The Possible Role of Matrix Metalloprotienase-2 in the Relapse in Patients with Stage II Colon Cancer Treated by Curative Surgery.

Aims: To determine the association of micro-metastatic matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression,  the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC)) and outcome in stage II colon cancer.

Materials And Methods: A single centre, prospective observational study, one month post-surgery blood for ALC, circulating tumour cell (CTC) detection and a bone marrow biopsy for micro-metastasis detection were obtained.  CTCs were detected using differential gel centrifugation and immunocytochemistry with anti-CEA and anti-MMP-2, the bone marrow biopsy for the detection of micro-metastasis was processed as for CTCs .

Improvement in the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio after Combined Fluorouracil, Leucovorina and Oxaliplatino based (FOLFOX) Chemotherapy for Stage III Colon Cancer is Associated with Improved Minimal Residual Disease and Outcome.

Introduction: Minimal residual disease (MRD) is the net result of the biological properties of disseminated tumour cells and the effect of the immune system and treatment to eliminate them. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of combined chemotherapy on the immune function as determined by the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and if it was associated with changes in the subtype of minimal residual disease and outcome in stage III colon cancer.

Methods And Patients: A prospective, single centre observational study; the NLR was determined immediately prior to and one, two and three months after completing chemotherapy.

Improvement in immune dysfunction after FOLFOX chemotherapy for Stage III colon cancer is associated with improved minimal residual disease prognostic subtype and outcome.

Aim: Minimal residual disease (MRD) is the net result of the biological properties of disseminated tumour cells and the effect of the immune system and treatment to eliminate them. The aim of this work is to report the changes in MRD status and immune function (lymphocyte count) after FOLFOX chemotherapy, and the outcome in Stage III colon cancer patients.

Method: This study is a prospective, single-centre observational study.

Immune Dysfunction as Measured by the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index is Associated with the Sub-Type of Minimal Residual Disease and Outcome in Stage II Colon Cancer Treated with Surgery alone.

Objective: Within 5 years after curative surgery for stage II colon cancer 25% of patients will relapse due to minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD is the net result of the biological properties of subpopulations of primary tumour cells which enable them to disseminate, implant in distant tissues and survive and the immune system's ability to eliminate them. We hypothesize that markers of immune dysfunction such as the systemic inflammation index (SII) are associated with the sub-type of MRD defined by bone marrow micro-metastasis (mM) and circulating tumour cells (CTCs).

Subtypes of minimal residual disease and outcome for stage II colon cancer treated by surgery alone.

Introduction: Twenty-five percent of stage II colon cancer (CC) patients relapse within 5 years due to minimal residual disease (MRD) not eliminated by surgery. We hypothesise that subtypes of MRD, defined by circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and bone marrow micrometastasis (mM), have different types and kinetics of relapse.

Methods And Patients: One month after surgery, blood and bone marrow samples were taken to detect CTCs and mM using immunocytochemistry with anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

The association of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio with the presence of minimal residual disease and outcome in patients with Stage II colon cancer treated with surgery alone.

Aim: Despite curative surgery, 25% of patients with Stage II colorectal cancer will relapse due to minimal residual disease (MRD). Markers of immune function, such as the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), may be associated with MRD defined by bone marrow micro-metastasis (mM) and circulating tumour cells (CTCs).

Method: A prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with Stage II colon cancer patients attended at a single centre between 2007 and 2014.

Effect of FOLFOX on minimal residual disease in Stage III colon cancer and risk of relapse.

Introduction: 25% of Stage III colon cancer patients relapse within 5 years due to minimal residual disease (MRD) not eliminated by surgery and chemotherapy. We hypothesise that sub-types of MRD, defined by circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and bone marrow micro-metastasis (mM) have different types and kinetics of relapse.

Patients And Methods: One month of curative surgery and 1 month after completing six cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy blood and bone marrow samples were taken to detect CTCs and mM using immunocytochemistry with anti-carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA).

Secondary Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) but not Primary CTCs are Associated with the Clinico-Pathological Parameters in Chilean Patients With Colo-Rectal Cancer.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) using anti-CEA pre and post surgery in Chilean patients with colo-rectal cancer.

Materials And Methods: The presence of CTCs was evaluated in 80 colorectal cancer patients pre and post surgery using standard immunocytochemistry and the results were compared with findings for standard clinico-pathological parameters.

Results: In patients pre- surgery CEA (+) CTCs were frequently found, with no relation to tumor size or nodal status.

Muir-Torre syndrome: case report and molecular characterization.

Context: Muir-Torre syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by mutations in the mismatch repair genes. It is characterized by the presence of sebaceous skin tumors and internal malignancies, affecting mainly the colon, rectum and urogenital tract. Awareness of this syndrome among physicians can lead to early diagnosis of these malignancies and a better prognosis.

[Perianal tuberculosis: report of two cases].

Perianal tuberculosis is an uncommon variant of extra pulmonary tuberculosis and mimics other common perianal conditions. We report two patients with perianal tuberculosis. An 82-year-old male presenting with purulent perianal discharge and weight loss.