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This study investigated whether adjuvant treatments in stage III cutaneous melanoma (CM) influenced patterns of recurrence. Patients with primary (n = 1033) or relapsed CM (n = 350) who received adjuvant therapies with Nivolumab (N), Pembrolizumab (P), or Dabrafenib and Trametinib (D + T) were extracted from the prospective multicenter real‐world skin cancer registry ADOReg. Endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), organ‐specific DMFS, and overall survival (OS). For primary cases, D + T indicated an improved PFS (1‐ and 2‐year PFS: 90.9%; 82.7%) as compared to P (81.0%, 73.9%; p =.0208), or N (83.8%, 75.2%; p =.0539). BRAF‐mutated(mut) CM demonstrated significantly lower PFS (p =.0022) and decreased DMFS (p =.0580) when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) instead of D + T. Besides, NRAS‐mut CM tended to perform worse than wt CM upon ICI (PFS: p =.1349; DMFS: p =.0540). OS was similar between the groups. Relapsed cases showed decreased PFS, DMFS, and OS in comparison to primary (all: p <.001), without significant differences between the subgroups. Organ‐specific DMFS was significantly altered for primary cases with bone (p =.0367) or brain metastases (p =.0202). In relapsed CM, the frequency of liver (D + T: 1.5%; P: 12%; N: 9%) and LN metastases (D + T: 1.5%; P: 12%; N: 10.2%) was significantly lower with adjuvant D + T than ICI. NRAS‐mut CM showed increased recurrence in primary and relapsed cases. These data show that adjuvant D + T is superior to ICI in primary BRAF‐mut CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Nivolumab is approved as adjuvant treatment in subjects with resected oesophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer (EC/GEJC) based on results from the pivotal CheckMate 577 trial. We present a model‐based clinical pharmacology profiling and benefit–risk assessment of nivolumab as adjuvant treatment in subjects with resected EC/GEJC supporting a less frequent dosing regimen. Methods: Population pharmacokinetic (popPK) analysis was conducted to characterize nivolumab pharmacokinetics (PK) using clinical data from 1493 subjects from seven monotherapy clinical studies across multiple solid tumours. The exposure‐response (E‐R) analyses included data from 756 patients from CheckMate 577. E‐R relationships for efficacy and safety were characterized by evaluating the relationship between nivolumab exposure and disease‐free survival (DFS) for efficacy; and time to first occurrence of Grade ≥2 immune‐mediated adverse events (Gr2 + IMAEs) for safety. Results: Nivolumab exposure was found to be associated with both DFS and risk of Gr2 + IMAEs. However, the hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) at the 5th and 95th percentiles of nivolumab exposure were similar for DFS and Gr2 + IMAEs, indicating flat E‐R relationships within the exposure range produced by the studied regimen. Model‐predicted probability of DFS and Gr2 + IMAEs were similar between the two regimens of 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks for 16 weeks followed by 480 mg Q4W up to 1 year. Conclusions: The analyses demonstrated a flat E‐R relationship over the range of exposures produced by the studied regimen and supported the approval of an alternative dosing regimen with less frequent dosing in patients with adjuvant EC/GEJC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For patients with breast cancer, delays in chemotherapy initiation have been adversely associated with recurrence and survival. We evaluated patient‐level factors associated with delayed chemotherapy initiation, from both diagnosis and surgery, in a community‐based cohort of women with early‐stage breast cancer. For the Optimal Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Dosing study, we identified a cohort of 34,109 women diagnosed with stage I–IIIA breast cancer at two U.S. integrated healthcare delivery systems between 2004 and 2019. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to identify patient factors associated with delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis (≥90 days) and surgery (≥60 days). Among 10,968 women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, 21.1% experienced delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and 21.3% after surgery. Older age, non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic race and ethnicity, and ER+ and/or PR+ disease were associated with increased likelihood of delays to chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and surgery. People diagnosed in 2012–2019 (vs. 2005–2011), with a higher grade and larger tumor size were less likely to experience delays. Other factors were associated with a higher likelihood of delays specifically from diagnosis (earlier stage, mastectomy vs. breast‐conserving surgery), or surgery (higher comorbidity, increased nodal number). Women diagnosed with breast cancer who were at highest risk of progression and recurrence were less likely to experience delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and surgery. Understanding reasons for chemotherapy delays beyond patient factors may be potentially important to reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of timing of PORT initiation for major salivary gland cancers on survival is unknown. We aim to examine the impact of PORT timeliness on overall survival (OS) of patients with major salivary gland cancers. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional analysis using data from the National Cancer Database (2004–2017) and included patients with major salivary gland cancer treated with surgery and PORT. Results: In total, 5701 patients were included (3133 [55%] male, 4644 [82%] white, mean age 59 ± 16 years). For the overall cohort, PORT >6 weeks was not associated with decreased OS (1.00 aHR, 95% CI 0.89–1.11). When specifically examining patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, PORT >6 weeks was associated with a decreased OS (1.27 aHR, 95% CI 1.01–1.58). Conclusions: Overall, this analysis did not demonstrate a survival benefit for initiating PORT within 6 weeks for patients with salivary gland malignancies. Subset analysis did support initiating PORT within 6 weeks after resection for patients with mucoepidermoid carcinomas. This was not demonstrated in other major salivary gland cancer histologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary goal of this study is to discern the optimal adjuvant treatment for patients diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, focusing on reducing recurrence rates. Methods: This study is a double-blind clinical trial with no previous similar trials conducted to date. The study population consisted of non-pregnant, married women visiting teaching hospitals' clinics in Mashhad, complaining of vaginal discharge. After informed consent and questionnaire completion, samples were obtained from vaginal discharge surrounding the cervix of clinically diagnosed bacterial vaginosis patients. Using Gram staining, a gold standard method for bacterial vaginosis diagnosis, samples were examined under a microscope according to the Nugent score. After initial treatment with metronidazole, patients were divided into two groups receiving either vaginal or oral probiotics. Results: Of the 55 participating women, 20 were in the vaginal probiotic group and 35 were in the oral probiotic group. No significant demographic or clinical differences existed between groups at baseline. The Nugent score decreased from 8.5 to 3 in the vaginal group and from 9 to 3 in the oral group, suggesting the effectiveness of both treatments. While the difference between groups was not statistically significant, each group showed significant improvements from their initial states (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: No significant difference was observed in the effectiveness of oral versus vaginal probiotics in reducing the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis after routine treatment. Therefore, the type of probiotic to be used could be chosen based on patient preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 2nd century AD, Galen argued that the failure to remove any single 'root' of a malignant tumor could result in a local relapse. After nearly 2 millennia, this problem appears to be even more challenging due to our increased understanding of the complexity of tumor formation and spread. Pathological analysis of tumor margins under a microscope remains the primary and only accepted method for confirming the complete tumor removal. However, this method is not an all-or-nothing test, and it can be compromised by various intrinsic and extrinsic limitations. Among the intrinsic limitations of pathological analysis we recall the pathologist handling, tissue shrinkage, the detection of minimal residual disease and the