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)

CD44 is a polymorphic family of immunologically related integral membrane glycoproteins associated with cell matrix adhesion, lymphocyte activation and targeting, and tumor growth and metastasis. We studied CD44 expression in 114 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded thyroid tumors using the A3D8 anti-human CD44 monoclonal antibody. Sixty-five of 67 papillary carcinomas (97%) strongly expressed CD44 with an intense plasma membrane pattern. Thirty-seven of these cases originated from Albany, New York, and 30 cases from Russia. Immunoreactivity was also observed in 9 of 16 follicular adenomas (56%); 4 of 8 Hurthle cell neoplasms (50%); 5 of 15 medullary carcinomas (33%); and 3 of 8 follicular carcinomas (38%). These results show that among thyroid neoplasms, papillary carcinomas preferentially display the CD44 antigen (P < or = 0.001). Nonneoplastic follicular epithelium exhibited a low to moderate level of staining. To further characterize the CD44 isoform, we tested a subset of cases with the 2F10 anti-human CD44 variant 6 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes a CD44 variant exon (CD44v6) implicated in tumor metastasis. Eleven of 11 papillary carcinomas tested were 2F10 positive, and 1 of the follicular carcinomas was positive. These results suggest the hypothesis that deregulated CD44v6 expression on the plasma membrane of papillary carcinoma cells contributes to the ability of those cells to metastasize to regional lymph nodes and then to remain dormant for years. Our results suggest that human papillary thyroid cancer will be an interesting model in which to further study the role of CD44 isoforms, particularly those containing CD44v6, in tumor metastasis and lymphatic invasion.
Exp Mol Pathol 1994 Dec
PMID:Preferential expression of the cell adhesion molecule CD44 in papillary thyroid carcinoma. 754 70

The tumor suppressor protein, p53, protects somatic cells against the accumulation of genomic alterations. Cells harboring mutant or inactivated wild-type p53 protein are at risk for the development of genomic instability. Nuclear accumulation of p53 protein is associated with the stepwise dedifferentiation of papillary carcinoma. We asked whether nuclear p53 accumulation is associated with two known indicators of poor prognosis in papillary carcinoma. We studied 55 consecutive papillary cancers (28 from Russia, and 27 from upstate New York). Nuclear p53 immunoreactivity was assessed using a monoclonal antibody, DO-1, on Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. The DNA index was determined by computerized image analysis of Feulgen-stained sections. Nearly all cases were well differentiated and none were associated with distant metastases or extrathyroidal invasion. All primary lesions were less than 4 cm in diameter, and almost all patients were female. Nuclear p53 immunoreactivity was associated with a high-risk group characterized by two known indicators of poor prognosis: age > 50, aneuploid DNA content, or both. In the high-risk group (N = 24) 33% of cases displayed nuclear p53 positivity, compared with only 6% in a low-risk group (N = 31) which lacked both features (P = 0.015, two-tailed Fisher exact test). Nuclear accumulation of immunoreactive p53 protein is associated with two established indicators of poor prognosis in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. This result is consistent with the idea that aberrations in p53 function are associated with the stepwise loss of differentiation in this cancer.
Exp Mol Pathol 1995 Feb
PMID:Nuclear p53 immunoreactivity in papillary thyroid cancers is associated with two established indicators of poor prognosis. 755 91

Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been found to be the most frequent genetic alterations in human malignancies. To further examine the idea that neoplastic progression is associated with mutations in the p53 gene, we analyzed matched primary and metastatic tumor samples. The samples included 15 pairs of breast cancer and metastases to lymph nodes, four pairs of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas and metastases to liver, one colon adenocarcinoma and metastasis to a lymph node, and one lung carcinoma and metastasis in the pleura. Genomic DNA or cDNA from each tumor sample was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and labeled by using one biotinylated primer. The DNA strands were separated with magnetic streptavidin beads and sequenced directly. p53 mutations were detected in 11 of 21 patients (52%) in either primary tumors, metastases, or both. In six of these patients the primary tumor and matched metastasis shared the same single mutation. In the other patients an additional mutation in the primary tumor only or a mutation in the metastasis only was observed. Our data suggest that tumor development and progression toward metastasis involves structural alterations in the p53 gene that occur early in carcinogenesis. In some cases, genetic changes in metastatic spreading may also include the appearance of a mutation in a metastasis derived from a primary tumor expressing wild-type p53, a selection of metastatic cells with a single mutation from a primary tumor expressing two different mutations, or loss of heterozygosity.
Mol Carcinog 1995 Jul
PMID:p53 mutations in matched primary and metastatic human tumors. 761 19

