Adverse Effects Of Chemotherapy Research Articles

Abstract 4044: An extract of olive oil wastewater enhances chemotherapy effects on breast cancer cells without exacerbating cardiovascular toxicity

Abstract Background: In cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents, cardiovascular toxicities still remains one of the most undesirable side effects. One of the best known cardiotoxic agents is doxorubicin, a very powerful chemotherapeutic molecules for breast cancer. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in cancer preventive polyphenols endowed with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant activities which could exert protective effects on heart cells. A very interesting derivative of EVOO preparation is represented by purified extracts from olive mill waste waters (OMWW) rich in polyphenols. Here, we have investigated the anti-cancer activity of a OMWW preparation, named A009, on breast cancer cells when combined with chemotherapeutics, as well as its potential cardioprotective activities. We had previously reported additive effects with cisplatin in prostate cancer cells. In previous studies we have shown that the combination of A009 with cisplatin or 5-FU was effective in decreasing prostate and colon cancer cell growth, while it did not further reduce growth of rat cardiomyocytes also treated with cisplatin or 5-FU. Here we used 5-fluorouracil as comparison. Methods: Combination of A009 and chemotherapy was investigated in vitro on human breast cancer cell lines BT459, MDA-MB-234. The cardioprotective effects of the A009 extract were tested on H9C2 (cardiomyocytes) cells co-exposed to doxorubicin or 5-fluorouracil and in zebrafish embryos. Results: Adding A009 to doxorubicin or 5-FU was effective in decreasing breast cancer cell growth in monolayer. Breast tumor spheroids morphologically appeared less stable and with reduced diameter when treated with A009 extracts and with the chemotherapeutic agents 5-FU or Doxo, additive effects were observed. A009 mitigated toxicity of doxorubicin or 5-FU on rat cardiomyocytes cells H9C2. Cardioprotective effects were observed by the combination of OMWW extracts with Doxorubicin in Zebrafish embryos. In human cardiomyocytes, we observed 5-FU induced upregulation of the proinflammatory IL6 mRNA, which was reduced by OMWW treatment. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the polyphenol rich purified A009 extracts enhance the effect of chemotherapy of doxorubicin and 5-FU on breast cancer cells but mitigates chemotherapy adverse effects on heart in vivo and on cardiomyocytes, appearing as a potential cardio-oncological prevenzion agent. Citation Format: Adriana Albini, Marco M. Festa, Denisa Baci, Nadia Benedetto, Karolina Gutmanska, Nicoletta Macrì, Giovanna Finzi, Fausto Sessa, Serena Zacchigna, Antonino Bruno, Douglas M. Noonan. An extract of olive oil wastewater enhances chemotherapy effects on breast cancer cells without exacerbating cardiovascular toxicity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 4044.

Recent Advances in Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)-Containing Herbs Alleviating Radiotherapy- and Chemotherapy-Induced Adverse Reactions in Cancer Treatment.

Cancers represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They also impose a large economic burden on patients, their families, and health insurance systems. Notably, cancers and the adverse reactions to their therapeutic options, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, dramatically affect the quality of life of afflicted patients. Therefore, developing approaches to manage chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced adverse reactions gained greater attention in recent years. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), a perennial plant that is one of the most frequently used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, has been heavily investigated in relation to cancer therapy. Licorice/licorice-related regimes, used in combination with chemotherapy, may improve the adverse effects of chemotherapy. However, there is little awareness of licorice-containing herbs alleviating reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or to other induced adverse reactions in cancer treatment. We aimed to provide a descriptive review, and to emphasize the possibility that licorice-related medicines could be used as an adjuvant regimen with chemotherapy to improve quality of life (QoL) and to reduce side effects, thus, improving compliance with chemotherapy. The experimental method involved searching different databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Wang Fang database, as of May 2022, to identify any relevant studies. Despite a lack of high-quality and large-scale randomized controlled trials, we still discovered the potential benefits of licorice-containing herbs from published clinical studies. These studies find that licorice-containing herbs, and their active ingredients, reduce the adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and improve the QoL of patients. This comprehensive review will serve as a cornerstone to encourage more scientists to evaluate and develop effective Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions to improve the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Reduced Dose Intensity of Daunorubicin During Remission Induction for Low-Risk Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Chinese Children's Cancer Group.

