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Curr. Oncol., Volume 31, Issue 1 (January 2024) – 43 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Ovarian cancer, for which effective screening is lacking, is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Major hurdles in combating the disease include inevitable recurrence and eventual chemotherapeutic resistance. While platinum-based therapy and PARP inhibitors remain the mainstay of initial treatment, novel therapeutic agents aimed at targeting mechanisms of resistance have emerged, offering new opportunities for treatment in the recurrent setting. This review addresses these novel therapeutics and the evolving treatment landscape of ovarian cancer. View this paper
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5 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Breast Cancer: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach from Imaging to Therapy
by Daniele Ugo Tari
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 598-602; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010043 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent form of cancer among women worldwide, accounting for over 2 million diagnoses annually [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach from Imaging to Therapy)
10 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Primary Mucosal Melanoma: Clinical Experience from a Single Italian Center
by Rosa Falcone, Sofia Verkhovskaia, Francesca Romana Di Pietro, Giulia Poti, Tonia Samela, Maria Luigia Carbone, Maria Francesca Morelli, Albina Rita Zappalà, Zorika Christiana di Rocco, Roberto Morese, Gabriele Piesco, Paolo Marchetti, Cristina Maria Failla and Federica De Galitiis
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 588-597; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010042 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1784
Abstract
(1) Background: Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare tumor, accounting for about 1% of all diagnosed melanomas. The etiology and pathogenesis of this tumor are unknown. It is characterized by an aggressive phenotype with poor prognosis and a low response rate to approved [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare tumor, accounting for about 1% of all diagnosed melanomas. The etiology and pathogenesis of this tumor are unknown. It is characterized by an aggressive phenotype with poor prognosis and a low response rate to approved treatments. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, treatments and outcomes of patients diagnosed with MM from different sub-sites (head and neck, gynecological and gastro-intestinal region) between 2013 and 2023 at our Institute. Survival times were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression was used to test the independence of significant factors in univariate analysis. (3) Results: Twenty-five patients were included in this study; the disease was equally distributed among females and males. The median age at diagnosis was 74 years old. The majority had MM originating from the head and neck (56%), particularly from the nasal cavity. BRAF V600 mutations were detected in 16% of the study population, limited to gastro-intestinal and gynecological MM. At diagnosis, at least half the patients (52%) had the disease located also at distant sites. The median overall survival (OS) in the whole study population was 22 months, with a longer OS for patients diagnosed at an early stage (38 months, p < 0.001). Longer OSs were reported for head and neck MM compared to other anatomic regions (0.06). Surgery of the primary tumor and radiotherapy were performed in 64% and 36% of the study population, respectively. Radiotherapy was performed only in head and neck MM. At multivariate analysis, the single factor that showed a reduced hazard ratio for death was radiotherapy. (4) Conclusions: The overall survival of MM from different sub-sites treated at our Italian Institution was 22 months, with better outcomes for early-stage disease and head and neck MM. Performing radiotherapy may have a protective effect on OS for head and neck MM. New treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve the outcome in this disease. Full article
9 pages, 4381 KiB  
Case Report
Primary Diffuse Leptomeningeal Melanomatosis in a Child with Extracranial Metastasis: Case Report
by Shubin W. Shahab, Prabhumallikarjun Patil, Jason R. Fangusaro, Brooke Patteson, Adam Goldman-Yassen, Bree R. Eaton, William Boydston, Matthew Schniederjan and Dolly Aguilera
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 579-587; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010041 - 20 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1808
Abstract
Primary meningeal melanomatosis is an extremely rare tumor with very few documented responses to treatment. A 3-year-old male with a complex past medical history, including prematurity and shunted hydrocephalus, was diagnosed with primary meningeal melanomatosis with peritoneal implants. Molecular testing revealed an NRAS [...] Read more.
Primary meningeal melanomatosis is an extremely rare tumor with very few documented responses to treatment. A 3-year-old male with a complex past medical history, including prematurity and shunted hydrocephalus, was diagnosed with primary meningeal melanomatosis with peritoneal implants. Molecular testing revealed an NRAS Q61R mutation. The patient received proton craniospinal radiation followed by immunotherapy with nivolumab (1 mg/kg) and ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) IV every 3 weeks and, upon progression, he was switched to a higher dose of nivolumab (3 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks) and binimetinib (24 mg/m2/dose, twice a day). The patient had significant improvement of CNS disease with radiation therapy and initial immunotherapy but progression of extracranial metastatic peritoneal and abdominal disease. Radiation was not administered to the whole abdomen. After two cycles of nivolumab and treatment with the MEK inhibitor binimetinib, he had radiographic and clinical improvement in abdominal metastasis and ascitis. He ultimately died from RSV infection, Klebsiella sepsis, and subdural hemorrhage without evidence of tumor progression. This is the first report of a child with primary meningeal melanomatosis with extracranial metastatic disease with response to a combination of radiation, immunotherapy and MEK inhibitor therapy. Full article
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13 pages, 4212 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Localized Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcoma
by Shinji Tsukamoto, Andreas F. Mavrogenis, Yuji Nitta, Alberto Righi, Tomoya Masunaga, Kanya Honoki, Hiromasa Fujii, Akira Kido, Yuu Tanaka, Yasuhito Tanaka and Costantino Errani
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 566-578; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010040 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1757
Abstract
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DDCS) is a high-grade subtype of chondrosarcoma with the bimorphic histological appearance of a conventional chondrosarcoma component with abrupt transition to a high-grade, non-cartilaginous sarcoma. DDCS can be radiographically divided into central and peripheral types. Wide resection is currently the main [...] Read more.
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DDCS) is a high-grade subtype of chondrosarcoma with the bimorphic histological appearance of a conventional chondrosarcoma component with abrupt transition to a high-grade, non-cartilaginous sarcoma. DDCS can be radiographically divided into central and peripheral types. Wide resection is currently the main therapeutic option for localized DDCS. Moreover, the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of available evidence to evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on localized DDCS. The purpose was to compare the 5-year survival rate among patients treated with surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy or surgery alone for localized DDCS. The search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. Of the 217 studies shortlisted, 11 retrospective non-randomized studies (comprising 556 patients with localized DDCS) were selected. The 5-year survival rates were similar between the two treatment groups (28.2% (51/181) vs. 24.0% (90/375), respectively). The overall pooled odds ratio was 1.25 (95% confidence interval: 0.80–1.94; p = 0.324), and heterogeneity I2 was 2%. However, when limited to peripheral DDCS, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with prolonged survival (p = 0.03). Due to the paucity of included studies and the absence of prospective comparative studies, no conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy for localized DDCS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology)
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8 pages, 2235 KiB  
Case Report
Combination of Osimertinib and Olaparib Therapy to Treat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Case Report
by Jane Lin, Stephen Welch, Michael Sanatani and Sherif Ramadan
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 558-565; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010039 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1767
Abstract
We present the case of a 75-year-old female with simultaneous EGFR-mutated stage IV lung cancer and advanced BRCA2-mutated ovarian cancer, treated with a unique regimen. In this case report, the patient was treated with alternating months of osimertinib and olaparib to control her [...] Read more.