persistence of a precancerous field. Extrinsic limitations relate to surgical tools and their thermal damage, the different kinds of surgical resections and frozen sections collection. Surgeons, as well as oncologists and radiotherapists, should be well aware of and deeply understand these limitations to avoid misinterpretation of margin status, which can have serious consequences. Meanwhile, new technologies such as Narrow band imaging have shown promising results in assisting with the achievement of clear superficial resection margins. More recently, emerging techniques like Raman spectroscopy and near-infrared fluorescence have shown potential as real-time guides for surgical resection. The aim of this narrative review is to provide valuable insights into the complex process of margin analysis and underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between pathologists, surgeons, oncologists, and radiotherapists to optimize patient outcomes in oral cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionMitotane is the cornerstone of adjuvant adrenocortical cancer (ACC) treatment. However, its use is burdened with frequent adverse events.A retrospective analysis of adverse events was performed in 26 ACC patients adjuvantly treated with mitotane.Mitotane toxicity was present in all patients (100%). Two (7.7%) patients developed 1–3 adverse events, 15 (57.7%) experienced 4–6 adverse events and 9 (34.6%) patients had more than 6 adverse events. Two (7.7%) patients discontinued mitotane due to adverse events.Careful monitoring and timely management are essential for ensuring mitotane treatment adherence and maximizing its benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients who underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer and who can start treatment within three months of surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy is currently recommended to limit the risk of disease recurrence, but questions remain for the clinician. Recently, modified FOLFIRINOX has become the standard in the non-Asian population, but there is still a risk of toxicity and its administration may be limited in heavily pretreated patients or those who have not enough recovered from surgery. The gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel combination, gemcitabine or 5-FU single agents are alternatives to discuss for patients not eligible for FOLFIRINOX. In Asia, chemotherapy based on the compound S1 is the reference. The objective of this review is to summarize the adjuvant management after resection of pancreatic cancer and to highlight current and future questions, in particular the need for biomarkers and the optimization of the management of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We aimed to evaluate the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients who undergo pneumonectomy for pN1 NSCLC. We found no significant differences after 5 years between two cohorts (adjuvant CT and no adjuvant CT) in terms of the overall survival (p: 0.31), cancer-specific survival (p: 0.59), disease-free survival (p: 0.94), and relapse rate (p: 0.76). Patients with pN1 NSCLC that was completely resected through pneumonectomy and radical lymphadenectomy may represent a particular cohort, which could be strictly followed up without adjuvant chemotherapy. Introduction: We aimed to assess our 25-year experience in order to evaluate the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients who undergo pneumonectomy for pN1 NSCLC. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes and medical records of patients undergoing pneumonectomy for NSCLC with pathological diagnosis of pN1, excluding all patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment. We compared patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy with patients who did not undergo neoadjuvant treatment during a follow-up soon after surgery. Gray's test was used to assess differences in the cumulative incidence of relapse or CSS between the different groups. Kaplan–Meier methods were used for drawing overall survival (OS) plots. In order to assess differences in survival between the groups, the log-rank test was used. The cumulative incidence of relapse, CSS, and OS were calculated at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of follow-up. Results: The 30-day and 90-day mortality rates of our cohort were 6% and 11,6%. Excluding the first three months after surgery (deaths linked to postoperative comorbidity), after 5 years we found no significant differences between the two cohorts (adjuvant CT and no adjuvant CT) in terms of the overall survival (OS) (p: 0.31), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p: 0.59), disease-free survival (DFS) (p: 0.94), and relapse rate (p: 0.76). Conclusions: Patients with pN1 NSCLC that was completely resected through pneumonectomy and radical lymphadenectomy may represent a particular cohort, which could be strictly followed up without adjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ki-67 is recommended by international/national guidelines for risk stratification in early breast cancer (EBC), particularly for defining "intermediate risk," despite inter-laboratory/inter-observer variability and cutoff uncertainty. We investigated Ki-67 (> 10%– < 40%, determined locally) as a prognostic marker for intermediate/high risk in EBC, pN0-1 patients. Methods: This prospective, non-interventional, real-world study included females ≥ 18 years, with pN0/pN1mi/pN1, HR+ , HER2-negative EBC, and locally determined Ki-67 ranging 10%–40%. The primary outcome was changes in treatment recommendations after disclosing the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score®(RS) assay result. Results: The analysis included 567 patients (median age, 57 [range, 29–83] years; 70%/1%/29%/ with pN0/pN1mi/pN1 disease; 81% and 19% with RS results 0–25 and 26–100, respectively). The correlations between local and central Ki-67, local Ki-67, and the RS, and central Ki-67 and the RS results were weak (r = 0.35, r = 0.3, and r = 0.46, respectively), and discrepancies were noted in both directions (e.g., local Ki-67 was lower or higher than central Ki-67). After disclosing the RS, treatment recommendations changed for 190 patients (34%). Changes were observed in pN0 and pN1mi/pN1 patients and in patients with centrally determined Ki-67 ≤ 10% and > 10%. Treatment changes were aligned with RS results (adding chemotherapy for patients with higher RS results, omitting it for lower RS results), and their net result was 8% reduction in adjuvant chemotherapy use (from 32% pre-RS results to 24% post-RS results). Conclusion: The Oncotype DX® assay is a tool for individualizing treatments that adds to classic treatment decision factors. The RS result and Ki-67 are not interchangeable, and Ki-67, as well as nodal status, should not be used as gatekeepers for testing eligibility, to avoid under and overtreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both small-cell carcinoma (SCLC) and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung are often clinically dealt with as being in the same category as neuroendocrine carcinoma, and their clinical differences have not been adequately assessed. Methods: The postoperative prognosis was retrospectively analyzed using the data of 196 patients who underwent resection for SCLC or LCNEC. Results: Of the patients included, 99 (50.5%) had SCLC and 97 (49.5%) had LCNEC. The median duration of follow-up was 39 months (interquartile range [IQR] 21–76) and 56 months (IQR 21–87) for SCLC and LCNEC, respectively. The estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) probabilities were 53.7% and 62.7% (p = 0.133) for patients with SCLC and LCNEC, respectively. In the SCLC group, a multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.30–0.99, p = 0.04) was the only factor that was significantly associated with OS. In the LCNEC group, univariate analyses demonstrated that pathologic stage I (p = 0.01) was the only factor that was associated with better OS after surgery. Conclusions: We found different clinical features in SCLC and LCNEC; in patients with SCLC, because OS could be expected to significantly improve with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, patients with resected SCLC of any pathologic stage should receive adjuvant chemotherapy. For patients with LCNEC, because pathologic stage I LCNEC is related to better prognosis than any other stages, a thorough clinical staging, including invasive staging, according to present guidelines should be performed to identify clinical stage I LCNEC with the highest certainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The phase III randomized KEYNOTE-522 trial demonstrated that pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment followed by adjuvant pembrolizumab (pembrolizumab + chemotherapy) provided significant improvements in