Lung cancer-derived bombesin-like peptides down-regulate the generation and function of human dendritic cells.

Development of tumors is regulated by tumor-derived neuroendocrine factors, including bombesin-like peptides (BLP). We have evaluated neuroendocrine regulation of dendritic cell (DC) maturation and function by both tumor-derived and purified bombesin (BOM), neuromedin B (NMB), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and a BOM antagonist D-Phe-bombesin (DPB). BOM, NMB and GRP dose-dependently inhibited maturation of DC assessed as down-regulation of CD40, CD80 and CD86 expression on DC.

TNF-alpha protects dendritic cells from prostate cancer-induced apoptosis.

We have recently shown that human prostate cancer (PCa) cells induced apoptotic death of the most potent antigen-presenting cells, dendritic cells (DC), which are responsible for the induction of specific antitumor immune responses. Here we have evaluated the effect of murine PCa cells RM-1 on the survival of immature and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-stimulated mature DC. PCa cells and DC were co-incubated for 24-48 h and DC apoptosis was assessed by morphologic criteria, Annexin V assay, and TUNEL staining.

The treatment of prostate cancer: an overview of current options.

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to discuss the current treatment options available to the patient with prostate cancer in all stages of the disease.

Overview: With the exception of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States. Most patients in the current era will present with organ-confined disease, amenable to curative treatment.

Detection of tumorigenesis in rat bladders with optical coherence tomography.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel technique that enables noninvasive cross-sectional imaging of biological tissues. Because of its high resolution (approximately 10 microm), superior dynamic range (140 dB in our case) and up to 2-3 mm penetration depth, OCT is potentially useful for noninvasive screening of superficial lesions. Bladder cancer arises within the transitional epithelium.