We present the case of a 75-year-old female with simultaneous EGFR-mutated stage IV lung cancer and advanced BRCA2-mutated ovarian cancer, treated with a unique regimen. In this case report, the patient was treated with alternating months of osimertinib and olaparib to control her lung and ovarian cancers, respectively. When both diseases showed progression, the patient underwent a trial of concurrent therapy with both drugs, yet this was discontinued due to patient-reported adverse side effects. Combination targeted drug therapy may be required to treat complex diagnoses such as dual malignancies. However, combination drug therapy consisting of osimertinib and olaparib has not previously been explored. This case report represents the first to demonstrate osimertinib and olaparib combination therapy as a unique treatment regimen for concurrent lung and ovarian cancers. These two drugs can either be given in an alternating way or given together, short-term, with a higher but tolerable toxicity profile. Full article
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11 pages, 1009 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Subclassification Systems in Patients with Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Barcelona Clinic Liver Classification B) Receiving Systemic Therapy
by Luca Ielasi, Bernardo Stefanini, Fabio Conti, Matteo Tonnini, Raffaella Tortora, Giulia Magini, Rodolfo Sacco, Tiziana Pressiani, Franco Trevisani, Francesco Giuseppe Foschi, Fabio Piscaglia, Alessandro Granito and Francesco Tovoli
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 547-557; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010038 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1496
Abstract
Background: Intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC B HCC) occurs in a heterogeneous group of patients and can be addressed with a wide spectrum of treatments. Consequently, survival significantly varies among patients. In recent years, several subclassification systems have been proposed to stratify patients’ prognosis. [...] Read more.
Background: Intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC B HCC) occurs in a heterogeneous group of patients and can be addressed with a wide spectrum of treatments. Consequently, survival significantly varies among patients. In recent years, several subclassification systems have been proposed to stratify patients’ prognosis. We analyzed and compared these systems (Bolondi, Yamakado, Kinki, Wang, Lee, and Kim criteria) in patients undergoing systemic therapy. Methods: We considered 171 patients with BCLC B HCC treated with sorafenib as first-line systemic therapy in six Italian centers from 2010 to 2021 and retrospectively applied the criteria of six different subclassification systems. Results: Except for the Yamakado criteria, all the subclassification systems showed a statistically significant correlation to overall survival (OS). In the postestimation analysis, the Bolondi criteria (OS of subgroups 22.5, 11.9, and 6.6 mo, respectively; C-index 0.586; AIC 1338; BIC 1344) and the Wang criteria (OS of subgroups 20.6, 11.9, and 7.0, respectively; C-index 0.607; AIC 1337; BIC 1344) presented the best accuracy. Further analyses of these two subclassification systems implemented with the prognostic factor of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 ng/mL have shown an increase in accuracy for both systems (C-index 0.599 and 0.624, respectively). Conclusions: Intermediate-stage subclassification systems maintain their predictive value also in the setting of systemic therapy. The Bolondi and Wang criteria showed the highest accuracy. AFP > 400 ng/mL enhances the performance of these systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment)
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12 pages, 5174 KiB  
Article
Artemis as Predictive Biomarker of Responsiveness to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
by Hai Liu, Runying Huang, Jingjing Shan, Xuyun Xie, Chongwei Wang, Peng Hu and Xiaonan Sun
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 535-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010037 - 18 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify Artemis as a predictive biomarker for guiding preoperative chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. The resection specimens were collected from 50 patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Artemis expression in biopsy tissues was [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to identify Artemis as a predictive biomarker for guiding preoperative chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. The resection specimens were collected from 50 patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Artemis expression in biopsy tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining according to the percentage of positively stained cells combined with staining intensity. Among the 50 patients, 36 (72%) had a weakly positive Artemis protein expression, 10 (20%) had a moderately positive expression, and 4 (8%) showed a strongly positive expression. The criteria of magnetic resonance imaging tumor regression grade (mrTRG) and pathological rectal cancer regression grade (RCRG) were used to assess the tumor response to chemoradiotherapy. Correlation analysis shows that there is a significant negative correlation between high Artemis immunoscore and treatment response (r = −0.532, p < 0.001). The results imply that high Artemis expression was associated with poor treatment response. Our study suggested a potential role of Artemis as a predictive biomarker of the tumor response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers)
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14 pages, 9119 KiB  
Article
Comparison of 68Ga-DOTATATE Positron Emmited Tomography/Computed Tomography and Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection of Liver Metastases from Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors
by Moran Drucker Iarovich, Ricarda Hinzpeter, Brian Michael Moloney, Katrina Hueniken, Patrick Veit-Haibach, Claudia Ortega and Ur Metser
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 521-534; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010036 - 16 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1752
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the detection of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NLMs) in hepatobiliary-specific contrast-enhanced MRI (pMR) versus 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT (DT-PET). This retrospective study cohort included 30 patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors who underwent both DT-PET and pMR. Two readers independently [...] Read more.
This study aimed to compare the detection of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NLMs) in hepatobiliary-specific contrast-enhanced MRI (pMR) versus 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT (DT-PET). This retrospective study cohort included 30 patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors who underwent both DT-PET and pMR. Two readers independently assessed NLMs count, SUVmax on DT-PET, and signal characteristics on pMR. A consensus review by two additional readers resolved discrepancies between the modalities. Results showed concordance between DT-PET and pMR NLM count in 14/30 patients (47%). pMR identified more NLMs in 12/30 patients (40%), of which 4 patients showed multiple deposits on pMR but only 0–1 lesions on DT-PET. DT-PET detected more in 4/30 patients (13%). Overall, pMR detected more metastases than DT-PET (p = 0.01). Excluding the four outliers, there was excellent agreement between the two methods (ICC: 0.945, 95%CI: 0.930, 0.958). Notably, pMR had a higher NLM detection rate than DT-PET, with correlations found between lesion size on pMR and DT-PET detectability, as well as diffusion restriction on pMR and SUVmax on DT-PET. In conclusion, in consecutive patients with well-differentiated NETs, the detection rate of NLM is higher with pMR than with DT-PET. However, when excluding patients whose tumors do not overexpress somatostatin receptors (13% of the cohort), high concordance in the detection of NLM is observed between DT PET and pMR. Full article
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10 pages, 221 KiB  
Article
Cavity Shave Margins in Breast Conservative Surgery a Strategy to Reduce Positive Margins and Surgical Time
by Gianluca Vanni, Marco Pellicciaro, Giulia Renelli, Marco Materazzo, Amir Sadri, Valentina Enrica Marsella, Federico Tacconi, Sebastiano Angelo Bastone, Benedetto Longo, Giordana Di Mauro, Valerio Cervelli, Massimiliano Berretta and Oreste Claudio Buonomo
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 511-520; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010035 - 16 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2029
Abstract
Background: Resection of additional tissue circumferentially around the cavity left by lumpectomy (cavity shave) was suggested to reduce rates of positive margins and re-excision. Methods: A single center retrospective study which analyzed margins status, re-excision, and surgical time in patients who underwent breast [...] Read more.
