West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Clarification of the APJCP Editorial Policy2589259030867ENJournal Article19700101West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Recent Progress in HER2 Associated Breast Cancer2591260030801ENJournal Article19700101Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide among women and the second most common cancer.Approximately 15-23% of breast cancers over-express human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2), a185-kDa transmembrane tyrosine kinase, which is mainly found at the cell surface of tumor cells. HER2-positivebreast cancer, featuring amplification of HER2/neu and negative expression of ER and PR, has the three followingcharacteristics: rapid tumor growth, lower survival rate, and better response to adjuvant therapies. Clinically,it is notable for its role in a pathogenesis that is associated with increased disease recurrence and acts as a worseprognosis. At the same time, it represents a good target for anti-cancer immunotherapy despite the prevalenceof drug resistance. New treatments are a major topic of research, and a brighter future can be expected. Thisreview discusses the role of HER2 in breast cancer, therapeutic modalities available and prognostic factors.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Biomarkers for Evaluation of Prostate Cancer Prognosis2601261130802ENJournal Article19700101Prostate cancer, with a lifetime prevalence of one in six men, is the second cause of malignancy-related deathand the most prevalent cancer in men in many countries. Nowadays, prostate cancer diagnosis is often basedon the use of biomarkers, especially prostate-specific antigen (PSA) which can result in enhanced detectionat earlier stage and decreasing in the number of metastatic patients. However, because of the low specificityof PSA, unnecessary biopsies and mistaken diagnoses frequently occur. Prostate cancer has various featuresso prognosis following diagnosis is greatly variable. There is a requirement for new prognostic biomarkers,particularly to differentiate between inactive and aggressive forms of disease, to improve clinical managementof prostate cancer. Research continues into finding additional markers that may allow this goal to be attained.We here selected a group of candidate biomarkers including PSA, PSA velocity, percentage free PSA, TGFβ1,AMACR, chromogranin A, IL-6, IGFBPs, PSCA, biomarkers related to cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, PTEN,androgen receptor, cellular adhesion and angiogenesis, and also prognostic biomarkers with Genomic tests fordiscussion. This provides an outline of biomarkers that are presently of prognostic interest in prostate cancerinvestigation.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Radiation Induced Lung Injury: Prediction, Assessment and Management2613261730803ENJournal Article19700101Radiation induced lung injury has long been considered a treatment limiting factor for patients requiringthoracic radiation. This radiation induced lung injury happens early as well as late. Radiation induced lung injurycan occur in two phases viz. early (< 6 months) when it is called radiation pneumonitis and late (>6 months) whenit is called radiation induced lung fibrosis. There are multiple factors that can be patient, disease or treatmentrelated that predict the incidence and severity of radiation pneumonitis. Radiation induced damage to the type Ipneumocytes is the triggering factor to initiate such reactions. Over the years, radiation therapy has witnessed aparadigm shift in radiation planning and delivery and successfully reduced the incidence of lung injury. Radiationpneumonitis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Steroids, ACE inhibitors and pentoxyphylline constitute thecornerstone of therapy. Radiation induced lung fibrosis is another challenging aspect. The pathophysiology ofradiation fibrosis includes continuing inflammation and microvascular changes due to pro-angiogenic and profibrogenicstimuli resembling those in adult bronchiectasis. General supportive management, mobilization ofairway secretions, anti-inflammatory therapy and management of acute exacerbations remains the treatmentoption. Radiation induced lung injury is an inevitable accompaniment of thoracic radiation.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Selenium and Vitamin E for Prostate Cancer - Justifications for the SELECT Study2619262730804ENJournal Article19700101There are several studies that relate oxidative damage as possible mechanism for many cancers. Manystudies have also shown that anti-oxidants like selenium and vitamin E decrease the risk for prostate cancer.The main objective of the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) study was to look forthe benefits of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on prostate cancer. The study had a large sample size,stringent experimental conditions, very long duration, standardized laboratories for biochemical analysesand other factors that contribute to high external validity. The SELECT study failed to show any significantrisk reduction for prostate cancers ascribable to selenium and vitamin E supplementations. Because of theseconflicting results, many researchers argue about the methods used, supplementations administered (seleniumand vitamin E) and indicators used for assessing levels of supplementations. We reviewed many epidemiologicalstudies, clinical trials, and pre-clinical studies. With corroborative evidences we justify that SELECT study hasa sound methodology and rationale. In lieu of the contrary results of the select study, researchers should focuson the probable mechanisms for these contrary findings and continue their search for newer and effective agentsfor prevention of prostate cancer.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting: Methods and Utility after Surgery in Cancer Patients?2629263530805ENJournal Article19700101Most cancer patients experience nausea and vomiting after surgery. Today, many methods of treatment havebeen developed and used for the control of such symptoms. The most important are drug therapy, relaxation,oxygen therapy and gas therapy. In addition, dexamethasone, massage therapy and using a Venturi mask havealso proven effective. Due to the nature of gas consumption which leads to nausea it is recommended that useof N2O in the operating room be avoided or applied in combination with oxygen or other gases with fewercomplications.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Predictors of Progress in the Stage of Adoption of Breast Cancer Screening for Korean Women2637264330806ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> It has been proven that an individuals health behavior is determined through a series ofprocesses. This study aimed to assess the stages of adoption of breast cancer screening, and to identify the factorsrelating to progress through these stages. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: There were 202 female participants aged 20-59 years who were living in Chungbuk, South Korea. They were informed of the study purpose and agreed toparticipate. Data were collected from October 2010 to January 2011 by assessing the breast cancer screeningstage, health beliefs, socio-demographic factors, and other facilitating factors. The participant current stage ofadoption of breast cancer screening was classified using the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM), andthe various PAPM stages were compared with each other to identify factors likely to determine progress betweenstages. The data were analyzed using the χ2-test, ANOVA, Duncan test, and multiple logistic regression. <br/><b>Results</b>:Approximately half of all participants were not on-schedule for breast self-examination and mammography(unaware, 9.4% and 11.4%, unengaged, 8.4% and 5.0%, undecided, 20.3% and 17.8%, decided not to act, 1.5%and 1.0%, decided to act, 13.4% and 15.3%, respectively). The factors likely to determine the progress fromone stage to another were age, marital status, exposure to media information about breast cancer, self-efficacy,and perceived severity. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: These results suggest that it is necessary to develop a tailored message forbreast cancer screening behavior.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Predictive and Prognostic Significance of p27, Akt, PTEN and PI3K Expression in HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer2645265130807ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> The phosphatidylinositol 3’-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway is a key regulator for HER2-overexpressing breast cancer, but data about whether activation of PI3K/Akt is associated with poor prognosisand resistance to trastuzumab therapy is controversial. In this study we investigated predictive and prognosticsignificance of expression of p27, Akt, PTEN and PI3K, which are components of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), retrospectively. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Fifty-four HER2-positive MBC patients who had received first-line trastuzumab-based therapy were recruited for the study group.All of the patient’s breast tissue samples were examined for p27 and Akt expression. In addition, twenty-fivepatients with sufficient amount of tumor tissue were also examined for PTEN and PI3K expression. p27, Akt,PTEN and PI3K were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and their relationship with patient demographicfeatures, tumor characteristics, response to trastuzumab-based treatment and survival outcomes were analyzed.<br/><b>Results</b>: p27, Akt, PTEN and PI3K were positive in 25.9%, 70.4%, 24% and 96% of the cases, respectively.Nomne were significantly associated with response to trastuzumab and time to progression (TTP). A trend towardstatistical significance for longer overall survival (OS) was found for PTEN-positive patients (p=0.058); there wasno significant relationship between the other immunohistochemical variables and OS. When we analyzed groupsregarding co-expression, the PTEN-negative/Akt-negative group had a significantly lower objective responserate (ORR) (20% vs 80%, p=0.023) and the PTEN-negative/p27-negative and PTEN-negative/Akt-negativegroups had significantly lower median OS compared to other patients (26.4 months vs 76.1 months, p=0.005 and25.6 months vs 52.0 months, p=0.007, respectively). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: p27, Akt, PTEN and PI3K expression is notstatistically significantly associated with ORR, TTP and OS, individually. However, the combined evaluationof p27, Akt and PTEN could be helpful to predict the response to trastuzumab-based therapy and prognosis inHER2-positive MBC.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Incidence in North Tunisia: Negative Trends in Adults but not Adolescents, 1994-20062653265730808ENJournal Article19700101Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the second most common neoplasm of head and neck in Tunisia. Thedistribution is bimodal with a first period occurrence between 15 and 20 years old and a second peak at around50 years of age. Undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharynx type III (UCNT) is the predominant histologicaltype (93.4%). Data of cancer registry of North Tunisia confirmed that it is an intermediate risk area for NPCwith overall ASRs of 3.6 and 1.6/100,000 respectively in males and females. This study aimed to present theevolution of incidence rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma over a period of 12 years (1994-2006). Data of cancerregistry of North Tunisia (NTCR), covering half of the Tunisian population, were used to determine evolutionof NPC incidence, calculated by 5 year periods. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used asan estimate of the trend. To best summarize the behavior or the data trend across years, we used a join-pointregression program. Between 1994 and 2006, we observed negative annual average change of standardizedincidence in men and women (-3.3%and -2.7%) also for the standardized incidences which showed a ratherimportant decline (26.4% in males and 22.3% in females). The truncated age standardized incidence rate ofNPC in adults aged of 30 years old and more (N= 1209) decreased by -0.4% per year from 1994 to 2006 overtime in north Tunisia dropping from 6.09 to 4.14 person-years. However, the rate was relatively stable duringthis period among youths aged 0-29 years (N= 233) in both sexes. NPC demonstrated a favorable evolution from1994-2006 probably due to a improvement in socioeconomic conditions.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Cyr61/CCN1 Overexpression Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Leading to Laryngeal Tumor Invasion and Metastasis and Poor Prognosis2659266430809ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> To examine the expression of cysteine-rich 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) protein in laryngeal squamouscellcarcinoma (LSCC) tissues, and its relationship with the tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT),invasion, metastasis, and prognosis. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect theexpressions of Cyr61, Vimentin (Vim), and E-cadherin (E-cad) in 88 cases of LSCC tissues and 30 cases oftumor-adjacent normal tissues. Vim and E-cad were used as mesenchymal and epithelial markers, respectively,to determine the relationship between Cyr61 expression and the EMT of LSCC cells. In addition, clinical andhistopathological data were combined to analyze the relationship between the positive-expression rates of Cyr61,Vim and E-cad and LSCC invasion, metastasis and prognosis. <br/><b>Results</b>: In LSCC tissues, Vim expression ratewas significantly higher than that of the tumor-adjacent tissues, whereas E-cad expression rate was significantlylower than that of the tumor-adjacent tissues. The Vim expression rate was significantly higher in stages T3and T4 than in stages T1 and T2 LSCC tissues, whereas E-cad expression rate was significantly lower in stagesT3 and T4 than in stages T1 and T2 LSCC tissues. Compared to the group without lymph node metastasis, theVim expression rate was significantly higher and the E-cad expression rate was significantly lower in the groupwith lymph node metastasis. The expression rate of Cyr61 was significantly higher in LSCC tissues than in thetumor-adjacent normal tissues. In addition, the Cyr61 expression rate was higher in stages T3 and T4 than instages T1 and T2 LSCC, and higher in the group with lymph node metastasis than in the group without lymphnode metastasis. The Vim expression rate was significantly higher in the Cyr61 positive group than in the Cyr61negative group, whereas the E-cad expression rate was significantly higher in the Cyr61 negative group thanin the Cyr61 positive group. Survival analysis indicated that survival rates of Cyr61 positive, Vim positive andE-cad negative groups were significantly lower than that of Cyr61 negative, Vim negative and E-cad positivegroups, respectively. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Cyr61 expression is closely associated with LSCC invasion and lymph nodemetastasis. Overexpression of Cyr61 may induce EMT and therefore leads to LSCC invasion and metastasisand poor prognosis. Cyr61 may become a new maker for clinical prediction of LSCC invasion and metastasisand a new target for LSCC treatment.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Tumor-derived CD4+CD25+ Tregs Inhibit the Maturation and Antigen-Presenting Function of Dendritic Cells2665266930810ENJournal Article19700101CD4+CD25+regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in regulation of immnue response and maintenance ofself-tolerance. Studies have found Tregs could suppress tumor-specific T cell-mediated immune response andpromote cancer progression. Depletion of Tregs can enhance antitumor immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) areprofessional antigen-presenting cells and capable of activating antigen-specific immune responses, which makethem ideal candidate for cancer immunotherapy. Now various DC vaccines are considered as effective treatmentfor cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation of Tregs in BALB/C mice with hepatocellular carcinomaand investigate the interaction between tumor-derived Tregs, effector T cells (Teff) and splenic DCs. We foundthe percentages of Tregs/CD4+ in the peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were higher than in normal mice.Tumor-derived Tregs diminished the up-regulation of costimulatory molecule expression on splenic DCs, evenin the presence of Teff cells and simultaneously inhibited IL-12 and TNF-α secretion by DCs.