Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Implications for Locoregional Treatments

The mechanisms by which neoplastic cells disseminate from the primary tumor to metastatic sites, so-called metastatic organotropism, remain poorly understood. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in cancer development and progression by converting static epithelial cells into the migratory and microenvironment-interacting mesenchymal cells, and by the modulation of chemoresistance and stemness of tumor cells. Several findings highlight that pathways involved in EMT and its reverse process (mesenchymal-epithelial transition, MET), now collectively called epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), play a role in peritoneal metastases. So far, the relevance of factors linked to EMP in a unique peritoneal malignancy such as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we focus on the role of epithelial-mesenchymal dynamics in the metastatic process involving mucinous neoplastic dissemination in the peritoneum. In particular, we discuss the role of expression profiles and phenotypic transitions found in PMP in light of the recent concept of EMP. A better understanding of EMP-associated mechanisms driving peritoneal metastasis will help to provide a more targeted approach for PMP patients selected for locoregional interventions involving cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Oligometastatic Pancreatic Cancer to the Liver in the Era of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Which Role for Conversion Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

The development of new polychemotherapy regimens in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPDAC) have demonstrated significant improvement in clinical outcome, but evidence of the role of surgery following a favorable response to initial chemotherapy (IC) is still poor. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of surgery following IC on survival in mPDAC, focusing on oligometastatic disease to the liver. Data retrieved from available literature confirm increased survival in selected oligometastatic patients treated with surgery + IC compared to IC alone (23–56 months vs. 11–16.4 months), suggesting a potential role for conversion surgery in a tailored and multimodality approach to pancreatic cancer patients. Better knowledge of tumor biology and a wide consensus on diagnostic criteria could lead to the consideration of oligometastatic disease as a particular and different stage of disease.

Abstract

Background: the improved survival rates achieved using new polychemotherapy regimens in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPDAC) have suggested a potential role for surgery following a favorable response to initial chemotherapy (IC). The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the available evidence on the role of surgery following IC in mPDAC, focusing on oligometastatic disease to the liver (lmPDAC). Methods: studies reporting on patients with lmPDAC undergoing surgery after IC were included. The main outcome was overall survival (OS). Results: six observational retrospective studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Data were retrieved on 2087 patients. The most common IC regimen in patients undergoing surgery was FOLFIRINOX (N 84, 73%). Only three studies reported survival comparison among patients treated with IC+surgery vs. IC alone. Median OS varied from 23 to 56 months after conversion surgery vs. 11 to 16.4 months after IC alone. Conclusions: despite wide heterogeneity of chemotherapy regimens, different downstaging criteria and potential selection biases, patients with oligometastatic lmPDAC undergoing surgery after IC have significantly higher survival rates compared to patients treated with IC alone. Future trials are needed for definition of univocal criteria of downstaging, oligometastatic definition and indications for surgery.

Clinical and predictive value of blood lactate levels during cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): a comparative analysis

Postoperative outcome after cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is strongly related to surgical and anesthesiologic expertise. This study aims to evaluate the clinical significance and prognostic value of lactate levels (LL) measured during CRS-HIPEC on postoperative outcome compared to similar major surgical procedures. Patients who were treated between January and September 2019 at our Institute and met the inclusion criteria were selected. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1: patients who underwent major surgical procedures; group 2: patients who underwent CRS without HIPEC; group 3: patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC. Intraoperative LL were analyzed and correlated with surgical procedure and postoperative outcome. We observed a significant increase of LL during surgical/CRS phase (group 1: p = 0.0001; group 2: p = 0.001; group 3: p = 0.057), rather than during the HIPEC phase in group 3 (p = ns). In patients undergoing CRS and peritonectomies, the mean LL were significantly higher compared to group 1 (p = 0.05). Although not statistically significant, the complication rate was higher in patients with end-CRS lactate values > 2 mMol/l, especially in the group undergoing CRS plus HIPEC. Our pilot study shows that higher LL during peritoneal cancer surgery are expected compared to major surgical procedures. Cytoreductive phase, rather than HIPEC, is related to an increase of LL. The role of LL as an early marker of postoperative complications after CRS-HIPEC should be further verified in properly designed studies.

