Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel-Clement Osei-Bordom, Sivesh Kamarajah, Niki Christou
Summary: In the clinical management of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, surgeons and oncologists categorize the metastasis into resectable and non-resectable groups to initiate tailored therapeutics. The combination of targeted therapies and biotherapies around these two entities is being actively explored to determine the ideal conditions for their application to improve patient survival and quality of life.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tahani Bakhsh, Safiah Alhazmi, Najla Ali Alburae, Ali Farsi, Faisal Alzahrani, Hani Choudhry, Ahmed Bahieldin
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer worldwide, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Current blood biomarkers for CRC diagnosis are not accurate enough. Studies have found that specific miRNAs in extracellular vesicles can be used as noninvasive biomarkers for the screening and diagnosis of CRC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Jenna N. Whitrock, Stephen J. Hartman, Shimul A. Shah
Summary: In patients with unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer, chemotherapy alone is associated with significant mortality. Liver transplant is emerging as a promising treatment alternative for appropriately selected patients. Several key clinical trials, including SECA-I and SECA-II, have demonstrated promising survival outcomes, and further trials are ongoing to evaluate the safety of this approach.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolin Czauderna, Kim Luley, Nikolas von Bubnoff, Jens U. Marquardt
Summary: Liver metastases are the most common site of metastasis in colorectal cancer. Current treatment approaches involve systemic therapies and surgical/interventional strategies, with the use of predictive and prognostic biomarkers leading to improved survival rates. Treatment selection based on patient status, tumor characteristics, and molecular/genetic status is recommended for better outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Silvia Catelan, Debora Olioso, Alessandra Santangelo, Chiara Scapoli, Anna Tamanini, Giampietro Pinna, Francesco Sala, Giuseppe Lippi, Antonio Nicolato, Giulio Cabrini, Maria Cristina Dechecchi
Summary: This study identified a signature of exosomal miRNAs that could be used as a noninvasive complementary analysis for differential diagnosis of brain tumors and for providing information on tumor evolution.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ambre Giguelay, Evgenia Turtoi, Lakhdar Khelaf, Guillaume Tosato, Ikrame Dadi, Tommy Chastel, Marie-Alix Poul, Marine Pratlong, Stefan Nicolescu, Dany Severac, Antoine Adenis, Olivia Sgarbura-Popescu, Sebastien Carrere, Philippe Rouanet, Marc Ychou, Francois Quenet, Didier Pourqier, Pierre-Emmanuel Colombo, Andrei Turtoi, Jacques Colinge
Summary: This study confirms the heterogeneity of CRC-LM CAFs through single-cell transcriptomic analysis and proposes a model for recruiting different origins of CAFs to the liver in different liver malignancies. Additionally, the study finds that targeting LTBP2 with antibodies may help deplete ECM-remodeling CAFs in CRC-LMs.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Yuntao Shi, Yingying Zhuang, Jialing Zhang, Mengxue Chen, Shangnong Wu
Summary: The study identified serum exosomal miRNAs as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of CRC, especially miR-126, miR-1290, miR-23a, and miR-940, which showed high diagnostic values in differentiating CRC patients at TNM stage I from healthy controls.
Review
Oncology
Gabriel D. Ivey, Fabian M. Johnston, Nilofer S. Azad, Eric S. Christenson, Kelly J. Lafaro, Christopher R. Shubert
Summary: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and at least half of patients diagnosed with it will develop metastatic liver disease. Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases is considered potentially curative, but it is underutilized despite the availability of various operative strategies. Differing views on resectability may contribute to this underutilization.
