Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) has been implicated in the development and progression of several human malignancies. However, the role of ILK in human colon cancer progression is not well established, neither have its possible in vivo downstream effectors in the disease been identified. We studied, by immunohistochemistry, ILK, beta-catenin, E-cadherin, p-Akt and p-FKHR protein expression in 125 primary colon carcinomas and 45 corresponding lymph node metastases. ILK was expressed in 98.4% of the primary tumours and in 100% of metastatic lesions. The levels of ILK expression correlated strongly with tumour invasion, tumour grade and stage and were significantly higher in metastatic tumours. Activation of beta-catenin, down-regulation of E-cadherin and activation of the Akt-FKHR pathway correlated significantly with both ILK expression and tumour progression parameters. In conclusion, our results suggest that ILK may have an important role in progression of human colon cancer, possibly through in vivo regulation of beta-catenin, E-cadherin and Akt pathways. Our study also provides some evidence implicating p-FKHR in human colon carcinogenesis and ILK signalling.

Lung cancer being the most prevalent malignancy in men and the 3rd most frequent in women is still associated with dismal prognosis due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Novel targeted therapies are already on the market and several others are under investigation. However non-specific cytotoxic agents still remain the cornerstone of treatment for many patients. Central airways stenosis or obstruction may often complicate and decrease quality of life and survival of these patients. Interventional pulmonology modalities (mainly debulking and stent placement) can alleviate symptoms related to airways stenosis and improve the quality of life of patients. Mitomycin C and sirolimus have been observed to assist a successful stent placement by reducing granuloma tissue formation. Additionally, these drugs enhance the normal tissue ability against cancer cell infiltration. In this mini review we will concentrate on mitomycin C and sirolimus and their use in stent placement.

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In the present study, we assessed the clinical and pathological data of 76 patients with the diagnosis of non-gastric extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. The most commonly affected sites were salivary glands, skin, ocular adnexa, lung, intestine and Waldeyer's ring. Ann Arbor stage I disease was present in 39 patients (51%), stage II in 10 (13%) and stage IV in 27 (36%). In 17 cases (21%), the lymphoma presented at multiple mucosal sites. Lymph node and bone marrow involvement were present in 21% and 16%, respectively. Most cases were in the low or low-intermediate risk group. Treatment was heterogeneous and included chlorambucil in 59% either alone or in combination with other agents. Complete and partial remission was achieved in 79% and 7%, respectively, with an overall response rate of 86%. The 5- and 10-year overall survival and cause-specific survival rates were 94%, 82% and 95%, 91%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year progression free survival was 56% and 41%, respectively. The only feature associated with inferior outcome was disease localisation to the lung.