Vaccination take-up and health: Evidence from a flu vaccination program for the elderly

We analyze the effects of a vaccination program providing free flu vaccine to individuals aged 65 or more on take-up behavior and hospitalization. Using both administrative and survey data, we implement a regression discontinuity design around the threshold at age 65, and find that the effect of the program on take-up ranges between 70% and 90% of the average vaccination rate for individuals aged less than 65. We show that this effect is not entirely driven by an income channel, but also depends on the expected benefits of vaccination. The results on health outcomes provide suggestive evidence that the program reduces the likelihood of emergency hospitalization.

Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal tumors

INTRODUCTION

The application of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in colorectal and appendix cancer at risk of peritoneal seeding is an appealing strategy to prevent peritoneal metastases. Here, we present the technical details and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic HIPEC performed with prophylactic intent in three patients with low-grade appendiceal neoplasm (LAMN) considered at risk of peritoneal recurrence.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Three patients with LAMN previously treated outside our department were selected for second-look laparoscopic exploration and HIPEC. The study received institutional review board approval. A Hasson trocar was inserted around the umbilicus. Four additional 10-mm trocars were inserted-one each in the left and right upper and lower quadrants. After full abdominal exploration, laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery was performed. Perfusion catheters were inserted through the four lateral trocars in the abdominal quadrants. HIPEC was performed with mitomycin 12 mg/m² and cisplatin 90 mg/m² for 60 minutes at a target temperature of 41.0°C. The postoperative course was uneventful, except for an episode of fluid leak due to dural tear (treated with supine bed rest for 48 hours and resulting in no adverse sequelae). The median length of hospital stay was 11 days. After a median follow-up of 36 months, all patients were asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence.

DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic HIPEC for LAMN at risk of peritoneal recurrence appeared to be feasible, safe, and associated with a favorable postoperative outcome. More studies with larger samples of patients and with a standardized design are needed to better analyze the oncological value of this approach.

Oncological outcome of videoscopic groin dissection for lymph node metastasis from melanoma

BACKGROUND

Videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VIL) represents an innovative approach for patients with melanoma lymph node (LN) metastases, mainly aimed at lowering wound-related morbidity. However, long-term data on oncologic safety are still lacking. The aim of this study is to review the oncologic outcome of videoscopic groin dissection in a single institution caseload.

METHODS

Data were prospectively gathered on patients with inguinal melanoma metastasis who underwent VIL. Clinical data included age, race, sex, tumor histology, node counts and number of metastatic nodes. Disease-free survival and overall survival were monitored based on an institutional follow-up schedule. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (Video-SIIO II study).

RESULTS

We analyzed 48 videoscopic groin dissections performed in 50 patients (2 patients underwent bilateral VIL). Median age was 54.5 years. Female/male ratio was 15/33. Indication for surgery was positive inguinal sentinel biopsy and cytological confirmed clinical disease in 40 and 10 cases, respectively. Median LN retrieval count was 19. After a median follow-up of 28 months, groin recurrence (lymphatic basin) was observed in one single case.

CONCLUSIONS

VIL for melanoma LN metastases is associated with a favorable oncologic outcome. In particular, LN yield and locoregional recurrence rate obtained with videoscopic dissection are comparable to those reported with the open technique. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results in a larger cohort of patients.

AB0378 UPGRADING THERAPY STRATEGY IMPROVES PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME: A COHORT MANAGEMENT STUDY

Background:

While it is generally agreed that pregnant APS patients should receive personalized treatment, evidence-based guidelines for these patients continue to be lacking.

Objectives:

The current study was designed as a management cohort study aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different treatment strategies for pregnant APS patients in the attempt to provide some practical suggestions for attending physicians.

Methods:

One-hundred-twenty-seven consecutive pregnancies were assessed; 87 (68.5%) with a history of pregnancy morbidity alone were treated with prophylactic low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)+low-dose aspirin (LDA, 100 mg) [Group I] and 40 (31.5%) with a history of thrombosis and/or severe pregnancy complications with therapeutic LMWH+LDA [Group II]. LMWH doses were increased throughout the pregnancies depending on the patients’ weight gain, and treatment was switched to a more intensive one at the first sign of maternal/fetal complications. The study’s primary outcome was live births.

