Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, and early diagnosis is essential for improving patient survival and treatment outcomes. Currently used serum biomarkers, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), suffer from limited sensitivity and specificity, particularly in early-stage disease, which restricts their clinical utility. Therefore, identifying more reliable biomarkers for CRC detection and monitoring is urgently needed. This study investigated the diagnostic value of microRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) and selected heat shock proteins (HSPs) as potential non-invasive biomarkers for CRC.

The study included patients with confirmed CRC, individuals with benign colorectal diseases, and healthy control subjects. Plasma levels of miR-17-5p and relative gene expression of HSPs were quantified in obtained samples using quantitative real-time PCR, while circulating HSP concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The results demonstrated a marked upregulation of miR-17-5p in CRC patients, showing a six-fold increase compared with healthy controls. Patients with benign colorectal disorders exhibited a moderate two-fold increase. Similarly, HSP40 and HSP90 expression levels were significantly elevated in CRC patients, whereas their levels were reduced in benign colorectal cases relative to healthy individuals. In contrast, HSP70 expression was significantly decreased in both CRC and benign colorectal patients compared with controls. Overall, miR-17-5p and HSPs showed superior diagnostic accuracy compared with conventional biomarkers. Notably, combined biomarker analysis significantly enhanced sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing CRC from benign colorectal conditions. Among the evaluated markers, miR-17-5p in combination with HSP40 and HSP90 demonstrated the strongest diagnostic performance.

These findings suggest that this biomarker panel holds promise for CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targeting, offering improved strategies for clinical management.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies among men worldwide, with marked regional variability in incidence, mortality, and stage at diagnosis. Data from Central Asia remain limited, particularly in regions without organized prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening programs. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of prostate cancer in the Abay region of Kazakhstan during the post-screening period.

A retrospective population-based descriptive study was conducted using official cancer registry data from the Abay region. All newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases (ICD-10 code C61) registered between 2020 and 2024 were included. Incidence, mortality, stage distribution at diagnosis, one-year lethality, prevalence, and the proportion of patients under ≥5-year follow-up in the cancer registry were analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. Year-to-year relative changes were used to describe temporal patterns in incidence and mortality.

A total of 260 new prostate cancer cases were registered during the study period. The incidence rate increased from 7.2 per 100,000 male population in 2020 to 9.2 per 100,000 in 2024, with a peak observed in 2023. In contrast, mortality declined steadily overall from 5.7 to 2.8 per 100,000 over the same period. Stage II disease predominated; however, advanced-stage cancer remained common. The proportion of stage IV disease ranged from 25.8% to 37.5%, indicating persistent late diagnosis. The proportion of patients registered in the cancer registry for ≥5 years increased from 42.1% to 56.4%, and prevalence rose from 55.4 to 63.6 per 100,000, reflecting the accumulation of patients under long-term observation.

Despite increasing incidence, prostate cancer mortality in the Abay region declined during 2020-2024. However, the persistently high proportion of advanced-stage disease indicates substantial challenges in early detection in the absence of organized screening. These findings describe the current epidemiological profile of prostate cancer in a Central Asian region operating under opportunistic diagnostic practices.

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with limited organized screening programs in low- and middle-income countries such as Iraq. Culturally appropriate educational interventions are needed to improve screening behaviors.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a PEN-3 model-based motivational training program on breast cancer screening behaviors among female school teachers in Erbil city, Iraq.

A cluster quasi-experimental controlled study was conducted among 136 female teachers from 18 public girls' high schools. Schools were allocated at the cluster level to either an intervention group (n = 68) or a control group (n = 68). The intervention group received four structured motivational training sessions based on the PEN-3 model, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected at baseline and two months post-intervention using a researcher-developed questionnaire based on the PEN-3 model, for which content validity and reliability were assessed in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test.

At two months post-intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in median scores of perception, enablers, and nurturers compared with the control group (all p < 0.001), with large effect sizes. The proportion of participants performing breast self-examination increased from 8.8% at baseline to 100% post-intervention in the intervention group, compared to 0% in the control group (p < 0.001). Similarly, clinical breast examination (69.1% vs. 0%) and mammography uptake (39.7% vs. 0%) were significantly higher in the intervention group.

The PEN-3 model-based motivational training programme appears effective in improving breast cancer screening behaviors among female school teachers in the short term. Culturally tailored educational interventions may play an important role in promoting early detection practices in similar settings.

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and is mainly caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite Malaysia's national HPV vaccination program, gaps in knowledge, misconceptions, and suboptimal vaccine uptake persist even among university students.

This study aimed to assess HPV-related knowledge, attitudes and perceptions toward HPV vaccination among undergraduate students studying in Sarawak, and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge levels.

