MedWorm: Lymphoma

Denis Parsons Burkitt CMG, MD, DSc, FRS, FRCS, FTCD (1911–93) Irish by birth, Trinity by the grace of God

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryDenis Parsons Burkitt, surgeon and research scientist, is a household name in the medical profession. Denis received his BA in 1933 and graduated as a physician in 1935 from Trinity College, Dublin. After serving as a surgeon in the Royal Army Medicine Corps during World War II, he worked as a surgeon and lecturer in Africa. It was in Africa that he developed exceptional observational and analytical skills, which led him to identify and formally develop a successful treatment for a childhood cancer that is now called Burkitt Lymphoma. The influence of Christianity in his life was huge. Throughout his life he remained extremely modest, attributing much of what he had achieved to the work of others. Denis's contributions to haemato‐oncology remain salient today, and his discoveries ...

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Burkitt lymphoma in UGANDA, the legacy of Denis Burkitt and an update on the disease status

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryBurkitt lymphoma (BL) was first described in Uganda in 1958 as a sarcoma of the jaw but later confirmed to be a distinct form of Non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This discovery was the defining moment of cancer research in Uganda, which eventually led to the establishment of a dedicated cancer research institute, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in 1967. The centre was dedicated to Denis Burkitt in recognition of his contribution to cancer research in East Africa. BL is still the commonest NHL in childhood in Uganda. Its incidence has significantly increased recently due to yet unknown factors. Although the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was considered a possible reason for the increase, there is no evidence that it has substantially impacted on the epidemiology of the disease. Howe...

Mitoxantrone, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (NEAM) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with chemosensitive aggressive non‐hodgkin lymphoma

American Journal of Hematology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, NEAM conditioning with auto‐SCT demonstrated considerable efficacy with modest toxicity in patients with chemosensitive aggressive NHL. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Hematology)

Diffuse pulmonary uptake on FDG-PET with normal CT diagnosed as intravascular large B-cell lymphoma: a case report and a discussion of the causes of diffuse FDG uptake in the lungs.

Cancer Imaging — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:30:02 +0100

Authors: Wagner T, Brechemier D, Dugert E, Le Guellec S, Julian A, Hitzel A, Beyne-Rauzy O Abstract A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with asthenia, weight loss, fever, cognitive impairment and shortness of breath. Physical examination showed hemiparesis and cerebellar ataxia. There was no superficial lymphadenopathy. Blood tests showed raised levels of C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were negative. [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) showed intense uptake within a right apical nodule and intense and diffuse uptake of FDG in the lungs without corresponding structural CT abnormality. Lung biopsy showed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL). FDG-PET findings i...

Rare case of a primary non-dural central nervous system low grade B-cell lymphoma and literature review.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:36:02 +0100

We present a case of a 70-year-old HIV negative man with a five-year history of progressive dysnomia and new onset right extremity numbness, dysarthria, and blurry vision. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an infiltrative enhancing tumor was noted. Follow up brain biopsy results revealed a small lymphocytic infiltrate with scattered plasma cells in a predominantly perivascular growth pattern. Flow-cytometric findings revealed a lambda monotypic B-cell population. The morphology and the flow cytometric findings were consistent with involvement by a low grade B-cell lymphoma. Subsequent positron emission tomography (PET) studies along with bone marrow biopsy and serum protein electrophoresis showed no evidence of systemic disease. The above findings are consistent with involvement by a no...

Primary central nervous system B cell lymphoma with features intermediate between diffuse large B cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:36:02 +0100

We report a case of a primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) with findings consistent with DLBCL/BL. It is characterized by a very aggressive clinical course, and a widespread multifocal involvement of the CNS. Our case shows that a DLBCL/BL can manifest in the CNS alone without any systemic involvement. PMID: 22295149 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology)

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Pathologic observations of the duodenum in 615 consecutive duodenal specimens in a single Japanese hospital: II. malignant lesions.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:36:02 +0100

Authors: Terada T Abstract The author investigated histopathology of 615 consecutive duodenal specimens in our pathology laboratory in Japan. A computer review of the duodenal specimens was done. In cases of malignancy, histological slides were reviewed. The duodenal specimens were composed of 567 benign lesions (92%) and 48 malignant lesions (8%). The 48 malignant lesions were composed of 20 cases (42%) of primary adenocarcinoma, 10 cases (21%) of primary adenocarcinoma of ampulla Vater, 4 cases (8%) of primary squamous cell carcinoma, 1 (2%) cases of primary spindle cell carcinoma, 4 (8%) cases of carcinoid tumors, 1 (2%) case of malignant lymphoma, and 8 cases (17%) of secondary carcinoma from the pancreatic carcinoma or bile duct carcinoma. The primary adenocarcinoma (n=20) was...

Diagnosis and treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Swiss Medical Weekly — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:36:02 +0100

Authors: Mey U, Hitz F, Lohri A, Pederiva S, Taverna C, Tzankov A, Meier O, Yeow K, Renner C Abstract Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequently-occurring type of malignant lymphoma in the Western world. It has an aggressive natural history, with a median survival of less than one year if left untreated. Immunochemotherapy regimens, consisting of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab typically in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP), are currently the treatment backbone. Despite remarkable progress in improving patient survival, clinical outcomes are still unsatisfactory for certain subsets of patients, including the elderly and very elderly and those with highly aggressive disease. This review outlines some of the current ...

UT MD Anderson, Texas A&M team up to treat canine lymphoma

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center) A new immunotherapy for companion dogs with advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been shown to improve survival while maintaining quality of life, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Genome-Wide Association Study of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Epstein-Barr Virus Status-Defined Subgroups

JNCI — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Overall, these results provide strong evidence that EBV status is an etiologically important classification of cHL and also suggest that some components of the pathological process are common to both EBV-positive and EBV-negative patients. (Source: JNCI)

Socioeconomic position, treatment, and survival of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Denmark – a nationwide study

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Socioeconomic position, treatment, and survival of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Denmark – a nationwide study British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, February 7, 2012. doi:10.1038/bjc.2012.3 Authors: B L Frederiksen, S O Dalton, M Osler, M Steding-Jessen & P de Nully Brown (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

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UT MD Anderson, Texas A&M Team Up to Treat Canine Lymphoma

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - News Releases — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

New therapy combination prolongs survival in dogs and furthers research for human trials (Source: M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - News Releases)

Long‐term follow‐up of patients with HIV‐related diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas treated in a phase II study with rituximab and CHOP

British Journal of Haematology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Haematology)

Rash in an Immunocompromised Patient [JAMA Clinical Challenge]

JAMA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Neuroprotective Capabilities of Tanshinone IIA against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Anti-apoptotic Pathway in Rats.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100

In this study, we investigated the effects of TSA on cerebral apoptosis induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in which cerebral ischemia had been induced 2 h earlier. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, the rats were assessed for infarct volume etc. Intraperitoneal administration of 25and 40 mg/kg TSA 10 min after MCAO significantly diminished infarct volume and brain water content and improved neurological deficits in a dose-dependent manner. The 25 mg/kg dosage was more effective. Treatment with 25 mg/kg TSA significantly improved symptoms and reduce infarct volume at different points in time, of which 10 min after MCAO was the most significant. Nissl-staining and HE-staining of the 25 mg/kg TSA group were more appreciable in terms of improvement relative to t...

Spermatic Cord Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Advances in Urology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:46:42 +0100

Spermatic cord lymphoma is a rare lethal disease. It has a poor prognosis even in stage I or II disease when treated locally, therefore, multidisciplinary treatment for early stage is recommended. On the other hand, the treatment of choice for stage III or IV spermatic cord lymphoma remains to be determined. It is said that spermatic cord lymphoma is clinicopathologically similar to primary testicular lymphoma, therefore the treatment of spermatic cord lymphoma has often been determined by reference to the recommended treatment for primary testicular lymphoma. Here we report a new case of spermatic cord lymphoma, which was found in stage IV disease. We also review thirty-three cases which have been reported as spermatic cord lymphoma to date, and discuss treatment options. (Source: Advance...

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Racial disparities may exist in Hodgkin’s lymphoma incidence

HemOncToday.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:00 +0100

Evens AM. Ann Oncol. 2012;doi:10.1093/annonc/mdr578. (Source: HemOncToday.com)

Mechanism and specificity of the human paracaspase MALT1

BJ Signal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The paracaspase domain of MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1) is a component of a gene translocation fused to the N-terminal domains of the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2. The paracaspase itself, commonly known as MALT1, participates in the NF-κB pathway, likely by driving survival signals downstream of the B-cell antigen receptor through MALT1 proteolytic activity. We have developed methods for the expression and purification of recombinant full-length MALT1 and its constituent catalytic domain alone. Both are activated by dimerization without cleavage, with a similar dimerization barrier to the distantly related cousins, the apical caspases. By using positional scanning peptidyl substrate libraries we demonstrate that the activity ...

Malignancy‐associated chylothorax: a 20‐year study of 18 patients from a single institution

European Journal of Cancer Care — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

TENG C‐L., LI K‐W., YU J‐T., HSU S‐L., WANG R‐C. & HWANG W‐L. (2012) European Journal of Cancer Care. Malignancy‐associated chylothorax: a 20‐year study of 18 patients from a single institutionMalignancy‐associated chylothorax is a rare manifestation with uncertain characteristics and clinical significance. We segregated 18 patients into malignant lymphoma (n= 11) and solid malignancy (n= 7) groups to analyse the characteristics, treatment response and prognostic value of malignancy‐associated chylothorax. Diagnosis of chylothorax was confirmed by a triglyceride concentration of >110 mg/dL or by the presence of chylomicrons in the pleural effusion. Concentrations of glucose, protein and lactate dehydrogenase did not differ significantly between the malignant ly...

Illness perceptions in cancer survivors: what is the role of information provision?

Psycho-Oncology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionImproving the patients' illness perceptions by tailoring the information provision to the needs of patients may help patients to get a more coherent understanding of their illness and will possibly lead to a better health‐related quality of life. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psycho-Oncology)

Personalized therapy of lung cancer.

Onkologie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:58:36 +0100

Authors: Thomas R, Wolf J Abstract The implementation of personalized approaches in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires a precise understanding of tumor biology, a reorientation of clinical development with a strong focus on genetically stratified early phase 'proof of concept' trials, the availability of high-quality 'realtime' genetic diagnostics, and the establishment of networks for molecular screening of lung cancer patients. To achieve this goal, a close interaction between basic researchers, clinical scientists, molecular pathologists, and pharmaceutical companies is essential. We believe that this approach is worth the effort, since personalized therapy in lung cancer has the potential to substantially improve survival in an increasing...

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Recent developments and future perspectives of personalized oncology.

Onkologie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:58:36 +0100

Authors: Grüllich C, von Kalle C Abstract Increasing understanding of molecular carcinogenesis has begun to change paradigms in oncology. On the diagnostic side, the characterization of key mutations and molecular pathways responsible for tumor development and progression has led to the identification of a large number of potential targets for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. On the treatment and prevention side, molecular analysis will be of even greater importance for guiding individualized therapy. Diagnostics of molecular lesions present in each tumor will become a key feature of future clinical care. This will allow prediction of response with substantially increased accuracy, stratification of particular patient groups, and eventually personalization of therapy. Stri...

Infliximab: Cutaneous lymphoma in an elderly patient: case report

Reactions — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:54 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Population‐based survival for childhood cancer patients diagnosed during 2002–2005 in Shanghai, China

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:57:12 +0100

ConclusionsThe survival rate for children aged 0–14 diagnosed with cancer in Shanghai during 2002–2005 was at the medium level. There was a substantial survival difference from childhood cancers between Shanghai and specific developed countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Cytoplasmic p21 induced by p65 prevents Doxorubicin-induced cell death in Pancreatic Carcinoma cell line

BioMed Central — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our data suggested p65 could increase p53-mediated cell death in response to DOX in PANC1 cells. Thus, it is worth noting that in p53 null or defective tumors, targeting in down-regulation of p65 may well be useful, leading to the potentiality of chemotherapeutic drugs. (Source: BioMed Central)

Prognostic significance of T cell subsets in peripheral blood of B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients

Medical Oncology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:51:42 +0100

Abstract The role of tumor-infiltrating T cell subsets in the prognosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) has previously been reported. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic significance of different T cell subsets in the peripheral blood of NHL patients. Immunophenotyping was performed on the peripheral blood samples of 45 patients with newly diagnosed B cell NHL using flow cytometry. The relationship between T cell subsets of CD4+, CD8+, CD3+CD25+, CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25high [as T regulatory cells (T reg)], and the CD4/CD8 ratio with international prognostic index (IPI) and response to therapy was determined. The percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood of the patients were 49.1 ± 20.3%, 23.6 ± 11%, and 31....

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World Cancer Day- Turn it Around!

About.com Lymphoma — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:56:13 +0100

Did you know that February 4 is World Cancer Day? While this day is intended to increase awareness of cancer, I'd like to see you do something to turn it around. I'm pretty sure that most of you are already aware of cancer! In fact, you may not be able to think about much else, other than your cancer....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Lymphoma)

General joint frailty model for recurrent event data with a dependent terminal event: Application to follicular lymphoma data

Statistics in Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Many biomedical studies focus on delaying disease relapses and on prolonging survival. Usual methods only consider one event, often the first recurrence or death. However, ignoring the other recurrences may lead to biased results. The whole history of the disease should be considered for each patient. In addition, some diseases involve recurrences that can increase the risk of death. In this case, the death time may be dependent on the recurrent event history. We propose a joint frailty model to analyze recurrences and death simultaneously. Two gamma‐distributed frailties take into account both the inter‐recurrences dependence and the dependence between the recurrences and the survival times. We estimate separate parameters for disease recurrent event times and survival times in the jo...

Suppression of Ras/Mapk pathway signaling inhibits Myc-induced lymphomagenesis

Cell Death and Differentiation — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Suppression of Ras/Mapk pathway signaling inhibits Myc-induced lymphomagenesis Cell Death and Differentiation advance online publication, February 3, 2012. doi:10.1038/cdd.2012.1 Authors: M W Gramling & C M Eischen (Source: Cell Death and Differentiation)

Suppressive effects of liquid crystal compounds on the growth of U937 human leukemic monocyte lymphoma cells

Cancer Cell International — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results revealed that some LCs showed cytotoxic properties against non-solid type tumor human leukemic cells via LC-induced S-phase arrest and decreasing expression of several cell cycle related proteins. (Source: Cancer Cell International)

The Thing About Blood and Marrow Cancers

About.com Lymphoma — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

February 4 is World Cancer Day, meant to increase cancer awareness. Blood and marrow are very different than other types of cancer (where's the tumor?!). In the spirit of raising cancer awareness, here is a little bit blood and marrow cancers:...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Lymphoma)

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Genomic analysis of marginal zone and lymphoplasmacytic lymphomas identified common and disease-specific abnormalities

Modern Pathology AOP — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Esteban Braggio, Ahmet Dogan, Jonathan J Keats, Wee J Chng, Gaofeng Huang, Julie M Matthews, Matthew J Maurer, Mark E Law, David S Bosler, Michael Barrett, Izidore S Lossos, Thomas E Witzig & Rafael Fonseca (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)

Regulation of Bmi1 in Colon Cancer [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (Bmi1) is a Polycomb Group (PcG) protein important in gene silencing. It is a component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), which is required to maintain the transcriptionally repressive state of many genes. Bmi1 was initially identified as an oncogene that regulates cell proliferation and transformation, and is important in hematopoiesis and the development of nervous systems. Recently, it was reported that Bmi1 is a potential marker for intestinal stem cells. Because Wnt signaling plays a key role in intestinal stem cells, we analyzed the effects of Wnt signaling on Bmi1 expression. We found that Wnt signaling indeed regulates the expression of Bmi1 in colon cancer cells. In addition, the expression of Bmi1 in human colon cancers is significantly...

Post-Ganglionic Horner’s Syndrome: An Unusual Presentation of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Karger Publishers — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:48:14 +0100

Case Rep Neurol 2012;4:43–46 (DOI:10.1159/000335521) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Familial Aggregation of Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma/Waldenström Macroglobulinemia with Solid Tumors and Myeloid Malignancies

Karger Publishers — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:48:14 +0100

Acta Haematol 2012;127:173–177 (DOI:10.1159/000335618) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Primary MALT lymphoma of the urinary bladder in the background of interstitial cystitis

Annals of Hematology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:56:37 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00277-012-1419-0Authors Ken Morita, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 JapanFumihiko Nakamura, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 JapanYasuhito Nannya, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 JapanAkira Nomiya, Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 JapanShunya Arai, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University...

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Predictive factors for inadequate stem cell mobilization in Chinese patients with NHL and HL: 14‐year experience of a single‐center study

Journal of Clinical Apheresis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our analysis showed that high amounts of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, low platelet count, chemosensitive recurrent patients, combination chemotherapy plus G‐CSF and low CD34+ cells in BM prior to mobilization could emerged as important predictive factors for mobilization failure in Chinese patients with NHL and HL. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Clinical Apheresis)

The effective use of plerixafor as a real‐time rescue strategy for patients poorly mobilizing autologous CD34+ cells

Journal of Clinical Apheresis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractPlerixafor enhances CD34+ cell mobilization, however, its optimal use is unknown. We hypothesized that plerixafor could “rescue” patients in the midst of mobilization when factors indicated a poor CD34+ yield. Of 295 consecutive autologous peripheral blood mobilization attempts at our center, 39 (13%) used plerixafor as rescue strategy due to a CD34+ cell concentration <10/μl (median 5.95/μl, n = 30), low CD34+ cell yield from prior apheresis day (median 1.06 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, n = 7), or other (n = 2). Patients received a median of one plerixafor dose (range: 1–4). Thirty‐four (87%) collected =2 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg and 26 (67%) collected =4 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg. Median collections for lymphoma (n = 24) and myeloma (n = 15) patients were 4.1 × 106 and 8.3 × ...

Circulating Antibody Free Light Chains and Risk of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder

American Journal of Transplantation — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a major complication of solid‐organ transplantation. With human immunodeficiency virus infection (an analogous immunosuppressive state), elevated kappa and lambda immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) in peripheral blood are associated with increased risk of lymphoma. To assess the role of B‐cell dysfunction in PTLD, we measured circulating FLCs among Canadian transplant recipients, including 29 individuals with PTLD and 57 matched transplant recipients who were PTLD‐free. Compared with controls, PTLD cases had higher kappa FLCs (median 1.53 vs. 1.07 times upper limit of normal) and lambda FLCs (1.03 vs. 0.68). Using samples obtained on average 3.5 months before PTLD diagnosis, cases were more likely to have polyclonal FLC eleva...

