• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6267-6271
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• 2013

Objective: To determine clinical efficacy, safety and prognostic factors of pemetrexed plus platinum as first-line treatment in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Clinical characteristics, short-term efficacy, survival and adverse reactions of 47 advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients who had received pemetrexed plus platinum as first-line treatment in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from January 2009 to June 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The Chi-squared test was applied to statistically analyze the overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and toxicity reactions in both groups, while survival data wereanalyzed by Kaplan-Meier and logrank methods, and the COX proportional hazards model was adopted for a series of multi-factor analyses. Results: Only two patients were lost to follow-up. The ORR, DCR, medium progression-free survival time (PFS) and medium overall survival (OS) were 31.9%, 74.5%, 5 months and 15.2 months, while 1- and 2-year survival rates were 63.8% (30/47) and 19.2% (9/47), respectively. Single-factor analysis showed that tumor pathological patterns and efficacy were in association with medium PFS (P<0.05), whereas tumor pathological patterns, smoking history and efficacy were closely connected with medium OS (P<0.05). Multi-factor analyses demonstrated that pathological patterns and efficacy were independent factors influencing OS (P<0.05). The rate of toxicity reactions in degree III/IV was low, including hematologic toxicity marked by decline in white blood cell count and decrease in the platelet count (PLT), and non-hematologic toxicity manifested by gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea and vomiting. Conclusions: Pemetrexed plus platinum as first-line treatment has excellent efficacy and slight adverse reactions with favorable drug-tolerance in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.196-202
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• 2016

Background: Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd), a main component of the root of Panax ginseng, exhibits anti-inflammation functions and decreases infarct size in many injuries and ischemia diseases such as focal cerebral ischemia. M1 Macrophages are regarded as one of the key inflammatory cells having functions for disease progression. Methods: To investigate the effect of GSRd on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and macrophage functional status, and their regulatory role on mouse polarized macrophages in vitro, GSRd (10-100 mg/kg) and vehicle were applied to mice 30 min before renal IRI modeling. Renal functions were reflected by blood serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen level and histopathological examination. M1 polarized macrophages infiltration was identified by flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence staining with $CD11b^+$, $iNOS^+$/interleukin-12/tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ labeling. For the in vitro study, GSRd ($10-100{\mu}g/mL$) and vehicle were added in the culture medium of M1 macrophages to assess their regulatory function on polarization phenotype. Results: In vivo data showed a protective role of GSRd at 50 mg/kg on Day 3. Serum level of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen significantly dropped compared with other groups. Reduced renal tissue damage and M1 macrophage infiltration showed on hematoxylin-eosin staining and flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining confirmed this improvement. With GSRd administration, in vitro cultured M1 macrophages secreted less inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. Furthermore, macrophage polarization-related pancake-like morphology gradually changed along with increasing concentration of GSRd in the medium. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that GSRd possess a protective function against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury via downregulating M1 macrophage polarization.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.787-799
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• 2008

Objective : Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end stage renal disease. AGE, $TGF-{\beta}1$ type IV collagen, and macrophage/monocyte infiltration are the main factors of diabetic nephropathy. We investigated the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on renal function and histopathological changes in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy rat model. Methods : Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats(290${\pm}$10g) by injecting STZ(45mg/kg) into the tail vein. Rats were divided into 3 groups(n = 6): normal, control, and salvia. After 8 weeks of administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract on the Salvia group, we checked 24 hrs urine, blood biochemistry and renal tissue to evaluate renal function and histopathological changes by examining parameters including albuminuria, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, LDL, TG, macrophage/monocyte antigen(ED-1), $TGF-{\beta}1$, AGE, and type IV collagen. Results : Salvia miltiorrhiza decreased the amount of 24hrs proteinuria, and inhibited histopathological changes of diabetic nephropathy including the expression and accumulation of various factors which could promote development of diabetic nephropathy. Conclusion : These findings suggest that Salvia miltiorrhiza might protect the renal function and inhibit the development of renal injury by regulating factors including AGE, $TGF-{\beta}1$ Type IV collagen, macrophage and monocyte infiltration. So Salvia miltiorrhiza can be used for diabetic patients to prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.353-358
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• 2001