It is urgently necessary to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy while maintaining their cure high rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The present study aimed to determine whether the dose intensity of daunorubicin during the remission-induction phase could be reduced for low-risk patients with ALL. A total of 2396 eligible patients, who participated in CCCG-ALL-2015 study and were provisionally assigned to the low-risk group, were included and divided into single-dose group and double-dose group according to the dosage of daunorubicin during the remission-induction phase. For patients with ETV6-RUNX1 positive ALL or hyperdiploidy ALL, there were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups. For other patients, the 5-year event-free survival rate was significantly better and the 5-year cumulative risk of any relapse was significantly lower in the double-dose group compared with the single-dose group. Both the 5-year overall survival rate and the risk of early deaths were not significantly different between the two groups. Our results suggested that only B-lineage ALL patients with ETV6-RUNX1 positivity or hyperdiploidy who achieved an early negative minimal residual disease status were suitable candidates for dosage reduction of daunorubicin during the remission-induction phase.Clinical Trial Registration http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=10115, identifier ChiCTR-IPR-14005706.

Quality of life (QoL) of OSE2101 in patients with HLA-A2+ non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure to immune checkpoint inhibitors (IO): Final data of phase 3 Atalante-1 randomized trial.

9094 Background: OSE2101 (Tedopi) is an anticancer vaccine increasing overall survival (OS) versus Standard of Care (SoC docetaxel or pemetrexed) in HLA-A2+ NSCLC patients with secondary resistance after sequential Chemo (CT)-IO (ESMO 2021 #47LBA). Here we present the QoL analysis. Methods: EGFR and ALK negative NSCLC patients who failed prior IO, ECOG PS 0-1 were randomized 2:1 to receive either OSE2101 or SoC (docetaxel or pemetrexed). Primary endpoint was OS; secondary endpoints included time to ECOG PS deterioration and QoL by EORTC QLQ-C30/LC13 questionnaires at baseline and before each treatment administration until the end of treatment (EOT). Changes in QLQ-C30/LC13 scores from baseline to EoT were assessed using mixed-effects model for repeated measures (MMRM). Overall treatment effect and associated p value were estimated using MMRM. Results: 95 out of 118 (81%) patients with secondary resistance to IO completed baseline and ≥ one follow-up questionnaire. Median OS was 11.1 mo for OSE2101 vs 7.5 mo for SoC [HR 0.59; p = 0.02]. Median time to ECOG PS deterioration was 9.0 mo for OSE2101 vs 3.3 mo for SoC [HR: 0.43; p = 0.004]. Global Health Status remained stable with OSE2101 whereas it deteriorated from the 1st cycle with SoC (p = 0.045). Most pronounced effects were observed in the physical (ability to perform activities that require physical effort; p = 0.07) and the role (ability to work and carry out daily activities; p = 0.03) functioning scores (refer table below). Patients had less mouth soreness (p = 0.01), dysphagia (p = 0.01), peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.03), alopecia (p < 0.001) and fatigue (p = 0.06) with OSE2101 than with SoC. The change from baseline of dyspnea, coughing, hemoptysis, and pain were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions: In advanced HLA-A2+ NSCLC patients with secondary resistance to IO after sequential CT-IO, OSE2101 improves OS and maintains QoL vs. SoC, especially global health status, physical and role functioning scores. Patients presented fewer symptoms typically related to adverse effects of chemotherapy as compared to SoC. Clinical trial information: NCT02654587. [Table: see text]

An elemental diet protects mouse salivary glands from 5-fluorouracil-induced atrophy.

