A high response rate to liposomal doxorubicin is seen among women with BRCA mutations treated for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objective: Ten percent of ovarian cancer is attributed to hereditary syndromes, most commonly to mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These cancers are characterized by a prolonged sensitivity to platinum agents in spite of presentation at advanced stages. We hypothesized that women with BRCA-associated ovarian cancer would also show a high response rate to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil).

Paracrine SLPI secretion upregulates MMP-9 transcription and secretion in ovarian cancer cells.

Objectives: Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is amplified in serous ovarian cancer. We have dissected its function, showing it is a survival factor for ovarian cancer and promotes tumorigenesis and paclitaxel-resistance. We hypothesized that the protease inhibitory function was responsible for modulating SLPI's invasive capacity.

A case-control study of asthma and ovarian cancer.

Epidemiologic studies have found inverse associations between allergy and the development of certain tumors. The authors sought to determine if there was an association between asthma and ovarian cancer. A case-control study was conducted using Florida hospital data (year 2001).

Use of ultrasonographic cut point for diagnosing endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women with multiple risk factors for endometrial cancer.

Objective: To determine if the established endometrial thickness cut point (5 mm) for abnormal endometrial pathology shifts to higher thickness in the presence of selected risk factors/comorbidities.

Study Design: A sample of 112 postmenopausal women was identified. The outcome was abnormal endometrial pathology, be it endometrial cancer or hyperplasia with atypia.

Langerhans cells and dendritic cells are cytotoxic towards HPV16 E6 and E7 expressing target cells.

Dendritic cells (DC) can be cytotoxic towards tumor cells by means of TNF family molecules expressed on the cell surface of activated DCs. Tumor cells expressing appropriate receptors are killed by DC, generating a source of antigen to be presented to the immune system. It has not been investigated whether Langerhans cells (LC) are selectively cytotoxic to tumor cells.

Special relationships between fetal inflammatory response syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonates.

Objective: To confirm previous known relationships between Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS) and neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and to present information on previously unknown special relationships between inflammatory variables and BPD.

Study Design: At delivery, we obtained biological specimens including umbilical cord venous blood for plasma interleukin-6 levels, as well as placental histology and bacteriology. Among other neonatal outcomes, we collected prospective information on BPD.