Results:

There were no significant differences in live birth rate between Group I (95.4%) and Group II (87.5%). Even, fetal complication rate was similar in the two groups; the Group II nevertheless had a higher prevalence of maternal and neonatal complications (p=0.0005 and p=0.01, respectively) and registered a significantly lower gestational age at delivery and birth weight (p=0.0001 and p=0.0005, respectively). Two patients in Group I switched to Group II therapy, six patients in Group II switched to a more intensive treatment strategy (weekly plasma exchange+ fortnightly intravenous immunoglobulins in addition to therapeutic LMWH+LDA). Comparison of the clinical and laboratory characteristics between patients who had shifted to a more intensive therapy and those who did not showed a significant prevalence of history of thrombosis ± pregnancy morbidity (p=0.02, OR 5.96, 95% CI 1.33-26.62) previous pregnancy complications (p=0.02, OR 8.32, 95% CI 1.67-41.3), triple aPL positivity (p <0.0001, OR 97.13, 95% CI 10.6-890) and pregnancy complications (p<0.0001, OR 197,7, 95% CI 10.57-3699) in upgrading group, instead single aPL positivity significantly prevailed (p=0.003, OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.008-0.58) in non-upgrading group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that triple aPL positivity was an independent factor for switching to a more effective therapy protocol (p <0.0001, OR 98, 95% CI 10.7-897.54). All eight switched patients achieved a live birth.

Conclusion:

Using adjusted LMWH doses and upgrading therapy at the first signs of pregnancy complications led to a high rate of live births in a relatively large group of APS patients. The study outlines the criteria for prescribing appropriate therapy for various subsets of these patients and for switching/upgrading the treatment protocol when it is no longer sufficient. Unfortunately, for the moment there are no evidence-based guidelines on the ideal additional treatment in refractory to conventional therapy APS patients. The present results will hopefully help point the direction of future clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety of the different therapies on large numbers of APS pregnant patients in order to identify the benefits and limits of different treatment strategies administered from the beginning of pregnancy.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ariela Hoxha Speakers bureau: Celgene, UCB, Novartis, Sanofi, Werfen, Maria Favaro: None declared, Antonia Calligaro: None declared, Teresa Del Ross: None declared, Alessandra Teresa Ruffatti: None declared, Chiara Infantolino: None declared, Marta Tonello: None declared, Elena Mattia: None declared, Amelia Ruffatti: None declared

Correlation of longtime efficacy maintenance PARP inhibitor therapy with pre-treatment in a single-institution experience

e18084

Background: The use of PARP inhibitors (Olaparib-Niraparib) has shown an important benefit in PFS in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer both with gBRCA and non-BRCA mutation. Methods: This was a single-institution, retrospective cohort study of 93 patients. Clinical data were obtained by the review of the electronic medical report. The 93 patients were treated with PARP Inhibitors(PARP-I) between Apr 2014 and Dic 2019. The patients were evaluated according to age, BRCA mutation, pretreatment with Trabectedin, Bevacizumab, last line of pretreatment with Platinum-Gemcitabine+Paclitaxel versus Caelyx-Oxaliplatin, number of previous lines of chemotherapy, residual disease before PARP-I. Statistical analysis of survival was performed with Kaplan-Meyer, univariate and multivariate analysis with Cox regression. Disease Free Survival (DFS) was evaluated from the start of PARP-I therapy while Overall Survival (OS) from the diagnosis. Results: Median age was 64 (42-90), patients with germinal mutation BRCA were 34 (36.6%), 58 without mutation and 1 patient without genetical analysis. 20 (21,5%) patients were pretreated with Trabectedin plus Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicine (PLD), while 8 (8,6%) with Trabectedin-Bevacizumab, 26 (28%) patients were pretreated with Bevacizumab +/- Trabectedin. Before PARP-I patients more frequently were pretreated with 2-3 line 60, 64.5%): in the last line of pretreatment chemotherapy 47 (50,4%) patients received PLD+-Oxaliplatin versus Carboplatin-Taxol or Carboplatin-Gemcitabine. In 64% of the patients CTscan or ecography showed residual disease > 1 cm before starting PARP-I treatment . Median follow-up was 17 months: 54 (58.1%) patients in PARP-I treatment relapsed, while 32 (34.1%) patients died. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association in the number of lines pretreatment: in more than 3 lines HR was 2.00 (CI 1.2-3.4, p = 0.012), according to residuum less or more 1 cm prior to start PARP therapy (logrank p = 0,0286). Conclusions: The administration of PARP is important for OS immediately after 2° line chemotherapy in platinum sensitive patients Logrank p = 0.0065, with higher response not significant, about OS specially if following non-anemic PLD-Oxaliplatin therapy (p = 0,0849 Logrank) Also significant is OS according to residuum less or more 1 cm prior to start PARP therapy (logrank p = 0,0286) The doses and relative reductions in PARP-I did not change efficacy.

