Detection and Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells from Breast Cancer Patients Using CUB Domain-Containing Protein 1.

In cancer metastasis, single circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow mediate cancer metastasis. Because suitable biomarker proteins are lacking, CTCs and DTCs with mesenchymal attributes are difficult to isolate from the bulk of normal blood cells. To establish a procedure allowing the isolation of such cells, we analyzed the cell line BC-M1 established from DTCs in the bone marrow of a breast cancer patient by stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and mass spectrometry.

Cysteine-Rich Angiogenic Inducer 61: Pro-Survival Function and Role as a Biomarker for Disseminating Breast Cancer Cells.

(1) Background: the early detection of cancer cells in the blood or bone marrow of breast cancer patients improves the understanding of metastasis. Disseminating tumor cells in the bone marrow with a pronounced manifestation of mesenchymal markers (mDTC) are difficult to detect by epithelial markers, but they are relevant in the initiation of metastasis. (2) Methods: the breast cancer mDTC cell line BC-M1 was analyzed by mass spectrometry, which revealed high levels of the protein-cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61).

The Health-Related Quality of Life of Sarcoma Patients and Survivors in Germany-Cross-Sectional Results of a Nationwide Observational Study (PROSa).

Sarcomas are rare cancers with high heterogeneity in terms of type, location, and treatment. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of sarcoma patients has rarely been investigated and is the subject of this analysis. Adult sarcoma patients and survivors were assessed between September 2017 and February 2019 in 39 study centers in Germany using standardized, validated questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)).

Accession of Tumor Heterogeneity by Multiplex Transcriptome Profiling of Single Circulating Tumor Cells.

Background: Transcriptome analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) holds great promise to unravel the biology of cancer cell dissemination and identify expressed genes and signaling pathways relevant to therapeutic interventions.

Methods: CTCs were enriched based on their EpCAM expression (CellSearch) or by size and deformability (Parsortix), identified by EpCAM and/or pan-keratin-specific antibodies, and isolated for single cell multiplex RNA profiling.

Results: Distinct breast and prostate CTC expression signatures could be discriminated from RNA profiles of leukocytes.

Clinical experience with Zarzio® in Europe: what have we learned?

Biosimilars are similar, but non-identical, versions of existing biological drugs for which patents have expired. Despite the rigorous approval process for biosimilars, concerns have been expressed about the efficacy and safety of these products in clinical practice. Biosimilars of filgrastim, based on the originator product Neupogen®, have been available since 2008 and are now in widespread clinical use in Europe and elsewhere.

A non-interventional study of biosimilar granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in a community oncology centre.

Objectives: Prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduces the severity of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Biosimilar G-CSF is now approved for use, based on comparable efficacy, safety and quality with the originator product.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients' charts following the switch from originator G-CSF (Neupogen(®)) to biosimilar G-CSF (Zarzio(®)/Filgrastim Hexal(®)) in a large community oncology practice.

Efficacy and safety of irinotecan-based chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer outside clinical trials: an observational study.

Background: This prospective observational study in typical community-based outpatient clinics evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of weekly and biweekly irinotecan-based chemotherapies and their compatibility depending on age.

Methods: 601 patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer receiving first-, second-, or third-line irinotecan-based therapy were regularly analyzed for response and toxicity until the end of therapy.

Results: The median age was 65 (28-87) years, approximately one-third of the patients were ≥70 years old.

The effects of rituximab treatment during pregnancy on a neonate.

A 35-year old woman developed Burkitt's lymphoma and was treated with rituximab and CHOP therapy early during pregnancy. Monitoring of rituximab concentrations and B-cell counts in the child revealed a transient complete B-cell depletion associated with high rituximab cord blood concentrations. B-cell recovery was fast, showing a regular immunophenotype without loss of CD20 antigen, no functional deficits and adequate vaccination IgG titers.

Docetaxel and carboplatin as second-line chemotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of docetaxel plus carboplatin as second-line treatment in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients received docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) followed by carboplatin AUC 5 on day 1 every 3 weeks in an out-patient setting. Twenty-six patients were enrolled; 23 patients were diagnosed stage IV disease and three patients had a IIIB disease with malignant pleural effusion.