A total of 382 undergraduate students participated, of whom 55% were unvaccinated against HPV. Overall, HPV knowledge was moderate, with students from health faculties demonstrating higher HPV knowledge compared with those from non-health faculties ([aOR] = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5; p = 0.016); Indian participants had significantly higher odds of high HPV-related knowledge compared with Malay participants (adjOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.0-7.0; p = 0.043). Vaccinated students have significantly higher HPV-related knowledge compared with unvaccinated students (adjOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0; p=0.007). Attitudes toward HPV vaccination were generally positive, although concerns regarding cost, safety, and social stigma remained.

Undergraduate students demonstrated moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination; however, notable knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist, particularly among non-health students and those who were unvaccinated. Targeted educational strategies and improved access to reliable information are essential to strengthen HPV prevention efforts.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is highly prevalent in Thailand and remains associated with poor outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system may be involved in CCA pathogenesis and prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) expression and its association with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes in Thai patients with CCA.

We retrospectively reviewed patients with histologically confirmed CCA treated at a tertiary cancer center in Thailand between January 2014 and December 2018. CB1 expression in tumor tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitatively scored according to staining intensity and extent.

Tumor specimens from 51 patients (median age 59 years; 41% female) were analyzed. Most patients had intrahepatic CCA (80%), and 47% presented with advanced-stage disease (stages III-IV). High CB1 expression was observed in 46 of 51 cases (90%). Patients with high CB1 expression more frequently had advanced-stage disease. During a median follow-up of 27.8 months, 34 patients died. The median overall survival (OS) was 18.5 months (95% CI, 6.1-36.5). There was no statistically significant difference in OS between patients with high and low CB1 expression (median OS 18.5 vs. 23.0 months, respectively; p = 0.68).

High CB1 expression is highly prevalent in Thai patients with CCA. While no significant associations with clinicopathological features or survival were found in this small cohort, the widespread overexpression of CB1 supports its potential biological and therapeutic relevance in CCA and warrants further investigation in larger studies.

Pediatric solid tumours constitute a subgroup of childhood cancers that continue to pose a significant global health challenge due to limitations in diagnostic techniques and treatment options. This study aimed to explore the relative survival rates of patients with childhood cancer over two decades using population-based data from a cancer registry.

This population-based study included pediatric patients with cancer in Khon Kaen, Thailand, and focused on children under 15 years of age who were diagnosed with solid tumours from January 1st, 2000, through December 31st, 2019. A total of 371 childhood solid tumours were diagnosed in Khon Kaen during the study period, with follow-up through 2021. Survival analysis was conducted via relative survival rate (RSR) estimates.

The most common solid tumours were CNS and miscellaneous intracranial and intraspinal neoplasms (27.7%). The overall 5-year RSR for pediatric patients with solid tumours was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.52-0.62). Compared with male patients, female patients had higher 5-year RSRs (0.62, 95% CI: 0.53-0.68 versus 0.53, 95% CI: 0.46-0.60). Survival improved over time, with patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 having better 5-year RSRs than those diagnosed from 2000 to 2009 did (0.59, 95% CI: 0.52-0.66 and 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47-0.62, respectively).

In conclusion, better outcomes were observed among females, patients living closer to health care facilities and those diagnosed in the more recent decade (2010-2019).

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of bloodstream infection (BSI) in cancer patients, particularly those with haematological malignancies, where delayed or inappropriate therapy is associated with high mortality. Genomic data on resistance mechanisms in oncology settings in Iraq remain limited. This study aimed to characterise, using whole-genome sequencing, the antibiotic resistance determinants of MDR K. pneumoniae bloodstream isolates from cancer patients and to explore their potential implications for empirical treatment strategies in this high-risk population.

This genomic substudy was nested within a prospective multi-centre cohort of cancer patients with bloodstream infection at oncology hospitals in Baghdad. Adult patients with haematological malignancies and solid tumours with monomicrobial MDR K. pneumoniae infection were included. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 system and interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards. MDR was defined as non-susceptibility to at least three antibiotic classes. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using an Illumina platform. Resistance genes were identified using curated databases and grouped into β-lactamase/carbapenemase, non-β-lactam, and efflux/regulatory categories. Clinical data (age, sex, and malignancy type) were extracted from medical records.

Thirty-five MDR K. pneumoniae bloodstream isolates were analysed, with most infections occurring in patients with haematological malignancies (30/35, 85.7%). Detected resistance genes included CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases (including CTX-M-15), SHV and TEM enzymes, and OXA-48-like carbapenemases (OXA-48 and OXA-232). Non-β-lactam resistance determinants (aadA, EreA, Mph(A), Mrx, sul1, sulI) and efflux-related genes were also identified.

