   Retinoblastoma;   Sarcoma
  Interventions:   Biological: Seneca Valley virus-001;   Drug: cyclophosphamide;   Other: laboratory biomarker analysis;   Other: pharmacological study
  Sponsors:   National Cancer Institute (NCI);   Children's Oncology Group;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Safety and Efficacy Study of Electrotransfer of Plasmid AMEP to Treat Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: January 8th, 2010, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Biological: naked DNA coding for protein AMEP
  Sponsors:   BioAlliance Pharma SA;   BioAlliance Pharma SA
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Safety, Immune and Tumor Response to a Multi-component Immune Based Therapy (MKC1106-MT) for Patients With Melanoma

  Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Stage III Melanoma;   Stage IV Melanoma
  Intervention:   Biological: MKC1106-MT
  Sponsors:   Mannkind Corporation;   Mannkind Corporation
  Terminated - verified May 2012
• 

  Stage IV Surgery Versus Best Medical Therapy

  Posted: November 12th, 2009, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Stage IV Resectable Melanoma
  Interventions:   Procedure: Surgery;   Procedure: Surgery plus 2 adjuvant doses of BCG;   Other: best medical therapy
  Sponsors:   John Wayne Cancer Institute;   John Wayne Cancer Institute;   Melanoma Research Alliance
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Safety Study of PLX108-01 in Patients With Solid Tumors

  Posted: October 28th, 2009, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Solid Tumors;   Mucoepidermal Carcinoma (MEC) of the Salivary Gland;   Pigmented Villo-nodular Synovitis (PVNS);   Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST);   Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma (ATC);   Solid Tumors With Documented Malignant Pleural or Peritoneal Effusions;   Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST);   Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF-1);   Melanoma;   Schwannomatosis
  Intervention:   Drug: PLX3397
  Sponsors:   Plexxikon;   Plexxikon
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  A Study Evaluating Efficacy of ABT-888 in Combination With Temozolomide in Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: December 1st, 2008, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Skin Cancer;   Melanoma;   Metastatic Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: temozolomide;   Drug: ABT-888;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Abbott;   Abbott
  Active, not recruiting - verified March 2012
• 

  A Study of V934/V935 Vaccine in Cancer Patients With Selected Solid Tumors (V934-002 AM 4)

  Posted: September 15th, 2008, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma;   Breast Cancer;   Melanoma;   Upper GI Tract Carcinoma;   Colon Carcinoma;   Renal Cell Carcinoma;   Bladder Carcinoma;   Prostate Cancer
  Interventions:   Biological: V935;   Biological: V934
  Sponsors:   Merck;   Merck
  Completed - verified April 2012
• 

  Effect of Intravitreal Ranibizumab on Radiation Retinopathy Following Plaque Brachytherapy for Choroidal Melanoma

  Posted: September 9th, 2008, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Radiation Retinopathy;   Choroidal Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Ranibizumab;   Drug: ranibizumab
  Sponsors:   The New York Eye Cancer Center;   The New York Eye Cancer Center;   Genentech
  Completed - verified April 2012
• 

  A Phase 1b Study of MDX-1106 in Subjects With Advanced or Recurrent Malignancies

  Posted: August 4th, 2008, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostrate Cancer (mCRPC);   Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC);   Metastatic Melanoma (MEL);   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
  Interventions:   Biological: BMS-936558 (MDX-1106);   Biological: BMS-936558 (MDX-1106);   Biological: BMS-936558 (MDX-1106);   Biological: BMS-936558 (MDX-1106);   Biological: BMS-936558 (MDX-1106)
  Sponsors:   Bristol-Myers Squibb;   Bristol-Myers Squibb;   Ono Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd.
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Phase II Trial of (IL-2) With Priming and (GM-CSF) in Patients With Advanced Melanoma

  Posted: February 4th, 2008, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Malignant Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: GM-CSF
  Sponsors:   Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami;   Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami;   Bayer;   Chiron Corporation
  Completed - verified May 2012
• 

  Phase II Trial Of ZK-EPO (ZK 219477) In Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: January 10th, 2008, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: EpothiloneZK
  Sponsors:   H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute;   H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute;   Bayer
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  A Phase I/II Study of Dasatinib and Dacarbazine

  Posted: January 8th, 2008, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Metastatic Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: Dasatinib and Dacarbazine (DTIC)
  Sponsors:   H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute;   H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute;   Bristol-Myers Squibb
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Collection of Tissue & Blood From Patients w/ Benign & Malignant Tumors of the Soft Tissue & Gastrointestinal Tract

  Posted: December 21st, 2007, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Esophageal Cancer;   Bile Duct Neoplasms;   Gastric Cancer;   Liver Cancer;   Melanoma;   Pancreatic Cancer;   Sarcoma
  Intervention:  
  Sponsors:   Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center;   Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Safety Study of Modified Vaccinia Virus to Cancer

  Posted: December 13th, 2007, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Melanoma;   Breast Cancer;   Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer;   Liver Cancer;   Colorectal Cancer;   Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
  Interventions:   Biological: Vaccinia virus (vvDD-CDSR);   Biological: Vaccinia virus (vvDD-CDSR);   Biological: Vaccinia virus (vvDD-CDSR)
  Sponsors:   University of Pittsburgh;   University of Pittsburgh
  Recruiting - verified April 2012
• 

  Radiofrequency Therapy-Induced Endogenous Heat-Shock Proteins With or Without Radiofrequency Ablation or Cryotherapy in Treating Patients With Stage IV Melanoma

  Posted: December 5th, 2007, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma (Skin)
  Interventions:   Biological: sargramostim;   Other: immunoenzyme technique;   Other: immunohistochemistry staining method;   Other: immunologic technique;   Other: laboratory biomarker analysis;   Procedure: biopsy;   Procedure: cryosurgery;   Procedure: radiofrequency ablation
  Sponsors:   Mayo Clinic;   Mayo Clinic;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Interleukin-21 in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Recurrent Malignant Melanoma

  Posted: August 8th, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma (Skin)
  Interventions:   Biological: recombinant human interleukin-21;   Other: immunohistochemistry staining method;   Other: laboratory biomarker analysis;   Other: pharmacological study
  Sponsors:   NCIC Clinical Trials Group;   NCIC Clinical Trials Group
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  TheraSphere for the Treatment of Liver Metastases

  Posted: August 2nd, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Colorectal Cancer;   Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine;   Neoplasm Metastasis
  Intervention:   Device: Yttrium 90 glass microspheres
  Sponsors:   Nordion (Canada) Inc.;   Nordion (Canada) Inc.
  Completed - verified October 2011
• 

  Sample Collection From Melanoma Patients

  Posted: July 24th, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Interventions:   Procedure: Blood Sample;   Procedure: Tumor Sample
  Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
  Recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Compassionate Use Trial for Unresectable Melanoma With Ipilimumab

  Posted: June 29th, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: Ipilimumab
  Sponsors:   Bristol-Myers Squibb;   Bristol-Myers Squibb
  Available - verified May 2012
• 

  A Phase II Trial OF Carboplatin, ABI-007 (Abraxane) And Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) in Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: May 30th, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Malignant Melanoma
  Interventions:   Drug: Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006);   Drug: ABI-007(Abraxane)
  Sponsors:   Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami;   Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami;   Celgene Corporation;   Bayer
  Completed - verified May 2012
• 

  Vaccine Therapy and Resiquimod in Treating Patients With Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Melanoma That Has Been Completely Removed by Surgery

  Posted: May 3rd, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma (Skin)
  Intervention:   Drug: resiquimod
  Sponsors:   Mayo Clinic;   Mayo Clinic;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Vaccine Therapy and GM-CSF With or Without Low-Dose Aldesleukin in Treating Patients With Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Melanoma

  Posted: May 3rd, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Melanoma (Skin)
  Interventions:   Biological: MART-1 antigen;   Biological: IL-2;   Biological: gp100 antigen;   Biological: GM-CSF;   Biological: MART-1a peptide
  Sponsors:   Mayo Clinic;   Mayo Clinic;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Internal Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Liver Metastases From Neuroendocrine Tumors

  Posted: April 25th, 2007, 8:00am MDT

  Conditions:   Head and Neck Cancer;   Islet Cell Tumor;   Metastatic Cancer;   Pheochromocytoma
  Interventions:   Drug: octreotide acetate;   Radiation: yttrium Y 90 resin microspheres
  Sponsors:   Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center;   Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Terminated - verified May 2012
• 

  Aldesleukin in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma and Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: December 21st, 2006, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma;   Metastatic Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: Aldesleukin
  Sponsors:   Novartis;   Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  Completed - verified April 2012
• 

  Palonosetron for Prevention of Biochemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting

  Posted: December 14th, 2006, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: Palonosetron
  Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   Eisai Inc.
  Completed - verified April 2012
• 

  Safety Study of PLX4032 in Patients With Solid Tumors

  Posted: November 28th, 2006, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Malignant Melanoma;   Colorectal Carcinoma
  Intervention:   Drug: PLX4032
  Sponsors:   Plexxikon;   Plexxikon;   Roche Pharma AG
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  A Study of Volociximab in Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: August 24th, 2006, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Stage IV Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: volociximab
  Sponsors:   Abbott;   Abbott;   Biogen Idec
  Terminated - verified April 2012
• 

  Safety of TKI258 in Advanced/Metastatic Melanoma Subjects

  Posted: March 14th, 2006, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: TKI258
  Sponsors:   Novartis;   Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  Completed - verified April 2012
• 

  Phase II Trial of Ontak With Metastatic Melanoma

  Posted: March 3rd, 2006, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Malignant Melanoma
  Intervention:   Drug: Denileukin diftitox
  Sponsors:   James Graham Brown Cancer Center;   James Graham Brown Cancer Center;   University of Louisville
  Completed - verified April 2012
• 

  Study to Investigate the Antiproliferative Effect of Octreotide in Patients With Metastasized Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Midgut

  Posted: September 13th, 2005, 8:00am MDT

  Condition:   Neuroendocrine Tumors
  Interventions:   Drug: Octreotide LAR (Long-acting release);   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Philipps University Marburg Medical Center;   Carmen Schade-Brittinger
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  Proton Beam Radiation Therapy in Treating Young Patients Who Have Undergone Biopsy or Surgery for Medulloblastoma or Pineoblastoma

  Posted: March 15th, 2005, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors;   Long-term Effects Secondary to Cancer Therapy in Children
  Intervention:   Radiation: radiation therapy
  Sponsors:   Massachusetts General Hospital;   Massachusetts General Hospital;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Active, not recruiting - verified May 2012
• 

  17-N-Allylamino-17-Demethoxygeldanamycin in Treating Patients With Metastatic Malignant Melanoma

  Posted: March 3rd, 2005, 8:00am MST

  Condition:   Melanoma (Skin)
  Intervention:   Drug: tanespimycin
  Sponsors:   National Cancer Institute (NCI);   Cancer Research UK;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Completed - verified March 2008
• 

  Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Brain Metastases From Kidney Cancer, Melanoma, or Sarcoma

  Posted: November 1st, 1999, 8:00am MST

  Conditions:   Kidney Cancer;   Melanoma (Skin);   Metastatic Cancer;   Ovarian Cancer;   Sarcoma
  Intervention:   Radiation: stereotactic radiosurgery
  Sponsors:   National Cancer Institute (NCI);   Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Completed - verified July 2003

PubMed - Neuroendocrine Tumor

• 

  Comparison of three methods for the estimation of pineal gland volume using magnetic resonance imaging.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Comparison of three methods for the estimation of pineal gland volume using magnetic resonance imaging.

  ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:123412

  Authors: Acer N, Ilıca AT, Turgut AT, Ozçelik O, Yıldırım B, Turgut M

  Abstract
  Pineal gland is a very important neuroendocrine organ with many physiological functions such as regulating circadian rhythm. Radiologically, the pineal gland volume is clinically important because it is usually difficult to distinguish small pineal tumors via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although many studies have estimated the pineal gland volume using different techniques, to the best of our knowledge, there has so far been no stereological work done on this subject. The objective of the current paper was to determine the pineal gland volume using stereological methods and by the region of interest (ROI) on MRI. In this paper, the pineal gland volumes were calculated in a total of 62 subjects (36 females, 26 males) who were free of any pineal lesions or tumors. The mean ± SD pineal gland volumes of the point-counting, planimetry, and ROI groups were 99.55 ± 51.34, 102.69 ± 40.39, and 104.33 ± 40.45 mm(3), respectively. No significant difference was found among the methods of calculating pineal gland volume (P > 0.05). From these results, it can be concluded that each technique is an unbiased, efficient, and reliable method, ideally suitable for in vivo examination of MRI data for pineal gland volume estimation.
  

  PMID: 22619577 [PubMed - in process]

• 

  Effect of Chemotherapy in Patients With Resected Small-Cell or Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Effect of Chemotherapy in Patients With Resected Small-Cell or Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.

  J Thorac Oncol. 2012 May 21;

  Authors: Abedallaa N, Tremblay L, Baey C, Fabre D, Planchard D, Pignon JP, Guigay J, Le Pechoux C, Soria JC, de Montpreville VT, Besse B

  Abstract
  INTRODUCTION:: Surgical resection of an undiagnosed lung lesion may lead to unintentional removal of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The benefit of perioperative chemotherapy in resected SCLC or large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) is not clear. METHODS:: This retrospective analysis included limited disease SCLC and LCNEC that had been surgically removed between 1979 and 2007 at a single institution. Perioperative treatments were analyzed, and survival followed up. Log rank tests were used to compare overall survival. RESULTS:: Among 74 patients who had a tumor resection, 45 received chemotherapy, four had preoperative radiotherapy, and 21 had postoperative radiotherapy. Eleven patients were women. The median age was 64 in the surgery group and 58 in the surgery plus chemotherapy group, and four and 11 patients in these groups, respectively, had LCNEC. There were 10 node positive tumors and only two incomplete resections in the surgery group versus 27 node positive tumors and three incomplete resections in the surgery plus chemotherapy group. The median follow-up was shorter in the group with surgery alone: 4.5 years (1.4-7) versus 5.8 years (0.6-19.6). Among the patients with a survival or a follow-up of at least 6 months, the median survival was 2.3 and 6.1 years in the surgery (n = 20) and surgery plus chemotherapy (n = 39) groups, respectively, such that the hazard ratio for death was 0.48 (95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.99, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION:: These results suggest that perioperative chemotherapy may be beneficial in patients with resected SCLC or LCNEC.
  

  PMID: 22617247 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Multifocal colorectal adenocarcinoma with a synchronous multifocal carcinoid of the small intestine--case report and literature review.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Multifocal colorectal adenocarcinoma with a synchronous multifocal carcinoid of the small intestine--case report and literature review.

  Pol Przegl Chir. 2011 Oct 1;83(10):562-7

  Authors: Wohadlo Ł, Darasz Z, Wysocki W

  Abstract
  The paper presents a case report of coexisting multifocal colorectal cancer and multifocal carcinoid of the small intestine. Our literature review did not demonstrate any report of such case. We emphasize necessity of careful inspection of abdominal cavity during any surgical procedure since small lesions, in particular in the small intestine, may be omitted--as was the case during the initial colectomy in our case. Current epidemiological data are also presented and standards of management for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal carcinoid.
  

  PMID: 22189284 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Massive choroidal effusion and painful secondary glaucoma from underlying uveal melanoma.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Massive choroidal effusion and painful secondary glaucoma from underlying uveal melanoma.

  Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2012 Apr;250(4):627-30

  Authors: Iturralde JC, Bianciotto C, Lally SE, Krasnow M, Shields CL

  PMID: 22160563 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Facial nerve outcomes in functional vestibular schwannoma surgery: less than total tumour excision significantly improves results.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Facial nerve outcomes in functional vestibular schwannoma surgery: less than total tumour excision significantly improves results.

  J Laryngol Otol. 2012 Feb;126(2):120-4

  Authors: Martin TP, Fox H, Ho EC, Holder R, Walsh R, Irving RM

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVES: To determine the implications of a functional approach to vestibular schwannoma surgery, with facial nerve function prioritised higher than total tumour excision.
  STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study in a tertiary referral neurotology clinic.
  PATIENTS: A 'functional' surgical group treated after April 2007 (n = 44, mean cerebellopontine angle dimension 27 mm), and an 'excisional' surgical group matched for tumour size, treated from 1997 to April 2007 (n = 115).
  INTERVENTION: Change to more functional surgical approach.
  MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURED: Primary outcome: facial nerve status. Secondary outcome: tumour recurrence in less-than-total tumour excision.
  RESULTS: Facial nerve preservation: 77 per cent House-Brackmann grade I-II in functional group at 12 months, versus 57 per cent grade I-II in excisional group (p = 0.027). Tumour recurrence: 1 per cent in total excision group, 2 per cent in near-total group and 40 per cent in sub-total group.
  CONCLUSION: A functional approach to vestibular schwannoma surgery improves facial nerve preservation outcomes and reduces the requirement for facial nerve rehabilitative interventions. Tumour recurrence rates are low in near-totally excised lesions but significant if only sub-total excision is achieved.
  

  PMID: 22152700 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  T cell receptor transgenic lymphocytes infiltrating murine tumors are not induced to express foxp3.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  T cell receptor transgenic lymphocytes infiltrating murine tumors are not induced to express foxp3.

  J Hematol Oncol. 2011;4:48

  Authors: Quatromoni JG, Morris LF, Donahue TR, Wang Y, McBride W, Chatila T, Economou JS

  Abstract
  Regulatory T cells (Treg) that express the transcription factor Foxp3 are enriched within a broad range of murine and human solid tumors. The ontogeny of these Foxp3 Tregs - selective accumulation or proliferation of natural thymus-derived Treg (nTreg) or induced Treg (iTreg) converted in the periphery from naïve T cells - is not known. We used several strains of mice in which Foxp3 and EGFP are coordinately expressed to address this issue. We confirmed that Foxp3-positive CD4 T cells are enriched among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and splenocytes (SPL) in B16 murine melanoma-bearing C57BL/6 Foxp3(EGFP) mice. OT-II Foxp3(EGFP) mice are essentially devoid of nTreg, having transgenic CD4 T cells that recognize a class II-restricted epitope derived from ovalbumin; Foxp3 expression could not be detected in TIL or SPL in these mice when implanted with ovalbumin-transfected B16 tumor (B16-OVA). Likewise, TIL isolated from B16 tumors implanted in Pmel-1 Foxp3(EGFP) mice, whose CD8 T cells recognize a class I-restricted gp100 epitope, were not induced to express Foxp3. All of these T cell populations - wild-type CD4, pmel CD8 and OTII CD4 - could be induced in vitro to express Foxp3 by engagement of their T cell receptor (TCR) and exposure to transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). B16 melanoma produces TGFβ and both pmel CD8 and OTII CD4 express TCR that should be engaged within B16 and B16-OVA respectively. Thus, CD8 and CD4 transgenic T cells in these animal models failed to undergo peripheral induction of Foxp3 in a tumor microenvironment.
  