Background: Resection of additional tissue circumferentially around the cavity left by lumpectomy (cavity shave) was suggested to reduce rates of positive margins and re-excision. Methods: A single center retrospective study which analyzed margins status, re-excision, and surgical time in patients who underwent breast conserving surgery and cavity shave or intraoperative evaluation of resection margins. Results: Between 2021 and 2023, 594 patients were enrolled in the study. In patients subjected to cavity shave, a significant reduction in positive, focally positive, or closer margins was reported 8.9% vs. 18.5% (p = 0.003). No difference was reported in terms of surgical re-excision (p < 0.846) (5% vs. 5.5%). Surgical time was lower in patients subjected to cavity shave (<0.001). The multivariate analysis intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph node OR 1.816 and cavity shave OR 2.909 were predictive factors for a shorter surgical time. Excluding patients subjected to intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph node and patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, patients that underwent the cavity shave presented a reduced surgical time (67.9 + 3.8 min vs. 81.6 + 2.8 min) (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Cavity shaving after lumpectomy reduced the rate of positive margins and it was associated with a significant reduction in surgical time compared to intraoperative evaluation of resection margins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection New Insights into Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment)
10 pages, 494 KiB  
Article
Impact of a Best Practices Program in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Receiving Selinexor
by Lucio N. Gordan, David Ray, Stephen C. Ijioma, George Dranitsaris, Amanda Warner, Trevor Heritage, Matthew Fink, David Wenk, Paul Chadwick, Natasha Khrystolubova and Shachar Peles
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 501-510; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010034 - 14 Jan 2024
Viewed by 3258
Abstract
Best practice (BP) in cancer care consists of a multifaceted approach comprising individualized treatment plans, evidence-based medicine, the optimal use of supportive care and patient education. We investigated the impact of a BP program in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving selinexor. [...] Read more.
Best practice (BP) in cancer care consists of a multifaceted approach comprising individualized treatment plans, evidence-based medicine, the optimal use of supportive care and patient education. We investigated the impact of a BP program in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving selinexor. Features of the BP program that were specific to selinexor were initiating selinexor at doses ≤80 mg once weekly and the upfront use of standardized antiemetics. Study endpoints included time to treatment failure (TTF), duration of therapy, dose limiting toxicities and overall survival. Comparative analysis on TTF and duration of therapy was conducted using a log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression. Over the ensuing 12-month post-BP period, 41 patients received selinexor-based therapy compared to 68 patients who received selinexor-based therapy pre-BP implementation. Patients treated in the post-BP period had reductions in TTF (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.92). Patients in the pre-BP period were four times more likely to stop therapy than those in the post-period (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.75 to 9.3). The findings suggest a BP program tailored to selinexor could increase the time to treatment failure, increase treatment duration and lower the incidence of drug limiting toxicities. Full article
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19 pages, 1291 KiB  
Review
Plasma Cell-Free Tumor Methylome as a Biomarker in Solid Tumors: Biology and Applications
by Danielle Benedict Sacdalan, Sami Ul Haq and Benjamin H. Lok
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 482-500; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010033 - 13 Jan 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2932
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental mechanism of epigenetic control in cells and its dysregulation is strongly implicated in cancer development. Cancers possess an extensively hypomethylated genome with focal regions of hypermethylation at CPG islands. Due to the highly conserved nature of cancer-specific methylation, [...] Read more.
DNA methylation is a fundamental mechanism of epigenetic control in cells and its dysregulation is strongly implicated in cancer development. Cancers possess an extensively hypomethylated genome with focal regions of hypermethylation at CPG islands. Due to the highly conserved nature of cancer-specific methylation, its detection in cell-free DNA in plasma using liquid biopsies constitutes an area of interest in biomarker research. The advent of next-generation sequencing and newer computational technologies have allowed for the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that utilize methylation profiling to diagnose disease and stratify risk. Methylome-based predictive biomarkers can determine the response to anti-cancer therapy. An additional emerging application of these biomarkers is in minimal residual disease monitoring. Several key challenges need to be addressed before cfDNA-based methylation biomarkers become fully integrated into practice. The first relates to the biology and stability of cfDNA. The second concerns the clinical validity and generalizability of methylation-based assays, many of which are cancer type-specific. The third involves their practicability, which is a stumbling block for translating technologies from bench to clinic. Future work on developing pan-cancer assays with their respective validities confirmed using well-designed, prospective clinical trials is crucial in pushing for the greater use of these tools in oncology. Full article
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10 pages, 227 KiB  
Article
Association between Endometriosis and the Risk of Ovarian, Endometrial, Cervical, and Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study from the U.S. National Inpatient Sample 2016–2019
by Ismail Abdulrahman Al-Badawi, Ahmed Abu-Zaid, Osama Alomar, Mohannad Alsabban, Saud Owaimer Alsehaimi, Saad M. S. Alqarni, Safa Nasser Alabdrabalamir, Saeed Baradwan, Maha Al Baalharith, Amal A. AlOdaini, Saleh A. K. Saleh, Heba M. Adly, Ibtihal Abdulaziz Bukhari and Hany Salem
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 472-481; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010032 - 13 Jan 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2850
Abstract
Objective: We investigated the potential relationship between endometriosis and risk of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and breast cancers using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Methods: We utilized the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) system to identify relevant codes from the NIS database (2016–2019). [...] Read more.
