Expression of STAT3 and hypoxia markers in long-term surviving malignant glioma patients

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma is a malignant and aggressive type of central nevous system malignancy characterized by many distinct biological features including extensive hypoxia. Hypoxia in glioblatoma associates with complex signaling patterns including activation of several pathways such as MAPK, PI3K-AKT/mTOR and IL-6/JAK/STAT3 with the master regulator HIF-1, which in turn drive particular tumor behaviors determining, in the end, treatment outcomes and patients fate. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the expression of selected hypoxia related factors including STAT3 in a small set of long-term surviving glioma patients.

METHODS

The expression of selected hypoxia related factors including STAT3 was evaluated in a time series of formalin fixed paraffin embedded and cryopreserved glioma samples from repeatedly resected patients. In addition, comparative studies were also conducted on primary glioma cells derived from original patient samples, stabilized glioma cell lines and tumor-xenograft mice model. Obtained data were correlated with clinical findings too.

RESULTS

Glioblastoma samples of the analyzed patients displayed heterogeneity in the expression of hypoxia- related and EMT markers with most interesting trend being observed in pSTAT3. This heterogeneity was subsequently confirmed in other employed models (primocultures derived from glioblastoma tissue resections, cryopreserved tumor specimens, stabilized glioblastoma cell line in vitro and in vivo) and concerned, in particular, STAT3 expression which remained stable. In addition, subsequent studies on the role of STAT3 in the context of glioblastoma hypoxia demonstrated opposing effects of its deletion on cell viability as well as the expression of hypoxia and EMT markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suport the importance of STAT3 expression and activity in the context of hypoxia in malignant glioblastoma long-term surviving glioma patients while emphasizing heterogeneity of biological outcomes in varying employed tumor models.

Diagnostic Utility of Immunohistochemical Detection of MEOX2, SOX11, INSM1 and EGFR in Gliomas

Histological identification of dispersed glioma cells in small biopsies can be challenging, especially in tumours lacking the IDH1 R132H mutation or alterations in TP53. We postulated that immunohistochemical detection of proteins expressed preferentially in gliomas (EGFR, MEOX2, CD34) or during embryonal development (SOX11, INSM1) can be used to distinguish reactive gliosis from glioma. Tissue microarrays of 46 reactive glioses, 81 glioblastomas, 34 IDH1-mutant diffuse gliomas, and 23 gliomas of other types were analysed. Glial neoplasms were significantly more often (p < 0.001, χ2) positive for EGFR (34.1% vs. 0%), MEOX2 (49.3% vs. 2.3%), SOX11 (70.5% vs. 20.4%), and INSM1 (65.4% vs. 2.3%). In 94.3% (66/70) of the glioblastomas, the expression of at least two markers was observed, while no reactive gliosis showed coexpression of any of the proteins. Compared to IDH1-mutant tumours, glioblastomas showed significantly higher expression of EGFR, MEOX2, and CD34 and significantly lower positivity for SOX11. Non-diffuse gliomas were only rarely positive for any of the five markers tested. Our results indicate that immunohistochemical detection of EGFR, MEOX2, SOX11, and INSM1 can be useful for detection of glioblastoma cells in limited histological samples, especially when used in combination.

The dynamics of telomere length in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer lesions

Telomeric sequences, the structures comprised of hexanucleotide repeats and associated proteins, play a pivotal role in chromosome end protection and preservation of genomic stability. Herein we address telomere length (TL) dynamics in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tumour tissues and corresponding liver metastases. TL was measured by multiplex monochrome real-time qPCR in paired samples of primary tumours and liver metastases along with non-cancerous reference tissues obtained from 51 patients diagnosed with metastatic CRC. Telomere shortening was observed in the majority of primary tumour tissues compared to non-cancerous mucosa (84.1%, p < 0.0001). Tumours located within the proximal colon had shorter TL than those in the rectum (p < 0.05). TL in liver metastases was not significantly different from that in primary tumours (p = 0.41). TL in metastatic tissue was shorter in the patients diagnosed with metachronous liver metastases than in those diagnosed with synchronous liver metastases (p = 0.03). The metastatic liver lesions size correlated with the TL in metastases (p < 0.05). Following the neoadjuvant treatment, the patients with rectal cancer had shortened telomeres in tumour tissue than prior to the therapy (p = 0.01). Patients with a TL ratio between tumour tissue and the adjacent non-cancerous mucosa of ≥ 0.387 were associated with increased overall survival (p = 0.01). This study provides insights into TL dynamics during progression of the disease. The results show TL differences in metastatic lesions and may help in clinical practice to predict the patient's prognosis.

Management of Onsite and Remote Communication in Oncology Hospitals: Data Protection in an Era of Rapid Technological Advances

Modern communication and information technologies are rapidly being deployed at health care institutions around the world. Although these technologies offer many benefits, ensuring data protection is a major concern, and implementation of robust data protection measures is essential. In this context, health care providers and medical care facilities must frequently make difficult decisions and compromises between the need to provide effective medical care and the need to ensure data security and patient privacy. In the present paper, we describe and discuss key issues related to data protection systems in the setting of cancer care hospitals in Europe. We provide real-life examples from two European countries-Poland and the Czech Republic-to illustrate data protection issues and the steps being taking to address these questions. More specifically, we discuss the legal framework surrounding data protection and technical aspects related to patient authentication and communication.

