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Chondromyxoid Fibroma: An Updated Review.2 days agoChondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare benign cartilaginous neoplasm that most frequently occurs in the metaphysis of long bones in adolescents and young adults. The most common symptom is pain and/or swelling in the affected area. Radiographs typically show a well-defined, eccentric lytic lesion with sclerotic margins and scalloped or lobulated borders. Unlike other cartilaginous neoplasms, matrix calcification is uncommon. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CMF usually exhibits low to intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted sequences and heterogenous high signal intensity on T2-weighted sequences. Contrast-enhanced MRI demonstrates intense homogeneous, heterogeneous or peripheral enhancement. Histologically, CMF is composed of lobules of stellate to spindle-shaped cells in a myxoid background. The periphery of the lobules is generally hypercellular, imparting a characteristic zonal architecture. Recent molecular studies have identified alteration of glutamate metabotropic receptor 1 (GRM1) gene, and GRM1 positivity by immunohistochemistry has emerged as a reliable surrogate marker for this molecular event. Curettage or en bloc resection is the treatment of choice, with a non-negligible risk for local recurrence. This review provides an updated overview of the clinical, radiological, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic features of CMF and discusses the differential diagnosis of this unusual neoplasm.CancerCare/Management
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Appendiceal Tumors: A Narrative Review.2 days agoAppendiceal tumors (ATs) are classified by the World Health Organization's (WHO) 5th edition of their categorization of digestive system tumors into four subtypes: mucinous neoplasms, adenocarcinomas, serrated lesions, polyps, and neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Due to their rarity and the lack of data from randomized controlled studies, ATs can be challenging to differentiate in medical practice. Specimens obtained during appendectomies for clinically acute appendicitis typically contain ATs. Most ATs in the European population affect women over 50 years. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are the most common histological type, comprising 54.6%, followed by cystic, mucinous, and serous neoplasms (26.7%) and adenocarcinoma not otherwise defined (NOS) (18.6%). Most findings of ATs on pathologic investigation are benign lesions or small NENs that do not require additional treatment. The development of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), a complicated situation of peritoneal carcinomatosis, may result from the presence of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN). Over the past few decades, multimodal treatment for abdominal cancers has advanced; however, ATs' clinical diagnosis and management are still debated. This review aims to outline the diagnostic options, molecular-based diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognostic markers related to ATs.CancerCare/Management
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The function and molecular mechanism of HIF-1α interacted with p-STAT3 in promoting G6PD overexpression in chronic myelogenous leukemia cells.2 days agoChronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant myeloproliferative neoplasm originating from hematopoietic stem cells, which substantially contributes to the morbidity and mortality among leukemia patients. Our findings demonstrated that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is aberrantly overexpressed in CML, where it promotes the proliferation of CML cells and modulates their cell cycle distribution. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between G6PD overexpression and the resistance of CML cells to imatinib. Subsequent mechanistic investigations revealed that the complex formed by the interaction of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) functions as a novel transcriptional regulator of G6PD, thereby driving its increased expression. Collectively, this study provides compelling evidence that strategies directly targeting p-STAT3/HIF-1α-G6PD may represent an effective therapeutic approach to suppress CML cells proliferation and overcome drug resistance, offering new insights into the diagnosis and clinical management of CML patients.CancerCare/Management
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Emerging Molecular Defined Bone and Soft Tissue Diagnoses: When Do They Matter?2 days agoWith the rapid advancement of molecular pathology and the explosion of genomic data, our understanding of neoplasms continues to evolve. In this review, we introduce three recently classified mesenchymal neoplasms whose categorization was refined based on their underlying molecular genetic profiles. These entities were recently highlighted by the senior author at the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) Long Course. To underscore the importance of their proper recognition, this review was prepared to reach a broader audience. Recognition of these tumors is particularly important because their mimickers often have markedly disparate prognoses and management strategies, making accurate diagnosis critical. The three entities discussed here are: (1) SRF-rearranged myoid neoplasm (formerly cellular myofibroma), (2) superficial CD34-positive fibroblastic tumor, and (3) kinase-altered spindle cell neoplasms. This review aims to highlight the key clinicopathologic features of these tumors to facilitate accurate diagnosis, discuss ancillary studies that assist in navigating the differential diagnoses, and outline strategies to avoid common diagnostic pitfalls. Finally, we emphasize when molecular characterization may be necessary to guide diagnosis and support appropriate clinical management.CancerCare/Management
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Traumatic Marjolin's ulcer in sheep: squamous cell carcinoma arising from chronic dorsal fence-wire injuries.2 days agoMarjolin's ulcer (MU) is a rare but aggressive squamous cell carcinoma arising from chronic cutaneous injury and has been only exceptionally reported in domestic animals. Chronic skin wounds are common in small ruminants raised under semi-arid conditions and may predispose to malignant transformation; however, MU has not previously been documented in sheep. Here, we report five cases in Santa Inês ewes from a confined flock in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. The affected 36-month-old ewes developed chronic dorsal wounds after repeatedly crawling under galvanised wire fencing, resulting in persistent mechanical lacerations over a two-year period. These non-healing hypertrophic wounds enlarged rapidly during the three months preceding clinical evaluation. The lesions were multinodular, ulcerated, friable, and malodorous, with extensive scarring consistent with prolonged secondary-intention healing. Histopathology revealed a moderately differentiated infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from ulcerated epidermis and characterised by marked keratinocyte atypia, keratin pearl formation, fibrosis, and chronic fibrinosuppurative dermatitis. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffuse pancytokeratin immunolabelling, confirming the epithelial origin of the neoplasm. Complete necropsies of all five affected ewes revealed no evidence of lymphatic or visceral metastases. This investigation represents the first documented report of traumatic MU in sheep associated with chronic dorsal fence-wire injury and underscores the importance of distinguishing this entity from solar radiation-induced SCC, which typically affects non-pigmented, sun-exposed anatomical sites. Early recognition and prompt management of chronic wounds are essential to prevent malignant transformation and improve outcomes in small ruminants.CancerCare/Management
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Randomized trial of autologous ovarian graft to preserve ovarian function in young women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer.2 days agoTo evaluate the short-term feasibility and efficacy of fresh autologous ovarian tissue grafting into the subcutaneous tissue for the prevention of hypoestrogenism in young women with cervical cancer undergoing pelvic radiotherapy.