  PMID: 22112546 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [For the benefit of the patient: the sentinel node excision].

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [For the benefit of the patient: the sentinel node excision].

  J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2011 Nov;9(11):922-6

  Authors: Satzger I, Klein M, Löser C, Möhrle M, Reske S, Kapp A, Gutzmer R

  PMID: 22026360 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [Sentinel node biopsy between myth and reality].

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Sentinel node biopsy between myth and reality].

  J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2011 Nov;9(11):919-21

  Authors: Thomas M, Bahmer FA

  PMID: 22026359 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [Critical debate concerning standards of patient care].

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Critical debate concerning standards of patient care].

  J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2011 Nov;9(11):877

  Authors: Sterry W

  PMID: 22026354 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Sinonasal mucosal melanoma: retrospective survival study of 25 patients.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Sinonasal mucosal melanoma: retrospective survival study of 25 patients.

  J Laryngol Otol. 2012 Feb;126(2):147-51

  Authors: Vandenhende C, Leroy X, Chevalier D, Mortuaire G

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: To determine potential prognostic factors for survival in patients with mucosal malignant melanoma of the sinonasal tract.
  METHODS: Patients managed between 1991 and 2008 were assessed retrospectively. The seventh edition Union for International Cancer Control (7th UICC) tumour-node-metastasis classification was used for tumour staging. Kaplan-Meier and log rank tests were used for survival analysis.
  RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were studied (six were tumour stage three, eight tumour stage four(a) and 11 tumour stage four(b)). Surgery was performed on 23 patients (92 per cent). Fifteen received post-operative radiotherapy. Mean follow up was 31.3 months (range, two to 99 months). Three-year disease-free survival was improved in patients with stage four tumour arising from the nasal fossa, versus other sites, and in those with stage four tumour treated with surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, versus other treatments.
  CONCLUSION: Patients with melanoma of the nasal cavity have very poor survival rates. Treatment is still based on adequate surgical resection with safe margins. In this study, post-operative radiotherapy improved local control only for stage four tumours.
  

  PMID: 22018280 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Constitutive aberrant endogenous interleukin-1 facilitates inflammation and growth in human melanoma.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Constitutive aberrant endogenous interleukin-1 facilitates inflammation and growth in human melanoma.

  Mol Cancer Res. 2011 Nov;9(11):1537-50

  Authors: Qin Y, Ekmekcioglu S, Liu P, Duncan LM, Lizée G, Poindexter N, Grimm EA

  Abstract
  Interleukin (IL)-1-mediated inflammation is proposed to contribute to the development and progression of some cancers. IL-1 family member proteins are known to be expressed constitutively in many melanoma tumor cells, and we hypothesize that these support molecular pathways of inflammation and facilitate tumor growth. To investigate the expression of IL-1α and IL-1β in melanoma patients, and their association with disease progression, immunohistochemical staining was carried out on tissues from 170 patients including benign nevi, primary melanomas, and metastatic melanomas. IL-1β levels were low (or zero) in benign nevi and higher in primary and metastatic melanomas (P < 0.0001). IL-1α was expressed in about 73% of nevi and 55% of metastatic melanomas, with levels significantly higher in primary tumors (P < 0.0001); most (98%) primary melanoma samples were positive for IL-1α. In vitro studies with seven human melanoma cell lines showed that five cell lines expressed IL-1α and IL-1β proteins and mRNA. We identified for the first time several important downstream signaling pathways affected by endogenous IL-1, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, COX-2, and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor (IκB) and stress-activated protein kinase/c-jun-NH(2)-kinase; all of which were decreased by siRNA to IL-1s. Downregulation of IL-1α, IL-1β, or MyD88 substantially increased p21 and p53 levels. Treatment with IL-1 receptor type I neutralizing antibody or IL-1 pathway-specific siRNAs led to growth arrest in IL-1-positive melanoma cells. Furthermore, blocking the IL-1 pathway increased autophagy in IL-1-positive melanoma cells. These results indicate that the endogenous IL-1 system is functional in most human melanoma and interrupting its signaling inhibits the growth of IL-1-positive melanoma cells.
  

  PMID: 21954434 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  A new phage-display tumor-homing peptide fused to antiangiogenic peptide generates a novel bioactive molecule with antimelanoma activity.

  Fetched: May 25th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  A new phage-display tumor-homing peptide fused to antiangiogenic peptide generates a novel bioactive molecule with antimelanoma activity.

  Mol Cancer Res. 2011 Nov;9(11):1471-8

  Authors: Matsuo AL, Juliano MA, Figueiredo CR, Batista WL, Tanaka AS, Travassos LR

  Abstract
  Phage-display peptide libraries have been widely used to identify specific peptides targeting in vivo tumor cells and the tumor vasculature and playing an important role in the discovery of antitumor bioactive peptides. In the present work, we identified a new melanoma-homing peptide, (-CVNHPAFAC-), using a C7C phage-display library directed to the developing tumor in syngeneic mice. Phage were able to preferentially target melanoma in vivo, with an affinity about 50-fold greater than that with normal tissue, and the respective synthesized peptide displaced the corresponding phage from the tumor. A preferential binding to endothelial cells rather than to melanoma cells was seen in cell ELISA, suggesting that the peptide is directed to the melanoma vasculature. Furthermore, the peptide was able to bind to human sonic hedgehog, a protein involved in the development of many types of human cancers. Using a new peptide approach therapy, we coupled the cyclic peptide to another peptide, HTMYYHHYQHHL-NH(2), a known antagonist of VEGFR-2 receptor, using the GYG linker. The full peptide CVNHPAFACGYGHTMYYHHYQHHL-NH(2) was effective in delaying tumor growth (P < 0.05) and increasing animal survival when injected systemically, whereas a scramble-homing peptide containing the same antagonist did not have any effect. This is the first report on the synthesis of a tumor-homing peptide coupled to antiangiogenic peptide as a new anticancer therapeutics.
  

  PMID: 21900362 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  A rare case of life-threatening giant plexiform schwannoma.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  A rare case of life-threatening giant plexiform schwannoma.

  Spine J. 2012 Jan;12(1):83

  Authors: Capone F, Pravatà E, Novello M, Moncelsi S, Pirronti T, Meglio M, Servidei S

  PMID: 22209242 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Off-resonance plasmonic enhanced femtosecond laser optoporation and transfection of cancer cells.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Off-resonance plasmonic enhanced femtosecond laser optoporation and transfection of cancer cells.

  Biomaterials. 2012 Mar;33(7):2345-50

  Authors: Baumgart J, Humbert L, Boulais É, Lachaine R, Lebrun JJ, Meunier M

  Abstract
  A femtosecond laser based transfection method using off-resonance plasmonic gold nanoparticles is described. For human cancer melanoma cells, the treatment leads to a very high perforation rate of 70%, transfection efficiency three times higher than for conventional lipofection, and very low toxicity (<1%). Off-resonance laser excitation inhibited the fracture of the nanoparticles into possibly toxic DNA intercalating particles. This efficient and low toxicity method is a promising alternative to viral transfection for skin cancer treatment.
  

  PMID: 22177619 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Face skin neoplasms--reasons for delayed treatment.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Face skin neoplasms--reasons for delayed treatment.

  Pol Przegl Chir. 2011 Jul;83(7):361-6

  Authors: Antoszewski B, Kasielska A, Fijałkowska M

  Abstract
  UNLABELLED: The most common skin neoplasms are carcinoma: basocellulare, spinocellulare, planoepitheliale and melanoma malignum. Early surgical treatment is crucial for recovery as well as for good aesthetic result, especially on exposed body parts. All those lesions are visible for observers and the time from their appearance to surgical treatment seems to be too long. The aim of the study was to answer the following questions: 1. After what time from the skin lesion appearance the patients report to a surgeon? 2. What is the underlying cause of delayed reporting for treatment of patients with skin lesions?
  MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaire studies and analysis of medical histories were performed in the group of patients referred to Plastic Surgery Out-Patient Clinic in Łódź because of facial skin tumor in the last 5 years. Finally we collected data for 123 patients.
  RESULTS: The analyzed group consisted mostly of men (n=72). The age of respondents ranged from 45 to 92 years, mean 69.9 years ± 10.8 years. Mean time from observing lesion to the first medical consultation was 7.3 months and to visiting our Out-Patient Clinic was 2.7 years (ranged from 3 months to 16 years). All patients were qualified to surgical excision of tumor. Histopathological verification confirmed diagnosis of malignant neoplasms in 116 patients. In question concerning causes of delay in medical consultation or treatment, all respondents answered that fear of surgical procedure was one of the reasons.
  CONCLUSIONS: Fear of surgical treatment is the most common cause of delay in patients' visiting doctor. In our society conviction of neoplasm spreading after surgical excision is common, especially among elderly.
  

  PMID: 22166663 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Popliteal sentinel lymph node biopsy is important in malignant melanoma of the distal lower extremities: a case report of acral lentiginous melanoma with simultaneous inguinal and popliteal lymph node micrometastases.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Popliteal sentinel lymph node biopsy is important in malignant melanoma of the distal lower extremities: a case report of acral lentiginous melanoma with simultaneous inguinal and popliteal lymph node micrometastases.

  Eur J Dermatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;22(1):135-6

  Authors: Kaku Y, Tanioka M, Tanizaki H, Miyachi Y

  PMID: 22157852 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy and paraganglioneuroma in a pediatric patient.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy and paraganglioneuroma in a pediatric patient.

  Anadolu Kardiyol Derg. 2011 Dec;11(8):743-4

  Authors: Narin N, Baykan A, Sezer S, Onan SH, Uzüm K, Küçükaydın M

  PMID: 22137946 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Intramuscular metastasis of malignant melanoma mimicking leg cellulitis.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Intramuscular metastasis of malignant melanoma mimicking leg cellulitis.

  Eur J Dermatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;22(1):156-7

  Authors: Ikawa T, Kasuya A, Ito T, Hirakawa S, Tokura Y

  PMID: 22133451 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Pigmented mammary Paget's disease mimicking melanoma: report of three cases.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Pigmented mammary Paget's disease mimicking melanoma: report of three cases.

  Eur J Dermatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;22(1):121-4

  Authors: Hida T, Yoneta A, Nishizaka T, Ohmura T, Suzuki Y, Kameshima H, Yamashita T

  Abstract
  Pigmented mammary Paget's disease (PMPD) is a rare subtype of mammary Paget's disease. The differential diagnosis of PMPD and melanoma is difficult clinically and sometimes histopathologically. Here we present three cases of PMPD with a variable-sized lesion. All cases showed an irregular-shaped black-brown macule, one of which was accompanied by nipple retraction. Dermoscopically, all cases showed reticular pigmentation with or without irregular black dots, regression structures and streaks, which were indistinguishable from those of melanoma. In all but one of the cases, preoperative examinations confirmed the presence of a subcutaneous mammary lesion. All patients underwent a total mastectomy with the histopathological results indicating invasive ductal carcinoma. These cases emphasize how difficult it is to distinguish PMPD from melanoma. Dermoscopic features also mimic those of melanoma, but the reticular pigmentation seen in all cases could be a feature specific to PMPD. For suspicious cases, histopathological assessment using immunohistochemistry is highly recommended.
  

  PMID: 22064040 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Overexpression of autophagy-related beclin-1 in advanced malignant melanoma and its low expression in melanoma-in-situ.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Overexpression of autophagy-related beclin-1 in advanced malignant melanoma and its low expression in melanoma-in-situ.

  Eur J Dermatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;22(1):128-9

  Authors: Hara Y, Nakamura M

  PMID: 22062628 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Filamin-A as a marker and target for DNA damage based cancer therapy.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Filamin-A as a marker and target for DNA damage based cancer therapy.

  DNA Repair (Amst). 2012 Feb 1;11(2):192-200

  Authors: Yue J, Lu H, Liu J, Berwick M, Shen Z

  Abstract
  Filamin-A, also called actin binding protein 280 (ABP-280), cross-links the actin filaments into dynamic orthogonal network to serve as scaffolds in multiple signaling pathways. It has been reported that filamin-A interacts with DNA damage response proteins BRCA1 and BRCA2. Defects of filamin-A impair the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), resulting in sensitization of cells to ionizing radiation. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that filamin-A can be used as a target for cancer chemotherapy and as a biomarker to predict cancer response to therapeutic DNA damage. We found that reduction of filamin-A sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy reagents bleomycin and cisplatin, delays the repair of not only DSBs but also single strand breaks (SSBs) and interstrand crosslinks (ICLs), and increases chromosome breaks after the drug treatment. By treating a panel of human melanoma cell lines with variable filamin-A expression, we observed a correlation between expression level of filamin-A protein and drug IC(50). We further inhibited the expression of filamin-A in melanoma cells, and found that this confers an increased sensitivity to bleomycin and cisplatin treatment in a mouse xenograft tumor model. These results suggest that filamin-A plays a role in repair of a variety of DNA damage, that lack of filamin-A is a prognostic marker for a better outcome after DNA damage based treatment, and filamin-A can be inhibited to sensitize filamin-A positive cancer cells to therapeutic DNA damage. Thus filamin-A can be used as a biomarker and a target for DNA damage based cancer therapy.
  

  PMID: 22051193 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Assessment of tumor hypoxia and interstitial fluid pressure by gadomelitol-based dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Assessment of tumor hypoxia and interstitial fluid pressure by gadomelitol-based dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

  Radiother Oncol. 2011 Oct;101(1):217-22

  Authors: Gulliksrud K, Hompland T, Galappathi K, Rofstad EK

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extensive hypoxia and high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in the primary tumor may cause resistance to radiation treatment and promote metastatic spread. The potential of gadomelitol-based dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in assessing the extent of hypoxia and the level of interstitial hypertension in tumors was investigated in this preclinical study.
  MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three A-07 tumors were subjected to DCE-MRI and subsequent measurement of IFP and fraction of pimonidazole-positive hypoxic tissue (HF(Pim)). Parametric tumor images of K(trans), v(e), and V(b)(Tofts) (Tofts model) and of K(i) and V(b)(Patlak) (Patlak model) were produced by pharmacokinetic analyses of the DCE-MRI series.
  RESULTS: There was no correlation between IFP and HF(Pim) in the tumors. K(trans) and K(i) decreased significantly with increasing HF(Pim), whereas V(b)(Tofts) and V(b)(Patlak) increased significantly with increasing IFP.
  CONCLUSION: Information on both the extent of hypoxia and the level of interstitial hypertension in A-07 tumors can be derived from a single DCE-MRI series by using gadomelitol as contrast agent.
  

  PMID: 21840612 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Regression of paclitaxel-induced maculopathy with oral acetazolamide.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Regression of paclitaxel-induced maculopathy with oral acetazolamide.

  Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2012 Mar;250(3):463-4

  Authors: Meyer KM, Klink T, Ugurel S, Bröcker EB

  PMID: 21431400 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [Submental flap for auricule reconstruction].

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Submental flap for auricule reconstruction].

  Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord). 2011;132(3):163-6

  Authors: Bakhos D, Kim S, Morinière S, Darsonval V

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: We present our experience in the use of submental flap in reconstruction of post-auricular excision defects.
  MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three patients underwent reconstruction with submental flap.
  RESULTS: The submental flap has been used in 3 patients for auricular defect reconstruction. All patients had a carcinoma involving the auricle. All the donor site defects were closed primarily. Outcomes were simple. In one case, we noticed a partial necrosis of the flap extremity.
  CONCLUSION: The submental flap produces excellent skin color and contour. It leaves a very well-hidden donor site. The operative technique makes it easy to use. So, the submental flap has definite advantages over distant flaps and it is a useful addition to the reconstruction in head and neck surgery.
  

  PMID: 22533071 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  PET/CT with 68Gallium-DOTA-peptides in NET: an overview.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  PET/CT with 68Gallium-DOTA-peptides in NET: an overview.

  Eur J Radiol. 2011 Nov;80(2):e116-9

  Authors: Ambrosini V, Campana D, Tomassetti P, Grassetto G, Rubello D, Fanti S

  Abstract
  In the present review article we presented the major technical innovations regarding the diagnosis of NET with PET/CT 68Ga-DOTA-peptides compounds over conventional radiologic and scintigraphic imaging, discussing both the different types of radiopharmaceuticals commercially available, trying to making a comparison on the possible advantages and drawbacks of these radiopharmaceuticals, and providing also some technical recommendations to the radiologists and nuclear physicians for using these new methodology in an appropriate manner in the clinical setting.
  

  PMID: 20800401 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  PAX8 Mouse Monoclonal Antibody [BC12] Recognizes a Restricted Epitope and Is Highly Sensitive in Renal Cell and Ovarian Cancers But Does Not Cross-react With B Cells and Tumors of Pancreatic Origin.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  PAX8 Mouse Monoclonal Antibody [BC12] Recognizes a Restricted Epitope and Is Highly Sensitive in Renal Cell and Ovarian Cancers But Does Not Cross-react With B Cells and Tumors of Pancreatic Origin.

  Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2012 May 16;

  Authors: Tacha D, Qi W, Zhou D, Bremer R, Cheng L

  Abstract
  PAX8 is expressed in a high percentage of renal cell and ovarian cancers; however, the current existing anti-PAX8 rabbit polyclonal (P) antibodies also recognize B cells, pancreatic cancers, carcinoids, and some soft tissue tumors. Cross-reactivity with B cells can be especially troublesome in lymph nodes when identifying tumors of unknown origin. A new mouse monoclonal (M) anti-PAX8 antibody (Clone BC12) has been developed that recognizes PAX8 expression in a high percentage of renal cell and ovarian carcinomas, whereas exhibiting no staining of B cells. PAX8 (M) was tested for specificity and sensitivity in over 1300 cases of both normal and neoplastic tissues. PAX8 (M) demonstrated superior staining sensitivity in clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinomas (88.8% vs. 84.4%) and in serous and endometrioid ovarian carcinomas (87% vs. 83%), when compared with PAX8 (P). PAX8 (M) also stained a high percentage of endometrial and thyroid cancers, 67.5% and 60.7%, respectively. PAX8 (M) demonstrated low sensitivity in cervical and bladder cancers, 2.5% and 1.4%, respectively. All other cancers including lung, breast, prostate, stomach, liver, soft tissue, pancreas, testis, brain, colon, melanoma, lymphoma, adrenal, pituitary, and rectal were negative. In normal tissue, PAX8 (P) stained lymph nodes, pancreas, and neuroendocrine cells of stomach and colon. In contrast, PAX8 (M) was negative in each of these tissues. These results demonstrate that mouse monoclonal PAX8 [BC12] stains nuclei exclusively and performs well in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. PAX8 (M) is a highly sensitive marker for thyroid, renal, and ovarian cancers. Importantly, PAX8 (M) does not stain B cells and does not seem to recognize epitopes of pancreatic origin and neuroendocrine cells in stomach and colon; thus, providing superior specificity and making PAX8 [BC12] an excellent marker for confirming primary tumor site and for differential diagnosis.
  

