Imaging of early pancreatic cancer on multidetector row helical computed tomography

Early pancreatic cancer is small and limited to the pancreas. In contrast, small pancreatic cancer may include peripancreatic vasculature or metastasis involvement. This study evaluates images of early pancreatic cancer on multidetector CT (MDCT) using contrast-enhanced multiphasic imaging, and post-processed pancreatic duct images. CT findings and pathological features were analysed in eight patients with early pancreatic cancer. Pathological evaluation included location, size and histological grading of the tumour. MDCT evaluation covered the maximum diameter of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), stenosis or obstruction of the MPD, loss of normal lobar texture and associated pancreatitis. Attenuation differences between normal pancreatic parenchyma and the tumour (AD-PT) were also measured. Focal stenosis or obstruction of the MPD with dilatation of the distal MPD was demonstrated in all patients. Associated pancreatitis occurred in six patients with tumours measuring 12 mm or greater. Loss of normal lobar texture was recognised in four cases with the tumour measuring 14 mm or greater. Statistically, low-attenuated lesions and high-attenuated lesions differed with respect to the tumour size (p<0.01), and a positive relationship was demonstrated between the tumour size and AD-PT (r = 0.84). In seven cases, AD-PT is higher during the arterial phase than the pancreatic phase. Early pancreatic cancer appears as low attenuation on early phase, and as high- to iso-attenuation during the pancreatic and delayed phases in respect to the tumour size. Focal stenosis or obstruction of the MPD with dilatation of the distal MPD observed on curved reformation imaging seems important in the diagnosis of early pancreatic cancer.

Lens exposure during brain scans using multidetector row CT scanners: methods for estimation of lens dose

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Some recent studies on radiation lens injuries have indicated much lower dose thresholds than specified by the current radiation protection guidelines. The purpose of this research was to measure the lens dose during brain CT scans with multidetector row CT and to assess methods for estimating the lens dose.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With 8 types of multidetector row CT scanners, both axial and helical scans were obtained for the head part of a human-shaped phantom by using normal clinical settings with the orbitomeatal line as the baseline. We measured the doses on both eyelids by using an RPLGD during whole-brain scans including the orbit with the starting point at the level of the inferior orbital rim. To assess the effect of the starting points on the lens doses, we measured the lens doses by using 2 other starting points for scanning (the orbitomeatal line and the superior orbital rim).

RESULTS

The CTDIvols and the lens doses during whole-brain CT including the orbit were 50.9-113.3 mGy and 42.6-103.5 mGy, respectively. The ratios of lens dose to CTDIvol were 80.6%-103.4%. The lens doses decreased as the starting points were set more superiorly. The lens doses during scans from the superior orbital rim were 11.8%-20.9% of the doses during the scans from the inferior orbital rim.

CONCLUSIONS

CTDIvol can be used to estimate the lens dose during whole-brain CT when the orbit is included in the scanning range.

Degeneration of patellar cartilage in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation following conservative treatment: evaluation with delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage

OBJECTIVE

To examine the characteristics of cartilage degeneration in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) following conservative treatment using delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC).

DESIGN

This study evaluated three groups of knees: group I, 35 knees from both knees of patients with bilateral RPD and dislocated side knees of patients with unilateral RPD; group II, 15 non-dislocated side knees of patients with unilateral RPD; and group III, 20 knees from both knees of healthy volunteers. Differences in post-contrast T1 [T1(Gd)] of cartilage at both medial and lateral facets between groups I, II and III were analyzed. For group I, possible relationships were evaluated between T1(Gd) of cartilage and patient age, length of time between the initial dislocation and MRI and the total number of dislocations between the initial dislocation and MRI for both medial and lateral facets.

RESULTS

The mean T1(Gd) of cartilage at medial facets for groups I, II and III were 411+/-46ms, 465+/-38ms and 490+/-29ms, respectively; there were significant differences between these means (P<0.05). The mean T1(Gd) of cartilage at lateral facets for groups I, II and III were 426+/-53ms, 466+/-45ms and 510+/-36ms, respectively; there were also significant differences between these means (P<0.05). Significant correlations were observed between T1(Gd) of cartilage for both medial and lateral facets and length of time between the initial dislocation and MRI (P<0.05). No other correlations were significant.

CONCLUSION

dGEMRIC may be a useful method to monitor glycosaminoglycan concentration in patients with RPD following conservative treatment.

