Pulmonary metastasectomy has been established as a treatment option for select patients with metastatic disease. However, its role in urological malignancies remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with urological cancers, with a focus on renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients who underwent pulmonary resection for suspected metastases from urological malignancies at a single institution between 2014 and 2023. A subgroup analysis of 11 patients with RCC was conducted. The cohort included 13 patients with kidney cancer, four with testicular tumors, and one with prostate cancer. Pulmonary lesions were confirmed to be metastatic in 14 patients and inflammatory changes in four. The median disease-free interval was 25 months and the median overall survival after pulmonary resection was 113 months. In the RCC subgroup, the 10-year survival rate exceeded 50%, despite a 66.7% recurrence rate. No significant prognostic factors were identified, although favorable trends were observed for younger age, solitary metastases, and absence of vascular invasion. In urological malignancies, particularly renal cell carcinoma, pulmonary metastasectomy was associated with prolonged survival in carefully selected patients. Surgical resection may serve both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, supporting its role within a multidisciplinary treatment strategy.

Dissolving microneedles (MN) have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery, providing a minimally invasive approach to bypass the skin's natural barriers and enhance molecular penetration and diffusion. Their biocompatibility, user-friendly application, and ability to deliver precise therapeutic dosing make them particularly suitable for dermatological use. In addition to pharmacological benefits, dissolving MN possesses a geometric structure that enables optical waveguiding, thereby improving light penetration and distribution.

We address a key limitation of photodynamic therapy (PDT): the limited penetration of light into biological tissues. PDT relies on activating photosensitizing agents with specific wavelengths of light to generate cytotoxic species, selectively targeting abnormal or diseased cells while minimizing effects on surrounding healthy tissue.

Pyramidal dissolving MN arrays were fabricated from a biocompatible polymer and systematically characterized. Their light distribution profile under laser illumination was evaluated using image analysis.

Quantitative analysis of light distribution demonstrates that MN can simultaneously facilitate drug delivery and light distribution.

This multifunctionality provides a synergistic therapeutic advantage, as localized drug release is complemented by optimized light delivery, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes. The dual-function platform has significant implications for PDT, enabling the design of integrated therapeutic systems that combine chemical and photonic modalities within a single, biodegradable device. Such systems may be particularly advantageous in resource-limited settings or outpatient care, where ease of use and effectiveness are essential. This strategy offers an approach to overcoming the limitations of conventional light-based therapies, supporting the development of more effective and accessible treatments for skin cancer and other dermatological conditions.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is widespread in Asia. Of the many chronic diseases linked to HBV, among the most important is liver cancer. This study analysed the disease burden of chronic hepatitis B-associated liver cancer in Asia from 1990 to 2021.

Data were obtained from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study. We analyzed incidence, prevalence, deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Asian regions and countries from 1990 to 2021 by age and sex. Data processing and graph construction were performed using RStudio and BioWinford. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyse the temporal data trends.

From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of hepatitis B-related liver cancer in Asia decreased. A decline was observed in the rates of incidence (AAPC: -0.6), prevalence (AAPC: -0.1), deaths (AAPC: -1.0), and DALYs (AAPC: -1.2), even though their absolute numbers all increased. The number of incidence, prevalence, deaths and DALYs is highest among the middle-aged and older adults, and the highest rate is found among the older adults. Both the number and rate are highest in East Asia. Disease burdens differ by country.

The burden of hepatitis B-associated liver cancer in Asia has decreased over the past three decades, but remains non-negligible. Asian countries need to take corresponding measures against hepatitis B.

Oncology nurses caring for patients with gastric cancer are exposed to high-acuity workloads and sustained patient suffering, which may increase compassion fatigue. Prior research has largely examined average relationships across the full sample, which can obscure meaningful differences between nurses. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of compassion fatigue and examine the protective role of psychological resilience and the influence of work characteristics on profile membership.

A cross-sectional sample of 678 nurses from tertiary hospitals who provided care for patients with gastric cancer was recruited. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted using the three Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) dimensions: Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress. Psychological resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Multinomial logistic regression was applied to determine predictors of profile membership.

