Michael Cabanero

Prognostic value of RDW in cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a parameter that used to differentiate the type of anemia for several decades, recent studies suggest it was a prognostic factor in various types of cancer patients. However, the prognostic value of RDW in cancer patients remains controversial. Here, we performed a meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the prognostic value of RDW in cancer patients. Relevant studies were picked out from the databases of Web of Science, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane Library. A total of 16 papers with 4267 patients were included in this meta-analysis, and the combined results indicated that elevated RDW was associated with poor over survival (OS) (HR = 1.47, 95%CI:1.29-1.66), poor cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 1.46, 95%CI:1.08-1.85), poor disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.91, 95%CI:1.27-2.56), poor event-free survival (EFS) (HR = 2.98, 95%CI:0.57-5.39) and poor progress-free survival (PFS) (HR = 3.21, 95%CI:0.33-6.75) after treatment. Furthermore, the similar results were observed in subgroup analysis stratified by cancer type, cutoff value of RDW, sample size and ethnicity. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that RDW may be a potential prognostic marker in patients with cancer, and high RDW may also be associated with poor outcomes.

Tumor Platinum Concentrations and Pathological Responses Following Cisplatin-Containing Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer Patients

PurposeThere is a wide range in tumor response following preoperative chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancers. We investigated the relationship between tumor platinum levels and pathological responses in these patients.MethodsTumor and adjacent normal tissues were retrieved. Pathological responses were assessed per standard criteria. Tissue platinum concentrations were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Platinum distribution in tissue components was evaluated with imaging mass cytometry. Collagen content was evaluated using trichrome staining.ResultsSurgical specimens from 10 patients were available. Surgery was performed at a median time of 49xa0days (range: 28–72) after the last cycle of chemotherapy. The mean platinum level in tumor tissue in patients with any response was significantly higher than in those with no response (893u2009±u2009460 vs. 38.8u2009±u20098.8xa0pg, Pu2009=u20090.007), so was the collagen content (37.4u2009±u20096.8 vs. 11.5u2009±u20098.6%, Pu2009<u20090.05). Platinum preferentially bound to collagen.ConclusionsPlatinum was detectable in surgical specimens up to 72xa0days after preoperative chemotherapy. Higher tumor platinum concentration correlated with improved pathological response. Collagen binding potentially explained the high interpatient variability in tumor platinum concentrations.

Relationship between JAK2V617F mutation, allele burden and coagulation function in Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms

ABSTRACT Objectives: Our aim was to explore the relationship between JAK2V617F mutation allele burden and hematological parameters especially in coagulation function in Chinese population. Methods: This study included 133 Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) patients between 2013 and 2016. All the clinical and experimental data of patients were collected at the time of the diagnosis without any prior treatment, including blood parameters, coagulation function, splenomegaly, vascular events and chromosome karyotype. PCR and qPCR were used to detect JAK2V617F mutation and JAK2V617F mutation allele burden. Results: In polycythemia vera patients, a positive correlation between the allele burden of JAK2V617F mutation and PLT counts was found; in essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients, WBC counts, RBC counts, HB, and HCT were higher in mutated patients than in wild-type patients. Furthermore, PT-INR was higher in ET and PMF mutated patients. In addition, a positive correlation between the allele burden of JAK2V617F mutation and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was observed in JAK2V617F mutated ET patients. Conclusions: Higher hematologic parameters including counts of WBC, RBC, and PLT are closely associated with JAK2V617F mutation and its burden in Ph-negative MPNs; importantly, PT-INR, APTT are also related to JAK2V617F mutation and allele burden. Thus, our data indicate that JAK2V617F mutation allele burden might not only represent the burden of MPN but also alter the coagulation function.