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Prognostic value of Glasgow prognostic score in patients with advanced hepatitis-B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with lenvatinib and toripalimab.1 week agoThis study aimed to evaluate the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) in predicting prognosis in patients with advanced hepatitis-B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) who are undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with lenvatinib and toripalimab therapy.
In this single-center retrospective study, patients with advanced HBV-HCC who received treatment with HAIC combined with lenvatinib and toripalimab from March 2019 to November 2021 were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on GPS, and propensity score matching (PSM) was used to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in both groups.
Of the 58 patients, 37 were included in the study. Thirteen patients were in the GPS score 0 group and 24 in the GPS score 1 group. After PSM, eight pairs were selected. Patients in the GPS score 0 group had significantly longer median PFS before (10.2 versus 4.3 months, P = 0.009) and after PSM (5.6 versus 1.9 months, P = 0.026). Similarly, OS was significantly longer in the GPS score 0 group before (32.0 versus 9.7 months, P < 0.001) and after PSM (32.0 versus 8.6 months, P < 0.001). GPS was an independent prognostic factor for OS, with borderline significance for PFS. In addition, tumor number was identified as an independent prognostic factor for PFS.
This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence that GPS may serve as a prognostic factor for patients with advanced HBV-related HCC who were receiving a triple-combination therapy, requiring further validation in larger cohorts.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Clinical implications of CD47 and programmed death-ligand 1 expression in predicting the therapeutic response of immune checkpoints in advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer.1 week agoThis study aimed to evaluate CD47 expression in nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore the predictive value of combined CD47 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status for immunotherapy outcomes.
Specimens from 59 patients with advanced NSCLC who were diagnosed or surgically resected and subsequently received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were retrospectively collected for CD47 and PD-L1 detection by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplex fluorescent IHC. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the optimal CD47 cutoff value, and patients were categorized into four groups based on the IHC results: low CD47/negative-low PD-L1, high CD47/negative-low PD-L1, low CD47/high PD-L1, and high CD47/high PD-L1. In addition, the correlation between marker expression and clinical outcomes was analyzed.
CD47 positivity was observed in 53 cases, 29 (54.7%) of which showed the coexpression of PD-L1/CD47. ROC analysis defined the threshold for high CD47 expression as >38.9% stained tumor cells. Multivariate analysis identified CD47 and PD-L1 as independent prognostic factors for immunotherapy efficacy (CD47: PFS P = 0.003, OS P = 0.001; PD-L1: PFS P = 0.424, OS P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis revealed that the low CD47/high PD-L1 group had the longest progression-free survival (PFS), not reaching the median, whereas the high CD47/negative-low PD-L1 group had the shortest PFS (median 131 days). Moreover, high CD47 expression was negatively correlated with PFS regardless of PD-L1 level.
The combined assessment of CD47 and PD-L1 performed excellently in predicting responses to ICIs in advanced NSCLC, and this approach may serve as a potential predictive biomarker for immunotherapy.CancerChronic respiratory diseaseAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Hepatocellular carcinoma etiology evolution in an interventional radiology department of a tertiary hospital in China (2009-2023): A 1,233-case analysis.1 week agoHepatitis B virus (HBV) has historically been the primary cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China; however, recent etiological shifts due to HBV vaccination and lifestyle changes have influenced HCC prevention and management. Given the scarcity of long-term data, this study examines the etiological evolution of HCC from 2009 to 2023 using data from the interventional radiology department of a tertiary hospital to reflect broader national epidemiological trends.
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,233 HCC patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2023. Patients were categorized based on viral serological status into HBV-related HCC, non-HBV non-HCV HCC (NBNC-HCC), and HCV-related HCC. Temporal, gender-specific, and age-specific distributions were analyzed.
Overall, HBV-HCC accounted for 75.3% (928/1,233) of cases, though its proportion exhibited a significant downward trend, declining from 91.0% in 2009 to 57.3% in 2022. Notably, in the most recent 5-year period (2019-2023), HBV-HCC decreased further to an average of 65.7%. Conversely, the proportion of NBNC-HCC showed a consistent upward trajectory. The proportion of NBNC-HCC was significantly higher in female patients (35.7%) compared to males (20.0%). In terms of age distribution, HBV-HCC remained dominant among younger patients (<35 years, 100.0%), whereas NBNC-HCC became the leading etiology among older patients (>65 years, 49.7%).
The etiology of HCC in China is transitioning from HBV predominance toward a coexistence of HBV-related and rising NBNC-HCC, although HBV continues to dominate among younger patients.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Analysis of respiratory-induced tumor motion characteristics in different lung lobes using four-dimensional computed tomography images.1 week agoThis study aimed to analyze respiratory-induced tumor motion characteristics in different lung lobes based on four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) images and explore the relationship between respiratory rates and respiratory-induced tumor motion amplitudes of different lung lobes.