Objective: We investigated the potential relationship between endometriosis and risk of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and breast cancers using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Methods: We utilized the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) system to identify relevant codes from the NIS database (2016–2019). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses (adjusted for age, race, hospital region, hospital teaching status, income Zip score, smoking, alcohol use, and hormonal replacement therapy) were conducted to evaluate the association between endometriosis and gynecologic cancers and summarized as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In the examined dataset, there were 1164 and 225,323 gynecologic cancer patients with and without endometriosis, respectively. Univariate analysis showed endometriosis was significantly associated with a higher risk of ovarian (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 3.05–3.84, p < 0.001) and endometrial (OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 2.97–3.79, p < 0.001) cancers. There was no significant association between endometriosis and cervical cancer (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.85–1.28, p = 0.663). Interestingly, endometriosis was significantly associated with a low risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.10–0.17, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.006) showed that endometriosis was significantly associated with a high risk of ovarian (adjusted OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.97–3.75, p < 0.001) and endometrial (adjusted OR = 3.61, 95% CI: 3.12–4.08, p < 0.001) cancers. Conversely, there was no significant association between endometriosis and cervical cancer (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65–0.99, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Patients with endometriosis exhibited unique gynecologic cancer risk profiles, with higher risks for ovarian and endometrial cancers, and no significant risk for cervical cancer. The observed connection between endometriosis and a reduced risk of breast cancer remains a perplexing phenomenon, which cannot be put into context to date. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gynecologic Oncology)
10 pages, 427 KiB  
Article
End-of-Life Care Preferences of Patients with Advanced Urological Malignancies: An Explorative Survey Study at a Tertiary Referral Center
by Christian Volberg, Fabian Urhahn, Anna J. Pedrosa Carrasco, Astrid Morin, Martin Gschnell, Johannes Huber, Luka Flegar and Hendrik Heers
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 462-471; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010031 - 12 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1318
Abstract
Background: Many people want to die at home, but it is often not possible because they do not share their wishes with family members. This study was conducted to find out the extent to which patients with advanced urological malignancies had wishes regarding [...] Read more.
Background: Many people want to die at home, but it is often not possible because they do not share their wishes with family members. This study was conducted to find out the extent to which patients with advanced urological malignancies had wishes regarding their final stage of life, made arrangements accordingly, and communicated their wishes to relatives and health care professionals. Methods: We conducted a survey among advanced urological tumor patients during their clinic visit at a German university hospital using a 31-item questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were metastatic or irresectable prostate cancer, urothelial carcinoma, or renal cell carcinoma. Results: In total, 88 patients (76 male, 12 female) completed the questionnaire, and 62 of those respondents (70%) had received their tumor diagnosis within the past 5 years. Symptoms were reported by 80%, and 18% described five or more symptoms. The majority (88%) stated that they had thought about their preferred place of death but 58% had not informed anyone about it. The preference for a hospice as the place of death correlated statistically significantly with the absence of a domestic partnership (p = 0.001) or marriage (p < 0.001) and with a high number of symptoms (≥5; p = 0.009). However, 73% had not talked with their urological oncologist about care options in case their health deteriorated though 36% of those were interested in having a conversation about it. Conclusions: Our results showed that 9 out of 10 patients reflected on their preferred place of death but only a few discussed it with anyone. Based on this finding, physicians and healthcare staff should initiate discussions about early care planning so that patients in incurable situations can express their wishes regarding their preferred place of death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Palliative and Supportive Care)
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15 pages, 3239 KiB  
Article
Real-World Treatment Patterns, Clinical Outcomes, and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
by Dylan E. O’Sullivan, Devon J. Boyne, Chelsea Ford-Sahibzada, Jessica A. Inskip, Christopher J. Smith, Kaushik Sripada, Darren R. Brenner and Winson Y. Cheung
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 447-461; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010030 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2007
Abstract
The prognosis of early non-small-cell lung cancer (eNSCLC) remains poor. An understanding of current therapies and outcomes can provide insights into how novel therapies can be integrated into clinics. We conducted a large, retrospective, population-based cohort study of patients with de novo eNSCLC [...] Read more.
The prognosis of early non-small-cell lung cancer (eNSCLC) remains poor. An understanding of current therapies and outcomes can provide insights into how novel therapies can be integrated into clinics. We conducted a large, retrospective, population-based cohort study of patients with de novo eNSCLC (stages IB, IIA, IIB, and IIIA) diagnosed in Alberta, Canada, between 2010 and 2019. The primary objectives were to describe treatment patterns and survival outcomes among patients with eNSCLC. A total of 5126 patients with eNSCLC were included. A total of 45.3% of patients were referred to a medical oncologist, ranging from 23.7% in stage IB to 58.3% in IIIA. A total of 23.6% of patients initiated systemic therapy (ST), ranging from 3.5% in stage IB to 38.5% in IIIA. For stage IIB and IIIA individuals who received surgery, adjuvant ST was associated with a decreased likelihood of death (hazard ratios (HR) of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.56–1.07) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.54–0.89), respectively). In a Canadian real-world setting, stage IIB and IIIA patients who received adjuvant ST tended to have better survival than patients who did not, but future studies that provide adjustment of additional confounders are warranted. Examining referral pathways that account for disparities based on age, sex, and comorbidities in the real world would also provide further insights. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management and Outcomes of Lung Cancer Patients)
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11 pages, 1037 KiB  
Article
Head and Neck Cancer Patient Population, Management, and Oncologic Outcomes from the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Julie R. Bloom, Carlos Rodriguez-Russo, Kristin Hsieh, Daniel R. Dickstein, Ren-Dih Sheu, Mayuri Jain, Erin Moshier, Jerry Liu, Vishal Gupta, Diana N. Kirke, Scott Roof, Krzysztof Misiukiewicz, Marshall Posner, Richard Bakst, Kunal K. Sindhu and Sonam Sharma
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 436-446; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010029 - 11 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1612
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated drastic changes in cancer care. Its impact on the U.S. head and neck cancer population has yet to be fully understood. This study aims to understand the impact of pandemic-related changes on the head and neck cancer population. An [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated drastic changes in cancer care. Its impact on the U.S. head and neck cancer population has yet to be fully understood. This study aims to understand the impact of pandemic-related changes on the head and neck cancer population. An observational study of head and neck cancer patients at a single institution during the spring of 2020 and 2019 was performed. Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes were analyzed. In 2020, 54 head and neck cancer patients were evaluated in the department of radiation oncology vs. 74 patients seen in 2019; 42% of the patients were female in 2019 versus 24% in 2020 (p = 0.036). The median follow-up time was 19.4 and 31 months for 2020 and 2019, respectively. After adjusting for stage, the relapse-free survival probability at 6 and 12 months was 79% and 69% in 2020 vs. 96% and 89% in 2019, respectively (p = 0.036). There was no significant difference in the overall survival, with 94% and 89% in 2020 and 2019, respectively (p = 0.61). Twenty-one percent of patients received induction chemotherapy in 2020 versus 5% in 2019 (p = 0.011); significantly more treatment incompletions occurred in 2020, 9% vs. 0% in 2019 (p = 0.012). Moreover, the stage-adjusted RFS differed between cohorts, suggesting head and neck cancer patients seen during the initial wave of COVID-19 may experience worse oncologic outcomes. Full article
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11 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
Multisystem Immune-Related Adverse Events from Dual-Agent Immunotherapy Use
by Yuchen Li, Gregory Pond and Elaine McWhirter
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 425-435; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010028 - 11 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1810
Abstract
Background: little is known about the incidence and characteristics of multisystem immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with dual-agent ipilimumab and nivolumab use. Methods: A retrospective cohort review was completed that included cancer patients seen at the Juravinski Cancer Centre who received at least [...] Read more.
