Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to be the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Recently, targeting molecules whose functions are associated with tumorigenesis has become a game changing adjunct to standard anti-cancer therapy. As evidenced by the results of preclinical and clinical investigations, whole-body irradiations (WBI) with X-rays at less than 0.1–0.2 Gy per fraction can induce remissions of various neoplasms without inciting adverse side effects of conventional chemo- and radiotherapy. In the present study, a murine model of human NSCLC was employed to evaluate for the first time the anti-neoplastic efficacy of WBI combined with inactivation of CTLA-4, PD-1, and/or HSP90. The results indicate that WBI alone and in conjunction with the inhibition of the function of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor immune checkpoints (ICs) and/or heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) markedly reduced tumorigenesis in mice implanted by three different routes with the syngeneic Lewis lung cancer cells and suppressed clonogenic potential of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells in vitro. These results were associated with the relevant changes in the profile of pro- and anti-neoplastic immune cells recruited to the growing tumors and the circulating anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, inhibition of the tested molecular targets used either separately or in combination with each other did not exert notable anti-neoplastic effects. Moreover, no significant synergistic effects were detected when the inhibitors were applied concurrently with WBI. The obtained results supplemented with further mechanistic explanations provided by future investigations will help design the effective strategies of treatment of lung and other cancers based on inactivation of the immune checkpoint and/or heat shock molecules combined with low-dose radiotherapy.
1 April 2021 in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
The importance of [11C]-choline as a PET/CT marker has been extensively described, although its production presents considerable technical difficulties. The main ones are short half-lives and the occurrence of dimethylformamide (DMF) as a residual solvent. While the losses resulting from the...
Background/Objectives: Low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) is commonly used in medical diagnoses and certain professions, but its long-term effects on noncancer diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), remain uncertain. While LDIR has recognized diagnostic benefits, its influence on CVD mortality and disease progression is still debated, with some suggesting that low doses may even have beneficial effects, as per the hormesis theory. Methods: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of LDIR on cardiovascular health outcomes. The study followed a systematic approach, using the PRISMA guidelines to select and analyze relevant studies from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Out of 167 identified studies, 8 were chosen for analysis, including 6 cohort studies and 2 experimental studies. Results: The findings indicated a significant link between LDIR exposure and increased CVD mortality and progression, though some studies also noted potential benefits of LDIR in certain conditions, aligning with the hormesis theory. Conclusions: These mixed results raise questions about the specific conditions under which LDIR might be beneficial or harmful. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for strict radiation control measures and health monitoring for individuals regularly exposed to LDIR, both in clinical and occupational settings.
Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the endocrine glands that are responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the human body. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in endocrinology. This comprehensive review explores the latest advances in novel radiopharmaceuticals with applications in the diagnosis and treatment of different endocrine disorders, including thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary disorders, as well as neuroendocrine tumours. The article discusses innovative approaches that leverage the decay characteristics of radioisotopes to enhance the accuracy of diagnostic imaging and the therapeutic capability of targeted interventions. It covers the fundamental principles underlying radiopharmaceutical design, synthesis, and imaging modalities, as well as the mechanisms that drive their efficacy in endocrine applications. Furthermore, the clinical implications of these novel radiopharmaceuticals are explored, along with their role in early detection, precise localisation, and personalised treatment strategies. Case studies and clinical trials are cited to highlight the practical utility and potential transformative impact of these advancements in the management of endocrine diseases. This review also notes current challenges, ongoing research and development, and future directions in the field. By providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of radiopharmaceuticals in endocrinology, this article aims to contribute to the collective knowledge base and foster a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and implications of these innovative technologies for both clinicians and researchers in the field of endocrine health. Keywords: nuclear endocrinology NET theranostics nuclear imaging