Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0027627 (metastases)
 103,950 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) caused by amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) mutations is the most common form of hereditary amyloidosis. We investigated the diagnostic value of the bone scanning agent technetium-99m 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (99mTc-DPD) in this disease. Eight patients (four males, four females; age 54.4+/-8.3 years, range 43-67 years) with ATTR-FAP proven by immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis and a control group comprising ten oncological out-patients (five males, five females; age 53.4+/-8.5 years, range 34-66 years) without evidence of bony metastases were studied using 99mTc-DPD. Whole body tracer retention was 80.1%+/-10.3% (range 65.1%-94.8%) in FAP patients and 55.7%+/-8.1% (range 40.2%-66.7%) in controls at 3 h p.i. (P<0.001), and cardiac uptake was 7.3%+/-2.2% (range 4.2%-10.1%) in FAP patients and 3.1%+/-0.5% (range 2.3%-4.0%) in controls (P<0.001). The heart/whole body uptake ratio was 8.9%+/-1.7% (range 6.5%-11.0%) in FAP patients and 5.6%+/-0.5% (range 5.1%-6.8%) in controls (P<0.001). The three FAP patients with the highest cardiac tracer uptake had cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia. 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy is proposed as a simple and valuable diagnostic aid to evaluate the severity of the disease and the risk of concomitant heart problems.
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PMID:99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in transthyretin-related familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. 1200 14

Drug resistance is often a limiting factor in successful chemotherapy. Our laboratory has been interested in studying mechanisms of resistance to drugs that are targeted to the thymidylate biosynthesis pathway especially those that target thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). We have used leukemia as a model system to study resistance to methotrexate (MTX) and colorectal cancer as the model system to study 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance. In leukemias, we and others have shown that transport, efflux, polyglutamylation and hydrolase activities are major determinants of MTX resistance. We have further reported that some leukemic cells have an increase in DHFR gene copy number possibly contributing to the resistant phenotype. Recently, we have begun to study in detail the molecular mechanisms that govern translational regulation of DHFR in response to MTX as an additional resistance mechanism. Studies thus far involving colorectal tumors obtained from patients have focused predominantly on the predictive value of levels of TS expression and p53 mutations in determining response to 5-FU. Although the predictive value of these two measures appears to be significant, given the variety of resistance to 5-FU observed in cell lines, it is not likely that these are the only measures predictive of response or responsible for acquired resistance to this drug. The enzyme uridine-cytidine monophosphate kinase (UMPK) is an essential and rate-limiting enzyme in 5-FU activation while dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is a catabolic enzyme that inactivates 5-FU. Alterations in UMPK and DPD may therefore explain failure of 5-FU response in the absence of alterations in TS or p53. Transcription factors that regulate TS may also influence drug sensitivity. We have found that mRNA levels of the E2F family of transcription factors correlates with TS message levels and are higher in lung metastases than in liver metastases of colorectal cancers. Moreover, gene copy number of the E2F-1 gene appears to be increased in a significant number of samples obtained from metastases of colorectal cancer. We have also generated mutants of both DHFR and TS that confer resistance to MTX as well as 5-FU by random as well as site-directed mutagenesis. These mutants used alone or as fusion cDNAs of the mutants have proven to be useful in transplant studies where transfer of these mutant cDNAs to bone marrow cells have been shown to confer drug resistance to recipients. The fusion cDNAs of DHFR such as the DHFR-herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSVTK) are also useful for regulation of gene expression in vivo using MTX as the small molecule regulator that can be monitored by positron emission tomography (PET) scanning or by optical imaging using a fusion construct such as DHFR-EGFP.
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PMID:Novel aspects of resistance to drugs targeted to dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase. 1208 58

