Hyo-Jin Kim

Prognostic significance of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and platelet lymphocyte ratio in advanced gastric cancer patients treated with FOLFOX chemotherapy

BackgroundSeveral inflammatory response materials could be used for prediction of prognosis of cancer patients. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been introduced for prognostic scoring system in various cancers. The objective of this study was to determine whether the NLR or the PLR would predict the clinical outcomes in advanced gastric cancer patients treated with oxaliplatin/ 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX).MethodsThe study population consisted of 174 advanced gastric cancer patients. Patients were treated with 85 mg/m2 of oxaliplatin as a 2-h infusion at day 1 plus 20 mg/m2 of leucovorin over 10 min, followed by 5-FU bolus 400 mg/m2 and 22-h continuous infusion of 600 mg/m2 at days 1-2. Treatment was repeated in 2-week intervals. The NLR and PLR were calculated from complete blood counts in laboratory test before and after first cycle of chemotherapy.ResultsNLR was a useful prognostic biomarker for predicting inferior overall survival (OS) (p = 0.005), but was not associated with progression free survival (PFS) (p = 0.461). The normalization of NLR after one cycle of chemotherapy was found to be in association with significant improvement in PFS (5.3 months vs. 2.4 months, p < 0.001), and OS (11.9 months vs. 4.6 months, p < 0.001). The normalization of PLR was also associated with longer PFS (5.6 months vs. 3.4 months, p = 0.006), and OS (16.9 months vs. 10.9 months, p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, changes in NLR were associated with PFS (Hazard ratio (HR): 2.297, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.429-3.693, p = 0.001). The NLR, (HR: 0.245, 95% CI: 0.092-0.633, p = 0.004), PLR (HR: 0.347, 95% CI: 0.142-0.847, p = 0.020), changes in NLR (HR: 2.468, 95% CI: 1.567-3.886, p < 0.001), and changes in PLR (HR: 1.473, 95% CI: 1.038-2.090, p = 0.030) were independent prognostic markers for OS.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that NLR, PLR, and changes in NLR or PLR are independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with chemotherapy. These specific factors may also help in identifying the patients, who are more sensitive to FOLFOX regimen.

Gene Expression Profiling in Lymph Node-Positive and Lymph Node-Negative Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: To identify the genes involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer, we analyzed the gene-expression profiles of colorectal cancer cells from 12 tumors with corresponding noncancerous colonic epithelia using a cDNA microarray representing 4,08 genes. METHODS: We classified both samples and genes by using a twoway clustering analysis and identified genes that were differentially expressed in the cancerous and noncancerous tissues. Genes associated with lymph node metastasis were identified by means of the supervised learning technique. RESULTS: Differentially expressed genes (77 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes) were identified in more than 75 percent of the tumors. The functional categories of these genes belonged to signal transduction (19 percent), metabolism (17 percent), cell structure/motility (14 percent), cell cycle (13 percent), and gene protein expression (13 percent). The gene expression pattern of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results from randomly selected genes shows a pattern similar to that of cDNA microarray. Moreover, the gene expression patterns observed were similar to those reported previously, suggesting rare racial differences. Sixty genes possibly associated with lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer were selected on the basis of clinicopathological data obtained by performing signal-to-noise calculations. “Leave-one-out” cross-validation testing correctly classified 10 of 12 patients (83.3 percent) as having colorectal cancer with lymph node metastasis vs. those without metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide not only a new molecular basis for understanding the biologic properties of colorectal cancer, including lymph node metastasis, but also provide a resource for future development of therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for colorectal cancer.

Clinical significance of preoperative serum vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein level in colorectal cancer

BackgroundAngiogenesis is a multistep process in which many growth factors and cytokines have an essential role. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic agent that acts as a specific mitogen for vascular endothelial cells through specific cell surface receptors. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway is another mechanism linking angiogenesis to malignancy. C-reactive protein (CRP), a representative marker for inflammation, is known for its association with disease progression in many cancer types. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative serum levels of VEGF, IL-6, and CRP in colorectal carcinoma, and to correlate them with disease status and prognosis.MethodsA 132 of 143 patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal cancer were enrolled in this study. 11 patients with resection margin positive were excluded. Factors considered in analysis of the relationship between VEGF, IL-6, and CRP and histological findings. Patient prognosis was investigated. Serum levels of VEGF and IL-6 were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA), and CRP was measured using immunoturbidimetry.ResultsMedian follow-up duration was 18.53 months (range 0.73-43.17 months) and median age of the patients was 62 years (range, 26-83 years). Mean and median levels of VEGF and CRP in colorectal cancer were significantly higher than in the normal control group; 608 vs. 334 pg/mL and 528 (range 122-3242) vs. 312 (range 16-1121) (p < 0.001); 1.05 mg/dL vs. 0.43 mg/dL and 0.22 (range 0.00-18.40) vs. 0.07 (range 0.02-6.94) (p = 0.002), respectively. However mean and median level of IL-6 in patients were not significantly higher than in control; 14.33 pg/mL vs. 5.65 pg/mL and 6.00 (range 1.02-139.17) vs. 5.30 (4.50-13.78) (p = 0.327). Although IL-6 and CRP levels were not correlated with other pathological findings, VEGF level was significantly correlated with tumor size (p = 0.012) and CEA (p = 0.038). When we established the cutoff value for VEGF (825 pg/mL), IL-6 (8.09 pg/mL), and CRP (0.51 mg/dL) by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, we noted that high VEGF levels tended to reduce overall survival (p = 0.053), but not significantly. However, IL-6 and CRP demonstrated no significance with regard to disease free survival (p = 0.531, p = 0.701, respectively) and overall survival (p = 0.563, p = 0.572, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that VEGF (p = 0.032), CEA (p = 0.012), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002), and TNM stage (p = 0.025) were independently associated with overall survival.ConclusionsPreoperative serum VEGF and CRP level increased in colorectal cancer patients. High VEGF level has been proposed as a poor prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

