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Journal of Cancer Research Updates

Cancer Metastasis and Cancer Stem Cells
Pages 182-190
Huan Liu, Haijuan Wang and Haili Qian

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-2279.2014.03.04.2


Published: 24 November 2014


Abstract: Increasing amounts of evidence have indicated the important role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumorigenesis and relapse. Metastasis is a key biological characteristic of malignant tumors. How cancer cells spread from the original tumor into the circulation and then infiltrate distant organs remains a topic of debate. Moreover, understanding the differences between metastasized and non-metastasized cancer cells is the key to develop strategies to block metastasis. In this review, we summarized the development of the CSC theory related to tumor metastasis over the last two decades.

Keywords: CSCs, cancer metastasis, immune escape, angiogenesis, drug resistance, cancer therapy.
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Journal of Cancer Research Updates

The Association of Obesity and Sistemic Arterial Hypertension with High-Grade Prostate Cancer: Our Experience
Pages 191-195
Simona Di Francesco and Raffaele L. Tenaglia

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-2279.2014.03.04.3


Published: 24 November 2014


Abstract: Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the first most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. We hypothesized that the presence of obesity and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), separately and combined, would be associated with increased High-grade PCa risk, since the initial diagnosis.

Methods: We evaluated, in 133 patients undergoing prostate biopsy at our institution, the relationship between obesity (BMI≥ 30) and SAH (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90) with High-grade PCa (Gleason score ≥ 7) at initial diagnosis. Men with urological surgery history, steroid therapy, chemotherapy, incomplete data, were excluded.

Results:Obesity was significantly associated (OR 2.25, p < 0.05) with High-grade PCa since the initial diagnosis. Particularly, obesity in association with SAH, was significantly linked to aggressive PCa pre-treatment (OR 2.84, p < 0.05). SAH was not associated in our study with aggressive PCa in non-obese men.

Conclusions:Obesity and SAH were significantly linked to aggressive PCa, at initial diagnosis, prior to hormonal or surgical therapy. Further larger studies should better clarify this relationship to support these associations and to evaluate future preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Prostate Cancer, obesity, systemic arterial hypertension, High-grade Prostate cancer, prevention.
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Journal of Cancer Research Updates

Breast Cancer - Diagnosis and Treatment Prolonging Life: A Review
Pages 196-206
Susmitha Kasina, Hemant K.S. Yadav and H.G. Shivakumar

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-2279.2014.03.04.4


Published: 24 November 2014


Abstract: Breast cancer is a malignant tumour that starts either in the ducts or lobules, this can be generally differentiated as either in situ or invasive (in filtering) type. It is expected that in 2014 every 1 in 8 women are likely to develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime when compared to a decade back where an average of 1 in 10 was seen. With this increase, breast cancer alone, roughly accounts for 25 to 30% of new cancer cases this year. Despite such diagnostic statistics, there are millions of survivors across the globe and this increasing rate can be attributed to the tremendous increase in advances in treatment and also early diagnosis. New drug delivery carriers like nanoparticles, liposomes, monoclonal antibodies, etc. are being used to improve the efficacy of therapy and for site specific delivery to reduce side effects. As a result of the constant effort by researchers, today the commercial market has a range of products apart from the conventional dosage forms like Herceptin (trastuzumab), a monoclonal antibody; the others in this class are Pertuzumab (Perjeta), Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) used for targeted delivery; Myocet (doxorubicin), a liposomal formulation and Paclitaxel nanoparticles all these are available as injections via intravenous route or infusion in few cases. There are yet certain other promising technologies like magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia and cMethDNA assay a very assuring method to monitor recurrence of breast cancer by a simple blood test. This review will focus on the description of disease, diagnosis, current treatment therapies and ongoing research to provide better facilities.

Keywords: Breast cancer, diagnosis, advancements, treatment, trials.
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Journal of Cancer Research Updates

Oxycodone Immediate Release for Cancer Pain Management in Turkey: Maximizing Value in Opioid Analgesics
Pages 207-217
Joseph V. Pergolizzi Jr., Robert Taylor Jr., Gianpietro Zampogna, Fuat H. Demirelli, Serdar Erdine and Robert B. Raffa

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-2279.2014.03.04.5


Published: 24 November 2014


Abstract: Cancer pain can be severe, yet is often undertreated. In many parts of the world, there is a reluctance to prescribe narcotics for analgesia. Since the World Health Organization first published its “pain ladder” treatment paradigm in 1988, cancer pain is usually treated initially with nonopioids, then weak opioids, and finally strong opioids along with adjuvant agents as the pain intensifies. When initiating opioid therapy for cancer patients, the clinician must consider whether the patient is opioid naïve or opioid experienced. For naïve patients, opioid therapy must be started slowly, at a low dose initially, with adverse events anticipated and treated proactively. In all cases, opioid titration involves a controlled, stepwise increase of opioid dose until adequate (but not necessarily 100%) analgesia is achieved. A variety of opioid products are available, including immediate-release and controlled-release formulations. Immediate-releaseformulations are designed for easy titration to adequate analgesia; their rapid onset of action also makes them appropriate for managing breakthrough pain. Although morphine has long been considered the “gold standard” of cancer analgesics, oral oxycodone is increasingly used and is similar to morphine in efficacy and safety for cancer patients. Indeed, about 75% of morphine-tolerant patients can be successfully rotated to oxycodone. Adverse events with oxycodone are similar or perhaps favorable compared to those of other strong opioids. Because cancer pain can be challenging to treat, the addition of oral oxycodone IR is an important new tool for clinicians to consider when trying to control cancer pain.

Keywords: Cancer pain, oxycodone IR, new opioids, cancer in Turkey, analgesia in oncology.
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