An elemental diet (ED) reduces adverse effects of chemotherapy, including oral mucositis, in patients with cancer. However, the detailed mechanism(s) of the healing effects of an ED remains unclear. In the present study, the protective effects of the ED, Elental®, were examined against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis and salivary gland atrophy in mice. Mucositis was induced in female ICR mice by injection of 5-FU. The mice were orally administered Elental® (ED group) or saline (control group). After treatment, the mice body weight, salivary gland weight and the histological changes in the salivary gland granular duct area were monitored. The mice body weight remained stable in the ED group, but was significantly decreased in the control group. Moreover, the salivary gland weight was higher in the ED group compared with the control group. In addition, the salivary gland granular duct area cells were larger in the ED group compared with the control group. Whole transcriptome analysis and network analysis were conducted to understand the mechanisms of action of Elental® against oral mucositis. Whole transcriptome analysis and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis data suggested that Elental® contributed to the recovery of mitochondrial function in 5-FU-damaged salivary glands. Immunohistochemical analysis of salivary gland tissue demonstrated that the expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 and epidermal growth factor were higher in the ED group compared with the control group. Next, the rate of apoptosis in the salivary glands was examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the salivary glands was lower in the ED group compared with the control group. These findings suggested that Elental® may protect mouse salivary glands from 5-FU-induced atrophic changes, which suggests that ED treatment may improve xerostomia and alleviate oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving 5-FU-based chemotherapy.

Psychocognitive functions among breast cancer survivors

Purpose: Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCIs) are one of the adverse effects of chemotherapy, so there is a need to explore alternative measures to maintain normal cognitive functions or to prevent decline in cognitive abilities. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Training Interventions Package on cognitive functions among breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Materials and Methods: A total of 59 BCSs were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. Participants of the intervention group were provided with a Cognitive Training Interventions Package to be practiced from 1st cycle until the completion of 4th cycle of chemotherapy. Both the groups were reassessed on the 4th cycle of chemotherapy. FACT Cog Version-3, Post Graduate Institute Memory Scale (PGIMS), and trail making test were used to assess cognitive functions. Activities of daily livings (ADLs) and depression, stress, and anxiety were measured using Barthel Index Scale and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, respectively. Satisfaction level among participants was measured using a self-structured questionnaire. Results: The mean age was 50.82 ± 10.12 years in the control group and 50 ± 11.24 years in the intervention group. BCSs in the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in attention and concentration (P = 0.02); retention for similar pairs (P = 0.001); recognition (P = 0.01); and visual attention, processing speed, and executive functions (P = 0.01). Intervention group also showed a significant improvement in ADLs (P = 0.04). Overall, the participants in the experimental group were more satisfied (mean = 2.00) as compared to those in the control group (mean = 1.896), which is supported by the observed statistical significant difference in the satisfaction levels of the participants (P = 0.04). Reduction in the levels of anxiety and depression was also noticed in both the groups but it was not significant. Conclusion: Cognitive training interventions package was beneficial for BCSs with CRCI to overcome cognitive impairments.

Pain coping strategies in paediatric patients newly diagnosed with leukaemia compared with healthy peers

ObjectiveChildren with leukaemia experience special difficulties adapting to stressful medical procedures and to the adverse effects of chemotherapy, though they can implement their coping strategies.The aims of the study were to assess whether the coping‐with‐pain strategies could be influenced by a child's personal and illness factors and to render possible comparisons between children with leukaemia and healthy peers. Another aim was to compare parents' and children's reports on coping strategies.MethodsA total of 125 patients (average age = 6.79 years; SD = 3.40) with acute leukaemia (lymphocytic leukaemia 90.4% and myeloid leukaemia 9.6%) and age‐matched healthy children with their parents were enrolled in the study. A socio‐demographic questionnaire and the Waldon–Varni Pediatric Pain Coping Inventory, parent and self‐report versions, were administered 1 month after diagnosis. Data regarding the therapy's side effects were recorded.ResultsThe comparison between proxy‐reports of the two groups of parents found significant differences in terms of social support, self‐cognitive instructions and catastrophising strategies. Children aged 6–10 years relied more heavily on distraction than children of other ages, using more problem‐solving and self‐cognitive instructions. The results indicated moderate parent–child agreement.ConclusionHealth professionals could help paediatric leukaemic patients in adopting more efficiently pain coping strategies applicable for different ages.