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) account for only $3.4\%$ of symptomatic metastases to the spinal cord. The survival of patients with ISCM is characteristically short, often no longer than 2 months, due to a rapid neurologic deterioration and the presence of widespread metastases, Including metastases to the brain. We report two cases of ISCM arising from primary sphenoid sinus carcinoma and primary lung cancer along with a review of the literature. The case of ISCM from the primary sphenoid sinus is the third case of secondary syringomyelia due to ISCM In the world literature, and ISCM from the primary lung cancer is the first case reported in Korea. One case showed a slow progression of symptoms and a longer survival (26 months after the radiotherapy to the spine), and the other showed a rapid deterioration of symptoms with a shorter survival. More effective palliation can be achieved if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage when the neurologic deficits are still reversible.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.158-163
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• 1991

It is evident that an elevation of airway albumin excreation rate without clinical proteinuria strongly predicts a later progression on diabetic renal disease. So we studied the correation between Microalbumin checkly RIA & Mitral-Test$^{(R)}$. We collected urine between 08 : 00 h and 08 : 00 h next day and then checked microalbuminuria by radioimmunoassay method and Mitral-Test$^{(R)}$ The results are as follows : 1. There was significant correation between microalbuminuria checked by RIA & Micral-Test$^{(R)}$ 2. There was poor correations between diabetes duration or HV-A1c and maximal change in albumin excreation rate. 3. So we conclued that Micral-Test$^{(R)}$ can be used in laboratory instead of RIA.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5625-5633
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• 2015

Background: ${\beta}$-catenin plays a crucial role in the progression of breast cancer (BC) and a prognostic role of in BC patients has been widely reported. However, controversy still remains. Materials and Methods: Identical search strategies were used to search relevant literature in electronic databases updated to July 1, 2014. Individual hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and pooled HRs with 95%CIs were used to evaluate the strength of association between positive ${\beta}$-catenin expression in different subcellular locations and survival results of BC patients. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. Funnel plots of Begg's and Egger's linear regression test were used to investigate publication bias. Heterogeneity and sensitivity were also assessed. All the work was completed using STATA. Results: A total of 2,204 patients from 12 evaluative studies were finally included. Pooled HRs and 95%CIs suggested that ${\beta}$-catenin expression in cytoplasm/nucleus had an unfavorable impact on both overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.93, 95%CI: 1.40-2.65) and disease free survival (DFS)/ recurrent free survival (RFS) (HR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.20-2.13) in BC patients. However, here was no significant association between ${\beta}$-catenin expression in the membranes with OS (HR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.42-1.02) or DFS/RFS (HR: 0.66, 95%CI: 0.38-1.13). Publication bias was absent in all of the four outcomes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the results of this meta-analysis were robust. Conclusions: Positive ${\beta}$-catenin expression in cytoplasm/nucleus rather than in membrane is a significant prognostic factor in patients with BC who have been surgically treated.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.321-326
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• 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic role of metabolic response to chemotherapy, determined by FDG-PET, in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with metastatic NSCLC were analyzed for prognostic factors related to overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Disease evaluation was conducted with FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT prior to and at the end of first-line chemotherapy. Response evaluation of 19 of 30 patients was also performed after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy. Morphological and metabolic responses were assessed according to RECIST and PERCIST, respectively. Results: The median OS and PFS were 11 months and 6.2 months, respectively. At the end of first-line chemotherapy, 10 patients achieved metabolic and anatomic responses. Of the 19 patients who had an interim response analysis after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy, 3 achieved an anatomic response, while 9 achieved a metabolic response. In univariate analyses, favorable prognostic factors for OS were number of cycles of first-line chemotherapy, and achieving a response to chemotherapy at completion of therapy according to the PERCIST and RECIST. The OS of patients with a metabolic response after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy was also significantly extended. Anatomic response at interim analysis did not predict OS, probably due to few patients with anatomic response. In multivariate analyses, metabolic response after completion of therapy was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Conclusions: Metabolic response is at least as effective as anatomic response in predicting survival. Metabolic response may be an earlier predictive factor for treatment response and OS in NSCLC patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.20
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• pp.8923-8929
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• 2014