Ability of dGEMRIC and T2 mapping to evaluate cartilage repair after microfracture: a goat study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ability of delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping to evaluate the quality of repair tissue after microfracture.

DESIGN

Twelve knees from 12 goats were studied. An osteochondral defect (diameter, 6mm; depth, 3mm) with microfracture was created in the weight-bearing aspect of both the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Goats were euthanized at 24 weeks (n=6) and 48 weeks (n=6) postsurgery. Pre-contrast R1 (R1pre) and post-contrast R1 (R1post) measurements for dGEMRIC and a pre-contrast T2 measurement for T2 mapping were performed with a 3T MR imaging system. MR imaging findings were compared with histological and biochemical assessments.

RESULTS

In native cartilage, significant correlations were observed between the R1post and the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration, as well as DeltaR1 (difference between the R1pre and R1post) and the GAG concentration (P<0.05). In repair tissue, a significant correlation was observed between DeltaR1 and the GAG concentration (P<0.05), but not between the R1post and the GAG concentration. In both repair tissue and native cartilage, no correlation was observed between T2 and the water concentration or between T2 and the hydroxyproline (HP) concentration. A zonal variation of T2 and a clear dependence of T2 on the angles relative to B0 were observed in native cartilage, but not in repair tissue.

CONCLUSION

dGEMRIC with DeltaR1 measurement might be useful for the evaluation of the GAG concentration in repair tissue after microfracture. T2 mapping might be useful for the differentiation of repair tissue after microfracture from native cartilage; however, its potential to assess the specific biochemical markers in native cartilage as well as repair tissue may be limited.

Incidence of Carboplatin-related hypersensitivity reactions in Japanese patients with gynecologic malignancies

Carboplatin is one of the most commonly used and well-tolerated agents for gynecologic malignancies. The rate of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) in the overall population of patients receiving carboplatin has been reported to increase after multiple doses of the agent. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence, clinical features, management, or outcome of carboplatin-related HSRs in 113 Japanese patients with gynecologic malignancies and the possibility of rechallenge with the drug. We intravenously administered carboplatin after paclitaxel or docetaxel. Mild HSRs are resolved by temporary interruption of carboplatin infusion, an additional antihistamine, and/or a corticosteroid. If HSRs arose, carboplatin was diluted, not exceeding 1 mg/mL, and slowly infused over 2 hours in subsequent cycles. Ten patients experienced carboplatin HSRs, with an overall incidence of 8.85%. The first HSR episode was mild in all cases. When retreated with carboplatin, 4 exhibited severe HSRs. More than 9 cycles and/or more than 5000 mg of carboplatin administration significantly increased the incidence of HSRs. In particular, carboplatin treatment beyond 15 cycles and/or 8000 mg increased the risk of severe HSRs (P < 0.0001). The incidence of HSRs in the ovarian carcinoma group was significantly greater than that in the uterine carcinoma group (P = 0.0046). Careful attention should be paid to HSRs during carboplatin treatment beyond 9 cycles and/or 5000 mg. The rate of severe HSRs greatly increases beyond 15 cycles and/or 8000 mg. Further studies are needed to identify potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of carboplatin HSRs and to decrease the risk of reactions.

POSTOPERATIVE CHANGES OF SPERM CHROMATIN HETEROGENEITY, USING ACRIDINE ORANGE STAINING, IN VARICOCELE PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative changes in sperm chromatin heterogeneity in varicocele patients. In 15 infertile patients with varicocele, sperm parameters including concentration, motility, and morphology were evaluated before and after surgical correction of varicocele. Sperm motion analysis using computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA) was also performed. To analyze the sperm nuclear proteins, the acridine orange staining method was used. On semen analysis, sperm concentration and motility significantly increased after surgery (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, respectively), although sperm morphology was unaltered postoperatively. CASA parameters, including velocity, linearity, amplitude of lateral head displacement and beat cross frequency were unaltered postoperatively. On the other hand, acridine orange staining significantly increased postoperatively (p = 0.002). Varicocele influences the sperm chromatin condition, as well as sperm concentration and motility.

