Search Results (6,645)

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the additional value of [¹⁸F]F-fluorocholine ([¹⁸F]F-FCH) PET/CT over contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) in detecting the recurrence of brain metastases (BMs) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with lung cancer brain metastases (LCBMs). Methods: Thirty-one patients with suspected recurrence of BM in LCBM after SRS were enrolled in this retrospective study. They underwent both [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT and CE-MRI within 2 weeks. The tumor imaging parameters and clinical features were analyzed. The results of histopathology or radiographic follow-up served as the reference standard for the final diagnosis. Results: In these 31 patients, there were 54 lesions, of which 27 lesions were proven to be BM recurrence, while 27 lesions were non-recurrence. [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT showed high radiotracer uptake in recurrent lesions of BM and identified 24 positive lesions (88.89% of sensitivity), while CE-MRI indicated 23 positive lesions (85.19% of sensitivity). [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT indicated higher specificity (81.48%) and accuracy (85.19%) in detecting recurrence of BM than CE-MRI (40.74% and 62.96%, both p < 0.05), particularly in frontal lobes and cerebella. For lesion sizes, the accuracy of [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT in detecting recurrent lesions was higher than that of CE-MRI for lesions over 1.0 cm but below 2.0 cm (p = 0.016). The detective performance of [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT combined with CE-MRI was higher than [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT or CE-MRI alone (all p < 0.05). Interestingly, TLC (≥4.11) was significantly correlated with poor intracranial PFS (iPFS), meaning it was a significant prognostic factor for iPFS. Conclusions: This study identified that compared with CE-MRI, [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT demonstrated higher specificity and accuracy in diagnosing recurrence of BM in LCBM after SRS. Combining [¹⁸F]F-FCH PET/CT with CE-MRI has the potential to improve diagnostic performance for recurrence of BM and management of patient treatment. TLC was an independent risk factor for iPFS. Full article

Introduction: This study evaluated the performance of automated dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)-based quantification of perfusion defects (PDs) in acute pulmonary embolism and examined its correlation with clinical parameters. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 171 patients treated for moderate-to-severe acute pulmonary embolism, who underwent DECT imaging at two separate time points. PDs were quantified using a fully automated AI-based segmentation method that relied exclusively on iodine perfusion maps. This was compared with a semi-automatic clinician-guided segmentation, where radiologists manually adjusted thresholds to eliminate artifacts. Clinical variables including the Miller obstruction score, right-to-left ventricular diameter ratio, oxygen saturation, and patient-reported symptoms were also collected. Results: The semiautomatic method demonstrated stronger correlations with embolic burden (Miller score; r = 0.4, p < 0.001 at follow-up) and a negative correlation with oxygen saturation (r = −0.2, p = 0.04). In contrast, the fully automated AI-based quantification consistently produced lower PD values and demonstrated weaker associations with clinical parameters. Conclusions: Semiautomatic quantification of PDs currently provides superior accuracy and clinical relevance for evaluating lung PDs in acute pulmonary embolism. Future multimodal AI models that incorporate both anatomical and clinical data may further enhance diagnostic precision. Full article

Understanding the utilization patterns of nuclear medicine (NM) services is essential for optimizing resource allocation and service provision. This study aimed to address the regional evidence gap by reporting the demand for NM services by sex and age at a public hospital in Jamaica. This was a non-experimental, retrospective study of NM scans that were completed at the University Hospital of the West Indies from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2024. While all scans were reported in the descriptive totals, for patients with multiple scans during the study period, only the data from the first visit was used in the inferential statistical analysis. This was performed with the IBM SPSS (version 29.0) software and involved the use of chi-square goodness of fit and multinomial logistic regression. A total of 1135 NM scans for 1098 patients were completed (37 patients had more than one scan); 596 (54.3%) were female and 502 (45.7%) were male, with the ages ranging from 3 days to 94 years old. Among the female patients, there was a greater demand in the ≥60 years age group for cardiac amyloid scans (χ² = 6.40, p < 0.05), while females 18–59 years had a greater demand for thyroid scans (χ² = 7.714, p < 0.05) and bone scans (χ² = 3.904, p < 0.05). On the other hand, significantly more males in the ≥60 age group presented for cardiac amyloid (χ² = 4.167; p < 0.05) and bone scans (χ² = 145.79, p < 0.01). Males were significantly less likely to undergo a thyroid scan than females (p < 0.01, OR = 0.072, 95% CI: 0.021, 0.243) while individuals aged 18–59 years were more likely to undergo this scan than patients aged 60 or older (p = 0.02, OR = 3.565, 95% CI: 1.258, 10.104). Males were more likely to do a cardiac amyloid scan (p < 0.05, OR = 2.237, 95% CI: 1.023, 4.891) but less likely to undergo a cardiac rest/stress test than females (p = 0.02, OR = 0.307, 95% CI: 0.114, 0.828). Prolonged life expectancy and an aging population have the potential to impact NM utilization, thus requiring planning for infrastructure, equipment, work force, and supplies. Cancer-related and cardiovascular indications are a top priority at this facility; hence, age- and sex-specific analysis are useful in establishing models for policy makers with regard to the allocation of economic and human resources for the sustainability of this specialized service. Full article