Cognitive adverse effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy: are interventions within reach?

One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The community of cancer patients is growing, and several common cancers are becoming increasingly chronic; thus, cancer survivorship is an important part of health care. A large body of research indicates that cancer and cancer therapies are associated with cognitive impairment. This research has mainly concentrated on chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment but, with the arrival of immunotherapies, the focus is expected to widen and the number of studies investigating the potential cognitive effects of these new therapies is rising. Meanwhile, patients with cognitive impairment and their healthcare providers are eagerly awaiting effective approaches to intervene against the cognitive effects of cancer treatment. In this Review, we take stock of the progress that has been made and discuss the steps that need to be taken to accelerate research into the biology underlying cognitive decline following chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to develop restorative and preventive interventions. We also provide recommendations to clinicians on how to best help patients who are currently experiencing cognitive impairment.

Secondary Metabolites from Marine-Derived Fungi and Actinobacteria as Potential Sources of Novel Colorectal Cancer Drugs.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the world. Chemotheraphy is one of the most common methods used for the pharmacological treatment of this cancer patients. Nevertheless, the adverse effect of chemotherapy is not optimized for improving the quality of life of people who are older, who are the most vulnerable subpopulation. This review presents recent updates regarding secondary metabolites derived from marine fungi and actinobacteria as novel alternatives for cytotoxic agents against colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, HT29, HCT15, RKO, Caco-2, and SW480. The observed marine-derived fungi were from the species Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Neosartorya sp., Dichotomomyces sp., Paradendryphiella sp., and Westerdykella sp. Additionally, Streptomyces sp. and Nocardiopsis sp. are actinobacteria discussed in this study. Seventy one compounds reviewed in this study were grouped on the basis of their chemical structures. Indole alkaloids and diketopiperazines made up most compounds with higher potencies when compared with other groups. The potency of indole alkaloids and diketopiperazines was most probably due to halogen-based functional groups and sulfide groups, respectively.

Comprehensive evaluation of risk factors for the development and complications of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia

Febrile neutropenia is a serious adverse effect of chemotherapy. It can lead to complications and death, as well as delays in treatment, chemotherapy dose reductions, compromised treatment efficacy, and reduced survival. The assessment of the patient-related risk factors plays a significant role in the prevention of febrile neutropenia and its complications. In the case of intermediate-risk chemotherapy, the patient-related factors contribute to the estimation of an overall febrile neutropenia risk as well as to timely planning of primary prophylaxis using growth factors. Patients presenting with febrile neutropenia undergo a detailed initial risk assessment for serious complications so that an appropriate treatment can be selected. Recommendations given by the guidelines outline the classification of and risk factors for febrile neutropenia complications. The use of patient-related factors and validated tools for the risk assessment of complications makes it possible to optimize the treatment for each patient and to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality due to febrile neutropenia.

Performance Analysis of Magnetic Nanoparticles during Targeted Drug Delivery: Application of OHAM

In recent years, the emergence of nanotechnology experienced incredible development in the field of medical sciences. During the past decade, investigating the characteristics of nanoparticles during fluid flow has been one of the intriguing issues. Nanoparticle distribution and uniformity have emerged as substantial criteria in both medical and engineering applications. Adverse effects of chemotherapy on healthy tissues are known to be a significant concern during cancer therapy. A novel treatment method of magnetic drug targeting (MDT) has emerged as a promising topical cancer treatment along with some attractive advantages of improving efficacy, fewer side effects, and reduce drug dose. During magnetic drug targeting, the appropriate movement of nanoparticles (magnetic) as carriers is essential for the therapeutic process in the blood clot removal, infection treatment, and tumor cell treatment. In this study, we have numerically investigated the behavior of an unsteady blood flow infused with magnetic nanoparticles during MDT under the influence of a uniform external magnetic field in a micro-tube. An optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) is employed to compute the governing equation for unsteady electromagnetohydrodynamics flow. The influence of Hartmann number (Ha), particle mass parameter (G), particle concentration parameter (R), and electro-osmotic parameter (k) is investigated on the velocity of magnetic nanoparticles and blood flow. Results obtained show that the electro-osmotic parameter, along with Hartmann’s number, dramatically affects the velocity of magnetic nanoparticles, blood flow velocity, and flow rate. Moreover, results also reveal that at a higher Hartman number, homogeneity in nanoparticles distribution improved considerably. The particle concentration and mass parameters effectively influence the capturing effect on nanoparticles in the blood flow using a micro-tube for magnetic drug targeting. Lastly, investigation also indicates that the OHAM analysis is efficient and quick to handle the system of nonlinear equations.