Clinicopathologic significance of HIF-1α, p53, and VEGF expression and preoperative serum VEGF level in gastric cancer

BackgroundHypoxia influences tumor growth by inducing angiogenesis and genetic alterations. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), p53, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are all important factors in the mechanisms inherent to tumor progression. In this work, we have investigated the clinicopathologic significance of HIF-1α, p53, and VEGF expression and preoperative serum VEGF (sVEGF) level in gastric cancer.We immunohistochemically assessed the HIF-1α, p53, and VEGF expression patterns in 114 specimens of gastric cancer. Additionally, we determined the levels of preoperative serum VEGF (sVEGF).ResultsThe positive rates of p53 and HIF-1α (diffuse, deep, intravascular pattern) were 38.6% and 15.8%, respectively. The VEGF overexpression rate was 57.9%. p53 and HIF-1α were correlated positively with the depth of invasion (P = 0.015, P = 0.001, respectively). Preoperative sVEGF and p53 levels were correlated significantly with lymph node involvement (P = 0.010, P = 0.040, respectively). VEGF overexpression was more frequently observed in the old age group (≥ 60 years old) and the intestinal type (P = 0.013, P = 0.014, respectively). However, correlations between preoperative sVEGF level and tissue HIF-1α, VEGF, and p53 were not observed. The median follow-up duration after operation was 24.5 months. HIF-1α was observed to be a poor prognostic factor of disease recurrence or progression (P = 0.002).Conclusionp53, HIF-1α and preoperative sVEGF might be markers of depth of invasion or lymph node involvement. HIF-1α expression was a poor prognostic factor of disease recurrence or progression in patients with gastric cancers.

Plasma Levels of Prothrombin Fragment F1+2, D-dimer and Prothrombin Time Correlate with Clinical Stage and Lymph Node Metastasis in Operable Gastric Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE The principal objective of this study was to determine the relationship between preoperative coagulation tests and the extent of tumor involvement in gastric cancer patients. METHOD A total of 110 patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach were studied in order to evaluate this relationship. Platelet count (P), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation product, thrombin-antithrombin complex and prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2) were evaluated. RESULTS The D-dimer levels were positively correlated with the depth of invasion (P =0.007). Plasma D-dimer and PT were highly correlated with degree of lymph node involvement (P = 0.006, 0.004, respectively). D-dimer level, PT and plasma F1+2 level were correlated with clinical stage (P = 0.001, 0.017, 0.031, respectively). PT and F1+2 levels were significant in the prediction of the presence of lymph node involvement on the multivariate logistic regression models (odds ratio 2502.081 (5.977-1047425.4); P = 0.010 and odds ratio 19.487 (1.495-253.936); P = 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSION PT and plasma levels of F1+2 and D-dimer could be markers of degree or presence of lymph node involvement and clinical stage in patients with operable gastric cancer.

A Phase II Study of Oxaliplatin with Low-dose Leucovorin and Bolus and Continuous Infusion 5-Fluorouracil (Modified FOLFOX-4) for Gastric Cancer Patients with Malignant Ascites

BACKGROUND Clinical studies regarding chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites have been classically rather limited in scope, largely because peritoneal seeding produces no measurable lesions, and patients generally exhibited poor performance status. Herein, we have evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of a fortnightly modified FOLFOX-4 (m-FOLFOX) regimen. METHODS Gastric cancer patients with cytologically confirmed malignant ascites were treated with cycles of oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m(2) plus leucovorin 20 mg/m(2) on the first day of treatment, followed by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) via a 400 mg/m(2) bolus and a 22 h continuous infusion of 600 mg/m(2) 5-FU on Days 1-2 at 2-week intervals. RESULTS Forty-eight patients participated in this study. Twenty-two patients (45.8%) were treated with m-FOLFOX-4 as a first line palliative treatment. Twenty-one patients (43.8%) were adjudged to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2. Thirty-six patients were assessable and exhibited measurable lesions. Twelve (33.3%) patients evidenced partial responses. Decreases or disappearances of ascites levels were observed in 17 (35.4%) patients. The median time to progression and overall survival time were 3.5 (95% CI: 2.9-4.1) months and 8.4 (95% CI: 4.9-11.9) months, respectively. Major hematologic toxicities included Grades 1-2 anemia (53.9%), neutropenia (41.6%) and, Grades 3-4 neutropenia (15.8%). The most frequently detected non-hematological toxicities were Grades 2 and 3 nausea/vomiting (17%). We noted no deaths related to treatment. CONCLUSION The m-FOLFOX-4 regimen utilized herein was determined to be both safe and feasible even for gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites in poor performance status.

