Assessing tumor angiogenesis in colorectal cancer by quantitative contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound and molecular and immunohistochemical analysis.

Background And Objectives: Data on contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (CE-EUS) for colorectal cancer (CRC) evaluation are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess the vascular perfusion pattern in CRC by quantitative CE-EUS and compare it to immunohistochemical and genetic markers of angiogenesis.

Patients And Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of CE-EUS examinations of 42 CRC patients, before any therapy.

Interleukin-8 mRNA Expression in Locally Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Purpose: Interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been proven to promote progression of malignant tumours and control angiogenesis processes. We aim to determine and compare interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene expression level in colorectal tumors (CCR) and peritumoral samples obtained through endoscopic biopsy.

Material And Methods: Total mRNA was obtained from both tumoral and peritumoral tissue samples collected from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Stem cells, colorectal cancer and cancer stem cell markers correlations.

: The idea of stem cells as being progenitors of cancer was initially controversial, but later supported by research in the field of leukemia and solid tumors. Afterwards, it was established that genetic abnormalities can affect the stem and progenitor cells, leading to uncontrolled replication and deregulated differentiation. These alterations will cause the changeover to cancerous stem cells (CSC) having two main characteristics: tumor initiation and maintenance.

[Endoscopic ultrasound-guided coeliac plexus neurolysis to reduce pain in patients with pancreatic cancer].

Pain is among the most common symptoms in patients with pancreatic cancer and up to 80% require analgesics, most often as opioids. Unfortunately the analgesic effect is frequently insufficient, and increasing doses are required, resulting in unpleasant side effects. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided neurolysis is a well established method to alleviate or reduce pain due to pancreatic cancer with a documented effect in 80% of patients.

CD133/CD166/Ki-67 triple immunofluorescence assessment for putative cancer stem cells in colon carcinoma.

Background & Aims: Colorectal cancer represents the third most common malignancy and the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. The existence of drug-resistant colon cancer stem cells is thought to be one of the most important reasons behind treatment failure in colon cancer, their existence putatively leading to metastasis and recurrences. The aim of our study was to investigate the immunoexpression patterns of CD133 and CD166 in colon carcinoma, both individually and in combination, assessing their significance as prognostic markers.