European Journal of Cancer: Highlights of Issue 37:04

I1307K and E1317Q APC variants are rare/absent in the Swedish population.

Several studies have linked APC variants to cancer risk. In this issue, Evertsson and colleagues have looked at the prevalence of 2 such APC germ-line mutations, I1307K and E1317Q, in colorectal cancer (CRC) cases from the Swedish population. They sequenced samples from 106 unselected CRC cases and 88 hereditary/familial cases and found no cases with either variant thus suggesting that these mutations are rare or absent in this population.

Use of phage display to identify tumour-associated antigens on primary colorectal cancers

Phage display technology is increasingly being used to selectively isolate antibodies that are specific for known tumour antigens. Indeed, such methods often have the advantage of being much faster than the traditional methods of immunisation/screening using animal models. However, success depends greatly on both the size of the phage antibody library and, in particular, on the selection procedure that is used. Roovers and colleagues describe a study where they have used phage display technology to select antibodies over several rounds of selection using freshly isolated patient-derived colon tumour cells. These antibodies were then tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for their specificity and staining pattern in several different sections of colon tissues. In this way, three antibodies were isolated; two that reacted with epithelial cell-restricted cell-surface antigens and one antibody that preferentially reacted with stromal cells. Their expression was limited in normal tissues suggesting they recognise tumour-specific antigens.

Effect of novel synthetic retinoid, CD437, on malignant gliomas

Recently, interest in the possible use of retinoids in the treatment of gliomas has increased. These are a class of natural and synthetic vitamin A analogues whose effects are mainly mediated by the receptors, RAR and RXR. In this issue, Costa and coworkers have looked at the effects of a synthetic retinoid, CD437, and found that it was highly efficient at inducing growth inhibition of human glioblastoma cell lines, arresting the cells in S phase. Apoptosis, with a downregulation of Bcl-2 expression and increased CPP32 activation was also observed in 8MG-BA cells. Their results also suggested that CD437 acts through the increased expression of retinoid-inducible genes. The mechanism of action seemed to be very different from that associated with all-trans retinoic acid (t-RA) and this analogue may, when more data is available, find a use in the treatment of t-RA-resistant relapses.

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