Differences in genome, transcriptome, miRNAome, and methylome in synchronous and metachronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer

Despite distant metastases being the critical factor affecting patients' survival, they remain poorly understood. Our study thus aimed to molecularly characterize colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLMs) and explore whether molecular profiles differ between Synchronous (SmCRC) and Metachronous (MmCRC) colorectal cancer. This characterization was performed by whole exome sequencing, whole transcriptome, whole methylome, and miRNAome. The most frequent somatic mutations were in APC, SYNE1, TP53, and TTN genes. Among the differently methylated and expressed genes were those involved in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization and degradation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. The top up-regulated microRNAs were hsa-miR-135b-3p and -5p, and the hsa-miR-200-family while the hsa-miR-548-family belonged to the top down-regulated. MmCRC patients evinced higher tumor mutational burden, a wider median of duplications and deletions, and a heterogeneous mutational signature than SmCRC. Regarding chronicity, a significant down-regulation of SMOC2 and PPP1R9A genes in SmCRC compared to MmCRC was observed. Two miRNAs were deregulated between SmCRC and MmCRC, hsa-miR-625-3p and has-miR-1269-3p. The combined data identified the IPO5 gene. Regardless of miRNA expression levels, the combined analysis resulted in 107 deregulated genes related to relaxin, estrogen, PI3K-Akt, WNT signaling pathways, and intracellular second messenger signaling. The intersection between our and validation sets confirmed the validity of our results. We have identified genes and pathways that may be considered as actionable targets in CRCLMs. Our data also provide a valuable resource for understanding molecular distinctions between SmCRC and MmCRC. They have the potential to enhance the diagnosis, prognostication, and management of CRCLMs by a molecularly targeted approach.

Total body irradiation for standard treatment rooms: a robust sweeping beam technique with respect to the body shape

Background

The purpose of this work is to improve a sweeping beam technique for total body irradiation (TBI) on a low flat couch using a varying patient thickness model. We designed a flat couch for total body irradiation in supine and prone position. Three generic arcs with rectangular segments for a patient torso thickness of 16, 22 and 28 cm were generated with respect to varying patient thickness of four particular parts of the body: head, torso, thighs and calves.

Materials and methods

Longitudinal and transversal dose profiles were measured using an ionization chamber and the EBT3 gafchromic film in a solid water slab phantom. The robustness of the method was examined in phantoms of different thicknesses.

Results

Measured dose homogeneity stays within ±10% of prescribed dose for all of the three patient thickness models. The robustness of the method was evaluated as the increase in dose in the phantom center of 0.7% per 1 cm reduction in phantom thickness.

Conclusion

The method is applicable for the broad range of patient sizes, comfortable for patients, robust and suitable for standard treatment rooms with a standard linear accelerator. It requires minimal investments into equipment.

Controversies of radiotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 positive breast cancer patients

Tumor biology plays a crucial role in the systemic treatment, specifically in HER2-positive tumors. Distinct biological behavior of breast cancer subtypes is associated with different rates of locoregional recurrence (LRR). HER2- positive breast cancer patients treated with surgery in combination with radiation, without trastuzumab have poor outcome, including high LRR. The efficacy of radiotherapy in HER-2-positive breast cancer appears to be associated with the expression of estrogen receptors. In patients with HER-2-positive breast cancer, studies conducted before the introduction of trastuzumab indicated higher benefit of adjuvant radiation in patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors compared to patients with tumors not expressing hormone receptors. The introduction of agents targeting HER-2 has transformed the management of these patients, resulting in improved outcomes. The data of clinical studies show that the administration of trastuzumab as part of a multimodality approach (with radiation based on standard guidelines) results in improved outcomes, including lower locoregional recurrence. The risk of cardiac toxicity associated with radiation to the heart and administration of potential cardiotoxic trastuzumab is not clear. In patients treated concomitantly with regional lymph node irradiation and anti-HER-2 agents after prior anthracycline-based chemotherapy minimizing the dose to the myocardium, e.g. respiratory gating or proton beam radiotherapy, have been suggested.

Impact of Hormone Receptor Status on the Behaviour of HER2+ Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The study aimed to evaluate differences in the overall survival of HER2+ breast cancer patients treated with regard to their hormone receptors negativity or positivity. We evaluated a cohort of patients treated with trastuzumab in the Czech Republic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study is a retrospective analysis of patients whose data were recorded in a nationwide non-interventional, post-authorisation database BREAST. After propensity score matching of data, the cohort included 4,532 patients.

RESULTS

A significant difference in overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was found between patients with and without hormone dependence. The OS was significantly higher in the group of patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) tumours in the following cohorts: patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy, patients with advanced disease, G2 tumours, stage III and IV and in patients with stage II and III of G2 tumours.

CONCLUSION

Increased OS rates were found in several subgroups of patients with HR+/HER2+ tumours compared to those with HR-/HER2+ tumours. Better outcomes of HR+/HER2+ patients were only observed in the first four/five years of follow-up, and the differences disappeared over time.

Distant Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Patients-Do We Have New Predicting Clinicopathological and Molecular Biomarkers? A Comprehensive Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a serious health problem worldwide. Approximately half of patients will develop distant metastasis after CRC resection, usually with very poor prognosis afterwards. Because patient performance after distant metastasis surgery remains very heterogeneous, ranging from death within 2 years to a long-term cure, there is a clinical need for a precise risk stratification of patients to aid pre- and post-operative decisions. Furthermore, around 20% of identified CRC cases are at IV stage disease, known as a metastatic CRC (mCRC). In this review, we overview possible molecular and clinicopathological biomarkers that may provide prognostic and predictive information for patients with distant metastasis. These may comprise sidedness of the tumor, molecular profile and epigenetic characteristics of the primary tumor and arising metastatic CRC, and early markers reflecting cancer cell resistance in mCRC and biomarkers identified from transcriptome. This review discusses current stage in employment of these biomarkers in clinical practice as well as summarizes current experience in identifying predictive biomarkers in mCRC treatment.