event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (eTNBC). The objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab + chemotherapy compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (chemotherapy) in patients with high-risk eTNBC from a Hong Kong third-party payer perspective. Methods: A multistate transition model with four health states (event-free), locoregional recurrence, distant metastases, and death) was developed to assess the lifetime medical costs and health outcomes (3% annual discount), along with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) using efficacy and safety data from the KEYNOTE-522 trial. The health state utilities were derived from KEYNOTE-522 Euro-QoL-five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) data. Costs were expressed in 2022 Hong Kong dollars (HKD). Scenario and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of results. Results: Over a 32-year time horizon, base case results showed that pembrolizumab + chemotherapy was associated with a 3.42 year longer EFS and expected gains of 3.05 life years (LYs) and 2.45 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to chemotherapy. The resultant ICERs were HKD 135,200 per QALY gained and HKD 108,463 per LY gained, which were lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) cost-effectiveness threshold of three times gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for Hong Kong of HKD 1,171,308 per QALY. The one-way sensitivity analyses (OWSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) showed the results were robust across various inputs and alternative scenarios. Conclusion: On the basis of the analysis conducted for a 56-year-old cohort with high-risk eTNBC and assumptions in the model, pembrolizumab + chemotherapy represents a cost-effective proposition (as the ICER is approximately 35% of the GDP per capita in Hong Kong) for patients with high-risk eTNBC in Hong Kong. Plain Language Summary: The manuscript outlines the methods and results of a health economic model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab + chemotherapy compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (chemotherapy) in patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer in the Hong Kong setting. The results of the manuscript show that the combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy provides an additional 3.05 life years and 2.45 quality-adjusted life years. Despite the potential drawbacks of employing gross domestic product (GDP) as a proxy for cost-effectiveness thresholds, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was less than three times GDP per capita in Hong Kong. Therefore, the new intervention was cost-effective. However, like any similar study, the results rely substantially on extrapolation of trial outcomes and thus sensitivity analysis has also been performed to handle the uncertainty associated with results. The one-way sensitivity analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed the results were robust. The manuscript provides economic evidence of the new intervention and provides new clinical insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The primary goal of this study is to discern the optimal adjuvant treatment for patients diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, focusing on reducing recurrence rates. Methods This study is a double-blind clinical trial with no previous similar trials conducted to date. The study population consisted of non-pregnant, married women visiting teaching hospitals’ clinics in Mashhad, complaining of vaginal discharge. After informed consent and questionnaire completion, samples were obtained from vaginal discharge surrounding the cervix of clinically diagnosed bacterial vaginosis patients. Using Gram staining, a gold standard method for bacterial vaginosis diagnosis, samples were examined under a microscope according to the Nugent score. After initial treatment with metronidazole, patients were divided into two groups receiving either vaginal or oral probiotics. Results Of the 55 participating women, 20 were in the vaginal probiotic group and 35 were in the oral probiotic group. No significant demographic or clinical differences existed between groups at baseline. The Nugent score decreased from 8.5 to 3 in the vaginal group and from 9 to 3 in the oral group, suggesting the effectiveness of both treatments. While the difference between groups was not statistically significant, each group showed significant improvements from their initial states (p-value

Oral cancer is a prevalent global issue, with oral squamous cell carcinoma constituting the majority of cases. Standard treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are available but may have adverse effects. Molecular gene therapy, focusing on genetic mutations linked to oral cancer, presents a promising alternative.In this study, we evaluated 27 chemotherapeutic drugs and 63 Chinese herbal medicines for their effectiveness, categorized them by their cellular mechanisms, and identified potential adjuvant therapy candidates for oral cancer. Our findings highlight the impact of natural flavonoids on oral cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and confirming their potential in molecular genetic analysis. In conclusion, the natural compounds present in Chinese herbal medicine, particularly flavonoids, offer a promising avenue to target specific genetic mutations in oral cancer cells. This approach may reduce the risks associated with oral cancer treatment and pave the way for innovative adjuvant therapies.

Abstract Introduction The phase III randomized KEYNOTE-522 trial demonstrated that pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment followed by adjuvant pembrolizumab (pembrolizumab + chemotherapy) provided significant improvements in event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (eTNBC). The objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab + chemotherapy compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (chemotherapy) in patients with high-risk eTNBC from a Hong Kong third-party payer perspective. Methods A multistate transition model with four health states (event-free), locoregional recurrence, distant metastases, and death) was developed to assess the lifetime medical costs and health outcomes (3% annual discount), along with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) using efficacy and safety data from the KEYNOTE-522 trial. The health state utilities were derived from KEYNOTE-522 Euro-QoL-five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) data. Costs were expressed in 2022 Hong Kong dollars (HKD). Scenario and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of results. Results Over a 32-year time horizon, base case results showed that pembrolizumab + chemotherapy was associated with a 3.42 year longer EFS and expected gains of 3.05 life years (LYs) and 2.45 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to chemotherapy. The resultant ICERs were HKD 135,200 per QALY gained and HKD 108,463 per LY gained, which were lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) cost-effectiveness threshold of three times gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for Hong Kong of HKD 1,171,308 per QALY. The one-way sensitivity analyses (OWSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) showed the results were robust across various inputs and alternative scenarios. Conclusion On the basis of the analysis conducted for a 56-year-old cohort with high-risk eTNBC and assumptions in the model, pembrolizumab + chemotherapy represents a cost-effective proposition (as the ICER is approximately 35% of the GDP per capita in Hong Kong) for patients with high-risk eTNBC in Hong Kong.

Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exhibits significant diversity, making it challenging to define an optimal treatment. A collaborative multidisciplinary approach is essential in crafting individualized treatments. Previously, targeted therapies and immunotherapies were commonly used to treat patients with advanced and metastatic lung cancer. Such treatments are now being extended to individuals considered surgery, as well as patients once considered unsuitable for surgery. These changes have increased surgical success and substantially reduced postoperative recurrence. However, the possibility of severe adverse effects from immunotherapy can deter some patients from performing surgery. It is essential to carefully explore the clinical traits and biomarkers of patients who may benefit the most from immunotherapy, and patients for whom immunotherapy should not be prescribed. In summary, it’s crucial to effectively integrate the latest immunotherapy in treating stage 3 NSCLC patients, thereby increasing their opportunities for surgical intervention, and ensuring they receive the best possible care.

