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Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 12406

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Genolier Cancer Center, Clinique de Genolier, 1272 Genolier, Switzerland
2. European School of Oncology, 6 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
Interests: breast cancer; global health policy; value-based care; BRCA mutations; BRCA1 mutations; BRCA2 mutations; brca1/2 mutations
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Guest Editor
1. ANAPATMOL Research Center, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
2. Department of Oncology, ONCOHELP Hospital Timisoara, Ciprian Porumbescu Street, No. 59, 300239 Timisoara, Romania
3. Department of Oncology, ONCOMED Outpatient Unit, Ciprian Porumbescu Street, No. 59, 300239 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: breast cancer diagnostic and treatment; imunotherapy; surgery; clinical oncology; psycho-oncology; GI cancer; GU cancer; malign melanoma; oncology education; health promotion; cancer biomarkers; genetic in oncology; RWD

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Guest Editor
Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Str, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: clinical oncology; medical oncology; cancer biology; health education and promotion; cancer diagnostics; metastasis; cancer biomarkers; molecular oncology; tumor biology; oncology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the Guest Editors of the upcoming Special Issue of JCM titled “Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment”, I am pleased to invite you to contribute a high-quality original research article, comprehensive review, or other paper. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest developments, innovative methodologies, and future directions in cancer diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.

Given your significant contributions to the field and your recent work on cancer diagnostics and treatment, we believe your expertise would be a valuable addition to this Special Issue.

Key topics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Molecular and imaging-based diagnostics.
  • Biomarkers for early detection and prognosis.
  • Advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
  • Artificial intelligence and precision medicine in oncology.
  • Translational research and clinical applications.
  • Clinical–pathological and genetic factors.
  • RWD.
  • Radiotherapy.
  • Prevention in cancer care.

This Special Issue aims to enhance our knowledge regarding the latest advancements in the fields of cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We look forward to receiving your valuable submissions. 

Dr. Alexandru E. Eniu
Dr. Cristina Marinela Oprean
Dr. Simona Ruxandra Volovat
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • solid tumors
  • new advances
  • diagnostics and treatment
  • clinical–pathological
  • genetic factors
  • AI
  • RWD
  • radiotherapy
  • biomarkers
  • prevention in cancer care
  • target therapy
  • immunotherapy

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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14 pages, 1846 KB  
Article
Mismatch Repair Protein and Microsatellite Instability Analysis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
by Ioan Cătălin Bodea, Andra Ciocan, Florin Vasile Zaharie, Radu Vidra, Ștefan Ursu, Răzvan Alexandru Ciocan, Răzvan George Bogdan, Sorana D. Bolboacă, Filip Cristian Tocoian, Bobe Petrushev, Roxana Liana Popa and Nadim Al Hajjar
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(4), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15041411 - 11 Feb 2026
Viewed by 495
Abstract
Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the most aggressive, heterogeneous, and lethal malignancies in humans. Mismatch repair (MMR) proteins constitute a fundamental component of the DNA mismatch repair pathway, which is responsible for correcting replication-associated errors, including incorrect base pairings and [...] Read more.
Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the most aggressive, heterogeneous, and lethal malignancies in humans. Mismatch repair (MMR) proteins constitute a fundamental component of the DNA mismatch repair pathway, which is responsible for correcting replication-associated errors, including incorrect base pairings and small insertions or deletions. This study aims to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2 in resected PDAC and to analyze their association with pTNM stage, perineural and lymphovascular invasion, HER2 and HER3 expression, and tumor volume. Methods: A cohort of 106 patients with currative intent Whipple procedure was evaluated, their corresponding paraffin blocks and slides were analyzed using tissue microarray. Immunohistochemical analysis of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6 was performed. Patients were grouped based on MMR expression profiles: isolated MutS loss (MSH2/MSH6), and isolated MutL loss (MLH1/PMS2). Results: Among the 106 subjects evaluated, 13 (12.3%) exhibited isolated MutS complex loss and 16 (15.1%) showed MutL complex loss. A total of 7 patients (6.6%) demonstrated concurrent loss of all four MMR proteins, representing a pattern suggestive of MMR deficiency MSI-H. These ones were significantly younger (median 56 vs. 64 years, p = 0.0492) and had distinct T-stage distribution (p = 0.0237). Two intermediate subgroups were identified: five patients with isolated MutL loss and one patient with isolated MutS loss. HER3 positivity was observed in 3/5 of the intermediate MutL cases and HER2 positivity in only one. Conclusions: MMR deficiency and potential MSI-H status were identified to be relevant prognostic biomarkers for pancreatic cancer patients, with MSI-H patients displaying a younger age and distinct tumor features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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19 pages, 1071 KB  
Article
Prognostic Factors and Biomarker Performance in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Receiving Reduced-Dose 5-Fluorouracil Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
by Mei-Wen Chen, Jing-Jim Ou and Cheng-Shyong Chang
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010071 - 22 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 525
Abstract
Background: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have varying responses to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment, particularly reduced-dose regimens. Inflammatory and tumor-associated serum biomarkers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and cancer antigen 125, may refine prognostic assessment. However, their combined performance in [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have varying responses to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment, particularly reduced-dose regimens. Inflammatory and tumor-associated serum biomarkers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and cancer antigen 125, may refine prognostic assessment. However, their combined performance in patients with CRC receiving reduced-dose 5-FU remains understudied. This retrospective study evaluated the prognostic value of multiple biomarkers in these patients, aiming to identify optimal combinations for personalized therapeutic strategies and improved clinical outcomes. Methods: Data (2017–2023) on patients’ clinicopathological characteristics and pretreatment serum biomarker levels were collected from a medical center in central Taiwan. Dose classification followed institutional standards. Reduced-dose chemotherapy was confirmed from patients’ medical records. Intergroup comparisons, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards modeling, and survival analysis were performed. Furthermore, a multivariate prognostic nomogram was constructed. Results: The study cohort comprised 95 patients receiving reduced-dose 5-FU. Univariate analyses highlighted cigarette smoking, advanced stage, poor tumor differentiation, and elevated pretreatment CEA level as significant predictors of mortality. Multivariate analysis indicated tumor differentiation grade and pretreatment CEA level as significant independent predictors. Cancer antigen 125, CEA, and CA19-9 exhibited robust discriminatory performance. The multivariate nomogram exhibited acceptable discrimination. Conclusions: Tumor differentiation, disease stage, and pretreatment CEA level emerged as independent predictors of overall survival in patients with CRC receiving reduced-dose 5-FU. Serum biomarkers, particularly CEA and CA19-9, may be included in comprehensive prognostic models alongside clinicopathological characteristics. The validated prognostic nomogram may support personalized risk stratification and individualized dose-adjusted chemotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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16 pages, 826 KB  
Article
Recurrence Patterns in Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
by Cristina Marinela Oprean, Teodora Hoinoiu, Larisa Maria Badau, Radu Vidra, Tiberiu Dragomir, Gabriel-Mugurel Dragomir, Daniel Piț, Alexandru Catalin Motofelea, Nadica Motofelea, Alis Dema and Daciana Grujic
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8243; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228243 - 20 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2095
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer mortality and long-term survival are influenced by the unpredictability of recurrences, which cause significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for oncology teams. The risk of local and distant recurrence is higher in advanced stages and in the first two years following [...] Read more.
Background: Breast cancer mortality and long-term survival are influenced by the unpredictability of recurrences, which cause significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for oncology teams. The risk of local and distant recurrence is higher in advanced stages and in the first two years following initial treatment. Accurate staging and continuous monitoring of recurrence are crucial for effective therapy planning. Indicators of recurrence, such as luminal subtype, disease stage, age, and treatment choice, can provide new knowledge and improve patient disease-free and overall survival rates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with stage I-III invasive breast cancer at a regional-based institution. The study population consisted of 98 patients with distant and locoregional recurrences from a large cohort of 744 patients diagnosed and treated at our institution between 2007 and 2024. Data on previous treatment for breast cancer, disease stage, molecular subtype, initial size and location of the tumor in the breast, lymph node status, living environment, and type of recurrence were recorded retrospectively. Results: The recurrence patterns in 98 patients included local recurrence in 25 (25.5%), distant recurrence in 70 (71.4%), and both local and distant recurrence in three (3.1%). Our study showed that patients diagnosed with stage II (40.8%) or stage III (55.1%) breast cancer, as well as those with the luminal B subtype (43.87%), were more likely to experience recurrence. The majority of patients affected by recurrent disease were postmenopausal women aged between 51 and 70 years (32 cases aged 51–60 years and 34 cases aged 61–70 years). Tumors measuring between 2 and 5 cm were more likely to produce distant single-organ recurrence (26 cases). More cases were associated with urban areas (77 cases). Conclusions: In menopausal women, most causes of local breast cancer recurrence are related to advanced stage at diagnosis and luminal B subtype. Patient age, primary tumor location in the CSE, and previous adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors may affect the risk of recurrence. Comprehensive studies on recurrence in postmenopausal women can provide a more precise understanding of the extent of disease in such patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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14 pages, 814 KB  
Article
Pharmacokinetics and Monitoring of Methotrexate in Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: A 10-Year Follow-Up at an Italian Centre
by Pasquale Fabio Calabrò, Letizia Biso, Marianna Lastella, Arianna Bandini, Marta Banchi, Costanza Tacchi, Donghao Tang, Marco Carli, Stefano Fogli, Aldo Paolicchi, Marco Scarselli, Antonello Di Paolo and Guido Bocci
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7400; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207400 - 20 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1524
Abstract
Background: High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is widely used for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but its pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and toxicity require therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Our 10-year retrospective study investigated HDMTX PK parameters and their associations with renal and hepatic biomarkers in an [...] Read more.
