Oncogenic KRAS plays several key roles in a three-dimensional (3D) colonic-crypt model. However, miRNA expression regulated by oncogenic KRAS in this model is still elusive. »
07/01/11

EGFR and VEGF(R) signaling show extensive cross-talk providing a rational for joint targeting of the two pathways. However, combinations of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting EGFR and VEGF showed disappointing activity in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We speculated that inhibition of surface receptors and ligands might only partly prevent oncogenic signaling whereas small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) would also influence intracellular signaling. »
08/31/11

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, development of drug resistance is one of the major causes of HNSCC treatment failure. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanism of 5-FU resistance and to develop a novel combination therapy with another agent which sensitizes cells to 5-FU. »
09/01/11

Little is known about the potential involvement of the oncoprotein gankyrin in human oral cancer progression. In this study, the levels of gankyrin mRNA and protein expression were assessed in human oral epithelial cell lines, at-risk normal oral tissues, premalignant oral lesions, and primary oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). »
09/01/11

Platinum agents have shown demonstrable activity in the treatment of patients with platinum resistant, recurrent ovarian cancer when delivered in a "dose-dense" fashion. However, the development of thrombocytopenia limits the weekly administration of carboplatin to no greater than AUC 2. Paclitaxel has a well-described platelet sparing effect however its use to explicitly provide thromboprotection in the context of dose dense carboplatin has not been explored. »
07/11/11

Integrins are used as prognostic indicators in breast cancer. Following engagement with extracellular matrix proteins, their signaling influences numerous cellular processes including migration, proliferation, and death. Integrin signaling varies between cell types through differential expression of integrin subunits, and changes within a given cell upon exposure to a cell agonist or through changes in its surroundings. These variations in signaling can profoundly affect the phenotypic, tumorogenecity and metastatic properties of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated if there were differences in the expression of integrins, integrin structures, and integrin co-receptors within three breast cancer cells and if these differences effected integrin signaling. »
07/13/11

The human multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1), which encodes the major trans-membrane transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp), was found to be associated with susceptibility to cancer and response to chemotherapy. The C3435T Polymorphism of MDR1 gene was correlated with expression levels and functions of P-gp. Here, we studied the association between MDR1 C3435T polymorphism and susceptibility to Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and patient's response to ABVD chemotherapy regimen. »
07/16/11

With the exception of surgery, the standard platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents are the preferred treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however little improvement (5-year survival) has been made. Therefore it is highly desirable to develop innovative therapeutic agents for NSCLC treatment. »
09/01/11

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight proteins present both in normal and neoplastic cells. They protect cells from the effects of heavy metals and from damage induced by free radicals. MT bind heavy metals, exert an anti-apoptotic effect and stimulate proliferation of neoplastic cells. The role of MTs in carcinogenesis has not been fully clarified yet. This study aimed at the evaluation of the intensity of metallothionein (MT-I/II) expression in various histological types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and correlation of the expression intensity with clinical/pathological parameters and Ki-67 and minichromosome maintaince protein 2 (MCM-2) proliferation markers. »
09/01/11

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common and aggressive forms of human cancers and has a poor prognosis. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been found in several human cancers and is thought to correlate aggressive disease and poor response. In this study, we investigated the clinical role of STAT3 and its natural inhibitor, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), in human cutaneous melanoma development and progression. »
08/26/11