Cancer Investigation

Our medical research library holds 12 studies published in Cancer Investigation (1983–2020). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 11 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it. For 1 study PubMed has no abstract for, we give the abstract printed in the article or, where there is none, a summary we wrote from it, each labeled as such.

About the journal

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Published: 1983 to the present, England
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0735-7907 (print), 1532-4192 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Adenosine Deaminase in Pleural Effusion and Its Relationship with Clinical Parameters in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Y. Nakajima, K. Kuribayashi, H. Ishigaki, et al. 2020;38(6):356-364. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Pleural effusion adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels are elevated in various diseases. We investigated whether pleural effusion ADA levels differ among patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), lung cancer (LC), and benign diseases, including tuberculous pleurisy. We examined 329 patients from February 2002 to July 2013. There were 131 MPM cases with ADA levels of 32.29 IU/L; 117 LC cases with ADA levels of 21.12 IU/L; 54 benign disease cases with ADA levels of 20.98 IU/L. A significant difference existed in pleural effusion ADA levels between MPM and benign disease patients. Pleural effusion ADA levels were significantly higher in MPM patients.

2010s

• Anticancer property of bromelain with therapeutic potential in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. K. Pillai, J. Akhter, T.C. Chua, et al. 2013;31(4):241-50. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes that is capable of hydrolyzing glycosidic linkages in glycoprotein. Glycoprotein's are ubiquitously distributed throughout the body and serve a variety of physiologic functions. Faulty glycosylation of proteins may lead to cancer. Antitumor properties of bromelain have been demonstrated in both, in vitro and in vivo studies, along with scanty anecdotal human studies. Various mechanistic pathways have been proposed to explain the anticancer properties of bromelain. However, proteolysis by bromelain has been suggested as a main pathway by some researchers. MUC1 is a glycoprotein that provides tumor cells with invasive, metastatic, and chemo-resistant properties. To date, there is no study that examines the effect of bromelain on MUC1. However, the viability of MUC1 expressing pancreatic and breast cancer cells are adversely affected by bromelain. Further, the efficacy of cisplatin and 5-FU are enhanced by adjuvant treatment with bromelain, indicating that the barrier function of MUC1 may be affected. Other studies have also indicated that there is a greater accumulation of 5-FU in the cell compartment on treatment with 5-FU and bromelain. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) expresses MUC1 and initial studies have shown that the viability of MPM cells is adversely affected by exposure to bromelain. Further, bromelain in combination with either 5-FU or cisplatin, the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drug is enhanced. Hence, current evidence indicates that bromelain may have the potential of being developed into an effective anticancer agent for MPM.

• Clinical significance of serum angiopoietin-1 in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. K. Mikami, C. Tabata, R. Tabata, et al. 2013;31(8):511-5. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  We have previously reported that angiopoietin-1 was correlated with pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we investigated the serum levels of angiopoietin-1 in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which originate from mesenchymal cells similar to lung fibroblasts. We showed that patients with peritoneal mesothelioma had significantly higher serum levels of angiopoietin-1 in comparison with a population with a history of asbestos exposure without peritoneal mesothelioma, and the Kaplan-Meier method revealed a significant correlation between serum angiopoietin-1 levels and survival. This is the first report about the relationship between angiopoietin-1 and peritoneal mesothelioma.

• Evaluation of soluble mesothelin-related peptide as a diagnostic marker of malignant pleural mesothelioma effusions: its contribution to cytology. P.A. Canessa, M.C. Franceschini, P. Ferro, et al. 2013;31(1):43-50. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) is regarded as an FDA approved biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of pleural malignant mesothelioma (MPM). We detected the SMRP levels in pleural effusions (PE) by means of an ELISA and analyzed their diagnostic relevance to differentiate MPM from benign pathology and from non-MPM pleural metastasis. Comparison with cytology in MPM-PE was also performed. We found that SMRP detection in MPM-PE can help the diagnosis of MPM and provide additional diagnostic value to cytology. We concluded that SMRP test may be incorporated into clinical practice of PE from patients suspicious for MPM.

