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Development and Internal Validation of a Prediction Model For Biochemical Recurrence Following Radical Prostatectomy.3 days agoThis study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer, incorporating clinical, pathological, inflammatory, and 18F-PSMA-1007 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging parameters. This retrospective study included 240 patients with histopathologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent radical prostatectomy between June 2022 and July 2025. BCR was defined as a postoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (≥0.2 ng/mL). Preoperative clinical variables, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), PET/CT lesion status, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) were collected along with postoperative pathological staging. Patients were divided into BCR (n = 64) and non-BCR (n = 176) groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of BCR. A multivariable predictive model was developed and internally validated using a 70/30 training-validation split. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and decision curve analysis. Patients with BCR showed more advanced pathological stage (pT3-4: 96.9% vs. 52.3%, p < 0.001), higher lymph node metastasis rates (59.4% vs. 29.5%, p < 0.001), higher SII (682.45 ± 118.23 vs. 637.08 ± 92.40, p = 0.002), and higher SUVmax values (6.59 ± 1.34 vs. 4.92 ± 1.49, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified pathological stage (OR = 36.814, p < 0.001), lymph node status (OR = 7.286, p < 0.001), SUVmax (OR = 2.732, p < 0.001), and PET-positive lesions (OR = 27.929, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of BCR. The combined predictive model achieved excellent discrimination in training (AUC = 0.952) and validation cohorts (AUC = 0.927). Calibration curves showed agreement between predicted and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis demonstrated superior net clinical benefit compared with treat-all and treat-none strategies. The integrated model demonstrates excellent discrimination and clinical utility, supporting individualized postoperative risk stratification.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy
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Outcomes of proximal humeral chondroblastoma treated with intralesional curettage, electrocauterization of the cavity and bone grafting: A retrospective study.3 days agoThis study aimed to evaluate the 7-year outcomes of proximal humeral chondroblastoma treated with intralesional curettage, electrocauterization of the cavity and bone grafting in pediatric patients.
A total of 17 patients diagnosed with proximal humeral chondroblastoma who underwent surgical treatment consisting of intralesional curettage, cavity electrocauterization, and bone grafting at our center between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2018, were retrospectively enrolled. All patients received postoperative splint immobilization for four weeks and were followed up for a minimum of seven years. Tumor recurrence was evaluated based on clinical manifestations and radiographic X-ray examination. Clinical outcomes included functional performance assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) scale, as well as postoperative complications.
In total, 17 patients with proximal humeral chondroblastoma were enrolled in our study, including 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 10.9 ± 1.8 years old (range from 8 to 14 years). Among these 17 cases, there were 6 cases with lesions extending through the epiphyseal plate, and 11 cases with lesions located inside the epiphysis. During follow-up, 1 patient suffered reoperation due to tumor recurrence. Shortening of the affected upper limb occurred in 9 patients (52.9%), which was significantly associated with a young age(P = 0.012). The mean shortening was 1.2 ± 0.9 cm compared with the contralateral limb. The overall mean postoperative MSTS was 27.5 ± 1.4 points, with no significant difference between observed the limb shortening group (27.3 ± 1.4) and the non-shortening group (27.8 ± 1.4,P = 0.550). The overall Quick DASH score averaged 4.8 ± 3.9 (0-15.9), and no statistically significant difference was detected between the shortening group (5.3 ± 4.5) and the non-shortening group (4.3 ± 2.8; P = 0.452).
Intralesional curettage, cavity electrocauterization and bone grafting is an optional treatment for children with proximal humeral chondroblastoma but still has a risk of recurrence. Shortening of the affected upper limb is a common complication, which is possibly associated with young age but has no impact on the final functional outcomes.