EPHA7, a new target gene for 6q deletion in T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas

Carcinogenesis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Cryptic deletions at chromosome 6q are common cytogenetic abnormalities in T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-LBL), but the target genes have not been formally identified. Our results build on detection of specific chromosomal losses in a mouse model of -radiation-induced T-LBLs and provide interesting clues for new putative susceptibility genes in a region orthologous to human 6q15–6q16.3. Among these, Epha7 emerges as a bona fide candidate tumor suppressor gene because it is inactivated in practically all the T-LBLs analyzed (100% in mouse and 95.23% in human). We provide evidence showing that Epha7 downregulation may occur, at least in part, by loss of heterozygosity (19.35% in mouse and 12.5% in human) or promoter hypermethylation (51.61% in mouse and 43.75% in human) or a...

The effective use of plerixafor as a real-time rescue strategy for patients poorly mobilizing autologous CD34(+) cells.

Clinical Lymphoma and Myeloma — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The effective use of plerixafor as a real-time rescue strategy for patients poorly mobilizing autologous CD34(+) cells. J Clin Apher. 2012 Feb 2; Authors: Gopal AK, Karami M, Mayor J, Macebeo M, Linenberger M, Bensinger WI, Holmberg L Abstract Plerixafor enhances CD34(+) cell mobilization, however, its optimal use is unknown. We hypothesized that plerixafor could "rescue" patients in the midst of mobilization when factors indicated a poor CD34(+) yield. Of 295 consecutive autologous peripheral blood mobilization attempts at our center, 39 (13%) used plerixafor as rescue strategy due to a CD34(+) cell concentration <10/μl (median 5.95/μl, n = 30), low CD34(+) cell yield from prior apheresis day (median 1.06 × 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg, n = 7), or other (n = 2). Patients r...

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Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Current Treatment Options in Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:13:31 +0100

Opinion statement The standard front-line treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) remains Rituximab combined with multi-agent cytotoxic chemotherapy. In spite of high response rates to this therapy, relapsed/refractory disease is observed in up to 40% of patients. It is our opinion that additional chemoimmunotherapy, followed by high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplant (HDT-ASCT) for responsive disease, is the optimal therapy for these patients. However, many patients cannot tolerate HDT-ASCT, or have relapsed/refractory disease in spite of it. These patients have a poor overall prognosis, and there is no clear consensus as to how these patients should be treated. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the...

Multi‐locus HLA class I and II allele and haplotype associations with follicular lymphoma

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent, sometimes, fatal disease characterized by recurrence at progressively shorter intervals and is frequently refractive to therapy. Genome‐wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region on chromosome 6p21.32‐33 that are statistically significantly associated with FL risk. Low to medium resolution typing of single or multiple HLA genes has provided an incomplete picture of the total genetic risk imparted by this highly variable region. To gain further insight into the role of HLA alleles in lymphomagenesis and to investigate the independence of validated SNPs and HLA alleles with FL risk, high‐resolution HLA typing was conducted using next‐generation sequencing in 222 n...

Small non‐mucinous bronchioloalveolar carcinoma with anaplastic lymphoma kinase immunoreactivity: A novel ALK fusion gene?

Cancer Science — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4–ALK) and kinesin family member 5B (KIF5B)–ALK are newly identified transforming fusion oncogenes causing non‐small‐cell lung cancers. These molecular abnormalities have become detectable using not only molecular biological methods, but also highly sensitive immunohistochemistry. During the immunohistochemical study of ALK expression in adenocarcinoma of the lung, we unexpectedly discovered that a small bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) showed strong ALK immunoreactivity. However, FISH studies failed to reveal EML4–ALK and KIF5B–ALK fusion genes in this BAC. These findings suggest the possibility that a novel or unknown ALK fusion gene plays a crucial role in BAC development. (Cancer Sci 2...

[Comment] VEGF Trap for the treatment of malignant ascites

The Lancet Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

About 10% of all cases of ascites are caused by a malignant disease. In developed countries the most common neoplasm associated with ascites is ovarian cancer. The pathophysiology of malignant ascites is multifactorial, and its molecular pathogenesis is only poorly understood. Ascites formation can result from obstruction of lymph vessels by tumour cells, resulting in incomplete absorption of intraperitoneal fluid and protein, especially in patients with lymphoma or breast cancer. Since malignant ascites is usually an exsudate with a high protein concentration, an increased vascular permeability has been implicated in its pathogenesis. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

[Comment] PTLD treatment: a step forward, a long way to go

The Lancet Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that develop as a consequence of immunosuppression in patients who have undergone solid-organ or haemopoietic-stem-cells transplantation. PTLDs include a series of disorders ranging from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven polyclonal proliferation to disorders indistinguishable from some B-cell lymphomas or, less often, T-cell lymphomas. Although the diagnosis can be suspected by clinical features (ie, lymphadenopathy), serum markers (ie, increasing concentrations of serum lactate dehydrogenase), imaging studies, and an increase in the EBV viral load, definitive diagnosis eventually relies on tissue biopsy. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

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[News] NICE guidance on rituximab for first-line treatment of symptomatic stage III–IV follicular lymphoma in previously untreated patients

The Lancet Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

On 25 Jan, 2012, the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidance recommending the use of rituximab in combination with certain chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of symptomatic stage III–IV follicular lymphoma in previously untreated patients. The chemotherapy regimens listed were: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (CVP); cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP); mitoxantrone, chlorambucil, and prednisolone (MCP); cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, pred-nisolone and interferon α (CHVPi); and chlorambucil. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

[News] Qiagen acquires new rights for personalised cancer care

The Lancet Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

As the push towards personalised healthcare in many developed and emerging economies continues, the race to develop quick and accurate companion diagnostic tests is hotting up, with cancer diagnostics at the forefront. In the past week Qiagen (Hilden, Germany) announced its acquisition of worldwide exclusive rights to develop a genetic test for the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) biomarker, which would potentially be used in conjunction with a new class of lung-cancer drugs, and similar rights to develop a test for mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2), which have been implicated in low-grade gliomas, anaplastic gliomas, secondary glioblastoma, and acute myeloid leukaemia. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

[News] Infection risk not increased with alemtuzumab

The Lancet Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Alemtuzumab clears circulating B and T lymphocytes and effectively treats leukaemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (L-CTCL). However, remarkably, it does not seem to increase patients' risk of infection, because resident populations of non-malignant effector memory T cells (TEMs) in the skin are spared, while malignant central memory T cells (TCMs) that recirculate between skin and blood are cleared, US researchers report. Mycosis fungoides, a skin-resident TEM malignancy, is unaffected by alemtuzumab. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Burkitt lymphoma: staging and response evaluation

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe refinements in both the staging and response evaluation of children with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) have contributed to the improvements in treatment outcome observed over the past 40 years. Ziegler and Magrath designed a staging system in the 1970s for children with BL in equatorial Africa. Currently, the most widely used staging system around the world is that described by Murphy in 1980, which was developed for children with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of any histology. There are opportunities for refinement in this system, particularly with respect to certain extra‐nodal sites, such as skin and bone. The findings obtained at diagnosis with novel technologies (functional imaging [e.g., positron emission tomography [PET]] and minimal residual disease [MRD] technology), which ar...

Into and out of Africa – taking over from Denis Burkitt

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryDenis Burkitt's description of the eponymous lymphoma in 1958 in Uganda, opened up a vast and important field of enquiry in haematology and oncology. His pioneering experiments with chemotherapy demonstrated the possibility of cure, often with a single dose. His geographical explorations showed the tumour to be delimited by climate, suggesting an infectious cause vectored by mosquitoes. His clinical observations furthered the field of cancer immunotherapy. And his collegial, inquisitive nature facilitated the development of an enduring cancer research centre in Kampala. Burkitt's legacy in Uganda has wide‐reaching effects that endure not only in Uganda but also throughout the haematology‐oncology community to this day. (Source: British Journal of Haematology)

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Intermittent Granulocyte‐Colony Stimulating Factor (G‐CSF) maintains dose intensity after ABVD therapy complicated by neutropenia

European Journal of Haematology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Identification of Delta/notch‐like EGF‐related receptor (DNER) as the Tr antigen in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration

Annals of Neurology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractObjective:Anti‐Tr is one of the better described autoantibodies in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) combined with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), however the Tr antigen remains unidentified.Methods:We used immunoprecipitation of total rat brain extract followed by mass spectrometry to identify the antigen recognized by anti‐Tr positive sera. By Western blotting and cell‐based assays we tested a total of 12 anti‐Tr positive and 191 control sera and determined the region of the epitope recognized by the anti‐Tr antibodies. Deletion and mutant constructs were generated to further map the antigenic region.Results:Mass spectrometry analysis of immuno‐purified rat brain extract using 4 different anti‐Tr positive sera led to the identification of Delta/Notch‐like epider...

Improved clonality detection in Hodgkin lymphoma using the BIOMED‐2‐based heavy and kappa chain assay: a paraffin‐embedded tissue study

Histopathology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Combined study of IGH and IGK rearrangement according to BIOMED‐2 protocols improves clonality detection rate (up to 25% of cases) in HL, even when working on non‐microdissected FFPE tissue. (Source: Histopathology)

Mediastinal seminoma: A case report with special emphasis on sall4 as a new immunocytochemical marker

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of mediastinal seminoma diagnosed intraoperatively by cytological examination of cystic fluid containing tumor cells.An anterior mediastinal tumor with cystic component was incidentally found in a 28‐year‐old Japanese male. Cytological examination of the cystic fluid at the time of tumor resection showed single and loose aggregates of large round to polygonal cells with large round nuclei, vesicular chromatin and nucleoli, and mild to moderate amounts of PAS‐positive cytoplasm admixed with mature lymphocytes. A diagnosis of seminoma was made intraoperatively. On subsequent immunostaining, the tumor cells showed nuclear positivity for SALL4, a recently recognized germ cell marker that, in the appropriate setting, can be helpful to distinguish germ cell tumors from oth...

