Recurrent BEND2 Fusion Genes Identified by Whole Transcriptome Sequencing of Non-Functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Correlate with Poor Patient Prognosis.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) exhibit heterogeneous clinical behavior, and a growing number of NF-PanNETs have been discovered incidentally. While chromatin remodeling and telomere maintenance gene alterations, such as ATRX and DAXX mutations, are well-established in the metastatic progression of PanNETs, many tumors lack known driver mutations. To identify additional prognostic biomarkers and alternative oncogenic mechanisms in primary non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs), we employed whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) on 73 non-syndromic NF-PanNETs with extended clinical follow-up (>4 years).

Management of patients with small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from a biomarker and surgical perspective.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) have an age-adjusted incidence of 1.5 per 100,000 people, with a notable rise in the incidence of small (≤2 cm) non-functional PanNETs (NF-PanNETs) in recent decades. While surgery is traditionally the preferred treatment for localized NF-PanNETs, active surveillance is now an accepted management strategy for tumors smaller than 2 cm due to their relatively benign behavior.

Polymersomes with splenic avidity target red pulp myeloid cells for cancer immunotherapy.

Regulating innate immunity is an emerging approach to improve cancer immunotherapy. Such regulation requires engaging myeloid cells by delivering immunomodulatory compounds to hematopoietic organs, including the spleen. Here we present a polymersome-based nanocarrier with splenic avidity and propensity for red pulp myeloid cell uptake.

Macrophage PET imaging in mouse models of cardiovascular disease and cancer with an apolipoprotein-inspired radiotracer.

Macrophages are key inflammatory mediators in many pathological conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This makes macrophage burden a valuable diagnostic marker and several strategies to monitor these cells have been reported. However, such strategies are often high-priced, non-specific, invasive, and/or not quantitative.

DNA Methylation Profiling Enables Accurate Classification of Nonductal Primary Pancreatic Neoplasms.

Background & Aims: Cytologic and histopathologic diagnosis of non-ductal pancreatic neoplasms can be challenging in daily clinical practice, whereas it is crucial for therapy and prognosis. The cancer methylome is successfully used as a diagnostic tool in other cancer entities. Here, we investigate if methylation profiling can improve the diagnostic work-up of pancreatic neoplasms.

Status of Surveillance and Nonsurgical Therapy for Small Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) occur in < 1/100,000 patients and most are nonfunctioning (NF). Approximately 5% occur as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Anatomic and molecular imaging have a pivotal role in the diagnosis, staging and active surveillance.

[A toddler with status dystonicus due to medication].

Background: Status dystonicus (SD) is a severe episode of generalized dystonia, potentially complicated by respiratory and metabolic disruption. Triggers can be infection, medication, or metabolic disturbance. The prognosis is variable and mortality is approximately 10%.

A modular approach toward producing nanotherapeutics targeting the innate immune system.

Immunotherapies controlling the adaptive immune system are firmly established, but regulating the innate immune system remains much less explored. The intrinsic interactions between nanoparticles and phagocytic myeloid cells make these materials especially suited for engaging the innate immune system. However, developing nanotherapeutics is an elaborate process.