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that stromal monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) may play key roles in tumor development. However, their clinical value remains largely unexplored in gastric cancer (GC). The present study aimed to determine clinicopathological significance and prognostic values of stromal MCT4 and CA IX in GC. Materials and Methods: Specimens from 143 GC patients were immunohistochemically stained using polyclonal anti-MCT4 and anti-CA IX antibodies. Expression was correlated with patient clinicopathologic characteristics and survival data. Results: High stromal MCT4 expression was detected in 72 of 143 (50.3%) GCs and high CA IX in 74 (51.7%). Both high stromal MCT4 and CA IX were correlated with advanced TNM stage (p=0.000; p=0.000). High CA IX expression was positively related to depth of invasion (p=0.022) and positive lymph nodes (p=0.002) as well. Survival analysis indicated high expression of stromal MCT4 to be an independent factor in predicting poor overall survival (OS) (HR and 95%CI=1.962, 1.032-3.729, p=0.040) and disease free survival (DFS) (HR and 95%CI=2.081, 1.158-3.741, p=0.014) of GC patients. However, high CA IX expression exhibited no significant predictive value. Conclusions: These findings suggest that high expression of stromal MCT4 and CA IX proteins is significantly correlated with GC progression. High stromal MCT4 heralds worse outcome of GC patient, suggesting a novel candidate prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3561-3566
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• 2014

Background: Recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after previous radiotherapy is challenging. There is no standard approach for salvage treatment. Here we present toxicity and treatment results for recurrent NFC patients who underwent fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) as second line radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods: Between April 2009 and July 2012, 24 patients, with a male to female ratio of 3:1, were treated with CykerKnife$^{(R)}$ FSRT for recurrent NFC in our institution. Seven out of 24 patients had metastatic recurrent disease. Median age was 53 years (range, 20-70 years). Initial RT dose was 70Gy. The time period between initial RT and FSRT was a median of 33.2 months. The median prescription dose for FSRT was 30Gy (range, 24-30 Gy) in a median of 5 fractions (range, 4-6). Results: The median follow-up for all patients was 19.5 months (IQR: 12.2.-29.2 months). The locoregional control; progression free survival and overall survival (OS) rates for 1-, 2- and 3-year were 64%, 38%, 21%; 60%, 30%, 17% and 83%, 43%, 31%, respectively. Median OS for the entire cohort was 22 months (95% CI: 16.5-27.5). On multivariate analysis recurrent tumor stage was the only prognostic factor for OS (p=0.004). One patient exhibited grade III temporal lobe necrosis. One died because of grade IV mucositis and overlapping infection. Conclusions: The treatment of recurrent NPC is controversial. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy is promising. However, the published trials are heterogeneous with respect to the selection criteria and treatment details. Prospective studies with long term follow-up data are warranted.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5579-5587
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• 2013

Research indicates that a small population of cancer cells is highly tumorigenic, endowed with the capacity for self-renewal, and has the ability to differentiate into cells that constitute the bulk of tumors. These cells are considered the "drivers" of the tumorigenic process in some tumor types, and have been named cancer stem cells (CSC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) appears to be involved in the process leading to the acquisition of stemness by epithelial tumor cells. Through this process, cells acquire an invasive phenotype that may contribute to tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSC have been identified in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) using markers such as CD133 and CD44 expression, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Head and neck cancer stem cells reside primarily in perivascular niches in the invasive fronts where endothelial-cell initiated events contribute to their survival and function. Clinically, CSC enrichment has been shown to be enhanced in recurrent disease, treatment failure and metastasis. CSC represent a novel target of study given their slow growth and innate mechanisms conferring treatment resistance. Further understanding of their unique phenotype may reveal potential molecular targets to improve therapeutic and survival outcomes in patients with HNSCC. Here, we discuss the state-of-the-knowledge on the pathobiology of cancer stem cells, with a focus on the impact of these cells on head and neck tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence due to treatment failure.