Med Sci Monit 2012; 18(2):BR84-88 "Lack of association of conjunctival MALT lymphoma with Chlamydiae or Helicobacter pylori in a cohort of Chinese patients"

Medical Science Monitor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The PCR technique was able to detect the positive control quickly and accurately, but the results of PCR in analyzing the 16 specimens were negative, indicating that there is no association between conjunctival MALT lymphoma and the 4 microorganisms in Chinese patients. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

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Triple fungal infection in a patient with liver cirrhosis.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of triple fungal infection including an invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by Aspergillus fumigatus, a candidemia by Candida albicans and a Pneumocystis pneumonia. The overall clinical picture of this patient was liver cirrhosis with medical history of immunosuppressive treatment for Crohn disease and a non-hodgkin lymphoma. There was no antifungal prophylaxis for this patient. Under treatment, the issue was unfavourable with multivisceral failure. PMID: 22294141 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)

High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation versus chemotherapy or immuno-chemotherapy for follicular lymphoma in adults

NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews Background Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent and second most common Non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma (NHL) in the Western world. Standard treatment usually includes rituximab and chemotherapy. High-dose therapy (HDT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an option for patients in advanced stages or for second-line therapy, leading to improved progression-free survival (PFS) rates. However, the impact of HDT and ASCT remains unclear, as there are hints of an increased risk of second cancers. Objectives We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HDT plus ASCT with chemotherapy or immuno-chemotherapy in patien...

Extranodal diffuse large B cell lymphoma of cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma type: a study of 24 patients with non‐cutaneous primary limited stage extranodal diffuse large B cell lymphoma in support of a new concept

Histopathology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results suggest that DLBCL of cFCL type can be identified in extranodal non‐cutaneous sites and shows clinical characteristics similar to genuine cFCL. We propose to expand the concept of cFCL to encompass large cell lymphomas in extranodal sites. (Source: Histopathology)

Simultaneous Occurrence of Biphenotypic T Cell/Myeloid Lesions Involving t(12;13)(p13;q14) in a Pediatric Patient.

Acta Haematologica — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Carneiro Borba C, de Lourdes Chauffaille M, Saeed Sanabnai S, Folloni Fernandes J, Aiko Kumeda C, Rodrigues Pereira Velloso ED, Jarandilha Dos Santos K, Puato Vieira Pupim M, Hamerschlak N, Odone Filho V, Bendit I Abstract This paper chronicles a 2-year-old girl who presented with acute leukemia/lymphoma syndrome of the T cell immunophenotype. At this time, the cytogenetic analysis of her bone marrow cells showed a reciprocal translocation between the short arm of chromosome 12 and the long arm of chromosome 13, t(12;13)(p13;q14). The immunophenotyping of bone marrow blast cells by flow cytometry revealed a population of cells positive for CD56, CD117, CD45, partial CD33, partial HLA-DR, CD13, CD7, CD2 and CD5. Therefore, a diagnosis of acute leukemia with a mixed T cell/m...

[Treatment of neuropathic pain with lacosamide].

Revista de Neurologia — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. Lacosamide can be an effective and well-tolerated alternative in the treatment of neuropathic pain and, moreover, its intravenous use can achieve pain control faster or be suitable when it is not tolerated orally. PMID: 22278893 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Revista de Neurologia)

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[Relationship between Castleman's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.]

Anales de Pediatria — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cantos Pastor V, Márquez Vega C, Ramírez Villar G, Espín Jaime B PMID: 22305085 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anales de Pediatria)

Nailing Burkitt lymphoma

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Haematology)

Chemotherapy alone improves long-term survival in Hodgkin's lymphoma

MedWire News - Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Chemotherapy alone improves long-term survival in patients with stage IA or IIA nonbulky Hodgkin's lymphoma compared with treatment that includes both chemotherapy and subtotal nodal radiation therapy, research shows. (Source: MedWire News - Oncology)

Woman, 21, who was told she was infertile after battling cancer twice has 'miracle' baby

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:34 +0100

Madeleine Telfer from Kilmarnock in Scotland thought she had lost the chance to become a mother after having 300 hours of chemotherapy to battle Hodgkin's Lymphoma twice. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Central nervous system lymphoma occurring in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease)

Neurological Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:44:48 +0100

We report a case of CNS primitive lymphoma in an adult patient who resulted positive for NF1 at genetic testing. At present, only one case of CNS lymphoma in an adult patient displaying clinical criteria for NF1 diagnosis has been reported. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10072-011-0886-8Authors Marica Eoli, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Milan, ItalyDonata Bianchessi, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyAnna Luisa Di Stefano, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyElena Prodi, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyElena Anghileri, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologic...

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Inherited Risk Factors For Childhood Leukemia Are More Common In Hispanic Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Hispanic children are more likely than those from other racial and ethnic backgrounds to be diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are more likely to die of their disease. Work led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists has pinpointed genetic factors behind the grim statistics. Researchers studying a gene called ARID5B linked eight common variants of the gene to an increased risk of not only developing pediatric ALL but of having the cancer return after treatment. Two more ARID5B variants were tied to higher odds of developing the disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Targeting Protein Synthesis in a Myc/mTOR-Driven Model of Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome Delays Its Onset and Prolongs Survival

Cancer Research — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Anorexia-cachexia syndrome (ACS) is a major determinant of cancer-related death that causes progressive body weight loss due to depletion of skeletal muscle mass and body fat. Here, we report the development of a novel preclinical murine model of ACS in which lymphomas harbor elevated Myc and activated mTOR signaling. The ACS phenotype in this model correlated with deregulated expression of a number of cytokines, including elevated levels of interleukin-10 which was under the direct translational control of mTOR. Notably, pharmacologic intervention to impair protein synthesis restored cytokine production to near-normal levels, delayed ACS progression, and extended host survival. Together, our findings suggest a new paradigm to treat ACS by strategies which target protein synthesis to block...

Burkitt's lymphoma of an ileal pouch following restorative proctocolectomy

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

Allos Therapeutics reports interim data of Folotyn combination therapy

Drug Development Technology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Allos Therapeutics has announced the interim results from the ongoing Phase 1 combination study of Folotyn (pralatrexate injection) and bexarotene in patients with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). (Source: Drug Development Technology)

Leukemia Cells Are "Bad To The Bone"

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

University of Rochester Medical Center researchers have discovered new links between leukemia cells and cells involved in bone formation, offering a fresh perspective on how the blood cancer progresses and raising the possibility that therapies for bone disorders could help in the treatment of leukemia. The research, led by graduate student Benjamin J. Frisch in the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center laboratory of corresponding author Laura M. Calvi, M.D., is featured in the journal Blood... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Lymphoma Study Group of JCOG

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Lymphoma Study Group (LSG) of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) was initiated in 1978 by five institutions and now has 47 members. JCOG-LSG has focused on combined modalities, dose intensification and the incorporation of new agents for major disease entities of lymphoid malignancies. More than 30 trials including 10 randomized trials have been conducted for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), adult T-cell leukemia–lymphoma (ATL), lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), multiple myeloma, NK/T-NHL and indolent B-NHL, and correlative epidemiological and pathological studies have been performed on human T-lymphotropic virus type-I and T/B cell phenotypes. The first trials for aggressive NHL revealed significant differences in the pro...

The long‐term risk of malignancy following a diagnosis of coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis: a cohort study

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThe overall risk of malignancy in coeliac patients declines with time after diagnosis and is not significantly increased after 15 years. Most of the increased risk can be attributed to the development of haematological malignancies, despite their very low absolute rate of occurrence. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Primary cutaneous CD30 positive T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders with aberrant expression of PAX5: Report of three cases

Pathology International — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study is the first to address the clinical significance of PAX5+ primary cutaneous CD30+ T‐cell LPDs. These cases were distinct regarding PAX5 expression and a relatively aggressive clinical course versus conventional primary cutaneous CD30+ T‐cell LPDs. (Source: Pathology International)

CD163 Versus CD68 in Tumor Associated Macrophages of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Diagnostic Pathology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we demonstrate that CD163 staining is lower than CD68, with less non-specific staining of background inflammatory cells and Hodgkin cells, therefore is a better marker for tumor associated macrophages. However, we did not identify a correlation between staining for CD68 or CD163 and recurrence of disease.Virtual slidesThe virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1460518258831620 (Source: Diagnostic Pathology)

Metabonomic study on the cumulative cardiotoxicity of a pirarubicin liposome powder.

Talanta — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cong W, Liang Q, Li L, Shi J, Liu Q, Feng Y, Wang Y, Luo G Abstract Pirarubicin (THP) is an anthracycline frequently used in the chemotherapy against acute leukemia, malignant lymphoma and several solid tumors. However, its clinical use is severely limited by the development of a progressive dose-dependent cardiomyopathy that results in irreversible congestive heart failure. To provide a strategy for constraining or minimizing the cumulative cardiotoxicity of THP, a pirarubicin liposome powder (L-THP) was appropriately prepared, and the cumulative cardiotoxicity of L-THP and free THP (F-THP) were investigated on Sprague-Dawley rats after 3 successive doses. Urinary samples for metabonomic study, serum samples for biochemical assay, and heart samples for histopathology test...

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Novel monoclonal antibodies for identification of multicentric Castleman's disease; Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-encoded vMIP-I and vMIP-II.