The application of adjuvant treatment has significantly enhanced the survival of patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying driver gene mutations. However, adjuvant-targeted therapy remains controversial for some NSCLC patients carrying rare gene mutations such as RET, as there is currently a lack of confirmed randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy. In this report, we describe the case of a 58-year-old man with stage IIIA NSCLC who underwent complete lobectomy with selective lymph node dissection. Postoperative next-generation sequencing revealed that the patient harbored a rare KIF13A-RET fusion. The patient elected to receive adjuvant treatment with pralsetinib monotherapy and underwent serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring after surgery. During follow-up, despite experiencing dose reduction and irregular medication adherence, the patient still achieved a satisfactory disease-free survival (DFS) of 27 months. Furthermore, ctDNA predicted tumor recurrence 4 months earlier than imaging techniques. The addition of bevacizumab to the original regimen upon recurrence continued to be beneficial. Pralsetinib demonstrated promising efficacy as adjuvant therapy, while ctDNA analysis offered a valuable tool for early detection of tumor recurrence. By leveraging targeted therapies and innovative monitoring techniques, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for NSCLC patients in the future.

Simple Summary: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the head and neck, although treatable, can be highly aggressive. Certain pathological features of cSCC can drastically impact prognosis. Therefore, the presence of a few such features is considered in both staging and treating cSCC. In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding pathological prognostic indicators of cSCC, including depth of invasion, surgical margins, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, extranodal extension, tumor grade, tumor subtype, premalignant lesions, and molecular markers. Furthermore, we characterize the impact of each indicator on clinical outcomes of head and neck cSCC, their role in dictating adjuvant therapy for this tumor, and their incorporation or lack thereof into current staging and treatment guidelines. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with an incidence that has increased over the past 30 years. Although usually curable with excision, cSCC can become widely metastatic and aggressive with poor outcomes. Whereas the clinical and radiographic extent of any cancer will always guide selection of treatment modality, pathological features of cSCC also play an important role in determining prognosis and, subsequently, the need for further therapy. Therefore, reviewing and summarizing the current literature regarding pathological prognostic indicators of cSCC is essential to improving clinical outcomes. The present literature review yielded depth of invasion, surgical margins, perineural invasion, extranodal extension, lymphovascular invasion, tumor grade, tumor subtype, premalignant lesions, and molecular markers as key prognostic indicators, all with varying recommendations for adjuvant therapy. Notably, some of these factors have not been incorporated into either the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system (8th edition) or National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for cSCC. This review highlights a need for further research into these prognostic indicators and their role in determining the need for adjuvant treatment in head and neck cSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin, noted for its anti-cancer properties in various malignancies, including cutaneous melanoma, shows promise in Uveal melanoma (UM) treatment. This study aimed to evaluate melatonin receptor expression in primary UM and its association with UM-related mortality and prognostic factors. Immunohistochemical analysis of 47 primary UM tissues showed low expression of melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B), with MTNR1A significantly higher in patients who succumbed to UM. Analysis of TCGA data from 80 UM patients revealed RNA expression for MTNR1A, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα), and N-ribosyldihydronicotinamide:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO2), but not MTNR1B or G protein-coupled receptor 50 (GPR50). Higher MTNR1A RNA levels were observed in patients with a BRCA1 Associated Protein 1 (BAP1) mutation, and higher NQO2 RNA levels were noted in patients with the epithelioid tumor cell type. However, Kaplan–Meier analysis did not show distinct survival probabilities based on receptor expression. This study concludes that UM clinical samples express melatonin receptors, suggesting a potential mechanism for melatonin's anti-cancer effects. Despite finding higher MTNR1A expression in patients who died of UM, no survival differences were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the management of gynaecological malignancies globally. Despite the extensive work investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gynaecological cancer care as a whole, little is known with regard to the specific management of endometrial cancer. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer in Northern Ireland (NI). All patients with endometrial cancer in NI between April 2019–March 2022 were included, divided into three cohorts: preCOVID, COVID-Year 1 and COVID-Year 2. The median was used to express data that was not normally distributed. Students t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare means with and without normal distribution respectively. Statistical analysis of count data included the chi-squared test. The p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 683 patients were included with a similar distribution of age, histology and length of stay. There was a 22% decrease in new endometrial cancer diagnoses in COVID-Year 1 (n = 195) compared to Pre-COVID (n = 249), with evidence of recovery by year 2 (n = 241). In COVID-Year 1 there was a 29% decrease in surgical resections. During COVID-Year 2 there was an increase in symptom duration of >6 months (21%) compared to Pre-COVID (11% (p = 0.03)). By COVID-Year 2 there was an increase in Stage III disease (19%) compared to Pre-COVID (12% (p = 0.02)). In COVIDYear 1 and 2 there was an increase in the use of adjuvant oncological treatment, with a significant increase in the use of chemoradiotherapy in COVID-Year 2. In conclusion, COVID-19 has significantly impacted the treatment pathways of endometrial cancer patients in NI. There was a significant increase in symptom duration and stage III disease requiring increased use of adjuvant oncological treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess adjuvant treatment patterns on survival in patients with pT3N0M0 esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Stage pT3N0M0 esophageal cancer patients were assessed between 2000 and 2020 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results databases. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare overall survival (OS) among various treatment patterns. We identified 445 patients: 252 (56.6%) received surgery alone, 85 (19.1%) received surgery+chemoradiotherapy, 80 (18.0%) underwent surgery+chemotherapy, and 28 (6.3%) received surgery+ radiotherapy. For squamous cell carcinoma, surgery+chemoradiotherapy ([hazard ratio] HR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–1.66; P  = 0.873), surgery+chemotherapy (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.42–1.22; P  = 0.221), and surgery+radiotherapy (HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.74–2.39; P  = 0.341) had similar OS compared to surgery alone. For adenocarcinoma, surgery+chemoradiotherapy (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36–0.74; P  < 0.001) and surgery+chemotherapy (HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42–0.87; P  = 0.006) had better OS compared to surgery alone. However, surgery+radiotherapy had a comparable OS (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.44–1.49; P  = 0.495).Adjuvant treatments did not improve survival in stage pT3N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients. In contrast, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy were recommended for esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques have gained popularity, and endometrial cancer (EC) remains a significant health problem among women. Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) therapy options for early endometrial cancer will be evaluated for their effectiveness and safety is the aim of this paper. We also investigate the differences in oncologic outcomes between MIS and open surgery (OS) for individuals with early-stage EC. The patient was diagnosed with early-stage EC and treated with laparoscopic surgery and was the focus of a retrospective analysis. 