Association of triple positivity with prognostic parameters and overall survival in a population-based study of 6,122 HER2-positive breast cancer patients: analysis of real-world clinical practice based on a research database

Triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC), i.e. HER2-positive (HER2+) and hormone receptors-positive breast cancer, is a specific subgroup of breast cancers. TPBC biology is characterized by strong mutual interactions between signaling pathways stimulated by estrogens and HER2 amplification. The present study aims to carry out a population-based analysis of treatment outcomes in a cohort of hormone receptor (HR) positive and negative breast cancer patients who were treated with anti-HER2 therapy in the Czech Republic. The BREAST research database was used as the data source for this retrospective analysis. The database covers approximately 95% of breast cancer patients treated with targeted therapies in the Czech Republic. The analysis included 6,122 HER2-positive patients. The patients were divided into two groups, based on estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR) positivity: hormone receptor negative (HR-) patients had both ER- and PR-negative tumors (n=2,518), unlike positive (HR+) patients (n=3,604). HR+ patients were more often diagnosed premenopausal at the time of diagnosis, presented more often at stage I or II and their tumors were less commonly poorly differentiated. The overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in subgroups of HR+ patients according to treatment setting. When evaluated by stages, significantly higher OS was observed in HR+ patients diagnosed at stages II, III, and IV and regardless of tumor grade.

Rare Hereditary Burden associated with a Hypercalcemic Small-Cell Carcinoma of Cervix in a Young Female Patient

BACKGROUND

Oncological diseases have, in most cases, a multifactorial etiology, composed of a combination of external and internal environmental factors. Hereditary tumorous syndromes are mostly autosomal dominant diseases with incomplete but very high penetrance.

OBSERVATION

The patient, an 18-year-old virgin female, consulted a gynecologist in June 2018 because of metrorrhagia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cervical tumor with the dimensions 80 × 90 × 80 mm. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of a very rare hypercalcemic type of small-cell carcinoma of the cervix. Further investigation of the germinal exom of the patient showed pathological variations in genes PALB2 and BRCA2, presented with recommendation of detailed examination by medical genetics.

CONCLUSION

Clinical experience with this type of tumor is very limited, but it still comes with some useful outcome. Small cell carcinomas of the gynecologic tract are very rare, aggressive diseases, with very poor prognosis, affecting mainly young women. Their origin is most often the ovaries, based on most clinical data, but these tumor also localize to the endometrium, cervix, vagina and vulva. It is an extremely rare type of cancer, for which clinical data is scant due to the extremely low number of reported cases. In this patient, the carcinoma had an unusual genetical mutation burden, which she inherited from her parents. In the light of these findings, we recommend that patients suspected of having a small-cell of the gynecologic tract provide a detailed family history, and that genetic testing be considered in similar cases. This work was supported by MH CR grant 16-33209A and research program of Charles University Progress Q40/06. The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers. Submitted: 10. 6. 2019 Accepted: 9. 9. 2019.

Therapeutic significance of hormone receptor positivity in patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer

Breast cancer with high expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 represents a biologically and clinically heterogeneous group of neoplastic disorders. Importantly, hormone receptor expression has an effect on biological properties and affects the selection of therapies. On the basis of molecular genetics, four principal subtypes, including luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched (HER-2-E), and basal-like can be distinguished. Breast tumors characterized by HER-2 positivity and simultaneous expression of hormone receptors, triple positive breast cancers (TPBC) are of increasing interest owing to the unique biological characteristics associated with complex interactions between HER-2 and hormone receptor signaling pathways. Interactions between hormone receptors and HER-2 explain the decreased efficacy of hormonal therapy in comparison with HER-2-negative patients. The expression of estrogen receptors in HER-2 positive tumors may also be associated with resistance to anti-HER-2 treatment. Multiple available therapeutic options, including hormonal therapy, anti-HER-2 agents and cytotoxic drugs explain favorable prognosis of TPBC. Escalation and de-escalation therapeutic strategies that could result in lower toxicities are being investigated as well as combinations of anti-HER-2 agents with hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 and phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase inhibitors. Distinction between subtypes of HER-2-positive breast cancer and treatment diversification may result in improved outcomes in TPBC. A response to neoadjuvant therapy may serve in the tailoring of therapy management.

Validation of dose distribution computation on sCT images generated from MRI scans by Philips MRCAT

Aim

To evaluate calculation of treatment plans based on synthetic-CT (sCT) images generated from MRI.

Background

Because of better soft tissue contrast, MR images are used in addition to CT images for radiotherapy planning. However, registration of CT and MR images or repositioning between scanning sessions introduce systematic errors, hence suggestions for MRI-only therapy. The lack of information on electron density necessary for dose calculation leads to sCT (synthetic CT) generation. This work presents a comparison of dose distribution calculated on standard CT and sCT.

Materials and methods

10 prostate patients were included in this study. CT and MR images were collected for each patient and then water equivalent (WE) and MRCAT images were generated. The radiation plans were optimized on CT and then recalculated on MRCAT and WE data. 2D gamma analysis was also performed.

Results

The mean differences in the majority of investigated DVH points were in order of 1% up to 10%, including both MRCAT and WE dose distributions. Mean gamma pass for acceptance criteria 1%/1 mm were greater than 82.5%. Prescribed doses for target volumes and acceptable doses for organs at risk were met in almost all cases.

Conclusions

The dose calculation accuracy on MRCAT was not significantly compromised in the majority of clinical relevant DVH points. The introduction of MRCAT into practise would eliminate systematic errors, increase patients' comfort and reduce treatment expenses. Institutions interested in MRCAT commissioning must, however, consider changes to established workflow.