Synchronous nodal metastatic risk in screening detected and endoscopically removed pT1 colorectal cancers

BACKGROUND

The population screening campaigns have resulted in increasing the prevalence of endoscopically resected colorectal cancers (CRCs) invading the submucosa (pT1). Synchronous nodal involvement occurs in less than 15 % of these tumors. Histologic criteria currently used for selecting patients needing resection are imprecise and most patients could have been simply followed-up. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and mismatch repair (MMR) status impact on CRC prognosis. To identify patients requiring completion surgery, the value of histologic variables, TILs and MMR status as risk factors of nodal metastasis was investigated in screening detected and endoscopically removed pT1 CRCs.

METHODS

In 102 endoscopically resected pT1 CRCs, the cancer phenotype, CD3+ and CD8+ TILs, and MMR status were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the correlation with nodal metastasis.

RESULTS

Positive resection margin, evidence of vascular invasion and tumor budding, wide area of submucosal invasion, and high number of CD3+ TILs were associated with nodal metastasis in univariate analyses. Vascular invasion was statistically independent in multivariate analysis. Evidence of neoplastic cells in the vessels and/or at the excision border featured 5 out of 5 metastatic tumors and 13 out of 97 non-metastatic ones.

CONCLUSIONS

Completion surgery should be recommended only in pT1 CRC with vascular invasion or with tumor cells reaching the margin. In all other cases, the treatment choice should result from a multidisciplinary discussion on the patient-centered evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio.

Colic and rectal tumors with peritoneal metastases treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC: One homogeneous condition or two different diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) peritoneal metastasis (PM) is one of the most important cause of cancer-related death in world. CRC PM is considered as a homogeneous disease without differentiating colonic or rectal origin. Aim of this study is to analyze survival of patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, according to the origin of PM. Literature search was performed to identify relevant articles. All meta-analysis were performed using mean difference and log of HR, when appropriate. The I² statistic was used to determine the heterogeneity of included studies. Out of 349 selected records, 9 articles (1308 patients, 1153 colon PM and 155 rectal PM) have been included. OS and DFS is higher in patients affected by colon PM (OS mean difference: 24,49 months [95% CI: 14,70-34,28 months, p < 0,000001]; DFS mean difference: 7,75 months [95% CI: 1,37-14,13 months, p: 0,02]) and pooled Hazard Ratio for disease-related death in rectal PM is 1.62 [95% CI: 1,01-2,59, p: 0,05] compared to colon PM). Heterogeneity among selected studies is high in two subgroups and low in one (OS subgroup A I²: 98%, p < 0,000001; DFS subgroup I²: 91%, p < 0,000001; OS subgroup B I²: 25%, p: 0,26). Our analysis, with all the limitations related to included studies, suggests that peritoneal metastasis of rectal tumors treated with CRS and HIPEC have a worst prognosis of colon tumors PM. Larger studies are required to confirm those results and therefore we invite all Authors in considering also tumor localization when reporting data on CRC peritoneal metastasis treatment.

Molecular characterization of "sessile serrated" adenoma to carcinoma transition in six early colorectal cancers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous group of diseases both from the morphological and molecular point of view. The sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) has been proposed as the precursor lesion of CRCs characterized by CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system deficiency, and BRAF gene mutations. However, no study so far investigated the molecular landscape of "sessile serrated" adenoma to carcinoma transition in early CRCs. Six formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CRCs developed within SSA/P were profiled for the immunohistochemical expression of MMR proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and Ep-CAM), p16, and β-catenin. DNA was extracted from the two components of each sample, after microdissection, and characterized for CIMP status and by applying a custom hotspot multigene mutational profiling of 164 hotspot regions of eleven CRC-associated genes (AKT1, APC, BRAF, CTNNB1, KIT, KRAS, NRAS, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, PTEN, and TP53). Five out of the six CRCs shared the same molecular profile (i.e. CIMP positive, MSI status, and BRAF mutation) with their SSA/P components. One out of five CRCs was also APC mutated, whereas another one showed an additional TP53 mutation. The remaining case was CIMP negative and MMR proficient in both the components, harbored a BRAF mutation in the SSA/P counterpart, whereas the CRC one was APC and TP53 mutated and showed p16 and β-catenin dysregulation. This study provides the molecular evidence that SSA/P, even without cytological dysplasia, is a precursor lesion of CRC and that conventional CRC might arise from mixed polyp.