A healthy vasculature with well-regulated perfusion and pulsatility is essential for the brain. One vascular structure that has received little attention is the carotid siphon. The proximal portion of the siphon is stiff due to the narrow location in the skull base, whilst the distal portion is highly flexible. This flexible part in combination with the specific curves lead to lower pulsatility at the cost of energy deposition in the arterial wall. This deposited energy contributes to damage and calcification. Severe siphon calcification stiffens the distal part of the siphon, leading to less damping of the pulsatility. Increased blood flow pulsatility is a possible cause of stroke and cognitive disorders. In this review, based on comprehensive multimodality imaging, we first describe the anatomy and physiology of the carotid siphon. Subsequently, we review the in vivo imaging data, which indeed suggest that the siphon attenuates pulsatility. Finally, the data as available in the literature are shown to provide convincing evidence that severe siphon calcifications and the calcification pattern are linked to incident stroke and dementia. Interventional studies are required to test whether this association is causal and how an assessment of pulsatility and the siphon calcification pattern can improve personalized medicine, working to prevent and treat brain disease. Full article

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is an endocrine disorder characterized by excessive parathyroid hormone production, typically due to adenomas, hyperplasia, or carcinoma. Preoperative imaging plays a critical role in guiding surgical planning, particularly in selecting patients for minimally invasive procedures. While first-line imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy, are standard, advanced second-line imaging modalities like 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT (FCH-PET) and four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) have emerged as valuable tools when initial diagnostics are inconclusive. Methods: This article provides an updated review and recommendations of the role of these advanced imaging techniques in localizing parathyroid adenomas. Results: FCH-PET has shown exceptional sensitivity (94% per patient, 96% per lesion) and is particularly useful in detecting small or ectopic adenomas. Despite its higher sensitivity, it can yield false positives, particularly in the presence of thyroid disease. On the other hand, 4D-CT offers detailed anatomical imaging, aiding in the identification of parathyroids in challenging cases, including recurrent disease and ectopic glands. Studies suggest that FCH-PET and 4D-CT exhibit similar diagnostic performance and could be complementary in preoperative planning of most difficult situations. Conclusions: This article also emphasizes a multimodal approach, where initial imaging is followed by advanced techniques only in cases of uncertainty. Although 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT is favored as a second-line option, 4D-CT remains invaluable for its high spatial resolution and ability to guide surgery in complex cases. Despite limitations in evidence, these imaging modalities significantly enhance the accuracy of parathyroid localization, contributing to more targeted and minimally invasive surgery. Full article

Background: Despite its central role in pediatric pre-surgical evaluation of drug-resistant focal epilepsy, conventional analog ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) PET/CT (aPET) systems often yield modest epileptogenic zone (EZ) detection rates (~50–60%). Silicon photomultiplier–based digital PET/CT (dPET) promises enhanced image quality, but its performance in pediatric epilepsy remains untested. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 22 children (mean age 11.5 ± 2.6 years) who underwent interictal brain ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT: 11 on an analog system (Discovery ST, 2018–2019) and 11 on a digital system (Biograph Vision 450, 2020–2021). Three blinded nuclear medicine physicians independently scored EZ localization and image quality (4-point scale); post-surgical histology and ≥1-year clinical follow-up served as reference. Results: The EZ was correctly identified in 8/11 analog scans (72.7%) versus 10/11 digital scans (90.9%). Average image quality was significantly higher with dPET (3.0 ± 0.9 vs. 2.1 ± 0.9; p < 0.05), and inter-reader agreement improved from good (ICC = 0.63) to excellent (ICC = 0.91). Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest that dPET enhances image clarity and reader consistency, potentially improving localization accuracy in pediatric epilepsy presurgical workups. Full article

