Polyether ionophore salinomycin (SAL) and its semi-synthetic derivatives are recognized as very promising anticancer drug candidates due to their activity against various types of cancer cells, including multidrug-resistant populations. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest among gynecologic malignancies, which is connected with the development of chemoresistant forms of the disease in over 70% of patients after initial treatment regimen. Thus, we decided to examine the anticancer properties of SAL and selected SAL derivatives against a series of drug-sensitive (A2780, SK-OV-3) and derived drug-resistant (A2780 CDDP, SK-OV-3 CDDP) ovarian cancer cell lines. Although SAL analogs showed less promising IC₅₀ values than SAL, they were identified as the antitumor agents that significantly overcome the resistance to platinum-based drugs in ovarian cancer, more potent than unmodified SAL and commonly used anticancer drugs—5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, and cisplatin. Moreover, when compared with SAL used alone, our experiments proved for the first time increased selectivity of SAL-based dual therapy with 5-fluorouracil or gemcitabine, especially towards A2780 cell line. Looking closer at the results, SAL acted synergistically with 5-fluorouracil towards the drug-resistant A2780 cell line. Our results suggest that combinations of SAL with other antineoplastics may become a new therapeutic option for patients with ovarian cancer.

The vast majority of breast cancer patients require radiotherapy but some of them will develop local recurrences and potentially metastases in the future. Recent data show that exosomal cargo is essential in these processes. Thus, we investigated the influence of ionising radiation on exosome properties and their ability to modify the sensitivity and biology of non-irradiated cells. Exosomes were isolated from breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and SKBR3) irradiated with 2 Gy (Exo 2 Gy) or no irradiation (Exo 0 Gy). Despite some differences in their molecular profiles, they did not affect cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle phase distribution, and radioresistance; however, both populations showed the ability to modify cell migration and invasion potential, as confirmed by the downregulation of β-catenin, which is responsible for maintaining the epithelial phenotype. Interestingly, exosomes from irradiated BCa cells were more actively deposited in the endothelial cells (EA.hy926). Furthermore, exosomes tend to lower the expression of CD31, which is responsible for maintaining intact vascularity. This preliminary study demonstrates the vital role of exosomes and their altered profile due to irradiation in the pathobiology of breast cancer.

Objectives: Since 1990s the number of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) has doubled. The standard treatment method for treating early endometrial cancer is surgery. Some patients require a subsequent adjuvant therapy. In early endometrial cancers its application is limited to the populations with a high risk of recurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of early endometrial cancer treatment based on an analysis of 5-year follow up of EC patients. Material and methods: The analysis consisted in a retrospective non-randomized interventional study of patients treated for early endometrial cancer (FIGO stage IA, IB, II). Its end point was either local (small pelvis) or distant recurrence of the disease. Intervention involved an adjuvant treatment applied in selected patients according to the current guidelines for EC treatment. There was no randomization for adjuvant and non-adjuvant EC treatment. The study included a total of 419 patients treated for EC from 2010 to 2012. Results: The analysis revealed that 108 patients (25.8%) were diagnosed with the recurrent disease. Out of 112 patients treated for stage IA endometrial cancer 32 (28.6%) experienced recurrence. Out of 216 patients at FIGO Stage IB, recurrence was diagnosed in 38 (17.6%). In the group of 91 patients treated for FIGO stage II, EC the recurrence was diagnosed in 38 (41.2%) cases. Conclusions: Early EC treatment results were unsatisfactory and should be improved. The best outcomes were achieved in patients with IA stage of EC who received a radiation therapy. Objectives: Since 1990s the number of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) has doubled. The standard treatment method for treating early endometrial cancer is surgery. Some patients require a subsequent adjuvant therapy. In early endometrial cancers its application is limited to the populations with a high risk of recurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of early endometrial cancer treatment based on an analysis of 5-year follow up of EC patients. Material and methods: The analysis consisted in a retrospective non-randomized interventional study of patients treated for early endometrial cancer (FIGO stage IA, IB, II). Its end point was either local (small pelvis) or distant recurrence of the disease. Intervention involved an adjuvant treatment applied in selected patients according to the current guidelines for EC treatment. There was no randomization for adjuvant and non-adjuvant EC treatment. The study included a total of 419 patients treated for EC from 2010 to 2012. Results: The analysis revealed that 108 patients (25.8%) were diagnosed with the recurrent disease. Out of 112 patients treated for stage IA endometrial cancer 32 (28.6%) experienced recurrence. Out of 216 patients at FIGO Stage IB, recurrence was diagnosed in 38 (17.6%). In the group of 91 patients treated for FIGO stage II, EC the recurrence was diagnosed in 38 (41.2%) cases. Conclusions: Early EC treatment results were unsatisfactory and should be improved. The best outcomes were achieved in patients with IA stage of EC who received a radiation therapy.