Ramucirumab with cisplatin and fluoropyrimidine as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic gastric or junctional adenocarcinoma (RAINFALL): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

VEGF and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2)-mediated signalling and angiogenesis can contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of gastric cancer. We aimed to assess whether the addition of ramucirumab, a VEGFR-2 antagonist monoclonal antibody, to first-line chemotherapy improves outcomes in patients with metastatic gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

For this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial done at 126 centres in 20 countries, we recruited patients aged 18 years or older with metastatic, HER2-negative gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, and adequate organ function. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) with an interactive web response system to receive cisplatin (80 mg/m2, on the first day) plus capecitabine (1000 mg/m2, twice daily for 14 days), every 21 days, and either ramucirumab (8 mg/kg) or placebo on days 1 and 8, every 21 days. 5-Fluorouracil (800 mg/m2 intravenous infusion on days 1-5) was permitted in patients unable to take capecitabine. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival, analysed by intention to treat in the first 508 patients. We did a sensitivity analysis of the primary endpoint, including a central review of CT scans. Overall survival was a key secondary endpoint. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02314117.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 28, 2015, and Sept 16, 2016, 645 patients were randomly assigned to receive ramucirumab plus fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin (n=326) or placebo plus fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin (n=319). Investigator-assessed progression-free survival was significantly longer in the ramucirumab group than the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·753, 95% CI 0·607-0·935, p=0·0106; median progression-free survival 5·7 months [5·5-6·5] vs 5·4 months [4·5-5·7]). A sensitivity analysis based on central independent review of the radiological images did not corroborate the investigator-assessed difference in progression-free survival (HR 0·961, 95% CI 0·768-1·203, p=0·74). There was no difference in overall survival between groups (0·962, 0·801-1·156, p=0·6757; median overall survival 11·2 months [9·9-11·9] in the ramucirumab group vs 10·7 months [9·5-11·9] in the placebo group). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia (85 [26%] of 323 patients in the ramucirumab group vs 85 [27%] of 315 in the placebo group), anaemia (39 [12%] vs 44 [14%]), and hypertension (32 [10%] vs 5 [2%]). The incidence of any-grade serious adverse events was 160 (50%) of 323 patients in the ramucirumab group and 149 (47%) of 315 patients in the placebo group. The most common serious adverse events were vomiting (14 [4%] in the ramucirumab group vs 21 [7%] in the placebo group) and diarrhoea (11 [3%] vs 19 [6%]). There were seven deaths in each group, either during study treatment or within 30 days of discontinuing study treatment, which were the result of treatment-related adverse events. In the ramucirumab group, these adverse events were acute kidney injury, cardiac arrest, gastric haemorrhage, peritonitis, pneumothorax, septic shock, and sudden death (n=1 of each). In the placebo group, these adverse events were cerebrovascular accident (n=1), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (n=2), pulmonary embolism (n=2), sepsis (n=1), and small intestine perforation (n=1).

INTERPRETATION

Although the primary analysis for progression-free survival was statistically significant, this outcome was not confirmed in a sensitivity analysis of progression-free survival by central independent review, and did not improve overall survival. Therefore, the addition of ramucirumab to cisplatin plus fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy is not recommended as first-line treatment for this patient population.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

Primary retroperitoneal Ewings sarcoma

The Ewings sarcoma (EWS) family tumors are small, round, cell tumors with different degrees of neuroectodermal differentiation with a peak incidence in children and young adults. About 10-20% of cases are extraskeletal EWS.

Urinary Tract and Gynecologic Malignancies

BACKGROUND

The close anatomical relationship of the urogenital system is a significant, and sometimes limiting, factor in oncogynecology. Reducing adverse effects (treatment-associated toxicity) is an integral part of cancer treatment. Radical surgery, as well as oncological therapy, which represent milestones in the treatment of such malignancies, may require tailoring the extension of the intervention in order to preserve other non-gynecological structures. Despite the progress in minimally invasive surgery, and evolution of radiotherapy and systemic therapy, treatment-related complications remain; indeed, their increasing prevalence in women raises questions about quality of life.

AIM

Here, we highlight the modalities used to treat gynecological cancer and discuss the most common urological adverse effects related to these interventions. Knowledge of side effects, as well as methods of prevention, is fundamental if we are to preserve quality of life.

CONCLUSION

reatment of gynecological cancer is based on cooperation between members of the multidisciplinary team. From this point-of-view, combination of two radical modalities (mainly surgery and radiotherapy) remains problematic. However, the patients prognosis, and plans for other possible oncological therapies, play an essential role in management of urological adverse effects related to cancer treatment. Key words: gynecologic neoplasms - complication - urinary tract - quality of life This work was supported by project PROGES Q40. The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers. Submitted: 27. 9. 2018 Accepted: 21. 10. 2018.

HPV Status and Mutation Analysis Using Multiparallel Sequencing in Distal Oesophageal and Gastro-oesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction is increasing in Europe and other regions of the Western world. Research of possible causes has shifted to the molecular level. This study evaluated human papillomavirus (HPV) using real-time PCR and mutational status of selected genes using the multiparallel sequencing method (NGS) in DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tumour tissue of 56 patients with oesophageal or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The genetic material was in sufficient quality for the analysis in 37 cases (66 %). No HPV-positive sample was found. NGS revealed higher frequency of mutations in TP53, ARID1A, PIK3CA, SMAD4, ERBB2, MSH6, BRCA2, and RET genes. Association between gene mutations and histological grade, subtype according to Lauren, or primary tumour site was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the study did not confirm any HPV-positive sample of oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The study confirmed the usefulness of NGS analysis of paraffin-embedded tissue of these tumours, and it could be used in clinical studies to evaluate the prognostic and/or predictive value of the tested mutations. The association between gene mutations and histological features should be tested in larger patient cohorts.

