MLH1 single-nucleotide variant in circulating tumor DNA predicts overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Liquid biopsy can provide a strong basis for precision medicine. We aimed to identify novel single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Deep sequencing of plasma-derived ctDNA from 59 patients with HCC was performed using a panel of 2924 SNVs in 69 genes.

EC-18, a synthetic monoacetyldiacylglyceride, inhibits hematogenous metastasis of KIGB-5 biliary cancer cell in hamster model.

EC-18 (monoacetyldiacylglyceride) stimulates T cell production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, IFN-gamma, and GM-CSF in vitro. To study the effects of these cytokines stimulated by EC-18 on cancer cells, we applied hamster biliary cancer model, a difficult cancer to treat. Cancer (KIGB-5) cells were given intravenously to produce hematogenous metastatic lung lesions which were treated with EC-18 at 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day respectively.

Interleukin-2 gene-encoded stromal cells inhibit the growth of metastatic cholangiocarcinomas.

Aim: To demonstrate bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can be used as an attractive target for genetic modification in the treatment of malignant diseases.

Methods: Using a hamster model of biliary cancer, we investigated the therapeutic effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene-modified BMSCs. Syrian golden hamsters were injected via the femoral vein with 5 x 10(5) cells of the KIGB-5 biliary cancer cell line (n=20).