Yan Luo

Multiparametric MRI‐Based Radiomics Nomogram for Predicting Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Endometrial Carcinoma

BackgroundLymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) of endometrial carcinoma (EMC) is one of the important prognostic factors, which is not usually visible subjectively. Therefore, clinicians lack imaging‐based evidence about LVSI for preoperative treatment decision‐making.PurposeTo develop a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)‐based radiomics nomogram for predicting LVSI in EMC and provide decision‐making support to clinicians.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 144 patients with histologically confirmed EMC, 101 patients in a training cohort, and 43 patients in a test cohort.Field Strength/SequenceT2WI, contrast enhanced‐T1WI, and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) at 3.0T MRI.AssessmentTumors were independently segmented images by two radiologists. Two pathologists reviewed the tissue specimens of the tumors to identify the existence of LVSI in consensus.Statistical TestsThe intraclass correlation coefficient was used to test the reliability and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression for features selection and then developed a radiomics signature named Rad‐score. A nomogram was developed in the training cohort. The diagnostic performance of the nomogram model was assessed by area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) in the training and test cohort, respectively.ResultsLVSI was identified in 32 patients (22.2%). Older age and high grade were correlated with LVSI at univariate analysis. There were five radiomics features that were identified as independent risk factors for LVSI by LASSO regression. Based on age, grade, and Rad‐score, the AUC values of the nomogram model to predict LVSI in the training and test cohort were 0.820 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.725, 0.916; sensitivity: 82.6%, specificity: 72.9%), 0.807 (95% CI: 0.673, 0.941; sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 78.6%), respectively.Data ConclusionThe radiomic‐based machine‐learning model using a nomogram algorithm achieved high diagnostic performance for predicting LVSI of EMC preoperatively, which could enhance risk stratification and provide support for therapeutic decision‐making.Level of Evidence2.Technical Efficacy Stage3. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1257–1262.

Is HPV vaccine awareness associated with HPV knowledge level? Findings from HINTS data across racial/ethnic groups in the US

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as a leading cause of multiple types of cancer. The current study examined HPV knowledge level and its associated factors, especially its relationship with HPV vaccine awareness, across race/ethnicity, including non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic African American, and Hispanic. Cross-sectional data were merged from Cycles 1 (2017) and Cycle 2 (2018) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (HINTS5, total Overall HPV knowledge level among participants was low (Mean = 1.68; SD = 1.44; range 0-4). Among three racial/ethnic groups, non-Hispanic African American had the lowest level of HPV knowledge (Mean = 1.51). Less than 30% answered correctly to each of the three items assessing knowledge of HPV-associated (HPVa) cancers other than cervical (e.g. if HPV can cause penile, anal, and/or oral cancer). The HPV vaccine awareness was significantly associated with HPV knowledge across all three racial/ethnic groups. The lowest level of HPV knowledge among non-Hispanic African American suggests that HPV education is urgently needed for this population. Specific interventions should emphasize information regarding HPVa cancers other than cervical cancer. Additionally, promoting awareness of the HPV vaccine will help to improve HPV knowledge among general population. Lastly, various factors associated with HPV knowledge across different racial/ethnic groups need to be addressed when implementing HPV education programs.

LINC00636 promotes lymph node metastasis and cervical cancer through targeting NM23

Abstract Background: Metastasis is a major obstacle in treatment of cervical cancer, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) mediated regulatory effect on associated genes expression is found to be involved in metastasis. However, its mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Materials and methods: Specimens from patients with cervical cancer metastasis and non-metastasis were used to screen out candidate non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and possible downstream targets. And then, effects were determined in vitro and in vivo through knockdown and overexpression techniques. Results: LINC00636 was significantly higher in serum and solid tumor cells of metastatic cervical cancer patients than non-metastatic patients. And knockdown of LINC00636 significantly suppressed invasion, proliferation of cervical cancer cells. NM23 expression was negatively regulated by LINC00636 and it mediated anti-tumor effects was partially blocked by overexpression of LINC00636. Conclusion: LINC00636 might promote metastasis of cervical cancer cells through inhibiting NM23 expression.