Liposomal Doxorubicin Combined with Regional Hyperthermia: Reducing Systemic Toxicity and Improving Locoregional Efficacy in the Treatment of Solid Tumors

Incorporation of doxorubicin into polyethylene glycol-coated (pegylated) liposomes increases the therapeutic index, prolongs circulation time and enhances tumor localization. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is an established therapeutic agent in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), breast carcinoma or Kaposi's sarcoma, and PLD administration results in reduction of toxicity. Addition of regional hyperthermia increases liposome extravasation, induces the doxorubicin release from the liposomes, and the combination of hyperthermia and doxorubicin itself may be supra-additive, resulting in enhanced antitumor efficacy in the heated region. Encouraging results have been reported for the combination of PLD and hyperthermia in EOC, breast carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cancer incidence and mortality in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND

The Czech Republic ranks among the countries with the highest cancer burden in Europe as well as worldwide. The purpose of this study is to summarize longterm trends in the cancer burden and to provide up-to-date estimates of incidence and mortality rates after 2011.

DATA AND METHODS

The Czech National Cancer Registry (CNCR) was instituted in 1977 and contains information collected over a 34-year period of standardized registration covering 100% of cancer diagnoses within the entire Czech population. The CNCR analysis is supported by demographic data and by the Death Records Database. An overview of the epidemiology of malignant tumors in the Czech population is available online at www.svod.cz.

RESULTS

All neoplasms, including nonmelanoma skin cancer, reached a crude incidence rate of almost 802 cases per 100,000 men and 681 cases per 100,000 women in 2011. The annual mortality rate exceeded 258 deaths per 100,000 individuals; in other words, more than 27,000 individuals die of cancer each year. The overall incidence of malignancies has increased with a growth index of +27.6% during the last decade (2001- 2011), while the mortality rate has been stabilized over the time span (growth index in 2001- 2011: - 5.0%). Consequently, the prevalence has significantly increased in the observed period and exceeded 475,000 cases in 2011. In addition to demographic aging of the Czech population, the cancer burden has also increased due to the growing incidence of multiple primary tumors (recently more than 15% of the total incidence). The most frequent diagnoses include colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Although some neoplasms are increasingly diagnosed at an early stage (e. g. the proportion of stage I or II was 75.3% for female breast cancer and 84.2% for skin melanoma), the numbers of early diagnosed cases are generally insufficient, even in the case of highly prevalent cancers such as colorectal carcinoma (only 46.1% of incident cases are diagnosed at stage I or II, according to recent data).

CONCLUSION

Population-based data on malignant tumors are available in the Czech Republic. The data survey can help us define national cancer management priorities. The current priority is to achieve a sustained reduction of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage and reduction of the significant regional differences in diagnostic efficiency.

[Influence of preoperative chemoradiotherapy on changes of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in patients treated by preoperative chemoradiotherapy for local advanced rectal carcinoma]

AIM

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prognostic impact of expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) changes during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and three patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma of stage II and III were evaluated. All patients were administered the total dose of 44 --  50.4 Gy. Concomitantly, the patients received capecitabine in the dose 825 mg/ m² in two daily oral administrations or 5- fluorouracil in the dose 200 mg/ m² in continuous infusion. Surgery was indicated at intervals of 4-8 weeks from chemoradiotherapy completion. EGFR expression in the pretreatment biopsies and in resected specimens was assessed with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

All of 103 patients received radiotherapy without interruption up to the total planned dose. Downstaging was described in 64 patients. Six patients had complete pathologic remission. Recurrence occurred in 49 patients. Local recurrence was found in 22 patients, generalization of disease was reported in 27 patients. A total of 51 patients died. Increased EGFR expression was found in 26 patients. The statistically significantly shorter overall survival (p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (p < 0.001) was found in patients with increased expression of EGFR compared with patients where no increase in the expression of EGFR was observed during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The overexpression of EGFR during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma is associated with significant shorter overall survival and disease-free survival.

Primary cilia in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

The primary cilium is a solitary, sensory, non-motile microtubule-based structure that arises from the centrosome and is projected from the surface of most human cells. The objective of the current pilot study was to conduct an investigation of presence and frequency of cilia in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).The presence of primary cilia in GIST was evaluated in 9 patients, including 8 primary tumors and 1 liver metastasis. In 2 patients the presence of primary cilia was evaluated not only in the primary tumor, but also in recurrence: in 1 patient in recurrence without previous treatment with imatinib and in 1 patient in recurrence after treatment with imatinib. The primary cilia of GIST cells were immunofluorescently stained with primary monoclonal anti-acetylated tubulin alpha antibody and cell nuclei with DAPI.We observed 9985 nuclei of cells of GISTs and 425 primary cilia in total. The median of frequency of primary cilia in cells of GISTs in all examined samples was 4.26%, in primary tumors was 4.32% and in metastases was 3.64%, respectively. This pilot study provides the evidence of the presence of primary cilia in GISTs in different organs. Primary cilia were identified in all examined cases of GIST, including primary tumors, metastases and recurrent lesions without and with previous treatment with imatinib.

Malignant schwannoma of the obturator nerve

Lesions of obturator nerve are rare. Tumours and mainly malignant schwannoma of this nerve are extremely rare. The authors describe an unusual case of a gigantic schwannoma of the obturator nerve in 69 year old woman. Due to tumour expansion in the proximal part of the thigh MRI was performed and demonstrated extensive tumour originating most probably from the obturator nerve. The patient had no neurological symptoms. Biopsy from the lesion was taken at the Department of Orthopaedics with the following conclusion: malignant schwannoma. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy due to diffuse metastatic spread on the chest X ray, after which metastatic spread subsided. The main lesion reduced its size by 1 cm. In 4 months after biopsy the patient was referred for operation to neurosurgery. The tumour was removed along its borders and except of minimal weakness of adduction of the right thigh there was no neurological deterioration. She was subsequently referred for further care to oncology and radiotherapy.The goal of this work is to emphasize the extremely rare occurrence of tumours of this nerve and suggest therapeutic options (Fig. 4, Ref. 11).