Background: little is known about the incidence and characteristics of multisystem immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with dual-agent ipilimumab and nivolumab use. Methods: A retrospective cohort review was completed that included cancer patients seen at the Juravinski Cancer Centre who received at least one dose of ipilimumab and nivolumab from 2018 to 2022. Patient characteristics, cancer types, and irAEs were recorded. Multivariate logistic and cox regressions were completed, comparing those who developed multisystem irAEs, single irAE, and no irAE. Results: A total of 123 patients were included in this study. Out of 123 patients, 72 (59%) had melanoma, 50/123 (41%) had renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and 1/123 (1%) had breast cancer. Multisystem irAEs were seen in 40% of the overall cohort. The most common irAE type was dermatitis (22%), followed by colitis (19%) and hepatitis (17%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that multisystem irAEs are prevalent amongst patients receiving ipilimumab and nivolumab. It is important for both physician education and the counseling and consent of patients to monitor the potential for multiple irAEs. Full article
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22 pages, 965 KiB  
Review
An Informative Review of Radiomics Studies on Cancer Imaging: The Main Findings, Challenges and Limitations of the Methodologies
by Roberta Fusco, Vincenza Granata, Igino Simonetti, Sergio Venanzio Setola, Maria Assunta Daniela Iasevoli, Filippo Tovecci, Ciro Michele Paolo Lamanna, Francesco Izzo, Biagio Pecori and Antonella Petrillo
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 403-424; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010027 - 10 Jan 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1948
Abstract
The aim of this informative review was to investigate the application of radiomics in cancer imaging and to summarize the results of recent studies to support oncological imaging with particular attention to breast cancer, rectal cancer and primitive and secondary liver cancer. This [...] Read more.
The aim of this informative review was to investigate the application of radiomics in cancer imaging and to summarize the results of recent studies to support oncological imaging with particular attention to breast cancer, rectal cancer and primitive and secondary liver cancer. This review also aims to provide the main findings, challenges and limitations of the current methodologies. Clinical studies published in the last four years (2019–2022) were included in this review. Among the 19 studies analyzed, none assessed the differences between scanners and vendor-dependent characteristics, collected images of individuals at additional points in time, performed calibration statistics, represented a prospective study performed and registered in a study database, conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis, reported on the cost-effectiveness of the clinical application, or performed multivariable analysis with also non-radiomics features. Seven studies reached a high radiomic quality score (RQS), and seventeen earned additional points by using validation steps considering two datasets from two distinct institutes and open science and data domains (radiomics features calculated on a set of representative ROIs are open source). The potential of radiomics is increasingly establishing itself, even if there are still several aspects to be evaluated before the passage of radiomics into routine clinical practice. There are several challenges, including the need for standardization across all stages of the workflow and the potential for cross-site validation using real-world heterogeneous datasets. Moreover, multiple centers and prospective radiomics studies with more samples that add inter-scanner differences and vendor-dependent characteristics will be needed in the future, as well as the collecting of images of individuals at additional time points, the reporting of calibration statistics and the performing of prospective studies registered in a study database. Full article
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9 pages, 217 KiB  
Article
Use of Rectus Flaps in Reconstructive Surgery for Gynecologic Cancer
by Oleksandra Dzyubak, Lina Salman and Allan Covens
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 394-402; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010026 - 10 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1437
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of pelvic reconstruction with a rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) or rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (RAMP) flap following radical surgery for gynecologic malignancy. This is a retrospective case series of all pelvic reconstructions with RAM [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of pelvic reconstruction with a rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) or rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (RAMP) flap following radical surgery for gynecologic malignancy. This is a retrospective case series of all pelvic reconstructions with RAM or RAMP flap performed in a gynecologic oncology service between 1998 and 2023. Reconstructions with other flaps were excluded. A total of 28 patients were included. Most patients had vulvar cancer (n = 15, 53.6%) and the majority had disease recurrence (n = 20, 71.4%). Exenteration was the most common procedure, being carried out in 20 (71.4%) patients. Pelvic reconstruction was carried out with a RAM flap in 24 (85.7%) cases and a RAMP flap in 4 (14.3%) cases. Flap-specific complications included cellulitis (14.3%), partial breakdown (17.9%), and necrosis (17.9%). Donor site complications included surgical site infection and necrosis occurring in seven (25.0%) and three (10.7%) patients, respectively. Neovaginal reconstruction was performed in 14 patients. Out of those, two (14.3%) had neovaginal stenosis and three (21.4%) had rectovaginal fistula. In total, 50% of patients were disease-free at the time of the last follow up. In conclusion, pelvic reconstruction with RAM/RAMP flaps, at the time of radical surgery for gynecologic cancer, is an uncommon procedure. In our case series, we had a significant complication rate with the most common being infection and necrosis. The development of a team approach, with input from services including Gynecologic Oncology and Plastic Surgery should be developed to decrease post-operative complications and improve patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gynecologic Oncology)
11 pages, 1259 KiB  
Article
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Hematologic Malignancies during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
by Febin Antony, Arbind Dubey, Pamela Skrabek, Lung Fung Tsang, Pascal Lambert, Bohdan Bybel and Naseer Ahmed
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 383-393; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010025 - 10 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1627
Abstract
Purpose: Radiotherapy is integral in the management of hematological malignancies (HM). Standard radiotherapy dose fractionation regimens range between 20 and 50 Gy in 10–25 fractions over 2–5 weeks. This study presents the outcomes of patients with HM treated with hypofractionation radiotherapy (HFRT) during [...] Read more.
