Lee M. Ellis

Influence of surgical margins on outcome in patients with preoperatively irradiated extremity soft tissue sarcomas

Background. Limb‐sparing surgery for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities may result in microscopically positive surgical margins. The consequences of these microscopically positive margins are unknown. We have analyzed the influence of surgical margins on local disease control and overall survival in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas who received preoperative radiation therapy followed by limb‐sparing surgery.

Vascular endothelial growth factor is an in vivo survival factor for tumor endothelium in a murine model of colorectal carcinoma liver metastases

Recent studies have suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in addition to its proangiogenic properties, also functions as a survival factor for endothelial cells. The authors hypothesized that inhibition of VEGF activity by blockade of VEGF receptor‐2 (R‐2) function prevents angiogenesis and decreases tumor growth in colon carcinoma liver metastases.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 promotes migration and invasion in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (VEGFR‐1) is one of three receptor tyrosine kinases for VEGF, a key regulator of angiogenesis in cancer. Although VEGFRs initially were believed to be expressed exclusively on endothelial cells (ECs), recent studies have demonstrated the presence of VEGFR‐1 on non‐EC types. The authors hypothesized that VEGFR‐1 is present and functional in pancreatic carcinoma cells, contributing to the malignant phenotype.

Response to preoperative chemoradiation increases the use of sphincter-preserving surgery in patients with locally advanced low rectal carcinoma.

Although controversial, some believe that preoperative chemoradiation increases the use of sphincter‐preserving surgery in low rectal carcinoma patients. This article investigates the relationship between objective tumor response and sphincter preservation in low rectal carcinoma patients.

Coexpression of Ephrin-Bs and their Receptors in Colon Carcinoma

The erythropoietin‐producing hepatoma amplified sequence (Eph) family is the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The Ephs (receptors) bind to specific cell‐bound ligands, called ephrins. The binding of this ligand‐receptor system is dependent on cell‐cell interactions. The ephrin‐Eph system is important in embryologic development and differentiation of the nervous and vascular systems. In the current study, the authors hypothesized that ephrins may play a role in the growth and development of colon carcinoma and may be expressed differentially in normal and malignant colonic tissues.

Differential expression of angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 in colon carcinoma: a possible mechanism for the initiation of angiogenesis

Angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) and angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) are important regulators of endothelial cell (EC) survival. Current models suggest that an increase in Ang‐2 expression in ECs leads to the initiation of angiogenesis. The authors hypothesized that the imbalance of Ang‐1 and Ang‐2 activities in colon carcinoma leads to a net gain in Ang‐2 function.

Expression and regulation of the novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor neuropilin-1 by epidermal growth factor in human pancreatic carcinoma

It was recently shown that neuropilin‐1 (NRP‐1), which was described originally as a receptor for the semaphorins/collapsins (ligands involved in neuronal guidance), is a coreceptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and increases the affinity of specific isoforms of VEGF to its receptor, VEGF‐R2.

Gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver. Durable tumor regression by hepatic chemoembolization infusion with cisplatin and vinblastine

Background. Gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver is considered most resistant to any combination of systemic chemotherapy containing doxorubicin and/or ifosphamide.

Improving delivery of antineoplastic agents with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

It is believed that impairments in delivery of antineoplastic agents to solid tumors result from abnormalities of the tumor microenvironment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the prototypical angiogenic molecule, is one of the main factors responsible for the development and maintenance of the aberrant tumor vascular network, which is characterized by chaotic, leaky blood vessels with high interstitial fluid pressure and inefficient blood flow. The authors proposed that anti‐VEGF therapy would reduce the elevated interstitial fluid pressure in tumors, thereby improving blood flow and potentially improving delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumor cells. For the current report, the authors reviewed characteristics of the abnormal tumor vasculature created under the influence of VEGF, the resulting tumor microenvironment, how the tumor microenvironment may impede delivery of antineoplastic agents, and how the combination of anti‐VEGF and cytotoxic therapy may maximize the efficacy of antineoplastic treatment regimens. Cancer 2005.

Oncolysis by viral replication and inhibition of angiogenesis by a replication-conditional herpes simplex virus that expresses mouse endostatin

In preclinical models, infection of tumors by oncolytic strains of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) resulted in the destruction of tumor cells by viral replication and release of progeny virion that infected and destroyed adjacent tumor cells. However, complete tumor regression was rarely observed.