A simple method for confirming correct endotracheal intubation in mice

Endotracheal intubation in mice is both a common and important technique. However, it is a difficult procedure because of the small orotracheal size and the success rate is variable. There have been many reports of refined techniques that facilitate intubation but only a few reports have proposed how to verify the proper placement of the endotracheal tube. We describe a novel, safe and reliable method to confirm endotracheal intubation in mice using an extension tube for intravenous infusion. One drop of water was instilled in the extension tube and connected to the end of the catheter used as an endotracheal tube. When the catheter was inserted correctly into the trachea, the water in the extension tube oscillated in synchrony with the movement of the mouse's thorax, indicating correct placement of the catheter. This method was simple, reliable and use materials that are routinely available. This method is helpful for experimental mouse models that require airway access.

A multicenter randomized phase II study of full-dose gemcitabine and concurrent radiotherapy comparing gemcitabine alone for the unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma

e15512

Background: Some of locally advanced pancreatic cancers (LAPC) are considered to include a potential micro metastasis. We think that full-dose of gemcitabine (GEM) improve the outcome of LAPC. We report the efficacy of full-dose GEM and concurrent radiotherapy, comparing GEM alone for unresectable LAPC. Methods: Patients with histologically or cytologically proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma were eligible for this study. We decide that LAPA which involved a major artery with CT imaging was unresectable. Patients were randomized into a concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) group and a chemotherapy alone (CTX) group. GEM was given intravenously at a dose of 1,000 mg/msq over 30 min on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 28-day cycle and repeated until disease progression in both groups. Patients randomized into CRT group received a limited field irradiation with a total dose of 50 Gy in 25 sessions during first two cycles. The two groups were compared for mean survival, progression free survival and safety. Results: From September 2002 to April 2005, 80 patients were randomized at two institutions into the two arms of the trial (40 patients to CRT group and 40 patients to CTX group). The CRT group had better results than the CTX group as measured by mean survival time (391 vs 372 days, P< 0.02) and progression free survival (237 vs 128 days, P< 0.01). There were no differences in the safety between both groups. Conclusions: The concurrent chemoradiotherapy with full-dose GEM is effective and feasible in patients of LAPC compared with full-dose GEM alone.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Magnesium and potassium interrelationships, experimental and clinical

1) Coexisting Mg and K deficiency may occur with greater frequency than has been previously appreciated. 2) Profound hypokalemia, or refractoriness to K repletion or coexisting hypokalemia and hypocalcemia should suggest the possibility of concurrent Mg and K depletion. 3) The identification and treatment of concurrent K and Mg depletion is especially important in patients with congestive heart failure because of problem of digitalis toxicity. 4) We believe that the role of magnesium in optimizing cardiac function remains to be elucidated, identification and treatment of coexisting Mg and K depletion will be facilitated by making serum Mg a routine electrolyte determination together with Na, K, Cl, CO2.

[Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma; an investigation of thirteen cases]

Pleomorphic carcinoma is a rare pulmonary epithelial malignant tumor defined in the World Health Organization classification updated in 1999. We investigated the clinical findings and prognosis associated with this tumor since to our knowledge they have yet to be well-understood. Between 2000 and 2006, in our hospital 387 patients underwent surgical resection for primary nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Of these, 13 (3.4%) were diagnosed as pleomorphic carcinoma. We compared the clinical and pathological data between the patients with pleomorphic carcinoma (n = 13) and patients with other NSCLC (n = 374). Twelve (92.3%) of our patients were men and 9 (69.2%) were symptomatic. These tumors were located predominantly in an upper lobe and were associated more often with adjacent bullae than were other NSCLC. Surgical resection in 4 of the cases was incomplete due to tumor invasion into mediastinum, aortic arch, pleurae and/or chest wall. None of the diagnoses could be confirmed preoperatively. Thus, invasion of surrounding tissue occurred frequently and early. Although there are no defined management strategies for pleomorphic carcinoma, it is important to make the diagnosis early and perform complete resection if possible.

Development and characterization of chloroplast microsatellite markers for Cryptomeria japonica D. Don

We developed 17 chloroplast microsatellite markers, which consisted of seven mononucleotide microsatellites with a minimum repeat number of 10 and 10 dinucleotide microsatellites with a minimum repeat number of six, from the complete chloroplast genomic sequence of Cryptomeria japonica. A survey of 45 C. japonica individuals showed the number of alleles ranging from two to 11 alleles and a diversity index ranging from 0.085 to 0.895. Consequently, the 45 C. japonica individuals were divided into 39 haplotypes. These markers will be useful genetic markers in the gene flow analysis and population genetics of C. japonica.