162 patients with early EC were analyzed, with diagnoses occurring between 2002 and 2022. The patients were fragmented into two groups, one for OS and another for laparoscopic procedures. The total tumor excision and recurrence rates were identical across the two methods, indicating similar oncologic results. Rates of complications were likewise comparable across the two groups. The quality of life ratings of patients with robotic-assisted surgery was higher than those with laparoscopic surgery. Sixty-two (62.2%) of the 162 patients in this research had OS, whereas Fifty-six (57.8%) had MIS. The probability of recurrence of EC from stages III to IV was significanitly higher in women who had OS. Minimally invasive procedures were shown to be effective in treating early-stage EC, and while these findings provide support for their usage, larger multicenter randomized controlled studies are required to verify these results and further examine possible long-term advantages. Patients with early-stage EC, regardless of histologic type, had superior survival rates with MIS compared to OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung carcinoid tumours are neuroendocrine neoplasms originating from the bronchopulmonary tract's neuroendocrine cells, accounting for only 1%–3% of all lung cancers but 30% of all neuroendocrine tumours. The incidence of lung carcinoids, both typical and atypical, has been increasing over the years due to improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness among clinicians and pathologists. The most recent WHO classification includes a subgroup of lung carcinoids with atypical morphology and higher mitotic count and/or Ki67 labelling index. Despite appropriate surgery, the 5‐year survival rate for atypical carcinoids barely exceeds 50%–70%. The role of adjuvant therapy in lung carcinoids is not well‐defined, and clinical decisions are generally based on the presence of high‐risk features. Long‐term follow‐up is essential to monitor for recurrence, although the optimal follow‐up protocol remains unclear. To address the lack of consensus in clinical management decisions, the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) initiated a survey among 20 expert centres. The survey identified varied opinions on approaches to imaging, surgery, use of adjuvant therapy, and follow‐up protocols. Notably, the absence of dedicated multidisciplinary lung neuroendocrine tumour boards in some centres was evident. Experts agreed on the need for a prospective adjuvant trial in high‐risk patients, emphasizing the feasibility of such a study. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for a more uniform adoption of existing guidelines in the management of lung carcinoid tumours and emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to advance research and patient care. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is vital for effective long‐term surveillance and management of these rare tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cancer is a prevalent global issue, with oral squamous cell carcinoma constituting the majority of cases. Standard treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are available but may have adverse effects. Molecular gene therapy, focusing on genetic mutations linked to oral cancer, presents a promising alternative.In this study, we evaluated 27 chemotherapeutic drugs and 63 Chinese herbal medicines for their effectiveness, categorized them by their cellular mechanisms, and identified potential adjuvant therapy candidates for oral cancer. Our findings highlight the impact of natural flavonoids on oral cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and confirming their potential in molecular genetic analysis. In conclusion, the natural compounds present in Chinese herbal medicine, particularly flavonoids, offer a promising avenue to target specific genetic mutations in oral cancer cells. This approach may reduce the risks associated with oral cancer treatment and pave the way for innovative adjuvant therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examined process‐related quality metrics for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) depending on treating facility type across a health system and region. Study Design: Retrospective in accordance with Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Setting: Single health system and region. Methods: Patients with OSCC diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 were identified from tumor registries of 6 hospitals (1 academic and 5 community) within a single health system. Patients were categorized into 3 care groups: (1) solely at the academic center, (2) solely at community facilities, and (3) combined care at academic and community facilities. Primary outcome measures were process‐related quality metrics: positive surgical margin rate, lymph node yield (LNY), adjuvant treatment initiation ≤6 weeks, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)‐guideline adherence. Results: A total of 499 patients were included: 307 (61.5%) patients in the academic‐only group, 101 (20.2%) in the community‐only group, and 91 (18.2%) in the combined group. Surgery at community hospitals was associated with increased odds of positive surgical margins (11.9% vs 2.5%, odds ratio [OR]: 47.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.2‐275.86, P <.001) and lower odds of LNY ≥ 18 (52.8% vs 85.9%, OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07‐0.33, P <.001) relative to the academic center. Compared with the academic‐only group, odds of adjuvant treatment initiation ≤6 weeks were lower for the combined group (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.13‐0.64, P =.002) and odds of NCCN guideline‐adherent treatment were lower in the community only group (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18‐0.70, P =.003). Conclusion: Quality of oral cancer care across the health system and region is comparable to or better‐than national standards, indicating good baseline quality of care. Differences by facility type and fragmentation of care present an opportunity for bringing best in‐class cancer care across an entire region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a major global health challenge, with high incidence rates and ongoing treatment debates. Adjuvant chemotherapy benefits for high-risk subgroups, particularly stage II disease, remain controversial. This study seeks to clarify this issue by specifically examining the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with T4 colon cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients undergoing radical surgery for T4 colon cancer between 2002 and 2023. Results: Our study of 184 pT4 pN0 colon cancer patients revealed that 79.3% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant DFS improvement: a 60% reduction in risk for those who received adjuvant therapy (0.40 95% CI: 0.25–0.62, p < 0.001). Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and adjuvant treatment were also significantly associated with OS. Adjuvant treatment reduced mortality by 60% (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23–0.68, p = 0.001). Patients with LVI had a 1.9-fold increase in mortality (HR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.17–3.20, p = 0.011). These findings underscore the potential value of adjuvant chemotherapy and highlight the importance of treatment completion in managing T4 colon cancer. Conclusions: Our study identifies LVI and adjuvant chemotherapy as key prognostic factors in T4 colon cancer patients. These results support the consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer characterized by significant molecular and cellular heterogeneity, which complicates treatment efforts. Current standard therapies, including surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, often fail to achieve long-term remission due to tumor recurrence and resistance. A pro-oxidant environment is involved in glioma progression, with oxidative stress contributing to the genetic instability that leads to gliomagenesis. Evaluating pro-oxidant therapies in brain tumors is crucial due to their potential to selectively target and eradicate cancer cells by exploiting the elevated oxidative stress levels inherent in these malignant cells, thereby offering a novel and effective strategy for overcoming resistance to conventional therapies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of doxorubicin (DOX) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Me-ALA, focusing on their effects on redox homeostasis. Basal ROS levels and antioxidant gene expression (NFE2L2, CAT, GSR) were quantitatively assessed across GBM cell lines, revealing significant variability probably linked to genetic differences. DOX and PDT treatments, both individually and in combination, were analyzed for their efficacy in inducing oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. An in silico analysis further explored the relationship between gene mutations and oxidative stress in GBM patients, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying treatment responses. Our findings suggest that pro-oxidant therapies, such as DOX and PDT in combination, could selectively target GBM cells, highlighting a promising avenue for improving therapeutic outcomes in GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program consists of an immunohistochemical faecal occult blood test, targeting adults aged 50–74. Existing literature supports the principle of early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) via national screening, but little is known about the association between colonoscopy or polypectomy rates and CRC stage over time. The aim of this study is to identify the longitudinal change to colonoscopy and polypectomy rates, and any stage shift associated with this screening program. Methods: A retrospective data‐linkage study was performed using the Australian national health database (Medicare) to obtain colonoscopy and polypectomy rates between 1998 and 2017. A second prospective database of CRC resection specimens was analysed for this period. The cohort was divided based on time intervals related to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: pre‐commencement 1998–2006 (Period A), immediately post‐commencement 2007–2011 (Period B), and subsequent years 2012–2017 (Period C). Linear regression was used to test relation between annualized predictor and response variables. Results: Annual colonoscopy rates doubled, and polypectomy rates tripled during the study (P < 0.001). Annual