Effects of melatonin on both testicular regeneration and recovery of spermatogenesis in busulfan-treated rats

Testicular damage is one of the most hazardous effects of chemotherapy as it is frequently associated with oligozoospermia and azoospermia. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effect of melatonin in a rat model of busulfan-induced testicular injury. Rats were divided into four groups: control, melatonin, busulfan, busulfan plus melatonin. After 15 days, the semen was collected from the epididymis and testes were assessed. Sperm removed from cauda epididymis and analyzed for sperm count and viability. Testis tissues were also removed, fixed in formalin and were embedded in paraffin. Sections of testis tissue were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histological examination and prepared for TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling) assay to detect apoptosis and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigenassay) to detect proliferation cells. Serum and testes supernatants were separated to detect testosteron level and oxidative stress parameters. In histological examination, degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules were observed in the experimental groups. In biochemical examination, the total oxidant status (TOS) levels in Busulfan group were significantly higher than in the control group while the total antioxidant status (TAS) levels of all the groups were similar. In conclusion, the beneficial properties of melatonin treatment by its potent anti-oxidants may reduce adverse effects of chemotherapy in the reproductive system in a rodent system.

Efficacy of Ezio Foot Massage Intervention to Reduce the Impact of Chemotherapy Adverse Effects among Children with Hematological and Solid Tumors at AIMS, Kochi, Kerala

FM has been practised for thousands of years in different parts of the world, including Egypt, India and China. Objectives: To identify the level of nausea, vomiting, insomnia, fatigue among the control and experimental group children before chemotherapy administration. 2,3,4,5 are to assess the efficacy of EFM in reducing the CINV, Insomnia, and Fatigue among children with haematological and solid tumours respectively. Materials & methods: The tool consists of 3 sections. I Demographic profile, II Clinical profile, III Modified (NCICTC) version 3.0 was used to explore the AE of chemotherapy and its severity. Sampling technique adopted cluster randomization, the size 140 children the first 70 were selected for the control group and the next 70 were allotted for the experimental group. The Factorial research design was used [2 X 4 X 10 (2 X 5)] with repeated measures for the last variable. Results: The non-significant PCL- AE assessment between the control and experimental groups shows that both groups were more or less similar and comparable. The significant ‘P’ value of the highest order of interaction effect between Assessment, Drug and Group confirms that children in the experimental group who received FM the AE of nausea (P=0.016), vomiting (P=.001), Insomnia (P=0.000) and fatigue (P=0.000) Conclusion: The EFM, significantly, reduces the chemotherapy AE such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia and fatigue.

Baicalin; a promising chemopreventive agent, enhances the antitumor effect of 5-FU against breast cancer and inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis in Ehrlich solid tumor

Despite considerable advances in cancer treatment, chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in breast cancer therapy. Therefore, reducing chemoresistance and adverse effects of chemotherapy is a priority. In this regard, Baicalin (BA) is the dominant natural flavonoid extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis showed fascinating antitumor activity in many types of cancers, including breast cancer. The present study aimed to explore the chemopreventive and antitumor action of baicalin alone and in combination with 5-FU in addition to its ability to enhance the antitumor effect of 5-FU on breast cancer using the Ehrlich solid tumor-mice model. Materials and methodsA total of 70 female mice were divided into seven groups (1st group, saline group; 2nd group, DMSO group; 3rd group, BA+EST group; 4th group, EST group; 5th group, EST+5-FU; 6th group, EST+BA group; 7th group, EST+5-FU+BA).tumors were assessed by weight and histopathological examination. Inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis were examined by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemical examinations. Resultsshowed that pre-treatment with baicalin and treatment with baicalin and/or 5-FU significantly reduced inflammation and angiogenesis indicated by suppression of NF-kB/ IL-1β and VEGF amplification loop with marked elevation in apoptosis indicated by up-regulation of apoptotic caspase-3, pro-apoptotic p53, Bax and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. ConclusionBA is a promising preventive or adjuvant therapy in breast cancer treatment with 5-FU mainly via cooperative inhibition of inflammation, angiogenesis, and triggering apoptotic cell death.