  PMID: 22595948 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in the Setting of Anaphylaxis Treated with High-dose Intravenous Epinephrine.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in the Setting of Anaphylaxis Treated with High-dose Intravenous Epinephrine.

  J Emerg Med. 2012 May 15;

  Authors: Khoueiry G, Abi Rafeh N, Azab B, Markman E, Waked A, Abourjaili G, Shariff M, Costantino T

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is seen, though rarely, in anaphylaxis treated with epinephrine. Stress cardiomyopathy is most likely to occur in middle-aged women. The underlying etiology is believed to be related to catecholamine release in periods of intense stress. Catecholamines administered exogenously, and those secreted by neuroendocrine tumors (e.g., pheochromocytoma) or during anaphylaxis have been reported to cause apical ballooning syndrome, or takotsubo syndrome. However, reverse takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy is rarely seen or reported in anaphylaxis treated with epinephrine. OBJECTIVES: To report a case illustrating that high-dose intravenous epinephrine can trigger stress cardiomyopathy, and that the risk is heightened with inappropriate dosing in the treatment of anaphylaxis. CASE REPORT: We report a rare case of iatrogenic reverse takotsubo syndrome in a young woman who was inappropriately treated with high-dose intravenous epinephrine for mild anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: Inappropriately high doses of intravenous epinephrine can trigger stress cardiomyopathy. Emergency physicians should be familiar with the diagnosis, grading, and appropriate treatments of anaphylaxis to avoid this unnecessary complication.
  

  PMID: 22595633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Non-THC cannabinoids counteract prostate carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo: pro-apoptotic effects and underlying mechanisms.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Non-THC cannabinoids counteract prostate carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo: pro-apoptotic effects and underlying mechanisms.

  Br J Pharmacol. 2012 May 18;

  Authors: De Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Schiano Moriello A, Iappelli M, Verde R, Stott CG, Cristino L, Orlando P, Di Marzo V

  Abstract
  Background. Cannabinoid receptor activation induces prostate carcinoma cell (PCC) apoptosis, but plant cannabinoids other than Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which lack strong activity at cannabinoid receptors, have not been investigated. Some of these compounds antagonize transient receptor potential melastatin type-8 (TRPM8) channels, the expression of which is necessary for androgen receptor (AR)-dependent PCC survival. Experimental approach. We tested pure cannabinoids and extracts from Cannabis strains enriched in certain cannabinoids (BDS), on AR-positive (LNCaP and 22RV1) and -negative (DU-145 and PC-3) cells, by evaluating: 1) cell viability with the MTT test, 2) cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, by FACS scans, caspase 3/7 assays, DNA fragmentation and TUNEL, and 3) size of xenograft tumors induced by LNCaP and DU-145 cells. Key results. Cannabidiol (CBD) exerted a significant inhibition of cell viability. Other compounds became efficacious in cells deprived of serum for 24 hours. Several BDS were more potent than pure compounds in the presence of serum. Intra-peritoneal CBD-BDS potentiated the effects of bicalutamide and docetaxel against LNCaP and DU-145 xenograft tumors, respectively, and per se reduced LNCaP xenograft size. CBD (1-10 µM) induced apoptosis and markers of intrinsic pathways thereof, i.e. PUMA and CHOP expression and intracellular Ca(2+) . In LNCaP cells, the pro-apoptotic effect of CBD was only partly due to TRPM8 antagonism and was accompanied by down-regulation of AR, p53 activation and elevation of reactive oxygen species. LNCaP cells differentiated to androgen-insensitive neuroendocrine-like cells were more sensitive to CBD-induced apoptosis. Conclusions. These data support the clinical testing of CBD against prostate carcinoma. © 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society.
  

  PMID: 22594963 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Specifically targeting ERK1 or ERK2 kills melanoma cells.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Specifically targeting ERK1 or ERK2 kills melanoma cells.

  J Transl Med. 2012;10:15

  Authors: Qin J, Xin H, Nickoloff BJ

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Overcoming the notorious apoptotic resistance of melanoma cells remains a therapeutic challenge given dismal survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, recent clinical trials using a BRAF inhibitor revealed encouraging results for patients with advanced BRAF mutant bearing melanoma, but drug resistance accompanied by recovery of phospho-ERK (pERK) activity present challenges for this approach. While ERK1 and ERK2 are similar in amino acid composition and are frequently not distinguished in clinical reports, the possibility they regulate distinct biological functions in melanoma is largely unexplored.
  METHODS: Rather than indirectly inhibiting pERK by targeting upstream kinases such as BRAF or MEK, we directly (and near completely) reduced ERK1 and ERK2 using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to achieve sustained inhibition of pERK1 and/or pERK2.
  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Using A375 melanoma cells containing activating BRAFV600E mutation, silencing ERK1 or ERK2 revealed some differences in their biological roles, but also shared roles by reduced cell proliferation, colony formation in soft agar and induced apoptosis. By contrast, chemical mediated inhibition of mutant BRAF (PLX4032) or MEK (PD0325901) triggered less killing of melanoma cells, although they did inhibit proliferation. Death of melanoma cells by silencing ERK1 and/or ERK2 was caspase dependent and accompanied by increased levels of Bak, Bad and Bim, with reduction in p-Bad and detection of activated Bax levels and loss of mitochondrial membrane permeability. Rare treatment resistant clones accompanied silencing of either ERK1 and/or ERK2. Unexpectedly, directly targeting ERK levels also led to reduction in upstream levels of BRAF, CRAF and pMEK, thereby reinforcing the importance of silencing ERK as regards killing and bypassing drug resistance.
  CONCLUSIONS: Selectively knocking down ERK1 and/or ERK2 killed A375 melanoma cells and also increased the ability of PLX4032 to kill A375 cells. Thus, a new therapeutic window is open for future clinical trials in which agents targeting ERK1 and ERK2 should be considered in patients with melanoma.
  

  PMID: 22277029 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Multiple plexiform schwannoma of a finger.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Multiple plexiform schwannoma of a finger.

  Eur J Dermatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;22(1):149-50

  Authors: Zhou J, Man XY, Zheng M, Cai SQ

  PMID: 22266205 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Glutathione and Bcl-2 targeting facilitates elimination by chemoradiotherapy of human A375 melanoma xenografts overexpressing bcl-xl, bcl-2, and mcl-1.

  Fetched: May 20th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Glutathione and Bcl-2 targeting facilitates elimination by chemoradiotherapy of human A375 melanoma xenografts overexpressing bcl-xl, bcl-2, and mcl-1.

  J Transl Med. 2012;10:8

  Authors: Mena S, Rodriguez ML, Ortega A, Priego S, Obrador E, Asensi M, Petschen I, Cerdá M, Brown BD, Estrela JM

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Bcl-2 is believed to contribute to melanoma chemoresistance. However, expression of Bcl-2 proteins may be different among melanomas. Thus correlations among expression of Bcl-2-related proteins and in vivo melanoma progression, and resistance to combination therapies, was investigated.
  METHODS: Human A375 melanoma was injected s.c. into immunodeficient nude mice. Protein expression was studied in tumor samples obtained by laser microdisection. Transfection of siRNA or ectopic overexpression were applied to manipulate proteins which are up- or down-regulated, preferentially, during melanoma progression. Anti-bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotides and chemoradiotherapy (glutathione-depleting agents, paclitaxel protein-binding particles, daunorubicin, X rays) were administered in combination.
  RESULTS: In vivo A375 cells down-regulated pro-apoptotic bax expression; and up-regulated anti-apoptotic bcl-2, bcl-xl, and mcl-1, however only Bcl-2 appeared critical for long-term tumor cell survival and progression in vivo. Reduction of Bcl-2, combined with partial therapies, decreased melanoma growth. But only Bcl-2 targeting plus the full combination of chemoradiotherapy eradicated A375 melanoma, and led to long-term survival (> 120 days) without recurrence in 80% of mice. Tumor regression was not due to immune stimulation. Hematology and clinical chemistry data were within accepted clinical toxicities.
  CONCLUSION: Strategies to target Bcl-2, may increase the effectiveness of antitumor therapies against melanomas overexpressing Bcl-2 and likely other Bcl-2-related antiapoptotic proteins.
  

  PMID: 22233801 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Relevance of angiogenesis in neuroendocrine tumors.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Relevance of angiogenesis in neuroendocrine tumors.

  Target Oncol. 2012 May 17;

  Authors: Teulé A, Casanovas O

  Abstract
  While traditional cytotoxic drugs have shown limited efficacy in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), their biological features have been characterized and can be exploited therapeutically. Their most prominent trait is an extraordinary vascularization in low-grade NETs and an hypoxia-dependent angiogenesis in high-grade NETs, which is associated to a significant expression of many proangiogenic molecules. Therefore, several antiangiogenic compounds have been tested in these malignancies, and among these, sunitinib has demonstrated activity in pancreatic NET patients by dually targeting the VEGFR and PDGFR pathways. In spite of these efficacious clinical results, apparent resistance to antiangiogenic therapies has been described in NET animal models and in clinical trials. Therefore, overcoming antiangiogenic resistance is a crucial step in the subsequent development of antiangiogenic therapies. Several strategies have been postulated to fight resistance, but preclinical studies and clinical trials will investigate and address these therapeutic approaches in the coming years in order to overcome resistance to antiangiogenic therapies in NETs.
  

  PMID: 22592949 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Whole body diffusion for metastatic disease assessment in neuroendocrine carcinomas: comparison with OctreoScan(R) in two cases.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Whole body diffusion for metastatic disease assessment in neuroendocrine carcinomas: comparison with OctreoScan(R) in two cases.

  World J Surg Oncol. 2012 May 16;10(1):82

  Authors: Cossetti RJ, Bezerra RO, Gumz B, Telles A, Costa FP

  Abstract
  ABSTRACT: Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients must be adequately staged in order to improve a multidisciplinary approach and optimal management for metastatic disease. Currently available imaging studies include somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, like OctreoScan(R), computed tomography (CT), scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which analyze vascular concentration and intravenous contrast enhancement for anatomic tumor localization. However, these techniques require high degree of expertise for interpretation and are limited by their availability, cost, reproducibility, and follow-up imaging comparisons. NETs significantly reduce water diffusion as compared to normal tissue. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in MRI has an advantageous contrast difference: the tumor is represented with high signal over a black normal surrounding background. The whole-body diffusion (WBD) technique has been suggested to be a useful test for detecting metastasis from various anatomic sites. In this article we report the use of DWI in MRI and WBD in two cases of metastatic pulmonary NET staging in comparison with OctreoScan(R) in order to illustrate the potential advantage of DWI and WBD in staging NETs.
  

  PMID: 22591909 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  [Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1].

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1].

  Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2012 Feb;32(188):116-22

  Authors: Krysiak R, Okopień B

  Abstract
  Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 exhibits an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and results from mutation of the MEN-1 gene that is a tumor suppressor gene acting on the transcriptional level. The disease is characterized by a variety of neuroendocrine neoplasias and hormone excess syndromes. The major components of MEN-I are hyperparathyroidism due to multiple parathyroid adenomas, pancreatic or duodenal neuroendocrine tumors, and pituitary adenomas, in addition to some less common neoplastic manifestations. The development of the tumors often follows a substantially similar pattern: the initial lesion is a diffuse hyperplastic proliferation of the affected endocrine tissue with bilateral involvement of pair organs, followed by development of multiple micro- and, eventually, macronodular lesions. Its unpredictable course causes that there is controversy regarding treatment of the different manifestations and screening modalities of this disorder. This article reviews our current approach to the diagnosis, surveillance and management of these patients.
  

  PMID: 22590916 [PubMed - in process]

• 

  Atypical adenolymphoma and glomus caroticum tumour: a rare coincidence.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Atypical adenolymphoma and glomus caroticum tumour: a rare coincidence.

  B-ENT. 2012;8(1):43-7

  Authors: Broes K, Vanderveken OM, Salgado R, Verfaillie J, Pauwels P, Van de Heyning PH, Van Laer C

  Abstract
  We describe the rare simultaneous appearance of an atypical adenolymphoma with a glomus caroticum tumour on the same side of the neck in a middle-aged man. This case report is the first to describe this coexistence. Due to the atypical, cyst-like presentation of the Warthin's tumour, a final diagnosis was made only after surgical resection and histopathological examination. Both the adenolymphoma and glomus caroticum tumour were successfully removed surgically.
  

  PMID: 22545390 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Clinicopathologic and molecular analysis of a choroidal pigmented schwannoma in the context of a PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Clinicopathologic and molecular analysis of a choroidal pigmented schwannoma in the context of a PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome.

  Ophthalmology. 2012 Apr;119(4):857-64

  Authors: Venturini G, Moulin AP, Deprez M, Uffer S, Bottani A, Zografos L, Rivolta C

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: To report the first case of choroidal schwannoma in a patient affected by PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) and investigate the molecular involvement of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and neurofibromin 2 (NF2) genes in this rare intraocular tumor.
  DESIGN: Observational case report.
  PARTICIPANT: A 10-year-old girl diagnosed with PHTS.
  METHODS: The enucleated specimen underwent histologic, immunohistochemical, and transmission electronic microscopy. The expression of PTEN and NF2 and their protein products were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Somatic mutations of PTEN and NF2, as well as allelic loss, were investigated by direct sequencing of DNA extracted from the tumor. PTEN epigenetic silencing was investigated by pyrosequencing.
  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Histopathologic and molecular characterization of a choroidal pigmented schwannoma.
  RESULTS: Histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic analysis demonstrated features consistent with a pigmented cellular schwannoma of the choroid. We found no loss of heterozygosity at the genomic level for the PTEN germline mutation and no promoter hypermethylation or other somatic intragenic mutations. However, we observed an approximate 40% reduction of PTEN expression at both the mRNA and the protein level, indicating that the tumor was nonetheless functionally deficient for PTEN. Although DNA sequencing of NF2 failed to identify any pathologic variants, its expression was abolished within the tumor.
  CONCLUSIONS: We report the first description of a pigmented choroidal schwannoma in the context of a PHTS. This rare tumor showed a unique combination of reduction of PTEN and absence of NF2 expression.
  

  PMID: 22281088 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Cutaneous melanoma in Latin America: the need for more data.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Cutaneous melanoma in Latin America: the need for more data.

  Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2011 Nov;30(5):431-8

  Authors: Schmerling RA, Loria D, Cinat G, Ramos WE, Cardona AF, Sánchez JL, Martinez-Said H, Buzaid AC

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: To identify the scientific literature on cutaneous melanoma in Latin America and compile all available epidemiologic data to demonstrate the need for reliable regional and country-specific data on incidence and mortality estimates.
  METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases for epidemiologic studies from 1 January 2000 to 31 October 2010 related to melanoma in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. A final search on melanoma cases was carried out using country-specific population-based cancer registries. No statistical analyses were conducted.
  RESULTS: For all six countries, most epidemiological research on cutaneous melanoma consists of hospital-based or case-control studies. Very few studies report incidence and mortality rates. Attempts to estimate disease rates have relied on national incidence and mortality data and information extracted from cancer registries. While predominance of European ancestry is a known risk factor for developing melanoma, the association of melanoma and ethnicity is not well-documented in some of the populations reviewed. Latin Americans are frequently exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to the tropical weather, high altitude, and thinning ozone layer in some regions. Tanned skin is viewed as healthy and beautiful. While melanoma public health campaigns have been under way in Latin America for decades, increasing melanoma awareness remains imperative.
  CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to collect accurate epidemiologic melanoma data in Latin America. Future research in the region should include more comprehensive, country-specific, population-based studies to allow for comparative evaluation of incidence and mortality rates.
  

  PMID: 22262269 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Investigating the role of melanin in UVA/UVB- and hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular and mitochondrial ROS production and mitochondrial DNA damage in human melanoma cells.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Investigating the role of melanin in UVA/UVB- and hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular and mitochondrial ROS production and mitochondrial DNA damage in human melanoma cells.

  Free Radic Biol Med. 2012 Feb 1;52(3):626-34

  Authors: Swalwell H, Latimer J, Haywood RM, Birch-Machin MA

  Abstract
  Skin cancer incidence is dramatically increasing worldwide, with exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) a predominant factor. The UVA component initiates oxidative stress in human skin, although its exact role in the initiation of skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma, remains unclear and is controversial because there is evidence for a melanin-dependent mechanism in UVA-linked melanoma studies. Nonpigmented (CHL-1, A375), moderately pigmented (FM55, SKmel23), and highly pigmented (FM94, hyperpigmented FM55) human melanoma cell lines have been used to investigate UVA-induced production of reactive oxygen species using FACS analysis, at both the cellular (dihydrorhodamine-123) and the mitochondrial (MitoSOX) level, where most cellular stress is generated. For the first time, downstream mtDNA damage (utilizing a quantitative long-PCR assay) has been investigated. Using UVA, UVB, and H(2)O(2) as cellular stressors, we have explored the dual roles of melanin as a photoprotector and photosensitizer. The presence of melanin has no influence over cellular oxidative stress generation, whereas, in contrast, melanin protects against mitochondrial superoxide generation and mtDNA damage (one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey's analysis, P<0.001). We show that if melanin binds directly to DNA, it acts as a direct photosensitizer of mtDNA damage during UVA irradiation (P<0.001), providing evidence for the dual roles of melanin.
  

  PMID: 22178978 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Plaque radiotherapy for residual or recurrent iris melanoma after surgical resection in 32 cases.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Plaque radiotherapy for residual or recurrent iris melanoma after surgical resection in 32 cases.