Ectopic ACTH syndrome represents a cancer-induced amplification of a property [proopiomelanocortin (POMC) peptides production] normally present in the cells from which the cancer originated but with aberrant posttranslational processing of POMC resulting in a greatly elevated secretion of ACTH precursors. The classic ectopic ACTH-producing tumors described in the 1960s were highly malignant but more recently slowly growing tumors such as carcinoids are reported with increasing frequency. Clinical features of patients with ectopic ACTH were analyzed, including biochemical abnormalities, plasma ACTH, cortisol and urinary steroids. Dynamic tests such as high-dose dexamethasone suppression, metyrapone and ovine-CRH (oCRH) stimulation were explored, as well as inferior petrosal sinus ACTH sampling before and after oCRH. Among the tumor markers examined, elevation of ACTH precursors was uniformly present followed by increased output of calcitonin, gut hormones, oncofetal and placental hormones in decreasing order. Since more than 90% of ectopic ACTH tumors are neuroendocrine in nature exhibiting APUD characteristics, their 2 markers, neuron-specific enolase and chromogranins are very useful. The imaging procedures for localization of the tumor ranged from chest X-rays to computed tomography and magnetic resonance of the chest and abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography was also useful. Finally somatostatin receptor scintigraphy permitted demonstration of unrecognized tumors and/or metastases, even when the tumors were occult. The ACTH content, immunostaining for APUD markers and altered POMC processing were evaluated in ectopic tumors and/or metastases. Occult ectopic ACTH syndrome of more than 4-6 months of symptoms without the emergence of an obvious source was reviewed. Since the tumors are often clinically and biochemically undistinguishable from pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease, inferior petrosal sinus sampling for ACTH after oCRH stimulation established the diagnosis in over 90% of the cases. 60% of the occult tumors were thoracic carcinoids (3/4 bronchial carcinoids), followed by small cell lung cancer and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. In 12% the primary etiology was not detected. The rare syndrome of ectopic CRH syndrome (6 published cases) leading to excessive stimulation of the pituitary which became hyperplastic and secreted excessive amounts of ACTH is discussed. Finally, the 12 published cases and 1 unreported patient with ectopic CRH-ACTH tumors were reviewed, the majority being metastatic small cell lung carcinomas, bronchial and thymic carcinoids.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1995 Jun
PMID:Ectopic ACTH syndrome. 762 46

ARIMIDEX is a potent and selective aromatase inhibitor undergoing evaluation as a treatment for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Studies examining the pharmacology of ARIMIDEX were conducted in both animals and humans. In animals, ARIMIDEX elicits maximal aromatase suppressive activity at a dose of approx. 0.1 mg/kg, does not alter adrenal steroid hormone biosynthesis, and at a dose of 1 mg/kg, has no other pharmacologic effects other than aromatase inhibition. In this overview, the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety profiles of single and multiple daily doses of ARIMIDEX are reported in humans. Daily doses of 1-10 mg of ARIMIDEX suppressed estradiol levels to the maximum degree measurable using sensitive estrogen assays. ARIMIDEX had no clinically significant effects on the response of cortisol and aldosterone to ACTH stimulation. Absorption of ARIMIDEX was rapid, with maximum plasma concentrations occurring within 2 h after oral administration. Plasma concentrations of ARIMIDEX rose with increasing doses of the drug. The elimination half-life of ARIMIDEX in humans ranged from 30 to 60 h. Consistent with the long plasma half-life, steady state plasma concentrations were 3-4-fold higher than plasma concentrations observed after single administration of 1, 3, 5, or 10 mg doses. Long term treatment of breast cancer patients with 10 mg/day has continued in 17 patients without an escape of estradiol suppression. Previously, these patients had received on average 2.6 systemic treatments for breast cancer and had significant metastatic disease. Three of the 17 patients continued ARIMIDEX treatment for 20 months and beyond. Given the number of previous treatments and tumor burden at the start of treatment, the response to ARIMIDEX treatment is encouraging. Phase III studies are now underway to assess the efficacy and safety of ARIMIDEX in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1995 Jun
PMID:ARIMIDEX: a new oral, once-a-day aromatase inhibitor. 762 50

