Cervical cancer (CC) is a major public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causal agent, the relevance of various risk factors varies by context.

To identify familial, sociodemographic, behavioral, and sexual history factors associated with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in women attending the Opportunistic Cervical Cancer Screening Program in the Regional Hospital with Family Medicine Unit No. 32 in Minatitlán, Veracruz, Mexico.

An observational case-control study (1:2) was conducted in women aged 25-60 years with available cytology results. An anonymous questionnaire was applied, and data were analyzed using comparison tests and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

A total of 119 women (37 cases, 82 controls) were included. No significant differences were found between groups for age, age at first intercourse, number of pregnancies, sexual partners, contraceptive use, or smoking. A strong association was found between the presence of SIL and a history of abnormal cytology (crude OR 2916; corrected OR 1322), as well as between SIL and a family history of cervical cancer (OR 2.73). Specific sexual practices showed no association.

Some factors considered risk factors showed no association in this population. This highlights the importance of follow-up for abnormal cytology and the need for further longitudinal studies with context-sensitive approaches.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of death in women aged 40 to 75 years. Infrared thermography (IT) has been proposed as a noninvasive test useful in the detection of BC.

To analyze the results of IT in women with suspected BC.

An analytical, observational, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted. Women aged ≥ 15 years with suspected BC were included, with BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) 4. Prior to the biopsy, breast temperature was measured using 2 thermographic sensors. The histopathological results of the breast biopsy were recorded and classified as inflammatory lesions, fibrocystic breast disease, premalignant lesions, and malignant lesions.

A total of 104 women were analyzed, with BI-RADS 4A (64%), 4B (26%), and 4C (10%), and 4 were eliminated due to loss to follow-up. Mean age was 47.7 ± 12.2 years. 14% of cases showed a palpable lesion, with the right breast being the most affected (56%). The most common malignant lesion was ductal carcinoma (11%). The IT cutoff point for malignant lesion ≥ 33.4 °C showed a sensitivity of 0.69, specificity of 0.63, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.65 (95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 0.45-0.79), p = 0.03; with an odds ratio (OR) = 4.16 (95% CI 1.23-14.09), p = 0.01.

The results of the IT showed moderate sensitivity and specificity for malignant lesions. The cutoff point ≥ 33.4 °C showed a 4-fold increased risk for malignancy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of capsule invasion on recurrence and survival in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastases.

This retrospective study included 135 breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node involvement who underwent surgery between 2009 and 2018. The relationships between capsule invasion and various clinicopathological factors-including demographic parameters, tumor stage, surgical technique, histological type, number of involved lymph nodes, tumor size, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and Ki-67 index-were analyzed using chi-square, Kaplan-Meier, and Fisher's exact tests. Additionally, multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the independent prognostic value of capsule invasion for recurrence. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Capsular invasion was observed in 64 of 135 patients (47.4%). Recurrence occurred in six patients with capsule invasion compared to only one patient without capsule invasion. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, controlling for positive lymph node count, tumor size, grade, and receptor status, confirmed that capsule invasion was an independent predictor of recurrence [HR 3.45, 95%CI 1.12-10.65, p=0.032]. No significant association was found between tumor size and capsule invasion (p>0.05). During follow-up, 20 patients died (9 with and 11 without capsule invasion), with no significant difference in 5-year survival or mean survival time between groups (p=0.972, Kaplan-Meier analysis). Grading of capsular invasion showed a significant correlation with recurrence (p=0.026).

Although lymph node capsule invasion in breast cancer with axillary lymph node involvement does not significantly impact overall survival, it independently and significantly elevates the risk of recurrence, as demonstrated by multivariate analysis.

Ribociclib improves progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS) in women with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer (BC), but real-world evidence in Uruguay is limited.

To describe the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and safety profile of women with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer treated with ribociclib plus hormone therapy in Uruguay.

Observational, retrospective study. Demographic and clinical variables, type of hormone therapy, treatment duration, and adverse events were analyzed.

A total of 54 patients from public and private institutions were included, with a median age of 60 years. 67% relapsed after adjuvant treatment. Bone was the most common metastatic site (72%). Ribociclib was administered as first-line treatment in 81% of cases, and combined with aromatase inhibitors in 63%. The mean OS was 41.6 months and the mean PFS was 30 months; medians were not reached. Neutropenia was the most frequent adverse event (66%), followed by gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea 33%, diarrhea 28%) and skin toxicity (16%). One death due to pulmonary embolism was recorded, and QTc prolongation was documented in 5.6% of patients. Dose reduction was required in 20%, and one patient discontinued treatment due to skin toxicity.