Virology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nakano K, Katano H, Tadagaki K, Sato Y, Ohsaki E, Mori Y, Yamanishi K, Ueda K Abstract Recent studies have indicated that vMIP-I and vMIP-II play important roles in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-related diseases due to the effects of these proteins on vascularization. We developed monoclonal antibodies against KSHV-encoded viral macrophage inflammatory protein-I (vMIP-I) and vMIP-II to study these expression profiles and reveal the pathogenesis of KSHV-related diseases. The MAbs against vMIP-I and vMIP-II reacted to KSHV-infected cell lines after lytic induction. Both vMIP-I and the vMIP-II gene products were detected 24h post-induction with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate until 60h in the cytoplasm of primary effusion lymphoma cel...

Biological Activity of Anti-CD20 Multivalent HPMA Copolymer-Fab' Conjugates.

Biomacromolecules — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Johnson RN, Kopeckova P, Kopecek J Abstract High-molecular-weight, branched N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers were synthesized and conjugated with Fab' fragments of the anti-CD20 antibody, 1F5. This produced multivalent conjugates with varying valency (amount of Fab' per macromolecule) targeted to the B-cell antigen CD20. The apoptotic activity of the conjugates was screened against several B-cell lymphomas with varied expression levels of CD20 (Raji, Daudi, Ramos, Namalwa, and DG-75). The multivalent conjugates had the strongest activity against cells that had the highest expression of CD20, and failed to demonstrate any measurable activity against lymphomas that did not express the antigen. Furthermore, there was an apparent dose-dependent response to t...

Highlights from January 2012

About.com Lymphoma — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Each month, I strive to publish several new articles which may be of interest for people with blood cancers, or people who love them. However, it can be easy to miss some new content in all the activity!...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Lymphoma)

Detection of Asymptomatic Cardiac Metastasis and Successful Salvage Chemotherapy Comprising a Prednisone, Etoposide, Procarbazine, and Cyclophosphamide Regimen in an Elderly Japanese Patient Suffering from a Delayed Recurrence of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Karger Publishers — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Case Rep Oncol 2012;5:62–68 (DOI:10.1159/000336447) (Source: Karger Publishers)

New Treatment Option for MDS Welcome News

About.com Lymphoma — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:43:41 +0100

A new treatment regimen for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative disorders has shown positive results in a recent phase 2 study. The new protocol called "TADA" (thalidomide, arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone and ascorbic acid) was tested on a group of 28 patients with an average age of 66 years, all who had been previously treated for their bone marrow disease. At the end of almost 6 months, 6 patients (about 20%) had a clinical improvement in their disease. It was also noted in the study that the toxicities of the regimen were characterized as "mild to moderate" and that 75% of the participants were able to complete a full 12 week intensive course....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Lymphoma)

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Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in subcutaneous sarcoidosis mimicking cutaneous lymphoma

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:56:38 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Image of the MonthPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00259-012-2068-1Authors Marcel P.M. Stokkel, Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The NetherlandsBernies van der Hiel, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The NetherlandsRenato Valdés Olmos, Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The NetherlandsKees Hoefnagel, Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands Journal European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular ImagingO...

Severe left main coronary stenosis in a young female patient, 6 years after mediastinal radiation therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: assessment by coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound

Clinical Research in Cardiology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:45 +0100

Severe left main coronary stenosis in a young female patient, 6 years after mediastinal radiation therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: assessment by coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorsPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00392-012-0413-9Authors Grigorios Korosoglou, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyArnt V. Kristen, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyMartin Andrassy, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyHugo A. Katus, Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyStefan E. Hardt, ...

A Leukemia Drug Kills Cancerous T-Cells While Sparing Normal Immunity

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (L-CTCL) is a leukemia arising from T-cells, a type of white blood cell. This cancer can involve the skin and other organs, and patients often die within three years. Rachael A. Clark, MD, PhD, BWH assistant professor of dermatology and associate dermatologist and Thomas Kupper, MD, BWH Department of Dermatology chairman and their colleagues now report a new study that low-dose Campath (alemtuzumab) not only treats patients with L-CTCL but does so without increasing their risk of infections... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rituximab pharmacokinetics in ascites and serum in the treatment of follicular lymphoma with massive ascites

Annals of Hematology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:53:41 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00277-012-1410-9Authors Yuki Hiroshima, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2, Iidanishi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata, 990-9585 JapanKatsushi Tajima, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2, Iidanishi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata, 990-9585 JapanYousuke Shiono, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2, Iidanishi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata, 990-9585 JapanIkuko Suzuki, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2, Iidanishi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata, 990-9585 JapanKei Kouno, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine, ...

Beyond the 2008 World Health Organization classification: the role of the hematopathology laboratory in the diagnosis and management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:38:40 +0100

The diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is made by evaluating morphology and immunophenotype. However, appropriate risk stratification and decisions regarding the intensity of therapy are influenced by additional clinical and laboratory testing that reflect the biology of the disease. Recent years have seen tremendous progress in uncovering genetic lesions that influence the biology of ALL. In recognition of these advances, the 2008 WHO classification incorporated the category of B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma with recurrent genetic abnormalities into the classification of precursor lymphoid neoplasms. Based on the knowledge available at the time, genetic lesions associated with distinct clinical features, immunophenotype, prognosis, or other unique biological characteristic...

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Annular Hypopigmented Mycosis Fungoides: A Novel Ringed Variant

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:27:49 +0100

We present a novel and unique clinical presentation in an African‐American female patient, consisting of regular hypopigmented annular rings in areas of normal skin and in more typical hypopigmented patches of mycosis fungoides. The lesions appeared diffusely on all extremities, anterior chest, and back. Histopathologic examination showed an atypical lymphocytic infiltrate at the dermal‐epidermal junction with epidermotropism and few Pautrier's collections. The patient was otherwise healthy and improved with narrowband ultraviolet (UV)‐B. This case represents a presentation of a most unusual variant of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides, for which we propose the name “annular hypopigmented mycosis fungoides.” (Source: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology)

Flow cytometric detection and quantification of CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM) expression in diffuse large B cell lymphomas and review of the literature

Histopathology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:24:17 +0100

Conclusions: CD56 expression in B cell lymphoma is a rare occurrence. FC is able to identify aberrant immunophenotypes that can be useful in the identification and monitoring of B cell lymphoma subtypes. The presence of CD56 reported by the literature on certain DLBCL with extranodal presentation might be related to mechanisms involved in growth and expansion. (Source: Histopathology)

Patients with thymomas have an increased risk of developing additional malignancies: lack of immunological surveillance?

Histopathology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:24:13 +0100

Conclusions: Patients affected by thymomas showed a significantly higher risk of developing additional malignancies than those in the control groups, and cases that exhibited a predominantly cortical component were more likely to develop other neoplasms. This may be related to the functions of cortical thymic epithelial cells in providing for T lymphocyte maturation through interaction with major histocompatibility complexes. (Source: Histopathology)

Advanced Stage, Increased Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Primary Site, but Not Adolescent Age (>= 15 Years), Are Associated With an Increased Risk of Treatment Failure in Children and Adolescents With Mature B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Results of the FAB LMB 96 Study [Hematologic Malignancies]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion LDH level at diagnosis, mediastinal disease, and combined BM-positive/CNS-positive involvement are independent risk factors in children with mature B-cell NHL. Future studies should be developed to identify specific therapeutic strategies (immunotherapy) to overcome these risk factors and to identify the biologic basis associated with these prognostic factors in children with mature B-cell NHL. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

"Be the Match" this Black History Month

About.com Lymphoma — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

February is Black History Month, and I think it is a great time to remind Black and African Americans how badly you are needed on the Be The Match bone marrow donation registry....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Lymphoma)

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Dose-Intensification in early unfavourable Hodgkin's lymphoma: Final analysis of the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) trial

NeLM - News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: JCO Area: News This randomised study aimed to determine whether using more intensive chemotherapy improved long term tumour control in people with early unfavorable Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). Patients were recruited and treated in 407 hospitals and practices in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Austria. Patients were randomised (1:1 ratio) to either four cycles of ABVD (standard arm A; adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) with two cycles BEACOPPesc (intensified arm B; bleomycin, etoposide, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone;) followed by two cycles of ABVD (2 + 2 regimen). Standard 30 Gy involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) was administered as consolidation therapy in both arms. The primary en...

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma causing light chain cast nephropathy

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Plasma cell dyscrasias are frequently associated with kidney disease through the production of monoclonal immunoglobulin but with a diverse set of pathologic renal patterns. While almost all patients with a renal biopsy showing a cast nephropathy have myeloma, kidney involvement associated with pathological immunoglobulin light chains and lymphoma is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a cast nephropathy associated with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. We emphasize the relation between light chain deposition and renal dysfunction in this disease with production of light chains. A therapeutic approach that decreases light chain production appears to be warranted in these patients. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

[Oral Burkitt lymphoma in an immunocompetent patient.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of Burkitt lymphoma of the jaws in an immunocompetent adolescent, revealed by intraoral swelling. An orthopantomogram showed multiple osteolytic lesions. Biopsy revealed Burkitt lymphoma. The disease was treated with chemotherapy. Complete remission was attained 15 months after the end of treatment. Burkitt lymphomas accounts for 30-40% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas in children, with diagnosis confirmed by histology. Immunophenotyping completes the diagnosis by identifying the presence of B markers. Chemotherapy is currently the main treatment of BL, because of the high chemosensitivity of the tumor and its low radiosensitivity. Overall survival in localized stages is close to 100%. PMID: 22285713 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives de Pediatrie)

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus after rituximab therapy.