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Mean Platelet Volume Could be a Possible Biomarker for Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas2671267430811ENJournal Article19700101Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine cancer and is evident in nearly 5% of thyroid nodules. Thecorrelation between mean platelet volume (MPV) and many other cancer types has been investigated previously.However, the correlation between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and MPV has not yet been studied in detail.The aim of this study was to examine whether MPV would be a useful inflammatory marker to differentiate PTCpatients from cases of benign goiter and healthy controls. Preoperative MPV levels in patients with PTC werefound to be significantly higher when compared with benign goiter patients and healthy controls ((respectively,8.05 femtoliter (fl), 7.57 fl, 7.36 fl, p=0.001). After surgical treatment of PTC patients, a significant decrease inMPV levels was seen (8.05 fl versus 7.60 fl, p=0.005). ROC analysis suggested 7.81 as the cut-off value for MPV(AUC=0.729, sensitivity 60%, specificity 80%). In conclusion, maybe changes in MPV levels can be used asan easily available biomarker for monitoring the risk of PTC in patients with thyroid nodules, enabling earlydiagnosis of PTC.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Intrinsic Tumour Factors Affecting Recurrence in Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: a Hospital Based Study from India2675267730812ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Depending on various pathological factors, non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) showsvarying degrees of recurrence. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of recurrence of NMIBSin our centre, study the influence of intrinsic tumour characteristics like grade, stage, size and number, andcompare our results with data in the published literature. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A hospital based retrospectivestudy was conducted on patients who underwent treatment for NMIBC from 2011 to 2014. The factors studiedwere number, size, grade, stage and site for correlation with recurrence. Statistical analysis was performedusing Medcalc version 12, using Pearson’s Chi square test to ascertain associations between variables. <br/><b>Results</b>:A total of 73 patients with NMIBC were studied of which 48 (65.8%) had low grade and 25 (34.2%) had highgrade tumours. Some 38 patients (52.1%) had Ta tumours, 34 (46.6%) had T1 and one had CIS. Mean follow upwas 34.3 months. Recurrence rates were found to be 33.3% in low grade and 52.0% in high grade tumours. Theoverall recurrence rate in our centre was 39.7%. Significant correlations were seen between stage and recurrence,with a rate of 15% for Ta and 63.3% for T1 tumours. Fourteen out of 21 bladder cancers (66.6%) with multipletumours demonstrated recurrence (p=0.006). Grade, size and site had no influence. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: In our study,recurrence of NMIBC was found to be directly proportional to stage and number of primary tumours, but notgrade, size and site. The incidence of recurrence of NMIBC both stage wise and grade wise in our centre wasalso low compared to the data in the published literature.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Inhibitory effect of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Against Benzo[a] Pyrene-Induced Rise in CYP1A1 mRNA and Apoprotein Levels as its Chemopreventive Properties2679268330813ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), the most comprehensively studied aromatic isothiocyanate,has been shown to act as an anti-cancer agent mainly through modulation of biotransformation enzymesresponsible for metabolizing carcinogens in the human body. Humans are often exposed to carcinogenic factors,some of which through the diet, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene via the consumptionof over-cooked meats. Inhibition of the enzymes responsible for the bioactivation of this carcinogen, for exampleCYP1A1, the major enzyme required for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bioactivation, is recognizedas a chemoprevention strategy. <br/><b>Objective</b>: To evaluate the inhibitory effects of PEITC against benzo[a]pyreneinducedrise in rat liver CYP1A1 mRNA and apoprotein levels. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Precision cut rat liverslices were treated with benzo[a]pyrene at 1 and 5 μM in the presence of PEITC (1-25 μM) for 24 hours, followedby determination of CYP1A1 mRNA and apoprotein levels using quantitative polymerase chain reaction andimmunoblotting. <br/><b>Results</b>: Findings revealed that PEITC inhibited benzo[a]pyrene-induced rise in rat liverCYP1A1 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner as well as the apoprotein levels of CYP1A. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: It wasdemonstrated that PEITC can directly inhibit the bioactivation of benzo[a]pyrene, indicating chemopreventivepotential.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Preoperative Serum CEA and CA19-9 in Gastric Cancer - a Single Tertiary Hospital Study of 1,075 Cases2685269130814ENJournal Article19700101To evaluate the clinical impact of preoperative serum CEA and CA19-9 on resectable gastric cancer (GC),a total of 1,075 consecutive cases with gastric adenocarcinoma were obtained retrospectively from January2012 and December 2013 in a single tertiary hospital, and the relationships between serum CEA, CA19-9 andclinicopathologic features were investigated. Positive preoperative serum rates of CEA and CA19-9 were 22.4%and 12.3% respectively, levels significantly correlating with each other and depth of invasion, lymph nodeinvolvement, pTNM and stage. The CEA level also presented a remarkable association with lymphovascularinvasion. Both CEA and CA19-9 positivity significantly and positively correlated with depth of invasion, nodalinvolvement, pTNM stage, lymphovascular invasion, tumor size and tumor location. Stratified analyses accordingto gender or tumor location showed preoperative CEA or CA19-9 had different associations with clinicopathologicfeatures in different gender subgroups or location subgroups. Preoperative serum CA19-9 positivity may bemore meaningful for tumor size rather than CEA. In conclusion, preoperative serum CEA and CA19-9 correlatewith disease progression of GC, and may have applications in aiding more accurate estimation of tumor stage,decision of treatment choice and prognosis evaluation.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Diagnosis Value of Membrane Glycolipids Biochemistry Index in Intracranial and Gastrointestinal Tumors2693269630815ENJournal Article19700101The diagnostic value of membrane glycolipid biochemistry index, the lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) and totalsialic acid (TSA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was evaluated in 30 intracranial and 65 gastrointestinal tumors.The plasma LSA, TSA and red cell membrane sialic acid (R-SA) in were determined according to the method ofSevenmerhulm. Our results showed that the levels of LSA and TSA in CSF of intracranial tumor patients washigher than that of normal group(p<0.01). The concentration of TSA and LSA in patients with malignant gliomawas higher than that of benign meningioma patients(P<0.01). No significance was found between intracranialhalmatoma patients and normal control group for levels of membrane glycolipids (p>0.05). Results also found thatthe plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA of gastric carcinoma were significantly higher than those of control group (p<0.05);while no significant difference was found in the plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA levels between chronic gastritis,gastrohelcoma and normal control group (p>0.05). Plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA levels of gastric carcinoma patientwere significantly higher than those of chronic gastritis patients and gastrohelcoma patients(p<0.05). It was alsofound that plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA contents were significantly higher in large intestine carcinoma patientsthan in benign in stestine tumor patients (p<0.05) while no significant difference was found between intestinebenign tumor and normal control group (p>0.05). The levels of LSA, TSA and R-SA were obviously higher inthe patients with metastasis than in the ones without (p<0.05.) The membrane glycolipid biochemistry indexLSA and TSA in CSF are sensive markers for diagnosing intracranial tumors. For gastrointestinal malignanttumors the plasma LSA TSA and red blood cell membrane SA may be considered as auxiliary indicators fordiagnosis. They can be used for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Assessment of Perception of Medical Students in Regard to Links between Tobacco or Alcohol Use and Cancer2697270030816ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> The aim of this study was to assess cancer awareness among medical students in Saudi Arabiatoward tobacco and alcohol use as risk factors. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional survey from October toDecember 2014, covering 1200 medical students, was performed. <br/><b>Results</b>: Of the total, 975 (81.25%) responded.The male to female ratio was 1.00:7.125. 96/975 (9.8%) had smoked tobacco in their lifetime, and 51/975 (5.23%)were alcoholic beverage consumers. On asking them whether tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption can causecancer, only 4/975 (0.4%) and 14/975 (1.43%) answered no for smoking and alcohol, respectively. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>:The prevalence of smoking and alcohol use is very low among medical students, which might be due to highfemale contribution besides social stigma. The prevalence of second-hand smoke (SHS) was found to be veryhigh in Hail region.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on MMP-9 and TIMP-1 Levels in Chondrosarcoma Cells Stimulated with IL-1β2701270530817ENJournal Article19700101Chondrosarcoma, the second most common type of bone malignancy, is characterized by distant metastasisand local invasion. Previous studies have shown that treatment by pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) hasbeneficial effects on various cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of PEMF applied for 3 and 7days on the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells stimulated with two differentdoses of IL-1β. SW1353 cells were treated with (0.5 and 5 ng/ml) IL-1β and PEMF exposure was applied either3 or 7 days. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured in conditioned media by enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay. The results were relative to protein levels. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis ofvariance (ANOVA). P<0.05 was considered significant. PEMF treatment significantly decreased MMP-9 proteinlevels in human chondrosarcoma cells stimulated with 0.5 ng/ml IL-1β at day 7, whereas it did not show anyeffect on cells stimulated with 5 ng/ml IL-1β. There was no significant change in TIMP-1 protein levels eitherby IL-1β stimulation or by PEMF treatment. The results of this study showed that PEMF treatment suppressedIL-1β-mediated upregulation of MMP-9 protein levels in a dual effect manner. This finding may offer newperspectives in the therapy of bone cancer.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Role of the MDM2 Promoter Polymorphism (-309T>G) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Development2707271230818ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> The human homologue of the mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) gene is a negative regulator ofTp53. MDM2-309T>G a functional promoter polymorphism was found to be associated with overexpressionthereby attenuation of Tp53 stress response and increased cancer susceptibility. We have planned to evaluate thepossible role of MDM2-309T>G polymorphism with risk and response to chemotherapy in AML. Materials and<br/><b>Methods</b>: A total of 223 de novo AML cases and 304 age and sex matched healthy controls were genotyped for theMDM2-309T>G polymorphism through the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCRmethod. In order to assess the functional relationship of -309T>G SNP with MDM2 expression level, we quantifiedMDM2 mRNA in 30 primary AML blood samples through quantitative RT-PCR. Both the (-309T>G) genotypesand the MDM2 expression were correlated with disease free survival (DFS) rates among patients who haveachieved complete remission (CR) after first induction chemotherapy. <br/><b>Results</b>: MDM2-309T>G polymorphismwas significantly associated with AML development (p<0.0001). The presence of either GG genotype or G alleleat MDM2-309 confered 1.79 (95% CI: 1.12-2.86; p<0.001) and 1.46 fold (95%CI: 1.14-1.86; p= 0.003) increasedAML risk. Survival analysis revealed that CR+ve cases with GG genotype had significantly increased DFS rates(16months, p=0.05) compared to CR+ve TT (11 months) and TG (9 months) genotype groups. Further, MDM2expression was also found to be significantly elevated in GG genotype patients (p=0.0039) and among CR+vecases (p=0.0036). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The MDM2-309T>G polymorphism might be involved in AML development andalso serve as a good prognostic indicator.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Meta-Analysis of the Association between the rs8034191 Polymorphism in AGPHD1 and Lung Cancer Risk2713271730819ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Possible associations between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8034191 in theaminoglycosidephosphotransferase domain containing 1 (AGPHD1) gene and lung cancer risk have been studiedby many researchers but the results have been contradictory. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A computerized searchfor publications on rs8034191 and lung cancer risk was performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidenceintervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between rs8034191 and lung cancer risk with 13 selectedcase-control studies. Sensitivity analysis, test of heterogeneity, cumulative meta-analysis, and assessment ofbias were also performed. <br/><b>Results</b>: A significant association between rs8034191 and lung cancer susceptibilitywas found using the dominant genetic model (OR=1.344, 95% CI: 1.285-1.406), the additive genetic model(OR=1.613, 95% CI: 1.503-1.730), and the recessive genetic model (OR=1.408, 95% CI: 1.319-1.503). Moreover,an increased lung cancer risk was found with all genetic models after stratification of ethnicity. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Theassociation between rs8034191 and lung cancer risk was significant using multiple genetic models, suggestingthat rs8034191 is a risk factor for lung cancer. Further functional studies of this polymorphism and lung cancerrisk are warranted.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Identification of ANXA1 as a Lymphatic Metastasis and Poor Prognostic Factor in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma2719272430820ENJournal Article19700101<br/><b>Objective</b>: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of annexin a1 (ANXA1) andprovide molecular evidence to support that decreased ANXA1 expression could enhance cancer migration andinvasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Immunohistochemistry of atissue microarray with 162 surgically resected PDAC specimens was performed to examine the expression ofANXA1. We also investigated the relationship between ANXA1 expression and clinicopathological factors andprognosis of PDAC patients. We further studied the role of ANXA1 in PDAC cell proliferation, migration andinvasion by cell proliferation assay, migration assay and matrigel invasion assay with reduced ANXA1 expressionby RNAi. Western blotting was used to detect matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor ofmetalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression. We also detected MMP-9 enzyme activity by gelatin zymography.<br/><b>Results</b>: Decreased expression of ANXA1 was significantly associated with poor differentiation, lymph nodemetastasis and advanced TNM stage of PDAC patients (p<0.05). Moreover, decreased expression of ANXA1was correlated with poor survival (p<0.05). Furthermore, we found that ANXA1 knockdown inhibited cellproliferation, induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest, increased PDAC cell migration and invasion capacity comparedwith controls. In addition, Western blotting showed that ANXA1 knockdown increased the MMP-9 proteinlevel and decreased TIMP-1 expression. Gelatin zymography showed that MMP-9 enzyme activity was alsoelevated. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Negative ANXA1 expression is a most unfavorable prognostic factor for PDAC patients.ANXA1 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation by inducing G1 phase cell cycle arrest and increases migrationand invasion of PDAC cells through up-regulating MMP-9 expression and activity, implying that ANXA1 mayserve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701S100A12 and RAGE Expression in Human Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma: a Role for the Ligand/RAGE Axis in Tumor Progression?2725272930821ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and prostate cancer are the most frequent cancers in themale genitourinary tract. Measurement of biological biomarkers may facilitate clinical monitoring and aidearly diagnosis of TCC. The aim of the present investigation was to detect the mRNA levels of S100A12 andRAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in patients suffering from bladder TCC. Materials and<br/><b>Methods</b>: To explore the involvement of S100A12 and RAGE genes, total RNA was harvested from cancertissues and samples obtained from normal non-tumorized urothelium of the same patients. Quantitative PCR(qPCR) was subsequently employed to determine the mRNA levels of S100A12 and RAGE. <br/><b>Results</b>: The resultsshowed that mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGE was significantly up-regulated in the cancer tissue.<br/><b>Conclusions</b>: According to the results presented in the current study, mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGEmight be as a useful biomarker for TCC. Therefore, this ligand-receptor axis possibly plays important roles inthe development of TCC and may serve either as an early diagnostic marker or as a key factor in monitoring ofresponse to treatment. More research is required concerning inhibition of the S100A12-RAGE axis in differentcancer models.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Public Awareness of Warning Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Oman: A Community-Based Survey of Adults2731273730822ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> The majority of deaths from cancer occur in low and middle income countries, partly due topoor public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A community based surveyusing the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) questionnaire was conducted in three different communities inOman. Omani adults aged 18 years and above were invited to participate in the study. <br/><b>Results</b>: A total of 345responded from 450 invited participants (response rate=76.7%). The majority of respondents were unable toidentify the common signs and symptoms of cancer identified in the CAM (average awareness was 40.6%). Themost emotional barrier to seeking help was worry about what the doctor might find (223, 64.6%); a practicalbarrier was too busy to make an appointment (259, 75.1%) and a service barrier was difficulty talking to thedoctor (159, 46.1%). The majority of respondents (more than 60% for seven out of ten symptoms) would seekmedical help in two weeks for most signs or symptoms of cancer. Females were significantly more likely thanmales to be embarrassed (p<0.001), scared (p=0.001), and lack confidence talking about their symptoms (p=0.022).<br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Urgent strategies are needed to improve public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer inOman. This might leads to earlier diagnosis, improved prognosis and reduced mortality from cancer.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Assessing Activity Limitation Among Cancer Survivors in Korea Using Data from a Nationwide Survey2739274330823ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> More than 1 million cancer survivors reside in Korea. We here investigated activity limitationsof cancer survivors compared to controls without a history of cancer. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Using the 4thand 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2012) data, we identified 1,155 adultcancer survivors. Activity limitations were defined as limitation in activities of daily living, experience of lying ina sickbed, and number of days lying in a sickbed during the last month. Descriptive analysis and multiple logisticregression compared these measures for survivors and controls by sex and age groups. <br/><b>Results</b>: Approximately29.4% of cancer survivors reported limitation in activities of daily living, 14.6% experienced lying in a sickbed,and 4.3% experienced more than 15 days lying in a sickbed during the last month. After controlling fordemographic and health-related factors, cancer survivors were more likely to report activity limitation thancontrols. The associations were similar across sex and age groups. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Cancer survivors have increasedactivity limitation compared to controls and these limitations persist across sex and age. Targeted interventionsand improved management are essential for improving cancer survivor daily life.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701PLCE1 Gene in Esophageal Cancer and Interaction with Environmental Factors2745274930824ENJournal Article19700101<br/><b>Objective</b>: To study the PLCE1 gene rs2274223 polymorphism with regard to esophageal cancer and itsinteraction with diet, lifestyle, psychological and environmental factors in Southwest Shandong province.Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A case series study (case-case) was conducted. Questionnaire data were collected and3 ml-5ml venous blood was drawn for DNA extraction among the qualified research subjects. PLCE1 genepolymorphism was detected after PCR amplification of DNA. SPSS 13.0 software was used for statistical analysisof the data. <br/><b>Results</b>: The three genotypes A/A, A/G and G/G PLCE1 gene rs2274223 was 31, 16 and 4 cases,accounting for 60.8%, 31.4%, 0.08% respectively. The difference of three genotypes (AA/GA/GG) proportionbetween negative and positive family history of patients was statistically significant, χ2=6.213, p=0.045. There wasno statistically significant relationship between PLCE1 gene rs2274223 polymorphism and smoking, drinking,χ2=0.119, p=0.998, and χ2=1.727, p=0.786. There was no linkage of the three rs2274223 PLCE1 gene genotypes(AA/GA/GG) proportion with eating fried, pickled, hot, mildew, overnight, smoked, excitant food, eat speed, salttaste or not (p>0.05). or with living environment pollution and nine risk factors of occupational exposure (p>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in TS scores between different genotype of rs2274223 PLCE1gene. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphism has a relationship with family history of esophagealcancer, but does not have any significant association with age, gender, smoking, alcohol drinking, food hygiene,eating habits, living around the environment and occupation in cases.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701TRAIL Suppresses Human Breast Cancer Cell Migration via MADD/CXCR72751275630825ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can specifically induceapoptosis limited to various cancer cells, so this reagent is considered a promising medicine for cancer therapy.TRAIL also exerts effects on non-apoptotic signals, relevant to processes such as metastasis, autophagy andproliferation in cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of TRAIL-regulated non-apoptotic signals are unclear.The purpose of this study was to investigate MADD/CXCR7 effects in TRAIL-mediated breast cancer cellmigration. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: The ability of MADD/CXCR7 to regulate MVP signaling in TRAIL-mediatedbreast cancer cells migration was evaluated by transwell migration assay, quantitative RT-PCR, Westernblotting and knock down experiments. <br/><b>Results</b>: In this study, we found that treatment with TRAIL resultedin induced expression levels of MADD and CXCR7 in breast cancer cells. Knock down of MADD followed bytreatment with TRAIL resulted in increased cell migration compared to either treatment alone. Similarly, throughoverexpression and knockdown experiments, we demonstrated that CXCR7 also positively regulated TRAILinhibitedmigration. Surprisingly, knock down of MADD lead to inhibition of TRAIL-induced CXCR7 mRNAand protein expression and overexpression of CXCR7 lead to the reduction of MADD expression, indicatingthat MADD is an upstream regulatory factor of TRAIL-triggered CXCR7 production and a negative feedbackmechanism between MADD and CXCR7. Furthermore, we showed that CXCR7 is involved in MADD-inhibitedmigration in breast cancer cells. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Our work defined a novel signaling pathway implicated in thecontrol of breast cancer migration.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Epidemiology Characteristics and Trends of Incidence and Morphology of Stomach Cancer in Iran2757276130826ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Stomach cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancerrelateddeath through the world. It is predicted that the number of new cancer cases will be more than 15million cases by 2020. Regarding the lack of studies on this topic in the country, we have thoroughly examinedthe patho-epidemiology of stomach cancer in Iran. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: In this cross- sectional study datawere collected retrospectively reviewing all new stomach cancer patients in Cancer Registry Center report ofhealth deputy for Iran during a 6-year period (2003-2008). The study also examined the morphology of commonstomach cancers. Trends in incidence and morphology underwent joinpoint regression analysis. <br/><b>Results</b>: Duringthe six-year period, a total of 35,171 cases of stomach cancer were registered. Average age standardized rate forfemales and males were equal to 7.1 and 15.1 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Most common histological typewas adenocarcinoma, NOS with 21,980 cases (62.50%). The annual percentage change (APC) in age-standardizedincidence rate (per 100,000) was increase in both females and males at 11.1 (CI: 4.3 to 18.3) and 9.2 (CI: 5.2 to13.4), respectively. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: According to our results, the incidence of gastric cancer is increasing in Iran,so further epidemiological studies into the etiology and early detection are essential.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Antioxidant, Anticancer and Anticholinesterase Activities of Flower, Fruit and Seed Extracts of Hypericum amblysepalum HOCHST2763276930827ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Cancer is an unnatural type of tissue growth in which the cells exhibit unrestrained division,leading to a progressive increase in the number of dividing cells. It is now the second largest cause of death in theworld. The present study concerned antioxidant, anticancer and anticholinesterase activities and protocatechuic,catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and o-coumaric concentrations in methanol extracts offlowers, fruits and seeds of Hypericum amblysepalum. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Antioxidant properties includingfree radical scavenging activity and reducing power, and amounts of total phenolic compounds were evaluatedusing different tests. Protocatechuic, catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and o-coumaricconcentrations in extracts were determined by HPLC. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT test withhuman cervix cancer (HeLa) and rat kidney epithelium cell (NRK-52E) lines. Acetyl and butyrylcholinesteraseinhibitory activities were measured by by Ellman method. <br/><b>Results</b>: Total phenolic content of H. amblysepalumseeds was found to be higher than in fruit and flower extracts. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of theobtained extracts gave satisfactory results versus butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene ascontrols. Reducing power activity was linearly proportional to the studied concentration range: 10-500 μg/mL LC50 values for H. amblysepalum seeds were 11.7 and 2.86 respectively for HeLa and NRK-52E cell lines.Butyryl-cholinesterase inhibitory activity was 76.9 ± 0.41 for seed extract and higher than with other extracts.<br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The present results suggested that H. amblysepalum could be a potential candidate anti-cancerdrug for the treatment of human cervical cancer, and good source of natural antioxidants.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Association between ABO Genotype and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Koreans2771277530828ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Associations between ABO blood groups and risk of several malignancies have been reported,although there are limited data regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was toinvestigate any possible association between the ABO genotype, especially blood group A, and HCC risk inKoreans. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: We conducted a case-control study of 1,538 patients with newly diagnosedHCC at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and 1,305 randomly selected members of the generalpopulation. The ABO genotype was determined by multicolor real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)using displacing probes. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculatedusing logistic regression models with adjustment for gender, age, smoking, alcohol drinking, and hepatitis Band C status. <br/><b>Results</b>: The risk of HCC in genotype AA was significantly higher than in OO (aOR=1.773, 95%CI=1.161-2.705). The risk in blood group A was also higher than in blood group O (aOR=1.448, 95% CI=1.0051.897). No significant difference was found for the AA, BO, BB, and AB genotypes, or blood group B and AB.<br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Blood group A and genotype AA showed the highest risks of HCC in a Korean population. Nosignificant difference was found for the AO, BO, BB, and AB genotypes, or blood group B and AB.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Correlation of Overexpression of Nestin with Expression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Proteins in Gastric Adenocarcinoma2777278330829ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Nestin is associated with neoplastic transformation. However, the mechanisms by which nestincontributes regarding invasion and malignancy of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) remain unknown. Recentstudies have shown that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in invasion and migrationof cancer cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression of nestin and its correlation withEMT-related proteins in GAC. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: The expression of nestin and EMT-related proteins wasexamined in GAC specimens and cell lines by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Clinicopathologicalfeatures and survival outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. <br/><b>Results</b>: Positive nestin immunostaining was mostobviously detected in the cytoplasm, nucleus or both cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells in 19.2% (24/125) ofGAC tissues, which was significantly higher than that in normal gastric mucosa tissues (1.7%, 1/60) (p=0.001).Nestin expression was closely related to several clinicopathological factors and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin,vimentin and Snail) and displayed a poor prognosis. Interestingly, simultaneous cytoplasmic and nuclear nestinexpression correlated with EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, vimentin and Snail) (p<0.05) and lymph nodemetastasis (p=0.041) and a shorter survival time (p<0.05), but this was not the case with cytoplasmic or nuclearnestin expression. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Nestin, particularly expression in both cytoplasm and nucleus, might be involvedin regulating EMT and malignant progression in GAC, with potential as an unfavorable indicator in tumordiagnosis and a target for clinical therapy.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Effect of Autophagy-Related Beclin1 on Sensitivity of Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells to Chemotherapeutic Agents2785279130830ENJournal Article19700101The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of autophagy related gene Beclin1 at differentlevels of expression on the sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3/DDP) to differentchemotherapeutics. In pSUPER-Beclin1 transfected cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR andWestern blot analysis showed that expression was significantly inhibited. Flow cytometry revealed that themean fluorescence intensity (MDC), reflecting autophagy, and cells in the G0/G1 phase were markedly reduced.When compared with the blank control group, inhibition of Beclin1 expression in SKOV3/DDP cells not onlyincreased the rate of apoptosis following treatment with chemotherapeutics, but also increased the sensitivity.These findings suggest that Beclin1 expression plays an important role in chemotherapeutic agent-induced deathof SKOV3/DDP cells. Inhibition of autophagy related gene Beclin1 expression in SKOV3/DDP cells may increasethe rate of apoptosis and elevate the sensitivity to chemotherapeutics.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Integrative Meta-Analysis of Multiple Gene Expression Profiles in Acquired Gemcitabine-Resistant Cancer Cell Lines to Identify Novel Therapeutic Biomarkers2793280030831ENJournal Article19700101In molecular-targeted cancer therapy, acquired resistance to gemcitabine is a major clinical problem thatreduces its effectiveness, resulting in recurrence and metastasis of cancers. In spite of great efforts to reveal theoverall mechanism of acquired gemcitabine resistance, no definitive genetic factors have been identified that areabsolutely responsible for the resistance process. Therefore, we performed a cross-platform meta-analysis ofthree publically available microarray datasets for cancer cell lines with acquired gemcitabine resistance, usingthe R-based RankProd algorithm, and were able to identify a total of 158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs;76 up- and 82 down-regulated) that are potentially involved in acquired resistance to gemcitabine. Indeed, thetop 20 up- and down-regulated DEGs are largely associated with a common process of carcinogenesis in manycells. For the top 50 up- and down-regulated DEGs, we conducted integrated analyses of a gene regulatorynetwork, a gene co-expression network, and a protein-protein interaction network. The identified DEGs werefunctionally enriched via Gene Ontology hierarchy and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathwayanalyses. By systemic combinational analysis of the three molecular networks, we could condense the total numberof DEGs to final seven genes. Notably, GJA1, LEF1, and CCND2 were contained within the lists of the top 20up- or down-regulated DEGs. Our study represents a comprehensive overview of the gene expression patternsassociated with acquired gemcitabine resistance and theoretical support for further clinical therapeutic studies.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Effects of Perceived Smoking-Cancer Relationship and Cardiovascular Health Attitudes on Childrens’ Views of Smoking2801280530832ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> This study was conducted with the aim of determining how students’ perceived smoking-cancerrelationship and cardiovascular health attitudes affect childrens’ views of smoking. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Thesample of this descriptive-cross sectional study comprised 574 subjects between the ages of 11-15. The data werecollected using the Children’s Cardiovascular Health Promotion Attitude Scale and the Children’s DecisionalBalance Measure for Assessing and Predicting Smoking Status. Correlation and logistic regression were usedfor analysis. <br/><b>Results</b>: It was determined that a statistically significant relationship exists between the attitudes ofchildren towards smoking and their ideas about the relationship of smoking with cancer, which is negative and low(r=-0.223). There was also a statistically significant relationship between their attitudes towards cardiovascularhealth and their attitudes towards smoking, again at a low level (r=0.257). It was determined that children withideas about smoking and cancer were 9.4 times less likely to have positive/negative attitudes towards smoking,while positive attitudes towards cardiovascular health made negative attitudes towards smoking 3.9 times lesslikely. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: It was determined that the attitudes of students towards cardiovascular health and theirperceptions of smoking and cancer reduced the positive perceptions towards smoking.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701BmKn-2 Scorpion Venom Peptide for Killing Oral Cancer Cells by Apoptosis2807281130833ENJournal Article19700101Scorpion venom peptides recently have attracted attention as alternative chemotherapeutic agents thatmay overcome the limitations of current drugs, providing specific cytotoxicity for cancer cells with an abilityto bypass multidrug-resistance mechanisms, additive effects in combination therapy and safety. In the presentstudy, BmKn-2 scorpion venom peptide and its derivatives were chosen for assessment of anticancer activities.BmKn-2 was identified as the most effective against human oral squamous cells carcinoma cell line (HSC-4) byscreening assays with an IC50 value of 29 μg/ml. The BmKn-2 peptide killed HSC-4 cells through induction ofapoptosis, as confirmed by phase contrast microscopy and RT-PCR techniques. Typical morphological featuresof apoptosis including cell shrinkage and rounding characteristics were observed in treated HSC-4 cells. Theresults were further confirmed by increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes such as caspase-3, -7, and -9but decrease mRNA level of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 in BmKn-2 treated cells, as determined by RT-PCR assay.In summary, the BmKn-2 scorpion venom peptide demonstrates specific membrane binding, growth inhibitionand apoptogenic activity against human oral cancer cells.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Inhibitory Effect of Curcumin on Invasion of Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma A431 Cells2813281830834ENJournal Article19700101<br/><b>Objective</b>: To investigate the regulatory effect of curcumin on expression of signal transducer and activatorof transcription 3 (STAT3) in skin squamous cell carcinoma tissues as well as possible mechanisms of curcuminin prevention and treatment of skin squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Highly invasive A431cells were treated with curcumin at various doses .The cytotoxic effects of treatment with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40 and 50 umol/L curcumin for 24, 48 and 72 hours on A431 cells were measured by MTT assay. The invasioncapacity of cells treated with 5, 10 and 15 umol/L curcumin was measured by Transwell test, while adhesiveability was assessed by cell adhesion assay. The effects of 5,10 and 15 umol/L curcumin on expression levels ofSTAT3 were determined by Western blotting and on transcription levels of STAT3 mRNA by RT-PCR. <br/><b>Results</b>:Treatment with curcumin at a doses of more than 15 umol/L for more than 24 hour inhibited the growth of A431cells in a time-and dose-dependent fashion (p<0.001). The doses of 15 umol/L and less for 24 hours showed nosignificant cytotoxic effects on the cells, survival rates being more than 85%.The invasion and adhesive abilitiesdecreased gradually with the increasing curcumin concentration, 15 umol/L exerting the strongest inhibitoryeffects (p<0.05). Curcumin showed significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the transcription level ofSTAT3 mRNA (p<0.05). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Curcumin may reduce the invasive ability of A431 cells by inhibiting theactivation of STAT3 signal pathway and expression of STAT3 as a target gene in the pathway.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Combined Expression of Metastasis Related Markers Naa10p, SNCG and PRL-3 and its Prognostic Value in Breast Cancer Patients2819282630835ENJournal Article19700101Combinations of multiple biomarkers representing distinct aspects of metastasis may have better prognosticvalue for breast cancer patients, especially those in late stages. In this study, we evaluated the protein levels ofN-α-acetyltransferase 10 protein (Naa10p), synuclein-γ (SNCG), and phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3) in 365 patients with breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. Distinct prognostic subgroups of breast cancerwere identified by combination of the three biomarkers. The Naa10p+SNCG-PRL-3- subgroup showed bestprognosis with a median distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of 140 months, while the Naa10p-SNCG+PRL-3+subgroup had the worst prognosis with a median DMFS of 60.5 months. Multivariate analysis indicated Naa10p,SNCG, PRL-3, and the TNM classification were all independent prognostic factors for both DMFS and overallsurvival (OS). The three biomarker combination of Naa10p, SNCG and PRL-3 performed better in patients withlymph node metastasis, especially those with more advanced tumors than other subgroups. In conclusion, thecombined expression profile of Naa10p, SNCG and PRL-3, alone or in combination with the TNM classificationsystem, may provide a precise estimate of prognosis of breast cancer patients.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Unpolished Thai Rice Prevents ACF Formation and Dysplastic Progression in AOM-Induced Rats and Induces Apoptosis Through Redox Alteration in CaCo-2 Cells2827283230836ENJournal Article19700101Oxidative stress is associated with colon carcinogenesis including aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formationand it plays an important role in pathophysiological changes in cancer cells. The aims of this study were toinvestigate the effects of dietary unpolished Thai rice (UTR) on ACF formation and dysplastic progression inazoxymethane (AOM)-treated rats. Anti-cancer efficacy of UTR regarding apoptotic induction and oxidativeredox status in human colon cancer (CaCo-2) cells was also investigated. Rats given 20% and 70% of UTR inthe diet showed significantly and dose-dependently decreased total number of ACF. UTR treatment also wasstrongly associated with the low percentage of dysplastic progression and mucin depletion. In addition, wefound that UTR significantly induced cancer cell apoptosis, increased cellular oxidants, and decreased the levelof GSH/GSSG ratio in CaCo-2 cells. Our study suggests that UTR supplementation may be a useful strategyfor CRC prevention with the inhibition of precancerous progression, with induction of cancer cell apoptosisthrough redox alteration.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Analyses of Multiple Factors for Determination of “Selected Patients” Who Should Receive Rechallenge Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: a Retrospective Study from Turkey2833283830837ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Repeating a prior chemotherapy (rechallenge therapy) is an option for selected patients withmetastatic colorectal cancer, but there is very little evidence in the literature for this approach. Thus, we reviewedour registry to evaluate prognostic factors and survival of patients who received irinotecan and oxaliplatinbasedregimens as rechallenge third and fourth-line therapy. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Patients who receivedirinotecan-based or oxaliplatin-base regimen as first-line had been rechallenged with third-line or fourth-linetherapy. These patients were selected from the database of Turkish mCRC registry archives between October2006 and June 2013 and evaluated retrospectively for factors effecting progression free survival (PFS) and overallsurvival (OS) by the Kaplan-Meire and Cox-regression methods. <br/><b>Results</b>: Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. Themedian duration of follow-up was 36 months (14-68 months). Thirty-one patients (76%) died during follow-up.In terms of rechallenge treatments, 29 patients had received third-line and 10 patients had received fourth-line.Response rate (RR) was found to be 12.9%, with stable disease in 19 (48.7%) patients. The median PFS was 6months (95%CI=4.64-7.35 months) and the median OS was 11 months (95%CI=8.31-13.68 months). The factorseffecting survival (PFS and OS) were only being PFS after first-line chemotherapy ≥12 months (p=0.007, 95%CI=1.75-35.22 and p=0.004, 95%CI=1.44-7.11), both in univariate and multivariate analyses. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Thisstudy indicates that rechallenge treatment could be a good option as a third or later line therapy in patients whohad ≥12 months PFS onreceiving first line therapy.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701MDR1 C3435T and C1236T Polymorphisms: Association with High-risk Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia2839284330838ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> MDR1, one of the most important drug-transporter genes, encodes P- glycoprotein (P-gp)-atransporter involved in protecting against xenobiotics and multi-drug resistance. The significance of the geneticbackground in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is not well understood. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>:To evaluate whether C3435T and C1236T MDR1 polymorphisms are associated with the occurrence and outcomeof ALL, 208 children with ALL (median age 5.0 yr) and 101 healthy Thai children were studied by polymerasechain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. <br/><b>Results</b>: C3435T and C1236TMDR1 polymorphism are significantly associated with the high-risk group (OR= 2.6, 95%CI =1.164-5.808; P=0.028 and OR= 2.231, 95%CI =1.068-4.659; p=0.047, respectively), indicating that both may be candidates formolecular markers in the high-risk group of ALL.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701IL-35 Over-expression is Associated with Genesis of Gastric Cancer2845284930839ENJournal Article19700101Overexpression of interleukin (IL)-35 has been found in a variety of malignancies, but the expression statusin gastric cancer has yet to be elucidated clearly. In the present study, positive expression of EBI3 and p35 was63.3% and 70.0% of cases, respectively. EBI3 expression was strongly related with larger tumor size and invasiondepth (P <0.05). Similarly, expression of p35 was also correlated with larger tumor size (P <0.05). These resultsindicate that IL-35 might be involved in growth of gastric cancer. Interestingly, EBI3 and p35 expressions werepositive correlated with Ki-67 expression. Moreover, EBI3 immunoreactivity was associated with Bcl-2 staining.Our data suggest IL-35 is correlated with genesis of gastric cancer by regulating growth and apoptosis.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Upregulation and Clinicopathological Significance of Long Non-coding NEAT1 RNA in NSCLC Tissues2851285530840ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Recent reports have shown that nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), a long noncodingRNA (lncRNA), contributes to the precise control of gene expression and is related to several humanmalignancies. However, limited data are available on the expression and function of NEAT1 in lung cancer.The major objective of the current study was to profile the expression and clinicopathological significance ofNEAT1 in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: NEAT1 expression in 125 NSCLCcases and paired adjacent non-cancer tissues was assessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR(qRT-PCR). Relationships between NEAT1 and clinicopathological factors were also investigated. <br/><b>Results</b>:The relative level of NEAT1 was 6.98±3.74 in NSCLC tissues, significantly elevated as compared to that of theadjacent non-cancer lung tissues (4.83±2.98, p<0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of high expression of NEAT1to diagnose NSCLC was 0.684 (95% CI: 0.619~0.750, p<0.001). NEAT1 expression was positively correlated withpatient age (r=-2.007, p=0.047), lymphatic metastasis (r=-2.731, p=0.007), vascular invasion (r=-3.617, p=0.001)and clinical TNM stage (r=-4.134, p<0.001). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: This study indicates that NEAT1 might be associatedwith oncogenesis and progression in NSCLC, and suggests application in molecular targeted therapy.