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Relationship between BRAF V600E mutation and recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer — a systematic review
No full textIntroduction. The BRAF V600E mutation is implicated in the tumorigenesis of differentiated thyroid cancer, and its role in cancer recurrence remains debated. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between BRAF mutations and the recurrence of DTC and its impact on lymph node metastasis and mortality.
Methods. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was performed across PubMed and ScienceDirect databases covering studies published up to September 2024. Eligible studies reported on the association between BRAF V600E mutation and recurrence in DTC. Data on patient characteristics, recurrence rates, metastasis, and mortality were extracted for synthesis.
Results. A total of seven studies with 4660 patients were included. Most of the patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma, and the mean age ranged from 40 to 54 years. Three studies found no significant association between BRAF V600E mutation and DTC recurrence, while two studies reported a significant association. Lymph node metastasis was associated with BRAF mutation in three studies, without contradictory findings. Regarding mortality, two studies found no significant association, whereas one study reported an increased mortality risk with BRAF mutation.
Conclusions. The relationship between BRAF V600E mutation and recurrence in DTC is inconclusive, with mixed findings across the studies. BRAF V600E mutation is more consistently linked to lymph node metastasis, though its role in predicting recurrence and mortality remains uncertain. Further research with standardized methodologies is required to better understand the clinical implications of BRAF V600E mutations in DTC
Utilization of cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with heart failure associated with cardiomyopathy: Insights from the HEart failuRe ObsErvational Study (HEROES)
No full textPlatform for the monitoring and treatment of patients with long-term mechanical circulatory support: A pilot study
No full textNovel intravascular mechanical lithotripsy balloon: First experience with application in severely calcified coronary artery disease
No full textClinical significances of variations in main hematological parameters at the time of diagnosis in patients with small cell lung cancer
No full textIntroduction. Variations in white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and platelet (PLT) values, the main components of complete blood count (CBC), are often encountered at the time of diagnosis in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Their clinical significance is not fully known; thus, in this retrospective study, the aim was to clarify this interaction.
Material and methods. A total of 378 SCLC patients were enrolled in the study and analyzed retrospectively. The CBC values obtained at the time of diagnosis and before the onset of any kind of treatment were collected from patient files. Cut-off laboratory values of the medical center, where a definite diagnosis was first made, were used to evaluate the parameters.
Results. The frequency of leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytosis in limited-disease SCLC (LD-SCLC) and extended-disease SCLC (ED-SCLC) patients was 29.8 vs. 41.3%, 14.5 vs. 30.4%, and 11.5 vs. 20.6%, respectively. Thrombocytosis in LD-SCLC (p = 0.05) and anemia in ED-SCLC (p = 0.008) were statistically significant in poor responders to chemotherapy. Anemic ED-SCLC patients had significantly poorer survivals than those with normal HGB (p = 0.0001); however, there were no significant associations between other CBC components and survival rates in either LD-SCLC or ED-SCLC patients. Moreover, in multivariate analysis, both performance status and chemotherapy responsiveness-maintained significance on survival, but the importance of anemia in ED-SCLC patients disappeared and became non-significant.
Conclusions. Variations in CBC parameters are encountered in SCLC patients at the time of diagnosis, and they might be used as predictive and prognostic indicators to foresee the response to chemotherapy and survival
Predictors of oral mucositis and dysgeusia in breast cancer patients receiving FEC chemotherapy — a retrospective observational study
No full textIntroduction. Oral mucositis and dysgeusia are frequent adverse events in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, including impairing quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to identify predictors of these events in patients receiving FEC chemotherapy in an outpatient setting.
Material and methods. One hundred fifty-four women were retrospectively analyzed who were receiving FEC chemotherapy at a single outpatient center from February 2016 to September 2020. Severity of mucositis and dysgeusia was assessed at the end of chemotherapy using a patient-reported questionnaire based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression identified significant predictors.
Results. Significant predictors for mucositis included age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.07], number of cycles (OR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.02–2.51), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (OR = 4.52; 95% CI 1.05–19.51), mucoprotective agent use (OR = 2.82; 95% CI 1.24–6.45), and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.09; 95% CI 0.01–0.60). For dysgeusia, significant predictors were albumin (OR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.21–0.998) and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.03–0.68). Statins and RAS inhibitors appeared protective but were not statistically significant.