Quantitative Evaluation of the Benefit of Fiducial Image-Guidance for Prostate Cancer Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Using Daily Dose Volume Histogram Analysis

To quantitatively evaluate the extent to which fiducial-based image-guidance improves dose coverage of the target volume and sparing of critical organs for prostate cancer patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and determination of planning margins by original approach of detailed daily dose volume histogram (DVH) and patient's position correction analysis. Sixty-two patients divided in two groups (clinical target volume (CTV) → planning target volume (PTV) margin 10 and 7 mm) were treated with IMRT using implanted fiducial markers. Each patient's treatment fraction was recalculated as it would have been treated without fiducial-guided positioning. For both plans (IGRT and non-IGRT), equivalent uniform doses (EUD), maximal and minimal doses for target volumes, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), maximum and mean doses for organs at risk and the whole DVH differences were assessed. In the group with 10 mm margins, the only significant difference was worse rectal NTCP by 4.5%, but the CTV dose coverage remained at the same level. Recalculated plans with 7 mm margin could not achieve the prescribed target volume coverage, and the EUD decreased by 3.7 and 0.6 Gy for PTV and CTV, respectively. Desired CTV → PTV margin for non-IGRT plans should be no lower than 12 mm to guarantee 95% instances when delivered dose to CTV maintain as planned, for IGRT plans decrease this requirement to 2 mm. Prostate IMRT strategies involving margin reduction below 7 mm require image-guidance to maintain the planned dose coverage. Using fiducial-based image-guidance and large margins seems to be superfluous.

ATM and TGFB1 genes polymorphisms in prediction of late complications of chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

The purpose of our study was to evaluate a possible correlation between genetic polymorphisms in ATM and TGFB1 genes and late toxicity of chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Fifty five patients with FIGO stage IIB and higher without a disease recurrence with a mean follow up of 6 years were included. Late toxicity was assessed by EORTC/RTOG late toxicity criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis. Degree of association between polymorphisms and late toxicity of chemotherapy was assessed on the basis of phi-coefficient (φ) as well. We did not find any association between 5557G>A polymorphism in the ATM gene or single TGFB1 polymorphisms and late toxicity. TGFB1 compound homozygosity (-1552delAGG, -509C>T, L10P) was a significant predictive factor of grade III-IV and any grade of complications in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and statistical significance of association between polymorphisms and late toxicity of chemoradiotherapy was confirmed also by the evaluation of phi-coefficient (φ). We conclude that haplotypes instead of single nucleotide polymorphic sites in the genes may better characterize the individual radiosensitivity.

[Cancer in elderly]

BACKGROUND

Population ageing in developed countries associated with increasing cancer incidence in higher age categories becomes a serious challenge in oncology nowadays.

AIM

To review the present policy of management of senior cancer patients and to outline strategies of its improvement. Elderly patients are generally undertreated if we address current treatment standards. The elderly population is heterogenous in terms of functional status, physical and psychical impairment, comorbidities, functional reserve, socioeconomic backgroud and geriatric symptoms. There is a lack of consensus on guidelines for elderly population due to under-representation of older patients in clinical trials. Geriatric assessments could be a useful tool for medical decision making and adjusting treatment plan for a certain group of patients - those suitable for standard treatment, vulnerable group - advisable to treatment reduction, and frail patients - indicated for paliative approach. However, studies confirming effectiveness of this age-specific approach in comparison with routine clinical practice remain to be conducted.

CONCLUSION

Clinical studies focused on senior cancer patients are urgently needed.

[Can be considered the primary fallopian tube cancer an enigma at the beginning of the third millenium?]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze differences between primary fallopian tube cancer and ovarian cancer.

DESIGN

Overview study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Kralove.

METHODS

Overview study focused on analysis of data of primary fallopian tube cancer.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of primary fallopian tube cancer was thought to be very low in the past but it is very difficult to assess the primary origin in the case of advanced disease (ovary versus fallopian tube). Tumorogenic potential of endosalpinx in relation to epithelial tumours is much more bigger. According to the current knowledge, the vast majority of high-grade serous carcinomas of the "ovary" in fact arise in the mucosa of fimbrial portion of fallopian tube.

[Radiotherapy in vulvar cancer treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To provide an actual review of radiotherapy in the treatment of vulvar carcinoma.

DESIGN

A review article.

SETTING

Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital in Hradec Králové.

METHODS

A review article evaluating the application of ionizing radiation in the treatment of early and advanced vulvar carcinoma, based on the most significant previously published studies.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative groin irradiation in patients with positive groin lymph-nodes improves local control, time to progression, and overall survival; especially in 2 positive nodes and in N2/3 initial findings. In case of positive inguinal nodes, radiotherapy of both groins and at least lower pelvic iliac node-chains should follow. Adjuvant irradiation of the primary remains controversial, except for positive resection margins where radiotherapy improves overall survival. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy seems to be appropriate primary treatment of advanced vulvar carcinomas, in attempt to avoid mutilating intervention or exenteration. Chemoradiation should be followed by subsequent surgery, including potential groin dissection in case of lymph-node involvement. Definitive chemoradiotherapy is of limited evidence, and radical dose escalation to the gross tumor is essential for its implementation. Modern radiotherapy techniques, especially with intensity modulation, are convenient for dose escalation.