Purpose: Radiotherapy is integral in the management of hematological malignancies (HM). Standard radiotherapy dose fractionation regimens range between 20 and 50 Gy in 10–25 fractions over 2–5 weeks. This study presents the outcomes of patients with HM treated with hypofractionation radiotherapy (HFRT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients (n = 36) were treated with HFRT between January 2020 and September 2022. The outcomes measured were the overall response rate (ORR), freedom from local progression (FFLP), and overall survival (OS). Results: The median follow-up was 13.2 months. Thirty-three patients (92%) had non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Eighteen patients (50%) had aggressive and nine (25%) had indolent NHL. Nineteen patients (53%) presented with stage I/II and fifteen (42%) with stage III/IV disease. Twenty-five (69.4%) and eleven (30%) received consolidative and definitive RT, respectively. Twenty patients (56%) received treatment to the neck and/or thorax and nine (25%) to the abdomen or pelvis. The total dose ranged from 18 to 42.5 Gy in 6–17 fractions/2.67–5 Gy per fraction. The median dose in 2 Gy fractions for an alpha/beta (α/β) ratio of 10 amounted to 39 Gy (SD ± 13.86) and 43.6 Gy (SD ± 12) for an α/β of 3. The most commonly used fractionation scheme was 39 Gy in 13 fractions. ORR was 94.4% for the entire cohort, and 100, 94.4, and 83.3% for indolent NHL, aggressive NHL, and HL patients. The two-year FFLP was 76% (95% CI: 34–93%) for the entire cohort and 100, 87 (95% CI: 56.4–96.5%), and 42% (95% CI: 1.1–84.3%) for the indolent NHL, aggressive NHL, and HL patients. Two-year OS for the entire cohort was 80% (95% CI: 59.9–90.5%) and 100, 66.1 (95% CI: 36.4–84.4%), and 100% for the indolent NHL, aggressive NHL, and HL patients. Only one patient presented with grade two pulmonary toxicity. Conclusions: HFRT in HM provides excellent local control to be validated in a larger prospective study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology)
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17 pages, 624 KiB  
Review
Adoption of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
by Madison L. Conces and Amit Mahipal
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 366-382; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010024 - 10 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4090
Abstract
Local and metastatic recurrence are primary concerns following the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Chemoradiation (CRT) can reduce the local recurrence rates and has subsequently moved to the neoadjuvant setting from the adjuvant setting. Pathological complete response (pCR) rates have also [...] Read more.
Local and metastatic recurrence are primary concerns following the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Chemoradiation (CRT) can reduce the local recurrence rates and has subsequently moved to the neoadjuvant setting from the adjuvant setting. Pathological complete response (pCR) rates have also been noted to be greater in patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT prior to surgery. The standard approach to treating LARC would often involve CRT followed by surgery and optional adjuvant chemotherapy and remained the treatment paradigm for almost two decades. However, patients were often unable to complete adjuvant chemotherapy due to a decreased tolerance of chemotherapy following surgery, which led to upfront treatment with both CRT and chemotherapy, and total neoadjuvant therapy, or TNT, was created. The efficacy outcomes of local recurrence, disease-free survival, and pCR have improved in patients receiving TNT compared to the standard approach. Additionally, more recent data suggest a possible improvement in overall survival as well. Patients with a complete clinical response following TNT have the opportunity for watch-and-wait surveillance, allowing some patients to undergo organ preservation. Here, we discuss the clinical trials and studies that led to the adoption of TNT as the standard of care for LARC, with the possibility of watch-and-wait surveillance for patients achieving complete responses. We also review the possibility of overtreating some patients with LARC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer)
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16 pages, 1086 KiB  
Review
Counselling Framework for Germline BRCA1/2 and PALB2 Carriers Considering Risk-Reducing Mastectomy
by Stephanie M. Wong, Carla Apostolova, Elisheva Eisenberg and William D. Foulkes
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 350-365; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010023 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3046
Abstract
Female BRCA1/2 and PALB2 germline pathogenic variant carriers have an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer and may wish to consider risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) for surgical prevention. Quantifying the residual lifetime risk and absolute benefit from RRM requires careful consideration of a patient’s [...] Read more.
Female BRCA1/2 and PALB2 germline pathogenic variant carriers have an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer and may wish to consider risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) for surgical prevention. Quantifying the residual lifetime risk and absolute benefit from RRM requires careful consideration of a patient’s age, pathogenic variant, and their personal history of breast or ovarian cancer. Historically, patients have been counselled that RRM does not necessarily prolong survival relative to high-risk surveillance, although recent studies suggest a possible survival benefit of RRM in BRCA1 carriers. The uptake of RRM has increased dramatically over the last several decades yet varies according to sociodemographic factors and geographic region. The increased adoption of nipple-sparing mastectomy techniques, ability to avoid axillary staging, and availability of reconstructive options for most germline pathogenic variant carriers has helped to minimize the morbidity of RRM. Preoperative discussions should include evidence regarding postmastectomy sensation, the potential for supplemental surgery, pregnancy-related chest wall changes, and the need for continued clinical surveillance. Approaches that include sensation preservation and robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy are an area of evolving research that may be more widely adopted in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)
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15 pages, 554 KiB  
Review
Cancer Care Team Functioning during COVID-19: A Narrative Literature Review and Synthesis
by Samar Attieh and Carmen G. Loiselle
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 335-349; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010022 - 6 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2028
Abstract
Amid pandemics, health care teams face unprecedented challenges, requiring significant efforts to sustain optimal functioning and navigate rapid practice changes. It is therefore crucial to identify factors affecting team functioning in these contexts. The present narrative review more specifically summarizes the literature on [...] Read more.
Amid pandemics, health care teams face unprecedented challenges, requiring significant efforts to sustain optimal functioning and navigate rapid practice changes. It is therefore crucial to identify factors affecting team functioning in these contexts. The present narrative review more specifically summarizes the literature on key elements of cancer teams’ functioning during COVID-19. The search strategy involved four main databases (i.e., Medline OVID, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL), as well as Google Scholar, from January 2000 to September 2022. Twenty-three publications were found to be relevant. Each was read thoroughly, and its content summarized. Across publications, three key themes emerged: (1) swiftly adopting virtual technology for communication and interprofessional collaboration, (2) promoting team resilience, and (3) encouraging self-care and optimizing team support. Our findings underscore key team functioning elements to address in future pandemics. More research is needed to document the perspectives of broader-based team members (such as patients and lay carers) to inform more comprehensive evidence-based team functioning guidelines. Full article
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11 pages, 893 KiB  
Systematic Review
Radiofrequency Ablation versus Surgical Resection in Elderly Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Jeong-Ju Yoo, Sujin Koo, Gi Hong Choi, Min Woo Lee, Seungeun Ryoo, Jungeun Park and Dong Ah Park
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 324-334; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010021 - 6 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1972
Abstract
Although the disease burden of elderly cancer patients is rapidly increasing, reliable scientific information, value and preference information of domestic patients, and standardized guidelines for determining the treatment of elderly cancer patients are lacking. The aim of this study is to compare the [...] Read more.