Three profiles were identified: Thriving (22.0%; high compassion satisfaction with low burnout and secondary traumatic stress), At-risk (47.9%; moderate levels across dimensions), and Distressed (30.1%; low compassion satisfaction with high burnout and secondary traumatic stress). Turnover intention differed substantially across profiles: 80.4% of nurses in the Distressed profile reported high turnover intention compared with 6.0% in the Thriving profile. Psychological resilience was independently associated with a greater likelihood of Thriving membership relative to Distressed membership (OR = 1.18, p < 0.001). Frequent night shifts (>5/month) were associated with reduced odds of Thriving membership (OR = 0.25, p < 0.001), whereas receipt of psychological training was associated with increased odds of Thriving membership (OR = 2.10, p = 0.009).

Nearly one-third of nurses caring for patients with gastric cancer experienced severe compassion fatigue accompanied by high turnover intention. Psychological resilience appears protective, and modifiable work characteristics-particularly night-shift burden and access to psychological training-are meaningfully associated with risk status.

Persistent infection with carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. However, the distribution of transcriptionally active high-risk HPV genotypes across age groups and geographic regions in China remains insufficiently characterized. We aimed to define the nationwide epidemiologic profile of HPV E6/E7 mRNA positivity in China and to evaluate age-, region-, and proxy-defined source-population heterogeneity.

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 11,118 female cervical specimens retrieved for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing between August 14, 2024 and October 23, 2025 were analyzed from seven geographic regions of China. Fourteen high-risk HPV genotypes were detected using the Biotron HPV E6/E7 mRNA Genotyping Assay. Descriptive, co-detection, and multivariable logistic regression analyses with institution-level cluster-robust standard errors were performed.

Overall high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA positivity was 16.32% (1,815/11,118). HPV52, HPV58, and HPV16 were the dominant genotypes, followed by HPV18 and HPV51. Overall positivity varied significantly across age groups, regions, institution-level proxy categories, and department-based clinical-context proxy categories. Central China had the highest overall positivity rate, whereas East China had the lowest. Significant age-related heterogeneity was observed for several major genotypes, especially HPV52, HPV58, and HPV16. Multi-type positivity accounted for 11.8% of positive samples, with HPV52 and HPV58 forming the most prominent co-detection pattern. In multivariable analyses, older age and several non-East regions were associated with higher odds of overall positivity, whereas the opportunistic screening proxy group showed markedly lower odds of positivity than the gynecology-related clinical attendance proxy group.

Transcriptionally active high-risk HPV infection in China is characterized by dominance of HPV52, HPV58, and HPV16 and by marked heterogeneity across age, geography, and proxy-defined testing contexts. These findings may support more refined HPV surveillance and risk-adapted prevention strategies.

Chemo-immunotherapy has reshaped the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet data on varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation under these regimens are limited. Major immunotherapy trials do not specifically describe herpes zoster events in patients receiving combined chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

We describe a case of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) treated with first‑line Pemetrexed-Carboplatin-Pembrolizumab plus Denosumab in which herpes zoster occurred during treatment, detailing clinical course, management, and outcomes.

We report a 64-year-old former smoker with metastatic lung ADC involving lymph nodes and bone, Programmed Cell Death Protein Ligand (PD-L1) expression 0%, and no actionable oncogenic alterations. He was treated with first-line Pemetrexed-Carboplatin-Pembrolizumab plus Denosumab. Treatment was well tolerated, and post-cycle 4 imaging showed stable disease according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) criteria. Approximately four months after initiation of chemo-immunotherapy, he developed a painful, unilateral, dermatomal vesicular eruption over the right lower thorax, clinically consistent with herpes zoster. The diagnosis of herpes zoster was clinical rather than microbiological. Systemic anticancer therapy was temporarily suspended. The patient received oral Acyclovir, step II analgesics, and local wound care for 14 days. Complete resolution of skin lesions and pain occurred within three weeks, without zoster-related complications. Maintenance Pemetrexed-Pembrolizumab-Denosumab was then resumed, with sustained tumor control and no recurrence of herpes zoster during follow-up.

This case illustrates herpes zoster reactivation during Pembrolizumab-based chemo-immunotherapy in metastatic NSCLC. It emphasizes the importance of systematically excluding infectious causes in new cutaneous eruptions under immunotherapy and supports multidisciplinary management. These findings also highlight the need to further explore VZV screening and vaccination strategies in cancer patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatments.