Lupus — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report PCP in two patients with SLE after rituximab treatment. Fever and respiratory symptoms associated with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates developed within weeks after rituximab therapy. One patient died of respiratory failure. Another patient recovered uneventfully after treatment with clindamycin and primaquine. PMID: 22287506 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Lupus)

Prevalence and patterns of renal involvement in imaging of malignant lymphoproliferative diseases.

Acta Radiologica — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionIn leukemia the most common imaging pattern is diffuse enlargement. In the other subtypes of lymphoproliferative disease no specific correlation between typical CT patterns and subtype of lymphoproliferative disease can be found. The prevalence of renal involvement is in line with earlier studies. Contrary to earlier reports, multiple lesions were not found to be a common pattern. PMID: 22287149 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Radiologica)

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Proteasome inhibitors: an expanding army attacking a unique target.

Chemistry and Biology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kisselev AF, van der Linden WA, Overkleeft HS Abstract Proteasomes are large, multisubunit proteolytic complexes presenting multiple targets for therapeutic intervention. The 26S proteasome consists of a 20S proteolytic core and one or two 19S regulatory particles. The 20S core contains three types of active sites. Many structurally diverse inhibitors of these active sites, both natural product and synthetic, have been discovered in the last two decades. One, bortezomib, is used clinically for treatment of multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, and acute allograft rejection. Five more recently developed proteasome inhibitors are in trials for treatment of myeloma and other cancers. Proteasome inhibitors also have activity in animal models of autoimmune and inflammatory di...

Flow cytometric immunophenotypic assessment of T-cell clonality by vβ repertoire analysis in fine-needle aspirates and cerebrospinal fluid.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:56:31 +0100

Authors: Tembhare P, Yuan CM, Morris JC, Janik JE, Filie AC, Stetler-Stevenson M Abstract Flow cytometric T-cell receptor V(β) repertoire analysis (TCR-V(β)-R) is a sensitive method to detect T-cell clonality; however, its implementation in low-cellularity specimens has not been established. We developed a strategy to use TCR-V(β)-R in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and fine-needle aspirate (FNA) specimens. Initially, full TCR-V(β)-R was evaluated in diagnostic/screening specimens from 8 patients with T-cell neoplasia to determine tumor-specific TCR-V(β) protein expression. Subsequently, an abbreviated, patient-specific TCR-V(β)-R evaluation was performed in 17 paucicellular specimens from the patients (8 CSF, 9 FNA) for staging and monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). A ...

Hematologic features of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:54:12 +0100

Authors: Erber WN, Finlayson J PMID: 22261460 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Clinical Pathology)

A Role for Bcl-2 in Notch1-Dependent Transcription in Thymic Lymphoma Cells

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:56:20 +0100

Notch1 is a transcription factor important for T-cell development. Notch1 is active in double negative (DN) thymocytes, while being depressed in double positive (DP) thymocytes. Synchronously, the expression of Bcl-2 becomes downregulated during the transition from DN to DP thymocytes. We previously observed that overexpression of an intracellular active Notch1 (ICN) in Bcl-2-positive 2B4 T cells leads to the transcription of Notch1-regulated genes. However, these genes were not induced in Bcl-2-negative DP PD1.6 thymic lymphoma cells overexpressing ICN. Here we show that, when Bcl-2 is simultaneously introduced into these cells, Notch-regulated genes are transcribed. Only in the presence of both Bcl-2 and ICN, PD1.6 thymic lymphoma cells become resistant to glucocorticoid (GC)-induced apo...

PI3K-like kinases restrain Pim gene expression in endothelial cells

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:50:00 +0100

Summary Pim kinases contribute to tumor formation and development of lymphoma, which shows enhanced DNA replication, DNA recombination and repair. Endothelial cells^(ECs) express all the three members of Pim kinase gene family. We hypothesized that DNA repair gene would regulate Pim expression in ECs. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated and maintained in M199 culture medium. The cellular distribution of Pim-3 in ECs was determined by immunofluorescent staining. The siRNA fragments were synthesized and transfected by using Lipofectamine LTX. The total cellular RNA was extracted from the cells by using Trizol reagent. cDNAs were quantified by semi-quantity PCR. The effects of LY294002 and wortmannin on RNA stability in ECs were also examined. Our da...

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Allogeneic stem cell transplantation versus conventional therapy for advanced primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:18:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: We planned to report evidence from genetically or non-genetically randomised controlled trials comparing conventional therapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, no randomised trials addressing this question were identified. Nevertheless, prospective genetically randomised controlled trials need to be initiated to evaluate the precise role of alloSCT in advanced CTCL. PMID: 22258991 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation versus chemotherapy or immuno-chemotherapy for follicular lymphoma in adults.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:18:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the currently available evidence suggests a strong PFS benefit for HDT + ASCT compared with chemotherapy or immuno-chemotherapy in previously untreated patients with FL. No statistically significant differences in terms of OS, TRM and secondary cancers were detected. These effects are confirmed in a subgroup analysis (one trial) adding rituximab to both treatment arms. Further trials evaluating this approach are needed to determine this effect more precisely in the era of rituximab. Moreover, longer follow-up data are necessary to find out whether the PFS advantage will translate into an OS advantage in previously untreated patients with FL.There is evidence that HDT + ASCT is advantageous in patients with relapsed FL. PMID: 22258971 [PubMed - in process] (Sour...

Antibiotic prophylaxis for bacterial infections in afebrile neutropenic patients following chemotherapy.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:18:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic prophylaxis in afebrile neutropenic patients significantly reduced all-cause mortality. In our review, the most significant reduction in mortality was observed in trials assessing prophylaxis with quinolones. The benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis outweighed the harm such as adverse effects and the development of resistance since all-cause mortality was reduced. As most trials in our review were of patients with haematologic cancer, we strongly recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for these patients, preferably with a quinolone. Prophylaxis may also be considered for patients with solid tumours or lymphoma. PMID: 22258955 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Progress in Hodgkin lymphoma: a population-based study on patients diagnosed in Sweden from 1973-2009

Blood — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In recent decades, attention has focused on reducing long-term, treatment-related morbidity and mortality in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). In the present study, we looked for trends in relative survival for all patients diagnosed with HL in Sweden from 1973-2009 (N = 6949; 3985 men and 2964 women; median age, 45 years) and followed up for death until the end of 2010. Patients were categorized into 6 age groups and 5 calendar periods (1973-1979, 1980-1986, 1987-1994, 1994-2000, and 2001-2009). Relative survival improved in all age groups, with the greatest improvement in patients 51-65 years of age (P < .0005). A plateau in relative survival was observed in patients below 65 years of age during the last calendar period, suggesting a reduced long-term, treatment-related mortality. The 10-year re...

Histone deacetylase inhibitors are potent inducers of gene expression in latent EBV and sensitize lymphoma cells to nucleoside antiviral agents

Blood — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Induction of EBV lytic-phase gene expression, combined with exposure to an antiherpes viral drug, represents a promising targeted therapeutic approach to EBV-associated lymphomas. Short-chain fatty acids or certain chemotherapeutics have been used to induce EBV lytic-phase gene expression in cultured cells and mouse models, but these studies generally have not translated into clinical application. The recent success of a clinical trial with the pan-histone deacetylase (pan-HDAC) inhibitor arginine butyrate and the antiherpes viral drug ganciclovir in the treatment of EBV lymphomas prompted us to investigate the potential of several HDAC inhibitors, including some new, highly potent compounds, to sensitize EBV+ human lymphoma cells to antiviral agents in vitro. Our study included short-chai...

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FGFR2 genotype and risk of radiation-associated breast cancer in Hodgkin lymphoma

Blood — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Women treated at young ages with supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have a highly increased risk of breast cancer. For personalized advice and follow-up regimens for patients, information is needed on how the radiotherapy-related risk is affected by other breast cancer risk factors. Genome-wide association studies have identified 14 independently replicated common single nucleotide polymorphisms that influence breast cancer risk. To examine whether these variants contribute to risk of radiation-associated breast cancer in HL, we analyzed 2 independent case-control series, from the United Kingdom and The Netherlands, totaling 693 HL patients, 232 with breast cancer and 461 without. rs1219648, which annotates the FGFR2 gene, was associated with risk in both series (com...

Differentiation of Normal Thymus from Anterior Mediastinal Lymphoma and Lymphoma Recurrence at Pediatric PET/CT [Pediatric Imaging]

Radiology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: SUVt is a sensitive predictor for differentiation of normal thymus or thymic rebound from mediastinal lymphoma. SUVt of 3.4 or higher is a strong predictor of mediastinal lymphoma. © RSNA, 2011 (Source: Radiology)

Lung cancer with translocation in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene

Cancer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ALK‐positive nonsmall cell lung cancer represents a unique molecular subset with distinct clinical characteristics. With the availability of effective therapy, developing sensitive diagnostic methods has become an urgent priority. See pages 000‐000. (Source: Cancer)

Oncogene status predicts patterns of metastatic spread in treatment‐naive nonsmall cell lung cancer

Cancer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The results support the hypothesis that the dominant molecular oncogenes in NSCLC are associated with different biological behaviors manifesting as distinct patterns of metastatic spread at the time of diagnosis. Cancer 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Correlations between the percentage of tumor cells showing an ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene rearrangement, ALK signal copy number, and response to crizotinib therapy in ALK fluorescence in situ hybridization–positive nonsmall cell lung cancer

Cancer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The strong association between increased copy number of key ALK signals and percentage of positive cells suggests that the <100% rate of cellular positivity in ALK+ tumors is due to technical factors, not biological factors. In ALK+ tumors, neither the percentage of positive cells nor signal copy number appear to be informative variables for predicting benefit from ALK inhibition. The inverse relationship between fused and isolated red copy number suggests ALK+ may be a distinct “near‐diploid” subtype of NSCLC that develops before significant chromosomal aneusomy occurs. Cancer 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

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Increased Expression of the Anti-Apoptotic Protein Bcl-xL in the Brain is Associated with Resilience to Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behavior.