We studied the frequency and pattern of p53 mutations in 16 mouse skin primary squamous carcinomas induced by chemical carcinogens and their 19 matched metastases. The molecular changes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism and subsequent direct sequencing analysis. Eleven mutations of the p53 gene were detected in a total of eight primary tumors, and 10 mutations were detected in nine metastases. Only four pairs had identical mutations in primary and paired metastatic tumors. Eight mutations in six pairs were detected in primary tumors but not in their metastases, and four mutations from three matched pairs were detected in metastases but not in primary tumors. The four pairs that contained the same mutations in both the primary and secondary tumors had lymph-node metastases, and all mutations occurred in exon 8. Conversely, five of six pairs with p53 mutations only in primary tumors had lung metastases, and only one of the mutations occurred in exon 8. None of the mutations found only in metastases were located in exon 8. These data indicate that p53 mutations are prevalent in lymph-node metastases and infrequent in lung metastases of mouse skin tumors and that primary tumors with exon 8 mutations may be more likely to metastasize to the lymph nodes.
Mol Carcinog 1995 Feb
PMID:Lack of concordant p53 mutations in some paired primary and metastatic mouse squamous cell carcinomas induced by chemical carcinogenesis. 766 19

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a well-known tumor marker, consisting of a single heavily glycosylated polypeptide chain (mol. wt 200 kD), bound to the cell surface by a phosphatidylinositol-glycan anchor. The hydrophobic domain, encoded by the 3' end of the open reading frame of the CEA gene is not present in the mature protein. This domain is assumed to play an important role in the targeting and attachment of CEA to the cell surface. To verify this hypothesis, a recombinant CEA cDNA lacking the 78 b.p. of the 3' region, encoding the 26 a.a. hydrophobic domain, was prepared in a Rc/CMV expression vector containing a neomycin resistance gene. The construct was transfected by the calcium phosphate technique into CEA-negative human and rat colon carcinoma cell lines. Geneticin-resistant transfectants were screened for the presence of CEA in the supernatant and positive clones were isolated. As determined by ELISA, up to 13 micrograms of recombinant CEA per 10(6) cells was secreted within 72 hr by the human transfected cells and about 1 microgram by the rat cells. For comparison, two human carcinoma cell lines, CO112 and LS174T, selected for high CEA expression, shed about 45 and 128 ng per 10(6) cells within 72 hr, respectively. Western blot analysis showed that the size of the recombinant CEA secreted by the transfected human cells is identical to that of reference CEA purified from human colon carcinomas metastases (about 200 kD). The recombinant CEA synthesized by the transfected rat carcinoma cells has a smaller size (about 144 kD, possibly due to incomplete glycosylation), as has already been observed for CEA produced by rat colon carcinoma cells transfected with full-length CEA cDNA. The 100-fold increase in secretion of rCEA encoded by truncated CEA cDNA transfected in human cells confirms the essential role of this domain in the targeting and anchoring of the glycoprotein. These results suggest a new approach for the in vitro production of large amounts of CEA needed in research laboratories and for immunoassay kits.
Mol Immunol 1993 Jul
PMID:Marked increase in the secretion of a fully antigenic recombinant carcinoembryonic antigen obtained by deletion of its hydrophobic tail. 768 74