Ribociclib was well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with the literature. This study provides relevant local evidence and supports its use in real-world settings. Longer follow-up is needed to more accurately assess OS and PFS outcomes.

Elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) often present with frailty and multiple comorbidities, which reduce their tolerance to standard oncologic treatments. This study evaluates the outcomes of hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) in frail elderly patients with HNSCC after geriatric assessment.

A prospective study was conducted among 154 elderly patients with nonmetastatic HNSCC (60 years and older) between October 2023 and October 2024. The G8 geriatric screening tool identified frail patients (G8 ≤ 14), who subsequently underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Patients deemed unfit for radical treatment received hypofractionated RT. Treatment outcomes, toxicity, and survival were analyzed.

Of 154 patients, 90 (58.45%) had G8 scores ≤14, indicating the need for CGA. Among them, 53 (58.88%) were unfit for definitive therapy and received hypofractionated RT. With a median follow-up of 3 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 6.5 months. At 3 months post-treatment, 39.6% of patients were alive, whereas 60.4% had died. There is a strong relation between G8 score and survival (regression coefficient [B] = 1.969, adjusted R² = 0.574, P < .001). With a median G8 score of 11, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly shorter median OS in patients with G8 ≤ 11 compared with those with G8 > 11 (3.66 v 11.10 months; P < .001). Among all domains of CGA, patients with normal nutritional status and low comorbidity index had significantly better OS (for Mini Nutritional Assessment, P < .001; for Charlson comorbidity index, P = .004). Treatment was well-tolerated, with minimal grade 3 toxicity.

Hypofractionated RT is a feasible option for frail elderly patients with HNSCC, improving symptom control with manageable toxicity. G8 and CGA assessments facilitate personalized treatment, emphasizing quality of life over curative intent.

Cancer registry data represent an indispensable tool for researchers and community outreach and engagement (COE) professionals seeking to understand and mitigate cancer burden in cancer center catchment areas and beyond. To provide insights into the opportunities and obstacles for innovation in the population cancer data space, we contrast the needs and challenges of three groups of stakeholders with regard to cancer registry data.

We convened a nationwide panel of 18 population cancer researchers, COE professionals, and central cancer registry officials. We performed qualitative analysis of individual interviews, survey responses, and meeting transcripts to identify the cancer registry data-related needs and challenges of each stakeholder group. We identified distinct functional categories related to registry data applications, and described points of convergence and divergence within each category across the three stakeholder groups.

We completed 8 hours of individual panelist interviews, received 16 survey responses (88.9% response rate), and conducted three meetings of working groups. All stakeholder groups agreed on the value of accurate and representative registry data. Researchers desired granular data (case-level and aggregated by small geographic levels) with more clinically relevant data fields and linked community-level access measures. COE participants valued cancer burden and social drivers of health metrics aggregated at a subcounty level as well as user-friendly data querying and visualization tools. Cancer registry officials described an imperative to comply with mandatory reporting requirements and to protect patient privacy in a setting of resource constraint that can conflict with the data use goals of researchers and COE users.

Population cancer researchers, COE professionals, and cancer registry officials understand the value of registry data, but the priorities of each are misaligned to varying degrees. Further work is needed to understand the elements of successful efforts to expand the utility and use of registry data.

Current predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) or lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), such as PD-L1 protein expression or tumor mutation burden, are still suboptimal. We aim to explore immunophenotypic factors as potential biomarkers in this patient population.

Clinical, genomic, and transcriptomic data from five patient cohorts, consisting of three publicly available data and two retrospective cohorts, were included. Immune tumor microenvironment (TME) subtype and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) signature were evaluated using RNA expression data, and deconvolutional cellular decomposition of tumor samples was performed using the Kassandra algorithm. Survival analysis was performed using a log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression. All statistical analyses were performed using Python version 3.10.

In total, 514 patients were included in this analysis. A minority of LUAD (40.8%) had an immune-hot phenotype, which corresponded to better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than the immune-cold phenotype. TLS-high signature was also associated with a superior ICI response rate and improved PFS, even with multivariate adjustments. Increased T-cell and macrophage infiltration and trafficking were predictive of ICI response. PD-L1 status and KEAP1 or STK11 mutations did not affect the response rates but were associated with poorer OS and PFS.

Dynamic and active immune recruitment, indicated by immune-hot TME and high TLS score, was predictive of ICI benefit in patients with LUAD. Further prospective studies are warranted to expand to other treatment combinations with PD-(L)1 inhibitors.