Although the disease burden of elderly cancer patients is rapidly increasing, reliable scientific information, value and preference information of domestic patients, and standardized guidelines for determining the treatment of elderly cancer patients are lacking. The aim of this study is to compare the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients aged 65 years or older. For the meta-analysis, the databases including PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, OVID Medline, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. After the abstract-based review by two investigators, selected manuscripts were read in detail. The surgery group showed higher overall survival (OS) (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22–1.70) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.00–1.97) than the RFA group. This was also shown in small HCC of less than 3 cm (OS, HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.00–2.03; DFS, HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.91–1.91). This might be related to the high local recurrence in the RFA group (OR 4.90, 95% 2.16–11.08). On the other hand, adverse events were significantly lower in the RFA group (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14–0.36), which led to a decrease in the duration of hospital stay (mean difference −14.88 days, 95% CI −22.44–−7.32). In elderly HCC patients, survival in the surgery group was significantly higher than in the RFA group, but various complications tended to increase; so, appropriate patient selection is required. Full article
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17 pages, 7006 KiB  
Review
Review on Lymph Node Metastases, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, and Lymphadenectomy in Sarcoma
by Paulina Chmiel, Maria Krotewicz, Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz, Ewa Bartnik, Anna M. Czarnecka and Piotr Rutkowski
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 307-323; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010020 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3570
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) originating from connective tissue rarely affect the lymph nodes. However, involvement of lymph nodes in STS is an important aspect of prognosis and treatment. Currently, there is no consensus on the diagnosis and management of lymph node metastases in [...] Read more.
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) originating from connective tissue rarely affect the lymph nodes. However, involvement of lymph nodes in STS is an important aspect of prognosis and treatment. Currently, there is no consensus on the diagnosis and management of lymph node metastases in STS. The key risk factor for nodal involvement is the histological subtype of sarcoma. Radiological and pathological evaluation seems to be the most effective method of assessing lymph nodes in these neoplasms. Thus, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), which has been shown to be valuable in the management of melanoma or breast cancer, may also be a beneficial diagnostic option in some high-risk STS subtypes. This review summarizes data on the risk factors and clinical characteristics of lymph node involvement in STS. Possible management and therapeutic options are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology)
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11 pages, 230 KiB  
Review
Fertility Preservation in Cervical Cancer—Treatment Strategies and Indications
by Lina Salman and Allan Covens
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 296-306; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010019 - 4 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3969
Abstract
Cervical cancer is frequently diagnosed in women during their reproductive years, and fertility preservation is an essential part of their cancer treatment. In highly selected patients with early stage, low-risk cervical cancer and a tumor size ≤ 2 cm, several treatment strategies can [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer is frequently diagnosed in women during their reproductive years, and fertility preservation is an essential part of their cancer treatment. In highly selected patients with early stage, low-risk cervical cancer and a tumor size ≤ 2 cm, several treatment strategies can be offered for patients wishing to preserve fertility, including radical/simple trachelectomy or conization with pelvic lymph node assessment. Trachelectomy can be performed through a vaginal, abdominal, or minimally invasive approach and has been shown to have an equivalent oncologic outcome compared to radical hysterectomy. All surgical approaches for radical trachelectomy seem to have excellent survival with comparable oncologic outcomes. Nevertheless, patients undergoing vaginal trachelectomy have better obstetric outcomes compared to the other routes. In patients with larger tumors (2–4 cm), neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by fertility-sparing surgery is an alternative option. Several chemotherapy regimens have been used for this indication, with a pathologic complete response rate of 17–73%. For locally advanced diseases that require radical hysterectomy or primary chemoradiation, fertility preservation can be performed using oocyte, embryo, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation, as well as ovarian transposition. For these patients, future pregnancy is possible through surrogacy. In addition to fertility preservation, ovarian transposition, where the ovaries are repositioned outside of the radiation field, is performed to maintain ovarian hormonal function and prevent premature ovarian failure. In summary, fertility-preservation treatment strategies for patients with early stage cervical cancer are continuously evolving, and less radical surgeries are becoming more acceptable. Additional and ongoing evidence is helping determine the impact of conservative procedures on oncologic and obstetric outcomes in these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery Advances in Gynecologic Tumors)
22 pages, 4178 KiB  
Article
Genetic Polymorphisms and Tumoral Mutational Profiles over Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients: An Exploratory Study
by Juan Pablo Cayún, Leslie Carol Cerpa, Alicia Colombo, Dante Daniel Cáceres, José Luis Leal, Felipe Reyes, Carolina Gutiérrez-Cáceres, Susan Calfunao, Nelson Miguel Varela and Luis Abel Quiñones
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 274-295; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010018 - 3 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2205
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a common disease, both in Chile and worldwide. The most widely used chemotherapy schemes are based on 5-fluorouracil (5FU) as the foundational drug (FOLFOX, CapeOX). Genetic polymorphisms have emerged as potential predictive biomarkers of response to chemotherapy, but conclusive evidence [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer is a common disease, both in Chile and worldwide. The most widely used chemotherapy schemes are based on 5-fluorouracil (5FU) as the foundational drug (FOLFOX, CapeOX). Genetic polymorphisms have emerged as potential predictive biomarkers of response to chemotherapy, but conclusive evidence is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the role of genetic variants associated with 5FU-based chemotherapy on therapeutic response, considering their interaction with oncogene mutations (KRAS, NRAS, PI3KCA, AKT1, BRAF). In a retrospective cohort of 63 patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, a multivariate analysis revealed that liver metastases, DPYD, ABCB1, and MTHFR polymorphisms are independent indicators of poor prognosis, irrespective of oncogene mutations. BRAF wild-type status and high-risk drug-metabolism polymorphisms correlated with a poor prognosis in this Chilean cohort. Additionally, findings from the genomics of drug sensitivity (GDSC) project demonstrated that cell lines with wild-type BRAF have higher IC50 values for 5-FU compared to BRAF-mutated cell lines. In conclusion, the genetic polymorphisms DPYDrs1801265, ABCB1rs1045642, and MTHFRrs180113 may serve as useful biomarkers for predicting a poor prognosis in patients undergoing 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy, regardless of oncogene mutations. Full article
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14 pages, 2276 KiB  
Article
Impact of Opioid Use on Duration of Therapy and Overall Survival for Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
by Philip Young, Omar Elghawy, Joseph Mock, Emmett Wynter, Ryan D. Gentzler, Linda W. Martin, Wendy Novicoff and Richard Hall
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 260-273; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010017 - 3 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1983
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated the effect of opioid use on outcomes in patients receiving ICI either alone or with chemotherapy. We conducted a retrospective review of 209 patients with advanced [...] Read more.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated the effect of opioid use on outcomes in patients receiving ICI either alone or with chemotherapy. We conducted a retrospective review of 209 patients with advanced NSCLC who received an ICI at the University of Virginia between 1 February 2015 and 1 January 2020. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the impact of opioid use on duration of therapy (DOT) and overall survival (OS). Patients with no or low opioid use (n = 172) had a median DOT of 12.2 months (95% CI: 6.9–17.4) compared to 1.9 months (95% CI: 1.8–2.0) for those with high opioid use (n = 37, HR 0.26 95% CI: 0.17–0.40, p < 0.001). Patients with no or low opioid use had a median OS of 22.6 months (95% CI: 14.8–30.4) compared to 3.8 months (95% CI: 2.7–4.9) for those with high opioid use (HR 0.26 95% CI: 0.17–0.40 p < 0.001). High opioid use was associated with a shorter DOT and worse OS. This difference remained significant when accounting for possible confounding variables. These data warrant investigation of possible mechanistic interactions between opioids, tumor progression, and ICIs, as well as prospective evaluation of opioid-sparing pain management strategies, where possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Thoracic Oncology)
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10 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer
by Loreto Domínguez Senín, David Morales Pancorbo, María Yeray Rodríguez Garcés, María Dolores Santos-Rubio and Juan Bayo Calero
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 250-259; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010016 - 1 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1901
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to evaluate the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors as a risk factor for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in a cohort of patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with denosumab. Methods: This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study. All patients [...] Read more.