2000s

• Health consequences of the September 11 World Trade Center attacks: a review. J. Moline, R. Herbert, N. Nguyen. 2006;24(3):294-301. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  In the aftermath of the September 11 World Trade Center (WTC) attack, a large number of people sustained potential exposures to smoke, dust, particulate matter, and a variety of toxins, including asbestos, pulverized concrete, glass fibers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated furans and dioxins. Additionally, many had exposure to psychological traumatogens. The most common effects seen to date are respiratory and mental health consequences. The long-term consequences of exposures are not yet known, and there remains concern about the potential for late-emerging diseases such as cancers. This article reviews WTC-related health effects, the spectrum of exposures and how they were documented, and discusses future preventive efforts.

• Cisplatin and irinotecan (CPT-11) for peritoneal mesothelioma. D.T. Le, M. Deavers, K. Hunt, et al. 2003;21(5):682-9. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare malignancy that is seen in patients exposed to asbestos or in young women with no known exposure to asbestos. The clinical features of the disease are similar in these two groups, and include peritoneal carcinomatosis, ascites, thrombocytemia, systemic symptoms (fever and night sweats), and hypercoagulability. There is no known curative therapy for this disease. Cisplatin has activity in 25% of patients. Mesothelial cells are known to contain high levels of carboxylesterase, a key enzyme in the activation of Irinotecan (CPT-11) to SN-38. This retrospective review of our experience in combining cisplatin 50 or 60 mg/m2 i.v. or i.p. on day 1 with CPT-11 50 or 60 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1, 8, and 15. Courses were repeated every 4 weeks x 6. If i.p. administration of cisplatin were feasible, it was the preferred route. Response to treatment was based on RECIST criteria. Fourteen men and 3 women, median age 62 years (35-76 years) and median PS 1 (0-2) were treated. Median number of courses was two for nonresponders and six for responders. The overall response rate was 24%, but 76% of patients improved on treatment. Median survival is not reached. Grade > or = 2 side effects included anemia (n = 6), neutropenia (n = 3), nausea/vomiting (n = 4), and constipation (n = 2). Grade 1 side effects were fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, alopecia, diarrhea, neuropathy, and gastric reflux. There were no grade > or = 3 hematologic toxicities. The combination of cisplatin and CPT-11 is well tolerated and has clinical benefits in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

1990s

• Mechanisms of carcinogenesis and clinical features of asbestos-associated cancers. B.T. Mossman, D.W. Kamp, S.A. Weitzman. 1996;14(5):466-80. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Exposure to asbestos, particularly members of the amphibole subgroup (crocidolite, amosite), is associated with the development of malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. Although management of asbestos in buildings and increased regulation of asbestos in workplace settings are viable approaches to the prevention of disease, the prognosis of asbestos-associated tumors is generally dismal. Moreover, although a vast amount of information is available on the responses of cells and tissues to fibers, understanding the pathogenesis of asbestos-associated malignancies is hampered by the complexity of and differences between various fiber types. Multiple interactions between components of cigarette smoke and asbestos may be important in the development of lung cancer. In this article, the general properties of asbestos fibers will be discussed with an emphasis on chemical and physical features implicated in tumorigenesis. We will then provide a brief overview of the clinical features and treatment of cancers associated with exposure to asbestos. Finally, we will review recent experimental data providing some insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis by asbestos.

• Asbestos and cancer: epidemiological and public health controversies. M. Huncharek. 1994;12(2):214-22. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  This paper discusses many of the currently controversial issues surrounding asbestos health effects and their relationship to cancer risk assessment and risk management. The major conclusions reached from this analysis are: (1) All asbestos fiber types are carcinogenic and pose a threat to human health. Therefore, all fiber types should be regulated similarly. (2) The health risks associated with indoor asbestos exposure are uncertain. Available data show that some groups, such as building maintenance personnel (among others), may contract asbestos-related diseases secondary to indoor exposure. Clearly, additional research is needed to accurately determine the extent and nature of disease risk under these conditions. (3) Controlled use has proved an elusive goal. Limited information from underdeveloped countries parallels the experience of Western industrialized nations. Efforts by the Canadian government to establish markets for asbestos in these areas should be opposed. (4) Finally, asbestos-related cancer risk is no longer confined to asbestos industry workers. Asbestos-related mesothelioma has been documented in a wide variety of occupational and nonoccupational settings, highlighting the need for continued surveillance to minimize potential health risks.