The clinical data of 79 patients with 91 lesions who underwent 4DCT scans from 2023 to 2024 at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University were retrospectively analyzed. Tumors were divided into five groups based on tumor location: left upper lobe group (group A, n = 21), left lower lobe group (group B, n = 23), right upper lobe group (group C, n = 24), right middle lobe group (group D, n = 5), and right lower lobe group (group E, n = 18). Respiratory-induced tumor motion amplitudes were compared among the five groups using one-way analysis of variance. Bivariate linear correlation and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to analyze the relationship between respiratory rates and respiratory-induced tumor motion amplitudes.
The respiratory-induced tumor motion amplitudes of lung tumors in the left-right (LR), superior-inferior (SI), and anterior-posterior (AP) directions were 2.34 ± 1.13 mm, 7.80 ± 7.01 mm, and 3.61 ± 2.10 mm, respectively. In the SI direction, the respiratory-induced tumor motion amplitudes for groups A, B, C, D, and E were 4.33 ± 4.16 mm, 12.39 ± 5.86 mm, 2.75 ± 2.56 mm, 7.20 ± 3.35 mm, and 12.89 ± 8.76 mm, respectively ( P < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between the mean respiratory rate and the respiratory-induced tumor motion amplitude in the LR direction ( r = -0.630, P = 0.005) and SI direction ( r = -0.622, P = 0.006) in group E.
The respiratory-induced tumor motion amplitudes of different lung lobes are not the same, with lower lobe tumors having the largest motion amplitude and upper lobe tumors having the smallest motion amplitude. In addition, the respiratory-induced motion amplitude of right lower lobe tumors decreases with the increase of respiratory rate.CancerChronic respiratory diseaseAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Cost-effectiveness of durvalumab consolidation therapy in limited-stage small-cell lung cancer: A Chinese and U.S. payer perspective analysis.1 week agoThe ADRIATIC trial has established durvalumab as a new standard of care for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) by showing significant survival benefits after chemoradiotherapy (CRT). In this study, the cost-effectiveness of this regimen was evaluated from Chinese and U.S. payer perspectives.
A partitioned survival model was used to estimate the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients receiving durvalumab compared with placebo after CRT. Data were sourced from the ADRIATIC trial. Outcomes included incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), with uncertainty assessed via deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSAs).
In the base-case analysis for China, the ICER was $136,209.12 per QALY, which exceeds the $40,334.05 willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. For the U.S., the ICER was $214,184.71 per QALY, which is higher than the $150,000 WTP threshold. However, under the Chinese patient assistance program (PAP), the ICER decreased to $18,495.23 per QALY, making it cost-effective. Subgroup analysis revealed cost-effectiveness only in the U.S. carboplatin subgroup (ICER: $139,909.75 per QALY). PSA confirmed a low probability of cost-effectiveness (0-5.33%) in base-case scenarios, which increased to 99.93% under the Chinese PAP.
At present, durvalumab consolidation therapy is not considered cost-effective for LS-SCLC in either country at the current WTP threshold. However, the Chinese PAP renders it a cost-effective option, highlighting the critical role of pricing and patient access programs.CancerChronic respiratory diseaseAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Comparison of the difference between the actual ablation zone in lung tumors after computed tomography-guided percutaneous microwave ablation and the predicted value in the planning system: A retrospective study.1 week agoTo validate the accuracy and reliability of the microwave ablation (MWA) planning system in predicting the postablation target zone (PTZ) in lung tumors after computed tomography (CT)-guided MWA and analyze its potential influencing factors.
A retrospective analysis of 118 patients with 134 lung tumors, who underwent CT-guided MWA from May 2020 to September 2021, was conducted. CT images were collected at 24 hours and 1 month after MWA to evaluate the local effect and complications. The differences between the size and shape of the actual PTZ and predicted ones were compared, and the factors affecting PTZ were also analyzed.
The predicted long diameters, short diameters, and spherical index (SI) of PTZ detected at 24 hours after MWA were basically consistent with the actual ones, but significantly larger than those detected at 1 month after MWA, and the difference was more pronounced in the short diameter than in the long diameter. The lesion diameter and ablation power had an independent effect on the ablation index (AI) at 24 hours after MWA ( P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference in AI between invasive adenocarcinoma and atypical adenomatoid hyperplasia at 24 hours after MWA ( P < 0.05).
The size and shape of the PTZ predicted by MWA planning system were basically consistent with the actual ones detected at 24 hours after MWA. However, by 1 month, the predicted values of the long diameter, short diameter, and SIs were all significantly higher than the actual ones. PTZ is positively correlated with lesion size and ablation power, and different pathological types can also affect the ablation zone.CancerChronic respiratory diseaseAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators on lipid metabolism in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.1 week agoSelective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have certain effects on lipid metabolism; however, the results of various studies remain controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the existing evidence from cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of SERM treatment on lipid metabolism in breast cancer patients.
We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, EBSCO, and the Web of Science databases through January 31, 2026, to identify articles focused on the effects of SERMs on lipid metabolism. Each study included the effect size and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the relationship between SERMs and lipid metabolism. Subgroup analyses were also performed to explore potential.