Bacterial-Based Cancer Therapy (BBCT): Recent Advances, Current Challenges, and Future Prospects for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Currently approximately 10 million people die each year due to cancer, and cancer is the cause of every sixth death worldwide. Tremendous efforts and progress have been made towards finding a cure for cancer. However, numerous challenges have been faced due to adverse effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and alternative cancer therapies, including toxicity to non-cancerous cells, the inability of drugs to reach deep tumor tissue, and the persistent problem of increasing drug resistance in tumor cells. These challenges have increased the demand for the development of alternative approaches with greater selectivity and effectiveness against tumor cells. Cancer immunotherapy has made significant advancements towards eliminating cancer. Our understanding of cancer-directed immune responses and the mechanisms through which immune cells invade tumors have extensively helped us in the development of new therapies. Among immunotherapies, the application of bacteria and bacterial-based products has promising potential to be used as treatments that combat cancer. Bacterial targeting of tumors has been developed as a unique therapeutic option that meets the ongoing challenges of cancer treatment. In comparison with other cancer therapeutics, bacterial-based therapies have capabilities for suppressing cancer. Bacteria are known to accumulate and proliferate in the tumor microenvironment and initiate antitumor immune responses. We are currently well-informed regarding various methods by which bacteria can be manipulated by simple genetic engineering or synthetic bioengineering to induce the production of anti-cancer drugs. Further, bacterial-based cancer therapy (BBCT) can be either used as a monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer therapies for better clinical outcomes. Here, we review recent advances, current challenges, and prospects of bacteria and bacterial products in the development of BBCTs.

Pro-Apoptotic Potential of Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf Extract and Isolated Physodic Acid in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Model In Vitro.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequently diagnosed type of leukemia among children. Although chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, it has a wide range of serious side effects, including myelo- and immunosuppression, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Combination therapies using natural substances are widely recommended to attenuate the adverse effects of chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-leukemic potential of extract from the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (PSE) and isolated physodic acid (Phy) in an in vitro ALL model. A screening assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to analyze apoptosis occurrence, oxidative stress, DNA damage and stress/survival/apoptotic pathway modulation induced by the tested substances in Jurkat cells. We demonstrate for the first time that PSE and Phy treatment-induced intrinsic caspase-dependent cell death was associated with increased oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest with the activation of cell cycle checkpoint proteins p53, p21 and p27 and stress/survival kinases p38 MAPK, JNK and PI3K/Akt. Moreover, using peripheral T lymphocytes, we confirmed that PSE and Phy treatment caused minimal cytotoxicity in normal cells, and therefore, these naturally occurring lichen secondary metabolites could be promising substances for ALL therapy.

Pharmaceutical Preparation and Standardization of Swarna Vanga and Its Clinical Efficacy as Adjuvant to Reduce Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy with Special Reference to Its Rasayana Property