Utilization of cone beam CT for reconstruction of dose distribution delivered in image-guided radiotherapy of prostate carcinoma - bony landmark setup compared to fiducial markers setup

The purpose of this study was to compare two different styles of prostate IGRT: bony landmark (BL) setup vs. fiducial markers (FM) setup. Twenty‐nine prostate patients were treated with daily BL setup and 30 patients with daily FM setup. Delivered dose distribution was reconstructed on cone‐beam CT (CBCT) acquired once a week immediately after the alignment. Target dose coverage was evaluated by the proportion of the CTV encompassed by the 95% isodose. Original plans employed 1 cm safety margin. Alternative plans assuming smaller 7 mm margin between CTV and PTV were evaluated in the same way. Rectal and bladder volumes were compared with initial ones. While the margin reduction in case of BL setup makes the prostate coverage significantly worse (p=0.0003, McNemar's test), in case of FM setup with the reduced 7 mm margin, the prostate coverage is even better compared to BL setup with 10 mm margin (p=0.049, Fisher's exact test). Moreover, partial volumes of organs at risk irradiated with a specific dose can be significantly lowered (p<0.0001, unpaired t‐test). Reducing of safety margin is not acceptable in case of BL setup, while the margin can be lowered from 10 mm to 7 mm in case of FM setup.

PACS numbers: 87.55.dk, 87.55.km, 87.55.tm

Hypermethylation of RAD51L3 and XRCC2 genes to predict late toxicity in chemoradiotherapy-treated cervical cancer patients

Cervical cancer affects women worldwide, especially in developing countries. Approximately 500,000 cases of this disease are diagnosed per year. The method of choice in the treatment of advanced cervical cancers (in accordance with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system (FIGO) starting from stage IIB) is combined radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy. This treatment provides good tumour control, but it carries a risk of late complications in the irradiated area in 10-15 % of cases. Methylation is one of the methods of epigenetic control, which has an important role in gene expression. Aberrant methylation of normal CpG islands in promoters of tumour suppressor genes such as RB, p53 or DNA reparation genes ATM, BRCA1,2, and RAD51 gene family causes silencing of their function and cell cycle deregulation, which is one of the efficient ways of neoplastic transformation. The significantly decreased expression of molecules involved in DNA response may cause facilitated radiosensitivity in predisposed individuals. We looked for the relationship between hypermethylation of 18 DNA reparation genes and late toxicity occurrence in cervical cancer patients treated by chemoradiotherapy using methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA). The cut-off value for the hypermethylation was set at 10 %. We confirmed significant association between promoter hypermethylation in the XRCC2 gene and occurrence of late grade III-IV toxicity in cervical cancer patients (P = 0.0357). This finding could be useful in the late toxicity prediction in radiotherapy-treated patients.

[Primary cilia of cells of cardiovascular apparatus]

The primary cilium is a mechanosensory, solitary, non-motile microtubule-based structure that in the quiescent phase of the cell cycle projects from the surface of the majority of human cells, including embryonal, stem and mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts, myoblasts, cardiomyocytes, vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Primary cilia are in increased frequency also present on the surface of endothelial cells in atherosclerotic predilection sites, lipoid streaks and dots and atheromatous plaques. The primary cilium is formed from the mother centriole. Primary cilia are currently studied in mechanobiology of cardiovascular apparatus and their role in cell migration, cell cycle control and atherogenesis. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the current knowledge on the primary cilia of cells of cardiovascular apparatus.

Utilization of cone-beam CT for offline evaluation of target volume coverage during prostate image-guided radiotherapy based on bony anatomy alignment

AIM

To assess target volume coverage during prostate image-guided radiotherapy based on bony anatomy alignment and to assess possibility of safety margin reduction.

BACKGROUND

Implementation of IGRT should influence safety margins. Utilization of cone-beam CT provides current 3D anatomic information directly in irradiation position. Such information enables reconstruction of the actual dose distribution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen prostate patients were treated with daily bony anatomy image-guidance. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans were acquired once a week immediately after bony anatomy alignment. After the prostate, seminal vesicles, rectum and bladder were contoured, the delivered dose distribution was reconstructed. Target dose coverage was evaluated by the proportion of the CTV encompassed by the 95% isodose. Original plans employed a 1 cm safety margin. Alternative plans assuming a smaller 7 mm margin between CTV and PTV were evaluated in the same way. Rectal and bladder volumes were compared with the initial ones. Rectal and bladder volumes irradiated with doses higher than 75 Gy, 70 Gy, 60 Gy, 50 Gy and 40 Gy were analyzed.

RESULTS

In 12% of reconstructed plans the prostate coverage was not sufficient. The prostate underdosage was observed in 5 patients. Coverage of seminal vesicles was not satisfactory in 3% of plans. Most of the target underdosage corresponded to excessive rectal or bladder filling. Evaluation of alternative plans assuming a smaller 7 mm margin revealed 22% and 11% of plans where prostate and seminal vesicles coverage, respectively, was compromised. These were distributed over 8 and 7 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Sufficient dose coverage of target volumes was not achieved for all patients. Reducing of safety margin is not acceptable. Initial rectal and bladder volumes cannot be considered representative for subsequent treatment.

Successful radiotherapy treatment of lacrimal gland infiltration in patient with Sjögren΄s syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To present a single case report on successful radiotherapy treatment of lacrimal gland infiltration in patient with Sjögren΄s syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy is occasionally used for the treatment of benign disorders. There is no report on use of radiotherapy for local treatment of the Sjögren΄s syndrome in the literature.

METHODS

Female patient with lacrimal gland involvement as a part of Sjögren΄s syndrome with diplopia and visus deterioration was treated by radiotherapy with eye shielding.

RESULTS

Regression of the infiltration with full restoration of visus and minimal acute radiation reaction was achieved.