MDR K. pneumoniae bloodstream infections in this cohort were predominantly observed in patients with haematological malignancies. Whole-genome sequencing identified multiple resistance determinants. These findings provide genomic insights that may help explain resistance patterns in this setting and support the need for strengthened infection prevention and locally tailored antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

miR-214 dysregulation has been implicated in various cancers, yet its role in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is not fully understood. This study evaluated miR-214 expression in newly diagnosed pediatric ALL patients and explored associations with leukemia subtypes, family history, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

 Bone marrow aspirates were collected from 44 pediatric ALL patients (26 B-ALL, 18 T-ALL) and five non-leukemic controls. qRT-PCR quantified miR-214 expression. Clinical data included HBV status and family history of hematologic malignancy. Relative expression levels were analyzed using 2-ΔΔCt and log₁₀ transformed for statistical analyses, including correlation and logistic regression models with interaction terms.

The present study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the expression pattern of miR-214 in newly diagnosed pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients compared with non-leukemic controls. In addition, the study sought to investigate whether miR-214 expression differs according to immunophenotypic subtype (B-ALL versus T-ALL) and to explore its potential associations with clinical and host-related factors, specifically family history of hematologic malignancy and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status. Furthermore, this study aimed to assess whether these variables exert interaction effects that may reflect context-dependent regulation of miR-214 in pediatric leukemogenesis.

 miR-214 expression was generally downregulated in ALL compared to controls, though differences were not statistically significant. B-ALL patients showed lower median expression than T-ALL, with the lowest levels observed in those with a positive family history. T-ALL patients exhibited broader expression variability, including marked upregulation in some cases. Exploratory regression models suggested differential effects of miR-214 based on HBV status and family history, but interaction terms did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).

miR-214 expression in pediatric ALL appears to vary according to leukemia subtype and selected clinical factors, including family history and HBV infection. However, no statistically significant interaction effects were observed. These findings should be considered preliminary and warrant validation in larger, adequately powered cohorts to clarify the potential clinical relevance of miR-214 in leukemogenesis.

Cancer represents a major and growing public health burden across Asia, yet cancer research capacity, priorities, and methodologies vary substantially between East Asia (EA) and Southeast Asia (SEA). How scientific activity has evolved across these regions over time remains incompletely characterized.

We conducted a large-scale bibliometric and text-mining analysis of PubMed-indexed cancer-related publications from 2000 to 2025, covering 18 countries and territories in EA and SEA. Publication metadata, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), author affiliations, and country information were systematically extracted and harmonized. Temporal publication trends were assessed using raw counts and GDP-normalized metrics. Tumor-type emphasis and methodological focus were examined using MeSH-based analyses. Latent research themes were identified using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). International collaboration patterns were reconstructed through country-level co-affiliation networks across three time periods.

Cancer research output increased markedly across both regions, with EA accounting for substantially higher absolute publication volumes, driven primarily by China, Japan, and Korea. After normalization by GDP, several smaller but research-intensive systems-including Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam demonstrated high productivity relative to economic scale. Tumor-type analyses revealed strong alignment between research focus and regional cancer epidemiology, including liver and cholangiocarcinoma in SEA and gastric and lung cancer in EA. Methodological comparisons showed a clear regional divergence: EA research emphasized molecular, mechanistic, and translational approaches, whereas SEA research was enriched for cohort-based, epidemiologic, and public-health-oriented studies. Topic modeling and collaboration networks further highlighted complementary regional strengths and increasing global integration over time.

Cancer research in EA and SEA has expanded and diversified over the past 25 years, reflecting regional differences in disease burden, infrastructure, and policy priorities. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted public health strategies, sustained investment in regionally relevant cancer research capacity, and strengthened international collaboration frameworks to promote more equitable and effective cancer control across Asia.

Cervical cancer is a significant public health challenge that remains a leading cause of premature death among women in Central Asia, serving as a marker of health inequality. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, healthcare strategies diverged, creating disparate outcomes for women across the region. This study evaluates the long-term trends in cervical cancer incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, distinguishing between the life-saving potential of organized screening and the limitations of opportunistic approaches.

We conducted a comparative ecological study using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2023 dataset (1990-2023). We analyzed trends in Age-Standardized Rates (ASR) and the absolute human burden of disease. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC). An Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model (intrinsic estimator) was employed to isolate "period effects" attributable to screening interventions from demographic and cohort factors. Ovarian cancer served as a descriptive comparative reference to contrast trends with another gynecological malignancy that lacks an organized population-based screening programme in the region.

Kazakhstan demonstrated a robust decline in mortality (ASR AAPC: -2.5%; 95% CI: -2.8 to -2.2), associated with a strong period effect following the scale-up of its organized national screening programme. In contrast, neighboring countries exhibited slower declines and face a critical demographic divergence (the 'scissors effect'): while statistical rates have stabilized, the absolute number of lives lost has nearly doubled since 1990 due to population growth. Furthermore, the disease affects women in the region at a younger age than the global average, amplifying the socioeconomic loss.

A widening gap in cancer control exists within Central Asia. Kazakhstan's experience indicates organized screening reduces mortality. To ensure regional health equity, neighboring countries must urgently transition to organized national programmes. This may be accelerated by adopting, technology-driven solutions like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bridge resource gaps in underserved communities.