The role of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion transcript in promoting prostate cancer progression and aggressiveness is discussed. The relevance of assessing the status of the transcript in Jamaican men with prostate cancer is also explored.

The ability of metformin to enhance the cytotoxic profile of carboplatin in platinum resistant OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells was evaluated alone and in the presence of the FAK inhibitor PF-5733228. Metformin significantly increased OVCAR3 sensitivity to both carboplatin and PF-573228.

The cytotoxic efficacy of Vitamin E and the focal adhesion kinase inhibitor Y15 was evaluated for their ability to enhance sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel in a platinum resistant ovarian cancer cell line.

The classification, efficacy and significantly reduced toxicity of chemotherapeutic monoclonal antibodies (CmAbs) available for use in the United States of America are presented, and their limitations and future considerations are explored.

The aqueous and hexane extracts of Petiveria alliacea were investigated for hypoglycaemic properties in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The findings demonstrated no significant changes in blood glucose levels in response to Petiveria alliacea treatment.

The anti-inflammatory effects of Cassia alata leaf extract were investigated on complete Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic rats. The extract from the leaves was able to significantly reduce the swelling observed in the knee joint. It was also able to effectively protect the articular cartilage from degradation as well as limit the number of differential leukocytes entering the synovial cavity during inflammation. Cassia alata possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects and should undergo further investigations of these properties.

The cytotoxic effect of a hexane extract of Cassia alata (C alata) leaves in parental and Caspase 8, 3 and 9 negative A549 lung cancer cells was evaluated after a 24-hour treatment period. C alata extract was cytotoxic in parental and caspase-9 negative, but not caspase 3 and 8 negative A549 cells. The IC50 values were 143 μg/ml and 145 μg/ml in parental and caspase 9 negative A549 cells respectively. The flavanoid kaempferol was identified as a constituent of C alata leaf extract. These results suggest a cytotoxic effect of C alata that is dependent on caspase 8.