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dygalo NN, Kalinina TS, Bulygina VV, Shishkina GT Abstract Clinical observations and the results of animal studies have implicated changes in neuronal survival and plasticity in both the etiology of mood disorders, especially stress-induced depression, and anti-depressant drug action. Stress may predispose individuals toward depression through down-regulation of neurogenesis and an increase in apoptosis in the brain. Substantial individual differences in vulnerability to stress are evident in humans and were found in experimental animals. Recent studies revealed an association between the brain anti-apoptotic protein B cell lymphoma like X, long variant (Bcl-xL) expression and individual differences in behavioral vulnerability to stress. The ability to increase Bcl-xL gene...

Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone with or Without Radiotherapy in Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma: The Emerging Standard of Care.

The Oncologist — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Based on these results, most patients with PMLBCL appear to be cured by R-CHOP in 21-day cycles with or without RT, which could be the current standard of care. Therefore, the need for more aggressive treatment strategies is questionable unless high-risk patients are adequately defined. Further studies are required to establish the precise role of RT. PMID: 22282906 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Oncologist)

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in living-donor liver transplantation: a single-center experience

Surgery Today — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:04:12 +0100

Conclusion Although PTLD is potentially life-threatening, it can be managed by appropriate and prompt treatment, with a good outcome. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00595-012-0127-7Authors Chikashi Nakanishi, Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryou-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574 JapanNaoki Kawagishi, Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryou-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574 JapanSatoshi Sekiguchi, Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryou-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574 JapanYorihiro Akamatsu, Division of Advanc...

NICE issues final guidance on rituximab for follicular lymphoma

NeLM - Guidelines — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: Evidence > Guidelines NICE has issued final guidance on the use rituximab for the treatment of symptomatic stage III and IV follicular lymphoma in previously untreated people (TA 243). The guidance recommends rituximab in combination with the following as a treatment option: . cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone (CVP) . cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) mitoxantrone, chlorambucil and prednisolone (MCP) . cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, prednisolone and interferon-? (CHVPi) . chlorambucil (Source: NeLM - Guidelines)

Efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B twice weekly for hypopigmented mycosis fungoides in Asians

Clinical And Experimental Dermatology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryHypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. To date, there have been no data published about the efficacy of a twice‐weekly regimen of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) for the treatment of hypopigmented MF. We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with hypopigmented MF who were treated with NB‐UVB twice weekly between 2001 and 2010. Of the 11 patients, 7 achieved a complete response with a mean of 40 treatments; the remaining 4 patients had a partial response. Upon discontinuation of treatment, three patients had clinical relapse after complete remission. Median time to relapse was 10 months. A twice‐weekly regimen of NB‐UVB is an effective treatment for hypopigmented MF with minimal side‐effects. However, the relapse rate is ...

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Design of Triazole-Stapled BCL9 α-Helical Peptides to Target the β-Catenin/B-Cell CLL/lymphoma 9 (BCL9) Protein–Protein Interaction

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:43:31 +0100

Journal of Medicinal ChemistryDOI: 10.1021/jm201125d (Source: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry)

Analysis of hepatitis B surface antibody titers in B cell lymphoma patients after rituximab therapy

Annals of Hematology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:25:51 +0100

In conclusion, we found that anti-HBs titers decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after rituximab treatment. B cell lymphoma patients with low pre-treatment anti-HBs titers (<100 mIU/mL) were more likely to lose anti-HBs antibodies and were at risk of HBV reactivation after rituximab immunochemotherapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00277-012-1405-6Authors Sung-Nan Pei, Division of Hema-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, TaiwanMing-Chun Ma, Division of Hema-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, TaiwanMing-Chung Wang, Div...

Quality Of Life Issues For Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Although significant progress has been made in treating chronic myeloid leukemia, the disease cannot yet be eliminated in all patients, and that challenge must be addressed, states a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).). Likening the journey to find a cure for chronic myeloid leukemia as a marathon, cancer expert Dr. Jorge Cortes, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, writes, "The past half century has been an extraordinary run that has us on an excellent pace to not only complete the race to a cure, but to do so in record time... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The added value of immunoglobulin Kappa light chain gene (IGK) rearrangement analysis in suspected B-cell lymphomas: three illustrative cases

Journal of Hematopathology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:54:03 +0100

Abstract Immunoglobulin Kappa light chain gene (IGK) rearrangements are important complementary PCR targets for clonality assessment in mature B-cell proliferations in which detection of clonal VH-JH gene rearrangements fails. Failure to amplify VH-JH rearrangements is mainly attributable to somatic hypermutation. Detection of clonal IGK rearrangements is most relevant in the diagnosis of germinal center (GC) and post-GC B-cell lymphomas that are under a heavy somatic mutation process. Here we present three cases in which histology and immunophenotype of the tissue samples at time of diagnosis were inconclusive. PCR-based B-cell clonality assessment was performed using the standardized BIOMED-2 multiplex PCR protocols and Genescan analysis. No clonal VH-JH rearrangements wer...

Risk of second cancers in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: WM patients are at higher risk of second cancers as compared with the general population. The sample size does not allow firm conclusions about the effect of therapy on the development of second cancers. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

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A phase II trial of short course fludarabine, mitoxantrone, rituximab followed by 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan in untreated intermediate/high-risk follicular lymphoma

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study has established feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of a regimen composed by short FMR induction with 90Y-IT consolidation in untreated intermediate/high-risk follicular NHL patients. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Survival from common and rare cancers in Germany in the early 21st century

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: German cancer survival estimates are mostly higher than the 2000–2002 pan-European estimates. Further research is needed to investigate causes responsible for differences between German and USA cancer survival rates. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Dietary cholesterol intake and cancer

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings add to the evidence that high cholesterol intake is linked to increased risk of various cancers. A diet low in cholesterol may play a role in the prevention of several cancers. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Exposure to animals and increased risk of marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of the ocular adnexae

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: R Dolcetti, D Serraino, G Dognini, S Govi, R Crocchiolo, P Ghia, E Pasini, M Ponzoni, R Talamini, P De Paoli, C Doglioni & A J M Ferreri (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

Inhibitory effects of azole-type fungicides on interleukin-17 gene expression via retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors α and γ

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the RORα/γ activity of several azole-type fungicides, and the effects of these fungicides on the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-17, which mediates the function of Th17 cells. In the ROR-reporter gene assays, five azole-type fungicides (imibenconazole, triflumizole, hexaconazole, tetraconazole and imazalil) suppressed RORα- and/or RORγ-mediated transcriptional activity as did benzenesulphonamide T0901317, a ROR inverse agonist and a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist. In particular, imibenconazole, triflumizole and hexaconazole showed RORγ inverse agonistic activity at concentrations of 10(-6)M. However, unlike T0901317, these fungicides failed to show any LXRα/β agonistic activity. Next, five azole-type fungicides, showing ROR inverse agonist activity...

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Sarcoidosis: Challenging Diagnostic Aspects of an Old Disease

The American Journal of Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:44:59 +0100

In conclusion, we strongly advise that physicians be ready to reconsider the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in the presence of atypical manifestations or persistent/progressive disease despite conventional therapy. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)

Adalimumab/infliximab/natalizumab: Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma: 25 case reports

Reactions — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:35:21 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Self‐reported history of infections and the risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: An InterLymph pooled analysis

International Journal of Cancer — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:06:18 +0100

AbstractWe performed a pooled analysis of data on self‐reported history of infections in relation to the risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) from 17 case‐control studies that included 12,585 cases and 15,416 controls aged 16‐96 years at recruitment. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated in two‐stage random‐effect or joint fixed‐effect models, adjusting for age, sex and study centre. Data from the two years prior to diagnosis (or date of interview for controls) were excluded. A self‐reported history of infectious mononucleosis (IM) was associated with an excess risk of NHL (OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.01‐1.57 based on data from 16 studies); study‐specific results indicate significant (I2=51%, p=0.01) heterogeneity. A self‐reported history of...

Tumour burden predicts treatment resistance in patients with early unfavourable or advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma treated with ABVD and radiotherapy

Hematological Oncology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe purpose of the work was to investigate the factors predicting early resistance to treatment in Hodgkin lymphoma. Many staging parameters, including relative tumour burden (rTB), were analysed in 246 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma in relation to early failure, that is, less than complete remission (i.e. partial response, null response or progression) or occurrence of early relapse, as clinical expressions of resistance to treatment. Patients with early unfavourable disease were 129 and were treated with four to six cycles of ABVD + involved field radiotherapy; 117 patients with advanced stage disease received six cycles of ABVD + optional irradiation to no more than two sites. The rTB was volumetrically measured through the evaluation of staging computed tomography for all the l...

Severe High-Density Lipoprotein Deficiency Associated With Autoantibodies Against Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma [Clinical Observation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

An antibody against the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) enzyme, which negates cholesterol esterification in plasma, causing severe high-density lipoprotein deficiency (HD), was identified in a woman with a large-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Successful treatment of the lymphoma resulted in clearance of the antibody and complete correction of the defective cholesterol esterification and HD. To our knowledge, an acquired LCAT deficiency leading to severe HD has not been reported previously in association with a malignant disease, and this patient represents the first such documented case. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

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Constitutive AP-1 Activity and EBV Infection Induce PD-L1 in Hodgkin Lymphomas and Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders: Implications for Targeted Therapy.

