Sulfatase-2 from Cancer Associated Fibroblasts: An Environmental Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

Introduction: Heparin sulphate proteoglycans in the liver tumour microenvironment (TME) are key regulators of cell signalling, modulated by sulfatase-2 (SULF2). SULF2 overexpression occurs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aims were to define the nature and impact of SULF2 in the HCC TME.

Severe disseminated primary varicella in a patient on long term inhaled corticosteroids.

Disseminated primary varicella infection can carry risks of significant morbidity and mortality particularly in immunocompromised populations. Routine, funded childhood vaccination against varicella has significantly reduced associated hospitalization and deaths, however, uptake and efficacy among adults is unknown. We present a case of disseminated primary varicella infection (including rash, pneumonitis, hepatitis and thrombocytopenia) in an immunocompetent patient on long term inhaled corticosteroids for asthma.

Timing of palliative care referral and aggressive cancer care toward the end-of-life in pancreatic cancer: a retrospective, single-center observational study.

Background: Pancreatic cancer is noted for its late presentation at diagnosis, limited prognosis and physical and psychosocial symptom burden. This study examined associations between timing of palliative care referral (PCR) and aggressive cancer care received by pancreatic cancer patients in the last 30 days of life through a single health service.

Method: A retrospective cohort analysis of end-of-life (EOL) care outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer who died between 2012 and 2016.

Sulfatase-2: a prognostic biomarker and candidate therapeutic target in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK. Its poor prognosis is attributed to late detection and limited therapeutic options. Expression of SULF2, an endosulfatase that modulates heparan sulfate proteoglycan 6-O-sulfation and is reportedly tumourigenic in different types of cancer, was investigated.

Combined PI3K and CDK2 inhibition induces cell death and enhances in vivo antitumour activity in colorectal cancer.

Background: The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) pathway is commonly deregulated in human cancer, hence many PI3K and mTOR inhibitors have been developed and have now reached clinical trials. Similarly, CDKs have been investigated as cancer drug targets.

Methods: We have synthesised and characterised a series of 6-aminopyrimidines identified from a kinase screen that inhibit PI3K and/or mTOR and/or CDK2.