Efficacy of Tropisetron (Navoban®) in Controlling Emesis Induced in Children by Anti-Cancer Therapy

Aims and background

High doses of metoclopramide are contraindicated to prevent chemotherapy-induced emesis in pediatric patients, since the incidence of extrapyramidal reactions is increased in these patients. The aim of this small study was to evaluate the antiemetic activity and the safety of tropisetron (a new selective antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors) in children who suffered nausea and vomiting during previous chemotherapy courses, despite the administration of an anxiolytic agent (hydroxyzine hydrochloride).

Methods

The children with a malignant neoplasm were treated for emesis with tropisetron (5 mg o.a.d. or b.i.d.) during a total of 20 cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin combined with other antitumor agents.

Results

In 14 cycles (70%), there was no vomiting. There were two or less episodes of vomiting in 2 cycles (10%), 3–4 episodes in 2 cycles (10%), and no inhibition of vomiting at all in 2 cycles (10%). In 8 cycles there were no episodes of nausea (40%), in 5 cycles (25%) there were episodes of moderate nausea, and in 4 (20%) there were episodes of severe nausea. One child had a mild headache during one cycle and moderate hypotension during another.

Conclusions

The results suggest that tropisetron is both efficacious and safe for the treatment of pediatric patients.

Iterative Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Recurrent Peritoneal Metastases

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to analyze the safety and efficacy of iterative cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (iCRS-HIPEC) in patients with peritoneal recurrence from different tumor types.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on indications, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcome of all patients treated with iCRS-HIPEC at our Institution were reviewed.

RESULTS

Between 2010-2018, 10 iCRS-HIPEC procedures for peritoneal recurrence in eight patients were performed. The median peritoneal cancer index was 14.5 (range=2-33). Completeness of cytoreduction was CC0-1 in most cases (9/10). Three grade III-IV complications (two intestinal fistulas, one bleeding) were recorded and there was no operative mortality. After a median follow-up of 19.5 months, six patients experienced recurrence after a median of 12.5 months.

CONCLUSION

iCRS-HIPEC is a safe procedure in selected patients with recurrent peritoneal surface malignancies. Selection criteria still remain questionable and need to be further evaluated in large cooperative multi-institution studies.

Clinical value of anti-domain I-β2Glycoprotein 1 antibodies in antiphospholipid antibody carriers. A single centre, prospective observational follow-up study

BACKGROUND

There seems to be a clear correlation between antibodies against domain I (anti-DI) of β2Glycoprotein I and severe clinical profiles in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients. We investigated the clinical significance of anti-DI antibodies in a cohort of aPL carriers.

METHODS

One hundred and five carriers persistently positive for IgG anti-β2Glycoprotein 1 antibodies (a-β2GPI) and/or IgG anticardiolipin (aCL) and/or lupus anticoagulants (LAC) were tested for the presence of anti-DI antibodies using the QUANTA Flash® Beta2GPI-Domain I chemiluminescence immunoassay.

RESULTS

Anti-DI antibodies were detected in 44 aPL carriers (41.9%) and they were significantly associated to triple aPL positivity (LAC plus IgG a-β2GPI plus IgG aCL antibodies). Isolated LAC and a-β2GPI antibodies were significantly associated to anti-DI negative aPL carriers. During a 82.2 month mean follow-up, ten aPL carriers (9.5%) developed a first thrombotic event so becoming APS patients. Anti-DI antibodies, triple aPL positivity, thromboembolic risk factors and autoimmune disorders significantly prevailed in carriers becoming APS. Logistic regression analysis showed that anti-DI positivity was an independent risk factor for thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-DI antibody positivity can be considered a new risk factor predictive of the first thrombotic event in aPL carriers, instead, negative anti-DI may be useful to identify low-risk aPL carriers.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis arising from rectal or colonic adenocarcinoma treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): two different diseases

PURPOSE

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC) has poor survival. Multi-modal treatment including systemic chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery (CRS), and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can be used in selected patients with curative intent. The majority published works consider PC of CRC origin as a homogenous disease. Aim of this study is to stress the different biological behaviors and survival of PC according to colonic or rectal origin.