colonoscopy rate correlated to a lower T‐stage (P = 0.038) and lower N‐stage (P = 0.026), and there was a 7% increase in early CRC (stage I–II) in Period C (P < 0.001). Across the study period there was also a significant increase in right‐sided tumours, and concurrent MMR deficiency and BRAF mutation. Conclusion: Polypectomy and colonoscopy rates increased after the introduction of the National Bowel Cancer screening program. There was a clinically significant shift to earlier CRC stage which manifested 5 years after its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of adjuvant treatment has significantly enhanced the survival of patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying driver gene mutations. However, adjuvant-targeted therapy remains controversial for some NSCLC patients carrying rare gene mutations such as RET, as there is currently a lack of confirmed randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy. In this report, we describe the case of a 58-year-old man with stage IIIA NSCLC who underwent complete lobectomy with selective lymph node dissection. Postoperative next-generation sequencing revealed that the patient harbored a rare KIF13A-RET fusion. The patient elected to receive adjuvant treatment with pralsetinib monotherapy and underwent serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring after surgery. During follow-up, despite experiencing dose reduction and irregular medication adherence, the patient still achieved a satisfactory disease-free survival (DFS) of 27 months. Furthermore, ctDNA predicted tumor recurrence 4 months earlier than imaging techniques. The addition of bevacizumab to the original regimen upon recurrence continued to be beneficial. Pralsetinib demonstrated promising efficacy as adjuvant therapy, while ctDNA analysis offered a valuable tool for early detection of tumor recurrence. By leveraging targeted therapies and innovative monitoring techniques, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for NSCLC patients in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the incidences of hypogonadism, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in patients with stage 1 seminoma (S1S) testicular cancer (TC) treated with a risk-adapted strategy. Methods: A retrospective analysis from 2000 to 2020 was conducted. Active surveillance (AS), carboplatin one cycle, and carboplatin two cycles were offered according to risk factors. Cumulative incidences and relapse-free survival (RFS) were estimated. Results: Of the 145 patients, 8 (5.4%) were excluded due to bilateral TC or hypogonadism at diagnosis. Median follow-up time was 8.2 years. Eighty-four, 30, and 33 patients were treated with AS, carboplatin one cycle, and carboplatin two cycles, respectively. In the overall population, the 5-year and 10-year cumulative incidences were 1.6% and 5.3% for hypogonadism; 2.0% and 8.6% for hypertension; and 12.4% and 25.1% for dyslipidaemia. No statistically significant differences were found in the incidences among the three adjuvant strategies. Five-year and 10-year RFS were 85.9% and 83.3% for AS; 92.4% and 84.0% for carboplatin one cycle; and 96.7% at both times for carboplatin two cycles. Conclusion: There were no statistically differences in cumulative incidences of hypogonadism, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in S1S patients treated with a risk-adapted strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: S-1 has been shown to be an effective adjuvant treatment option for East Asian patients who underwent gastrectomy for stage II/III gastric cancer. We conducted a phase I/II study to evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of administering S-1 in the adjuvant setting after R0-resection of adenocarcinoma of the stomach and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) in Caucasian patients. Methods: In this single-cohort, open-label, phase I/II trial, we enrolled patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or EGJ having undergone R0-resection with or without neoadjuvant treatment. One treatment cycle consisted of oral S-1 (30 mg/m2 bid) for 14 days. Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks for 18 cycles (54 weeks). Primary endpoint was feasibility and tolerability. Safety was evaluated according to the Common Toxicity Criteria Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Secondary endpoints were 1-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, RFS, and overall survival (OS). Results: Between October 2015 and February 2018, 32 patients were enrolled in 12 German centers, and 30 started adjuvant study treatment. Seventeen patients completed all 18 cycles. Two patients terminated study treatment early due to adverse events (AEs), 7 due to patient's or investigator's decision, and 4 due to recurrence or distant metastasis during adjuvant therapy. Dose levels were reduced to 25 mg/m2 in 9 patients and to 20 mg/m2 in 1 patient. Of patients completing all 18 cycles, 5 did so with reduced dosage of S-1. Documented grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia, diarrhea, vomiting, polyneuropathy, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia, and rash. Serious AEs were observed in 7 patients. Median RFS was 32.2 months. One-year RFS rate was 77%. Data on OS were still premature at the end of the study. Conclusion: Adjuvant treatment with S-1 for 1 year is a feasible and safe treatment option for Caucasian patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma or cancer of the EGJ after R0-resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The goal of this analysis was to assess the prognostic value of the post-treatment serum CA 125 level in each member of a group of advanced endometrial cancer (aEC) patients in comparison to other clinical and pathological parameters. Material and methods: Records of 266 patients treated at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch between the years 2006 and 2018 were included in the study. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 138 months. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were set as the endpoints. The tests chi-squared, Fisher, log-rank, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Cox proportional hazard ratio were used for statistical analyses. Results: In the analysed group, there was a significant association between an elevated serum CA 125 level following adjuvant treatment and shorter PFS and OS. After setting a cut-off value for CA 125 there was a statistically significant correlation between the marker and PFS and OS. Multivariate analysis indicated that the post-treatment serum CA 125 level is an independent prognostic factor of the course of aEC. Conclusions: The post-treatment serum CA 125 level correlates significantly with both PFS and OS in each patient with aEC. The marker is an independent prognostic factor in this group. A low post-treatment level of the marker is a strong indicator of good 5-year survival, with 82% of patients reaching 5-year OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, dangerous, potentially fatal infectious disease of soft tissue. The treatment consists of antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement and subsequent reconstruction. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been applied in NF patients recently, so our aim was to gather the findings and outcomes for HBO therapy. A PubMed and Google Scholar literature search was conducted regarding the effect of HBO therapy in patients with NF following key words: 'necrotizing fasciitis' AND 'maxillofacial region' OR 'head and neck' AND 'hyperbaric oxygen' OR 'HBO'. A total of 3333 studies have been identified, of which only 16 articles met the inclusion criteria of this review. A conclusion was made, that aggressive combinations of antibiotics and surgical debridement followed by incorporation of HBO therapy, as an adjuvant treatment, in patients with NF and in company by immunoglobulin therapy are showing promising results. In addition, multi‐centric studies should be in consideration for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives The ALINE trial demonstrated the superiority of alectinib over platinum‐based chemotherapy in resected Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Considering the high cost of alectinib, this study aimed to evaluate the economic value of alectinib compared to platinum‐based chemotherapy for treating early‐stage ALK‐positive NSCLC from the perspective of the Chinese health care system. Materials and Methods We developed a five‐state Markov model with monthly cycles to estimate the lifetime costs, life‐years (LYs), quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in terms of cost per LY gained and per QALY gained. Costs were obtained from database, expert opinions and published literature, and utilities were primarily derived from a multicenter cross‐sectional study based on the Chinese population. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 5% per year. Sensitivity analyses and scenario analyses were conducted to assess uncertainty in model results. Results Compared to platinum‐based chemotherapy, alectinib increased total costs by $16,245 and provided gains of 2.02 LYs and 1.84 QALYs over a lifetime horizon. ICERs were $8,052/LY and $8,806/QALY. The ICER in terms of cost per QALY gained was most sensitive to the outcome discount rate. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated a 93% probability of alectinib being cost‐effective at a willing‐to pay (WTP) threshold of $12,367/QALY (1 GDP per capita), rising to 100% at $37,100/QALY (3 GDP per capita). Conclusion Alectinib appears to be the preferred cost‐effective option in the adjuvant treatment for Chinese patients with resected early‐stage ALK‐positive NSCLC.