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Differences in Incidence, Mortality and Survival of Breast Cancer by Regions and Countries in Asia and Contributing Factors2857287030841ENJournal Article19700101Although the incidence of breast cancer in Asia remains lower than in North America, Western Europe,and Oceania, rates have been increasing rapidly during the past few decades, and Asian countries now accountfor 40% of breast cancer cases diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer mortality has also increased among Asianwomen, in contrast to decreased mortality in Northern America, Western Europe, and Oceania. These increasedrates are associated with higher prevalence of breast cancer risk factors (e.g., reduced parity, delayed childbirth,increased obesity) that have accompanied economic development throughout the region. However, Asian regions(western, south-central, south-eastern, and eastern) and countries differ in the types and magnitude of changesin breast cancer risk factors, and cannot be viewed as a single homogeneous group. The objective of this paperwas to contrast the heterogeneous epidemiology of breast cancer by Asian regions and countries, and to suggestpotential avenues for future research.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Histopathological Evaluation of Urothelial Carcinomas in Transurethral Resection Urinary Bladder Tumor Specimens: Eight Years of Single Center Experience2871287730842ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a malignant neoplasm that most commonly occurs in the urinarybladder. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic features, recurrence and progressionin patients with bladder urothelial cancer. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: The medical records of patients diagnosedwith UC in the state pathology laboratory between January 2006 and July 2014 were retrospectively included.Carcinomas were categorized according to age, gender, histologic grade, tumor configuration, pathologic staging,recurrence status, and progression. <br/><b>Results</b>: A total of 125 (113 men, 12 women) patients were examined. Themean age was 65.9 years and the male-to-female urothelial cancer incidence ratio was 9.4:1. Low-grade UCswere observed in 85 (68%) and high-grade in 40 (32%). A papillary tumor pattern was observed in 67.2% of theUCs. Cases were classified with the following pathological grades: 34 (27.2%) cases of pTa, 70 (56%) of pT1, and21 (16.8%) of pT2. Recurrence occurred in 27 (21.6%) patients. Ten progressed to a higher stage (pT1 to pT2),and three cases to higher grade (low to high). We also analyzed the results separately for 70 (56%) patients 65years of age and older. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: With early detection and diagnosis of precursor lesions in older patients, bymethods such as standard urologic evaluation, urinary cytology, ultrasound scanning and contrast urography,and cystoscopy, in addition to coordinated efforts between pathologists and urologists, early diagnosis mayreduce the morbidity and mortality of patients with urothelial carcinoma.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Adult Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients: Experience from a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in North East India2879288130843ENJournal Article19700101There is paucity of data on non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) from our population in North-East India. Inthis retrospective study, patients were consecutively followed-up to see the clinic-pathological pattern of NHL,various responses, and pattern of relapses to first line treatment with chemotherapy. All patients in the presentstudy received standard regimen of cyclophosphamde, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone (CHOP) with orwithout rituximab (R-CHOP) as per our institutional protocol as first line therapy. Our study has shown that,in our adult population, the majority of NHL cases present with stage II and stage III disease and extra nodalinvolvement, B-cell lymphomas and diffuse large cell lymphomas being the most common subtypes. Internationalprognostic index was a significant factor for varied responses to treatment. The majority of relapses after completeremission occurred in the first year.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701S100A4 Expression is Closely Linked to Genesis and Progression of Glioma by Regulating Proliferation, Apoptosis, Migration and Invasion2883288730844ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> The calcium-binding S100A4 protein is involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition,oncogenic transformation, angiogenesis, cytoskeletal integrity, mobility and metastasis of cancer cells. Thisstudy aimed to clarify the roles of S100A4 in genesis and progression of glioma. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: S100A4expression was examined by real-time RT-CPR and Western blot in glioma and paired normal brain tissue(n=69), and compared with clinicopathological parameters of tumors. In addition, glioma U251 cells transfectedwith an S100A4-expressing plasmid were examined for proliferation by MTT, apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC,and migration and invasion with Transwell chambers. <br/><b>Results</b>: Increased S100A4 mRNA expression was foundin gliomas, compared with paired non-tumor tissue (p<0.001). Gradual elevation of overexpression of S100A4was observed with increasing glioma grade (p<0.001). Astrocytoma showed lower S100A4 mRNA expressionthan oligodendrogliomas, with glioblastomas having highest values (p<0.001). Similar results were obtained forS100A4 protein, a positive link being found between mRNA and protein expression in gliomas (p<0.001). Therewas higher growth, lower apoptosis, stronger migration and invasion of S100A4 transfectants than control andmock transfected cells (p<0.001). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: These findings indicate that up-regulated S100A4 expression ispositively linked to pathogenesis, progression and histogenesis of glioma by modulating proliferation, apoptosis,migration and invasion.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Morphological Factors and Cardiac Doses in Whole Breast Radiation for Left-sided Breast Cancer2889289430845ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> To investigate the impact of the breast size, shape, maximum heart depth (MDH), and chestwall hypotenuse (the distance connecting middle point of the sternum and the length of lung draw on the selectedtransverse CT slice) on the volumetric dose to heart with whole breast irradiation (WBI) of left-sided breastcancer patients. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Fifty-three patients with left-sided breast cancer undergoing adjuvantintensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were enrolled in the study. The primary breast size and shape, MHDand DCWH (chest wall hypotenuse) were contoured on radiotherapy (RT) planning CT slices. The dose data of heartswere obtained from the dose-volume histograms (DVHs). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA), Student’s t-test and linear regression analysis. <br/><b>Results</b>: Breast size was independent of heart dose,whereas breast shape, MHD and DCWH were correlated with heart dose. The shapes of breasts were dividedinto four types, as the flap type, hemisphere type, cone type and pendulous type with heart mean dose being491.8±234.6cGy, 752.7±219.0cGy, 620.2±275.7cGy, and 666.1±238.0cGy, respectively. The flap type of breastsshows a strong statistically reduction in heart dose, compared to others (p=0.008 for V30 of heart). DCWHand MHD were found to be the most important parameters correlating with heart dose in WBI. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>:More attention should be paid to the heart dose of non-flap type patients. The MHD was found to be the mostimportant parameter to correlate with heart dose in tangential WBI, closely followed by the DCWH, whichcould help radiation oncologists and physicsts evaluate heart dose and design RT plan in advance.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening Among Village Health Volunteers2895289830846ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> In the years 2014, coverage rates of cervical cancer screening in Nakornnayok province accountedto 76.5%. This was lower than the government’s specified goal of 80%. Community health volunteers are membersof a Thai healthcare alliance established to help promoting healthcare service communication and collaborationat the primary level. Such village health volunteers (VHVs) are established in most villages. <br/><b>Objective</b>: To assessthe knowledge and attitudes of cervical cancer screening among VHVs. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: The subjectswere 128 VHVs from four Nakornnayok sub-districts; namely KlongYai, Chomphol, Buangsan and Suksara,Thailand. The study was conducted from December 2014 to January 2015. The questionnaire was designed toassess the knowledge and attitude of cervical cancer screening provided by the VHVs. In addition, cervical cancerscreening coverage rates of each area were collected. The demographic data, scores of knowledge, attitudes,practices and the cervical cancer screening coverage rates were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. <br/><b>Results</b>: Thequestionnaire reliability was assessed as 0.81. The total knowledge and attitude scores were 10 and 15 points.The mean knowledge scores of KlongYai, Chomphol, Buangsan and Suksara were 6.8, 7.0, 6.5 and 9.0 points,respectively. The VHVs had a high level of overall knowledge about cervical cancer screening. The mean attitudescores were 12.4, 13.2, 13.4 and 13.1 points. VHVs had a positive attitude to the promotion of cervical cancerscreening at the overall level. The percentages of VHVs promoting cervical cancer information in respectivedistricts were 72.2, 94.3, 94.9 and 50.0. However, the cervical cancer screening coverage rates were 62.4%,34.7%, 80.3% and 47.3% respectively. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The knowledge, attitudes and percentages of promotinginformation of cervical cancer screening among VHVs in the four sub-districts were high but did not correlatewith the cervical screening coverage rates for each area. VHVs needed to understand socio-cultural beliefs of thewomen in the target population and design suitable strategies to encourage higher cervical screening coverage.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Proximity of Health Care Center and Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake in Thailand2899290230847ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and in Thailandis the second most common cancer among women. In 2008, a national cervical cancer screening programmewas implemented in Thailand, but coverage remains relatively low. <br/><b>Objectives</b>: The purpose of the study wasto investigate whether cervical cancer screening uptake is associated with the area of residency in Thailand.Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A case-control study was carried out in women aged 30 to 60 year-old, who live inSikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. Structured-questionnaires were used to interview 226women (cases) who had attended cervical cancer screening in the last five years and 226 women (controls) whohad not. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the area of residency andcervical cancer screening uptake. <br/><b>Results</b>: After controlling for parity, marital status and duration of hormonalcontraceptive use, an association between the area of residence and cervical cancer screening uptake could notdemonstrated (ORadj 1.27, 95%CI: 0.79, 2.04). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: We found no evidence to suggest remoteness tohealth care center led to lower cervical cancer screening uptake.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Treatment Outcome for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Developing Country: University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia from 2003-20102903290830848ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the eighth most common cancer as estimated from worldwidedata. The incidence of HNC in Peninsular Malaysia was reported as 8.5 per 100,000 population. This studywas aimed to determine the treatment outcomes for HNC patients treated in the Oncology Unit of UniversityMalaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: All newly diagnosed patients with squamous cellcarcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) referred for treatment to the Oncology Unit at UMMC from 2003-2010were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment outcomes were 5-year overall survival (OS), cause specific survival(CSS), loco-regional control (LRC) and radiotherapy (RT) related side effects. Kaplan-Meier and log rankanalyses were used to determine survival outcomes, stratified according to American Joint Committee onCancer (AJCC) stage. <br/><b>Results</b>: A total of 130 cases were analysed. Most cases (81.5%) were at late stage (AJCCIII-IVB) at presentation. The 5-year OS for the whole study population was 34.4% with a median follow up of24 months. The 5-year OS according to AJCC stage was 100%, 48.2%, 41.4% and 22.0% for stage I, II, III andIVA-B, respectively. The 5-year overall CSS and LCR were 45.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Late effects of RTwere documented in 41.4% of patients. The most common late effect was xerostomia. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The treatmentoutcome of HNSCC at our centre is lagging behind those of developed nations. Efforts to increase the number ofpatients presenting in earlier stages, increase in the use of combined modality treatment, especially concurrentchemoradiotherapy and implementation of intensity modulated radiotherapy, may lead to better outcomes forour HNC patients.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Quercetin on Experimental Radiation Induced Lung Injury in Mice2909291430849ENJournal Article19700101<br/><b>Objective</b>: To investigate the protective effect of quercetin on radiation induced lung injury (RILI) andrelated mechanisms. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Mice treated with radiation and/or quercetin were sacrificedat 1-8 weeks after irradiation under anesthesia. Lung tissues were collected for histological examination.Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting were performed to detect the protein expression of nuclearfactor-κB (NF-κB) and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway. <br/><b>Results</b>: Hematoxylin and eosin (HE)staining showed that radiation controls displayed more severe lung damage than quercetin groups, either highor low dose. Results of IHC and Western blotting demonstrated the expression level of NF-κB to be decreasedand that of an inhibitor of NF-κB (Iκb–α) to be increased by the quercetin intervention compared with theradiation control group. Numbers of JNK/SAPK, p38 and p44/p42 positive inflammatory cells were decreasedin the radiation+quercetin injection group (P<0.05). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Quercetin may play a radio-protective rolein mice lung via suppression of NF-κB and MAPK pathways.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Meta-analysis of Seven Randomized Control Trials to Assess the Efficacy and Toxicity of Combining EGFR-TKI with Chemotherapy for Patients with Advanced NSCLC who Failed First-Line Treatment2915292130850ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Some recent clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate a combination of EGFR- TKI withchemotherapy for advanced NSCLC patients as second-line therapy, but the results on the efficacy of such trialsare inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination of EGFR-TKIand chemotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC who failed first-line treatment. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>:We searched relative trials from PubMed, EMBASE, ASCO Abstracts, ESMO Abstracts, Cochrane Libraryand Clinical Trials.gov. Outcomes analyzed were overall response rate (ORR), progression- free survival (PFS),overall survival (OS) and major toxicity. <br/><b>Results</b>: Seven trails eventually were included in this meta-analysis,covering 1,168 patients. The results showed that the combined regimen arm had a significant higher ORR (RR1.76 [1.16, 2.66], p=0.007) and longer PFS (HR 0.75 [0.66-0.85], p<0.00001), but failed to show effects on OS (HR0.88 [0.68- 1.15], p=0.36). In terms of subgroup results, continuation of EGFR-TKI in addition to chemotherapyafter first-line EGFR-TKI resistance confered no improvement in ORR (RR 0.95 [0.68, 1.33], p=0.75) and PFS(HR 0.89[0.69, 1.15], p=0.38), and OS was even shorter (HR1.52 [1.05- 2.21], p=0.03). However, combinationtherapy with EGFR-TKI and chemotherapy after failure of first-line chemotherapy significantly improvedthe ORR (RR 2.06 [1.42, 2.99], p=0.0002), PFS (HR 0.71 [0.61, 0.82], p<0.00001) and OS (HR 0.74 [0.62- 0.88],p=0.0008), clinical benefit being restricted to combining EGFR-TKI with pemetrexed, but not docetaxel. Grade3-4 toxicity was found at significantly higher incidence in the combined regimen arm. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Continuationof EGFR-TKI in addition to chemotherapy after first-line EGFR-TKI resistance should be avoided. Combinationtherapy of EGFR-TKI and pemetrexed for advanced NSCLC should be further investigated for prognostic andpredictive factors to find the group with the highest benefit of the combination strategy.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Prognostic Relevance of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) Expression in Patients with Gall Bladder Disease and Carcinoma2923292830851ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has been stated as an Indian disease, with the highest numberof cases being reported from certain districts of northeast India, which has an ethnically distinct population.Unfortunately there are no scientific reports on the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with thepathogenesis of the disease from this region. Aim: The present study evaluated the role of differential expressionof human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in the development of gall bladder anomalies. Materialsand <br/><b>Methods</b>: Blood and tissue samples were collected from patients undergoing routine surgical resection forclinically proven cases of gallbladder disease {cholelithiasis (CL, n=50), cholecystitis (CS, n=40) and GBC (n=30)along with adjacent histopathologically proved non-neoplastic controls (n=15)} with informed consent. Wholeblood was also collected from age and sex matched healthy controls (n=25) for comparative analysis. DifferentialhTERT mRNA expression was evaluated by semi-quantitative rt-PCR and real-time PCR based analysis usingβ-actin as an internal control. Evaluation of differential hTERT protein expression was studied by Western blotanalysis and immunoflourescence. Statistical analysis for differential expression and co-relation was performedby SPSSv13.0 software. <br/><b>Results</b>: Gallbladder anomalies were mostly prevalent in females. The hTERT mRNAand protein expression increased gradiently from normal<CL<CS<GBC cases. Serum expression correlatedstatistically significantly with the tissue based mRNA expression pattern of hTERT, with highest expressionobserved in GBC cases and the lowest expression in normal gall bladder. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Higher hTERT expressionis associated with gallbladder disease susceptibility and severity; and may be a useful prognostic marker forgallbladder anomalies.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701G894T and 4a/b Polymorphisms of NOS3 Gene are Not Associated with Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis2929293730852ENJournal Article19700101Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS or NOS3) produces nitric oxide and genetic polymorphisms ofNOS3 gene play significant roles in various processes of carcinogenesis. The results from published studies onthe association between NOS3 G894T and NOS3 intron 4 (4a/b) polymorphisms and cancer risk are conflictingand inconclusive. However, i n order to assess this relationship more precisely, a meta-analysis was performedwith PubMed (Medline), EMBASE and Google web searches until February 2014 to select all published casecontroland cohort studies. Genotype distribution data were collected to calculate the pooled odd ratios (ORs) and95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the strength of association. A total of 10,546 cancer cases and 10,550controls were included from twenty four case-control studies for the NOS3 G894T polymorphism. The resultsindicated no significant association with cancer risk as observed in allelic (T vs G: OR=1.024, 95%CI=0.954to 1.099, p=0.508), homozygous (TT vs GG: OR=1.137, 95%CI=0.944 to 1.370, p=0.176), heterozygous (GT vsGG: OR=0.993, 95%CI=0.932 to 1.059, p=0.835), recessive (TT vs GG+GT: OR=1.100, 95%CI=0.936 to 1.293,p=0.249) and dominant (TT+GT vs GG: OR=1.012, 95%CI=0.927 to 1.105, p=0.789) genetic models. Similarly,a total of 3,449 cancer cases and 3,691 controls were recruited from fourteen case-control studies for NOS3 4a/bpolymorphism. Pooled results indicated no significant association under allelic (A vs B: OR=0.981, 95%CI=0.725to 1.329, p=0.902), homozygous (AA vs BB: OR=1.166, 95%CI=0.524 to 2.593, p=0.707), heterozygous (BA vsBB: OR=1.129, 95%CI=0.896 to 1.422, p=0.305), dominant (AA+BA vs BB: OR=1.046, 95%CI=0.779 to 1.405,p=0.763) and recessive (AA vs BB+BA: OR=1.196, 95%CI=0.587 to 2.439, p=0.622) genetic contrast models. Thismeta-analysis suggests that G894T and 4a/b polymorphisms of NOS3 gene are not associated with increased ordecreased risk of overall cancer.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Aloe vera Inhibits Proliferation of Human Breast and Cervical Cancer Cells and Acts Synergistically with Cisplatin2939294630853ENJournal Article19700101Many of the anti-cancer agents currently used have an origin in natural sources including plants. Aloe vera isone such plant being studied extensively for its diverse health benefits, including cancer prevention. In this study,the cytotoxic potential of Aloe vera crude extract (ACE) alone or in combination with cisplatin in human breast(MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells was studied by cell viability assay, nuclear morphological examinationand cell cycle analysis. Effects were correlated with modulation of expression of genes involved in cell cycleregulation, apoptosis and drug metabolism by RT-PCR. Exposure of cells to ACE resulted in considerable lossof cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, which was found to be mediated by through the apoptoticpathway as evidenced by changes in the nuclear morphology and the distribution of cells in the different phasesof the cell cycle. Interestingly, ACE did not have any significant cytotoxicity towards normal cells, thus placingit in the category of safe chemopreventive agent. Further, the effects were correlated with the downregulation ofcyclin D1, CYP 1A1, CYP 1A2 and increased expression of bax and p21 in MCF-7 and HeLa cells. In addition,low dose combination of ACE and cisplatin showed a combination index less than 1, indicating synergisticgrowth inhibition compared to the agents applied individually. In conclusion, these results signify that Aloe veramay be an effective anti-neoplastic agent to inhibit cancer cell growth and increase the therapeutic efficacy ofconventional drugs like cispolatin. Thus promoting the development of plant-derived therapeutic agents appearswarranted for novel cancer treatment strategies.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701The BRAFT1799A Mutation is not Associated with Occult Contralateral Carcinoma in Patients with Unilateral Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma2947295130854ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> The phenomenon of occult carcinoma maybe observed in patients with clinically unilateralpapillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Although many studies have reported that the BRAFT1799A mutation isassociated with aggressive PTMC, the relationship between BRAFT1799A mutation and occult carcinoma is unclear.The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors, including BRAFT1799A mutation, for occult contralateralcarcinoma in clinically unilateral PTMC accompanied by benign nodules in the contralateral lobe. Materialsand <br/><b>Methods</b>: From January 2011 to December 2013,we prospectively enrolled 89 consecutive PTMC patientswith clinically unilateral carcinoma accompanied by benign nodules in the contralateral lobe who received atotal thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node dissection. BRAFT1799A mutation was tested by pyrosequencing onpostoperative paraffin specimens. The frequency and predictive factors for occult contralateral carcinoma wereanalyzed with respect to the following variables: age, gender, family history, tumor size, presence of Hashimotothyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, central lymph node metastasis, multifocality of primary tumor, or BRAFT1799Amutation. <br/><b>Results</b>: A total of 36 patients (40.4%) had occult PTMC in the contralateral lobe. The median diameterof the occult tumors was 0.33±0.21 cm. The BRAFT1799A mutation was found in 38 cases (42.7%). According to theunivariate analysis, there were no significant differences between the presence of occult contralateral carcinomaand age, gender, family history, tumor size, presence of Hashimoto thyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, centrallymph node metastasis, multifocality of primary tumor, or BRAFT1799A mutation. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Using currentmethods, it is difficult to preoperatively identify patients with PTMC, and further research is needed to determinepredictive factors for the presence of occult contralateral carcinoma in patients with unilateral PTMC.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Hypoxia Induced High Expression of Thioredoxin Interacting Protein (TXNIP) in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and its Prognostic Effect2953295830855ENJournal Article19700101Although associations between thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) and cancers have been recognized,the effects of TXNIP on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis remained to be determined in detail. Inaddition, while hypoxia is a key characteristic of tumor cell growth microenvironment, the effect of hypoxia onTXNIP expression is controversial. In this study, formaldehyde fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) samplesof 70 NSCLC patients who underwent resection between January 2010 and December 2011 were obtained.Evaluation of TXNIP and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein expression in FFPE samples was madeby immunohistochemistry. By Kaplan-Meier method, patients with high TXNIP expression demonstrated asignificantly shorter progression free survival (PFS) compared with those with low TXNIP expression (18.0months, 95%CI: 11.7, 24.3 versus 23.0 months, 95%CI: 17.6, 28.4, P=0.02). High TXNIP expression level wasalso identified as an independent prognostic factor by Cox regression analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.46;95%CI: 1.08, 5.56; P=0.03). Furthermore, TXNIP expression was found to be significantly correlated with HIF-1α expression (Spearman correlation=0.67, P=0.000). To further confirm correlations, we established a tumorcell hypoxic culture model. Expression of TXNIP was up-regulated in all three NSCLC cell lines (A549, SPC-A1,and H1299) under hypoxic conditions. This study suggests that hypoxia induces increased TXNIP expression inNSCLC and high TXNIP expression could be a poor prognostic marker.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Reproductive Risk Factors Differ Among Breast Cancer Patients and Controls in a Public Hospital of Paraiba, Northeast Brazil2959296530856ENJournal Article19700101The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in Northeast Brazil are increasing and little is known aboutprevailing reproductive factors contributing to this increase. A case-control study was conducted in a publichospital of Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, including 81 women with diagnosed invasive breast cancer and 162age matched (±5 years) controls. Binominal logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate odds ratio (OR)and confidence intervals (CI) of risk factors. In this model, age at menarche ≤12 (OR= 2.120; CI: 1.043- 4.308;p=0.038), single parity (OR=3.748; CI: 1.459- 9.627; p=0.06) and reproductive period >10 years (OR=3.042;CI: 1.421- 6.512; p=0.04) were identified as independent variables that significantly increased breast cancerrisk of parous women. Compared to parous women who never practised breastfeeding, total breastfeeding time> 24 months decreased the risk of breast cancer (OR=0.258; CI: 0.084- 0.787; p= 0.017). The results indicatedthat modifiable reproductive factors contribute to breast cancer risk in women included in the present study.Women’s knowledge about factors such as the protective effect of breastfeeding could reduce the risk of breastcancer.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701A New Tool to Predict Survival after Radiosurgery Alone for Newly Diagnosed Cerebral Metastases2967297030857ENJournal Article19700101Many patients with few cerebral metastases receive radiosurgery alone. The goal of this study was to create atool to estimate the survival of such patients. To identify characteristics associated with survival, nine variablesincluding radiosurgery dose, age, gender, Eastern cooperative oncology group performance score (ECOG-PS),primary tumor type, number/size of cerebral metastases, location of cerebral metastases, extra-cerebral metastasesand time between cancer diagnosis and radiosurgery were analyzed in 214 patients. On multivariate analysis, age(p=0.03), ECOG-PS (p=0.02) and extra-cerebral metastases (p<0.01) had significant impacts on survival. Scoringpoints for each patient were obtained from 12-month survival rates (in %) related to the significant variablesdivided by 10. Addition of the scoring points of the three variables resulted in a patient’s total predictive score.Two groups were designed, A (10-14 points) and B (16-17 points). Twelve-month survival rates were 33% and77%, respectively (p<0.001). Median survival times were 8 and 20 months, respectively. Because most patientsof group A died from extra-cerebral disease and/or new cerebral lesions, early systemic treatment and additionalWBI should be considered. As cause of death in group B was mostly new cerebral metastases, additional WBIappears even more important for this group.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Lack of Influence of TP53 Arg72Pro and 16bp Duplication Polymorphisms on Risk of Breast Cancer in Iran2971297430858ENJournal Article19700101TP53 is assumed to be a very important tumour suppressor gene, as illustrated by recent reports that haveshown effects of its polymorphisms on breast cancer risk. Arg72Pro and PIN3(16bp duplication) polymorphismsare proposed to have an effective role in structural changes of p53 and have therefore attracted interest as a riskfactor for breast cancer in different populations. The aim of this study was to examine and determine whetherp53 codon 72 and PIN3 Ins16 bp may be associated with an increased risk for breast cancer in female patientsfrom the northwest of Iran. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restrictionfragment length polymorphism) method for a total of 100 women with breast cancer and 100 healthy womenwithout any background of cancer, focusing on the TP53 Arg72Pro-16Del/Ins haplotypes and the combinedgenotypes. The results in this study established no statistical significant distinctions between the genotypes anda llele frequency were found for Arg72Pro and PIN3 Ins 16 bp polymorphisms between patients and controls.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Regulatory Effects of WRAP53 on Radiosensitivity of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells2975297930859ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Telomere length is closely associated with cellular radiosensitivity and WRAP53 is required fortelomere addition by telomerase. In this research we assessed radiosensitivity of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomaHep-2 cell lines after WRAP53 inhibition, and analyzed the molecular mechanisms. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>:phWRAP53-siRNA and pNeg-siRNA were constructed and transfected into Hep-2 cells with lipofectamine.Expression of WRAP53 was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western-blottin, radiosensitivity of Hep-2 cells wasassessed colony formation assay, and the relative length of telomeres was measured by QPCR. <br/><b>Results</b>: The datarevealed that the plasmid of phWRAP53-siRNA was constructed successfully, and the mRNA and protein levelsof WRAP53 were both obviously reduced in the Hep-2 cell line transfected with phWRAP53-siRNA. After Hep-2cells were irradiated with X-rays, the D0 and SF2 were 2.481 and 0.472, respectively, in the phWRAP53-siRNAgroup, much lower than in the control group (D0 and SF2 of 3.213 and 0.592) (P<0.01). The relative telomerelength in the phWRAP53-siRNA group was 0.185±0.01, much lower than in the untreated group (0.523±0.06)and the control group (0.435±0.01). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Decreasing the expression of WRAP53 using RNA interferencetechnique can enhance the radiosensitivity of Hep-2 cell lines by influencing the telomere length. WRAP53 isexpected to be a new target to regulate the radiosensitization of tumor cells.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Serum Carotenoid, Retinol and Tocopherol Concentrations and Risk of Cervical Cancer among Chinese Women2981298630860ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Despite many epidemiological studies on the effects of dietary antioxidant micronutrients on riskof cervical cancer, the findings remain uncertain and little evidence is available for serum nutrient markers. Thepresent study aimed to examine the relationship between serum carotenoid, retinol and tocopherol concentrationsand risk of cervical cancer among Chinese women. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: We conducted a hospital-based casecontrolstudy in which 358 adults (158 incident cases and 200 controls) were recruited from Xinjiang, China.Serum levels of carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin), retinol,and tocopherols (α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) were assessed by reverse-phase high-performance liquidchromatography. <br/><b>Results</b>: We found inverse associations between serum carotenoid (α-carotene, β-carotene, andlutein/zeaxanthin) and tocopherol (α-tocopherol) concentrations and the risk of cervical cancer after adjustingfor potential confounders, but a null association for retinol. The ORs for 1-SD increase were 0.71 (95 % CI: 0.56-0.92; p=0.003) for total carotenoids and 0.75 (95 % CI: 0.60-0.94; p=0.008) for total tocopherols. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>:These results show that higher serum concentrations of some carotenoids and tocopherols are associated witha lower risk of cervical cancer among Chinese women.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 Expression in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Impact on Survival Outcome2987299130861ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> The prognostic role of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression in lung cancer hasbeen assessed but with inconsistent results. The present study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of TTF1expression in advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: In thisretrospective study, patients with stage IIIB-IV non-squamous NSCLC were enrolled. Progression free survival(PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed according to TTF1 expression status, age categories (≤60 vs >60years), gender, performance status (PS) (0-2 vs 3-4), type of 1st line chemotherapy (pemetrexed containingvs others) and EGFR status. <br/><b>Results</b>: A total of 120 patients were included. In univariate analysis, PFS wasimproved in patients with PS 0-2 (7.0 vs 2.0 months, p=0.002) and those who received pemetrexed-containingchemotherapy (9.2 vs 5.8 months, p=0.004). OS was improved in female patients (23.0 vs 8.7 months, p<0.0001),PS 0-2 (14.4 vs 2.0 months, p<0.0001), those with pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy (17.0 vs 11.0 months,p=0.019), TTF1-positive (12.8 vs 5.8 months, p=0.011) and EGFR- mutant patients (23.0 vs 11.7 months, p=0.006).In multivariate analysis, male gender (HR=2.34, p=0.025) and non-pemetrexed containing therapy (HR=2.24,p=0.022) were independent predictors of worse PFS. Wild EGFR status (HR=2.49, p=0.015) and male gender(HR=2.78, p=0.008) were predictors of worse OS. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Pemetrexed-containing therapy significantlyimproved PFS while OS was improved in EGFR mutant patients. Female patients had better PFS and OS. TTF1expression was not a prognostic marker in advanced non-squamous NSCLC.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Can Induction Chemotherapy before Concurrent Chemoradiation Impact Circumferential Resection Margin Positivity and Survival in Low Rectal Cancers?2993299830862ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Distance from anal verge and abdominoperineal resection are risk factors for circumferentialresection margin (CRM) positivity in rectal cancer. Induction chemotherapy (IC) before concurrentchemoradiation (CRT) has emerged as a new treatment modification. Impact of IC before concurrent CRT onCRM positivity in low rectal cancer remains to be independently studied. The objective of this study was todetermine CRM positivity in low rectal cancer, with and without prior IC, and to identify predictors of diseasefree and overall survival. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer between2005 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups. Group 1 received IC before CRTand Group 2 did not. Demographics, clinicopathological variables and CRM status were compared. Actuarial 5year disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and independent predictors of survival were determined.<br/><b>Results</b>: Patients in the IC group presented with advanced stage (Stage 3=89.2% versus 75.4%) (P=0.02) but ahigh rate of total mesorectal excision (TME) (100% versus 93.4%) (P=0.01) and sphincter preservation surgery(54.9 % versus 22.9%) (P=0.001). Patients with low rectal cancer who received IC had a significantly low positiveCRM rate (9.2% versus 34%) (P=0.002). Actuarial 5 year DFS in IC and no IC groups were 39% and 43%(P=0.9) and 5 year OS were 70% and 47% (P=0.003). Pathological tumor size [HR: 2.2, CI: 1.1-4.5, P=0.01] andnodal involvement [HR: 2, CI: 1.08-4, P=0.02] were independent predictors of relapse while pathological nodalinvolvement [HR: 2.6, CI: 1.3-4.9, P=0.003] and IC [HR: 0.7, CI: 0.5-0.9, P=0.02] were independent predictorsof death. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: In low rectal cancer, induction chemotherapy before CRT may significantly decreaseCRM positivity and improve 5 year overall survival.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Polyps: What Do We Know About Them?2999300130863ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> This study aimed to evaluate upper gastrointestinal polyps detected during esophagogastroduodenoscopytests. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: We conducted a retrospective analysis on data regarding55,987 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy tests performed at the endoscopy unit of Istanbul Education and ResearchHospital between January 2006 and June 2012. <br/><b>Results</b>: A total of 66 upper gastrointestinal polyps from 59patients were analyzed. The most common clinical symptom was dyspepsia, observed in 41 cases (69.5%). Thelocalizations of the polyps were as follows: 29 in the antrum (43.9%), 15 in the corpus (22.7%), 11 in the cardia(16.7%), 3 in the fundus (4.54%), 3 in the second portion of the duodenum (4.54%), 2 in the bulbus (3.03%) and3 in the lower end of the esophagus (4.54%). Histopathological types of polyps included hyperplastic polyps (44)(66.7%), faveolar hyperplasia (8) (12.1%), fundic gland polyps (4) (6.06%), squamous cell polyps (4) (6.06%),hamartomatous polyps (3) (4.54%), and pyloric gland adenoma (3) (4.54%). Histopathological analysis of thegastric mucosa showed chronic atrophic gastritis in 30 cases (50.84%), HP infection in 33 cases (55.9%) andintestinal metaplasia in 19 cases (32.20%). In 3 cases with multiple polyps, adenocarcinoma was detected inhyperplastic polyps. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Among polypoid lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, the most commonhistological type is hyperplastic polyps. Generally, HP infection is associated with chronic atrophic gastritis andintestinal metaplasia. The incidence of adenocarcinoma tends to be higher in patients with multiple hyperplasticpolyps.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Application of Multiplex Nested Methylated Specific PCR in Early Diagnosis of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer3003300730864ENJournal Article19700101<br/><b>Objective</b>: To explore the application of multiplex nested methylated specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)in the early diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Serum and fresh tissuesamples were collected from 114 EOC patients. RUNX3, TFPI2 and OPCML served as target genes. Methylationlevels of tissues were assessed by multiplex nested methylated specific PCR, the results being compared withthose for carcinoma antigen 125 (CA125). <br/><b>Results</b>: The serum free deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) methylationspectrum of EOC patients was completely contained in the DNA spectrum of cancer tissues, providing an accuratereflection of tumor DNA methylation conditions. Serum levels of CA125 and free DNA methylation in the EOCgroup were evidently higher than those in benign lesion and control groups (p<0.05). Patients with early EOC hadmarkedly lower serum CA125 than those with advanced EOC (p<0.05), but there was no significant differencein free DNA methylation (p>0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predicative value (PPV) of multiplexnested methylated specific PCR were significantly higher for detection of all patients and those with early EOCthan those for CA125 (p<0.05). In the detection of patients with advanced EOC, the PPV of CA125 detectionwas obviously lower than that of multiplex nested methylated specific PCR (p>0.05), but there was no significantdifference in sensitivity (p>0.05). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Serum free DNA methylation can be used as a biological markerfor EOC and multiplex nested methylated specific PCR should be considered for early diagnosis since it canaccurately determine tumor methylation conditions.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Association between the Epidermal Growth Factor 61*A/G Polymorphism and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk: a Meta-Analysis3009301430865ENJournal Article19700101The epidermal growth factor (EGF) may play a pathological role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).However, the conclusions of published reports on the relationship between the EGF 61*A/G polymorphism andHCC risk remain controversial. To derive a more precise estimation we performed a meta-analysis based on14 studies that together included 2,506 cases and 4,386 controls. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge andthe Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were used to retrieve articles up to August1, 2014. The crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to evaluate theassociation. Meta-analysis results showed a significant association between the EGF 61*A/G polymorphismand HCC risk in all four genetic models (allele model: OR=1.25, 95%CI=1.12-1.40; dominant model: OR=1.32,95%CI=1.14-1.54; recessive model: OR=1.33, 95%CI=1.12-1.58; ho-mozygous model: OR=1.59, 95%CI=1.33-1.90). Moreover, significant associations were observed when stratified by ethnicity, source of controls, etiologyand genotype methods. Thus, this meta-analysis suggests that the G-allele of the EGF 61*A/G polymorphismis associated with an increased risk of HCC, especially in Asians and Caucasians, without influence from thesource of controls or etiological diversity. Further studies with larger population sizes are needed to confirmthese results.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Factors Affecting Prognosis in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients3015302130866ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality in developed countries, and it is the thirdmost frequent malignancy in Turkey. There are many biological, genetic, molecular, and tissue-derived prognosticfactors for CRCs. In this study, we evaluated prognostic factors in patients who were metastatic at diagnosis orprogressed to metastatic disease during follow-up. Patients and <br/><b>Methods</b>: This study included 116 patients withmalignancies either in the colon or rectum. Of these, 65 had metastatic disease at diagnosis, and 51 progressedto metastatic disease during the course of the disease. The parameters evaluated were age, gender, comorbidity,performance status and stage of the disease at the beginning, localization, history of surgery, chemotherapyregimen, response to first-line treatment, K-RAS status, site and number of metastases, expression of tumorpredictors (CEA, CA19-9), and survival times. A multivariate analysis conducted with factors that consideredstatistically significant in the univariate analysis. Findings: Median age was 56 (32-82) years and the male/female ratio was 80/36. Eleven patients were at stage II, 40 at stage III, and 65 at stage IV at diagnosis. Twentythree patients had tumor in the right colon, 48 in the left colon, and 45 in the rectum. Ninety seven patients wereoperated, and 27 had surgical metastasectomy. Ninety three patients received targeted therapy. At the end offollow-up, 61 patients had died, and 55 survived. Metastatic period survival times were longer in the adjuvantgroup, but the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance (adjuvant group: median 29 months,metastatic group: median 22 months; p=0.285). In the adjuvant group before the metastatic first-line therapy,CEA and CA 19-9 levels were significiantly lower compared to the metastatic group (p<0.005). We also foundthat patients with elevated tumor predictor (CEA, CA 19-9) levels before the first-line therapy had significiantlypoorer prognosis and shorter survival time. Survival was significiantly better with the patients who were youngerthan 65 years of age, had better initial performance status, a history of primary surgery and metastatectomy,and single site of metastasis. Those who benefitted from the first-line therapy were K-RAS wild type and whosetumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9) were not elevated before the first line therapy. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Among the patientswith metastatic CRC, those who benefited from first-line therapy, had history of metastasectomy, were K-RASwild type and had low CA 19-9 levels before the first-line therapy, showed better prognosis independent of otherfactors.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Effects of EGFR, CK19, CK20 and Survinin Gene Expression on Radiotherapy Results in Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer3023302730868ENJournal Article19700101Purpose: To investigate the effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cytokeratin 19 (CK19),cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and survinin gene expression on local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) in patientswith locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) who were administered radiotherapy (RT). Materialsand <br/><b>Methods</b>: Twenty-six patients who were admitted to Uludag University Medical Faculty Department ofRadiation Oncology with a diagnosis of LAHNC (GIII-GIV) were included in this study. Gene expression wasevaluated in tumor tissues and peripheral blood. RNA isolation was performed on paraffinized tumor tissuesand peripheral blood samples obtained before RT (BR). The densities of the obtained RNAs were analyzed at260/280 nm. cDNA samples obtained from total RNA,EGFR, CK19, CK20 and survinin gene expression levelswere assessed via the Sybr Green method and data were analyzed with the ΔΔCt method. The same process wasrepeated for peripheral blood samples taken after RT (AR). <br/><b>Results</b>: The female/male ratio was 3:23 and themean age was 56.5 years (38-75years). After radiotherapy, CK19 and CK20 levels in the peripheral blood werefound to be correlated according to Pearson correlation analysis(p=0.049). This result indicates a possibility ofremaining positive for CK19 and CK20 in the peripheral blood even after RT in patients with CK19, CK20,and EGFR positive tumors before RT. There was a statistically significant correlation between survinin levelsmeasured BR and AR (p=0.028). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: In this study, we found that patients with any EGFR, CK19, CK20or survinin positivity in their peripheral blood obtain less benefit from radiotherapy. A wider patient populationand advanced protein analyses are necessary in order to increase the reliability of our findings.