METHODS

Data of CRS and HIPEC procedures for PC of CRC origin performed at MD Anderson Cancer Center-Madrid (Spain) have been collected, dividing patients into two groups according to colonic or rectal PC. Clinical, operatory, and postoperatory variables of the two groups have been analyzed to compare survival-related rates and PC origin.

RESULTS

In the years 2004-2015, 114 procedures of CRS followed by HIPEC for peritoneal metastasis of different origin have been performed; of these, 36 procedures were for colorectal PC (31 patients in colonic and 5 in rectal group). Two groups are homogenous after analysis of clinical, operatory, and follow-up data. Median survival (OS) is significantly higher in colonic compared to rectal group (47.83 vs. 22.0 months, p 0.008). 3- and 5-year survival rate is 74 and 50% in colonic group vs. 20 and 0% in rectal group.

CONCLUSION

Rectal origin PC has a more aggressive behavior compared to colonic origin, reflecting in a worst prognosis of patients affected by rectal origin PC. According to our data and literature, indications of multi-modal treatment including CRS and HIPEC should be more restrictive for rectal cancer PC. Authors should differentiate colonic and rectal origin of PC when reporting cases in the literature.

Enhancement of Methotrexate Cytotoxicity by Modulation of Proliferative Activity in Normal and Neoplastic t Lymphocytes and in a Myeloid Leukemia Cell Line

Recent advances in the modulation of cell kinetics with growth factors suggest that the effect of cyclespecific cytostatic drugs can be enhanced by combination with such factors. The truth of this hypothesis was investigated by studying the effect of phytohemoagglutinin and/or interlenkin 2 on the sensitivity to methotrexate (MTX) of normal T lymphocytes and of lymphoblastis of a patient with acute T-cell lymphoid leukemia. In both cases, inhibition of proliferation by MTX was increased from less than 30% in resting cells or those sub-optimally stimulated, in the case of leukemic blasts, to 68-83% in maximally stimulated cells. Similar results were observed when the AML 193 human myeloid leukemia line was stimulated with human recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony stimulation factor (GM-CSF). Under basal proliferation conditions, the addition of 1 μg/ml and 10 (μ/ml MTX was followed by 48% and 72% inhibition respectively. When 1 ng/ml GM-CSF (40 I.U./ml) was present, these figures rose to 89% and 91%. It is thus clear that growth factor-induced cell proliferation increases sensitivity to cyclespecific cytostatic agents. There is thus a biological premise for new perspectives in antineoplastic therapy.

Efficacy and safety of nadroparin in the treatment of pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome: a prospective cohort study

The optimal therapeutic management of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) during pregnancy is debatable. In the present prospective cohort study the use of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (nadroparin), administered alone twice daily in 30 pregnant women who were diagnosed with APS on the basis of the current classification criteria, is evaluated. Dosage was adjusted according to anti-Xa levels in the patients as the pregnancies progressed. Three women, in whom an important gradual fall in platelet count in the first trimester did not respond to increased nadroparin doses, were shifted to a second-line treatment protocol. Fetal loss occurred in two of the 27 remaining women (7.40%), while 25 (92.59%) delivered 25 live infants, between the 32nd and 40th weeks of gestation. No fetal problems were registered during pregnancies, while maternal complications occurred in two of the 25 patients (8%). Moreover, there were no thrombotic events in any of the women during the study. Patient compliance was good and only minor side-effects were reported. The results of this study indicate that nadroparin alone is useful and safe in the management of pregnant patients with APS. However, in consideration of the good pregnancy outcome obtained in patients with only pregnancy morbidity when heparin and aspirin were used together, other studies comparing nadroparin twice daily with once daily plus Aspirin would be useful to ascertain which is more effective in these patients.