Exploiting frequent and specific expression of PRL3 in pediatric solid tumors for first-in-child use of PRL3-zumab humanized antibody.

Phosphatase of regenerating liver 3 (PRL3) is a specific tumor antigen overexpressed in a broad range of adult cancer types. However, its physiological expression in pediatric embryonal and mesenchymal tumors and its association with clinical outcomes in children is unknown. We sought to profile the expression of PRL3 in pediatric tumors in relation to survival outcomes, expression of angiogenesis markers, and G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling targets.

A case of raised CA 19-9 in a patient with desmoplastic fibroblastoma of the upper limb.

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a tumor marker widely accepted as the most useful blood test in diagnosing and monitoring pancreatic cancer. However, CA 19-9 may also be raised in other conditions such as colorectal, hepatic, lung, and ovarian carcinoma as well as benign conditions such as hepatobiliary and pulmonary diseases. CA 19-9 is rarely elevated above 200 U/ml in benign conditions with values exceeding 1000 U/ml being highly suggestive of malignancy.

Reconstruction of Extensive Soft-Tissue Defects with Concomitant Bone Defects in the Lower Extremity with the Latissimus Dorsi-Serratus Anterior-Rib Free Flap.

Background: The combined latissimus dorsi-serratus anterior-rib (LD-SA-rib) free flap provides a large soft-tissue flap with a vascularized bone flap through a solitary vascular pedicle in a one-stage reconstruction.

Methods: Seven LD-SA-rib free flaps were performed in seven patients to reconstruct concomitant bone and extensive soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity (tibia, five; femur, one; foot, one). The patients were all male, with an average age of 34 years (range, 20-48 years).