  Ophthalmology. 2012 Apr;119(4):838-842.e2

  Authors: Shah SU, Shields CL, Bianciotto C, Emrich J, Komarnicky L, Shields JA

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: To evaluate plaque radiotherapy for management of residual or recurrent iris melanoma after surgical resection.
  DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized interventional case series.
  PARTICIPANTS: We included 32 patients with residual or recurrent iris melanoma after surgical resection.
  INTERVENTION: Custom designed iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy.
  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tumor control, recurrence, poor visual acuity, enucleation, metastasis, and radiation complications.
  RESULTS: There were 32 eyes with residual (n = 12) or recurrent (n = 20) iris melanoma after surgical resection that were treated with iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy. The residual melanoma was evident clinically in 3 cases and histopathologically in 9; plaque radiotherapy was delivered at a mean interval of 2 months after resection. For the recurrent cases, the mean interval from initial tumor resection to detection of recurrence was 58 months, at which time plaque radiotherapy was applied. For all cases, the mean tumor basal diameter was 6 mm (range, 1-13) and thickness was 2 mm (range, 0.8-4.0) at the time of radiotherapy. Anterior chamber seeding was present in 26 (81%) eyes and glaucoma in 11 (34%) eyes. Visual acuity at presentation was good (20/20-20/50) in 27 (84%), intermediate (20/60-20/150) in 3 (9%), and poor (≤20/200) in 2 eyes (6%). At 6 years after plaque radiotherapy, outcomes included complete tumor control in 87%, poor visual acuity in 9%, enucleation in 13% (for reasons of tumor recurrence [n = 3] and severe glaucoma [n = 1]), and metastasis in 3%. At 6 years, radiation complications included corneal epitheliopathy in 6%, scleral necrosis in 3%, cataract in 53%, elevated intraocular pressure (from tumor or radiotherapy) in 19%, and macular edema in 6%.
  CONCLUSIONS: Iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy is effective in the management of residual or recurrent iris melanoma after surgical resection, providing tumor control in 87% of patients at 6 years and avoiding enucleation in most cases.
  

  PMID: 22133794 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  P-Rex1 is required for efficient melanoblast migration and melanoma metastasis.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  P-Rex1 is required for efficient melanoblast migration and melanoma metastasis.

  Nat Commun. 2011;2:555

  Authors: Lindsay CR, Lawn S, Campbell AD, Faller WJ, Rambow F, Mort RL, Timpson P, Li A, Cammareri P, Ridgway RA, Morton JP, Doyle B, Hegarty S, Rafferty M, Murphy IG, McDermott EW, Sheahan K, Pedone K, Finn AJ, Groben PA, Thomas NE, Hao H, Carson C, Norman JC, Machesky LM, Gallagher WM, Jackson IJ, Van Kempen L, Beermann F, Der C, Larue L, Welch HC, Ozanne BW, Sansom OJ

  Abstract
  Metastases are the major cause of death from melanoma, a skin cancer that has the fastest rising incidence of any malignancy in the Western world. Molecular pathways that drive melanoblast migration in development are believed to underpin the movement and ultimately the metastasis of melanoma. Here we show that mice lacking P-Rex1, a Rac-specific Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, have a melanoblast migration defect during development evidenced by a white belly. Moreover, these P-Rex1(-/-) mice are resistant to metastasis when crossed to a murine model of melanoma. Mechanistically, this is associated with P-Rex1 driving invasion in a Rac-dependent manner. P-Rex1 is elevated in the majority of human melanoma cell lines and tumour tissue. We conclude that P-Rex1 has an important role in melanoblast migration and cancer progression to metastasis in mice and humans.
  

  PMID: 22109529 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Immunotherapy of malignant melanoma with tumor lysate-pulsed autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Immunotherapy of malignant melanoma with tumor lysate-pulsed autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

  Yonsei Med J. 2011 Nov;52(6):990-8

  Authors: Kim DS, Kim DH, Goo B, Cho YH, Park JM, Lee TH, Kim HO, Kim HS, Lee H, Lee JD, Byamba D, Je JH, Lee MG

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination for melanoma was introduced because melanoma carries distinct tumor-associated antigens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of DC vaccination for melanoma in Korea.
  MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with stage IV and one with stage II were enrolled. Autologous monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) were cultured and pulsed with tumor-lysate, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and cytokine cocktail for mature antigen-loaded DC. DC vaccination was repeated four times at 2-week intervals and 2-4×10⁷ DC were injected each time.
  RESULTS: Reduced tumor volume was observed by PET-CT in three patients after DC vaccination. Delayed type hypersensitivity responses against tumor antigen were induced in five patients. Tumor antigen-specific IFN-γ-producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot in two patients. However, the overall clinical outcome showed disease progression in all patients.
  CONCLUSION: In this study, DC vaccination using tumor antigen-loaded, mature MoDCs led to tumor regression in individual melanoma patients. Further standardization of DC vaccination protocol is required to determine which parameters lead to better anti-tumor responses and clinical outcomes.
  

  PMID: 22028165 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Persistent pain after surgery for cutaneous melanoma.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Persistent pain after surgery for cutaneous melanoma.

  Clin J Pain. 2012 Feb;28(2):149-56

  Authors: Høimyr H, von Sperling ML, Rokkones KA, Stubhaug A, Finnerup K, Jensen TS, Finnerup NB

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain is a well-known complication after surgery, but the prevalence of persistent pain after melanoma surgery is unknown. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of persistent pain after melanoma surgery.
  METHODS: Between September 2005 and June 2009, 448 patients underwent surgery for cutaneous melanoma at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Aalborg Hospital. A questionnaire was sent to all 402 survivors, and 350 (87.1%) responded. In addition, all patients with pain and a control group of sex-matched and age-matched patients without pain were invited to a clinical examination.
  RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (9.7%) reported pain in the scar area within the last month, and 8.6% reported chronic pain. The pain was mostly mild with little impact on daily life, but 1.7% reported moderate to severe pain, and 3.4% reported at least moderate impact of pain on daily life. Sensory changes were reported by 108 patients (31.5%); 25% of these had pain compared with 3% of patients with normal sensation [P<0.001, 10.8 (4.5 to 25.8)]. Young age was a predictor for persistent pain. A small group of patients (10 with and 22 without pain in the questionnaire) were clinically examined, suggesting that the areas of sensory disturbances were larger in patients reporting persistent pain or dysesthesia.
  DISCUSSION: The results support previous findings that persistent postoperative pain is a complication of almost any surgical intervention. Persistent pain was related to abnormal sensation, and neuropathic pain should be considered in these patients.
  

  PMID: 21904198 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Bilateral primary adrenal lymphoma accompanying hypertension.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Bilateral primary adrenal lymphoma accompanying hypertension.

  Urology. 2012 Feb;79(2):e27-8

  Authors: Wang Q, Cao X, Jiang J, Wang T, Jin MS

  Abstract
  Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) accompanied by hypertension is extremely rare. We present a case of PAL with hypertension, whom was treated with bilateral adrenalectomy and a combination of the modified Appleby operation and chemotherapy. Computed tomography and biopsy is helpful to aid diagnosis.
  

  PMID: 21862117 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Incomplete sentinel node biopsy is not clearly related to survival or regional recurrence in cutaneous melanoma patients.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Incomplete sentinel node biopsy is not clearly related to survival or regional recurrence in cutaneous melanoma patients.

  Ann Surg Oncol. 2012 Jan;19(1):280-6

  Authors: Lee NC, Spillane AJ, Pang TC, Haydu LE, Uren RF

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: In melanoma patients, we define incomplete sentinel node biopsy (I-SNB) as when fewer lymph nodes are removed during sentinel node biopsy (SNB) than identified on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy (LS). This study quantifies the frequency of I-SNB and evaluates any correlation with patient outcomes.
  METHODS: Evaluation of a prospective database of consecutive patients having LS and negative SNB from 1996 to 2006. Additional LS information was obtained from a nuclear medicine database. All statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistic 19.0 software package.
  RESULTS: I-SNB occurred in 20% of the cohort (n = 2007). For axillary (n = 895), groin (n = 569), and neck/axial patients (n = 334) I-SNB occurred in 12%, 26%, and 28% of cases, respectively (P < .001). On univariate analysis, there was a significant association between I-SNB and worse disease-free survival (DFS), P = .007 and trend toward worse melanoma-specific survival (MSS), P = .056. I-SNB was not associated with worse regional recurrence-free survival (RRFS), P = .144. There was no relationship between I-SNB and worse DFS, RRFS, or MSS on multivariate analysis. Sentinel node region (axilla better than groin and neck/axial) had a significant association with RRFS (P = .039) on univariate analysis and DFS on univariate (P = .009) and multivariate analysis. Significantly worse outcomes for MSS, DFS, and RRFS were seen with male gender, increasing age, high mitotic count, ulceration, and increasing Breslow thickness.
  CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates no statistically significant relationship between I-SNB and patient outcomes when adjusting for known prognostic factors. These data do not exclude the possibility that I-SNB may have a weak association with worse outcomes.
  

  PMID: 21833669 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Validation of statistical predictive models meant to select melanoma patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Validation of statistical predictive models meant to select melanoma patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy.

  Ann Surg Oncol. 2012 Jan;19(1):287-93

  Authors: Sabel MS, Rice JD, Griffith KA, Lowe L, Wong SL, Chang AE, Johnson TM, Taylor JM

  Abstract
  INTRODUCTION: To identify melanoma patients at sufficiently low risk of nodal metastases who could avoid sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), several statistical models have been proposed based upon patient/tumor characteristics, including logistic regression, classification trees, random forests, and support vector machines. We sought to validate recently published models meant to predict sentinel node status.
  METHODS: We queried our comprehensive, prospectively collected melanoma database for consecutive melanoma patients undergoing SLNB. Prediction values were estimated based upon four published models, calculating the same reported metrics: negative predictive value (NPV), rate of negative predictions (RNP), and false-negative rate (FNR).
  RESULTS: Logistic regression performed comparably with our data when considering NPV (89.4 versus 93.6%); however, the model's specificity was not high enough to significantly reduce the rate of biopsies (SLN reduction rate of 2.9%). When applied to our data, the classification tree produced NPV and reduction in biopsy rates that were lower (87.7 versus 94.1 and 29.8 versus 14.3, respectively). Two published models could not be applied to our data due to model complexity and the use of proprietary software.
  CONCLUSIONS: Published models meant to reduce the SLNB rate among patients with melanoma either underperformed when applied to our larger dataset, or could not be validated. Differences in selection criteria and histopathologic interpretation likely resulted in underperformance. Statistical predictive models must be developed in a clinically applicable manner to allow for both validation and ultimately clinical utility.
  

  PMID: 21822550 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  How good are US dermatologists at discriminating skin cancers? A number-needed-to-treat analysis.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  How good are US dermatologists at discriminating skin cancers? A number-needed-to-treat analysis.

  J Dermatolog Treat. 2012 Feb;23(1):65-9

  Authors: Wilson RL, Yentzer BA, Isom SP, Feldman SR, Fleischer AB

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Identification of skin cancer requires discrimination of malignant lesions from benign lesions. The number of biopsies performed to yield one cancer diagnosis can be presented as a number needed to treat (NNT), and provides an assessment of the efficiency of skin cancer detection.
  OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical accuracy of US dermatologists screening for skin cancer, the NNT for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer was examined.
  METHODS: Pathology reports from 2021 biopsies performed at the Wake Forest University Department of Dermatology were reviewed, including the physician's differential diagnosis and final pathological diagnosis. The NNT was calculated for melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, and all skin cancer diagnosed.
  RESULTS: Of 1240 biopsies suspicious for skin cancer, 559 cancers were diagnosed, yielding a NNT of 2.22 for any cancer. The NNT specifically for non-melanoma skin cancer was 1.6, while the NNT for melanoma was 15. Patient age, anatomical location, sex and physician all significantly impacted on NNT values.
  CONCLUSIONS: The NNT for melanoma in our study was lower compared to recently published values obtained from general practitioners in Australian skin cancer clinics (NNT of 30). Variability amongst institutions, practice settings and physicians supports the need to establish a benchmark NNT.
  

  PMID: 21756146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Diagnostic accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Diagnostic accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules.

  Ann Surg Oncol. 2012 Jan;19(1):45-51

  Authors: Bohacek L, Milas M, Mitchell J, Siperstein A, Berber E

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: There is scant data concerning surgeon-performed thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and controversy regarding its accuracy in larger nodules. This study aimed to specifically assess accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound (US)-guided FNA on a per-nodule basis, with a subanalysis of nodule size.
  METHODS: Data of 1,000 surgeon-performed US-guided thyroid FNAs at a single institution from 2000 to 2010 were prospectively collected. Standard clinical information, FNA results using the Bethesda criteria, and final histology were recorded.
  RESULTS: Fine-needle aspiration results were reported as: cancer (7%), suspicious for cancer (2%), suspicious for follicular neoplasm (17%), atypia of unknown significance (AUS) (1%), benign (67%), and insufficient (6%). Of nodules with FNA results of cancer, suspicious for cancer, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, and atypia of unknown significance, 94% were operated on, with malignancy rates of 97%, 58%, 21%, and 12%, respectively. Of nodules with benign FNA, 26% underwent surgery for associated symptoms, concerning features, or other remote pathology. A total of 56% were followed, and 18% were lost to follow-up. Of nodules with insufficient FNA, 46% had repeat FNA (yielding a diagnosis in 81%), 23% underwent surgery, 21% with hypocellular features were followed, and 9% were lost to follow-up. In size subanalysis, there was no statistically significant difference in risk of malignancy or increased rate of falsely negative FNA with increasing nodule size.
  CONCLUSIONS: The Bethesda system appropriately stratified lesions for risk of malignancy, and repeat FNA had high diagnostic yield in lesions with inadequate FNA. The results suggest no trend toward larger lesions harboring thyroid malignancy nor an increased likelihood of false-negative benign FNA.
  

  PMID: 21633868 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Simultaneous medullary and papillary thyroid cancer: a novel entity?

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Simultaneous medullary and papillary thyroid cancer: a novel entity?

  Ann Surg Oncol. 2012 Jan;19(1):37-44

  Authors: Machens A, Dralle H

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: The causes underlying the phenomenon of simultaneous medullary (MTC) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are unclear.
  METHODS: This study of 26 patients with simultaneous MTC and PTC aimed at clarifying clinical and histopathologic characteristics and trends of this unusual condition among MTC and PTC patients who were operated on at a tertiary referral center in Germany.
  RESULTS: A total of 26 patients revealed simultaneous MTC and PTC, yielding the following rates: 2.6% (26 patients) among all 1019 PTC patients, 2.6% (6 patients) among all 235 hereditary MTC patients, 4.1% (20 patients) among all 492 sporadic MTC patients, and 3.6% (26 patients) among all 727 MTC patients. Simultaneous MTC and PTC were consistently smaller than nonsimultaneous MTC (6 vs. 13 mm for hereditary MTC, P = .16; 12 vs. 23 mm for sporadic MTC, P = .009; and 11 vs. 20 mm for any MTC, P = .008) and PTC (8 vs. 20 mm, P < .001). Simultaneous MTC and PTC increased among MTC and PTC patients over time: from 0% to 4.3% (PTC), from 0% to 4.6% (hereditary MTC), from 0% to 8.1% (sporadic MTC), and from 0% to 7.0% (any MTC). For sporadic MTC, these rates virtually doubled every 5 years. Of 6 patients with simultaneous hereditary MTC and PTC, 5 revealed late-onset REarranged during Transfection (RET) mutations (1 L790F carrier; 2 V804L and 2 S891A carriers).
  CONCLUSIONS: Greater pathologic scrutiny, in addition to environmental changes, explains the surge of simultaneous MTC and PTC in Germany. More data are needed from additional geographic areas and populations to delineate individual contributions of these factors.
  

  PMID: 21626080 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Usefulness of ultrafast dynamic 3D-T1w data acquisition in detection of hypervascular lesions of the middle ear: first experience.

  Fetched: May 19th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Usefulness of ultrafast dynamic 3D-T1w data acquisition in detection of hypervascular lesions of the middle ear: first experience.

  Eur J Radiol. 2012 Feb;81(2):257-61

  Authors: Aschenbach R, Basche S, Esser D, Vogl TJ

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrafast dynamic 3D-T1w acquisition for improved detection of tympanic hypervascularized lesions.
  METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of a total of 50 patients referred from ENT-Department for suspected tympanic lesion. All underwent magnetic resonance imaging including ultrafast dynamic 3D-T1w acquisition imaging. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation was performed as well as statistical analysis. Comparison with intra-operative results.
  RESULTS: 12/50 patients showed a hypervascularized lesion proved intraoperative as 8 paragangliomas, 2 adenoms, 1 hemangioma and 1 neurinoma. 8/50 do not show hypervascularization though an enhancement was detected. Intra-operative granulation tissue was found. 30 patients did not show any lesions or enhancement. Sensitivity and specificity was 100%/100% for ultrafast dynamic imaging.
  CONCLUSION: Additional ultrafast dynamic 3D-T1w imaging is superior to conventional imaging in detection of hypervascularized lesions.
  

  PMID: 21123017 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Transferred melanoma-specific CD8+ T cells persist, mediate tumor regression, and acquire central memory phenotype.

  Fetched: May 11th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Transferred melanoma-specific CD8+ T cells persist, mediate tumor regression, and acquire central memory phenotype.

  Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Mar 20;109(12):4592-7

  Authors: Chapuis AG, Thompson JA, Margolin KA, Rodmyre R, Lai IP, Dowdy K, Farrar EA, Bhatia S, Sabath DE, Cao J, Li Y, Yee C

  Abstract
  Adoptively transferred tumor-specific T cells offer the potential for non-cross-resistant therapy and long-term immunoprotection. Strategies to enhance in vivo persistence of transferred T cells can lead to improved antitumor efficacy. However, the extrinsic (patient conditioning) and intrinsic (effector cell) factors contributing to long-term in vivo persistence are not well-defined. As a means to enhance persistence of infused T cells in vivo and limit toxicity, 11 patients with refractory, progressive metastatic melanoma received cyclophosphamide alone as conditioning before the infusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived, antigen-specific, CD8(+) cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clones followed by low-dose or high-dose IL-2. No life-threatening toxicities occurred with low-dose IL-2. Five of 10 evaluable patients had stable disease at 8 wk, and 1 of 11 had a complete remission that continued for longer than 3 y. On-target autoimmune events with the early appearance of skin rashes were observed in patients with stable disease or complete remission at 4 wk or longer. In vivo tracking revealed that the conditioning regimen provided a favorable milieu that enabled CTL proliferation early after transfer and localization to nonvascular compartments, such as skin and lymph nodes. CTL clones, on infusion, were characterized by an effector memory phenotype, and CTL that persisted long term acquired phenotypic and/or functional qualities of central memory type CTLs in vivo. The use of a T-cell product composed of a clonal population of antigen-specific CTLs afforded the opportunity to demonstrate phenotypic and/or functional conversion to a central memory type with the potential for sustained clinical benefit.
  

  PMID: 22393002 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Whole-body 18F FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography evaluation of patients with uveal metastasis.

  Fetched: May 11th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Whole-body 18F FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography evaluation of patients with uveal metastasis.