Clinical Cancer Research — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: AP-1 signaling and EBV infection represent alternative mechanisms of PD-L1 induction and extend the spectrum of tumors in which to consider PD-1 blockade. PMID: 22271878 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Fc gamma receptor 3a genotype predicts overall survival in follicular lymphoma patients treated on SWOG trials with combined monoclonal antibody plus chemotherapy but not chemotherapy alone.

Haematologica — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Fc gamma receptor 3A polymorphism status may be predictive of survival in follicular lymphoma patients given treatments containing an anti-CD20 antibody but not treatment with chemotherapy alone. Thus, Fc gamma receptor 3A polymorphisms may be important to consider in designing new follicular lymphoma trials and new anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies.(clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00933127). PMID: 22271896 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Haematologica)

Positron emission tomography response at time of autologous stem cell transplantation predict outcome of patients with relapsed and/or refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma responding to prior salvage therapy.

Haematologica — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONIn patients with relapsed/refractory HL responding to prior salvage therapy, PET response at time of ASCT favorably influences outcome and allows to identify patients requiring single or tandem ASCT. PMID: 22271893 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Haematologica)

Over-expression of FoxM1 offers a promising therapeutic target in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Haematologica — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Altogether, these results suggest that FoxM1 is over-expressed in a majority of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma samples. These data also indicates that targeting FoxM1 signaling can serve as a potential therapeutic modality in the management of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. PMID: 22271891 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Haematologica)

Expression of β‐tubulin isotypes in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma

Pathology International — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:45:52 +0100

In this study, we examined the expressions of β‐tubulin isotypes in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) by immunohistochemistry. Among the β‐tubulin isotypes, class II β‐tubulin (31/34, 91%) was most frequently overexpressed in the cytoplasm of almost all Hodgkin's and Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) cells, followed by class I β‐tubulin (18/34, 53%) and class III β‐tubulin (12/34, 35%). Class IV β‐tubulin was not expressed in any cHL case. Class I β‐tubulin was expressed in the background lymphoid cells as well as the HRS cells. Thus, our results indicate that class II β‐tubulin may be very useful for immunohistochemical diagnosis of cHL, and provide valuable information for the potential application of β‐tubulin isotype‐specific targeting. (Source: Pathology Internation...

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Brazilian experience using high dose sequential chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for malignant lymphomas

Revista Brasileira de Hematologia e Hemoterapia — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:10:14 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Despite a greater prevalence of poor prognostic factors, our results are comparable to the literature. The incidence of secondary neoplasias is noteworthy. Our study suggests that this approach is efficient and feasible, regardless of toxicity-related mortality (Source: Revista Brasileira de Hematologia e Hemoterapia)

Epidemiology: clues to the pathogenesis of Burkitt lymphoma

British Journal of Haematology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:51:02 +0100

SummaryThe two major epidemiological clues to the pathogenesis of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) are the geographical association with malaria – BL incidence relates to the malaria transmission rate – and early infection by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Both agents cause B cell hyperplasia, which is almost certainly an essential component of lymphomagenesis in BL. The critical event in lymphomagenesis is the creation of a MYC translocation, bringing the MYC gene into juxtaposition with immunoglobulin genes and causing its ectopic expression, thereby driving the proliferation of BL cells. It is highly likely that such translocations are mediated by the activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) gene, which is responsible for hypervariable region mutations as well as class switching. Stimulation...

Gastrointestinal: Cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome as manifestation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:47:44 +0100

(Source: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

A case of invisible leukemic cutaneous T cell lymphoma with a regulatory T cell clone

International Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:25:49 +0100

(Source: International Journal of Dermatology)

Radioimmunotherapy: How Strong an Option Is It?Radioimmunotherapy: How Strong an Option Is It?

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:19:41 +0100

Dr. Bruce Cheson reviews recent and older studies to assess how strong a treatment option radioimmunotherapy is for patients with follicular lymphoma. Medscape Hematology-Oncology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Study Examines Drug Resistance In ALK Positive Lung Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Scientists from the University of Colorado Cancer Center have once again advanced the treatment of a specific kind of lung cancer. The team has documented how anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) becomes resistant to a drug targeting the abnormal protein in the cancer. It's the first time scientists have analyzed the frequency and type of drug resistance in ALK positive patients taking crizotinib. Crizotinib, a tablet, shrinks tumors in the majority of ALK positive patients with dramatic responses in more than 60 percent of cases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

In Acute Myeloid Leukemia Study Pinpoints And Plugs Mechanism Of Cancer Cell Escape

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

A study published this week in the journal Leukemia identifies a mechanism that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells use to evade chemotherapy - and details how to close this escape route. "Introducing chemotherapy to cells is like putting a curve in front of a speeding car," says Christopher Porter, MD, investigator at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "Cells that can put on the brakes make it around the corner and cells that can't speed off the track... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Subcutaneous passage increases cell aggressiveness in a xenograft model of diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Clinical and Experimental Metastasis — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:04:39 +0100

Abstract Xenograft models of human diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are widely used to test new drugs against this neoplasia. Most of them, however, are subcutaneous xenografts that do not show a disseminated disease as it is found in the human neoplasia. In this paper, we aimed to develop a disseminated xenograft model of DLBCL by performing a subcutaneous passage of DLBCL cells before their intravenous injection in mice. WSU-DLCL-2 (WSU) cells were injected into both flanks of NOD/SCID mice. The subcutaneous tumours were disaggregated and a cell suspension (WSU-SC) was obtained. Two groups of 10 NOD/SCID mice were intravenously injected with WSU-SC or WSU cells. All mice injected with WSU-SC cells developed lymphoma in 32–47 days and showed lymph node and bon...

European CHMP recommends refusal of marketing authorisation for pralatrexate (Folotyn)

NeLM - News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: EMA Area: News The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a negative opinion, recommending the refusal of the marketing authorisation for pralatrexate (Folotyn), intended for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The Committee was concerned that the main study was designed in a way that did not allow the assessment of benefit, particularly since the drug was not compared with any other treatment or placebo. Moreover, the study only assessed response to treatment so impact on progression free- or overall-survival is not known. Therefore the Committee concluded that the medicine's benefits did not outweigh its risks. (Source: NeLM - News)

Risk factors and treatment of childhood and adolescent Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia

British Journal of Haematology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryBurkitt lymphoma/leukaemia is the most common (40%) form of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in children and adolescents. The prognosis of advanced (disseminated) Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia in children and adolescents three decades ago had a 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of <40%, and required combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy over a 1–2 year period. Currently, the prognosis for the same advanced stage has a 5‐year EFS of 85–90% with <6 months of chemotherapy only. Radiation therapy has been eliminated for children and adolescents with Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia except in emergencies, such as superior vena cava syndrome and acute neurological impairment or in patients with relapse/progression. Current risk factors in the prognosis of childhood and ...

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Cytotoxic Salan-Titanium(IV) Complexes: High Activity Toward a Range of Sensitive and Drug-Resistant Cell Lines, and Mechanistic Insights.

ChemMedChem — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Manna CM, Braitbard O, Weiss E, Hochman J, Tshuva EY Abstract The cytotoxicities of highly efficient salan-Ti(IV) complexes toward a range of cell lines, including drug-resistant cells, are reported along with preliminary mechanistic insights. Five salan-Ti(IV) complexes were investigated toward eight different human and murine cancer-derived cell lines, including colon, ovarian, lung, cervical, pancreatic, leukemic, skin, and breast. The salan complexes are more active toward the cells analyzed than cisplatin and the known titanium compound (bzac)(2) Ti(OiPr)(2) , and no cell line resistant to the salan complexes was identified. Moreover, the salan-Ti(IV) complexes are highly active toward both cisplatin-sensitive (A2780) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780CisR) human ovarian ...

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) Enhances Engraftment and Angiogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Diabetic Hindlimb Ischemia.

Diabetes — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lu D, Zhang L, Wang H, Zhang Y, Liu J, Xu J, Liang Z, Deng W, Jiang Y, Wu Q, Li S, Ai Z, Zhong Y, Ying Y, Liu H, Gao F, Zhang Z, Chen B Abstract To examine whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a key regulator linking angiogenesis and metabolism, could enhance the engraftment and angiogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in diabetic hindlimb ischemia, we engineered the overexpression of PGC-1α within MSCs using an adenoviral vector encoding green fluorescent protein and PGC-1α, and then tested the survivability and angiogenesis of MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Under the condition of hypoxia concomitant with serum deprivation, the overexpression of PGC-1α in MSCs resulted in a higher expression level of hypoxia-inducible fa...

Diagnosis and Treatment of Rituximab-Induced Acute Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study reports 2 patients with high-grade diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who presented high tumor load, were sensitive to treatment and had multiple risk factors for ATLS. Both patients developed ATLS after treatment with rituximab and, despite aggressive supportive therapy, died of multiple organ failure. These cases illustrate that ATLS can occur after treatment with rituximab and that a high index of suspicion is necessary for the prompt diagnosis of ATLS. PMID: 22270402 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

Trial watch: BTK inhibitor shows positive results in B cell malignancies

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 11, 96 (2012). doi:10.1038/nrd3656 Author: Charlotte Harrison Preliminary clinical trial data recently presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting showed that the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor PCI-32765 was effective in treating in several types of B cell lymphoma. Furthermore, PCI-32765 is at the centre of a deal — worth up (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery)