Silymarin, the active extract from milk thistle, has been extensively used in patients with liver disease of different etiology. Although silymarin is a complex of 7 flavonolignans and polyphenols, silibinin is usually regarded as the most active component. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that silymarin and silibinin protect the liver from oxidative stress and sustained inflammatory processes, mainly driven by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and secondary cytokines. Oxidative stress and inflammation are also involved in cellular damage of many other tissues and their role in the development and toxic reactions in patients receiving cancer therapies is established. The protective effects of silymarin and silibinin, demonstrated in various tissues, suggest a clinical application in cancer patients as an adjunct to established therapies, to prevent or reduce their toxicity. Here we discuss the possible mechanism of the protective action of silymarin and silibinin, focusing on cancer therapies as agents causing cellular damage.

We showed a significant decrease in cell viability after the simultaneous application of chemotherapeutics and adenovirus. These results suggest that PGK1-inhibition is able to increase the vulnerability of gastric cancer cells and tumor stem cells to overcome the chemotherapeutic therapy resistance.

HighlightsHemangiopericytoma is known to occur in any anatomical site, especially the extremities and retroperitoneum.Primary surgical resection is the treatment of choice. There is no benefit of radiation or systemic chemotherapy.Angiogenic inhibitors represent promising systemic therapeutic concepts for Hemangiopericytoma.

Laparoscopic mesh placement represents a safe and efficient procedure in patients requiring high-dose pelvic radiation, presenting with unacceptable small intestine volume in the radiation field. As an alternate to native tissue, the vicryl mesh is a safe, effective substitute for small bowel exclusion from external-beam radiation therapy.

Ectopic pancreas is a benign congenital abnormality, defined as pancreatic tissue that lacks anatomic or vascular continuity to the pancreas. An incidence of 0.55%-13% has been described in autopsy studies. Ectopic pancreas is most commonly found in the upper GI-Tract.