Review
Oncology
Michael J. Raphael, Paul J. Karanicolas
Summary: Regional therapies, such as hepatic arterial infusion pump chemotherapy and drug-eluting beads, are effective treatment options for patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases. These therapies allow selective delivery of drugs to tumors while sparing normal liver tissue. However, there is a lack of randomized controlled trial evidence to guide the optimal integration of regional therapies into the management of colorectal liver metastases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Saife N. Lone, Ajaz A. Bhat, Nissar A. Wani, Thasni Karedath, Sheema Hashem, Sabah Nisar, Mayank Singh, Puneet Bagga, Bhudev Chandra Das, Davide Bedognetti, Ravinder Reddy, Michael P. Frenneaux, Wael El-Rifai, Mushtaq A. Siddiqi, Mohammad Haris, Muzafar A. Macha
Summary: The immune system plays a crucial role in regulating tumor growth, and cancer often evades immune surveillance. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), in the mechanism of immune evasion by cancer cells. miRNAs regulate the expression of immune-modulating molecules in various immune cells, as well as in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. This review explores the relationship between altered expression patterns of miRNAs in tumors, immune modulation, and the functional control of a wide range of immune cells, providing detailed insights into the crosstalk between tumor immune cells and their potential as prognostic markers or therapeutic agents.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Cody M. Lebeck Lee, Ioannis A. Ziogas, Rajiv Agarwal, Sophoclis P. Alexopoulos, Kristen K. Ciombor, Lea K. Matsuoka, Daniel B. Brown, Cathy Eng
Summary: The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer is poor, while historical data on liver transplantation in patients with colorectal liver metastases showed similarly poor outcomes. More recent limited data have shown improved survival rates in select patients. However, disease-free survival has not significantly improved. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date analysis of liver transplantation for colorectal liver metastases. Although early retrospective studies suggest potential benefits for carefully selected patients, there is a lack of prospective data in this area, and liver transplantation remains exploratory for patients with colorectal liver metastases. Challenges such as limited donor organ availability and defining appropriate selection criteria still need to be addressed. Further evidence from ongoing prospective trials is necessary to determine the extent of liver transplantation's role in patients with surgically unresectable colorectal liver metastases.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hong-Wei Wang, Xiao-Luan Yan, Li-Jun Wang, Meng-Huan Zhang, Chun-He Yang, Wei-Liu, Ke-Min Jin, Quan Bao, Juan Li, Kun Wang, Bao-Cai Xing
Summary: The study provides insights into the genomic alterations in Chinese patients with CRLM, revealing recurrent mutated genes and potential differences in survival driven by specific signaling pathways. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the genetic landscape for personalized therapy applications.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Noemi Reboux, Valerie Jooste, Juste Goungounga, Michel Robaszkiewicz, Jean-Baptiste Nousbaum, Anne-Marie Bouvier
Summary: This study analyzed the temporal patterns and outcomes of synchronous and metachronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer using a population-based cohort study in France. The incidence of synchronous liver metastases remained relatively stable over time, while the probability of developing metachronous liver metastases decreased. Survival rates were significantly higher for patients with metachronous liver metastases compared to synchronous metastases. The differences in the epidemiological features of synchronous and metachronous liver metastases may have implications for future clinical trials.
Review
Oncology
Alexandra Nassar, Stylianos Tzedakis, Alix Dhote, Marie Strigalev, Romain Coriat, Mehdi Karoui, Anthony Dohan, Martin Gaillard, Ugo Marchese, David Fuks
Summary: This literature review aimed to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic liver resection for multiple colorectal liver metastases. The minimally invasive approach for liver cancer has become a new standard of oncological care, and laparoscopic liver resection is a significant indication for multiple colorectal liver metastases. The purpose of this paper was to highlight the novelty and updates in the field of multiple minimally invasive liver resections and discuss the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic concomitant multiple liver resections for colorectal liver metastases.
Review
Oncology
Harry V. M. Spiers, Francesco Lancellotti, Nicola de Liguori Carino, Sanjay Pandanaboyana, Adam E. Frampton, Santhalingam Jegatheeswaran, Vinotha Nadarajah, Ajith K. Siriwardena
Summary: This study provides a systematic review of irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of colorectal hepatic metastases. The findings suggest that IRE can be a safe and effective treatment option with low morbidity and mortality rates. Further research is needed to determine the role of IRE in the overall treatment approach for colorectal liver metastases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrei Havasi, Daniel Sur, Simona Sorana Cainap, Cristian-Virgil Lungulescu, Laura-Ioana Gavrilas, Calin Cainap, Catalin Vlad, Ovidiu Balacescu
Summary: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are rare tumors that occur more frequently among the elderly. Despite their low incidence, they represent 5% of all pancreatic tumors and have poor prognosis in advanced stages and undifferentiated tumors. Functional PanNETs impact quality of life due to abnormal hormonal secretion. Limited therapeutic and diagnostic options emphasize the need for patient stratification and optimal therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have shown potential as prognostic, predictive, or diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review discusses current and new challenges in PanNETs management, including genetic and epigenetic approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mihaela Chis, Alois Bonifacio, Valter Sergo, Calin Cainap, Vasile Chis, Monica Baia
Summary: This study conducted experimental and theoretical analysis of CAP to characterize its structure and vibrational properties, revealing the adsorption geometry and orientation of the molecules on the gold surface. The results showed that a good signal can be obtained even at low concentrations.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Diana Raluca Lazar, Florin-Leontin Lazar, Calin Homorodean, Calin Cainap, Monica Focsan, Simona Cainap, Dan Mircea Olinic
Summary: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays play a crucial role in diagnosing myocardial infarctions and have the potential to reduce diagnostic time. They are also valuable prognostic markers for long-term events and mortality in various cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular conditions. However, challenges still exist in interpreting the results, especially in patients with basal elevation and regarding various analytical characteristics.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
George Crisan, Nastasia Sanda Moldovean-Cioroianu, Diana-Gabriela Timaru, Gabriel Andries, Calin Cainap, Vasile Chis
Summary: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) are imaging techniques that use radioactive tracers. PET is mainly used for measuring metabolic processes, blood flow, and chemical composition, while SPECT is used for diagnosing conditions such as strokes, bone diseases, and infections. This article provides a systematic review of the scientific literature on PET/SPECT radiotracers and gives an overview of the research conducted in the past decade, with a focus on novel radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anca-Raluca Popita, Cosmin Lisencu, Adriana Rusu, Cristian Popita, Calin Cainap, Alexandru Irimie, Liliana Resiga, Alina Munteanu, Zsolt Fekete, Radu Badea
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of MRI in restaging locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and the agreement among observers in identifying complete response (CR) and near-complete response (nCR). The results showed that MRI had good diagnostic performance in identifying CR and nCR, with the split scar sign (SSS) having high sensitivity and positive predictive value for diagnosing CR.
