Differential Tumor Microenvironment in Human Ovarian Cystic Tumors

Abstract

Aims and background: Cells and soluble mediators obtained from tumor effusions are useful in evaluating the tumor microenvironment. Our aim was to examine cytologicelly and to quantify the leukocyte infiltrate, nitric oxide, cytokines and tumor markers in the intracystic fluid from patients with a cystic adnexal mass, for a possible differentiation between benign and malignant findings. Methods and study design: Sixty-six women who had their cystic fluids collected were prospectively divided into benign tumor (22, 33.3%), malignant tumor (10, 15.2%) or other gynecological alterations (34, 51.5%). Cytology, total and differential leukocyte counts were determined by light microscopy. Tumor markers, cytokines and nitric oxide were assayed in the supernatants using the lmmulite system, ELISA and Griess reaction, respectively. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the cytological analysis was 66.7% and 97.7%, respectively. The levels of CA 19.9, CA 15.3, a-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, progesterone and 13-HCG were significantly higher in the benign and/or malignant group than in the other gynecological alterations. Also, the local concentrations of CA 15.3 and 13-HCG were significantly higher in malignant than in benign tumors. In malignant tumors, increased leukocyte counts and higher concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and nitric oxide were detected than in benign tumors or other gynecological alterations. Conclusions: In malignant tumors, the microenvironment could be differentiated from benign tumors or other gynecological alterations by cystic fluid analysis.

The involvement of genetic polymorphism of IL-10 promoter in non-small cell lung cancer

“…IL-10 is also an important regulatory cytokine that is involved in many aspects of the immune response, and it seems to dysregulate in human autoimmune [18][19][20][21], malignant [13,[22][23][24][25][26][27], and infectious [28][29][30] disease. IL-10 production has also been implicated in the tumorigenesis of various types of cancers [23,31,32], and may also protect tumors by inhibiting cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated tumor-specific cell lysis [33,34].…”

Similar expression pattern of NHERF1 and EZRIN in papillary but not in solid areas of human serous ovarian carcinomas

“…NHREF1 was expressed in the epithelia of ovarian cysts facing the inner cavity or lumen. The formation of ovarian cysts has been considered a risk factor for cancer initiation; cells in the cyst are exposed to a microenvironment that could affect cell behavior (Tavares Murta et al, 2004). The surface of the cyst was covered by heterogeneous epithelium showing flat cubical cells, similar to the ovarian cortical epithelium, and cylindrical cells similar to the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes (Fig.…”

Enhancing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Gefitinib in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer through Drug Combination

“…Combination therapy targeting tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) components has always been considered a promising strategy, , offering numerous advantages over monotherapy. Specifically, combination therapy overcomes the inefficiency of monotherapy due to alterations in molecular targets or drug resistance. − Sorafenib and trabectedin are two such TME-targeted drugs that are undergoing clinical trials. , …”