Level IV, retrospective case series.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
A standardized imaging and analysis workflow for quantitative evaluation of cutaneous neurofibromas in Nf1-KO mice.3 days agoNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder in which cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) represent one of the most common and burdensome manifestations. No approved pharmacological treatment exists. Preclinical studies are essential to evaluate candidate therapies, but reliable outcome and endpoint measures for cNFs in animal models remain limited. We developed and validated a standardized methodology to assess drug efficacy in the Prss56Cre Nf1-KO mouse model which recapitulates key features of cNFs. In this model, Nf1 inactivation and tdTomato (Tom) reporter expression were specifically targeted to Schwann cells (SCs) responsible for cNF development. This approach enables real-time monitoring, isolation, and manipulation of tumor SCs at any time. We defined macroscopic (tumor count, total Tom+ fluorescent surface area, fluorescence intensity) and microscopic (cell-type composition defined by immunolabeling with a panel of specific markers, area quantification) endpoints, developed dedicated ImageJ scripts for automated image analysis, and compared the results with those obtained using the conventional manual method. Both automated measurements showed excellent reproducibility (ICC = 1) and strong correlation with manual analysis (Spearman's coefficient > 0.90), while significantly reducing analysis time (up to 100-fold faster). Bland-Altman analyses confirmed the absence of systematic bias compared with manual scoring. The standardized image naming and metadata integration further facilitated data consolidation and statistical analysis. This validated approach provides a reliable, reproducible, and time-efficient framework for evaluating drug effects on cNFs in preclinical studies. It establishes a foundation for robust efficacy testing of candidate therapies, facilitates cross-study comparability, and accelerates therapeutic development and clinical translation.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy
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Helminth-derived stefin-1 selectively reduces leukemic cell viability and promotes apoptosis in U937 cells.3 days agoLeukemia remains a challenging hematological malignancy, particularly due to treatment resistance and the limited availability of therapies that selectively target cancer cells. Helminth-derived cysteine protease inhibitors (stefins) are mainly known for their roles in host-parasite interactions, but their effects on cancer cells have not been well explored. In this study, we investigated the biological activity of recombinant Fasciola gigantica Stefin-1 (rFgStefin-1) in the human U937 leukemic cell line. Treatment with rFgStefin-1 reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ of approximately 11 µM at 48 h. In contrast, normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed minimal changes under the same conditions. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated increased apoptotic cell populations together with mitochondrial membrane depolarization following rFgStefin-1 treatment. At the molecular level, rFgStefin-1 treatment was associated with an increased BAX/BCL-2 ratio, increased cleaved caspase-3 expression, reduced AKT-associated signaling, and enhanced PARP cleavage. These findings were supported by both qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Overall, these results suggest that rFgStefin-1 promotes apoptosis in leukemic cells while exerting limited effects on normal cells under the tested conditions. Further studies are required to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms and to evaluate the effects of rFgStefin-1 in additional leukemia models and in vivo systems.CancerAccessCare/Management
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[Comparative analysis of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomotic techniques in laparoscopic right colectomy: assessment of surgical safety and short-term outcome].3 days agoBackground. Restoration of intestinal continuity after laparoscopic right colectomy may be performed with either intracorporeal (IA) or extracorporeal (EA) anastomosis. The surgical safety of IA remains under active investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of IA in oncological patients undergoing laparoscopic right colectomy.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a prospectively maintained database (June 2018 - December 2023), including patients with colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy. Surgical outcomes were compared between the IA and EA groups.
A total of 701 patients were included: 649 in the IA group and 52 in the EA group. The groups were comparable in terms of age (p=0.353), sex (p=0.418), body mass index (p=0.583), and number of comorbidities (p=0.784). Earlier recovery of bowel function was observed in the IA group: median of 4 vs. 5 days to first stool (p<0.001). Anastomotic leak rates did not differ significantly between the IA and EA groups: 1.5% vs. 5.8% (p=0.065). Major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIA) occurred significantly less frequently with IA: 6.3% vs. 23.1% (p<0.001). IA was associated with a reduced risk of major complications, with an odds ratio of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.14-0.69) after adjustment for other factors. In subgroup analysis, the association between IA and fewer major postoperative complications was most pronounced in patients with obesity: odds ratio of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.02-0.30).
Intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy is associated with faster recovery of bowel function, does not increase the risk of anastomotic leakage, and reduces the rate of major postoperative complications, particularly in patients with obesity. Mastery of the IA technique may become an important component of colorectal surgical training, offering patients a more favourable postoperative course.CancerAccessAdvocacy -
[Prolonged air leak after lobectomy and its impact on 30- and 90-day mortality: a retrospective multiple-center study].3 days agoTo evaluate the impact of PAL on 30- and 90-day mortality and to identify clinical and intraoperative risk factors in patients undergoing anatomical lung resection for malignant tumors.
A retrospective multiple-center study included 700 patients who underwent lobectomy between January 2021 and December 2024. PAL was defined as an air leak persisting beyond 5 postoperative days. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.
The incidence of PAL was 15.6%. PAL was significantly associated with longer chest drainage duration (median: 16 vs. 7 days), prolonged hospital-stay (21 vs. 11 days) and higher rates of complications TMM grade II-IIIB (p=0.002). Independent risk factors of PAL were low FEV1 (AOR=0.983), thoracotomy (AOR=2.664) and longer surgery time (AOR=1.009; all p<0.001). PAL was not associated with 30-day mortality but was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality (AOR=2.505; p=0.026). Prognostic model for 90-day mortality showed acceptable accuracy (AUC=0.719).
PAL occurred in 15.6% of cases and was associated with prolonged recovery and increased 90-day mortality. Key risk factors were low FEV1, thoracotomy, and longer surgery time.CancerChronic respiratory diseaseAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacyEducation -
[Preoperative multimodal prehabilitation in abdominal oncology].3 days agoTo evaluate the impact of multimodal prehabilitation, including a structured proprietary kinesiotherapy program with a video-guided module, on early postoperative outcomes in elder patients after gastropancreatoduodenectomy, gastrectomy and low anterior rectal resection.
A single-center two-stage comparative cohort study (retrospective and prospective cohorts) included 216 patients (108 in the prehabilitation group and 108 in the control group). Both groups used an accelerated recovery protocol after surgery. The study group additionally underwent a 14-day multimodal prehabilitation program with original video-guided kinesiotherapy program. The primary endpoint was any postoperative complication within 30 days. Secondary endpoints included severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), length of ICU- and hospital-stay and time to adjuvant chemotherapy.
The incidence of postoperative complications was 18.6% and 41.7%, respectively. No severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb-V) were reported in the prehabilitation group, whereas high-grade complications, including one death, were observed in the control group. Prehabilitation was associated with shorter ICU- and hospital-stay, as well as a trend towards earlier initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy. In multivariate analysis, prehabilitation was associated with lower risk of postoperative complications.
A structured multimodal prehabilitation with video-guided kinesiotherapy is associated with better early postoperative outcomes in elderly patients after abdominal surgeries for cancer.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
[Jejunum segment interposition after total proximal gastrectomy (by the 70th anniversary of the Merendino-Dillard procedure)].3 days agoTo evaluate safety and efficacy of jejunum segment interposition after proximal gastric resection.
There were 80 jejunum segment interpositions after proximal gastric resection in 2012-2023. Primary subtotal proximal gastric resection was performed in 70 (87.5%) patients, resection of esophagogastrostomy in 9 (11.2%), gastric bypass surgery - in 1 (1.3%). The indications for surgery were cancer in 66 (82.5%) patients, recurrence of cancer in esophagogastrostomy - 2 (2.5%), postgastrectomy diseases - 12 (15.0%). Mean age of patients was 62 years. There were 51 (63.8%) men and 29 (36.2%) women.
In early postoperative period, 8 (10.0%) patients developed complications. Failure of esophagojejunostomy occurred in 5 (6.3%) cases, subdiaphragmatic abscess - in 1 (1.3%) patient. Another (1.3%) patient had jejunum insert necrosis that required its extirpation and direct esophagogastrostomy. One (1.3%) patient died from non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia with intestinal necrosis on the 3rd day after surgery. There were no long-term specific complications related to jejunum segment. Reflux esophagitis was recorded in 2 (3.6%) out of 56 patients.
Jejunum segment interposition after proximal gastric resection is a relatively safe technique preventing severe reflux esophagitis.CancerAccess -
Impacts of IPSS-M and transplant conditioning intensity in allogeneic stem cell transplant for myelodysplastic neoplasms.3 days agoCancerCare/Management
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Intrathyroid parathyroid carcinoma and its diagnostic challenges ‒ case report and systematic review.3 days agoThis study presents a case of asymptomatic Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Carcinoma (IPC) and a scoping review of the literature from the past 25-years, aiming to characterize the clinical and laboratory profiles and diagnostic difficulties of this rare condition. We present a 61-year-old male presented with a thyroid nodule incidentally detected during routine ultrasonography, with normal serum calcium and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) levels. The patient underwent right hemithyroidectomy with level VI lymphadenectomy, and histopathological analysis confirmed intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma after extensive expert review. The patient remains under regular follow-up, with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.
A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed database (2000-2025) using the descriptors "parathyroid carcinoma" and "intrathyroidal". Of 51 studies initially identified, 37 met the inclusion criteria, totaling 38 IPC cases when including the present report. Data extracted included patient demographics, symptoms, laboratory findings, tumor location, histopathological characteristics, and outcomes.
Results demonstrated a female predominance, with ages ranging from 14- to 77-years and a higher frequency of tumors located in the right thyroid lobe. Most patients (81.5%) presented with hypercalcemia and elevated PTH levels, whereas 7.9% were normocalcemic. Metastatic disease occurred in 23.6% of cases during follow-up. En bloc surgical resection, including ipsilateral thyroidectomy and level VI lymphadenectomy, remains the gold standard treatment and provides better local disease control. Definitive diagnosis, however, is usually achieved only after histopathological evaluation due to cytological overlap with thyroid neoplasms.
In conclusion, IPC represents a diagnostic and clinical challenge, often identified retrospectively, and early clinical suspicion is essential to improve prognosis and survival outcomes.CancerCare/Management