Wolffian tumours (female adnexal tumours of probable Wolffian origin, FATWO) are rare mesonephric duct-derived neoplasms with variable malignant potential and challenging diagnosis. A 68-year-old woman underwent complete resection for a left tubo-ovarian mass and was diagnosed with a localised Wolffian tumour with malignant potential. After 22 months of surveillance, she re-presented with malignant ascites and extensive peritoneal dissemination showing anaplastic transformation and underwent cytoreductive surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy was poorly tolerated and ineffective, with rapid progression despite treatment, leading to best supportive care. This case highlights the diagnostic complexity and potential aggressive behaviour of malignant Wolffian tumours, the limited efficacy and tolerability of chemotherapy in advanced disease, and the need for early integration of palliative care when disease becomes refractory.

Background and objectives Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) >5 cm is problematic, as patients are often outside transplantation criteria, and cirrhosis compromises curative resection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate survival following treatment with ablation compared to chemotherapy in large HCC. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) Participant User File from 2004 to 2017. Patients with HCC >5 cm in diameter treated with ablation versus chemotherapy alone were compared. Inverse probability-weighted propensity scores were used to model treatment assignments in the Cox proportional hazards model. Results A total of 14,783 HCC patients with tumors >5 cm and <9 cm were treated with chemotherapy (N=14,127) or ablation (n=656). After adjustment for stage, comorbidity, insurance status, facility type, and race, survival was significantly improved with ablation. The treatment effect of ablation was estimated using inverse-probability-weighted propensity scores, and the survival advantage was 19 months longer (p<0.001; 95% CI: 10.1-28.2) compared to chemotherapy. Conclusions Despite the reluctance to use ablation in lesions >5 cm, our analysis suggests a survival advantage when compared to chemotherapy. These results are promising, and future trials should evaluate ablation in combination with other local and systemic therapies.

Pembrolizumab can be associated with immune-related cutaneous adverse events, including rare purpuric eruptions that may pose a diagnostic challenge when clinicopathologic findings are inconclusive. While pembrolizumab is generally well tolerated, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) can affect multiple organ systems. Vasculitis is a rare irAE, with heterogeneous clinical presentations ranging from cutaneous purpura to life-threatening systemic involvement. We report the case of a 75-year-old male with a history of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN) overlap syndrome and stage IIIA lung adenocarcinoma who developed a widespread purpuric eruption with desquamation shortly after the first cycle of pembrolizumab and subsequent exposure to empagliflozin. Infectious workup was negative. Skin biopsy revealed full-thickness epidermal necrosis with re-epithelialization and mild superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, findings not typical for leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), which usually shows neutrophilic infiltration, leukocytoclasia, and fibrinoid necrosis of vessel walls. The differential diagnosis included immune-mediated small-vessel vasculitis, severe drug eruption, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/erythema multiforme spectrum, with empagliflozin representing a significant competing potential trigger given the close temporal relationship to rash onset. The atypical histopathology may be attributed to delayed biopsy and prior systemic corticosteroid treatment, which can obscure classic features of LCV. Pembrolizumab was discontinued, and the patient improved with corticosteroids. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of evaluating a purpuric and desquamative drug eruption in a patient with competing medication exposures, particularly when biopsy findings are nonspecific or obtained late in the disease course. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for serious cutaneous adverse reactions in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors who develop purpuric rashes, even in the absence of classic histopathologic features. Early dermatologic evaluation, timely biopsy, and appropriate specimen handling for direct immunofluorescence are critical to guide diagnosis and management. Given the nonspecific histopathologic findings, delayed biopsy, concurrent corticosteroid use, and competing medication exposure, definitive attribution to pembrolizumab could not be established.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive malignant neoplasm that most commonly arises from bone or soft tissue in children and young adults. Although metastatic disease is frequently encountered, intracranial involvement is rare and often presents with nonspecific neurologic symptoms, creating diagnostic and management challenges. We report the case of a young adult with a known history of ES who presented with progressive neurologic decline. Neuroimaging revealed a large intracranial mass associated with extensive vasogenic edema and midline shift, prompting urgent neurosurgical evaluation. The patient underwent surgical intervention for decompression and diagnostic clarification, followed by multidisciplinary oncologic management. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for metastatic disease in patients with a history of ES who develop new neurologic symptoms. It also highlights the role of early imaging, timely neurosurgical involvement, and coordinated care in addressing rare intracranial manifestations of systemic malignancy. Recognition of this uncommon presentation is essential to guide appropriate management and improve clinical outcomes.