  Am J Ophthalmol. 2012 Apr;153(4):661-8

  Authors: Patel P, Finger PT

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: To investigate the value of whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) as a screening tool for patients with uveal metastasis.
  DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series.
  METHODS: setting: Clinical practice. study population: Eighteen patients with uveal metastatic tumors were evaluated. Patients had no history of malignancy or a past medical history of malignancy without known active metastasis or known systemic cancer. intervention: Whole-body PET/CT was used as a screening tool to evaluate the intraocular tumor, to evaluate for multi-organ metastatic disease, and for cancer staging. main outcome measures: Detection and PET/CT uptake of primary tumors and metastatic disease.
  RESULTS: PET/CT imaging uncovered previously occult primary nonocular cancers (11/18, 61%), revealed progression of known primary systemic cancer (7/18, 39%), and confirmed multi-organ metastases in all cases (18/18, 100%). PET/CT findings were used to direct nonocular, confirmatory biopsy in 67% of cases (12/18). No uveal biopsies were required. PET/CT revealed lymph nodes and bone as the most common metastatic sites. The intraocular tumor was detectable in 28% of cases. Small, non-avid tumors and those within the hypermetabolic, PET-avid brain were falsely negative.
  CONCLUSION: This study suggests that whole-body PET/CT can be useful for clinical evaluation of patients with uveal metastases. It allowed for screening of the entire body and directed extraocular biopsy. Commonly used for tumor staging, PET/CT aided in the detection of the primary cancer in patients with metastatic uveal tumors.
  

  PMID: 22264690 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Intraoperative medialization of medial rectus muscle as a new endoscopic technique for approaching intraconal lesions.

  Fetched: May 11th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Intraoperative medialization of medial rectus muscle as a new endoscopic technique for approaching intraconal lesions.

  Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2011 Sep-Oct;25(5):363-7

  Authors: Tomazic PV, Stammberger H, Habermann W, Gerstenberger C, Braun H, Gellner V, Mokry M, Klein A, Langmann G, Köele W

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Intraconal tumors of the orbit are rare entities and surgical treatment is challenging. Endoscopic transnasal approaches to the orbit offer a new perspective for surgery, although only few reports exist in literature. This study displays the Graz experience with endoscopic approaches to intraorbital tumors between 2006 and 2010 introducing a novel endoscopic technique for temporary medialization of the medial rectus muscle facilitating access to the orbital cone.
  METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients' charts was performed.
  RESULTS: For approaches to intraconal lesions a special endoscopic temporary medialization technique of the medial rectus muscle through applying transseptal sutures was developed. Six patients (four male and two female patients) have been included in this study presenting with intraconal/intraorbital tumors. Three patients underwent endoscopic surgery for two hemangiomas and one Schwannoma, respectively, and three patients were successfully biopsied endoscopically revealing one malignant melanoma, one malignant lymphoma, and one optic glioma each. Both hemangiomas were completely resected without any deterioration of vision. The Schwannoma was partially resected with postoperative imaging showing no tumor progression within 3 months. No intraoperative complications occurred. Five cases were performed with computer assisted surgery using CT/MR fusion navigation.
  CONCLUSION: Although technically challenging, the endoscopic approach to the orbit, even for intraconal lesions with medialization of the medial rectus muscle, can be safe and promising for well-selected cases. Good postoperative results and sufficient material acquisition for proper histological examination can be obtained. Advantages are good visualization of the surgical field and avoidance of external scars. Limitations to endoscopic techniques are tumors in the lateral superior and lateral inferior quadrant of the orbit.
  

  PMID: 22186253 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  In vitro and in vivo evaluation of melanin-binding decapeptide 4B4 radiolabeled with 177Lu, 166Ho, and 153Sm radiolanthanides for the purpose of targeted radionuclide therapy of melanoma.

  Fetched: May 11th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  In vitro and in vivo evaluation of melanin-binding decapeptide 4B4 radiolabeled with 177Lu, 166Ho, and 153Sm radiolanthanides for the purpose of targeted radionuclide therapy of melanoma.

  Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2011 Oct;26(5):547-56

  Authors: Ballard B, Jiang Z, Soll CE, Revskaya E, Cutler CS, Dadachova E, Francesconi LC

  Abstract
  Melanoma is a malignancy with increasing incidence. Although primary tumors that are localized to the skin can be successfully treated by surgical removal, there is no satisfactory treatment for metastatic melanoma, a condition that has currently an estimated 5-year survival of just 6%. During the last decade, β- or α-emitter-radiolabeled peptides that bind to different receptors on a variety of tumors have been investigated as potential therapeutic agents in both the preclinical and clinical settings with encouraging results. A recent study demonstrated that 188-Rhenium ((188)Re)-labeled, via HYNIC ligand, fungal melanin-binding decapeptide 4B4 was effective against experimental MNT1 human melanoma and was safe to normal melanized tissues. The availability of radiolanthanides with diverse nuclear emission schemes and half-lives provides an opportunity to expand the repertoire of peptides for radionuclide therapy of melanoma. The melanin-binding decapeptide 4B4 was radiolabeled with (177)Lu, (166)Ho, and (153)Sm via a DO3A chelate. The stability studies of Ln*-DO3A-4B4 in phosphate-buffered saline, serum, and a hydroxyapatite assay demonstrated that (177)Lu-labeled peptide was more stable than (166)Ho- and (153)Sm-labeled peptides, most likely because of the smallest ionic radius of the former allowing for better complexation with DO3A. Binding of Ln*-DO3A-4B4 to the lysed highly melanized MNT1 melanoma cells demonstrated the specificity of peptides binding to melanin. In vivo biodistribution data for (177)Lu-DO3A-4B4 given by intraperitoneal administration to lightly pigmented human metastatic A2058 melanoma-bearing mice demonstrated very high uptake in the kidneys and low tumor uptake. Intravenous administration did not improve the tumor uptake. The plausible explanation of low tumor uptake of (177)Lu-DO3A-4B4 could be its decreased ability to bind to melanin during in vitro binding studies in comparison with (188)Re-HYNIC-4B4, exacerbated by the very fast clearance from the blood and the kidneys "sink" effect.
  

  PMID: 21970319 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Potent antitumor effect elicited by RGD-mda-7, an mda-7/IL-24 mutant, via targeting the integrin receptor of tumor cells.

  Fetched: May 11th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Potent antitumor effect elicited by RGD-mda-7, an mda-7/IL-24 mutant, via targeting the integrin receptor of tumor cells.

  Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2011 Oct;26(5):647-55

  Authors: Zhang BF, Liu JJ, Pei DS, Yang ZX, Di JH, Chen FF, Li HZ, Xu W, Wu YP, Zheng JN

  Abstract
  The melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7/interleukin-24 gene (mda-7/IL-24) is a novel tumor-suppressor/cytokine gene that exhibits potent tumor-suppressive activity without damaging normal cells. To enhance the antitumor effect, an mda-7/IL-24 mutant, RGD-mda-7, which includes the cell adhesive sequence 164Arg-165Gly-166Asp (RGD motif), was constructed and evaluated for bioactivity. RGD peptide binds to integrins α(V)β(3) and α(V)β(5), which are selectively expressed in tumor neovasculature and in the surface of some tumor cells. The wtmda-7/IL-24 and RGD-mda-7 were expressed in Escherichia coli and then purified and renatured. The immunostimulatory activity of RGD-mda-7 was assayed by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The results suggested that the abilities of RGD-mda-7 to induce IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ production were higher than wtmda-7/IL-24. Tumor targeting of RGD-mda-7 was assayed using cell adhesion experiments. The antitumor effect of the purified RGD-mda-7 on cell proliferation in vitro was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) uptake, cell apoptosis by staining with fluorescent probes of FITC-annexin V and DAPI, and caspase-3 expression and activity. The in vitro results showed that RGD-mda-7 inhibited the proliferation of multiple tumor cell lines (Hela, ACHN, HepG2, and A549). Staining with fluorescent probes of FITC-annexin V and DAPI indicated that RGD-mda-7 could induce apoptosis more effectively in four tumor cell lines than wtmda-7/IL-24, but has no effect on normal cell line NHLF. Western blotting showed that treatment of tumor cells with RGD-mda-7 could activate apoptotic pathway by cleavage of caspase-3 as same as wtmda-7/IL-24. Further, RGD-mda-7 group showed a higher cleaved level of caspase-3, but not in NHLF cells. These results demonstrate that RGD-MDA-7 possesses more potent antitumor effects than wtmda-7/IL-24 and therefore merits further investigation in preclinical and clinical studies.
  

  PMID: 21902545 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Expression of Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript is Associated with Worse Survival in Small Bowel Carcinoid Tumors.

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Expression of Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript is Associated with Worse Survival in Small Bowel Carcinoid Tumors.

  Clin Cancer Res. 2012 May 2;

  Authors: Landerholm K, Shcherbina L, Falkmer S, Jarhult J, Wierup N

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide exerts several regulatory functions acting both as neurotransmitter and hormone. We recently showed that CART is expressed in various neuroendocrine tumors, including small bowel carcinoids. The main objective of the present study was to examine whether CART expression is associated with survival in small bowel carcinoid patients. Secondary aims were to assess if CART expression is associated with other tumor characteristics or clinical symptoms. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Specimens from 97 patients with small bowel carcinoids were examined for CART expression using immunohistochemistry. A CART score was introduced based on the proportion of CART immunoreactive cells. On inclusion, specimens were examined by routine histopathological methods and detailed clinical patient data were retrieved. The effect of CART on cell viability was assessed in vitro using two intestinal tumor cell lines.RESULTS: Expression of CART (P = 0.011), and increasing CART score (P = 0.033) were associated with worse disease-specific survival. Adjusting for age, disease stage, and tumor grade in multivariable analysis, CART expression was still associated with worse survival (Low CART hazard ratio (HR) 5.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 42.46; and High CART HR 9.44, 95% CI 1.14 to 78.14). CART expression was not associated with patient age, disease stage, tumor grade, or any presenting symptom. Supporting our clinical data, we found that CART promoted tumor cell viability in vitro in two different tumor cell lines. CONCLUSION: Expression of CART in small bowel carcinoid tumors is associated with worse survival.
  

  PMID: 22553341 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Multicentric neurofibromatosis with rectal prolapse in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Multicentric neurofibromatosis with rectal prolapse in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

  J Zoo Wildl Med. 2012 Mar;43(1):110-9

  Authors: Rush EM, Ogburn AL, Garner MM

  Abstract
  An approximately 31-yr-old California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) with a history of chronic visual impairment and corneal disease presented with slow onset, progressive neurologic deficits. Treatment for rear flipper paresis was not effective and the animal was euthanatized. Histopathologic findings included hepatocellular and biliary neoplasia, ocular amyloidosis, adrenal adenoma and pheochromocytoma, and spinal cord changes consistent with multicentric neurofibromatosis. This is the first documentation of these conditions in a California sea lion.
  

  PMID: 22448517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Effects of angiopoietin-2-blocking antibody on endothelial cell-cell junctions and lung metastasis.

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Effects of angiopoietin-2-blocking antibody on endothelial cell-cell junctions and lung metastasis.

  J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012 Mar 21;104(6):461-75

  Authors: Holopainen T, Saharinen P, D'Amico G, Lampinen A, Eklund L, Sormunen R, Anisimov A, Zarkada G, Lohela M, Heloterä H, Tammela T, Benjamin LE, Ylä-Herttuala S, Leow CC, Koh GY, Alitalo K

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), a ligand for endothelial TEK (Tie2) tyrosine kinase receptor, is induced in hypoxic endothelial cells of tumors, where it promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth. However, the effects of Ang2 on tumor lymphangiogenesis and metastasis are poorly characterized.
  METHODS: We addressed the effect of Ang2 on tumor progression and metastasis using systemic Ang2 overexpression in mice carrying tumor xenografts, endothelium-specific overexpression of Ang2 in VEC-tTA/Tet-OS-Ang2 transgenic mice implanted with isogenic tumors, and administration of Ang2-blocking antibodies to tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice. Fisher's exact test was used for analysis of metastasis occurrence, and repeated measures one-way analysis of variance was used for the analysis of primary tumor growth curves. Unpaired t test was used for all other analyses. All statistical tests were two-sided.
  RESULTS: Adenoviral expression of Ang2 increased lymph node and lung metastasis in tumor xenografts. The metastatic burden in the lungs was increased in transgenic mice in which Ang2 expression was induced specifically in the vascular endothelium (tumor burden per grid, VEC-tTA/Tet-OS-Ang2 mice [n = 5] vs control mice [n = 4]: 45.23 vs 12.26 mm(2), difference = 32.67 mm(2), 95% confidence interval = 31.87 to 34.07, P < .001). Ang2-blocking antibodies reduced lymph node and lung metastasis, as well as tumor lymphangiogenesis, and decreased tumor cell homing to the lungs after intravenous injection. In the lung metastases, Ang2 overexpression decreased endothelial integrity, whereas the Ang2-blocking antibodies improved endothelial cell-cell junctions and basement membrane contacts of metastasis-associated lung capillaries. At the cellular level, the Ang2-blocking antibodies induced the internalization of Ang2-Tie2 receptor complexes from endothelial cell-cell junctions in endothelial-tumor cell cocultures.
  CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that blocking Ang2 inhibits metastatic dissemination in part by enhancing the integrity of endothelial cell-cell junctions.
  

  PMID: 22343031 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Tumor-promoting versus tumor-antagonizing roles of γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy: results from a prospective phase I/II trial.

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Tumor-promoting versus tumor-antagonizing roles of γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy: results from a prospective phase I/II trial.

  J Immunother. 2012 Feb-Mar;35(2):205-13

  Authors: Kunzmann V, Smetak M, Kimmel B, Weigang-Koehler K, Goebeler M, Birkmann J, Becker J, Schmidt-Wolf IG, Einsele H, Wilhelm M

  Abstract
  Emerging evidence suggests that nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates have direct and indirect anticancer effects including immunomodulatory effects. Using in vivo targeting of bisphosphonate-reactive γδ T cells by adding low-dose interleukin-2 to zoledronic acid, we evaluated the safety, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of this immunotherapy approach in 21 adults with advanced malignancies (renal cell carcinoma [RCC], malignant melanoma, and acute myeloid leukemia). A total of 58 treatment cycles were administered and the median number of treatment cycles was 2.7 (range, 1 to 6). The regimen was well tolerated, with no grade 3 to 4 drug-related adverse events, except for fever. No objective responses were observed in both cohorts of solid tumors (RCC and malignant melanoma), whereas 2 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (25%) achieved objective tumor responses (partial remission). Pharmacodynamic analyses showed significant in vivo activation (interferon-γ production) and expansion of γδ T cells in all evaluable patients. High pretreatment serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and an unexpected increase in VEGF induced by zoledronic acid plus low-dose interleukin-2 were correlated with the lack of a clinical response. In conclusion, this study indicates that immunotherapy-induced VEGF can limit clinical innate tumor immune responses, especially for angiogenesis-dependent solid tumors. Our data challenge the current cellular immunotherapy paradigms in the treatment of cancer.
  

  PMID: 22306909 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  PD-1 blockade augments Th1 and Th17 and suppresses Th2 responses in peripheral blood from patients with prostate and advanced melanoma cancer.

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  PD-1 blockade augments Th1 and Th17 and suppresses Th2 responses in peripheral blood from patients with prostate and advanced melanoma cancer.

  J Immunother. 2012 Feb-Mar;35(2):169-78

  Authors: Dulos J, Carven GJ, van Boxtel SJ, Evers S, Driessen-Engels LJ, Hobo W, Gorecka MA, de Haan AF, Mulders P, Punt CJ, Jacobs JF, Schalken JA, Oosterwijk E, van Eenennaam H, Boots AM

  Abstract
  Negative costimulation on T cells is exploited by both prostate cancer and melanoma to evade antitumor immunity. Blocking such mechanisms restores antitumor immunity as was demonstrated by the improved survival of patients with metastatic melanoma after treatment with an antibody blocking the CTLA-4 inhibitory receptor (ipilimumab). Enhanced expression of another inhibitory immunoreceptor, programmed death-1 (PD-1), and its ligand, PD-L1, was found to correlate with a poor prognosis in prostate cancer and melanoma. PD-1-blocking antibodies are being developed to modulate antitumor immune responses. To support preclinical and clinical development of anti-PD-1 therapy, we sought to develop biomarker assays that can detect the effect of PD-1-blocking agents in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In this study, we assessed the effect of PD-1 blockade in modulating super antigen (staphylococcus enterotoxin B)-induced and recall antigen (tetanus toxoid)-induced T-cell reactivity in vitro using whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with advanced melanoma, prostate cancer, and healthy controls. PD-1 blockade was found to shift antigen-induced cellular reactivity toward a proinflammatory Th1/Th17 response, as evidenced by enhanced production of interferon γ, interleukin (IL)-2, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, and IL-17 and reduced production of the Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13. It is interesting to note that suppression of Th2 responsivity was seen with whole blood cells only from patients with cancer. Taken together, we identified novel biomarker assays that might be used to determine the functional consequences of PD-1 blockade in peripheral blood cells from patients with cancer. How these assays translate to the local antitumor response remains to be established in a clinical setting.
  

  PMID: 22306905 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Improving T-cell immunotherapy for melanoma through a mathematically motivated strategy: efficacy in numbers?

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Improving T-cell immunotherapy for melanoma through a mathematically motivated strategy: efficacy in numbers?

  J Immunother. 2012 Feb-Mar;35(2):116-24

  Authors: Kronik N, Kogan Y, Schlegel PG, Wölfl M

  Abstract
  T-cell mediated immunotherapy for malignant diseases has become an effective treatment option, especially in malignant melanoma. Recent advances have enabled the transfer of high T-cell numbers with high functionality. However, with more T cells becoming technically available for transfer, questions about dose, treatment schedule, and safety become most relevant. Mathematical oncology can simulate tumor characteristics in silico and predict the tumor response to novel therapeutics. Using similar methods to classical pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics-type models, mathematical oncology translates the findings into a multiparameter model system and simulates T-cell therapy for malignant diseases. The tumor and immune system dynamics model can provide minimal requirements (in terms of T-cell dose and T-cell functionality) depending on the tumor characteristics (growth rate, residual tumor size) for a clinical study, and help select the best treatment schedule (repetitive doses, minimally required duration, etc.). Here, we present a new mathematical model developed for modeling cellular immunotherapy for melanoma. Computer simulations based on the new model offer an explanation for the observed finding from clinical trials that the patients with the smallest tumor load respond better. We simulate different parameters critical for improvement of cellular therapy for patients with high tumor load of fast-growing tumors. We show that tumor growth rate and tumor load are crucial in predicting the outcome of T-cell therapy. Rather than intuitively extrapolating from experimental data, we demonstrate how mathematical oncology can assist in rational planning of clinical trials.
  

  PMID: 22306899 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Ascorbate depletion increases growth and metastasis of melanoma cells in vitamin C deficient mice.

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Ascorbate depletion increases growth and metastasis of melanoma cells in vitamin C deficient mice.