• Synchronous double malignancy: adenocarcinoma of lung and malignant astrocytoma induced by asbestos exposure. T. Kishimoto, H. Hashimoto, T. Ono, et al. 1992;10(2):129-33. Case report PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  A 54-year-old male died of cerebellar herniation induced by brain tumor. Radiological examination of this case showed two separate tumorous lesions in the brain and lung. Autopsy proved malignant astrocytoma in the brain and coincidental alveolar cell carcinoma in the lung. He had a history of asbestos exposure for 8 years doing piping work in a shipyard. Furthermore, we detected a large number of asbestos bodies in the lung and one asbestos body in the brain. Therefore, this rare case of double cancer (malignant astrocytoma and lung cancer) might have been induced by asbestos exposure.

1980s

• Malignant mesotheliomas in Kure City, Japan: the relationship of asbestos exposure. T. Kishimoto, T. Sato, T. Ono, et al. 1989;7(5):407-10. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Eighteen patients with malignant mesothelioma were seen at Kure Mutual Aid Hospital over a 10-year period. According to occupational history, chest x-ray manifestations, and evidence of asbestos bodies in the tissue, 13 of these cases were definitely thought to be due to exposure to asbestos as a result of two or three of these items testing positive. Kure City is one of the major ship-building cities in Japan since the 1920s. Most of the 18 patients worked in ship building before and during World War II. Malignant mesothelioma appeared about 40 years after their first exposure to asbestos. In western countries, most malignant mesotheliomas are thought to be induced by exposure to asbestos fibers (1,2). Consequently, there has been a serious effort to deal with this problem recently, including lowering rate of exposure. In Japan, however, there have been few reports that asbestos fibers caused malignant mesothelioma (3). This report suggests that an increased incidence of malignant mesotheliomas in a specific area of Japan may also be due to exposure to asbestos fibers.

• The epidemiology of pleural mesothelioma: current concepts and controversies. M. Huncharek. 1989;7(1):93-9. PubMed · Publisher

  Summary

  In this opinion piece (labelled 'Op-Ed'), the author reviewed published data on the epidemiology of pleural mesothelioma and highlighted controversial aspects of its relationship with asbestos. The author reported that incidence had been rising, especially among asbestos-exposed workers. U.S. SEER data for 1973–1978 gave annual age-adjusted rates of 0.9 per 100,000 in white males and 0.3 in white females, and the male rate was increasing by almost 10% per year. Diagnostic uncertainty and the lack of a specific disease code complicated incidence and mortality estimates, and projections of future asbestos-related mesotheliomas ranged from 15,000 to 300,000. The article summarized occupational risks (including mining, manufacturing, insulation, shipbuilding, railroad work and brake repair), household and environmental exposures (including zeolite in Turkish villages), and non-asbestos agents that cause mesothelioma in animals. Unresolved issues discussed were the risk from asbestos in buildings such as schools, where the estimated lifetime risk for students exposed at 0.001 f/ml was 1.7 to 17.3 cases per million, and the risk from maintenance, repair and removal work; host factors such as immune changes and HLA antigens; and the role of chrysotile. The author concluded that it appears prudent to assume all fiber types represent a mesothelioma hazard, that 'secondary' or 'bystander' exposure may be a serious health hazard, and that close surveillance of exposed school populations is necessary.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study, and the article doesn't print one. We wrote this summary from the full article with the help of AI. It is not the authors' wording.

• Initiation-promotion versus complete skin carcinogenesis in mice: importance of dark basal keratinocytes (stem cells). T.J. Slaga, A.J. Klein-Szanto. 1983;1(5):425-36. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Tumor promotion research has accelerated at an explosive level during the past decade and continues to do so because of its importance to the understanding of the induction of human cancer. Furthermore, the promotion process, being mostly reversible allows one to find very effective ways to prevent cancer. The extensive data available as well as the multistage nature of tumor promotion suggests that this process, which is thought to occur in most tissues where cancer can be induced or occurs spontaneously, may involve the interaction of a number of environmental factors such as chemical, radiation, viruses and diet and nutrition, thus unifying all of the current areas of cancer research. In terms of human cancer, smoking, asbestos, radiation, alcohol and diet, and nutrition just to mention a few, are not thought to have more than a promotional influence in the carcinogenesis process. Here and in later papers we will discuss some important aspects of promotion as well as discuss the possible controversial nature of this process. In this review we present data which suggest that carcinogenesis can be operatively and mechanistically divided into various stages.

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