Analysis of volatile compounds in beef fat by dynamic-headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique has been applied to the determination of the volatile compounds, including diterpenoids and lactones, in cooked beef fat. The ability of static-headspace SPME to extract lactones was disappointing, regardless of the type of SPME fiber or the temperature used. Dynamic-headspace SPME extraction with 50-/30-microm divinylbenzene-Carboxen on a polydimethylsiloxane fiber at 100 degrees C, by contrast, enabled the analysis of volatiles, including delta-lactones, gamma-lactones, and diterpenoids, with 50-/30-microm divinylbenzene-Carboxen on a polydimethylsiloxane fiber at 100 degrees C. Fifty-three compounds were identified from only 0.20 g of rendered beef fat, and 76% of these showed reliable peak size repeatability: the coefficient of variation was less than 10% on the total ion chromatograms obtained from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Some lactones showed higher CV values (>10%), but single-ion mode GC-MS analysis reduced them to 10% or less. In a study of beef samples available to the Japanese market, our analytical procedure revealed significantly higher levels of 1-hexanol, octadecane, ethyl tetradecanoate, gamma-nonalactone, but lower levels of delta-decalactone, delta-dodecalactone, and neophytadiene, in Japanese Black cattle than in beef imported from Australia.

Diagnostic value of spinal MR imaging in spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) presents with orthostatic headache, and the diagnosis is made on the basis of low CSF pressure and brain MR imaging findings characteristic of the disorder. However, a broad spectrum of symptoms and MR imaging findings of SIH is recognized, and some cases have no typical MR imaging abnormalities. SIH is believed to be caused by CSF leakage from the spinal dural sac, whereas the usefulness of MR imaging of the spine remains unclear. Our aim was to elucidate the diagnostic value of brain and spinal MR imaging

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sensitivities for the detection of SIH were retrospectively evaluated in 18 patients with SIH treated in our institutions between January 1998 and August 2007.

RESULTS

Brain MR imaging detected abnormalities in 15 of the 18 patients (83%): diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement in 15 (83%), descent of the cerebellar tonsil in 13 (72%), brain stem sagging in 13 (72%), enlargement of the pituitary gland in 12 (67%), and subdural fluid collection in 13 (72%). Spinal MR imaging detected abnormalities in 17 of the 18 patients (94%): distention of the epidural veins in 14 (78%), epidural fluid collection on fat-saturated T2-weighted images in 16 (89%), and abnormal visualization of the nerve root sleeve in only 1 (6%). The sensitivity for SIH was 83% for brain MR imaging and 94% for spinal MR imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal MR imaging is useful for the diagnosis of SIH, especially in the early stage.

Decreased diameter of the optic nerve sheath associated with CSF hypovolemia

The subarachnoid space around the optic nerve can be detected by fat-saturated T2-weighted MR imaging of the orbit, and dilation of this space reflects increased intracranial pressure. We examined 3 patients with CSF hypovolemia with MR imaging of the orbit and measured the optic nerve sheath diameter before and after treatment. We showed that the subarachnoid space is decreased in patients with CSF hypovolemia and the usefulness of this finding.

Effects of colloidal iron overload on renal and hepatic siderosis and the femur in male rats

Genetic hemochromatosis is an iron overload disorder, and osteopenic and osteoporotic. Femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) appears to fall with rising hepatic iron concentrations. A critical role for iron in mediating tissue injury is played via hydroxyl radical formation in nephrotoxicity. We investigated the effects of a colloidal iron overload on renal function, organ siderosis, and femoral bone in male rats. Iron overload reduced body growth, and increased the weights of the liver and spleen. Marked deposition of iron was noted in liver and kidney. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were decreased, and the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were increased with the reduction in plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels, i.e. functions of the liver and kidney might be affected by reactive oxygen species such as the superoxide radical, H2O2, and the hydroxyl radical produced by overloaded iron. Damage to the proximal tubular epithelial cells of the kidney and a loss of connectivity of cancellous bone in the epiphysis and of trabecular bone in the metaphysis of the distal femur were observed in iron-overloaded rats with a reduction of femoral bone mineral density, i.e. reabsorption of calcium from the proximal tubular epithelial cells of the kidney might be affected and urinary discharge of calcium might be elevated. It was suggested that iron overload gave rise to osteoporosis combined with renal dysfunction and liver iron overload syndrome.