  Exp Oncol. 2011 Dec;33(4):226-30

  Authors: Cha J, Roomi MW, Ivanov V, Kalinovsky T, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M

  Abstract
  AIM: Our main objective was to determine the effect of ascorbate supplementation in mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid (gulo KO) when challenged with murine B16FO cancer cells.
  METHODS: Gulo KO female mice 36-40 weeks of age were deprived of or maintained on ascorbate in food and water for 4 weeks prior to subcutaneous injection of 2.5×10(6) B16FO murine melanoma cells in the right flank of mice. A control group of wild type mice were also injected with the melanoma cells and maintained on a regular murine diet. Mice were continued on their respective diets for another 2 weeks after injection. The mice were then sacrificed, blood was drawn and their tumors were measured, excised and processed for histology.
  RESULTS: Mean weight of animals decreased significantly (30%, p < 0.0001) in the ascorbate-restricted group but increased slightly, but insignificantly, in the ascorbate-supplemented group. The mean tumor weight in ascorbate supplemented mice was significantly reduced (by 64%, p = 0.004) compared to tumor weight in ascorbate-deprived gulo mice. The mean tumor weight of wild type mice did not differ significantly from the ascorbate-supplemented mice. Gulo KO mice supplemented with ascorbate developed smaller tumors with more collagen encapsulation and fibrous capsule interdigitation, while gulo KO mice deprived of ascorbate hosted large tumors with poorly defined borders, showing more necrosis and mitosis. Ascorbate supplementation of gulo KO mice resulted in profoundly decreased serum inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (90% decrease, p = 0.04) and IL-1β (62% decrease) compared to the levels in gulo KO mice deprived of ascorbate.
  CONCLUSION: Ascorbate supplementation modulated tumor growth and inflammatory cytokine secretion as well as enhanced encapsulation of tumors in scorbutic mice.
  

  PMID: 22217712 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [The molecular mechanism of extravasation in mouse melanoma lung metastasis model].

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [The molecular mechanism of extravasation in mouse melanoma lung metastasis model].

  Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2011 Sep;42(5):594-8

  Authors: Pang LM, Zhao CJ, Zhao YW, Li ZM, Yang HS, Wei YQ

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: To study molecular mechanisms underlying the extravasation of mice melanoma cells during lung metastasis.
  METHODS: B16-RED melanoma cell line was established which stably express the red fluorescent protein. B16-RED cells were compared with B16 cells in ability of proliferation and lung metastasis. A mouse lung metastasis model was established with B16-RED melanoma cells. FITC-dextran was injected i.v. and CD31 indirect immunoflourescence (IIF) staining was made to identify the location of the tumor cells and the time of tumor cell extravasation. Finally, at 48 hours post cell injection, the lung and a normal lung were removed and used for 32K mice microarray analysis.
  RESULTS: B16-RED was consistent with B16 in cell shape and ability of proliferation and lung metastasis. 52.7% of B16-RED melanoma cells completed the extravasation within 48 hours in mouse lung metastasis model. Many important signal pathways were involved during lung metastasis, including leukocyte transendothelial migration, MAPK signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, axon guidance, calcium signaling pathway, tight junction, etc.
  CONCLUSION: The extravasation during metastasis is a complex and multiple-steps process, in which many important signal pathways in host tissues were involved.
  

  PMID: 22007479 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Controlled release of octreotide and assessment of peptide acylation from poly(D,L-lactide-co-hydroxymethyl glycolide) compared to PLGA microspheres.

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Controlled release of octreotide and assessment of peptide acylation from poly(D,L-lactide-co-hydroxymethyl glycolide) compared to PLGA microspheres.

  Pharm Res. 2012 Jan;29(1):110-20

  Authors: Ghassemi AH, van Steenbergen MJ, Barendregt A, Talsma H, Kok RJ, van Nostrum CF, Crommelin DJ, Hennink WE

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: To investigate the in vitro release of octreotide acetate, a somatostatin agonist, from microspheres based on a hydrophilic polyester, poly(D,L-lactide-co-hydroxymethyl glycolide) (PLHMGA).
  METHODS: Spherical and non-porous octreotide-loaded PLHMGA microspheres (12 to 16 μm) and loading efficiency of 60-70% were prepared by a solvent evaporation. Octreotide release profiles were compared with commercial PLGA formulation (Sandostatin LAR(®)); possible peptide modification with lactic, glycolic and hydroxymethyl glycolic acid units was monitored.
  RESULTS: PLHMGA microspheres showed burst release (~20%) followed by sustained release for 20-60 days, depending on the hydrophilicity of the polymer. Percentage of released loaded peptide was high (70-90%); > 60% of released peptide was native octreotide. PLGA microspheres did not show peptide release for the first 10 days, after which it was released in a sustained manner over the next 90 days; > 75% of released peptides were acylated adducts.
  CONCLUSIONS: PLHMGA microspheres are promising controlled systems for peptides with excellent control over release kinetics. Moreover, substantially less peptide modification occurred in PLHMGA than in PLGA microspheres.
  

  PMID: 21744173 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Gene expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes SSTR2a, SSTR3 and SSTR5 in peripheral blood of neuroendocrine lung cancer affected patients.

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Gene expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes SSTR2a, SSTR3 and SSTR5 in peripheral blood of neuroendocrine lung cancer affected patients.

  Cell Oncol (Dordr). 2011 Oct;34(5):435-41

  Authors: Muscarella LA, D'Alessandro V, la Torre A, Copetti M, De Cata A, Parrella P, Sperandeo M, Pellegrini F, Frusciante V, Maiello E, Merla G, Fazio VM, Vendemiale G

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Somatostatin (SS) acts as a universal endocrine off-switch, and also inhibits the growth of neuroendocrine tumours through its specific receptors (SSTRs). Somatostatin receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors, which are encoded by five separate genes (SSTR1-5). Short peptide analogues demonstrate specific binding only for the subgroup consisting of SSTR2a, SSTR3 and SSTR5. Moreover, previous studies reported that expression of mRNA for SSTR2a correlated with therapeutic outcome in patients with carcinoid tumours treated with somatostatin analogs.
  PURPOSE: To develop and apply a Real Time Quantitative PCR technique (RT-qPCR) to compare and contrast the mRNA levels of SSTR2a, SSTR3 and SSTR5 in Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer affected patients.
  METHODS: Peripheral blood samples from 21 neuroendocrine lung cancer affected patients (14 SCLC, 6 LC and 1 LCNEC) subjected to scintigraphy with (111)In-DTPA-D-Phe(1)-octreotide (OctreoScan) and 24 healthy blood donors were investigated by RT-qPCR. mRNA levels for SSTR2a, SSTR3 and SSTR5 were measured in peripheral blood samples with a relative quantification method using plasmid dilutions as calibration curves and GAPDH as reference gene.
  RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in target genes/GAPDH copy number ratio was found for SSTR2a (median 38; IQR 22-141) and SSTR5 (median 51; IQR 19-499) in neuroendocrine lung cancer affected patients as compared with samples from healthy blood donors (P ≤ 0.0003 and P ≤ 0.0005). Since low levels of expression were detected in the control group for all three genes, optimal cut-off values were assessed using ROC curve analyses and were equal to 9.05 for SSTR2a and 16.97 for SSTR5. These cut off values resulted in a sensitivity of 86% (95%IC 65-95) for both markers and a specificity of 83% (95%IC 64-93%) and 79% (95%IC 60-91%) for SSTR2a and SSTR5 respectively. Comparison between OctreoScan results and RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated agreement in 76% of the cases.
  CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that SSTR2a and SSTR5 mRNAs are detectable in peripheral blood of neuroendocrine lung cancer affected patients using real-time quantitative PCR, with a good agreement with OctreoScan. The high sensitivity of this non-invasive molecular technique suggests that this method could represent a useful tool in the clinical management of neuroendocrine lung cancers.
  

  PMID: 21503779 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [Surgery strategy about C1-2 dumbbell tumor].

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Surgery strategy about C1-2 dumbbell tumor].

  Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. 2011 Apr 18;43(2):301-3

  Authors: Ma CC, Wang ZY, Yu T

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: To study the operation of C1-2 dumbbell-shaped tumor, and its effect on the cervical spine stability.
  METHODS: Different surgical tumor resection was selected according to the tumor size and the invasion scope. Hemilaminectomy was the first choice for the resection of the tumor at intr-extraspinal canal in the conventional prone position. After the tumor was fully revealed, the epidural tumor was removed first with enough space to be vacated, then the subdural section was removed. If the tumor in the spinal canal was more than half of the spinal canal, to prevent spinal cord injury, the part of the C1-2 spinous process base should be removed to facilitate the exposure. Dural defect should be repaired and the muscle sutured to achieve anatomic reduction in order to facilitate the stability of the cervical spine. Lateral approach should be combined to resect the tumor if its total removal was impossible as the tumor had invaded the spinal canal outside over 4 cm or completely surrounded the vertebral artery.
  RESULTS: C1-2 dumbbell-type tumors were treated in 16 cases, of which 12 were of schwannoma, 3 of meningioma and 1 of ganglion cell tumor. Total resection was in 14 cases, and subtotal resection in 2. After operation, the symptoms of pain in the neck and upper limb muscle weakness were relieved. All the patients were followed up. The follow-up period was 3-48 months. No cervical spine instability or tumor recurrence was found.
  CONCLUSION: C1-2 dumbbell-shaped tumors could be well resected by poster-median hemilamiectomy approach or joint lateral approach , and the stability of cervical spine could be better maintained at the same time.
  

  PMID: 21503131 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [(131)I labeling and bioactivity evaluation of a novel RGD dimer targeted to integrin αvβ3 receptor].

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [(131)I labeling and bioactivity evaluation of a novel RGD dimer targeted to integrin αvβ3 receptor].

  Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. 2011 Apr 18;43(2):295-300

  Authors: Zhang CL, Wang RF, Zhang L, Guo FQ, Li L, Kang L, Yan P, Yang M

  Abstract
  OBJECTIVE: To study the (131)I labeling, tumor targeting property, biodistrubution and imaging of a novel disulfide bridged Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide dimer and investigate its possibility for tumor angiogenesis imaging.
  METHODS: A disulfide bridged cRGD peptide dimer [c(RGD)2] was designed according to the published RESULTS of structure-activity relationship study of c(RGDfV) and modified with hydrophilic amino acid. The affinity of the peptide to αvβ3 receptor was determined by binding assay. The peptide was labeled with (131)I by ChT method. The stability and lg n-octanol-water partition coefficient of the labeled peptide were tested. The biodistribution, inhibition with unlabeled peptide and imaging were performed by injecting the labeled peptide into the mice bearing meloma B16.
  RESULTS: The (131)I labeling efficiency and radiochemical purity were (76.35 ± 2.33)% and (95.20 ± 3.25)%, respectively. Ka was (0.137 ± 0.057) × 10(9) /mol/L, and lgPo(ctanol/water) was-1.628. The tumor uptake of the labeled peptide at 1 h, 3 h, 5 h and 24 h were (0.67 ± 0.13)%ID/g, (0.42 ± 0.08)%ID/g, (0.51± 0.11)%ID/g and (0.18 ± 0.02)%ID/g, respectively. The tumor clearance was low, so the T/NT increased with time. The T/M and T/B were 4.42 ± 1.70 and 2.27 ± 0.45, respectively, 24 h post-injection. The hepatic uptake of the labeled peptide was low. The tumor-to-liver ratio was 2.10 ± 0.60 at 1 h post-injection, coinjection of c(RGD)2 with (131)I-c(RGD)2 resulted in a significant decrease in tumor uptake. In total body images, only kidneys were distinctive whereas tumor was clear in chest images 3 h post-injection.
  CONCLUSION: c(RGD)2 can be successfully labeled with (131)I by ChT method. The labeled peptide can be specifically combined with tumor, which suggests its possibility in tumor angiogenesis imaging. Its low liver uptake provides an advantage for tumor imaging.
  

  PMID: 21503130 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [Laboratory evaluation of TGFbeta1, IL-10, VEGF levels in vivo and in vitro in patients with solid tumors].

  Fetched: May 5th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Laboratory evaluation of TGFbeta1, IL-10, VEGF levels in vivo and in vitro in patients with solid tumors].

  Vopr Onkol. 2011;57(6):759-66

  Authors: Danilova AB, Danilov AO, Fakhrutdinova OL, Baldueva IA, Moiseenko VM

  Abstract
  Tumor cells can acquire the mechanisms of immune response evasion. One of these mechanisms is synthesis and secretion in the microenvironment of immunosuppressive factors able to block immune cells maturation and function. We investigated plasma levels of TGFbeta1 and IL0 in 10 healthy volunteers and 114 patients with solid tumors (breast cancer--24, gastrointestinal tumors--27, renal cell carcinoma--15, lung cancer--9, ovarian cancer--13, cutaneous melanoma--18, primary multiple tumors--2, prostate cancer--6). TGFbeta and IL10 concentration in supernatants of 37 primary cultures (cutaneous melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer) and 10 cultures of melanoma during cultivation were also studied. VEGF was determined by immunocytochemistry staining in 15 melanoma culture specimens. The lowest level of TGFbeta1 was documented in rectal cancer patients, 30.05 +/- 12.30 ng/ml (p < 0.05), the highest in renal cell cancer and pancreatic cancer patients, 145.61 +/- 11.32 and 146.15 +/- 30.56 ng/ml (p < 0.001), respectively. Primary cultures of tumor cells can synthesize traceable amounts of TGFbeta1 and IL10. Cultures of cutaneous melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer cells did not change expression level of IL-10 after several passages. VEGF was expressed in 20% of cutaneous melanoma cultures. We suppose that tests for TGFbeta1, IL10 and VEGF in culture supernatants from tumor cell lines, on the surface of the cells purposed for cancer vaccines and in serum of patients to be vaccinated are potentially useful.
  

  PMID: 22416394 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Ki-67 labeling: A more sensitive indicator of malignant phenotype than mitotic count or tumor size?

  Fetched: May 4th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Ki-67 labeling: A more sensitive indicator of malignant phenotype than mitotic count or tumor size?

  J Surg Oncol. 2012 May 1;

  Authors: Lowe K, Khithani A, Liu E, Winston T, Christian D, Saad J, Jeyarajah DR

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Ki-67 index has been incorporated into The World Health Organization's classification system of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. However, pathologists continue to question the utility of Ki-67 index over that of mitotic count as an indicator of proliferative activity. The intent of the current study is to compare K-i67 index with tumor size and mitotic rate for the association of each with lymph node metastasis and survival. METHODS: The current study is a review of 24 patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. RESULTS: Regional LNM were present in 100% of tumors with Ki-67 index >10%, while only 25% of tumors with <10% Ki-67 had LNM (P = 0.003). No tumors <2 cm had >10% Ki-67 labeling. Of patients with tumors showing ≥10% Ki-67 labeling, 80% died during the observation period of this study, while during the same time period, no patients with <10% Ki-67 labeling died. CONCLUSION: Ki-67 index of >10% is a sensitive indicator of malignant behavior and mortality. Future advances in management of pNETs will require development of staging guidelines with higher predictive value. Inclusion of Ki-67 labeling >10% as an indicator of aggressive disease may contribute to such improvements. J. Surg. Oncol © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
  

  PMID: 22549809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  The ghost carcinoid in a patient with 120-fold elevated 5-HIAA.

  Fetched: May 4th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  The ghost carcinoid in a patient with 120-fold elevated 5-HIAA.

  Endocr Pract. 2012 May 1;:1-6

  Authors: Yu R

  PMID: 22548955 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery for mid-rectal lesions.

  Fetched: May 2nd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery for mid-rectal lesions.

  Surg Endosc. 2012 Apr 28;

  Authors: Lim SB, Seo SI, Lee JL, Kwak JY, Jang TY, Kim CW, Yoon YS, Yu CS, Kim JC

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) has emerged as an alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery. We assessed the feasibility of TAMIS for lesions located in the mid rectum. METHODS: From July 2010 to October 2011, 16 consecutive patients with rectal pathology underwent TAMIS. After a single-incision laparoscopic surgery port was introduced into the anal canal, pneumorectum was established with a laparoscopic device, followed by transanal excision with conventional laparoscopic instruments, including graspers, monopolar electrocautery, and needle drivers. Clinicopathological findings, surgical procedure results, and perioperative outcomes were determined prospectively. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 11 had rectal cancers (3 T1 lesions and 8 after preoperative chemoradiotherapy), 4 had neuroendocrine tumors, and 1 had a mucocele. The median length of the lesions from anal verge was 7.5 cm (range 4-10 cm). All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion to conventional transanal approach. The median operating time was 86 min (range 33-160 min), and the median estimated blood loss was 15 ml (range 0-150 ml) with no patient requiring intraoperative transfusions. There was no surgical morbidity or mortality, but one patient died during follow-up due to synchronous advanced gastric cancer. The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-6 days). CONCLUSIONS: TAMIS seems to be a feasible and safe treatment option for lesions located in the mid rectum.
  

  PMID: 22543995 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  MENX.

  Fetched: May 2nd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  MENX.

  Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2012 Apr 25;

  Authors: Pellegata NS

  Abstract
  Multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN) are a group of hereditary disorders characterized by tumors arising in more than one neuroendocrine tissue. There are two major forms which can occur in humans, MEN type 1 (MEN1) and MEN type 2 (MEN2). These syndromes are transmitted as autosomal dominant traits with high penetrance and have a different tumor spectrum. MEN1 and MEN2 are caused by germline mutations in the MEN1 and RET genes, respectively. Recently, a variant of the MEN syndromes was discovered in a rat colony and was named MENX since affected animals develop tumors with a spectrum that shares features with both MEN1 and MEN2 human syndromes. Extensive genetic studies identified a germline mutation in the Cdkn1b gene, encoding the p27 cell cycle inhibitor, as the causative mutation for MENX. Capitalizing on these findings, heterozygous germline mutations in the human homologue, CDKN1B, were searched for and identified in patients with multiple endocrine tumors. As a consequence of this discovery, a novel human MEN syndrome, named MEN4, was recognized which is caused by mutations in p27. Altogether these studies identified Cdkn1b/CDKN1B as a novel tumor susceptibility gene for multiple endocrine tumors in both rats and humans. Here I review the phenotypic features and the genetics of the MENX rat syndrome. I briefly address the main functions of p27 and how they are affected by the MENX-associated mutation. Finally, I present examples of how this animal model might be exploited as a translational platform for preclinical studies of pituitary adenomas.
  

  PMID: 22542001 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  Asymmetric intense bilateral adrenal uptake on [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a patient with solitary pulmonary nodule.

  Fetched: May 2nd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Asymmetric intense bilateral adrenal uptake on [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a patient with solitary pulmonary nodule.

  J Clin Oncol. 2012 Feb 20;30(6):e83-5

  Authors: Cheng MF, Lin MW, Wu CT, Shih SR, Wu YW, Tzen KY, Yen RF

  PMID: 22215749 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome during ipilimumab therapy for malignant melanoma.

