Novel therapies targeting cutaneous T cell lymphomas and their microenvironment

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas with a generally indolent course managed with topical, skin-directed therapies. A small subset, however, will progress to advanced stage disease necessitating systemic therapy for disease control. Currently approved therapies have low response rates and generally short durations of response. Novel therapies, therefore, are urgently needed to address this unmet need. In this review, the mechanisms of CTCL pathogenesis and progression, including the role of the tumor microenvironment and molecular alterations, are summarized. Based on these biologic insights, novel therapies currently under investigation and those with a strong preclinical biologic rationale including T cell and macrophage checkpoint inhibitors, epigenetic regulators, targeted antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and apoptosis modulating therapies are discussed.

Role of tyrosine kinases in bladder cancer progression: an overview

Background

Bladder cancer (BCa) is a frequent urothelial malignancy with a high ratio of morbidity and mortality. Various genetic and environmental factors are involved in BCa progression. Since, majority of BCa cases are diagnosed after macroscopic clinical symptoms, it is required to find efficient markers for the early detection. Receptor tyrosine-kinases (RTKs) and non-receptor tyrosine-kinases (nRTKs) have pivotal roles in various cellular processes such as growth, migration, differentiation, and metabolism through different signaling pathways. Tyrosine-kinase deregulations are observed during tumor progressions via mutations, amplification, and chromosomal abnormalities which introduces these factors as important candidates of anti-cancer therapies.

Main body

For the first time in present review we have summarized all of the reported tyrosine-kinases which have been significantly associated with the clinicopathological features of BCa patients.

Conclusions

This review highlights the importance of tyrosine-kinases as critical markers in early detection and therapeutic purposes among BCa patients and clarifies the molecular biology of tyrosine-kinases during BCa progression and metastasis.

Protein-kinase inhibitors: A new treatment pathway for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases?

Although advances in biological medicine have seen significant progress in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disease, many patients do not experience a satisfactory response. Hence, there are two challenges facing the medical research community. The first is to continue development in the field of existing biological therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies. The second is to open new frontiers of research and explore treatment alternatives for non-responders to other therapies. Attention has increasingly turned to the therapeutic potential of small molecule weight kinase inhibitors (SMKIs), currently used extensively in oncology and haematology. Initial research into the therapeutic value of SMKIs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases has been encouraging. SMKIs are taken orally, which reduces cost for the health provider, and could increase compliance for the patient. This is why research is now focusing increasingly on SMKIs as a new generation line of treatment in these diseases. Tofacitinib, an inhibitor of Janus-kinase, is currently the only drug approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by FDA. However, much more needs to be done to understand the intracellular signalling pathways and how these might affect disease progression before solid conclusions can be drawn.

Multifocal small bowel stromal tumours presenting with peritonitis in an HIV positive patient

INTRODUCTION

The most common mesenchymal tumour of the gastrointestinal tract is stromal tumours (GISTs). Symptomatic GISTs can present with complications such as haemorrhage, obstruction and perforation. Complete surgical resection with negative margins is the mainstay of treatment but may be imprudent on emergent occasion. Tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been revolutionary in the treatment of GISTs and have resulted in improved outcomes.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 41 year old HIV positive male presented with an acute history of abdominal pain and obstructive symptoms. Clinical examination revealed sepsis and peritonitis. One of the several small bowel tumours discovered at exploratory laparotomy was necrotic and perforated. The perforated tumour alone was resected and a small bowel internal hernia reduced. The patient made an uneventful recovery and will be considered for TKI therapy with a view to later re-operation.

DISCUSSION

GISTs very rarely perforate. The pathophysiology of stromal tumour necrosis is poorly understood. Multifocality and small bowel location are poor prognosticators and may occur in the setting of familial GISTs, specific syndromes and sporadic cases. There is no established association between HIV and GISTs.

CONCLUSION

Perforation occurs infrequently in ≤8% of symptomatic cases and poses increased risk of local recurrence. The surgical management of perforation takes precedence in an emergency. The surgeon must however take cognisance of the adherence to ideal oncologic principles where feasible. TKI therapy is invaluable if a re-exploration is to be later considered.