In the United States, tumors of the central nervous system remain the third leading cancer-related cause of death in young adults with a median survival time of < 1 year. A recent case study suggested that Capecitabine (a novel, fluoropyrimidine prodrug) may be effective in the treatment of brain metastases. Pharmacogenomic studies have correlated the antitumor response to Capecitabine with the expression of the drug metabolizing enzymes thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). In the current study, we examined TP and DPD expression in normal human brain tissues and in glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and malignant type of brain tumor. Because previous reports suggest a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-mediated increase in TP expression after irradiation (a current standard of care for glioblastoma multiforme), we also examined the effect of irradiation on the expression of TP, DPD, and TNF-alpha in both irradiated and lead-shielded contralateral U87MG glioma xenografts within the same animal. Expression levels were determined using real-time quantitative PCR as described previously. Results demonstrate an approximately 70-fold increase in TP mRNA levels 4 days after irradiation, relative to initial control levels. Interestingly, TP mRNA in the lead-shielded tumors (contralateral to irradiated tumors) increased approximately 60-fold by day 10 relative to initial control levels. Elevated TP levels were sustained for 20 days in irradiated xenografts but began to decrease after 15 days in the shielded/contralateral tumors, returning to baseline by 20 days. TP mRNA levels in normal mouse liver were unaltered, suggesting a tumor-associated effect. TNF-alpha mRNA levels did not increase after irradiation; therefore, mRNA expression of 11 additional cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, IL-15, and IFN-gamma] in both the irradiated and shielded xenografts was quantitated. Results demonstrated increased levels of IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-1 alpha by 6.3-, 3.7-, and 1.6-fold, respectively, in irradiated tumors only. DPD mRNA levels did not change after irradiation. The tumor-associated induction of TP in irradiated and lead-shielded tumors within the same animal may have significant implications for the combined modality treatment of cancer patients with Capecitabine in conjunction with radiotherapy and may apply to the treatment of distant tumors and or metastatic disease.
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PMID:Induction of thymidine phosphorylase in both irradiated and shielded, contralateral human U87MG glioma xenografts: implications for a dual modality treatment using capecitabine and irradiation. 1248 38

A 68-year-old male with a history of gastric resection for gastric cancer underwent resection of the sigmoid colon for a sigmoid colon cancer in February, 2000. The cancer was classified as stage III b. After operation, l-LV + 5-FU therapy was administered, but metastases to the abdominal wall, right inguinal lymph node and spleen developed in succession, and resection was repeated. In October 2001, 1 year and 8 months after sigmoidectomy, however, multiple metastasis to the intraperitoneal lymph node had developed. As surgery was not indicated, TS-1/CDDP combined chemotherapy was started. TS-1 80 mg/day was administered for 4 weeks, the drug was withdrawn for 2 weeks and CDDP 80 mg was injected by intravenous drip at the 8th day of TS-1 administration, which was used as one course. From the second course after inception of the administration, CA19-9 decreased, and after the third course the upper intraperitoneal metastatic lesion disappeared on CT. CR has been continued for 4 months up to the present. Our results suggest a possibility that this therapy is effective not only for gastric cancer but also for colon cancer. This therapy can be administered at home. It is considered to be a useful therapy from the viewpoint of QOL as well. The high DPD activity of the tumor may have been one reason this treatment was effective. This case also seems significant from the viewpoint of attaining individualization of the drug selection in chemotherapy.
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PMID:[A case report--TS-1/CDDP combined chemotherapy found effective for metastatic recurrence after operation for colon cancer]. 1261 Aug 80

Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity may be related of the antitumor effect of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR). To select patients for adjuvant setting of 5'-DFUR, we assessed PyNPase and DPD activity in 41 primary tumors (PTs) and 227 lymph nodes (LNs) of breast cancer patients. Fifty-one patients were involved in this investigation (mean age 54 +/- 12 years). LN metastasis was positive in 23 cases (node-positive group). Metastatic cancer cells were positive in 65 lymph nodes (In + group). PyNPase and DPD activity were measured by ELISA. PyNPase activity in PTs of the node-positive group was significantly higher than in the node-negative group. PyNPase activity in LNs of In + group was also significantly higher than in the negative metastatic cancer cell group. However, no significant differences were noted between these groups in DPD activity. PyNPase/DPD ratio in LNs of the In + group was marginally higher than in the negative metastatic cancer cell group. These data suggest that 5'-DFUR is preferably sensitive in breast cancer patients with lymph node metastasis.
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PMID:[PyNPase and DPD expression potentially predict response to 5'-DFUR treatment for node-positive breast cancer patients]. 1451 22