  Fetched: May 2nd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome during ipilimumab therapy for malignant melanoma.

  J Clin Oncol. 2012 Feb 20;30(6):e76-8

  Authors: Maur M, Tomasello C, Frassoldati A, Dieci MV, Barbieri E, Conte P

  PMID: 22203769 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [A case of a carcinoid tumour presenting as an "upper lobe syndrome"].

  Fetched: May 2nd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [A case of a carcinoid tumour presenting as an "upper lobe syndrome"].

  Rev Mal Respir. 2011 Nov;28(9):1172-5

  Authors: Noël-Savina E, Tromeur C, Quere G, Choplain JN, Leroyer C, Descourt R

  Abstract
  A 53-year-old woman presented with progressive cough related to an endobronchial carcinoid tumour. The location of the tumour in the right upper lobe bronchus could be described as an "upper lobe syndrome" by analogy with the "middle lobe syndrome" or Brock's syndrome. Surgical management consisted of lobectomy and lymph node dissection. This established the diagnosis of typical carcinoid tumour. There was no mediastinal nodal invasion. Three months after surgery all symptoms had disappeared.
  

  PMID: 22123146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Suppression of the maturation and activation of the dendritic cell line DC2.4 by melanoma-derived factors.

  Fetched: May 2nd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Suppression of the maturation and activation of the dendritic cell line DC2.4 by melanoma-derived factors.

  Cell Immunol. 2012;272(2):275-82

  Authors: Hargadon KM, Forrest OA, Reddy PR

  Abstract
  Dendritic cells play critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, and their numerous functions are tightly linked to their maturation and activation status. Here, we characterize the murine dendritic cell line DC2.4 as a model for studying dendritic cell maturation and activation, and we evaluate the influence of melanoma tumor cells on these processes. Exposure of DC2.4 cells to the Toll-like receptor ligand lipopolysaccharide induces both maturation and activation of these cells, characterized by upregulation of costimulatory molecule expression and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production. This maturation and activation is suppressed by soluble factors derived from both the highly tumorigenic B16-F1 and the poorly tumorigenic D5.1G4 murine melanoma cell lines. Interestingly, the extent of DC2.4 immunosuppression by these melanomas correlates with their tumorigenicity, suggesting a potentially vital role for dendritic cell/tumor cell interactions in the regulation of anti-tumor immunity and tumor outgrowth.
  

  PMID: 22051048 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [Management of pregnant women with advanced cervical cancer: About five cases observed in Lille from 2002 till 2009. Evaluation of practices referring to the new French recommendations of 2008].

  Fetched: May 2nd, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Management of pregnant women with advanced cervical cancer: About five cases observed in Lille from 2002 till 2009. Evaluation of practices referring to the new French recommendations of 2008].

  J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2011 Oct;40(6):514-21

  Authors: Carillon MA, Emmanuelli V, Castelain B, Taieb S, Collinet P, Vinatier D, Lesoin A, Chevalier-Evain V, Leblanc E, Narducci F

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: An update on the management of invasive cervical cancer (from stage IB) diagnosed during pregnancy with reference to the recent French guidelines.
  PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients for whom invasive cervical cancer was diagnosed during pregnancy and managed jointly by Jeanne-de-Flandres and Roubaix maternity and by Oscar-Lambret cancer center between 2002 and 2009.
  RESULTS: Five patients were included: four stage IB1, and one stage IB2. Five pregnancies resulted in the birth of six alive children. Three patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy during pregnancy. One patient had a laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in first trimester. Two laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraortic lymphadenectomy have been made. The mean time of survey is 47.5 months (12-94 months). One patient died of her cancer.
  CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of cervical cancer during pregnancy involves the same therapeutic guidelines in the absence of pregnancy. The laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (up to 20 to 24 weeks of gestation) is crucial in the therapeutic treatment for tumors less than 4cm. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used during pregnancy for patients refusing medical termination of pregnancy.
  

  PMID: 21807469 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  The clinical value of MRI using single-shot echoplanar DWI to identify liver involvement in patients with advanced gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), compared to FSE T2 and FFE T1 weighted image after i.v. Gd-EOB-DTPA contrast enhan

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  The clinical value of MRI using single-shot echoplanar DWI to identify liver involvement in patients with advanced gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), compared to FSE T2 and FFE T1 weighted image after i.v. Gd-EOB-DTPA contrast enhancement.

  Med Sci Monit. 2012 Apr 23;18(5):MT33-40

  Authors: Sankowski AJ, Cwikla JB, Nowicki ML, Chaberek S, Pech M, Lewczuk A, Walecki J

  Abstract
  Background: To assess the detection rate of liver lesions in patients with advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NETs) using echo planar (EP) DWI (diffusion weighted imaging) as compared to standard FSE T2 wi and FFE T1 wi with i.v. (Gd-EOB)-DTPA.<br /> Material/Methods: This prospective single-institution study included 55 patients with liver involvement confirmed by GEP-NETs 1.5T MRI system, using FSE T2, EP DWI and FFE T1 with i.v. (Gd-EOB)-DTPA. The potential differences between detection rates of liver deposits using 3 different MR approaches and between groups of patients were compared.<br /> Results: Mean number of liver deposits: FSE T2=20.7, FFE T1=25.7 and tested EP DWI=24.0. No significant difference was found in overall detection rate of liver deposits seen in 3 different techniques. A significant difference in detection rate of liver deposits was noted between male vs. female and secreting vs. non-secreting cancers. There was nearly perfect agreement between both observers, and each of the tested MRI approaches in regards to number of detected liver lesions (Cohen's kappa=0.848-1).<br /> Conclusions: There were no significant differences among the 3 different MRI approaches in detection rates of liver deposits. Perfect agreement with high detection rate of liver deposits provides a rationale for the use of EP DWI in follow-up studies in GEP-NET patients.<br />
  

  PMID: 22534718 [PubMed - in process]

• 

  Spectrum of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the uterine cervix, including histopathologic features, terminology, immunohistochemical profile, and clinical outcomes in a series of 50 cases from a single institution in India.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Spectrum of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the uterine cervix, including histopathologic features, terminology, immunohistochemical profile, and clinical outcomes in a series of 50 cases from a single institution in India.

  Ann Diagn Pathol. 2012 Apr 23;

  Authors: Rekhi B, Patil B, Deodhar KK, Maheshwari A, A Kerkar R, Gupta S, Tongaonkar HB, Shrivastava SK

  Abstract
  Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the cervix are uncommon, characterized by a histomorphological spectrum and, mostly, an aggressive clinical course. There are only few substantial studies on such cases documented from our country, where cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women. Herein, we present a spectrum of 50 cervical neuroendocrine carcinomas, including histopathologic features, terminology, immunohistochemical (IHC) profile, and clinical outcomes, wherever available. Fifty tumors occurred in women, with their age ranging from 23 to 69 years (mean, 48.6 years; median, 46.5 years). Stagewise, among 25 cases, most cases (6, or 24%) presented with stage IB. Average tumor size was 4.7 cm. On histopathologic review, 26 tumors (52%) were classified as small cell carcinoma (SMCA); 14 (28%), as large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs); 4 (8%), as SMCA+LCNECs; and 6, as mixed carcinomas, including 3 tumors (6%) with SMCA and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 2 tumors (4%) with LCNEC and adenocarcinoma, and a single tumor (2%) with LCNEC and squamous cell carcinoma. On IHC performed in 41 tumors (82%), 36 tumors (87.8%) were positive for at least a single neuroendocrine marker, and 22 (53.6%) expressed 2 neuroendocrine markers. Synaptophysin was positive in 22 (59.4%) of 37 tumors; chromogranin, in 27 (72.9%) of 37; CD56, in 8 (100%) of 8; and neuron-specific enolase in 7 (87.5%) of 8 tumors. Treatment wise, among 30 patients (60%), 6 (20%) underwent surgery, including Wertheim hysterectomy (5) and simple hysterectomy (1); 8 (26.6%) underwent surgery with adjuvant treatment, and 10 patients (33.3%) were offered chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. On follow-up (27 patients, or 54%) over 1 to 144 months, 16 patients (59.2%) were alive with disease over median duration of 9 months, and 7 (25.9%) were free of disease over median duration of 26.5 months. There were 5 recorded deaths. Thirteen tumors (48.1%) metastasized, most commonly to liver. In cases with early stage disease and adjuvant treatment, including radiotherapy, LCNEC histology fared well. This study forms the largest documented series on cervical neuroendocrine carcinomas from our country, testifying the current histopathologic classification system. Although SMCAs can be recognized on morphology, LCNECs need to be correctly identified because these can be misdiagnosed in the absence of neuroendocrine markers. Synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD56 are optimal IHC markers. Small cell carcinomas, pure or mixed, are relatively more aggressive. All these tumors are best treated with multimodal therapy. Early stage disease treated with radical surgery and adjuvant treatment seems to increase survival. Despite aggressive treatment, prognosis is dismal.
  

  PMID: 22534245 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  [Choroidal melanoma and maculopathy].

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Choroidal melanoma and maculopathy].

  Vestn Oftalmol. 2011 Nov-Dec;127(6):3-6

  Authors: Brovkina AF, Zargarian AE, Tyrkina KI, Shut'ko EIu

  Abstract
  Distant macular changes were revealed in 21 of 28 patients with intraocular melanoma. In 13 eyes maculopathy was very distant from choroidal melanoma (CM), in 4 cases the tumor was located preequatorially and in 9 patients in the posterior fundus beyond the macular zone. In 8 patients bilateral AMD was found along with CM. Revealed changes are considered to be tumor-associated sign of progressing CM. Association of AMD and CM should be considered as a combination of two distinct conditions, when CM disturbs hematoretinal barrier and thus leads to AMD progression.
  

  PMID: 22442984 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  [Laparoscopic pancreatic distal resection for vipoma].

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Laparoscopic pancreatic distal resection for vipoma].

  Klin Khir. 2011 Dec;(12):71-2

  Authors: Skums AV, Shkarban VP, Lips'ka OIe

  PMID: 22432199 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Pre- and posttransplant management of solid organ transplant recipients: risk-adjusted follow-up.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Pre- and posttransplant management of solid organ transplant recipients: risk-adjusted follow-up.

  Curr Probl Dermatol. 2012;43:57-70

  Authors: Schreve BS, Anliker M, Arnold AW, Kempf W, Laffitte E, Lapointe AK, Mainetti C, Pelloni F, Oberholzer P, Serra A, Streit M, Hofbauer GF,

  Abstract
  Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) have an increased risk of skin cancer due to their long-term immunosuppressive state. As the number of these patients is increasing, as well as their life expectancy, it is important to discuss the screening and management of skin cancer in this group of patients. The role of the dermatologist, in collaboration with the transplant team, is important both before transplantation, where patients are screened for skin lesions and the individual risk for skin cancer development is assessed, and after transplantation. Posttransplant management consists of regular dermatological consultations (the frequency depends on different factors discussed below), where early skin cancer screening and management, as well as patient education on sun protective behavior is taught and enforced. Indeed, SOTR are very sensitive to sun damage due to their immunosuppressive state, leading to cumulative sun damage which results in field cancerization with numerous lesions such as in situ squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease. These lesions should be recognized and treated as early as possible. Therapeutic options discussed will involve topical therapy, surgical management, adjustment of the patient's immunosuppressive therapy (i.e. reduction of immunosuppression and/or switch to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors) and chemoprevention with the retinoid acitretin, which reduces the recurrence rate of squamous cell carcinoma. The dermatological follow-up of SOTR should be integrated into the comprehensive posttransplant care.
  

  PMID: 22377920 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Critical skin cancer in organ transplant recipients--a dermatopathological view.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Critical skin cancer in organ transplant recipients--a dermatopathological view.

  Curr Probl Dermatol. 2012;43:18-35

  Authors: Kempf W, Mertz KD, Kanitakis J, Hofbauer GF

  Abstract
  Organ transplant recipients (OTR) are at significantly increased risk to develop a wide variety of skin cancers, particularly epithelial skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. In addition, melanoma, skin adnexal neoplasm and cutaneous lymphomas are more common in OTR and may differ in their clinicopathological presentation from tumors in immunocompetent patients. The accuracy of clinical diagnosis of suspected premalignant and malignant skin lesions in OTR is modest. Therefore, histopathological diagnosis is an essential element for the diagnostic workup of skin cancers, and additionally provides important information on prognosis. This review discusses the histopathological aspects of skin cancers in OTR, the impact of dermatopathological analysis on prognosis and understanding of the pathogenesis of these neoplasms.
  

  PMID: 22377917 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  The current status of S-100B as a biomarker in melanoma.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  The current status of S-100B as a biomarker in melanoma.

  Eur J Surg Oncol. 2012 Apr;38(4):281-5

  Authors: Kruijff S, Hoekstra HJ

  Abstract
  Melanoma is the most malignant type of all skin cancer types. It causes over 75% of all skin cancer related mortality. In the Netherlands, the total number of new diagnosed melanoma patients is expected to increase from 2400 patients in 2000 to 4800 patients in 2015. After surgical treatment, 20-28% of melanoma patients present with loco-regional recurrence, 26-60% with regional recurrences, and 15-50% with distant metastases. Early detection of lymph node (micro) metastases by means of a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is therefore of crucial importance since early lymph node dissection decrease treatment morbidity and improve overall survival. However when patients present with palpable nodes, given the heterogeneity in survival, the suspicion rises that numerous patients have a form of subclinical dissemination, which can remain undetected by current modern imaging methods. Biomarkers could illuminate on this matter, although there is very little understanding of their biological significance. It can be expected that the strongest biological markers are surrogates of key biological events. The protein S-100B seems to be the best analyzed biomarker in melanoma. It has the potential to identify high-risk stage III melanoma patients who may benefit from adjuvant systematic treatment. In the stratification of new adjuvant therapeutic trials in patients with loco-regional recurrences, we therefore recommend the use of S-100B in the stratification. Since an effective (adjuvant) therapy for loco-regional metastatic and disseminated melanoma is recently introduced, the use of S-100B seems to alter dramatically in the near future.
  

  PMID: 22240030 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Long-term tumor control and cranial nerve outcomes following γ knife surgery for larger-volume vestibular schwannomas.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Long-term tumor control and cranial nerve outcomes following γ knife surgery for larger-volume vestibular schwannomas.

  J Neurosurg. 2012 Mar;116(3):598-604

  Authors: Milligan BD, Pollock BE, Foote RL, Link MJ

  Abstract
  OBJECT: γ knife surgery (GKS) for vestibular schwannoma (VS) is an accepted treatment for small- to medium-sized tumors, generally smaller than 2.5 cm in the maximum posterior fossa dimension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of GKS for larger tumors.
  METHODS: Prospectively collected data were analyzed for 22 patients who had undergone GKS for VSs larger than 2.5 cm in the posterior fossa diameter between 1997 and 2006. No patient had symptomatic brainstem compression at the time of GKS. The median treated tumor volume was 9.4 cm(3) (range 5.3-19.1 cm(3)). The median maximum posterior fossa diameter was 2.8 cm (range 2.5-3.8 cm). The median tumor margin dose was 12 Gy (range 12-14 Gy). Serial imaging, audiometry (10 patients with serviceable hearing pre-GKS), and clinical follow-up were available for a median of 66 months (range 26-121 months). Tumor control failure was defined as either a progressive increase in tumor diameter of at least 2 mm in any dimension or a later resection.
  RESULTS: Four patients met the criteria for GKS failure, including 1 patient who demonstrated sarcomatous degeneration more than 7 years after GKS and died 3 months after microsurgical debulking. An enlarging cystic component was the surgical indication in 1 of the 2 patients who required resection, although 27% of tumors (6 lesions) were cystic before GKS. The 3-year actuarial rate of tumor control, freedom from new facial neuropathy, and preservation of functional hearing were 86%, 92%, and 47%, respectively. At 5 years post-GKS, these rates decreased to 82%, 85%, and 28%, respectively. At the most recent follow-up, 91% of tumors were smaller than at the time of GKS and the median maximum posterior fossa diameter reduction was 26%. On multivariate analysis, none of the following factors was associated with GKS failure, new facial weakness, new trigeminal neuropathy, or loss of serviceable hearing: patient age, tumor volume, tumor margin dose, and preoperative cranial nerve dysfunction.
  CONCLUSIONS: Single-session radiosurgery is a successful treatment for the majority of patients with larger VSs. Although tumor control rates are lower than those for smaller VSs managed with GKS, the cranial nerve morbidity of GKS is significantly lower than that typically achieved via resection of larger VSs.
  

  PMID: 22175724 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Late diagnosis of type 2B multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN 2B) in a 23 year-old patient.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Late diagnosis of type 2B multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN 2B) in a 23 year-old patient.

  Endokrynol Pol. 2011;62(6):548-53

  Authors: Andrysiak-Mamos E, Sowińska-Przepiera E, Żochowska E, Kazimierczyk-Puchalska A, Syrenicz J, Lubikowski J, Birkenfeld B, Syrenicz A

  Abstract
  We present a case of MEN 2B diagnosed in a 23 year-old patient on the basis of bilateral pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma. This young male patient also had multiple paragangliomas located along the spine, marfanoid features of body habitus and numerous mucosal neuromas of the oral cavity and intestinal ganglioneuromatosis. The patient was hospitalised several times between the ages of 11 and 14 due to heart rhythm disorders (tachycardia, multiple supraventricular beats) and pain in the precardiac area. Elevated blood pressure was not observed at that time. In 2010, the patient was admitted to hospital due to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and hypertension; bilateral adrenal tumours were then detected. The patient was referred to the Department of Endocrinology in Szczecin, with suspected pheochromocytoma in order to continue the diagnostic process. This resulted in the diagnosis of bilateral pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma. On the basis of the whole clinical picture, the diagnosis of MEN 2B was established and subsequently confirmed with genetic test results. Following the removal of adrenal tumours and thyroidectomy, the patient was referred to the Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology in Gliwice for further treatment (X-ray therapy and further surgery due to recurrence of medullary carcinoma). This article presents a case of late MEN 2B diagnosis despite the presence of clinical symptoms suggestive of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia observed from early childhood.
  

  PMID: 22144222 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning and non-functioning adrenal tumours.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning and non-functioning adrenal tumours.

