Checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) is a serine/threonine kinase which is activated upon DNA damage and is implicated in pathways that govern DNA repair, cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in response to the initial damage. Loss of kinase function has been correlated with different types of cancer, mainly breast cancer. CHEK2 functionality is affected by different missense or deleterious mutations. CHEK2*1100delC and I157T are most studied in populations all over the world. Although these variants have been identified in patients with breast cancer, their frequency raises doubts about their importance as risk factors. The present article reviews the recent advances in research on CHEK2 mutations, focusing on breast cancer, based on the latest experimental data.

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BackgroundClinical and experimental data suggest an association between the presence of bacterial and/or fungal infection and the development of different types of cancer, independently of chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. This has also been postulated for the development of lung cancer, however the prevalence and the exact species of the bacteria and fungi implicated, have not yet been described.AimTo determine the presence of bacterial and fungal microflora in surgically extracted samples of patients with lung cancer.Materials and methodsIn this single-center prospective, observational study, tissue samples were surgically extracted from 32 consecutive patients with lung cancer, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify the presence of bacteria and fungi strains.ResultsThe analysis of the electrophoresis data pointed out diversity between the samples and the strains that were identified. Mycoplasma strains were identified in all samples. Strains that appeared more often were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis and Bacillus strains, followed in descending frequency by Chlamydia, Candida, Listeria, and Haemophilus influenza. In individual patients Legionella pneumophila and Candida tropicalis were detected.ConclusionsA diversity of pathogens could be identified in surgically extracted tissue samples of patients with lung cancer, with mycoplasma strains being present in all samples. These results point to an etiologic role for chronic infection in lung carcinogenesis. Confirmation of these observations and additional studies are needed to further characterize the etiologic role of inflammation in lung carcinogenesis.

Background: The scientific community has proven the value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a prognostic factor in the development of cancer and progress to metastases [1–4]. Simultaneously, a new type of cancer stem cell-like (CSC-like) cells has also been established as a progenitor of metastases and relapses in cancer patients [5, 6]. The present research attempts to support the hypothesis that CTCs have all the cellular hallmarks of CSC-like cells which play a crucial role in cancer spreading. Materials and Methods: Two methods have been chosen: a cellular-based and a molecular-based method. The first method is based on the fact that CSCs form microspheres in culture. In the second method, microspheres develop in the presence of specific markers that define the CSC phenotype [6]. Results: In cellular-based assays, it has been shown that microspheres form in semi-suspension in a culture flask. In the second panel of the test, Nanog was chosen as a marker and the tested sample was positive when grown under specific conditions. Conclusion: Our analysis has demonstrated that in this particular case, CSCs-like cells are included in the vast majority of CTCs.

BackgroundPlatinum derivatives are used widely for the treatment of many cancers. However, the toxicity that is observed makes imperative the need for new drugs, or new combinations. Anvirzel™ is an extract which has been demonstrated with experimental data that displays anticancer activity. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the combination of Cisplatin and Anvirzel™ has a synergistic effect against different types of cancer.Materials and methodsTo measure the efficacy of treatment with Cisplatin and Anvirzel™, methyl-tetrazolium dye (MTT) chemosensitivity assays were used incorporating established human cancer cell lines. Measurements were performed in triplicates, three times, using different incubation times and different concentrations of the two formulations in combination or on their own. t-test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsIn the majority of the cell lines tested, lower concentrations of Anvirzel™ induced a synergistic effect when combined with low concentrations of Cisplatin after an incubation period of 48 to 72 h. The combination of Anvirzel™/Cisplatin showed anti-proliferative effects against a wide range of tumours.ConclusionThe results showed that the combination of Anvirzel™ and Cisplatin is more effective than monotherapy, even when administered at low concentrations; thus, undesirable toxic effects can be avoided.