Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, with a complex interplay of molecular pathways contributing to its aggressive nature. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of the galectin family, has emerged as a pivotal player in the PDAC microenvironment, influencing various aspects from tumor growth and angiogenesis to immune modulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of Galectin-1 in PDAC. We delve into its contributions to tumor stroma remodeling, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and potential implications for therapeutic interventions. The challenges associated with targeting Gal-1 are discussed, given its pleiotropic functions and complexities in different cellular conditions. Additionally, the promising prospects of Gal-1 inhibition, including the utilization of nanotechnology and theranostics, are highlighted. By integrating recent findings and shedding light on the intricacies of Gal-1’s involvement in PDAC, this review aims to provide insights that could guide future research and therapeutic strategies.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly invasive type of cancer, is difficult to treat due to insufficient specific targets and low survival rates. Current therapy often encounters drug resistance or relapse; thus, repurposing existing drugs could revolutionize cancer treatment. This study examined the anticancer effects of the antipsychotics Cariprazine (CAR), Olanzapine (OLZ), and Clozapine (CLZ), and the immunomodulatory potential of CAR, in vitro and in vivo in TNBC models. In vitro, CAR, OLZ, and CLZ significantly inhibited the proliferation of TNBC cells. This inhibition occurred via the induction of mitochondrial apoptosis, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and the suppression of autophagy, as evidenced by the down-regulation of Bcl-2, p62, and pAKT; the upregulation of Bax and active caspase 3; the decrease of ΔΨM; and the promotion of cytochrome c release. In addition, CAR inhibited MDA-MB-231 cells migration. In vivo, CAR inhibited tumor growth in the 4T1 xenograft model without causing adverse effects and resulted in the mRNA upregulation caspase 9, p53, p21, and Beclin-1. In addition, CAR influenced the immune response by promoting the production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-1β and increasing the percentage of TNF-α⁺, IL-17⁺, IL-1β⁺, and IFN-γ⁺ CD3⁺ splenocytes. In conclusion, compared with other antipsychotics, 5-FU, and cisplatin, CAR exerted the most potent anticancer activity in TNBC in vitro and in vivo. This efficacy may be attributed to its ability to regulate apoptosis and autophagy, promote G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and modulate antitumor immune response, suggesting its therapeutic potential in breast cancer.

Objectives: Colorectal cancers represent the predominant malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, appendiceal tumors occur less frequently. Among them, appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (ANETs) account for approximately 50 % of cases and are often detected incidentally during unrelated procedures. Case presentation: We present an extremely rare case of an incidental neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix discovered during surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma and provide a review of the relevant literature. A 70-year-old patient with radiologically and endoscopically diagnosed rectal cancer underwent a low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and a temporary diverting ileostomy following preoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Intraoperatively, a small appendiceal mass was discovered and excised. Histopathological examination confirmed a well-differentiated NET of the appendix measuring 0.4 cm in diameter. Conclusions: This case report emphasizes the importance of thorough intraoperative examination during colorectal surgeries and highlights the need for increased awareness of appendiceal NETs among surgeons.

Background/Aim. Standard treatment for immune-mediated neurologic disorders (IMNDs) involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs and other therapies. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an effective supplementary immunomodulatory approach. Its main goal is to decrease patients? load of pathogenic factors (including autoantibodies) to the levels that will allow clinical improvement. Immunosuppressive medications used simultaneously with TPE reduce the ?rebound rise? of autoantibody synthesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our own standardized TPE protocol and determine the correlation of TPE treatment outcomes with paraclinical (laboratory) and apheresis parameters/data. Methods. The study included 32 patients with myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barr? syndrome or acute polyradiculoneuropathy, and multiple sclerosis. TPEs were carried out using Spectra-Optia? (Terumo-BCT, USA). Properties of our apheresis protocol used for IMND patients were as follows: a) total treatment ? five single TPE procedures; b) TPE frequency ? every other day; c) removed plasma ? one patient?s circulating plasma volume (range 2,800? 3,100 mL). TPE effectiveness was determined based on recovery of neurologic deficiency and peripheral nerve conduction, positive findings in some paraclinical (laboratory) tests, and apheresis data monitoring. Results. Using the described apheresis protocol, a clear positive therapeutic effect was observed in patients treated by TPE procedures with no interruption. TPEs were advantageous in 84.4% of patients (effectiveness rate 89.3%; non-response rate 10.7%), while in 15.6% of cases, treatment was not completed due to patients? severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (followed by coronavirus disease 19 ? COVID-19). Patients who completed five single TPEs had evident clinical improvement in terms of disability scale, muscle weakness, or neural conduction deficit. In the follow-up period, no relapses were observed. Significantly reduced values of erythrocyte parameters (especially hematocrit levels) were correlated with higher TPE effectiveness, due to increased plasma/blood cell volume ratio, followed by higher plasma-collection/removal efficacy. Other examined laboratory findings did not show a positive correlation with TPE effectiveness/productivity. Severe adverse events did not occur. There were no relapses in the following 6 months. Conclusion. In this study, the reduced levels of erythrocyte parameters (particularly hematocrit levels) were associated with an increased TPE effectiveness. For definitive conclusions, further randomized and larger clinical investigations are needed.