Objective: We aimed to evaluate the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors as a risk factor for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in a cohort of patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with denosumab. Methods: This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study. All patients with breast cancer treated with denosumab (January 2011–December 2022) were included. The relationship between CDK4/6 inhibitors and MRONJ was analysed. Results: A total of 243 patients were included, ninety-five (44.2%) of whom used a CDK4/6 inhibitor. There were 21 patients with MRONJ. In patients treated with denosumab without CDK4/6 inhibitors, the incidence of MRONJ and mean time to the occurrence of MRONJ were 6.6% (8/120) and 16.8 months (SD 7.8), respectively; in patients treated with denosumab and CDK4/6 inhibitor, these values were 13.7% (13/95) and 15.4 months (SD 8.7), respectively. The difference in the incidence was not significant (p = 0.085). Among the 19 patients who used abemaciclib, the probability of MRONJ occurrence was significantly higher compared to patients not using CDK4/6 inhibitors (p = 0.0178). Conclusions: These results suggest that the incidence of MRONJ in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with denosumab is higher, and the onset of MRONJ occurs earlier in the presence of CDK4/6 inhibitors. The differences were statistically significant in the patients who used abemaciclib. Given that the use of this combination is very common in routine clinical practice, it would be advisable to carry out larger prospective studies to clarify the risk of this association. Full article
21 pages, 394 KiB  
Review
Prediction of Chemoresistance—How Preclinical Data Could Help to Modify Therapeutic Strategy in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
by Jacek Wilczyński, Edyta Paradowska, Justyna Wilczyńska and Miłosz Wilczyński
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 229-249; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010015 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1905
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is one of the most lethal tumors generally and the most fatal cancer of the female genital tract. The approved standard therapy consists of surgical cytoreduction and platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy, and of targeted therapy in selected patients. The main [...] Read more.
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is one of the most lethal tumors generally and the most fatal cancer of the female genital tract. The approved standard therapy consists of surgical cytoreduction and platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy, and of targeted therapy in selected patients. The main therapeutic problem is chemoresistance of recurrent and metastatic HGSOC tumors which results in low survival in the group of FIGO III/IV. Therefore, the prediction and monitoring of chemoresistance seems to be of utmost importance for the improvement of HGSOC management. This type of cancer has genetic heterogeneity with several subtypes being characterized by diverse gene signatures and disturbed peculiar epigenetic regulation. HGSOC develops and metastasizes preferentially in the specific intraperitoneal environment composed mainly of fibroblasts, adipocytes, and immune cells. Different HGSOC subtypes could be sensitive to distinct sets of drugs. Moreover, primary, metastatic, and recurrent tumors are characterized by an individual biology, and thus diverse drug responsibility. Without a precise identification of the tumor and its microenvironment, effective treatment seems to be elusive. This paper reviews tumor-derived genomic, mutational, cellular, and epigenetic biomarkers of HGSOC drug resistance, as well as tumor microenvironment-derived biomarkers of chemoresistance, and discusses their possible use in the novel complex approach to ovarian cancer therapy and monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gynecologic Oncology)
18 pages, 9571 KiB  
Article
Point-of-Care Orthopedic Oncology Device Development
by Ioannis I. Mavrodontis, Ioannis G. Trikoupis, Vasileios A. Kontogeorgakos, Olga D. Savvidou and Panayiotis J. Papagelopoulos
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 211-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010014 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1815
Abstract
Background: The triad of 3D design, 3D printing, and xReality technologies is explored and exploited to collaboratively realize patient-specific products in a timely manner with an emphasis on designs with meta-(bio)materials. Methods: A case study on pelvic reconstruction after oncological resection (osteosarcoma) was [...] Read more.
Background: The triad of 3D design, 3D printing, and xReality technologies is explored and exploited to collaboratively realize patient-specific products in a timely manner with an emphasis on designs with meta-(bio)materials. Methods: A case study on pelvic reconstruction after oncological resection (osteosarcoma) was selected and conducted to evaluate the applicability and performance of an inter-epistemic workflow and the feasibility and potential of 3D technologies for modeling, optimizing, and materializing individualized orthopedic devices at the point of care (PoC). Results: Image-based diagnosis and treatment at the PoC can be readily deployed to develop orthopedic devices for pre-operative planning, training, intra-operative navigation, and bone substitution. Conclusions: Inter-epistemic symbiosis between orthopedic surgeons and (bio)mechanical engineers at the PoC, fostered by appropriate quality management systems and end-to-end workflows under suitable scientifically amalgamated synergies, could maximize the potential benefits. However, increased awareness is recommended to explore and exploit the full potential of 3D technologies at the PoC to deliver medical devices with greater customization, innovation in design, cost-effectiveness, and high quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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