20 research outputs found
Επίδραση ορμονικών και βιοχημικών παραμέτρων στο μαστό γυναικών με μείζονα μεσογειακή αναιμία
No full textAIM: To evaluate whether or not beta-thalassemia major confers particularities to the breast. METHOD: 66 women with confirmed diagnosis of beta-thalassemia major underwent ascreening mammogram. Breast density according to ACR and BIRADS category wasappropriately assigned. The following data were collected: age, age at first transfusion, age atfirst chelation, history of breast cancer in a first degree relative, age at menarche,pharmaceutical induction of menarche, intense exercise, diabetes mellitus. At the time of mammogram serum ferritin, LH, FSH, E2, PRG was measured and Body Mass Index wascalculated. RESULTS: At the univariate analysis ACR was significantly associated withuninformative BI-RADS; ACR was inversely associated with the presence of diabetes mellitusand serum ferritin levels. In the multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus and higher serumferritin were independently associated with lower breast density values. CONCLUSION: Thistudy demonstrates for the first time the particularities in the breast of women with betathalassemiamajor.ΣΚΟΠΟΣ: Να διαπιστώσουμε αν ο μαστός γυναικών με μείζονα β-μεσογειακή αναιμία παρουσιάζει κάποιες ιδιαιτερότητες. ΜΕΘΟΔΟΣ: 66 γυναίκες με επιβεβαιωμένη διάγνωση ομόζυγης β-μεσογειακής αναιμίας υπεβλήθησαν σε μαστογραφία. Καταγράφηκε η πυκνότητα του μαστού τόσο κατά BIRAD-Sόσο και κατά ACR καθώς και το ιστορικό τους: ηλικία, ηλικία πρώτης μετάγγισης, ηλικία έναρξης αποσιδήρωσης, ιστορικό καρκίνου του μαστού σε πρώτου βαθμού συγγενείς, ηλικίαέναρξης εμμήνου ρύσεως, ήταν φυσική ή φαρμακευτική, άσκηση, σακχαρώδης διαβήτης. Ταυτόχρονα με τη μαστογραφία πραγματοποιήθηκε αιμοληψία για τη μέτρηση των επιπέδων της φερριτίνης, LH, FSH, E2, PRG στον ορό των ασθενών και υπολογίστηκε το BMI. ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Στην μονοπαραγοντική ανάλυση το ACR ήταν ισχυρά συσχετισμένο με μη κατατοπιστικό/διαφωτιστικό BIRADS (BIRADS 0). To ACR ήταν αντιστρόφως ανάλογο από την παρουσία σακχαρώδους διαβήτη και υψηλών επιπέδων φερριτίνης. Στην πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση ο σακχαρώδης διαβήτης και τα υψηλά επίπεδα φερριτίνης ήτανανεξαρτήτως συνδεδεμένα με μικρή πυκνότητα μαστού. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑ: Αυτή η μελέτη δείχνει για πρώτη φορά τις ιδιαιτερότητες του μαστού γυναικών με μείζονα β-μεσογειακή αναιμία
Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of High-Risk HPV Genotypes Among Women in Greece: A Retrospective Analysis of 3500 Women
No full textBackground/Objectives: Persistent infection with high-risk (HR) HPV genotypes is the main risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. The present analysis provides recent trends on HR-HPV infection rates and the distribution of HR-HPV genotypes among 3500 Greek women between 2021 and 2023. Methods: The detection of HR-HPVs and the specific identification of HPV16 and HPV18 were conducted using the Roche Cobas 4800 HPV assay. The genotyping of 12 other HR-HPV genotypes was performed through the Nested Multiplex PCR methodology (NMPCR). Results: The overall infection rate was 8.8% with the most prevalent HR-HPV genotype being HPV16 followed by HPV31, HPV66, HPV56, HPV51, HPV58, HPV45, HPV18, HPV68, HPV59, HPV52, HPV35, HPV39, and HPV33. Among HR-HPV-positive cases the prevalence of single, double, triple, and quadruple infections was 73.9%, 19.9%, 5.5%, and 0.7%, respectively. Age-specific analysis showed that the HR-HPV infection rate was higher in the age group of 31–35 years (25.5%) and it was estimated that multiple infections occur more often in younger women. Notably, the distribution of HR-HPV genotypes varies among different age groups. It is proposed that HPV16, HPV31, HPV56, and HPV66 may show an increased possibility of establishing long-term infections in Greek women over 36 years old. Conclusions: The high rates of specific HR-HPVs which are not included in the prophylactic vaccines underlines the significance of constant surveillance of circulating HPVs in the Greek population
Baseline Ang-2 Serum Levels as a Predictive Factor for Survival in NSCLC and SCLC
No full textAngiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) has been implicated in the development of several types of cancer, including lung malignancy. In the present study, we examined the impact of Ang-2 serum concentration on the development, dissemination, and 5-year overall survival of NSCLC and SCLC. A total of 99 patients with lung cancer were tested. The OS of NSCLC and SCLC patients was estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves and compared through log-rank test. The median serum level of Ang-2 at baseline in both NSCLC and SCLC patients was significantly higher than that of controls (p p = 0.012), while Cox regression analysis showed that Ang-2 is a significant independent factor for poor prognosis for stage IIIβ NSCLC (hazard ratio = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.05–8.40, p = 0.04). The concentration of Ang-2 has no impact on the prognosis of SCLC. Ang-2 could be considered as a significant molecular marker that enables the prediction of NSCLC and SCLC development, and is involved in the poor prognosis of stage IIIβ NSCLC