Conclusions. Identification of these predictors may guide preventive strategies and supportive care to reduce oral complications and improve QoL in breast cancer patients receiving FEC chemotherapy
Acute and late toxicity after moderate hypo-fractionated intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) for prostate cancer
No full textIntroduction. Moderate hypo-fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (MHF-IMRT SIB) aims to optimize tumor control while minimizing toxicity. This study evaluated acute and late toxicities associated with MHF-IMRT SIB in prostate cancer patients.
Material and methods. Prospective cohort study included 73 patients with intermediate to very high-risk prostate cancer and nodal involvement, treated with 70 Gray (Gy) in 28 fractions using MHF-IMRT SIB. Patients were followed for 2.5 years (January 2022–December 2024). Primary endpoint was acute toxicity; secondary endpoint was late toxicity, both assessed by CTCAE v5.0. Dose-volume parameters (V40–V70) were correlated with toxicity.
Results. Mean patient age was 67.6 years, most of whom had T2c disease. At 30 months follow-up, overall survival was 100%. Five patients (6.8%) experienced biochemical relapse, and two developed bone metastases. During radiotherapy, G2 genitourinary (GU) toxicity was observed in 29 patients (39.7%), with G3 toxicity in seven patients (9.6%). Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity G2 was in 26 patients (35.6%) and G3 in three patients (4.1%), toxicity peaked at week four. Within three months post-radiotherapy, G2 GU and GI toxicities were noted in 19.2% and 8.2% of patients, respectively. At the end of follow-up, chronic GU toxicity G2 was recorded in 6.8% of patients. Chronic GI toxicity G1 was recorded in 4 patients (5.5%). Dose-volume parameters (V40–V70) correlated significantly with toxicity grades.
Conclusions. MHF-IMRT to 70 Gy in 28 fractions showed a favorable toxicity profile in prostate cancer. Most acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities were mild and tolerated
Cancer prevalence as a measure of cancer burden — Poland in the European context
No full textIntroduction. There are an increasing number of people living with a cancer diagnosis. This results in a growing burden on healthcare systems. Cancer prevalence is commonly used as a primary measure of this burden. The aim of this study is to assess cancer prevalence in Poland and to compare it with other European Union countries.
Material and methods. The analysis was based on data from ECIS, OECD, EUROCARE-6, and the Polish National Cancer Registry. Five-year and total cancer prevalence was standardized according to the ESP 2013, and was applied herein.
Results. Poland is characterized by a lower cancer prevalence than the EU average, although this has been accompanied by a rapid increase over the past two decades.
Conclusions. Lower cancer prevalence does not imply a lower cancer burden. This indicator should be more widely used in planning oncological care
An 80-year-old female with pseudomyxoma peritonei due to mucinous cancer of unknown origin — molecular characterization and diagnostic challenges
No full textPrimary ovarian mucinous carcinoma is rare representing only 2–3% of primary ovarian carcinomas. Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are also unique conditions that can be accompanies by pseudomyxoma peritonei. This report presents the case of an 80-year-old female with mucinous carcinoma metastases in the peritoneum, pseudomyxoma peritonei and features that may indicate appendiceal or ovarian origin. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with a left ovarian tumor. During diagnostics, features enforcing ovarian origin included: CK7+, CK20– in peritoneal metastasis, unilateral ovary tumor, moderately elevated CA125, low CEA and no cancer detected in gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Features advocating gastrointestinal tract origin included: CDX2+, mild enlargement of the appendix, high CA19-9, low HE4, CA125/CEA = 24, impression on cecum probably by the enlarged appendix, in PET-CT no metabolic activity in the ovary, metabolic activity in colon/cecum and peritoneal lesions as well as pathologic report suggestion of gastrointestinal origin. The ovaries and appendix were not visualized during laparoscopy. Cytoreductive surgery was not feasible. Genetic profiling of peritoneal metastasis showed alterations in KRAS, GNAS, ARID1A, IDH1 genes. We indicate that genetic profiling of mucinous carcinoma of the appendix and ovary and their metastases is needed to determine new molecular targets for systemic treatment. Moreover, we indicate that surgical assessment of cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a key element in the treatment of patients with mucinous tumors in the peritoneum. Finally, we emphasize a need for research into new methods of treating pseudomyxoma peritonei in high-risk patients for whom cytoreduction with HIPEC is not feasible