Single center, nonblinded, exploratory phase II randomized trial conducted at Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil, from June 2022 to April 2025.
Women aged ≤35 years with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO 2018 stages IB3-IVA), preserved ovarian function, and histologic subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma or usual adenocarcinoma, eligible for definitive pelvic radiotherapy.
Participants were randomized 1:1 to an intervention group (n = 12) with underwent autologous fresh ovarian tissue grafting into the subcutaneous tissue prior to pelvic radiotherapy, or to a control group (n = 10), with did not undergo grafting.
Hormonal ovarian function assessed by serum estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
A total of 22 patients were enrolled, with three excluded from the intervention group due to clinical conditions. The median follow-up was 18.9 months. At six months, 85% of patients in the intervention group maintained hormonal profiles consistent with preserved ovarian function and were free of climacteric symptoms, whereas all controls exhibited profiles compatible with premature ovarian insufficiency. Baseline assessments confirmed normal ovarian function in all participants.
Fresh autologous subcutaneous ovarian grafting was technically safe, feasible and effective in preventing hypoestrogenism and climacteric symptoms during short-term follow-up in young women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer.CancerCare/Management -
Phase 2 study of the lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibitor bomedemstat for essential thrombocythemia.2 days agoNovel treatments that can improve disease course of essential thrombocythemia (ET) are needed. In this phase 2 trial, participants with ET who required cytoreduction and had inadequate response to or were intolerant of ≥1 standard therapy received bomedemstat at a starting dose of 0.6 mg/kg per day, titrated to achieve a target platelet count (200-400×109/L). Primary end points were safety and response, defined as a platelet count ≤400×109/L without new thromboembolic events. Seventy-three participants received bomedemstat. At 24 weeks, 49 of 64 evaluable participants (77%) had a response. Durable reductions in platelet count (≤400×109/L for ≥12 weeks) were observed in 52 of 72 participants (72%). Durable reduction in white blood cell count (<10×109/L for ≥12 weeks) was observed in 61 of 72 participants (85%); of 10 participants with elevated white blood cell count at baseline, 9 had normal white blood cell count (<10×109/L) at week 24. Hemoglobin levels remained stable. After 24 weeks of treatment, a decrease in variant allele frequency of CALR, JAK2, or MPL was observed in 39 of 46 (85%) evaluable participants. By week 24, 2 of 73 participants (3%) had experienced ≥1 thrombotic event and 15 of 73 (21%) experienced ≥1 hemorrhagic event. During overall treatment period, grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 34 of 73 participants (47%). AEs led to temporary treatment interruption in 29 participants (40%) and permanent discontinuation in 11 (15%). No participants died due to AEs. Bomedemstat had clinically relevant activity and manageable safety in participants with ET. Registration: NCT04254978 (Study of Bomedemstat in Participants With Essential Thrombocythemia [IMG-7289-CTP-201/MK-3543-003]).CancerCare/Management
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Is There an Immune Effect of Exercise in Patients with Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2 days agoBackground/Objectives: Physical exercise reduces breast cancer (BC) risk and improves survival, yet the biological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Exercise may modulate systemic immunity and local immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the effects of exercise on immune cells and immune-related markers in patients with BC. Methods: This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251082444). Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception through December 2025. Randomized controlled trials evaluating exercise interventions in patients with BC or BC survivors and reporting immune cell outcomes were included. Meta-analyses were performed on studies reporting natural killer cells, natural killer cell activity, T-cell subpopulations, and B cells. Results: A total of 18 studies involving 911 participants (539 in exercise intervention groups) were included in the systematic review, with eight studies included in meta-analyses. Exercise interventions did not show significant effects on circulating natural killer cell counts, natural killer cell activity, T-cell subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+), or B-cell levels when compared to control groups. Conclusions: Exercise does not appear to induce consistent changes in resting circulating immune cell populations in patients with BC or BC survivors, indicating that exercise is immunologically safe while potentially exerting effects beyond circulating cell counts. Further large-scale research is required.CancerCare/Management