Abstract: Cancer is most dreadful disease affecting mankind. Many innovative healing modalities and hundreds of cancer treatments have resulted from extensive research. With chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgical excision is the oldest and most tested method. This leads to therapy problems, poor health, and a decline in quality of life, all of which necessitate treatment discontinuation. Anorexia, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and mucositis can all be caused by psychological causes. The anorexiacachexia syndrome is the most common cause of death among cancer patients. Cancer cachexia is characterised by metabolic, hormonal, and cytokine abnormalities that lead to progressive wasting. Swarna Vanga is a Kupipakwa Rasayana mentioned in Rasatarangini. Chemically it is stannous sulphide containing Shuddha Parad, Shuddha Vanga, Shuddha Gandhak, Shuddha Navasadar. Till today, no study has been carried out using Swarna Vanga for its Rasayana and Balya properties. Hence an attempt was given to study the pharmaceutical preparation, standardization and clinical efficacy of the drug in reducing adverse effects of chemotherapy with special reference to its Rasayana property through this dissertation. Thus the present study entitled “Pharmaceutical preparation and standardization of Swarna Vanga and its clinical efficacy as adjuvant to reduce adverse effects of chemotherapy with special reference to its Rasayana property” was carried out. Keywords: Swarna Vanga, adjuvant, Rasayana, cancer, chemotherapy, adverse effects, standardization.

A correlational study on adverse effects of chemotherapy and embodying body identity among Breast Cancer patients

A correlational study on adverse effects of chemotherapy and embodying body identity among Breast Cancer patients

P34.02 The Inhibitory Effect of Cisplatin, Paclitaxel, and Pemetrexed on the Growth of PC9GR Cells During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lung cancer patients have a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and interactions with the healthcare system during cancer therapy can put patients at risk. Preliminary studies in COVID-19 patients with severe disease found a reduction in the number and function of natural killer (NK) cells. Other studies in COVID-19 patients reported acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to the extreme release of inflammatory cytokines. Besides, adverse effects of chemotherapy, such as chemotherapy resistance and the escalation of cellular senescence can worsen the condition of patients with COVID-19.

Usefulness of Smartphone Apps for Improving Nutritional Status of Pancreatic Cancer Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundApproximately 80% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients suffer from anorexia, weight loss, and asthenia. Most PDAC patients receive chemotherapy, which often worsens their nutritional status owing to the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Malnutrition of PDAC patients is known to be associated with poor prognosis; therefore, nutritional management during chemotherapy is a key factor influencing the outcome of the treatment. Mobile apps have the potential to provide readily accessible nutritional support for patients with PDAC.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile app–based program, Noom, in patients receiving chemotherapy for PDAC.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 40 patients who were newly diagnosed with unresectable PDAC from a single university-affiliated hospital in South Korea, and randomly assigned them into a Noom user group (n=20) and a non-Noom user group (n=20). The 12-week in-app interventions included meal and physical activity logging as well as nutritional education feedback from dietitians. The non-Noom user group did not receive any nutrition intervention. The primary outcomes were the changes in the nutritional status and quality of life (QoL) from the baseline to 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes included the changes in the skeletal muscle index (SMI) from the baseline to 12 weeks. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) were used as paper questionnaires to assess the QoL and nutritional status of the patients. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted. Regarding the study data collection time points, we assessed the nutritional status and QoL at the baseline (T0), and at 4 (T1), 8 (T2), and 12 (T3) weeks. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging was conducted at the baseline and after 8 weeks for tumor response and SMI evaluation. The skeletal muscle area (cm2) was calculated using routine CT images. The cross-sectional areas (cm2) of the L3 skeletal muscles were analyzed.ResultsBetween February 2017 and January 2018, 48 patients were assessed for eligibility. Totally 40 patients with pancreatic cancer were included by random allocation. Only 17 participants in the Noom user group and 16 in the non-Noom user group completed all follow-ups. All the study participants showed a significant improvement in the nutritional status according to the PG-SGA score regardless of Noom app usage. Noom users showed statistically significant improvements on the global health status (GHS) and QoL scales compared to non-Noom users, based on the EORTC QLQ (P=.004). The SMI decreased in both groups during chemotherapy (Noom users, 49.08±12.27 cm2/m2 to 46.08±10.55 cm2/m2; non-Noom users, 50.60±9.05 cm2/m2 to 42.97±8.12 cm2/m2). The decrement was higher in the non-Noom user group than in the Noom user group, but it was not statistically significant (-13.96% vs. -3.27%; P=.11).ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrates that a mobile app–based approach is beneficial for nutritional and psychological support for PDAC patients receiving chemotherapy.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04109495; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04109495.