Effects of nutritional supplementation with antioxidant vitamins and minerals and fish oil on antioxidant status and psychosocial stress in smokers: an open trial

Nutritional supplement foods containing antioxidant vitamins and minerals and fish oil (mainly docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, C22:6n-3), referred to as capsules, were administered to seven smokers every day for 34 days. Concentrations of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in serum, activity of superoxide dismutase in plasma and the concentration of 8-isoprostane (8-epi-prostaglandin F(2) alpha) in the urine showed an increase or a tendency to increase after the end of administration. The frequency of subjects showing poor state of psychological health evidenced by a total score of 8 points or more on the General Health Questionnaire (30-item edition) scale was 42.9%, although there was a significant decrease to 14.3% upon completion of administration of the capsules. These biochemical and psychological changes were mostly returned to the basal level one month after the end of administration of the capsules. The results suggest that administration of antioxidant vitamins and minerals and fish oil to smokers resulted in an increase in antioxidant capacity. Effectiveness in alleviating psychosocial stress likely to be attributable to DHA was also observed.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel for locally advanced cervical carcinoma

The efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel administered on a weekly schedule for locally advanced cervical carcinoma were evaluated. Thirty patients staged as IB2-IVA according to the FIGO were treated with carboplatin (AUC 2; an area under the time-concentration of 2 mg*min/ml based on creatinine clearance) and paclitaxel (60 mg/m(2)) intravenously, every week for six cycles. A type III radical hysterectomy was then undertaken. Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. An objective response was recorded in 26 patients (87%, 95% CI 70-95%). Progressive disease was not observed. Grade 3 neutropenia was observed in only two patients (7%), and grade 1 or 2 neuropathy was seen in six patients (20%). The combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel given in weekly schedule for advanced cervical carcinoma was highly active, permitting a high rate of subsequent surgical resectability. It was well tolerated. This regimen may provide improved outcomes with minimal toxicity.

Exhaled carbon monoxide concentration is not elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

The present study was initiated to examine whether the concentration of CO in the breath is elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Twenty-three clinically stable patients with IBD in the outpatient clinic (11 with Crohn's disease, 12 with ulcerative colitis), who are non-smokers and non-passive smokers, were selected and the concentration of CO in their breath was measured using a breath gas analyser (TRI lyser mBA-3000). The concentration of CO in the breath of 23 patients with IBD was 2.5+/-0.9 (1.1-4.3) ppm. This concentration comes within the range of standard values in our previous reports (2.5+/-2.2 ppm). Any significant difference was not observed between 2.4+/-0.9 (1.5-4.3) ppm for the 11 Crohn's disease patients and the 2.6+/-1.0 (1.1-3.9) ppm for the 12 ulcerative colitis patients. The results suggest that clinically stable patients with IBD do not show high values for concentration of CO in the breath.

Booster phenomenon of QuantiFERON-TB Gold after prior intradermal PPD injection

SETTING

University medical school in Japan.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the influence of prior intradermal purified protein derivative (PPD) injection on QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G).

DESIGN

Ninety-seven sixth-year university medical students aged 20-29 years concurrently underwent QFT-G and tuberculin skin test (TST). The first negative QFT-G and the first TST <15 mm were followed by a second QFT-G one month later.

RESULTS

Five of the 97 (5%) subjects tested positive for the first QFT-G. Thirty-three underwent a second QFT-G, five of whom (15%) turned positive, demonstrating the booster phenomenon of QFT-G.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior intradermal PPD injection may boost QFT-G. Further studies of the diagnostic significance and immunological mechanisms of this phenomenon are needed. For clinical application, especially during contact screening, QFT-G should be evaluated while keeping in mind the possible influence of prior PPD intradermal injection.

Can antisense oligonucleotides targeted K-ras gene downregulate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in orthotopically implanted pancreatic cancer in Syrian golden hamsters

