This review aims to outline the most up-to-date knowledge of pancreatic adenocarcinoma risk, diagnostics, treatment and outcomes, while identifying gaps that aim to stimulate further research in this understudied mali...This review aims to outline the most up-to-date knowledge of pancreatic adenocarcinoma risk, diagnostics, treatment and outcomes, while identifying gaps that aim to stimulate further research in this understudied malignancy. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal condition with a rising incidence, predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer death in some regions. It often presents at an advanced stage, which contributes to poor five-year survival rates of 2%-9%, ranking firmly last amongst all cancer sites in terms of prognostic outcomes for patients. Better understanding of the risk factors and symptoms associated with this disease is essential to inform both health professionals and the general population of potential preventive and/or early detection measures. The identification of high-risk patients who could benefit from screening to detect pre-malignant conditions such as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms is urgently required, however an acceptable screening test has yet to be identified. The management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is evolving, with the introduction of new surgical techniques and medical therapies such as laparoscopic techniques and neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, however this has only led to modest improvements in outcomes. The identification of novel biomarkers is desirable to move towards a precision medicine era, where pancreatic cancer therapy can be tailored to the individual patient, while unnecessary treatments that have negative consequences on quality of life could be prevented for others. Research efforts must also focus on the development of new agents and delivery systems. Overall, considerable progress is required to reduce the burden associated with pancreatic cancer. Recent, renewed efforts to fund large consortia and research into pancreatic adenocarcinoma are welcomed, but further streams will be necessary to facilitate the momentum needed to bring breakthroughs seen for other cancer sites展开更多
Since its discovery 50 years ago,Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)has been linked to the development of cancers originating from both lymphoid and epithelial cells.Approximately 95%of the world’s population sustains an asympto...Since its discovery 50 years ago,Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)has been linked to the development of cancers originating from both lymphoid and epithelial cells.Approximately 95%of the world’s population sustains an asymptomatic,life-long infection with EBV.The virus persists in the memory B-cell pool of normal healthy individuals,and any disruption of this interaction results in virus-associated B-cell tumors.The association of EBV with epithelial cell tumors,specifically nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)and EBVpositive gastric carcinoma(EBV-GC),is less clear and is currently thought to be caused by the aberrant establishment of virus latency in epithelial cells that display premalignant genetic changes.Although the precise role of EBV in the carcinogenic process is currently poorly understood,the presence of the virus in all tumor cells provides opportunities for developing novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.The study of EBV and its role in carcinomas continues to provide insight into the carcinogenic process that is relevant to a broader understanding of tumor pathogenesis and to the development of targeted cancer therapies.展开更多
The tumor suppressor p53 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-protein coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional level. Recently, ...The tumor suppressor p53 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-protein coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional level. Recently, it was shown that p53 regulates the expression of several miRNAs, thereby representing an important mechanism of p53 signaling. Several independent studies identified the members of the miR-34 family as the most prevalent p53-induced miRNAs, miR-34s are frequently silenced in variety of tumor entities, suggesting that they are important tumor suppressors. Indeed, ectopic expression of miR-34s inhibits proliferation, epithelial to mes- enchymat transition, migration, invasion, and metastasis of various cancer celt entities. Moreover, delivery or re-expression of miR-34 leads to notable repression of tumor growth and metastasis in cancer mouse models, and may therefore represent an efficient strategy for future cancer therapeutics. Besides their crucial functions in cancer, members of the miR-34 family also play important roles in spermatogenesis, stem cell differentiation, neuronal development, aging, and cardiovascular functions. Consequently, miR-34 has also been implicated in various non-cancerous diseases, such as brain disorders, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular complications.展开更多
Primary ovarian insufficiency(POI) occurs in about 1% of female population under the age of 40,leading to reproductive problems,an earlier encounter with menopausal symptoms,and complicated diseases.There are three pr...Primary ovarian insufficiency(POI) occurs in about 1% of female population under the age of 40,leading to reproductive problems,an earlier encounter with menopausal symptoms,and complicated diseases.There are three presumable mechanisms involved in the development of POI,namely apoptosis acceleration,follicular maturation blocking and premature follicle activation,through the following studied causes:(i) chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations:mostly involve X chromosome,such as FMR1 premutation;more and more potentially causal genes have been screened recently;(ii) metabolic disorders such as classic galactosaemia and 17-OH deficiency;(iii) autoimmune mediated ovarian damage:observed alone or with some certain autoimmune disorders and syndromes;but the specificity and sensitivity of antibodies towards ovary are still questionable;(iv) iatrogenic:radiotherapy or chemotherapy used in cancer treatment,as well as pelvic surgery with potential threat to ovaries' blood supply can directly damage ovarian function;(v) virus infection such as HIV and mumps;(vi) toxins and other environmental/lifestyle factors:cigarette smoking,toxins(e.g.,4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide),and other environmental factors are associated with the development of POI.The etiology of a majority of POI cases is not identified,and is believed to be multifactorial.Strategies to POI include hormone replacement and infertility treatment.Assisted conception with donated oocytes has been proven to achieve pregnancy in POI women.Embryo cryopreservation,ovarian tissue cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation have been used to preserve ovarian reserve in women undergoing cancer treatments.展开更多