Review
Microbiology
Andrei Havasi, Simona Visan, Calin Cainap, Simona Sorana Cainap, Alin Adrian Mihaila, Laura-Ancuta Pop
Summary: This article presents the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and influenza virus infections to healthcare systems, with a focus on discussing the differences in diagnostic methods and tools, as well as providing data on multiplex diagnostic assays.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Ioana Gavrilas, Daniel Cruceriu, Andrei Mocan, Felicia Loghin, Doina Miere, Ovidiu Balacescu
Summary: This review highlights the impact of combination regimens using conventional chemotherapeutics and well-tolerated plant-derived bioactive compounds on acquired drug resistance in colorectal cancer.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oana Baldasici, Valentina Pileczki, Daniel Cruceriu, Laura Ioana Gavrilas, Oana Tudoran, Loredana Balacescu, Laurian Vlase, Ovidiu Balacescu
Summary: Metastasis is the leading cause of breast cancer-related mortality, and efforts are being made to identify blood-based biomarkers that can distinguish highly metastatic cancer patients. Exosomal miRNAs hold promise as prognostic biomarkers for metastatic breast cancer and have shown potential in both research and clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Diana Galos, Alecsandra Gorzo, Ovidiu Balacescu, Daniel Sur
Summary: Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and a leading cause of mortality in Western countries. Current screening methods have limitations and lower adherence rates. Liquid biopsy, with its ability to provide comprehensive information on tumor dynamics, emerges as a promising minimally invasive diagnostic tool.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mihnea Paraschiv, Magda Csiki, Zorita Diaconeasa, Sonia Socaci, Ovidiu Balacescu, Elena Rakosy-Tican, Daniel Cruceriu
Summary: This study assessed the phytochemical profile and selective cytotoxicity of an extract from Solanum bulbocastanum against breast cancer cells. The extract showed high levels of phenolic compounds and flavanols, and demonstrated cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cell lines while exhibiting low toxicity towards healthy cell lines.
Review
Oncology
Daniel Sur, Cristina Lungulescu, Elena Adriana Dumitrescu, Vlad Afrasanie, Stefan Spinu, Cristian Virgil Lungulescu, Hans-Joachim Schmoll
Summary: Targeting HER2 has revolutionized therapy for breast and gastric cancer, but HER2 amplification is less common in colorectal cancer. This review examines clinical trials targeting HER2 amplification in colorectal cancer and highlights the need for further research to optimize patient selection and address resistance mechanisms.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTICANCER THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Vlad-Adrian Afrasanie, Teodora Alexa-Stratulat, Bogdan Gafton, Eliza-Maria Froicu, Daniel Sur, Cristian Virgil Lungulescu, Natalia Gherasim-Morogai, Irina Afrasanie, Lucian Miron, Mihai-Vasile Marinca
Summary: In this study, 51 treatment-naive metastatic melanoma patients in Romania were treated with the anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor Nivolumab. The presence of liver metastases and the neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR) were found to be associated with poor survival. The results of this study are consistent with clinical trials and other real-world studies, highlighting the potential usefulness of liver metastases and NLR as predictive factors in clinical decision-making.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Emanuiela Florentina Rohozneanu, Ciprian Deac, Calin Ioan Cainap
Summary: The standard care for stage I testicular germ cell cancers includes orchiectomy followed by active surveillance, 1 or 2 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy. The decision on the adjuvant therapeutic approach depends on the patient's risk factors and potential toxicity of the treatment. There is currently no consensus on the optimal number of adjuvant chemotherapy cycles, although there is no proven inconsistency in overall survival and the rate of relapse may vary.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrei Havasi, Simona Sorana Cainap, Ana Teodora Havasi, Calin Cainap
Summary: Ovarian cancer is a deadly gynecologic malignancy with platinum-based chemotherapy as the main treatment. However, patients with recurrent ovarian cancer often develop resistance to platinum drugs, leading to poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The development of platinum resistance involves various molecular mechanisms, including drug influx and efflux pathways, DNA repair, epigenetic modulation, and tumor microenvironment. This review also discusses alternative treatment approaches and potential strategies to improve the prognosis of these patients.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Adina Turcu-Stiolica, Maria Bogdan, Elena Adriana Dumitrescu, Daniela Luminita Zob, Victor Gheorman, Madalina Aldea, Venera Cristina Dinescu, Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu, Dana-Lucia Stanculeanu, Daniel Sur, Cristian Virgil Lungulescu
Summary: A meta-analysis showed that machine-learning algorithms have high accuracy in predicting chemo-brain in breast cancer survivors previously treated with chemotherapy, with certain models performing better than others.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