Clinicopathologic significance of ERCC1, thymidylate synthase and glutathione S-transferase P1 expression for advanced gastric cancer patients receiving adjuvant 5-FU and cisplatin chemotherapy

The objective of this study was to determine whether the expressions of the excision cross-complementing (ERCC1), thymidylate synthase (TS) and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) are predictive of clinical outcomes in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients receiving treatment with adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (FP) chemotherapy. One hundred forty nine patients were included in this study. ERCC1 and GSTP1 expression was correlated significantly with tumor size (p = 0.040, p = 0.018, respectively). Stage and positive lymph node ratio were associated independently with disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Both ERCC1 and GSTP1 expression had a significant impact on OS (hazard ratio = 0.069, p = 0.021). TS expression was not related to DFS and OS.

A phase II study of oxaliplatin with low dose leucovorin and bolus and continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (modified FOLFOX-4) as first line therapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer

To determine the activity and toxicities of a low dose leucovorin (ldLV) plus fluorouracil (5-FU) regimen, combined with oxaliplatin administered fortnightly (modified FOLFOX-4), as a first-line therapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Patients were treated with cycles of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 on day 1 plus LV 20 mg/m2, followed by 5-FU a 400 mg/m2 bolus and a 22 hour continuous infusion of 600 mg/m2 5-FU on days 1 – 2 every two week intervals. Forty-five patients were enrolled in this study. Forty-two patients were assessable for response. One of the 42 patients demonstrated complete response, and 20 partial responses, and overall response rate of 50%. The median time to progression and overall survival time were 7.7 months (95% CI: 3.6 – 11.9 months) and 11.2 months (95% CI: 9.1 – 13.3 months), respectively. Major hematologic toxicities included grade 1 – 2 anemia (39.7%), neutropenia (30.4%) and grade 3 – 4 neutropenia (10.9%). Twelve cycles were associated with neutropenic fever. The most common non-hematological toxicities were grade 2 nausea/vomiting (20%). There was no treatment related death. The modified FOLFOX-4 regimen was found to be a safe and effective first line therapy in advanced gastric cancer.

The relationship of Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and clinical outcome in advanced gastric cancer patients treated with FOLFOX: VEGF polymorphism in gastric cancer

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and clinical outcome in advanced gastric cancer patients treated with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFOX).MethodsGenomic DNA was isolated from whole blood, and six VEGF (−2578C/A, -2489C/T, -1498 T/C, -634 G/C, +936C/T, and +1612 G/A) gene polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR. Levels of serum VEGF were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays.ResultsPatients with G/G genotype for VEGF -634 G/C gene polymorphism showed a lower response rate (22.2%) than those with G/C or C/C genotype (32.3%, 51.1%; P = 0.034). Patients with the VEGF -634 G/C polymorphism G/C + C/C genotype had a longer progression free survival (PFS) of 4.9 months, compared with the PFS of 3.5 months for those with the G/G (P = 0.043, log-rank test). By multivariate analysis, this G/G genotype of VEGF -634 G/C polymorphism was identified as an independent prognostic factor (Hazard ratio 1.497, P = 0.017).ConclusionOur data suggest that G/G genotype of VEGF -634 G/C polymorphism is related to the higher serum levels of VEGF, and poor clinical outcome in advanced gastric cancer patients.

Clinicopathological significance of nuclear factor-kappa B, HIF-1 alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in stage III colorectal cancer.

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastases. The principal objective of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of NF‐κB, HIF‐1α, and VEGF expression in stage III colorectal cancer. Tumor tissues from 148 patients with stage III colorectal carcinoma, all of whom underwent potentially curative resection, were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF‐κB, HIF‐1α, and VEGF. Positivity rates of NF‐κB, HIF‐1α, and VEGF were 47.3%, 42.6%, and 61.5%, respectively. NF‐κB expression in tumor tissues was correlated significantly with HIF‐1α expression (P < 0.001), VEGF expression (P = 0.044), and the presence of vascular invasion (P = 0.013). Univariate analysis demonstrated that NF‐κB expression was associated with poor 5‐year overall survival (55.8 months vs 76.9 months, P = 0.012). Multivariate analysis verified that NF‐κB was independently associated with adverse outcomes (relative risk: 1.92, P = 0.049). However, HIF‐1α and VEGF did not appear to be related to clinical outcomes. NF‐κB expression in tumor tissue is associated with angiogenesis and poor 5‐year overall survival in stage III colorectal cancer patients. (Cancer Sci 2010; 00: 000–000)