PARP is an important protein in DNA repair pathways especially the base excision repair (BER). BER is involved in DNA repair of single strand breaks (SSBs). If BER is impaired, inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (...PARP is an important protein in DNA repair pathways especially the base excision repair (BER). BER is involved in DNA repair of single strand breaks (SSBs). If BER is impaired, inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), SSBs accumulate and become double stand breaks (DSBs). The cells with increasing number of DSBs become more dependent on other repair pathways, mainly the homologous recombination (HR) and the nonhomologous end joining. Patients with defective HR, like BRCA-deficient cell lines, are even more susceptible to impairment of the BER pathway. Inhibitors of PARP preferentially kill cancer cells in BRCA-mutation cancer cell lines over normal cells. Also, PARP inhibitors increase cytotoxicity by inhibiting repair in the presence of chemotherapies that induces SSBs. These two principles have been tested clinically. Over the last few years, excitement over this class of agents has escalated due to reported activity as single agent in BRCA1- or BRCA2-associated ovarian or breast cancers, and in combination with chemotherapy in triple negative breast cancer. This review covers the current results of clinical trials testing those two principles. It also evaluates future directions for the field of PARP inhibitor development.展开更多
Cancer immunotherapy has greatly advanced in recent years,and PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy has become a major pillar of immunotherapy.Successful clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapies in cancer treatments hav...Cancer immunotherapy has greatly advanced in recent years,and PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy has become a major pillar of immunotherapy.Successful clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapies in cancer treatments have benefited many patients,which promoted the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)approval of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking drugs.In this review,we provide a detailed introduction of five PD-1/PD-L1 blocking drugs,with indications and studies,as a valuable reference for doctors and medical investigators.Moreover,the characteristics of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapies,including their universality and sustainability,are discussed in this review.Furthermore,we also discuss and predict the possibility of PD-L1 as an indication marker of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy for pan-cancer treatment,and the current status of combination therapies.展开更多
文摘This review aims to outline the most up-to-date knowledge of pancreatic adenocarcinoma risk, diagnostics, treatment and outcomes, while identifying gaps that aim to stimulate further research in this understudied malignancy. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal condition with a rising incidence, predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer death in some regions. It often presents at an advanced stage, which contributes to poor five-year survival rates of 2%-9%, ranking firmly last amongst all cancer sites in terms of prognostic outcomes for patients. Better understanding of the risk factors and symptoms associated with this disease is essential to inform both health professionals and the general population of potential preventive and/or early detection measures. The identification of high-risk patients who could benefit from screening to detect pre-malignant conditions such as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms is urgently required, however an acceptable screening test has yet to be identified. The management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is evolving, with the introduction of new surgical techniques and medical therapies such as laparoscopic techniques and neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, however this has only led to modest improvements in outcomes. The identification of novel biomarkers is desirable to move towards a precision medicine era, where pancreatic cancer therapy can be tailored to the individual patient, while unnecessary treatments that have negative consequences on quality of life could be prevented for others. Research efforts must also focus on the development of new agents and delivery systems. Overall, considerable progress is required to reduce the burden associated with pancreatic cancer. Recent, renewed efforts to fund large consortia and research into pancreatic adenocarcinoma are welcomed, but further streams will be necessary to facilitate the momentum needed to bring breakthroughs seen for other cancer sites
基金supported by Cancer Research UK and the European Commission’s FP6 Life-Sciences-Health Programme(INCA Project:LSHC-CT-2005-018704)
文摘Since its discovery 50 years ago,Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)has been linked to the development of cancers originating from both lymphoid and epithelial cells.Approximately 95%of the world’s population sustains an asymptomatic,life-long infection with EBV.The virus persists in the memory B-cell pool of normal healthy individuals,and any disruption of this interaction results in virus-associated B-cell tumors.The association of EBV with epithelial cell tumors,specifically nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)and EBVpositive gastric carcinoma(EBV-GC),is less clear and is currently thought to be caused by the aberrant establishment of virus latency in epithelial cells that display premalignant genetic changes.Although the precise role of EBV in the carcinogenic process is currently poorly understood,the presence of the virus in all tumor cells provides opportunities for developing novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.The study of EBV and its role in carcinomas continues to provide insight into the carcinogenic process that is relevant to a broader understanding of tumor pathogenesis and to the development of targeted cancer therapies.
