Targeted therapy in advanced desmoid tumors: Current perspectives

Desmoid tumors/aggressive fibromatosis (DTs/AF) are cytological bland fibrous neoplasms originating from the musculoaponeurotic structures throughout the body. The exact cause still remains unknown, however, they may present sporadically or as a manifestation of a hereditary syndrome called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Although they lack the capacity to establish metastases, DTs/AF may be devastated and occasionally fatal. As a result of the heterogeneity of DTs/AF, treatment needs to be individualized to improve local tumor control and maintain patients’ quality of life. Therefore, after a multidisciplinary approach, all treatment options should be discussed with patients. Where systemic chemotherapy has been shown to be unsuccessful with marked side effects in case of advanced DTs/AF, new therapeutic options are needed

Urinary bladder cancer: biomarkers and target therapy, new era for more attention

Currently, bladder cancer (BCa) evaluation depends mainly on traditional clinicopathological parameters encompassing tumor stage and grade, which will not reflect the behavior of the disease. Diverse molecular alterations are responsible for the heterogeneous course. The differences in molecular pathogenesis between non-invasive BCa and invasive BCa have been recognized. Molecular biomarkers are promising to predict progression and survival. The management of advanced BCa remains somewhat primitive in comparison with other more common malignancies. This topic will discuss the molecular pathways, biomarkers and potential targets that may improve the outcome in BCa

Impact of body mass index on clinico-pathological parameters and outcome in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

Background: This study evaluates the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and clinicopathological parameters of metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) and its impact on survival. Method: During the study period, 71 MPC patients were eligible. Patients with BMI < 25.0 kg/m2 were categorized as level I and patients with BMI ⩾ 25.0 kg/m2 were categorized as level II. Demographic features and survival rates were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional models. Results: 31 patients belonged to level I while the rest belonged to level II with insignificant higher median follow-up duration in level II; p = 0.5. In terms of age, metastasis, serum level of albumin, prostatic specific antigen, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and Gleason score, there was no significant difference between the two levels. The cumulative survival probability in the 12th, 24th and 36th month in level I vs; level II was; 86.7%, 68.7%, 64.1% vs; 74.4%, 67.7%, 55.1%, respectively with 7 patients dead in level I compared to 14 patients dead in level II denoting a higher PC-specific death rate in the level II group. In univariate and multivariate analysis, poor prognosis was associated with increasing AKP (HR = 1.0005, 95% CI, p = 0.03; HR = 1.001, 95% CI, p = 0.03) respectively, while better prognosis was associated with no visceral metastasis (HR = 0.09, 95% CI, p = 0.000; HR = 0.04, 95% CI, p = 0.000) and increasing albumin levels (HR = 0.17, 95% CI, p = 0.000; HR = 0.15, 95% CI, p = 0.000) respectively. In multivariate analysis only, patients belonging to level I were associated with better prognosis (HR = 0.17, 95% CI, p = 0.02). Conclusion: BMI is dependent on prognostic factors in patients with MPC

Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Classification And Clinical Application

Genetic -depth study showed the perplexity of molecular heterogeneity of colorectal cancer (CRC). Though various therapies exist, we do not have the proper way to choose the right treatment for each patient, personalized treatment strategies are in demand.nbspFor CRC, a broad molecular classification is still missing.nbspWe wish to apply the molecular techniques to improve the outcome.nbspOur intention in this review is to summarize the molecular classification of CRC and their reflection on management