  Endokrynol Pol. 2011;62(6):512-6

  Authors: Lubikowski J, Kiedrowicz B, Szajko M, Andrysiak-Mamos E, Pynka S, Wójcicki M, Jarosz K, Koziołek M, Fuchs H, Post M, Safranow K, Syrenicz A

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was a retrospective analysis of outcomes following laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) performed for benign adrenal tumours responsible for various endocrinological disorders. The patients were diagnosed with non-functioning (NFT) and functioning adrenal tumours (FT) including pheochromocytoma (PH), Conn's syndrome (CO) and Cushing's (CS) syndrome.
  MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 165 LAs were carried out between August 1995 and September 2009 via either the transperitoneal (n = 38) or retroperitoneal (n = 127) approach. The analysed factors included demographic data of patients, the American Association of Anaesthesiology score (ASA), indication for surgery, tumour size and side, intraoperative and postoperative outcome of LA including duration of surgery, blood loss, time until ambulation, length of hospital stay, time until return to normal activity, the complication rate, as well as the conversion rate to open adrenalectomy.
  RESULTS: There were 111 patients with NFT and 54 with FT. Patients with NFT were significantly older than those with CO (p < 0.05). The mean size of the lesion differed between CO and other adrenal tumours (p < 0.05) as well as between NFT and PH (p < 0.05). All the lesions except aldosteronomas were detected predominantly in the right adrenal gland (p < 0.05). However, despite the different characteristic and clinical disorders related to laparoscopically removed adrenal tumours, the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes did not significantly differ in most cases between the analysed groups of patients.
  CONCLUSION: This study shows that LA is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated procedure despite the hormonal activity of the removed lesions. Minimal invasive surgery may be recommended as the 'gold standard' in the treatment of both functioning and non-functioning benign tumours of the adrenal gland.
  

  PMID: 22144217 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Evaluation of apoptotic effect of cyclic imide derivatives on murine B16F10 melanoma cells.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Evaluation of apoptotic effect of cyclic imide derivatives on murine B16F10 melanoma cells.

  Bioorg Med Chem. 2011 Nov 1;19(21):6285-91

  Authors: Machado KE, Oliveira KN, Santos-Bubniak L, Licínio MA, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC

  Abstract
  Cyclic imides are a large class of compounds obtained by organic synthesis including several sub-classes (succinimides maleimide, glutarimide, phthalimides naphtalimides, and its derivatives). Recently, some cyclic imide derivatives have shown important results as potential antitumor agents, as a Mitonafide and Amonafide. Based on this fact, we have studied antitumoral properties of nine cyclic imide derivatives, four of which are unpublished compounds, against Murine Melanoma Cells (B16F10). Initially, the MTT assay was used to select the compound with the best cytotoxic potential. After this selection, the compound 2-benzyl-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (4), which showed the best cytotoxic effects, was evaluated by flow cytometry, and a significant increase was observed in the proportion of cells in the subG0/G1, S and G2/M phases accompanied by a significant decrease in the G0/G1 phases. Then the mechanism involved on the death route (necrosis or apoptosis) was evaluated the by bromide and acridine orange method and by an Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection kit. These results confirm that the percentage of B16F10 cells observed in the sub G0/G1 phase were undergoing apoptosis. The biological effects observed in the current study for the cyclic imide derivatives suggested promising applications, especially for the prototype compound 4.
  

  PMID: 21964182 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Design, synthesis, biophysical and biological studies of trisubstituted naphthalimides as G-quadruplex ligands.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Design, synthesis, biophysical and biological studies of trisubstituted naphthalimides as G-quadruplex ligands.

  Bioorg Med Chem. 2011 Nov 1;19(21):6419-29

  Authors: Peduto A, Pagano B, Petronzi C, Massa A, Esposito V, Virgilio A, Paduano F, Trapasso F, Fiorito F, Florio S, Giancola C, Galeone A, Filosa R

  Abstract
  A series of trisubstituted naphthalimides have been synthesized and evaluated as telomeric G-quadruplex ligands by biophysical methods. Affinity for telomeric G-quadruplex AGGG(TTAGGG)(3) binding was first screened by fluorescence titrations. Subsequently, the interaction of the telomeric G-quadruplex with compounds showing the best affinity has been studied by isothermal titration calorimetry and UV-melting experiments. The two best compounds of the series tightly bind the telomeric quadruplex with a 2:1 drug/DNA stoichiometry. These derivatives have been further evaluated for their ability to inhibit telomerase by a TRAP assay and their pharmacological properties by treating melanoma (M14) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines with increasing drug concentrations. A dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation was observed for all cellular lines during short-term treatment.
  

  PMID: 21944546 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Cardiac metastasis of malignant melanoma mimicking acute coronary syndrome.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Cardiac metastasis of malignant melanoma mimicking acute coronary syndrome.

  Eur Heart J. 2012 Mar;33(5):676

  Authors: Auer J, Schmid J, Berent R, Niedermair M

  PMID: 21846676 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Hydrodynamic cell delivery for simultaneous establishment of tumor growth in mouse lung, liver and kidney.

  Fetched: April 28th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Hydrodynamic cell delivery for simultaneous establishment of tumor growth in mouse lung, liver and kidney.

  Cancer Biol Ther. 2011 Oct 15;12(8):737-41

  Authors: Li J, Yao Q, Liu D

  Abstract
  To mimic advanced stage of cancer development involving multi-organ metastasis, hydrodynamic delivery commonly used in gene transfer was explored for establishing concurrent tumors in the lung, liver and kidney using B16-F1 melanoma cells, 4T1 breast cells and Renca renal carcinoma cells, as a model. The procedure involves a rapid injection into a mouse tail-vein of serum-free medium, containing tumor cells in a volume equal to approximately 7-9% of body weight. Compared to the conventional tail vein injection of tumor cells resulting in tumor growth only in the lung, hydrodynamic injection is highly effective in establishing tumor growth in the liver, kidney and lung. All tumor cells examined including melanoma, breast metastatic, and renal carcinoma cells showed significant tumor growth in these organs. These results suggest that the hydrodynamic delivery can be a valuable tool for modeling cancer in laboratory animals, especially in experimental mice.
  

  PMID: 21832881 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Disseminated and circulating tumor cells in gastrointestinal oncology.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Disseminated and circulating tumor cells in gastrointestinal oncology.

  Bull Cancer. 2012 Apr 25;

  Authors: Vegas H, André T, Bidard FC, Ferrand FR, Huguet F, Mariani P, Pierga JY

  Abstract
  Circulating (CTC) and disseminated tumor cells (DTC) represent two different steps of the metastatic process. As with other types of cancer, the recent development of techniques for the detection of CTC and DTC respectively in the blood and bone marrow of patients generated many results in digestive cancers. However, the interpretation of these results and of the prognostic value of CTC/DTC is often limited by the small cohort size and the heterogeneity of detection methods. The aim of this article is to review the different results and their clinical impact, and discuss the possible use of CTC and DTC as new biomarkers. First of all, it is important to take into account the variability of epithelial markers used for the initial stage of immunoselection of CTC/DTC as well as that of molecular or cytological markers used for the second stage of detection. In esophageal, gastric, pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinomas, and in the ileal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, some studies showed a correlation between the detection of CTC and/or DTC and a clinical pejorative course, whether these tumors were at localized or metastatic stages. On colorectal cancer in the adjuvant setting, a recent meta-analysis showed an association between the detection of CTC in peripheral blood and disease-free survival or overall survival. These results are consistent with those of a study that identified detection of CTC as a prognostic factor for relapse in stage II. This last study concluded that it was necessary to achieve long-term evaluation of CTC as a biomarker to guide the decisions of chemotherapy for stage II. In metastatic colorectal cancer, the FDA approved in 2007 the use of pretherapeutic levels of CTC and its variations per-treatment, determined by CellSearch(®) technology, as a tool in treatments management. However, the modalities of this monitoring have to be specified and clinical benefit or the cost-effectiveness of a treatment based on this new biomarker has to be evaluated. Finally, the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of CTC could be a non-invasive tool to monitor changes in tumor biology throughout the disease, and thereby improve the understanding of the processes of dissemination and therapeutic resistance.
  

  PMID: 22531892 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

• 

  [Nevus or malignant melanoma?].

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  [Nevus or malignant melanoma?].

  Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2012 Mar 6;132(5):511

  Authors: Schopf T, Funk J

  PMID: 22398767 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  A single centre melanoma thickness trend (1985-2009) in relation to skin areas accessible and non-accessible to self-inspection.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  A single centre melanoma thickness trend (1985-2009) in relation to skin areas accessible and non-accessible to self-inspection.

  Australas J Dermatol. 2012 Feb;53(1):32-6

  Authors: Rubegni P, Rossi S, Nami N, Risulo M, Biagioli M, Miracco C, Fimiani M

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Melanoma has become a major public health problem worldwide and its incidence in individuals of Caucasian origin continues to rise. The objective was to determine historical changes in thickness, melanoma proportions and anatomical site of presentation over a 25-year period in our Department.
  METHODS: This was a historical retrospective study (January 1985 to December 2009). Only patients born and living in Italy were considered. The following parameters were evaluated: age, gender, year of diagnosis, site of primitive lesion (head, back, chest, anterior and posterior upper limbs, anterior and posterior lower limb, and acral sites) and Breslow thickness of the lesion.
  RESULTS: In the 25-year period, 993 cases of melanoma were diagnosed. The total number of cases per year tripled between 1985-1989 and 1995-1999 and more than doubled between 1995-1999 and 2005-2009. Our results also revealed that thicker melanomas were more frequent in elderly patients and on parts of the body that cannot be readily self-inspected.
  CONCLUSION: The importance of observation of the posterior parts of the body is stressed, since not only did most melanomas arise in these sites but the diagnosis of lesions in these sites is often delayed.
  

  PMID: 22309328 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: an emerging role and the Westmead hospital experience.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: an emerging role and the Westmead hospital experience.

  Australas J Dermatol. 2012 Feb;53(1):26-31

  Authors: Howle J, Veness M

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy which has a high rate of nodal metastasis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) enables the identification of occult nodal metastases. We sought to calculate the rates of positive and false negative SLNB and to evaluate the impact of SLNB on the staging and management of patients with MCC at our institution.
  METHODS: A total of 16 patients with stage I or II MCC who had undergone SLNB were identified from a prospectively maintained database of 114 patients with MCC who presented to Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia between 2000 and 2010. Data on patient characteristics, tumour and treatment details and patient follow up were extracted from a computer database and patient medical records.
  RESULTS: Eight patients (50%) had a positive SLNB and eight had a negative SLNB. The median follow up from diagnosis was 19.5 months (range 4-40) with most patients (69%) alive without evidence of disease at the time of last follow up. All eight patients with a positive SLNB subsequently underwent nodal treatment. This consisted of radiotherapy in five and completion lymphadenectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy in three. None of the eight patients who had a negative SLNB underwent any nodal treatment following SLNB. Two of these patients developed nodal relapse, giving a false negative rate of 20%.
  CONCLUSION: Half of our patients were upstaged and underwent nodal treatment as a result of their SLNB. Given the high rate of SLNB positivity, we believe that SLNB has a role in the management of MCC. As there is a risk of a false negative SLNB, close observation of the regional nodal basins is warranted in patients who have had a negative SLNB. Further studies are required to investigate the impact of SLNB on survival.
  

  PMID: 22309327 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Is there an optimal scan time for 6-[F-18]fluoro-L-DOPA PET in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas?

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Is there an optimal scan time for 6-[F-18]fluoro-L-DOPA PET in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas?

  Clin Nucl Med. 2012 Feb;37(2):e24-9

  Authors: Hentschel M, Rottenburger C, Boedeker CC, Neumann HP, Brink I

  Abstract
  PURPOSE: To define the appropriate scan time for fluorine-18-labeled dihydroxyphenylalanine (F-18 DOPA) PET in oncological imaging of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
  MATERIALS AND METHODS: F-18 DOPA PET examinations were performed in 9 patients with 7 pheochromocytomas and 4 head and neck paragangliomas using a dedicated PET scanner. The acquisition started with a dynamic single-bed scan in the tumor region over the first 60 minutes after tracer injection followed by a late time whole-body scan at approximately 130 minutes. Standard uptake values (SUVs) were calculated in tumors, surrounding background, and adjacent normal tissues of relevance. Furthermore, kinetic analysis was performed using a 2-compartment model with rate constants for uptake (K1'), release (k2'), metabolism (k3'), and reverse reaction (k4') for region of interest and pixel-wise analysis.
  RESULTS: All tumors show a marked increased F-18 DOPA uptake, which was visually detectable and distinguishable from the surrounding tissue. The SUV is significantly lower in neck paraganglioma compared with abdominal pheochromocytomas. Mean time-activity curves of F-18 DOPA in tumors show a rapid uptake of the tracer. Already 2 minutes after the injection, the activity in the tumor is beyond that of the blood pool. The average maximum value (SUVmean = 8.2) has already been reached after 20 minutes. Afterward, a very slight decrease of the tumor SUV starts, which still amounts to 80% of the maximum value after 132 minutes. Due to the continuous decrease of activity in the background tissue, the tumor-to-background ratio of SUVs shows a constant increase within the entire period of examination. The mean values of apparent kinetic constants obtained by region of interest analysis averaged over all tumors are as follows: K1' = 2.89 ± 2.56 min(-1), k2' = 2.59 ± 2.81 min(-1), k3' = 0.301 ± 0.395 min(-1), and k4' = 0.044 ± 0.043 min(-1).
  CONCLUSIONS: Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma take up F-18 DOPA very quickly. At best, the acquisition for static clinical PET imaging of paraganglioma with F-18 DOPA can start at 20 minutes postinjection for maximum uptake in tumors. Separation of tumor, background, and adjacent normal tissues is feasible due to their differences in SUV values and kinetics. The kinetic analysis demonstrates an F-18 DOPA accumulation within the tumor due to considerable differences between the rate constants of uptake and metabolism. Second, in contradiction to healthy brain, paraganglionic tumors show a reversible F-18 DOPA metabolism.
  

  PMID: 22228360 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking an ovarian cyst.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking an ovarian cyst.

  J Obstet Gynaecol. 2012 Jan;32(1):102-3

  Authors: Gupta S, Tyagi M, Pandey S, Bansal R

  PMID: 22185553 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  The remote assessment of melanocytic skin lesions: a viable alternative to face-to-face consultation.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  The remote assessment of melanocytic skin lesions: a viable alternative to face-to-face consultation.

  Dermatology. 2011;223(3):244-50

  Authors: Boyce Z, Gilmore S, Xu C, Soyer HP

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma continues to rise in the Western world, prompting health care professionals to search for novel tools that may increase rates of early detection. Here we focus on one such tool: remote specialist diagnosis of melanocytic lesions utilising mobile-phone camera patient-generated clinical images.
  OBJECTIVE: We aim to test the hypothesis that patient-generated clinical images utilising mobile phones are of acceptable quality, and that digital image diagnostic outcomes are comparable with face-to-face (FTF) diagnostic outcomes.
  METHODS: Study participants were asked to photograph, using their mobile-phone camera any number of their own melanocytic naevi, and then upload these clinical images to a central server. Diagnostic accuracy of the management decision based on assessing these digital images was tested by comparing results from digital image assessment with results from FTF assessments.
  RESULTS: We provide evidence that suggests potential patients are capable of uploading good quality clinical images of melanocytic lesions for diagnostic purposes, and we show that good concordance rates can be achieved with respect to digital image and FTF diagnostic outcomes. With respect to the latter, exact agreement was found in 116 of 167 assessable lesions (69%).
  CONCLUSIONS: This work suggests that specialist remote diagnosis of patient-generated clinical images of melanocytic lesions utilising mobile-phone cameras may be a viable alternative to traditional FTF assessments.
  

  PMID: 22095005 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  No association between Parkinson disease alleles and the risk of melanoma.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  No association between Parkinson disease alleles and the risk of melanoma.

  Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2012 Jan;21(1):243-5

  Authors: Meng S, Song F, Chen H, Gao X, Amos CI, Lee JE, Wei Q, Qureshi AA, Han J

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Recent data showed that melanoma was more common among patients with Parkinson disease than individuals without Parkinson disease and vice versa. It has been hypothesized that these two diseases may share common genetic and environmental risk factors.
  METHODS: We evaluated the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) selected on the basis of recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on Parkinson disease risk and the risk of melanoma using 2,297 melanoma cases and 6,651 controls.
  RESULTS: The Parkinson disease SNP rs156429 in the chromosome 7p15 region was nominally associated with melanoma risk with P value of 0.04, which was not significant after the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. No association was observed between the remaining 31 Parkinson disease SNPs and the risk of melanoma. The genetic score based on the number of Parkinson disease risk allele was not associated with melanoma risk [OR for the highest genetic score quartile (30-35) vs. the lowest (15-20), 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47-2.70].
  CONCLUSION: The Parkinson disease SNPs identified in published GWAS do not seem to play an important role in melanoma development.
  IMPACT: The Parkinson disease susceptibility loci discovered by GWAS contribute little to the observed epidemiologic association between the Parkinson disease and melanoma.
  

  PMID: 22086882 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Case-control study of Merkel cell polyomavirus infection and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Case-control study of Merkel cell polyomavirus infection and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

  Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2012 Jan;21(1):74-81

  Authors: Rollison DE, Giuliano AR, Messina JL, Fenske NA, Cherpelis BS, Sondak VK, Roetzheim RG, Iannacone MR, Michael KM, Gheit T, Waterboer T, Tommasino M, Pawlita M

  Abstract
  BACKGROUND: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) DNA has been reported in 0% to 25% of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) occurring in immunocompetent individuals. We conducted the first serologic case-control study of MCV and SCC.
  METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed cutaneous SCC (n = 173) were recruited from a university dermatology clinic. Controls were individuals who screened negative for and had no history of skin or other cancers (n = 300). Levels of antibodies against capsid antigens for MCV and another polyomavirus, JC virus (JCV), were determined by fluorescent bead-based multiplex serology. Fresh-frozen tumor tissues were obtained from 145 SCC cases and tested for MCV DNA by multiplexed PCR. Associations between MCV seroreactivity and SCC were estimated by ORs and 95% CIs calculated using logistic regression with adjustment for age and sex.
  RESULTS: MCV DNA was detected in SCC tumor tissues from 55 (38%) of 145 cases. A statistically significant association was observed between MCV seropositivity and MCV DNA-positive SCC (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.03-6.04), with an almost four-fold association observed when comparing those with MCV antibodies in the fourth versus first quartiles (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 1.43-10.76, P(trend) = 0.01). No significant associations were observed between MCV seropositivity and MCV DNA-negative SCC (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.76-2.48) or between JCV seropositivity and MCV DNA-positive or DNA-negative SCC.
  CONCLUSION: Past exposure to MCV may be a risk factor for SCC.
  IMPACT: Understanding the role of viral infections in the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer could lead to novel prevention strategies.
  

  PMID: 22016472 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• 

  Unsuspected pheochromocytoma: is it time for a registry?

  Fetched: April 27th, 2012, 11:00pm MDT

  Unsuspected pheochromocytoma: is it time for a registry?

  Can J Anaesth. 2012 Jan;59(1):112-3

  Authors: Mackenzie-Feder J, Tsang J, Demyttenaere S

  PMID: 21989552 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]