The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Myelodysplastic Neoplasms

Myelodysplastic syndromes or neoplasms (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid clonal disorders characterized by peripheral blood cytopenias, blood and marrow cell dysplasia, and increased risk of evolution to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, serve as regulators of normal and malignant hematopoiesis and have been implicated in carcinogenesis. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the biology and role of non-coding RNAs, including the less studied circRNA, siRNA, piRNA, and snoRNA as potential prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers or therapeutic targets in MDS.

Unraveling the Immune Microenvironment in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a lymphoid neoplasm composed of rare neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells surrounded by a reactive tumor microenvironment (TME) with suppressive properties against anti-tumor immunity. TME is mainly composed of T cells (CD4 helper, CD8 cytotoxic and regulatory) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), but the impact of these cells on the natural course of the disease is not absolutely understood. TME contributes to the immune evasion of neoplastic HRS cells through the production of various cytokines and/or the aberrant expression of immune checkpoint molecules in ways that have not been fully understood yet. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of findings regarding the cellular components and the molecular features of the immune TME in cHL, its correlation with treatment response and prognosis, as well as the potential targeting of the TME with novel therapies. Among all cells, macrophages appear to be a most appealing target for immunomodulatory therapies, based on their functional plasticity and antitumor potency.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Potential Prognostic Value of Serum Levels of Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE) in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Sixty patients with advanced gastric carcinoma who refused to receive cytotoxic chemotherapy were examined for serum immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE). Three samples were obtained every two months thereafter. The group of patients who had above-normal values of one or more of the examined immunoglobulins had a longer survival than the other (p<0.024). Immunoglobulin values were independent of the Helicobacter pylori antibody titer and of acute phase reactants. It is concluded that survival potentially correlates with serum immunoglobulin levels. Further studies including larger numbers of patients and correlating serum immunoglobulin levels with specific clinical parameters are needed to establish the prognostic role of serum immunoglobulins in patients with gastric carcinoma.