Background and purpose: Adjuvant endocrine treatment (AET) is crucial in early oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC), providing reduced recurrence rate and increased overall survival. The aim of this study was to estimate AET adherence rates by age at diagnosis and region in Sweden. Patients and methods: In total, 10,422 women diagnosed with ER-positive BC in 2008–2010 were identified in the Swedish National BC Registry. Information on prescriptions and dispensation of AET was gathered through record linkage to the Swedish Prescription Registry. 1, 3- and 5-year medication possession ratios (MPRs) were calculated. Good adherence was set as MPR ≥ 80%. Results: The 1-, 3- and 5-year AET age-adjusted adherence rates were 94.4, 87.6 and 81.6%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5- year adherence rate was significantly highest in the South region (96.2, 90.5 and 86.2%). Regions with an oncologic clinic had higher adherence rate than regions without, 82.8% versus 75.5% at 5-year FU. Women at age 40–64 years (95.6, 89.9 and 84.1%) and 65–74 years at diagnosis (95.7, 89.5 and 84.6%) had significantly higher adherence rate than women ≥ 75 years at diagnosis (89.1, 79.2 and 68.3%). Interpretations: Despite guidelines being national, there were significant differences in adherence between regions in Sweden. As the largest differences were between age groups invited and not invited to mammography screening intervention should focus on women < 40 and ≥ 75 years at diagnosis. Further studies are needed to find strategies to increase overall adherence to AET in early BC.

Giant congenital pigmented nevi constitute an extremely diverse group of skin lesions with varying morphologies. These nevi are often associated with many clinical implications, such as increased risk of melanoma and the presence of neurocutaneous melanosis, with melanoma being the primary concern. We present a rare case of a 62-year-old patient with a giant congenital birthmark who reported to the oncology department due to a tumor in the lower abdomen detected during an ultrasound examination. A biopsy of the lesion showed the presence of melanoma metastasis. Four independent dermatologists performed a dermoscopic examination of the patient’s skin and mucous membranes. In the PET/CT examination, apart from the previously described change in the lower abdomen, no metabolically active foci with features of malignant growth were found. The patient underwent surgical removal of the lesion in the lower abdomen. The postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the presence of metastasis of melanoma in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen with no connection to the epidermis. The BRAFV600 mutation was not found in the molecular test. For stage IV R0 melanoma with distant metastasis, with stage T0N0M1a, the only adjuvant treatment option following radical resection is nivolumab. After a rheumatological consultation, the patient was qualified for adjuvant treatment with nivolumab.

Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main pathological type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80%. Approximately 30% of all patients with NSCLC have resectable early and middle stage disease at the time of diagnosis. Recently, the epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have made a major breakthrough in the adjuvant targeted therapy of EGFR-mutated resectable NSCLC, and are recommended by the guidelines for clinical use. In this review, we summarize the clinical research progress of perioperative adjuvant targeted therapy for EGFR-mutated resectable NSCLC, and discuss the key issues in the clinical researches.

Objective We aimed to predict the risk of postoperative adjuvant therapy using preoperative variables in young patients with early stage cervical cancer. The predicted risk can guide whether ovarian transposition should be performed during surgery. Methods In total, 886 patients with stage IB1-IIA cervical cancer aged 20–45 years who underwent modified radical or radical hysterectomy between January 2000 and December 2008 were included. Preoperative variables, preoperative laboratory findings, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stage, tumor size, and pathological variables were collected. Patients with high risk factors or those who met the Sedlis criteria were considered adjuvant therapy risk (+); others were considered adjuvant therapy risk (−). A decision-tree model using preoperative variables was constructed to predict the risk of adjuvant therapy. Results Of 886 patients, 362 were adjuvant therapy risk (+) (40.9%). The decision-tree model with four distinct adjuvant therapy risks using tumor size and age were generated. Specifically, patients with tumor size ≤2.45 cm had low risk (49/367; 13.4%), those with tumor size ≤3.85 cm and >2.45 cm had moderate risk (136/314; 43.3%), those with tumor size >3.85 cm and age ≤39.5 years had high risk (92/109; 84.4%), and those with tumor size >3.85 cm and age >39.5 years had the highest risk (85/96; 88.5%). Conclusion The risk of postoperative adjuvant therapy in young patients with early stage cervical cancer can be predicted using preoperative variables. We can decide whether ovarian transposition should be performed using the predicted risk.