文摘The tumor suppressor p53 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-protein coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional level. Recently, it was shown that p53 regulates the expression of several miRNAs, thereby representing an important mechanism of p53 signaling. Several independent studies identified the members of the miR-34 family as the most prevalent p53-induced miRNAs, miR-34s are frequently silenced in variety of tumor entities, suggesting that they are important tumor suppressors. Indeed, ectopic expression of miR-34s inhibits proliferation, epithelial to mes- enchymat transition, migration, invasion, and metastasis of various cancer celt entities. Moreover, delivery or re-expression of miR-34 leads to notable repression of tumor growth and metastasis in cancer mouse models, and may therefore represent an efficient strategy for future cancer therapeutics. Besides their crucial functions in cancer, members of the miR-34 family also play important roles in spermatogenesis, stem cell differentiation, neuronal development, aging, and cardiovascular functions. Consequently, miR-34 has also been implicated in various non-cancerous diseases, such as brain disorders, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular complications.
文摘Primary ovarian insufficiency(POI) occurs in about 1% of female population under the age of 40,leading to reproductive problems,an earlier encounter with menopausal symptoms,and complicated diseases.There are three presumable mechanisms involved in the development of POI,namely apoptosis acceleration,follicular maturation blocking and premature follicle activation,through the following studied causes:(i) chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations:mostly involve X chromosome,such as FMR1 premutation;more and more potentially causal genes have been screened recently;(ii) metabolic disorders such as classic galactosaemia and 17-OH deficiency;(iii) autoimmune mediated ovarian damage:observed alone or with some certain autoimmune disorders and syndromes;but the specificity and sensitivity of antibodies towards ovary are still questionable;(iv) iatrogenic:radiotherapy or chemotherapy used in cancer treatment,as well as pelvic surgery with potential threat to ovaries' blood supply can directly damage ovarian function;(v) virus infection such as HIV and mumps;(vi) toxins and other environmental/lifestyle factors:cigarette smoking,toxins(e.g.,4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide),and other environmental factors are associated with the development of POI.The etiology of a majority of POI cases is not identified,and is believed to be multifactorial.Strategies to POI include hormone replacement and infertility treatment.Assisted conception with donated oocytes has been proven to achieve pregnancy in POI women.Embryo cryopreservation,ovarian tissue cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation have been used to preserve ovarian reserve in women undergoing cancer treatments.
文摘PARP is an important protein in DNA repair pathways especially the base excision repair (BER). BER is involved in DNA repair of single strand breaks (SSBs). If BER is impaired, inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), SSBs accumulate and become double stand breaks (DSBs). The cells with increasing number of DSBs become more dependent on other repair pathways, mainly the homologous recombination (HR) and the nonhomologous end joining. Patients with defective HR, like BRCA-deficient cell lines, are even more susceptible to impairment of the BER pathway. Inhibitors of PARP preferentially kill cancer cells in BRCA-mutation cancer cell lines over normal cells. Also, PARP inhibitors increase cytotoxicity by inhibiting repair in the presence of chemotherapies that induces SSBs. These two principles have been tested clinically. Over the last few years, excitement over this class of agents has escalated due to reported activity as single agent in BRCA1- or BRCA2-associated ovarian or breast cancers, and in combination with chemotherapy in triple negative breast cancer. This review covers the current results of clinical trials testing those two principles. It also evaluates future directions for the field of PARP inhibitor development.
文摘Cancer immunotherapy has greatly advanced in recent years,and PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy has become a major pillar of immunotherapy.Successful clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapies in cancer treatments have benefited many patients,which promoted the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)approval of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking drugs.In this review,we provide a detailed introduction of five PD-1/PD-L1 blocking drugs,with indications and studies,as a valuable reference for doctors and medical investigators.Moreover,the characteristics of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapies,including their universality and sustainability,are discussed in this review.Furthermore,we also discuss and predict the possibility of PD-L1 as an indication marker of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy for pan-cancer treatment,and the current status of combination therapies.