Anti-CCR7 therapy exerts a potent anti-tumor activity in a xenograft model of human mantle cell lymphoma.

Background: The chemokine receptor CCR7 mediates lymphoid dissemination of many cancers, including lymphomas and epithelial carcinomas, thus representing an attractive therapeutic target. Previous results have highlighted the potential of the anti-CCR7 monoclonal antibodies to inhibit migration in transwell assays. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of an anti-CCR7 antibody in a xenografted human mantle cell lymphoma model.

[Laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma through anterior transperitoneal approach].

Background: Retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas are rare entities. Their treatment is complete surgical resection. Due to the proximity to major vessels, variable location and unknown malignant status, surgeons are often reluctant to use a laparoscopic approach for the resection of retroperitoneal masses.

Identification of prognostic factors in pancreatic cancer.

Background: Surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, but it is associated with high complication rates. Outcome is poor, even in those resected cases. Identification of prognostic factors preoperatively may help to improve treatment of these patients, based on the expected response.

[Influence of pre-surgical chemotherapy on liver parenchyma and post-surgical outcome of patients subjected to hepatectomy due to colorectal carcinoma metastases].

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the pre-surgical administration of a chemotherapy regime based on irinotecan or oxaliplatin and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), and the influence of these histological changes on the outcome of patients after surgical intervention.

Patients And Method: A prospective study which included 45 patients surgically intervened due to colorectal cancer liver metastases between May 2005 and July 2009. Demographic data and the variables before during and after the operation were collected.

Breast cancer stem cell hypothesis: clinical relevance (answering breast cancer clinical features).

The cancer stem cells hypothesis arises from observation of normal tissue hierarchy and the demonstration of stem cells in normal tissues. Scientists continue to debate whether the putative cancer cells derive from the transformation of normal tissue stem cells or from more differentiated cells. The existence of a subpopulation of tumour cells with stem-cell-like characteristics, including very slow replication and resistance to standard chemotherapy, posses a novel therapeutic challenge.

Distal cholangiocarcinoma associated with papillitis with viral CMV inclusions.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are usually described in immunodeficient patients. In immunocompetent patients active infection is uncommon, consisting usually of a mononucleosis-like syndrome. Numerous reports show that CMV is a potential pathogen in the gastrointestinal tract, even in immunocompetent patients, where it can produce lesions from the mouth to the anus.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the parotid gland: a case report.

The solitary fibrous tumor is traditionally associated with a mesothelial-lined surface. However, any organ with mesenchymal tissue has the potential for developing this tumor; therefore, it has been described in organs not associated with serosal surfaces. We report a case of solitary fibrous tumor of the parotid gland.