Background: High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is widely used for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but its pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and toxicity require therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Our 10-year retrospective study investigated HDMTX PK parameters and their associations with renal and hepatic biomarkers in an Italian cohort of adult patients with ALL. Methods: Plasma MTX concentrations [MTX C(p)] were measured at 24-, 48-, and 72 h post-infusion. PK modelling was performed to calculate area under the curve (AUC0 → 72 h) and half-life (t½). Creatinine, total bilirubin, and sample quality indices were retrieved from routine clinical laboratory analyses. Results: Mean (±SEM) MTX plasma concentrations were 36.09 ± 15.53 μmol/L, 0.93 ± 0.43 μmol/L, and 0.30 ± 0.07 μmol/L at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, with marked inter-patient variability. PK analysis showed a mean AUC0 → 72 h of 112.85 ± 34.09 h·μmol/L and a t½ of 17.15 ± 2.40 h. MTX C(p) and AUC0 → 72 h showed significant positive correlations with serum creatinine at all time points, confirming renal function as a major MTX clearance determinant. Age moderated the relationship at 72 h, with younger patients showing stronger correlations. Hepatic function measured by total bilirubin also correlated with MTX C(p) and AUC0 → 72 h at 48 and 72 h, especially in younger patients, suggesting a hepatic contribution to MTX variability. No associations were found between the PK parameters and lipemic, icterus, or haemolysis indices. Conclusions: These findings highlight the value of integrating renal and hepatic biomarkers into HDMTX drug monitoring protocols. Such biomarker-informed TDM may improve the safety and efficacy by identifying patients at risk of delayed clearance and toxicity, especially younger individuals or those with renal insufficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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10 pages, 1122 KB  
Article
Survival Benefit of Temozolomide Plus Irinotecan as Second-Line Therapy in Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
by Omer Acar, Ahmet Burak Agaoglu, Mustafa Sahbazlar, Ferhat Ekinci and Atike Pınar Erdogan
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7287; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207287 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1215
Abstract
Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of cancer known for its rapid progression and poor prognosis. While several chemotherapeutic agents, including topotecan, are approved for use in the second-line treatment setting, their clinical benefits have been modest and often [...] Read more.
Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of cancer known for its rapid progression and poor prognosis. While several chemotherapeutic agents, including topotecan, are approved for use in the second-line treatment setting, their clinical benefits have been modest and often limited by toxicity. As a result, there is a significant need for more effective treatment strategies. Given the high rate of brain metastases in patients with SCLC and temozolomide’s (TMZ) ability to penetrate the central nervous system, combining TMZ with irinotecan (IRI) presents a potentially effective therapeutic approach. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the TMZ and IRI combination compared to other second-line treatment regimens in a real-world patient population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 37 patients with relapsed SCLC who underwent second-line therapy at a tertiary oncology center from January 2018 to December 2023. Among these patients, 24 were treated with a combination of TMZ+IRI, while 13 received alternative regimens, which included topotecan, irinotecan, paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinorelbine, or gemcitabine. We collected baseline demographic and clinical data and assessed survival outcomes. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors were analyzed using Cox regression models. Results: A total of 37 patients were included (mean age 59.7 years, 86.5% male). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for body mass index, which was higher in the TMZ+IRI group (27.9 vs. 24.6, p = 0.033). Median OS was significantly longer in patients treated with TMZ+IRI compared to controls (25 vs. 8 months, p = 0.002). One-year OS rates were 58.2% and 25.4%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, brain metastases (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14–0.95, p = 0.039) and receipt of non-TMZ+IRI regimens (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.03–7.72, p = 0.044) were independent predictors of poor OS. Median PFS did not differ significantly between groups (8 vs. 7 months, p = 0.733), and no independent predictors of PFS were identified. Conclusions: The combination of temozolomide and irinotecan was associated with a significant overall survival benefit compared with other second-line regimens in relapsed SCLC, despite similar progression-free survival. These findings suggest that TMZ+IRI may provide a clinically meaningful option for appropriately selected patients, particularly those with preserved performance status. Prospective randomized studies are warranted to confirm these results and better define the role of this regimen in treatment sequencing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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17 pages, 816 KB  
Article
Risk Stratification Using a Perioperative Nomogram for Predicting the Mortality of Bladder Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy
by Daniel-Vasile Dulf, Anamaria Larisa Burnar, Patricia-Lorena Dulf, Doina-Ramona Matei, Hendea Raluca Maria, Cătălina Bungărdean, Maximilian Buzoianu, Iulia Andraș, Tudor-Eliade Ciuleanu, Nicolae Crișan and Camelia Alexandra Coadă
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5810; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165810 - 16 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Background: Perioperative factors significantly impact oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. This study aimed to identify key perioperative predictors for overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and to develop a prognostic nomogram for the identification of high-risk patients adapted to [...] Read more.
Background: Perioperative factors significantly impact oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. This study aimed to identify key perioperative predictors for overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and to develop a prognostic nomogram for the identification of high-risk patients adapted to the clinical routines and standard of care of our country. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 121 patients undergoing RC (2014–2024). Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, tumor pathology, neoadjuvant treatments, extensive intraoperative factors, and postoperative events were assessed using COX models. A prognostic nomogram for 3-year OS was constructed. Results: Median follow-up was 44.33 months. Significant predictors for worse OS included lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (HR 2.22), higher T stage (HR 8.75), N+ status (HR 1.10), and intraoperative complications (HR 3.04). Similar predictors were noted for PFS. The developed nomogram incorporated T-, N-stages, sex, grade, intraoperative complications and early (12 months) recurrence, and was able to significantly identify patients with a higher mortality risk (p < 0.001) with a C-index of 0.74. Conclusions: Our nomogram for mortality prediction of BC patients offers a promising tool for individualized risk stratification. Further studies are required for its external validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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14 pages, 480 KB  
Article
Decoding Treatment Failures in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Predictors Across Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies from a Retrospective Real-World Analysis
by Sorin Saftescu, Vlad-Norin Vornicu, Dorel-Ionel Popovici, Radu-Dumitru Dragomir, Dana-Sonia Nagy, Daniela-Lidia Sandu, Ana Dulan, Șerban-Mircea Negru and Alina-Gabriela Negru
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5271; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155271 - 25 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1251
Abstract
Background: Despite recent advances in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), real-world outcomes remain heterogeneous, and early treatment failure is common. Predictive biomarkers for time to treatment failure (TTF) outside clinical trials are poorly characterized. Objective: To identify clinical [...] Read more.
Background: Despite recent advances in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), real-world outcomes remain heterogeneous, and early treatment failure is common. Predictive biomarkers for time to treatment failure (TTF) outside clinical trials are poorly characterized. Objective: To identify clinical and laboratory predictors associated with early treatment failure in a real-world cohort of mRCC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), or combination regimens. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis of patients with metastatic non-urothelial RCC treated between 2018 and 2023. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between baseline biological parameters and TTF for each treatment regimen. Results: Among 137 patients receiving first-line therapy, 50 received Ipilimumab + Nivolumab, 49 Sunitinib, and 17 Avelumab + Axitinib. For Ipilimumab + Nivolumab, elevated AST was significantly associated with shorter TTF. For Avelumab + Axitinib, shorter TTF was associated with lymph node metastases, low lymphocyte count, low creatinine, low BMI, and low hemoglobin. For Cabozantinib in subsequent lines, a higher platelet count, ALT, and presence of liver metastases were associated with shorter TTF. No statistically significant predictors were found for Nivolumab used in the second-line setting. Conclusions: Routine, accessible biomarkers such as AST, hemoglobin, lymphocyte count, and creatinine may serve as predictors of treatment failure in specific therapeutic contexts. These findings support risk-adapted strategies and individualized monitoring in real-world clinical practice, though further validation in larger cohorts is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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15 pages, 1398 KB  
Article
Lymphovascular Invasion Is a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Bladder Cancer Patients Treated with Radical Cystectomy
by Daniel-Vasile Dulf, Anamaria Larisa Burnar, Patricia-Lorena Dulf, Doina-Ramona Matei, Raluca Maria Hendea, Iulia Andraș, Miruna Grecea, Cătălina Bungărdean, Antonio De Leo, Tudor-Eliade Ciuleanu, Nicolae Crișan and Camelia Alexandra Coada
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5120; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145120 - 18 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has been consistently linked to poor outcomes in patients with bladder cancer (BC), yet its independent prognostic value, especially after adjusting for established pathological features, remains debated. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LVI in the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has been consistently linked to poor outcomes in patients with bladder cancer (BC), yet its independent prognostic value, especially after adjusting for established pathological features, remains debated. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LVI in the context of other pathological features of patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 200 patients treated at the Municipal Clinical Hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Associations between LVI and overall survival (OS) were assessed using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, with Kaplan–Meier curves used for visualizing survival distributions. Results: In univariable analysis, increasing age, presence of LVI, advanced pathological tumor stage (pT ≥ 2), and nodal involvement (pN ≥ 1) were significantly associated with worse OS. LVI was a strong predictor of poor survival (HR 3.13; 95% CI: 2.09; 4.69; p < 0.001). However, in multivariable analysis, only tumor stage (HR 4.85; 95% CI: 2.19; 10.77; p < 0.001) and nodal involvement (HR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.13; 3.09; p = 0.015) remained independently associated with OS. In patients with incomplete nodal staging (Nx), LVI was significantly associated with OS (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Our findings reinforce the prognostic relevance of LVI in bladder cancer and support its role as a marker of aggressive tumor biology, highlighting its value in clinical risk assessment, especially in patients with incomplete nodal staging. Routine reporting of LVI in pathology and consideration in treatment planning are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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12 pages, 240 KB  
Perspective
Practical Guide to Integrating Geriatric Assessment in Gastrointestinal Oncology in a Resource-Limited Setting
by Radu Vidra, Paula-Viorica Alexander and Gábor Liposits
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(23), 8448; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14238448 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 956
Abstract
Background/Objective: The global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is rising sharply among the elderly, with a projected doubling of incidence and mortality by 2050. Given the heterogeneity of aging and the limitations of traditional performance scales such as ECOG or KPS, integrating geriatric [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: The global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is rising sharply among the elderly, with a projected doubling of incidence and mortality by 2050. Given the heterogeneity of aging and the limitations of traditional performance scales such as ECOG or KPS, integrating geriatric assessment (GA) into oncology has become essential for tailoring safe and effective treatment strategies in this population. This paper provides a practical framework for implementing geriatric assessment and management (GAM) in GI oncology, particularly in resource-limited settings, and highlights validated screening instruments suitable for clinical integration. Methods: A systematic search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for publications between January 2019 and August 2025 using combinations of the keywords geriatric assessment, gastrointestinal cancer, frailty screening, elderly, oncology, and comprehensive geriatric assessment. International and regional clinical practice guidelines from ASCO, ESMO, and SIOG were reviewed in detail. Articles were included when they addressed validated screening tools, oncology focused strategies, or clinical outcomes associated with GA-based interventions. Studies focusing exclusively on non-oncologic geriatric populations were excluded. Relevant data were extracted regarding study design, population, tool validation, predictive performance, and feasibility. Results: GA improves prediction of treatment-related toxicity, supports individualized treatment planning, and enhances quality of life and functional outcomes. Two-step screening approaches, initial frailty screening followed by comprehensive geriatric assessment for those with positive results, were found most effective. Practical GA models and telehealth-based applications were identified as feasible even in low- and middle-income contexts. Conclusions: Integrating GA into GI oncology fosters patient-centered, evidence-based care that optimizes treatment tolerance, reduces complications, and aligns therapeutic goals with patient values. Institutional commitment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and targeted training are pivotal for establishing GA as a standard of care across diverse healthcare settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Perspectives in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment)
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