ObjectiveTo summarize the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and the digestive tract cancer, and to investigate the applicative value of miRNAs in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of the digestive tract cancer. MethodsDomestic and international papers focusing on the relationship between miRNAs and the digestive tract cancer were retrieved and reviewed. ResultsmiRNAs participated in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis through gene regulation. The patients with digestive tract cancer were often accompanied with some abnormal expression of miRNAs in circulation, that was closely related to the occurrence and development of tumor. These miRNAs in blood contributed to not only the diagnosis of tumor, but also identification of the primary tumor site, even the clinical and pathological staging. Thus, we could predict the progress, recurrence, and the metastasis of tumor, or perform the evaluation of therapeutic effects. ConclusionCirculating miRNAs can be used as molecular microsensors for the noninvasive early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the digestive tract cancer.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical curative effect of interventional chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. MethodsThirty advanced gastric cancer patients underwent arterial infusion chemotherapy and embolization treatment between January and December 30, 2013. The treatment was carried out every three weeks. We evaluated the clinical results after the third treatment. The clinical improvement was assessed based on alleviation of such symptoms as epigastric pain, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and fecal occult blood. The tumor size was evaluated through abdominal CT examination. ResultsAbdominal pain relieved in 19 out of 28 patients (67.9%); appetite improved in 18 out of 24 patients (75.0%); vomiting relieved in 15 out of 16 cases (93.8%); and fecal 9 out of 12 patients with positive occult blood turned to negative (75.0%). The total effective rate was 83.3%, and 8 patients accepted interventional therapy after operation. The survival rates during the 6, 12 and 24-month follow-up were respectively 85.0%, 65.0%, and 25.0%. ConclusionsInterventional chemotherapy and embolization treatment are effective for advanced gastric cancer, which can relieve symptoms and lower tumor stage. Some patients have a second chance of operation, which can be an effective method in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.