A total of 19 studies (13 RCTs and 6 cohort studies) were included in the meta-analysis. SERMs showed significant differences from other breast cancer treatment methods in terms of total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = -0.70; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.50), triglycerides (TG) (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.59), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (SMD = -0.76; 95% CI: -1.02, -0.50), and the risk of fatty liver occurrence (RR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.18).
SERMs exhibited significant efficacy in lowering LDL-C and TC; however, they may increase the risk of developing fatty liver. Clinical decision-making should involve a comprehensive evaluation of individual patient characteristics to optimize personalized treatment strategies.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Quantifying Diet Quality Across Critical Periods of Cancer Survivorship: A Longitudinal Study.1 week agoThe uncovering the long-term impact of oropharyngeal cancer and dysphagia on dietary quality and nutrition among cancer survivors (U-DINE) Study is a multisite longitudinal investigation of diet quality and nutritional risk across the oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) care continuum. U-DINE integrates dietary, clinical, and swallowing assessments from two clinical cohorts. Adults with primary, non-recurrent OPC are assessed at diagnosis, 3-6 months post-treatment, and 18-24 months post-treatment using standardized 24-hour dietary recalls and measures of food and nutrition security, barriers to healthy eating, and malnutrition risk. Among 333 participants, poor diet quality was pervasive. Very low (HEI-2020 51-70) or critically low (HEI-2020 ≤50) diet quality was observed in 130 of 132 participants (98.5%) at diagnosis, 35 of 36 (97.2%) post-treatment, and 158 of 165 (95.8%) during long-term survivorship; none had adequate diet quality. Critically low diet quality was observed in 35 of 58 non-White versus 154 of 275 White participants (60.3% vs. 56.0%), 18 of 27 females versus 171 of 306 males (66.7% vs. 55.9%), and 163 of 283 participants with HPV-positive versus 16 of 29 with HPV-negative tumors (57.6% vs. 55.2%). Among post-treatment and long-term survivors, critically low diet quality was observed in 8 of 10 participants treated with surgery alone (80.0%), 72 of 125 receiving radiation and chemotherapy (57.6%), 17 of 33 receiving radiation only (51.5%), and 15 of 30 receiving surgery plus radiation with or without chemotherapy (50.0%). Overall, 14 participants (4.2%) were lost to follow-up or withdrew. U-DINE findings demonstrate pervasive poor diet quality across OPC survivorship and support the feasibility of comprehensive dietary assessment. Its longitudinal design provides a framework for identifying dietary risk and barriers to healthy eating and informing targeted interventions across the cancer care continuum.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy
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Primary treatment and relative survival by stage and age in vaginal carcinoma: a population-based SweGCG study.1 week agoThis study aimed to investigate treatment patterns and survival outcomes in population-based data describing treatment and survival of primary vaginal carcinoma (VC) in a routine clinical setting, stratified by age group and stage.
This nationwide, population-based study included women diagnosed with epithelial VC between 2011 and 2020, registered in the Swedish Quality Register for Gynecologic Cancer. Five-year relative survival (RS) was estimated using the Pohar Perme method. The excess mortality rate ratio (EMRR) was assessed by Poisson regression.
In total, 252 women were identified, 29% were aged ≥ 80 years. The median follow-up time was 7.5 years. The most common stages were I and II (26% each). Definitive radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, was administered to 59% of patients. Among women with stage I, 48% underwent primary surgery and 29% received adjuvant radiotherapy. Treatment patterns differed across age groups. Among women aged ≥ 80 years, staging was omitted in 18%, and in stage I disease 25% received palliative therapy. None of the irradiated women aged ≥ 80 years received chemoradiotherapy, compared to all women aged 20-59 years. The overall 5-year RS for stages I-IV was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI] 43-58). In stages I-II, the 5-year RS was 28% among women aged ≥80 years and 84% among those aged < 60 years (EMRR of 5.2; 95% CI 1.7-15.6).
Primary treatment of vaginal cancer in Sweden generally followed international guidelines, except among women aged ≥ 80 years. The markedly poorer RS in this age group suggests both diagnostic and therapeutic compromises.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
The barriers to colorectal cancer screening tests among adults attending Seremban health clinic in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.1 week agoColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Malaysia, with most cases diagnosed at late stages, leading to poor survival. Stool-based screening methods, like the immunological faecal occult blood test (iFOBT), can reduce CRC mortality, but national uptake remains below 3%. This study explores barriers to CRC screening and their association with sociodemographic factors among adults aged 50 and above attending Seremban Health Clinic.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 at Seremban Health Clinic, Negeri Sembilan, involving 400 adults aged 50 and above. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and completed a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 28.0, with statistical methods including multiple linear regression.
The most frequently reported barriers included low self-efficacy, unfamiliarity with screening procedures, emotional concerns, and negative perceptions of screening. Age, gender, education level, employment status, and previous experience on cancer screening were found to have significant associations with barriers to cancer screening. Respondent's belief in early detection, a sense of health responsibility, and encouragement from healthcare providers and family were identified as facilitators to cancer screening. Prior screening experience was linked to fewer barriers.
Findings indicate the need for targeted interventions to improve awareness, confidence, and attitudes toward screening.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy