To assess whether computed tomography (CT) can predict the nasoseptal flap length necessary for reconstruction after endoscopic approaches to the sellar region.

Twenty consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic resection of pituitary adenoma were included, and data were obtained prospectively in 2 stages, one radiological and one surgical. The length of the flap as estimated by CT (CT-Est) was compared with the flap length considered optimal (Ideal Flap), after intraoperative measurements. Correlation between the 2 values was assessed with the Spearman correlation test.

The mean length estimated on CT scans was 63.8 ± 2.3 mm, and the mean Ideal Flap was 59.1 ± 2.3 mm. The mean difference (Δ CT-Est - Ideal Flap) between these 2 values was 4.7 ± 0.7 mm. The Spearman coefficient of correlation between Ideal Flap and CT-Est was 0.938 (95% CI = 0.843 to 0.976), with p = 0.001, denoting a very strong and statistically significant correlation.

CT-based estimates closely approximated the nasoseptal flap length required for reconstruction of a sellar approach defect. CT has the potential to be a useful tool for preoperative planning of tailored flaps.

The resection of skin tumours of the auricle is confronted with the challenge of keeping the resection defect as small as possible and at the same time achieving a complete resection. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an optical procedure that enables real-time, non-invasive assessment of the epithelium with up to 1000x magnification in vivo. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility of CLE in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the auricle.

Sixty-four video sequences (4,872 images) of CLE images of 8 different patients with BCC on the auricle were analysed. Each video sequence was assigned a histologic diagnosis. The sequences were presented to 4 physicians with experience in CLE in a blinded fashion. Dignity was assessed dichotomously using criteria such as cell size, tissue homogeneity and fibrosis.

BCC is characterised by inhomogeneous tissue with enlarged, poorly demarcated cells, partly interrupted by cell-free fibrosis. The assessment of dignity based on the CLE sequences achieved an average sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 94.5%. The interrater reliability (Fleiss Kappa) showed substantial agreement (κ = 0.76).

The results demonstrate the initial feasibility of intraoperative CLE for optical biopsy of facial skin tumours. The technique has the potential to serve as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in intraoperative decision making. Further studies are needed to evaluate its use as an adjunct to optimise or reduce the use of invasive frozen section pathology in the treatment of BCC.

Precise temperature control is critical for safe, effective laser ablation in minimally invasive tumour treatment, but current models lack full understanding of multi-physics coupling during the process.

Using poroelastic theory, we developed a fully coupled optical-thermal-fluid-solid model for high-fidelity temperature prediction to optimise surgical protocols. Ex vivo experiments in pork tissue with precise needle positioning and multi-point temperature measurements validated the model.

Simulations showed thermal expansion in elastic tissues induces fluid backflow to the heating zone (thermal focussing). A smaller beam waist enhances optical penetration, while higher porosity reduces peak temperature and promotes diffusion. Validation yielded a maximum prediction error ≤ 1.73°C.

This study provides a theoretical basis for precise temperature control and tissue damage prediction in laser therapy, with particular relevance to prostate tumour treatment.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is characterized by dysregulation of multiple steroid hormones. Accurate quantification of these analytes is essential for laboratory evaluation; however, currently may involve complex sample-preparation workflows or provide insufficient analytical coverage, particularly for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was established for the simultaneous measurement of six steroid hormones associated with PMOS. Sample preparation combined liquid-liquid extraction with protein precipitation. Chromatographic separation was completed within 6 min. Validation followed international recommendations and included linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, matrix effects, selectivity, and specificity. All analytes showed excellent linearity (R = 0.9959-0.9995), with intra- and inter-day CVs ≤ 5.6%. Spike recovery ranged from 85.2% to 114.9%. Accuracy was further supported by third-party QC materials and successful participation in an external quality assessment program. The assay provided an expanded linear range for DHEAS (20-20,000 ng/mL). This validated LC-MS/MS assay provides rapid, sensitive, and reproducible quantification of six PCOS-related steroid hormones and is suitable for routine laboratory implementation.

Lung cancer continues to be the foremost cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for nearly 85% of cases. Historically, the prognosis for NSCLC was grim, but advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy are transforming treatment paradigms. This review encapsulates significant developments in molecularly targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, emphasising their clinical efficacy, resistance mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic combinations. A thorough literature search was conducted across PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and other global intellectual property databases to highlight pivotal advancements in lung cancer therapies. Each section focuses on therapies targeting key molecular drivers such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK), and others, alongside immunotherapies targeting critical pathways like PD-1 and PD-L1. In genetically defined NSCLC subsets, targeted therapies such as Osimertinib and Lorlatinib have significantly enhanced progression-free survival. Similarly, immune checkpoint inhibitors like Nivolumab have redefined care standards, particularly in PD-L1-positive tumours. Nevertheless, challenges such as acquired resistance persist, prompting ongoing exploration of combination strategies and next-generation agents. This article also reviews pivotal clinical trials and newly filed patents, reflecting current and emerging commercial interests. The integration of molecular diagnostics and precision therapies is reshaping lung cancer treatment, with prospective directions aiming to overcome resistance and broaden access to innovative therapies worldwide, including from India and other developing regions.

Lifestyle and anthropometric factors may influence prostate cancer (PCa) risk, yet evidence remains inconclusive. This study reports the associations between lifestyle and anthropometric factors and clinically significant PCa (csPCa; ISUP grade > 1) among men with clinical suspicion of PCa.

In this registered (NCT06116851), single-institution, prospective cohort trial, men referred for PCa diagnostics due to elevated prostate-specific antigen or abnormal digital rectal examination were included. Subjects underwent prostate diagnostics and completed detailed surveys of lifestyle, medical and family history. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Anthropometric assessments included body mass index, waist circumference and magnetic resonance imaging-based body composition analyses.

Among 298 included men, 143 (48%) were diagnosed with csPCa. In multivariate logistic regression, higher physical activity, measured by step count (odds ratio [OR]: 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.99) and active smoking compared to never-smokers (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.14-0.96) were inversely associated with detection of csPCa. Higher prostate-specific antigen density was associated with increased risk (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.39-2.35). Body composition was not associated with csPCa. Study strengths include comprehensive data collection. Primary limitation is partial reliance on self-reported data.

Higher measured physical activity was inversely associated with detection of csPCa in men with suspicion of PCa. Active smoking also showed an inverse association. Both findings merit further investigation.

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women in England. However, participation in the NHS England Breast Screening Programme has consistently fallen below the national minimum standard of 70%.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to identify psychosocial predictors of breast screening uptake among women aged 50-70.DesignA cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among women aged 50-70 (n = 250) living in England.MethodsThe study measured constructs derived from the Extended Health Belief Model, breast cancer awareness, and demographic factors. Binomial logistic regression was used to examine predictors of attendance at participants' most recent breast screening appointment and intention to attend their next breast screening appointment.ResultsEducational level, perceived benefits of mammography, and perceived barriers to mammography significantly predicted attendance at participants' most recent breast screening appointment. Intention to attend future screening was predicted by employment status, perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, and beliefs regarding the benefits and barriers of breast screening practices. Perceived benefits and barriers to mammography emerged as the most consistent predictors across both outcomes.ConclusionThis study highlights key psychosocial and demographic determinants of engagement with the NHS England Breast Screening Programme. Findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing perceived barriers and increasing awareness of the benefits of breast screening may help improve participation, particularly among underserved groups. Enhancing engagement with breast screening has the potential to support earlier detection and improved breast cancer outcomes.

Colorectal polyps (CPs) are recognized precursors of colorectal cancer (CRC), which remains a major global public health challenge, ranking third in incidence and second in cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study investigated the associations of hypertension and the zinc finger MIZ-type containing 1 antisense RNA 1 (ZMIZ1-AS1) variant (rs704017) with the odds of CP among participants in the Taiwan Biobank (TWB). Data from the TWB (2008-2015) were linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD, 1998-2015), yielding 8970 participants aged 30-70 years. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CPs according to hypertension status and rs704017 genotype. The distribution of ZMIZ1-AS1 rs704017 genotypes differed significantly between CP cases and controls (p = 0.001). Individuals carrying the rs704017 AG + GG genotype had higher odds of CPs than those with the AA genotype (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16-1.66). Hypertension alone was not significantly associated with CP odds; however, a significant interaction was observed between hypertension and rs704017 (p = 0.029). Compared with non-hypertensive individuals with the AA genotype, the aOR was 1.62 (95% CI, 1.29-2.03) for non-hypertensive individuals with AG + GG, 1.45 (95% CI, 1.09-1.95) for hypertensive individuals with AA, and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.16-2.08) for hypertensive individuals with AG + GG. In conclusion, the ZMIZ1-AS1 rs704017 AG + GG genotype was independently associated with increased odds of CP, whereas hypertension alone was not. However, the association between the rs704017 variant and CP appeared stronger among individuals with hypertension, suggesting a potential interaction between genetic susceptibility and hypertension.

We compared outcomes and toxicities of weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin-based (wTC) and cisplatin-based (CDDP) concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in FIGO stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer cases.

We retrospectively reviewed patients with FIGO stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer who underwent definitive-intent CCRT at our institution between 2009 and 2024. To reduce temporal confounding, the primary analysis was restricted to 2015-2024, when both regimens were available, and a sensitivity analysis included the entire period. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.

The primary analysis included 54 patients (wTC, n = 27; CDDP, n = 27). Baseline characteristics were balanced. The 3-year PFS rates were 53.5% and 77.4% in the wTC and CDDP groups, respectively (p = 0.078), and the 3-year OS rates were 76.4% and 75.4%, respectively (p = 0.882). The treatment regimen was not significantly associated with OS, whereas tumor diameter ≥ 6 cm was associated with worse OS. In the sensitivity analysis (wTC, n = 84; CDDP, n = 27), PFS and OS did not differ significantly between groups. Creatinine increased was more severe in the CDDP group, whereas neutropenia was more severe in the wTC group.

No significant differences in survival outcomes were observed between wTC-CCRT and CDDP-CCRT in patients with FIGO stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer. The study was not designed to establish equivalence or non-inferiority. wTC-CCRT may be considered for selected patients unable to receive cisplatin, although its comparative efficacy remains uncertain.