BackgroundOver 20 million people in the U.S. are behind on cervical cancer screenings (CCS). Sexual minority populations are 50% less likely to engage in routine screening, putting them at higher risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer due to undetected precancer and delayed diagnosis. Their barriers to speculum exams include access to care, sexual trauma, and provider bias. At-home HPV self-collection (SC) offers a clinically accurate, preferred alternative screening method.ObjectiveTo assess clinical agreement, usability, and screening experiences and preferences for an FDA-authorized at-home vaginal SC device among participants who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, or other non-heterosexual identities (LGBQ+).MethodsSELF-CERV was a prospective, multi-site method-comparison study conducted across 16 U.S. sites. Participants completed SC in a simulated at-home setting and underwent clinician collection with a speculum and cervical brush; paired specimens were tested for primary HPV using the Roche cobas. Surveys assessed barriers to screening, prior screening experiences, usability, and preferences. 609 participants were enrolled; 599 had paired samples, including 74 LGBQ+ participants.ResultsCompared with heterosexual participants, LGBQ+ participants more frequently delayed or avoided screening, had lower preventive care engagement, and described worse prior speculum-based screening experiences, including higher pain, discomfort, and aversion. Clinical agreement between self- and clinician-collected specimens was comparable, with no unanticipated safety concerns. The SC device was rated as easy to use and acceptable across groups; LGBQ+ participants reported greater comfort and empowerment and a stronger preference for at-home self-collection. Qualitative comments emphasized privacy and reduced distress, including trauma- and dysphoria-related concerns.ConclusionAt-home SC is a clinically valid, usable, and strongly preferred CCS option, particularly among LGBQ+ populations who experience disproportionate barriers to speculum-based CCS. Broader adoption of FDA-authorized at-home SC paired with telehealth will enable future impact assessment to reduce persistent disparities in CCS for LGBQ+ populations.

Hysterectomy is a common gynecological surgery, but its long-term impact on ovarian cancer risk remains unclear, particularly in Asian populations.

To evaluate the association between hysterectomy (with or without concomitant adnexal surgery) and the risk of ovarian cancer in South Korean women.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2002-2020). After 1:1 propensity score matching, 13,059 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications (aged 40-59) were compared with 13,059 women without hysterectomy. The primary outcome was incident ovarian cancer, defined by three or more medical visits with a C56.xx diagnosis code. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for ovarian cancer, adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders.

Over a median follow-up of 11.5 years, ovarian cancer incidence was 18 per 100,000 person-years in the hysterectomy group and 13 per 100,000 person-years in the non-hysterectomy group. Hysterectomy was associated with an imprecise estimate of ovarian cancer risk (HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.79-2.56), compatible with both a clinically meaningful decrease and increase in risk; therefore, the findings are inconclusive. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups across various decades of life, including females below or above 50 years of age.

This study found no statistically significant association between hysterectomy and ovarian cancer risk, but the wide confidence intervals and limited number of events indicate that the findings remain inconclusive.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based imaging has become an increasingly important diagnostic tool in prostate cancer, though limited by low surface expression of PSMA in some patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that dutasteride can induce PSMA expression in vitro and in vivo. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of short-term dutasteride treatment on standardized uptake values (SUVmax) in PSMA PET imaging and the immunohistochemical expression of PSMA for the first time in humans.

Four prostate cancer (PCa) patients underwent an initial PSMA PET/MRI of the prostate. Afterwards, all patients received 0.5 mg of oral dutasteride once daily for seven days. Subsequently, a second PSMA PET/MRI of the prostate and a template biopsy were performed. We compared the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of PSMA-positive lesions before and after dutasteride treatment. Additionally, histopathological specimens from PSMA-positive lesions and negative controls were analyzed for Gleason score and PSMA expression.

An increase in SUVmax was observed in all patients following short-term dutasteride treatment. Histological analysis confirmed prostate cancer with an ISUP grade of ≥ 2 in PSMA-positive lesions that exhibited increased SUVmax following short-term stimulation. One PSMA-positive lesion, which showed a decrease in SUVmax after stimulation, was negative for prostate cancer on biopsy.

This pilot study demonstrated an increase in SUVmax in PSMA-positive prostate cancer lesions following a short-term seven-day course of dutasteride. Short-term dutasteride treatment prior to PSMA-PET imaging may have the potential to enhance detection rates in patients with prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to investigate this effect in larger patient populations.