The skeleton is the most frequent site of metastatic disease in breast cancer and also the site of greatest morbidity. In addition, there is now recognition that accelerated bone loss associated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis in long-term breast cancer survivors. An improved range of treatment options is available and assessment of skeletal response both to the disease and to therapy is therefore of growing importance. Plain radiographs remain widely used to assess response, but are of limited sensitivity. The isotope bone scan is more sensitive, but lacks specificity. Computerised tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography all have an increasing role. In treatment-induced osteoporosis, bone mineral density is now readily measured by DEXA scanning. Tumour markers such as CEA, CA 15-3, CA 549 and TPA may have a role in assessing response, but probably in combination rather than individually, using an appropriate quantitative model. Several trials have shown that bone markers, especially markers of bone resorption such as Ntx, Ctx, PYD and DPD, appear to have strong potential as rapid, convenient and inexpensive measures of response. There is also evidence that they may be used as predictive or prognostic indicators. Evidence is accumulating that the reduction of bone resorption markers into the normal range results in substantially reduced morbidity in metastatic breast cancer and that this should be a major target of therapy.
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PMID:Assessment of the effects of breast cancer on bone and the response to therapy. 1496 99

We present a case of Burkitt's disease with bone (thoracic wall, femur) and lymph node involvement. The patient had symptoms of fever with thoracic wall and femur pain. Lymph node involvement was detected by clinical exploration. A chest X-ray showed rib abnormalities. 99mTc-DPD scan showed thoracic wall (one rib) and femur involvement. 67Gallium SPECT and CT were performed at diagnosis. 67Gallium SPECT showed thoracic wall (one rib more) and abdominal lymph node involvement that was not detected by planar images. A CT scan did not show metastatic disease in mediastinal and abdominal lymph node chains but did show it in one rib and femur. After 6 chemotherapy sessions a new 67gallium scan and CT scan were performed. 67Gallium SPECT showed involvement in the thoracic wall (one rib) that was not detected in planar images. The CT scan was considered normal.
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PMID:[Scintigraphic image in a case of atypical presentation of Burkitt lymphoma. The role of the scintigraphy with 67Ga SPECT in the diagnosis and post-treatment control]. 1500 Sep 43

A 48-year-old woman presented with a tumor in the supra-clavicular fossa. Under a diagnosis of advanced ileocecal colon cancer with metastases to Virchow's and the paraaortic lymph nodes, ileocecal resection was performed. After surgery, the patient was given 5-FU infused continuously at 500 mg/body per day, and levofolinate was dripped intravenously at 100 mg/body over 2 hours for 5 successive days per week. Two cycles were repeated each week. She was then intravenously given weekly modulation chemotherapy consisting of 125 mg/body levofolinate and 500 mg/body of 5-FU for about 5 months on an outpatient basis. Furthermore, the same administration schedule was continued bi-weekly for 1 year and 4 months. As a result, the enlarged paraaortic lymph nodes had completely disappeared by 5 months after administration of levofolinate.5-FU. The Virchow's lymph node metastasis has not been palpable for 11 months. Throughout the period of treatment, there were no severe side effects and as of this writing, no sign of recurrence for 3 years after surgery. A high quality of life has been maintained. In conclusion, this case seems significant from the viewpoint of the complete long-term response to a moderate dose of levofolinate.5-FU therapy and the long duration of administration, which was tolerable with few side effects. Moreover, we identified the presence of TS and DPD using immunohistochemical staining techniques, when both primary tumor and regional lymph nodes were all negative for the stain test. It was suggested that this cancer especially would responded to 5-FU chemotherapy.
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PMID:[A case of advanced colon cancer with metastases to both the Virchow's and the paraaortic lymph nodes that achieved complete long-term response with levofolinate.5-FU therapy]. 1504 54

To evaluate the antitumor and antimetastatic efficacy of oral fluoropyrimidines, alone and combined with taxane on human breast cancer xenografts model, we developed a breast cancer model that spontaneously metastasizes to the lung by orthotopic implantation of MDA-MB-435S-HM tumors into the mammary fat pad (mfp) of SCID mice. The activity of the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-degrading enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) was significantly higher in the metastatic tumors than in the primary tumors. Based on this enzymatic characteristic of pulmonary metastases of breast cancer in regard to 5-FU metabolism, we investigated the antitumor activity of two types of oral 5-FU prodrugs, with and without paclitaxel, on both orthotopically implanted breast tumors and metastatic lung tumors in mice. The drugs and doses used were: S-1, a new oral DPD-inhibiting fluoropyrimidine (DIF) 8.3 mg/kg/day, capecitabine 360 mg/kg/day as a non-DIF, and paclitaxel 50 mg/kg, all of which display minimal toxicity in mice. In the primary tumors, paclitaxel and S-1 displayed a significant antitumor activity, with 57 and 41%, respectively inhibition of tumor growth (p < 0.01), but capecitabine had no effect. When S-1 and paclitaxel were combined, they synergistically caused tumor regression (tumor growth inhibition ratio 94%, p < 0.01) in mice compared to capecitabine plus paclitaxel, without any toxicity. In the pulmonary metastasis model, paclitaxel, and both S-1 alone and combined with paclitaxel, but not capecitabine alone or combined with paclitaxel, diaplayed almost complete antimetastatic activity. These results strongly suggest that combination of S-1, as a DIF with taxanes will show a potent high antitumor and antimetastatic effect on refractory human breast cancers, especially those expressing strong DPD activity.
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PMID:Antimetastatic and anticancer activity of S-1, a new oral dihydropyrimidine-dehydrogenase-inhibiting fluoropyrimidine, alone and in combination with paclitaxel in an orthotopically implanted human breast cancer model. 1554 87

Hepatic metastases occur in about half of patients with colorectal cancer. Since hepatic metastases are often not accessible for surgery, chemotherapy of metastases is important. The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for hepatic metastases are fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. Several enzymes are known to be involved in the catabolism and anabolism of these drugs, and the activity of these enzymes varies greatly between individuals. The causes of this variation include genetic polymorphisms, different regulation between normal and cancer tissue, and the influence of chemotherapy on enzyme expression. The varying enzyme activity may have an important effect on the outcome of chemotherapy. Several studies confirm the influence of the activity of thymidylate synthase, thymidine phosphorylase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase on the outcome of fluorouracil therapy for colorectal cancer, with higher enzyme activities predicting lower treatment efficacy. Although fewer studies are available regarding therapy of hepatic metastases, the same relationship between thymidylate synthase activity and outcome of fluorouracil therapy observed for primary colorectal cancer was found. For the other two enzymes, only a few studies are available, but the results indicate similarly that higher enzyme activity seems to be disadvantageous. The enzymes responsible for the activation, metabolism and mechanism of action of irinotecan, namely carboxylesterase 2, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase isoform 1A1 (UGT1A1), and topoisomerase-I, also exhibit variable interindividual activity. Thus, there may be an association between enzyme activity and response to therapy. For instance, in patients with colorectal cancer, higher enzyme activity of topoisomerase-I seems to be predictive of a better response to irinotecan. CYP3A4 and UGT1A1 activity levels might be predictive of irinotecan toxicity rather than efficacy. The degradation of oxaliplatin is independent of potentially varying enzyme activity, but for this drug, the DNA repair enzyme ERCC1 may influence the survival time after chemotherapy. Taken together, the available data indicate the importance of the different enzyme activities on the outcome of chemotherapy of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer. More information is needed, especially for the newer drugs irinotecan and oxaliplatin. However, the existing data are very promising in respect to the potential to guide dose and drug selection for more efficient and less toxic chemotherapy of hepatic metastases.
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PMID:Pharmacogenomics of fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin in hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer: clinical implications. 1572 86


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