Objective: We evaluated the feasibility of a machine-learning (ML) model based on clinical features and radiomics from [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT images to differentiate between infected and non-infected intracavitary vascular grafts and endografts (iVGEI). Methods: Three ML models were developed: one based on pre-treatment criteria to diagnose a vascular graft infection (“MAGIC-light features”), another using radiomics features from diagnostic [¹⁸F]FDG-PET scans, and a third combining both datasets. The training set included 92 patients (72 iVGEI-positive, 20 iVGEI-negative), and the external test set included 20 iVGEI-positive and 12 iVGEI-negative patients. The abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in the PET/CT scans were automatically segmented using SEQUOIA and TotalSegmentator and manually adjusted, extracting 96 radiomics features. The best-performing models for the MAGIC-light features and PET-radiomics features were selected from 343 unique models. Most relevant features were combined to test three final models using ROC analysis, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: The combined model achieved the highest AUC in the test set (mean ± SD: 0.91 ± 0.02) compared with the MAGIC-light-only model (0.85 ± 0.06) and the PET-radiomics model (0.73 ± 0.03). The combined model also achieved a higher accuracy (0.91 vs. 0.82) than the diagnosis based on all the MAGIC criteria and a comparable sensitivity and specificity (0.70 and 1.00 vs. 0.76 and 0.92, respectively) while providing diagnostic information at the initial presentation. The AUC for the combined model was significantly higher than the PET-radiomics model (p = 0.02 in the bootstrap test), while other comparisons were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential of ML models in supporting diagnostic decision making for iVGEI. A combined model using pre-treatment clinical features and PET-radiomics features showed high diagnostic performance and specificity, potentially reducing overtreatment and enhancing patient outcomes. Full article

Background: A detailed understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology is crucial in cardiovascular medicine. However, traditional learning methods often fall short in addressing this complexity. Augmented reality (AR) offers a promising tool to enhance comprehension. To assess its potential integration into the Heidelberger Curriculum Medicinale (HeiCuMed), we conducted a needs assessment among medical students and lecturers at Heidelberg University Medical School. Methods: Our survey aimed to evaluate the perceived benefits of AR-based learning compared to conventional methods and to gather expectations regarding an AR course in cardiovascular medicine. Using LimeSurvey, we developed a questionnaire to assess participants’ prior AR experience, preferred learning methods, and interest in a proposed AR-based, 2 × 90-min in-person course. Results: A total of 101 students and 27 lecturers participated. Support for AR in small-group teaching was strong: 96.3% of students and 90.9% of lecturers saw value in a dedicated AR course. Both groups favored its application in anatomy, cardiac surgery, and internal medicine. Students prioritized congenital heart defects, coronary anomalies, and arrhythmias, while lecturers also emphasized invasive valve interventions. Conclusions: There is significant interest in AR-based teaching in cardiovascular education, suggesting its potential to complement and improve traditional methods in medical curricula. Further studies are needed to assess the potential benefits regarding learning outcomes. Full article

Background/objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are common co-morbidities in women of reproductive age. PCOS is highly heterogeneous and is, therefore, divided into four phenotypes. MASLD leads to numerous systemic complications. Studies to date have shown an association between PCOS and MASLD. This study was designed to compare the FIB-4 score (based on age, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and platelet count) and the results of shear wave elastography in assessing the risk of developing MASLD by patients with PCOS divided by phenotypes. Methods: The study enrolled 242 women age 18–35 years with PCOS diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, hospitalized at the Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology of the University Clinical Centre in Katowice. The study subjects were assigned to phenotypes A to D. Clinical and biochemical assessments were performed (including androgens and metabolic parameters), and the FIB-4 index was calculated. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by shear wave elastography. To balance the group sizes of phenotypes, oversampling with replacement was applied (PROC SURVEYSELECT, SAS), increasing the number of observations for phenotypes B, C, and D fivefold. Statistical analyses were performed based on data distribution (Shapiro–Wilk test), using ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s correction. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The FIB-4 score was the highest in phenotype B patients (0.50 ± 0.15), and the lowest in phenotypes A and C (0.42 ± 0.14). The highest rate of positive elastography findings was recorded in phenotype A patients (34.7%) and the lowest in phenotype C group (13.5%). Significant differences between the phenotypes were also found in terms of androgen levels, insulin, HOMA-IR, and the lipid profile. Among patients with positive elastography, the highest FIB-4 scores were recorded in phenotype C group (0.44 ± 0.06), but the differences between the phenotypes were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The FIB-4 score was the highest in phenotype B patients and differed significantly from phenotypes A, C and D. In the elastography exam, the fibrosis index was statistically significantly higher in phenotype A compared to other phenotypes. No correlation was detected between the FIB-4 index and positive elastography. The findings suggest that the FIB-4 index may be used for MASLD screening, but its usefulness as a predictor of eligibility for elastography requires more research. Full article

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite advancements, the overall survival rate for lung cancer remains between 10% and 20% in most countries. However, recent progress in diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies has led to meaningful improvements in survival outcomes, highlighting the growing importance of personalized management based on accurate disease assessment. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) has become essential in the management of lung cancer, serving as a key imaging modality for initial diagnosis, staging, treatment response assessment, and follow-up evaluation. Recent developments in radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning, have revolutionized the analysis of complex imaging data, enhancing the diagnostic and predictive capabilities of FDG PET/CT in lung cancer. However, the limitations of FDG, including its low specificity for malignancy, have driven the development of novel oncologic radiotracers. One such target is fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed in activated cancer-associated fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment of various epithelial cancers. As a result, FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals represent a novel theranostic approach, offering the potential to integrate PET imaging with radioligand therapy (RLT). In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of FDG PET/CT in lung cancer, along with recent advances in AI. Additionally, we discuss FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging and their potential application in RLT for the personalized management of lung cancer. Full article

Background: Risk assessment in hyperthyroidism remains challenging. The aim of the present study is to determine the influence of hyperthyroid metabolic status on blood clotting and an increased risk of thrombosis. Methods: This prospective study included 50 patients after radical thyroidectomy and ablative radioiodine therapy because of thyroid carcinoma who were compared with 50 control subjects in a euthyroid metabolic state. Latent hyperthyroid patients with basal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) ≤ 0.15 mU/L on levothyroxine hormone therapy were included. The control group was selected to match the patient group based on age and sex. The evaluation data were collected using laboratory coagulation tests and patient questionnaires. A bleeding and a thrombosis score were determined. Results: The coagulation parameters between the patient and control groups showed statistically significant differences. In particular, the patients’ group showed a significantly shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT/p = 0.009) and a significantly higher plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1/p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Age, sex, and medication use were not found to influence the patients’ laboratory results. Only body mass index was higher in the patient group than in the control group. Conclusions: Our results support a shift in the coagulation system in latent hyperthyroid metabolism towards increased coagulability and reduced fibrinolysis. A latent hyperthyroid metabolic state appears to be associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Further prospective cohort studies with large patient populations are needed to verify the association between (latent) hyperthyroidism and thromboembolic events as well as to determine therapeutic anticoagulation or to adjust the indication for exogenous administration of thyroid hormone. Full article

Background and Purpose: Stratification based on specific image biomarkers applicable in clinical settings could help optimize treatment outcomes for recurrent non-small cell lung cancer patients. For this purpose, we aimed to determine the clinical impact of positive delta changes (any difference above zero > 0) between baseline [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT metrics before the first treatment course and reirradiation. Material/Methods: Forty-seven patients who underwent thoracic reirradiation with curative intent at our institute between 2013 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria. All patients had histologically verified NSCLC, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) ≤ 2, and underwent [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT for initial staging and re-staging before primary radiotherapy and reirradiation, respectively. The time interval between radiation treatments was at least nine months. Quantitative metabolic volume and intensity parameters were measured before first irradiation and before reirradiation, and the difference above zero (>0; delta change) between them was statistically correlated to locoregional control (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: Patients were followed for a median time of 33 months after reirradiation. The median OS was 21.8 months (95%-CI: 16.3–27.3), the median PFS was 12 months (95%-CI: 6.7–17.3), and the median LRC was 13 months (95%-CI: 9.0–17.0). Multivariate analysis revealed that the delta changes in SULpeak, SUVmax, and SULmax of the lymph nodes significantly impacted OS (SULpeak p = 0.017; SUVmax p = 0.006; SULmax p = 0.006), PFS (SULpeak p = 0.010; SUVmax p = 0.009; SULmax p = 0.009), and LRC (SULpeak p < 0.001; SUVmax p = 0.003; SULmax p = 0.003). Conclusions: Delta changes in SULpeak, SUVmax, and SULmax of the metastatic lymph nodes significantly impacted all clinical endpoints (OS, PFS and LRC) in recurrent NSCLC patients treated with reirradiation. Hence, these imaging biomarkers could be helpful with regard to patient selection in this challenging clinical situation. Full article