Multi-Gene Mutation Profiling by Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing in Premenopausal Breast Cancer
No full textBreast cancer has distinct etiology, prognoses, and clinical outcomes at premenopausal ages. Determination of the frequency of germline and somatic mutations will refine our understanding of the genetic contribution to premenopausal breast cancer susceptibility. We applied a comprehensive next generation sequencing-based approach to analyze blood and/or tissue samples of 54 premenopausal breast cancer patients treated in our clinic. Genetic testing results were descriptively analyzed in correlation with clinicopathological data. In the present study, 42.5% of premenopausal breast cancer patients tested carried pathogenic mutations in cancer predisposition genes (CHEK2, BRCA1, TP53, and MUTYH). Germline variants of unknown/uncertain significance (VUSs) in eight different cancer susceptibility genes, namely BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, RAD51C, RAD51D, ATM, BRIP1, and PMS2, were also identified in 14 premenopausal patients (35%). Of the breast tumors tested, 61.8% harbored pathogenic somatic variants in tumor suppressor genes (TP53, NF1, RB), genes involved in DNA repair (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, RAD50), cell proliferation (PTEN, PIK3C FGFR3, AKT1, ROS1, ERBB2, NOTCH1), and cell adhesion (CTNNB1). This descriptive study employs the powerful NGS technology to highlight the high frequency of premenopausal cases attributable to genetic predisposition. Mutation identification in a larger cohort may further ensure that these patients receive tailored treatment according to their menopausal status
Update Overview of the Role of Angiopoietins in Lung Cancer
No full textAngiogenesis is a biological process that involves the formation of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature, and it plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of several types of cancer, including lung cancer. The angiopoietin/Tie2 ligand/receptor system orchestrates vascular integrity. In particular, Angiopoietin-1 activates the endothelial cell (EC)-specific receptor tyrosine kinase,Tie2,which is essential for preserving endothelial quiescence. On the other hand, Angiopoietin-2 acts as an inhibitor of the Angiopoietin-1/Tie2 signaling pathways, thus facilitating the destabilization of quiescent endothelium in cases of inflammation and cancer. Clinical studies have proven that high levels of Angiopoietin-2 indicate the development of non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC), while high levels of Angiopoietin-2 are strongly related to tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Interestingly, the association of Angiopoietin-2 levels with the type of surgical approach makes Angiopoietin-2 a valuable factor in selecting the most suitable therapeutic strategy for lung cancer patients. The role of the Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-4 levels in NSCLC development requires further investigation. The present review focuses on the clinical impact of the Angiopoietin-1, Angiopoietin-2, and Angiopoietin-4 levels in patients diagnosed with NSCLC, emphasizing the interaction between them, and how they affect the development, progression, and metastasis of lung disease. Finally, it estimates the role of angiopoietins levels in the effective therapy of lung cancer patients
Decreased circulating levels of angiopoietin – 1 (Ang-1) are associated with the presence of multinodular goiter or differentiated thyroid cancer
No full textBackground: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of benign or malignant nodular thyroid disease affects levels of circulating angiogenesis cytokines. Methods: In this study we investigated levels of angiopoietin – 1 and -2 (Ang-1 and Ang-2 respectively), vascular endothelial growth factor –A (VEGF-A), galectin-3 (Gal-3), urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and plasminogen activation inhibitor – 1 (PAI-1) in 40 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), 45 with thyroid papillary microcarcinoma (mPTC), 53 patients with multinodular goiter (MNG) and 58 controls. Six months after surgery 28 patients resubmitted blood samples. The diagnostic value of Ang-1 levels was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Statistically significant lower levels of Ang-1 were observed in DTC and MNG patients compared to controls (p<.05). No significant differences were observed in the levels of the other factors. The area under ROC curves for Ang-1 discerning DTC, mPTC and MNG from control were 0.68, 0.66 and 0.71 respectively. A significant increase in Ang-1 levels (p<.05) was documented in the subset of patients that underwent thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy did not influence levels of the other factors. Conclusions: Our results suggest an association between low levels of Ang-1 and the presence of underlying benign or malignant nodular thyroid disease
Decreased circulating levels of angiopoietin – 1 (Ang-1) are associated with the presence of multinodular goiter or differentiated thyroid cancer
