The Role of microRNA in Pancreatic Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ribonucleic acid molecules that play a key role in regulating gene expression. The increasing number of studies undertaken on the functioning of microRNAs in the tumor formation clearly indicates their important potential in oncological therapy. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. The expression of miRNAs released into the bloodstream appears to be a good indicator of progression and evaluation of the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, as indicated by studies. The work reviewed the latest literature on the importance of miRNAs for pancreatic cancer development.

Changes in CRP and CA19-9 during Preoperative Oncological Therapy Predict Postoperative Survival in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Tumor and systemic inflammatory markers predict survival. This retrospective study aimed to explore the changes in CRP, CA19-9, and other routine laboratory tests during preoperative oncological therapy as prognostic factors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Between 2000 and 2016, 68 borderline resectable PDAC patients received preoperative oncological therapy and underwent subsequent surgery at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. We investigated changes in CRP, CA19-9, CEA, albumin, leukocytes, bilirubin, and platelets and examined the impact on survival. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the multivariate analysis, CRP remaining at ≥3 mg/L after preoperative oncological therapy predicted a poorer postoperative outcome when compared to CRP decreasing to or remaining at &#x3c;3 mg/L (hazard ratio [HR] 2.766, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.300–5.885, <i>p</i> = 0.008). Furthermore, a CA19-9 decrease &#x3e;90% during preoperative treatment predicted a favorable postoperative outcome (HR 0.297, 95% CI: 0.124–0.708, <i>p</i> = 0.006). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the median survival for patients with CRP remaining at &#x3c;3 mg/L was longer than among patients with an increased CRP level at ≥3 mg/L (42 months vs. 24 months, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Patients with a CA19-9 decrease &#x3e;90% or level normalization (to ≤37 kU/L) during preoperative treatment exhibited a median survival of 47 months; those with a 50–90% decrease, 15 months; and those with a &#x3c;50% decrease, 17 months (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Changes in CRP and CA19-9 during preoperative oncological therapy predict postoperative survival.

Counseling on Complementary Methods in the Treatment of Side Effects of Oncological Therapies: A Project of the Breast and Bowel Center Nahe at the Hospital Sankt Marienwoerth Bad Kreuznach

Background: Increasingly, patients with cancer are asking for additional, complementary therapy options for treating the side effects of oncological therapy. Thus, the members of the Breast and Bowel Center Nahe at the Sankt Marienwörth Hospital Bad Kreuznach decided to define the content of this type of counseling for patients before treatment. Methods: In 2018, a team of internal oncologists, gynecological oncologists, radio-oncologists, nutritionists, psycho-oncologists, and study nurses met several times to define the content of counseling. To inform the team, an intensive literature review was conducted. Results: Counseling content was determined for complementary treatment options for the most frequent side effects of oncological therapies. Counseling sessions were formulated as frontal lectures (slide presentations), given at regular intervals for patients and relatives. These lectures were highly appreciated by patients. Conclusion: These counseling sessions increased patient understanding of both useful complementary measures and harmful measures they should not use.