Independent prognostic impact of plasma NCOA2 alterations in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Background: The androgen receptor (AR) pathway-associated gene nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (NCOA2) has an established oncogenic role in early prostate cancer and likewise is a driver of metastatic disease and castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, its significance as a biomarker in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), both alone and in conjunction with co-occurring AR alterations using a liquid biopsy approach has not been investigated.

Methods: Ninety-one patients were included in this study, (n = 68 receiving an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor and n = 23 receiving taxane chemotherapy).

Plasma Cell-Free DNA Profiling of PTEN-PI3K-AKT Pathway Aberrations in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Unlabelled: Tumor tissue from metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) harbors frequent copy number variations (CNVs) in the PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway. However, identifying CNVs in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has proven to be challenging. With emerging data supporting Akt inhibition in PTEN-deficient mCRPC, we profiled PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway aberrations in patients with mCRPC using a novel cfDNA assay optimized for CNV detection.

Whole blood expression as a prognostic biomarker in metastatic hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Background: As potent systemic therapies transition earlier in the prostate cancer disease course, molecular biomarkers are needed to guide optimal treatment selection for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The value of whole blood RNA to detect candidate biomarkers in mHSPC remains largely undefined.

Methods: In this cohort study, we used a previously optimised whole blood reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay to assess the prognostic utility [measured by seven-month undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and time to castration-resistance (TTCR)] of eight prostate cancer-associated gene transcripts in 43 mHSPC patients.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of the prognostic and predictive power of epidermal growth factor receptor ligand levels in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

For patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are limited to patients with wild-type tumours. Not all patients will benefit from treatment and better predictive biomarkers are needed. Here we investigated the prognostic and predictive impact of the EGFR ligands amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG).

Characteristics and outcomes of participants in colorectal cancer biomarker trials versus a real-world cohort.

Background: The restrictive eligibility criteria of therapy-focused cancer clinical trials can limit the external validity of the results. The characteristics and survival outcomes of patients enrolled in stand-alone biomarker studies have yet to be explored. We examined the characteristics of patients enrolled in a series of biomarker studies in stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC) and of the broader patient population from which the study cohorts were recruited.

Epidermal growth factor receptor ligands: targets for optimizing treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

The discovery of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) revealed the connection between EGF-like ligands, signaling from the EGFR family members and cancer. Over the next fifty years, analysis of EGFR expression and mutation led to the use of monoclonal antibodies to target EGFR in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and this treatment has improved outcomes for patients. The use of the oncogene mutational status has helped to refine patient selection for EGFR antibody therapy, but an effective molecular predictor of likely responders is lacking.

Treatment of fecal impaction in children using combined polyethylene glycol and sodium picosulphate.

Background And Aim: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the gold standard for fecal disimpaction in constipation. A regimen of PEG combined with the stimulant laxative sodium picosulphate (SPS) produced fecal disimpaction in chronically constipated children in the community, but it is unknown if it is effective for more severe constipation. To determine the stool output and effect of a combined PEG and SPS regimen on fecaloma in children with severe constipation and impaction.

Re-inventing the randomized controlled trial in medical oncology: The registry-based trial.

Substantial progress has recently been made in optimizing the management of cancer patients, resulting in major gains in survival and quality of life. Much of this progress has resulted from the serial testing of promising treatment strategies, typically using prospective randomized controlled trials to compare outcomes achieved with the new approach versus the current standard(s) of care. However, there is an ever-expanding list of important questions that are difficult to investigate, particularly with respect to determining the optimal sequencing and combination of proven active agents.

Hyperaccumulation of zinc by Noccaea caerulescens results in a cascade of stress responses and changes in the elemental profile.

Noccaea caerulescens (J. & C. Presl) F.