No full textBackground: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of benign or malignant nodular thyroid disease affects levels of circulating angiogenesis cytokines. Methods: In this study we investigated levels of angiopoietin – 1 and -2 (Ang-1 and Ang-2 respectively), vascular endothelial growth factor –A (VEGF-A), galectin-3 (Gal-3), urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and plasminogen activation inhibitor – 1 (PAI-1) in 40 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), 45 with thyroid papillary microcarcinoma (mPTC), 53 patients with multinodular goiter (MNG) and 58 controls. Six months after surgery 28 patients resubmitted blood samples. The diagnostic value of Ang-1 levels was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Statistically significant lower levels of Ang-1 were observed in DTC and MNG patients compared to controls (p<.05). No significant differences were observed in the levels of the other factors. The area under ROC curves for Ang-1 discerning DTC, mPTC and MNG from control were 0.68, 0.66 and 0.71 respectively. A significant increase in Ang-1 levels (p<.05) was documented in the subset of patients that underwent thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy did not influence levels of the other factors. Conclusions: Our results suggest an association between low levels of Ang-1 and the presence of underlying benign or malignant nodular thyroid disease. © 202
The Impact of Lifestyle Medicine on Quality of Life in Female Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review
No full textObjectives: This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the outcomes and characteristics of lifestyle medicine interventions among breast cancer survivors (BCS), with a particular emphasis on improvements in various dimensions of quality of life (QoL). Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted to identify original articles published in English from September 2012 to July 2024. Databases included PubMed, Embase, and secondary sources such as BMC, Sage Journals, Korea Science and Google Scholar. Eligible studies encompassed randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and quasi-experimental designs that assessed the impact of lifestyle medicine interventions on female BCS. The search period extended from March 2023 to July 4, 2024. Results: A total of eight studies were included, four of which demonstrated high methodological quality, while the remainder exhibited moderate to low quality. Due to the exploratory nature of the field and the heterogeneity of the outcomes, a meta-analysis was not performed. Instead, results were synthesized through stratified analysis. Notable improvements were observed in general health-related QoL indicators, including reductions in fatigue, body mass index (BMI), and physical pain, as well as enhancements in sleep quality and mental health status. Several studies, despite being interventional, did not report statistical analyses. Conclusion: The findings suggest that lifestyle medicine interventions can exert a beneficial effect on the QoL of female BCS. These results highlight the importance of integrating comprehensive lifestyle strategies into survivorship care. Further robust studies addressing all six pillars of lifestyle medicine are warranted to substantiate and expand these preliminary observations. © Copyright 2025 The Author(s)
The Mutational Landscape of Early-Onset Breast Cancer: A Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis
No full textBackgroundAround 5%-7% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women younger than 40, making it the leading cause of female cancer in the 25- to 39-year-old age group. Unfortunately, young age at diagnosis is linked to a more aggressive tumor biology and a worse clinical outcome. The identification of the mutational landscape of breast cancer in this age group could optimize the management. MethodsWe performed NGS analysis in paraffin blocks and blood samples of 32 young patients with breast cancer [<40 years] and 90 older patients during the period 2019 through 2021. All patients were treated in a single institution at the Oncology Department of “Alexandra” Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece. ResultsBreast tumors were characterized more frequently by HER2 overexpression [25% vs 18.9%], higher ki67 levels [75% vs 61%] and lower differentiation [71.9% vs 60%] in the younger group. PIK3CA [6/20; 30%] and TP53 [6/20; 30%] were the most frequent pathogenic somatic mutations identified in young patients, while one case of BRCA2 somatic mutation [1/20; 5%] and one case of PTEN somatic mutation [1/20; 5%] were also identified. PIK3CA mutations [16/50; 32%] and TP53 mutations [20/50; 40%] were the most common somatic mutations identified in older patients, however other somatic mutations were also reported (ATM, AKT, CHEK2, NRAS, CDKN2A, PTEN, NF1, RB1, FGFR1, ERBB2). As for germline mutations, CHEK2 [3/25; 12%] was the most common pathogenic germline mutation in younger patients followed by BRCA1 [2/25; 8%]. Of note, CHEK2 germline mutations were identified less frequently in older patients [2/61; 3%] among others [BRCA1 (2/61; 3%), ATM (2/61; 3%), APC (1/61; 1,6%) and BRCA2 (1/61; 1,6%)]. ConclusionWe here report the mutational profile identified via NGS in patients with early-onset breast cancer compared to their older counterparts. Although the sample size is small and no statistically significant differences were detected, we highlight the need of genetic testing to most patients in this subgroup