Objective: In advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), adjuvant therapy (AT) is an important part of the treatment to ensure extended locoregional control after primary surgical resection. The impact of the time interval between surgery and AT on the oncological prognosis remains unclear, particularly in high-risk constellations. The aim of this study is to categorize treatment delays and to determine their impact on the oncological prognosis within the context of the histopathological risk parameters of patients with advanced OSCC. Methods: In this single-institutional retrospective cohort study, all patients treated for OSCC between 2016 and 2021 and who received postoperative chemoradiation (POCRT) were included. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I: = 6 weeks between surgery and POCRT; and Group II: > 6 weeks between surgery and POCRT. Results: Overall, 202 patients were included (Group I: 156 (77.2%) vs. Group II: 46 (22.8%)). There were no statistically significant differences in epidemiological aspects and histopathological risk factors between the two groups. The maximum time to initiation of POCRT was 11 weeks. Delayed POCRT initiation had no statistically significant influence on the 5-year OS (61.6% vs. 57.3%, p = 0.89), locoregional control rate (38.6% vs. 43.3%, p = 0.57), and RFS (32.3% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.21). On multivariate analysis, extracapsular spread (HR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.21 - 4.04, p = 0.01) and incomplete surgical resection (HR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.10 - 3.69, p = 0.02) were significantly correlated with OS. For RFS, ECS (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.15 - 2.86, p = 0.01), incomplete resection (HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04 - 2.71, p = 0.04), and vascular infiltration of the tumor (V-stage; HR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.08 - 4.27, p = 0.03) were significant risk predictors. Conclusion: Delays in POCRT initiation up to 11 weeks after surgical resection for advanced OSCC were not statistically significantly associated with impaired survival. In cases of prolonged surgical treatment due to management of complications, a small delay in AT beyond the recommended time limit may be justified and AT should still be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare condition, with limited comprehensive reports from Japan. This study aimed to review Japan's data on adrenocortical carcinoma by assessing information from 46 patients—with adrenocortical carcinoma across 10 Japanese university hospitals. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multi‐institutional analysis of the clinical characteristics of adrenocortical carcinoma in Japan. We evaluated data from 46 patients across 10 university hospitals over 10 years and analyzed the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival. Results: Five‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates were 59% and 53%, respectively. Overall survival was significantly different among the tumor–node–metastasis system for adrenocortical carcinoma of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer, with the worst prognosis in stage IV (p = 0.0044). In our cohort, neither the Weiss score nor the Ki‐67 proliferation index correlated with overall survival. Adjuvant treatment did not yield improved overall survival, whereas resection of the primary tumor in stage IV disease was significantly associated with improved overall survival (p = 0.0262). Out of the cases evaluated for plasma hormones, plasma cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and DHEA‐S levels were measured at 23%, 42%, 29%, and 62%, respectively, demonstrating higher levels than the upper normal limits. Conclusion: Patients with stage IV adrenocortical carcinoma had a poor prognosis; however, resection of the primary tumor in stage IV disease was associated with prolonged survival. The results of this study are expected to contribute to future treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adjuvant treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD1-antibodies (ICI) ± CTLA4-antibodies (cICI) or targeted therapy with BRAF/MEK inhibitors (TT), has shown a significant improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) for high-risk melanoma patients. However, due to specific side effects, the choice of treatment is often influenced by the risk of toxicity. Therefore, the role of physicians in treatment decisions of patients is crucial. This study investigated for the first time in a multicenter setting the attitudes and preferences of dermatooncologists in Germany and Switzerland regarding adjuvant treatment with (c)ICI and TT. Methods: In the GERMELATOX-A study, 108 physicians (median age: 32 yrs, 67.6% female) from 11 skin cancer centers were surveyed to rate typical side effect scenarios of (c)ICI and TT treatments and then compared to patients’ ratings evaluated in a previous analysis from the same centers. The scenarios described mild-to-moderate or severe toxicity and included melanoma relapse leading to death. The physicians were asked about the level of side effects they would tolerate in exchange for a reduction in melanoma relapse and an increase in survival at 5 years. Results: The preferences of physicians and patients revealed significant differences regarding adjuvant melanoma treatment with (c)ICI and TT (p < 0.05). Compared to patients, physicians tend to value a melanoma relapse less severe, according to a visual analog scale. They were also less threatened by all scenarios of side effects during adjuvant treatment with (c)ICI or TT, compared to patients. Physicians required lower risk reductions for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for both ICI and TT and their drug-related side effects to accept these treatments. In case of severe side effects, physicians required similar 5-year DFS rates for ICI and TT (60–65%), while patients needed a 15% improvement of 5-year DFS for ICI compared to TT (80%/65%). For survival, physicians expected an OS improvement of + 10% for all three treatment modalities, whereas patients required a higher increase: + 18–22% for ICI and + 15% for TT. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of understanding the patient’s perspective and a potential difference to the doctor’s view when making decisions about adjuvant melanoma treatment with (c)ICI and TT, especially as these treatments are increasingly being implemented in earlier stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tumor-to-stroma ratio is a highly debated prognostic factor in the management of several solid tumors and there is no universal agreement on its practicality. In our study, we proposed confirming or dismissing the hypothesis that a simple measurement of stroma quantity is an easy-to-use and strong prognostic tool. We have included 74 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer who underwent primary curative abdominal surgery. The tumors have been grouped into stroma-poor (stroma < 10%), medium-stroma (between 10 and 50%) and stroma-rich (over 50%). The proportion of tumor stroma ranged from 5% to 70% with a median of 25%. Very few, only 6.8% of patients, had stroma-rich tumors, 4% had stroma-poor tumors and 89.2% had tumors with a medium quantity of stroma. The proportion of stroma, at any cut-off, had no statistically significant influence on the disease-specific survival. This can be explained by the low proportion of stroma-rich tumors in our patient group and the inverse correlation between stroma proportion and tumor grade. The real-life proportion of stroma-rich tumors and the complex nature of the stroma–tumor interaction has to be further elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Brazil and in many countries around the world. In order to minimize the risk of recurrence and death, adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) is used in women whose tumors express hormone receptors; however, the therapy is associated with low rates of compliance. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the proportion of patients who are adherent/non-adherent to AET at the beginning of the therapy (1st year) and at its end (5th year). Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing adherence through the Brief Medication Questionnaire. Results: It was identified that eventual failures in maintaining the correct adherence to the treatment have risen from 23% of patients in the 1st year of treatment to 35% of patients in the 5th year (p = 0.005). In both groups, use of aromatase inhibitors, polypharmacy of at least 3 mediations and the previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) or systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) have contributed to low adherence among patients. Conclusion: The proportion of patients who are not adherent to AET was high in both cohorts, and the rate of non-adherent patients rises over time. It is essential to incorporate screening methods for lack of compliance to AET, as well as measures to try to reduce non-persistence to the treatment, such as educating the patients on the benefits of the treatment, managing comorbidities through lifestyle changes and, therefore, reducing polypharmacy and, above all, detecting and treating very early the adverse effects of AET that might interfere with its correct use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) syndrome leads to chronic inflammatory state onset that can have a multisystem impact and compromise organ function. Moreover, long COVID syndrome is often characterized by the presence of chronic fatigue, which affects subjects' daily activities and worsens their quality of life. The aim of our double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial (protocol code RS 150.21, approved on 4 November 2021) was to evaluate the beneficial effects of the consumption of 2 cps/day, for two months, of an oral food supplement (OFS), based on Echinacea angustifolia, rosehip, propolis, royal jelly and zinc, in long COVID patients, compared to a two-month placebo period. The OFS's vitamin C content was equal to 22.17 mg/g (8.87 mg/capsule). The OFS's total polyphenol content was 43.98 mg/g gallic acid equivalents. At the end of the in vivo study, we highlighted a significant decrease in the inflammatory parameters in the OFS period, compared to the placebo period (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0455; monocyte to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0005; C-reactive protein, p = 0.0145). Our study also highlighted a significant increase in vitamin D serum values (p = 0.0005) and, at the same time, an improvement in patients' life quality and a reduction in fatigue, monitored by the fatigue severity scale. This study showed the OFS's beneficial effects on the inflammatory state, fatigue and quality of life in long COVID patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]