Background/Objectives: ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 is one of the more widely used radioligands in prostate cancer imaging with PET/CT. Its major advantage lies in the low urinary tracer activity due to primarily hepatobiliary clearance, but unexpectedly high tracer accumulation in the bladder can occur, potentially hindering assessment of lesions near the prostate bed. This study assesses the impact of furosemide on ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 tracer accumulation in the bladder. Methods: In this single-center, retrospective, intra-individual comparative analysis, 18 patients undergoing two consecutive ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT scans for biochemical relapse (BCR) or persistence (BCP)—one with and one without prior furosemide administration—were included. Images were acquired 60 min post-injection of 250 MBq of tracer activity. Standardized Uptake Values (SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean) were measured in the bladder and in tissues with physiological uptake by three readers. Differences were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The inter-reader agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Furosemide significantly decreased bladder SUVmax, SUVpeak, and SUVmean (all p < 0.001). Mean bladder SUVmax decreased from 13.20 ± 10.40 to 3.92 ± 3.47, SUVpeak from 10.94 ± 8.02 to 3.47 ± 3.13, and SUVmean from 8.74 ± 6.66 to 2.81 ± 2.56, representing a large effect size (r ≈ 0.55). Physiological tracer uptake in most organs was not significantly influenced by furosemide (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the predominantly hepatobiliary clearance of ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007, furosemide-induced forced diuresis leads to a significant reduction in tracer activity in the bladder, which in clinical practice could help in early detection of tumor recurrence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in breast cancer and might be used as a theranostics target. The expression of GRPR strongly correlates with estrogen receptor (ER) expression. Visualization of GRPR-expressing breast tumors might help to select the optimal treatment. Developing GRPR-specific probes for SPECT would permit imaging-guided therapy in regions with restricted access to PET facilities. In this first-in-human study, we evaluated the safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry of the [^99mTc]Tc-DB8 GRPR-antagonistic peptide. We also addressed the important issue of finding the optimal injected peptide mass. Methods: Fifteen female patients with ER-positive primary breast cancer were enrolled and divided into three cohorts receiving [^99mTc]Tc-DB8 (corresponding to three distinct doses of 40, 80, or 120 µg DB8) comprising five patients each. Additionally, four patients with ER-negative primary tumors were injected with 80 µg [^99mTc]Tc-DB8. The injected activity was 360 ± 70 MBq. Planar scintigraphy was performed after 2, 4, 6, and 24 h, and SPECT/CT scans followed planar imaging 2, 4, and 6 h after injection. Results: No adverse events were associated with [^99mTc]Tc-DB8 injections. The effective dose was 0.009–0.014 mSv/MBq. Primary tumors and all known lymph node metastases were visualized irrespective of injected peptide mass. The highest uptake in the ER-positive tumors was 2 h after injection of [^99mTc]Tc-DB8 at a 80 µg DB8 dose (SUV_max 5.3 ± 1.2). Injection of [^99mTc]Tc-DB8 with 80 µg DB8 provided significantly (p < 0.01) higher uptake in primary ER-positive breast cancer lesions than injection with 40 µg DB8 (SUV_max 2.0 ± 0.3) or 120 µg (SUV_max 3.2 ± 1.4). Tumor-to-contralateral breast ratio after injection of 80 μg was also significantly (p < 0.01, ANOVA test) higher than ratios after injection of other peptide masses. The uptake in ER-negative lesions was significantly lower (SUV_max 2.0 ± 0.3) than in ER-positive tumors. Conclusions: Imaging using [^99mTc]Tc-DB8 is safe, tolerable, and associated with low absorbed doses. The tumor uptake is dependent on the injected peptide mass. The injection of an optimal mass (80 µg) provides the highest uptake in ER-positive tumors. At optimal dosing, the uptake was significantly higher in ER-positive than in ER-negative lesions. Full article

Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as the castor oil plant, is prized for its versatile applications in medicine, industry, and agriculture. It features large, deeply lobed leaves with vibrant colours, robust stems with anthocyanin pigments, and extensive root systems for nutrient absorption. Its terminal panicle-like inflorescences bear monoecious flowers, and its seeds are enclosed in prickly capsules. Throughout its various parts, R. communis harbours a diverse array of bioactive compounds. Leaves contain tannins, which exhibit astringent and antimicrobial properties, and alkaloids like ricinine, known for anti-inflammatory properties, as well as flavonoids like rutin, offering antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Roots contain ellagitannins, lupeol, and indole-3-acetic acid, known for anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects. Seeds are renowned for ricin, ricinine, and phenolic compounds crucial for industrial applications such as biodegradable polymers. Pharmacologically, it demonstrates antioxidant effects from flavonoids and tannins, confirmed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays for antibacterial activity. It shows potential in managing diabetes via insulin signalling pathways and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Additionally, it has anti-fertility effects and potential anticancer activity against cancer stem cells. This review aims to summarize Ricinus communis’s botanical properties, therapeutic uses, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and industrial applications. Integrating the current knowledge offers insights into future research directions, emphasizing the plant’s diverse roles in agriculture, medicine, and industry. Full article