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Influence of Maternal Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure Assessed by Hair Nicotine Levels on Birth Weight3029303430869ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> While the perinatal outcomes of active maternal smoking are well documented, results of theeffects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure during pregnancy are inconsistent. We aimed to examinethe effect of ETS exposure, assessed by maternal hair nicotine levels at 35th week of gestation, on birth weightand the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) and low birth weight (LBW). Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A totalof 871 non-smoking healthy pregnant women were recruited by one Korean hospital between 1 October 2006and 31 July 2007. Hair samples were collected and anthropometric questionnaires administered at 35th week ofgestation. The primary outcome was birth weight and secondary outcomes were the risk of babies being SGAand LBW. <br/><b>Results</b>: Log-transformed hair nicotine concentrations were inversely related with birth weight afteradjusting for confounding variables (β=-0.077, p=0.037). After stratifying hair nicotine levels by tertiles (T1,low [0.0-0.28 ng/mg]; T2, medium [0.29-0.62 ng/mg]; and T3, high [0.63-5.99 ng/mg]), the mean birth weightin each groups were 3,342g (T1) 3,296g (T2) and 3,290 g (T3), respectively. However the difference betweengroups was not statistically significant by analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) adjusting for covariates (p=0.062).In logistic regression analysis, the risk of SGA was higher in the T3 (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.05-2.42) than in thereference group (T1), after controlling for confounding variables. The risk of low birth weight (<2,500g, LBW)was not significantly higher (OR=1.44, 95%CI 0.95-2.19), but the risk of babies being below 3,000g birth weightwas increased in the T3 group (OR=1.53, 95%CI 1.00-2.36) compared with that in the T1 group. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>:Maternal ETS exposure during pregnancy was inversely related with birth weight. The risk of SGA increasedin the highest ETS exposure group compared with in the low exposure group. To prevent ETS exposure duringpregnancy, more comprehensive tobacco control policies are needed.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Anti-proliferation Effects of Isorhamnetin on Lung Cancer Cells in Vitro and in Vivo3035304230870ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Isorhamnetin (Iso), a novel and essential monomer derived from total flavones of Hippophaerhamnoides that has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for angina pectoris and acute myocardialinfarction, has also shown a spectrum of antitumor activity. However, little is known about the mechanisms ofaction Iso on cancer cells. <br/><b>Objectives</b>: To investigate the effects of Iso on A549 lung cancer cells and underlyingmechanisms. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A549 cells were treated with 10~320 μg/ml Iso. Their morphological andcellular characteristics were assessed by light and electronic microscopy. Growth inhibition was analyzed byMTT, clonogenic and growth curve assays. Apoptotic characteristics of cells were determined by flow cytometry(FCM), DNA fragmentation, single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay, immunocytochemistry and terminaldeoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) . Tumor models were setup by transplanting Lewislung carcinoma cells into C57BL/6 mice, and the weights and sizes of tumors were measured. <br/><b>Results</b>: Isomarkedly inhibited the growth of A549 cells with induction of apoptotic changes. Iso at 20 μg/ml, could induceA549 cell apoptosis, up-regulate the expression of apoptosis genes Bax, Caspase-3 and P53, and down-regulatethe expression of Bcl-2, cyclinD1 and PCNA protein. The tumors in tumor-bearing mice treated with Iso weresignificantly smaller than in the control group. The results of apoptosis-related genes, PCNA, cyclinD1 and otherprotein expression levels of transplanted Lewis cells were the same as those of A549 cells in vitro. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>:Iso, a natural single compound isolated from total flavones, has antiproliferative activity against lung cancer invitro and in vivo. Its mechanisms of action may involve apoptosis of cells induced by down-regulation of oncogenesand up-regulation of apoptotic genes.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Quantitative Changes in Tumor-Associated M2 Macrophages Characterize Cholangiocarcinoma and their Association with Metastasis3043305030871ENJournal Article19700101The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes numerous non-neoplastic cells such as leukocytes and fibroblaststhat surround the neoplasm and influence its growth. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancerassociatedfibroblasts (CAFs) are documented as key players in facilitating cancer appearance and progression.Alteration of the macrophage (CD68, CD163) and fibroblast (α-SMA, FSP-1) cells in Opisthorchis viverrini (Ov)-induced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was here assessed using liver tissues from an established hamster modeland from 43 human cases using immunohistochemistry. We further investigated whether M2-activated TAMsinfluence CCA cell migration ability by wound healing assay and Western blot analysis. Macrophages andfibroblasts change their phenotypes to M2-TAMs (CD68+, CD163+) and CAFs (α-SMA+, FSP-1+), respectivelyin the early stages of carcinogenesis. Interestingly, a high density of the M2-TAMs CCA in patients is significantlyassociated with the presence of extrahepatic metastases (p=0.021). Similarly, CD163+ CCA cells are correlatedwith metastases (p=0.002), and they may be representative of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)with increased metastatic activity. We further showed that M2-TAM conditioned medium can induce CCA cellmigration as well as increase N-cadherin expression (mesenchymal marker). The present work revealed thatsignificant TME changes occur at an early stage of Ov-induced carcinogenesis and that M2-TAMs are key factorscontributing to CCA metastasis, possibly via EMT processes.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701What Do Web Users Know about Skin Self-Examination and Melanoma Symptoms?3051305630872ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Skin self-examination (SSE) may facilitate early diagnosis of melanoma at a potentially curablestage. Little data are available concerning the SSE frequency and knowledge about the symptoms of melanomain non-patient populations. The aim of our study was to assess the performance of skin self-examination,recognition of potential melanoma symptoms as well as behavior related to sun exposure among web users inPoland. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study was conducted among readers of a scientific portal.Invited respondents were asked to complete an online questionnaire. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted on4,919 surveys towards potential clinical signs of melanoma and SSE performance. <br/><b>Results</b>: Approximately 60%of respondents had ever performed SSE in their life. Only 18.4 % declared performance on a regular, monthly,basis. Factors promoting this activity were established to be bigger place of residence, higher education andsensitive skin phototype, higher level of knowledge concerning melanoma, safe tanning rules and, especially, pastsurgical excision of naevi. Declared longer use of tanning beds was linked to understanding better the importanceof clinical features of melanoma. Awareness of hazardous behavior during sunbathing is associated with theattempts to change them. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Regular SSE is not a common practice, whilst the knowledge about theclinical features of melanoma is varied. Therefore, constant pressure should be put on promotion of regular skinself-examination and teaching its proper techniques, including familiarity with the ABCD (asymmetry; border;color; diameter) rule and its extension of “EFG” (elevated, firm, progressive growth) criteria.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Importance of the Cell Block Technique in Diagnosing Patients with Non-Small Cell Carcinoma Accompanied by Pleural Effusion3057306030873ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Cytological examination of pleural effusions is very important in the diagnosis of malignantlesions. Thoracentesis is the first investigation to be performed in a patient with pleural effusion. In this study,we aimed to compare traditional with cell block methods for diagnosis of lung disease accompanied by pleuraleffusion. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A total of 194 patients with exudative pleural effusions were included. Tenmililiters of fresh pleural fluid were obtained by thoracentesis from all patients in the initial evaluation. Thesamples gathered were divided to two equal parts, one for conventional cytological analysis and the other foranalysis with the cell block technique. In cytology, using conventional diagnostic criteria cases were divided into3 categories, benign, malignant and undetermined. The cell block sections were evaluated for the presence ofsingle tumor cells, papillary or acinar patterns and staining with mucicarmine. In the cell block examination,in cases with sufficient cell counts histopathological diagnosis was performed. <br/><b>Results</b>: Of the total undergoingconventional cytological analyses, 154 (79.4%)were reported as benign, 33 (17%) as malignant and 7 (3.6%) assuspicious of malignancy. With the cell block method the results were 147 (75.8%) benign, 12 (6.2%) metastatic, 4(2.1%) squamous cell carcinoma, 18 (9.3%) adenocarcinoma, 5 (2.6%) large cell carcinoma, 2 (1%) mesothelioma,3 (1.5%) small cell carcinoma, and 3 (1.5%) lymphoma. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Our study confirmed that the cell blockmethod increases the diagnostic yield with exudative pleural effusions accompanying lung cancer.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Silencing of Rac3 Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Human Lung Cancer Cells3061306530874ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> Rac3, a member of the Rac family of small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), regulatesa variety of cell functions, including the organization of the cytoskeleton, cell migration, and invasion.Overexpression of Rac3 has been reported in several human cancers. However, the role of Rac3 in lung cancer(LC) has not been determined in detail. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of silencing of Rac3expression in human LC cells and the consequences for cell survival. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Lentivirus smallhairpin RNA (shRNA) interference techniques were utilized to knock down the Rac3 gene. Gene and proteinexpression was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting.LC cell apoptosis was examined by annexin V-APC /propidium iodide staining. <br/><b>Results</b>: Efficient silencing ofRac3 strongly inhibited A549 cell proliferation and colony formation ability, and significantly decreased tumorgrowth. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis showed that knockdown of Rac3 led to G2/M phase cell cycle arrestas well as an excess accumulation of cells in the G1 and S phase. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Thus, functional analysis usingshRNAs revealed a critical role for Rac3 in the tumor growth of LC cells. shRNA silencing of Rac3 could providean effective strategy to treat LC.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Survival Rates of Cervical Cancer Patients in Malaysia3067307230875ENJournal Article19700101Cervical cancer is the most common malignant cancer of the female reproductive organs worldwide. Currently,cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination and detected at an early stage via various screening methods.Malaysia, as a developing country faces a heavy disease burden of cervical cancer as it is the second mostcommon cancer among Malaysian women. This population based study was carried out to fulfil the primary aimof determining the survival rates of Malaysian women with cervical cancer and associated factors. Data wereobtained from two different sources namely, the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (MNCR) and NationalHealth Informatics Centre (NHIC) from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2005. Kaplan Meier analyses wereconducted to identify the overall survival rates and median survival time. Differences in survival among differentethnic and age group were compared using the log-rank test. A total of 5,859 patients were included. The mediansurvival time for cervical cancer in this study was 65.8 months and the 5-year survival rate was 71.1% . Theoverall observed survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 94.1%, 79.3% and 71.1% respectively. The log-rank testfinding also showed that there were significant differences in the 5-year survival rate among different ethnicgroups. Malays had the lowest survival rate of 59.2% followed by Indians (69.5%) and Chinese (73.8%). Theoverall 5-year survival rate among patients with cervical cancer in Malaysia is relatively good. Age and ethnicgroups remain as significant determining factors for cervical cancer survival rate.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701The TP53 intron 6 G13964C Polymorphism and Risk of Thyroid and Breast Cancer Development in the Iranian Azeri Population3073307730876ENJournal Article19700101<b>Background:</b> TP53 mutations are the most common genetic alterations in human cancers. There are alsoseveral polymorphisms in both exons and introns of TP53 that may influence its anti-tumor functions and increasethe risk of cancer development. Associations of the TP53 intron 6 G13964C polymorphism with increased risk ofdevelopment of several cancers have been investigated in numerous studies, but the results were controversialand conflicting. In this study, we aimed to investigate the probable association of this polymorphism with riskof both thyroid and breast cancers among the Iranian-Azeri population. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: We performedtwo separate case control studies on associations of the intron 6 polymorphism with two different kinds ofcancer. In one case-control study, a total of 75 patients with thyroid carcinoma and 180 controls were analyzedand the other study included 170 patients with breast cancer and 135 healthy women. The intron 6 genotypewas determined by RFLP-PCR and the SPSS 16 program was applied for data analysis. <br/><b>Results</b>: For thyroidcancer, the frequencies of GG genotype were 96.0% in patients and 93.3% in controls. The GC genotype had afrequency of 4.0 % in patients and 6.7% in controls. In the study on breast cancer, the frequency of GG and GCgenotypes in patients were 95.3% and 4.7%, respectively. In breast related control group, the frequency of GGgenotype was 93.3 % and the frequency of GC genotype was 6.7%. None of the cases and controls had the CCgenotype. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: There was no significant association between the TP53 intron 6 G13964C polymorphismand risk of development of both thyroid and breast cancer in Iranian-Azeri patients.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701Expression of Cancer-Testis Antigens in Stem Cells: Is it a Potential Drawback or an Advantage in Cancer Immunotherapy3079308130877ENJournal Article19700101Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are a group of tumor associated antigens with a restricted expression patternin normal gametogenic tissues but expression in a broad range of malignancies. Their expression pattern hasmade them potential targets for immunotherapy. However, expression of some of these antigens has beendemonstrated in normal stem cells as well as cancer stem cells (CSCs). As CSCs have been shown to be sourcesof metastasis and tumor recurrence, novel therapies are being focused on their eradication. On the other hand,CTA expression in normal stem cells raises the possibility that CTA based immunotherapies cause side effectsin normal tissues.West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention (WAOCP), APOCP's West Asia Chapter.Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention1513-736816720150701In Regard to Wang et al on Long-term Outcomes Following D2 Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer3083308330878ENJournal Article19700101