Thirty-two typical patients with breast cancer, aged 32-81 years and classified 'high risk' because of tumor spread to the lymph nodes in the axilla, were studied for 18 months following an Adjuvant Nutritional Intervention in Cancer protocol (ANICA protocol). The nutritional protocol was added to the surgical and therapeutic treatment of breast cancer, as required by regulations in Denmark. The added treatment was a combination of nutritional antioxidants (Vitamin C: 2850 mg, Vitamin E: 2500 iu, beta-carotene 32.5 iu, selenium 387 micrograms plus secondary vitamins and minerals), essential fatty acids (1.2 g gamma linolenic acid and 3.5 g n-3 fatty acids) and Coenzyme Q10 (90 mg per day). The ANICA protocol is based on the concept of testing the synergistic effect of those categories of nutritional supplements, including vitamin Q10, previously having shown deficiency and/or therapeutic value as single elements in diverse forms of cancer, as cancer may be synergistically related to diverse biochemical dysfunctions and vitamin deficiencies. Biochemical markers, clinical condition, tumor spread, quality of life parameters and survival were followed during the trial. Compliance was excellent. The main observations were: (1) none of the patients died during the study period. (the expected number was four.) (2) none of the patients showed signs of further distant metastases. (3) quality of life was improved (no weight loss, reduced use of pain killers). (4) six patients showed apparent partial remission.
Mol Aspects Med 1994
PMID:Apparent partial remission of breast cancer in 'high risk' patients supplemented with nutritional antioxidants, essential fatty acids and coenzyme Q10. 775 35

The development of malignancy has been associated with both the activation of oncogenes and the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Whereas recent data implicate tumor suppressor genes as cell-cycle check-points, the nature and timing of tumor suppressor gene inactivation during multistage carcinogenesis is still largely uncharacterized. To address this issue, we used a syngeneic mouse epidermal model system. By creating somatic-cell hybrids between nontumorigenic x benign (291 x 291.09RAT), nontumorigenic x malignant (291 x 291.05RAT and 291 x 291.03RAT), benign x malignant (291.09RAT x 291.03RAT) and malignant x malignant (291.03RAT x 291.05RAT) clones, multiple tumor suppressor activities were detected. Most importantly, we demonstrated the first example of the complete suppression of benign papillomas in vivo, thus implicating tumor suppressor gene activity loss an early event in skin carcinogenesis. In addition, the carcinoma phenotype was suppressed in vivo by nontumorigenic, benign, and heterologous malignant keratinocytes. The somatic-cell hybrids expressed the differentiation-specific keratins, K1 and K10, in response to high extracellular calcium concentrations (1.4 mM) in vitro. All of the hybrids had fewer local metastases than did the parental lines, and when tumor formation was not suppressed, the resulting tumors were highly differentiated. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the neomycin-resistance gene at nontumorigenic injection sites indicated an absence of injected hybrids, and subsequent analyses failed to detect nontumorigenic 291 cells 1 wk after transplantation. These data demonstrate that distinct tumor suppressor gene activities are lost at discrete stages during multistage carcinogenesis and are consistent with the hypothesis that tumor suppression can occur through induction of terminal differentiation.
Mol Carcinog 1995 May
PMID:Induced terminal differentiation and tumorigenic suppression in murine keratinocyte somatic-cell hybrids. 776 11

Molecular karyotype and kDNA restriction analyses were utilized to examine the genetic heterogeneity and plasticity of the Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis strain WHI/BR/78/M5313, composed of metastatic and non-metastatic populations. Cloning revealed that the strain was constituted by multiple closely related populations that were distinguishable by restriction fragment polymorphisms in kDNA. Size polymorphisms in molecular karyotype were not detected. Passage of clones in hamsters and recovery of parasites from cutaneous metastatic lesions yielded evidence of further genetic heterogeneity among some of the progeny populations. Overall, six kDNA minicircle restriction patterns or schizodemes were observed among clones, subclones and progeny. Although the possibility that population heterogeneity was not resolved by cloning cannot be ruled out, subcloning and kDNA restriction analysis to determine whether the putative clones consisted of homogeneous populations showed the schizodeme of subclones of 3 out of 4 clones to be identical to the clone of origin, while a subclone of the fourth had a co-efficient of similarity of 0.95. Metastasis did not segregate with a particular schizodeme: all six restriction profiles were represented among populations isolated from metastatic lesions and some clones with the same restriction profile did not produce metastatic lesions. The strain from which the clones, subclones and progeny were derived had a kDNA restriction pattern identical to the most prevalent schizodeme (38%) among these subpopulations. This finding together with the reappearance of the repertoire of schizodemes found among clones in the populations recovered from metastatic lesions in hamsters inoculated with a single clone, suggest that sequence polymorphisms in kDNA can emerge during infection.
Mol Biochem Parasitol 1995 Feb
PMID:Genotypic polymorphisms in experimental metastatic dermal leishmaniasis. 777 84


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