14147

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, are thought to play major roles in pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis.Ras activates a multitude of downstream activities with roles in cellular processing, including invasion and metastasis.Therefore, antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) targeting K-ras gene may be a therapeutic approach. Aim: To elucidate the effectiveness of this gene therapy in growth, invasiveness,and expression of MMPs,in hamster experimental pancreatic cancer model. Materials and Methods: HaP-T1,a cell line derived from BHP-induced pancreatic cancer was used.Transfection with ASO were performed.MTT and MTT agarose assays were performed.MMP-2 and MMP-9 production by HaP-T1 was determined by gelatin zymography.For in vivo experiments,subcutaneously resected tumors were implanted orthotopically in Syrian golden hamsters,which were divided in 3 groups:Positive control (PC),Sense treated hamsters (STH), and Antisense treated hamsters (ATH).Follow up was done.Animals of each group were sacrificed at Days 10,17,24,31,and 38,to study local response and metastatic sites.Survival time was studied. Specimens were studied histopathologically.Orthotopic pancreatic tumor MMP production was measured by gelatin zymography. Results: ASO inhibited the tumoral growth.They downregulated active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose dependent manner in vitro.PC,STH,and ATH survived in average 72.7, 74,3, and 82,7 days,respectively.Spontaneous lymph node metastases were found from 31 days in ATH group,while PC and STH groups showed metastases and direct invasion to adjacent organs from 17 days.After death,metastatic sites were similar in the 3 groups.ASO downregulated the activation of MMP-9, more than MMP-2 in vivo. Conclusions: ASO targeted K-ras gene suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.ASO also downregulated the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro.However, it downregulated more MMP-9 than MMP-2 in vivo.Nevertheless, it can be a good choice in management of pancreatic cancer because MMP play an important role in the process of metastasis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Is farnesyltransferase inhibitor effective as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in orthotopic implantation of hamster pancreatic cancer

14153

Background: p21-Ras participates in signalling events from membrane tyrosine kinase receptors and a variety of intracellular biochemical pathways to downstream therapeutic strategy.Farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTI) block the main post-translational plasma membrane and subsequent activation of downstream effector.A curative resection model in Syrian golden hamsters has been developed previously. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of FTI as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in hamster experimental pancreatic cancer model. Materials and Methods: HaPT-1,a cell line derived from nitrosamine induced pancreatic cancer was used in these experiments.MTT and MTT agarose were performed.Subcutaneous implanted tumor was resected in exponential phase and tissue was implanted into the pancreas.At Day 7 or Day 14, partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed.Hamsters were divided in 7 groups:1.Positive control (PC,n=5),2.Only FTI (FT,n=5),3.Neodjuvant therapy after surgical resection at Day 7 (NT-R7,n=10),4.Adjuvant therapy after resection at Day 7 (AT-S7,n=10),5.Neoadjuvant therapy after resection at Day 7 (NT-S14,n=10),6.Adjuvant therapy after resection at Day 14 (AT-S14,n=10), and 7.Only surgery at Day 14 (SR,n=5).FTI was administered for one week. In FT and NT groups, drug was administered 3 days after orthotopic implantation.Body weight and side effects were recorded.Fourteen days after the surgical resection, sacrifice was done.Four animals of each group were left to study the survival.After 180 days, living hamsters were sacrificed. Resected and necropsied specimens were sent to histopathological analysis. Results: Successful rate of implantation was 100%.PC,FT,NT-S7,AT-S7,NT-S14,AT-S14,and SR survived in average 82,103,119,134,123,132,and 139 days.Two hamsters of AT-S7 (20%),two of AT-S14 (20%),and two of SR (40%) were alive until 180 days.Intra operatory bleeding was higher in NT groups.Loss of body weight was present in all FTI treated groups. Conclusions: Farnesyltransferase inhibitor showed not to be effective in the curative treatment of orthotopically implanted tumors. It may be used to increase the survival time as adjuvant therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10 in uterine carcinomas: a potential risk factor of recurrence after surgical therapy in cervical cancer

Aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10 (AKR1B10), an enzyme that converts retinals into retinols is known to detect in non-small cell lung carcinoma (squamous cell- and adeno-carcinomas), but is barely expressed in normal tissues. Since these types of carcinoma occur frequently in the uterus (like in the lung), AKR1B10 may also be overexpressed in two major types of uterine cancer, cervical cancer (CC), and endometrial cancer (EMC). The objective of this study is to investigate AKR1B10 expression in uterine cancer and to analyze its clinical significance. In samples from uterine cancer patients, AKR1B10 was detected in 6 out of 30 (20.0%) CC cases and 6 out of 38 (15.8%) EMC cases. Statistical analysis indicated that AKR1B10 expression was associated with tumor recurrence after surgery and keratinization of squamous cell carcinoma only in CC. Although retinol (a metabolic product by AKR1B10) was observed in the normal epithelium, the molecule was not observed in cancer cells of AKR1B10-positive CC samples suggesting that the recurrence in CC may not depend on the convert of retinals into retinols via AKR1B10, a potential indicator in the management of patients with CC.