Characterization of a whole blood assay for quantifying myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Background: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) have been found to play an important role in limiting immune responses in cancer. Higher circulating MDSC levels have been associated with greater tumor burden, poorer response to immunotherapy, and poorer survival. Optimal measurement of MDSC levels could provide clinicians with a useful prognostic and/or management tool.

Phase II trial of albumin-bound paclitaxel and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor as an immune modulator in recurrent platinum resistant ovarian cancer.

Background: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulates immunity via recruitment of antigen presenting cells and tumor specific T-cell stimulation. Albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) followed by GM-CSF may enhance antitumor responses and prolong remissions in ovarian cancer. Immune phenotypes present before treatment may identify responders to chemo-immunotherapy.

Silymarin inhibits in vitro T-cell proliferation and cytokine production in hepatitis C virus infection.

Background & Aims: Silymarin, an extract from the seeds of the milk thistle plant Silybum marianum, has been used for centuries for the treatment of chronic liver diseases. Despite common use by patients with hepatitis C in the United States, its clinical efficacy remains uncertain. The goal of this study was to determine whether silymarin has in vitro effects on immune function that might have implications for its potential effect on hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced liver disease.

Interpretation of positive transcription-mediated amplification test results from polymerase chain reaction-negative samples obtained after treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Unlabelled: The Siemens VERSANT transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay is extremely sensitive for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in serum. Eleven of 180 subjects in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial who achieved polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-defined sustained virological response (SVR) at week 72 also had TMA-positive results from the same blood draw; six were positive on repeat testing. We report the follow-up on these 11 patients, and the reproducibility of TMA test results from PCR-negative samples in relationship to antiviral treatment outcome.