CONCLUSION

A case report of successful use of local radiotherapy in the treatment of lacrimal gland affected by Sjögren΄s syndrome is presented (Fig. 3, Ref. 6). Full Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Low expression of NQO1 predicts pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients treated with TAC regimen

The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative tumour expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) along with other biological markers as potential predictors of pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide-containing (TAC) chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer. Sixty-one patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) with TAC regimen were enrolled in this prospective study. The pre- and post- NCT expression of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), epidermal growth factor receptor 1 and 2 (EGFR and HER2), NQO1, Ki-67 proliferation index, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), p53 and BCL2 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The pCR was reached in 14 patients (23 % of the study group). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with ER-, PR-, NQO1- negative, and Ki-67-positive tumours had a significantly higher chance to achieve pCR. Within the biological subtypes, the highest pCR rate (50 %) was seen in triple-negative (i.e. ER-, PR-, HER2-) tumours. Post-operative evaluation showed that in comparison to pre-operative tissue samples, NQO1 expression was significantly increased, while Ki-67 and HER2 decreased, in the residual tissue after NCT. In conclusion, the present data suggests that NQO1 expression may be a novel diagnostic biomarker for the prediction of positive response to NCT in patients with breast cancer.

Hyperfractionated high-dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of oral tongue cancer

BACKGROUND

Low-dose rate brachytherapy is a well established treatment modality of oral cancer. Data about high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy are still sparse with various fractionation schedules and heterogeneous results.

AIM

The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the results of HDR brachytherapy with doses of 3 Gy twice daily.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with squamous cell tongue cancer were treated in the years 2001-2009 by exclusive HDR BT 18 × 3 Gy twice daily. The plastic tube technique was used. Median follow up was 47 months (7.8-118) since brachytherapy.

RESULTS

The local and locoregional control was 85% and 68%, respectively. Bone necrosis developed in one case treated without mandibular shielding and soft tissue necrosis in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that HDR brachytherapy with 18 × 3 Gy twice daily is safe with promising local control. The risk of nodal recurrences is substantial.

Tamoxifen/norfloxacin interaction leading to QT interval prolongation in a female patient with extracranial meningioma

The authors report on a case of tamoxifen/norfloxacin interaction leading to QT interval prolongation in an 83-year-old female patient with extracranial meningioma treated with radiation and hormonal therapy (with Tamoxifen). This case report highlights the potential risk of tamoxifen causing depression of electrical impulse in sinoatrial node, leading to symptomatic sinus bradycardia with prolonged QT interval. At the same time it indicates the need to be on the look out for drug interactions (in our case between tamoxifen and norfloxacin), as well as to be aware of other drugs possibly inducing QT interval prolongation (Fig. 2, Ref. 7).

[Can cancer patient in terminal stage of cancer die with dignity at home? And under what conditions?]

In their brief communication, the authors are discussing the issue of palliative care for cancer patients in terminal stage of cancer. The authors are also contributing their own experience with the provision of such care to patients who wish to die at home.

Molecular predictive factors of outcome of radiotherapy in cervical cancer

Radical radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy is an established treatment for cervical cancer patients with stage FIGO IIB and higher. The tumor control can be achieved in 40-80% of patients, the treatment is associated with the risk of late postiradiation complications in 10 - 15% of cases. Detection of the factors predictive for tumor control and late morbidity is a possible direction how to individualize radiotherapy dose and technique. The aim of our review is to summarize results of studies inquiring various molecular markers predicting tumor response to radiotherapy and a risk of late complications. A lot of candidate molecules were evaluated in histochemical studies: membrane receptors (EGFR, HER-2), cell cycle regulators (p53, p21), proliferative markers (Ki-67), hypoxia and angiogenetic factors (HIF, VEGF), HPV status, and others (COX-2), with promising results in some of them (HPV, HIF-1α, Ku80, ATM polymorphism). Microarray studies identified decades of genes with different expression in radiosensitive/radioresistant cervical tumors and sets of genes are able to comletely separate responding and nonresponding tumors, but these sets differ across studies. Further well designed studies will be necessary to achieve results matured for use in clinical practice.

[Palliative cancer care within the Hradec Králové Region Health Care System: own experience]

Palliative cancer care is an active treatment and nursing intervention in patients in whom cancer therapy has been withdrawn due to untreatable progression of the cancer disease. The main aim of palliative cancer care is to ensure the best possible quality of life of a cancer patient and the patient's family members. Palliative cancer care is provided in two basic forms, general and specialized. In the present paper, the authors discuss palliative cancer care and its implementation into clinical practice with reference to their own experience in providing this care.

Technological advances in radiotherapy for esophageal cancer

Radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy and surgery represent the main treatment modalities in esophageal cancer. The goal of modern radiotherapy approaches, based on recent technological advances, is to minimize post-treatment complications by improving the gross tumor volume definition (positron emission tomography-based planning), reducing interfraction motion (image-guided radiotherapy) and intrafraction motion (respiratory-gated radiotherapy), and by better dose delivery to the precisely defined planning target volume (intensity-modulated radiotherapy and proton therapy). Reduction of radiotherapy-related toxicity is fundamental to the improvement of clinical results in esophageal cancer, although the dose escalation concept is controversial.

[Intensity modulated radiation therapy technique in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies]

OBJECTIVE

A description of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique and its implementation in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.

SUBJECT

A review article.

SETTING

Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital in Hradec Králové.

SUBJECT AND METHOD

General explanation of IMRT priciples, its benefits and limitations, and a review of published data about its utilization in the treatment of endometrial, cervical, and vulvar carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

IMRT represents an accessible and highly conformal external beam radiothrapy technique, which enables a significant sparing of healthy tissue with consequent reduction of radiation morbidity in comparison with other conventional and conformal techniques. A feasibilty of dose excalation with preservation of low toxicity is another advandage of IMRT. It can be utilized in the treatment of most frequent gynecologic tumors, especially in endometrial, cervical, and vulvar carcinoma.