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Breast carcinosarcoma is a rare malignancy accounting for approximately 0.08–0.2% of all breast tumours. It is a type of metaplastic mammary carcinoma displaying biphasic differentiation with epithelial and mesenchymal cellular characteristics with probable derivation from myoepithelial cells.

IntroductionPandemic COVID-19 is an unexpected challenge for the oncological community, indicating potential detrimental effects on cancer patients. Our aim was to summarize the converging key points providing a general guidance in order to support decision making, pertaining to the oncologic care in the middle of a global outbreak.MethodsWe did an international online search in twenty five countries that have managed a surge in cancer patient numbers. We collected the recommendations from thirty one medical oncology societies.ResultsBy synthesizing guidelines for a) oncology service delivery adjustments, b) general and specific treatment adaptations, and c) discrepancies from guidelines comparison, we present a clinical synopsis with the forty more crucial statements. A Covid-19 risk stratification base was also created in order to obtain a quick, objective patient assessment and a risk-benefit evaluation on a case-by-case basis.ConclusionsIn an attempt to face these complex needs and due to limited understanding of COVID-19, a variability of recommendations based on general epidemiological and infectious disease principles rather than definite cancer-related evidence has evolved. Additionally, the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine requires the development of cancer management guidance, capitalizing on comprehensive COVID-19 oncology experience globally.

Background/Objectives: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a vital role in cell proliferation and survival, with its overexpression linked to various malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a key therapeutic strategy, acquired resistance and relapse remain challenges. This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate novel rhenium-based complexes incorporating EGFR TKIs to enhance anticancer efficacy, particularly in radiosensitization. Methods: We synthesized a rhenium tricarbonyl complex (Complex 2) and its 99mTc analog (Complex 2') by incorporating triphenylphosphine instead of bromine as the monodentate ligand and P F 6 − as the counter-ion, resulting in a positively charged compound that forms cationic structures. Cytotoxicity and EGFR inhibition were evaluated in A431 cells overexpressing EGFR using MTT assays, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Radiosensitization was tested through MTT and clonogenic assays. The 99mTc complex's radiochemical yield, stability, and lipophilicity were also assessed. Results: Complex 2 exhibited significant cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 2.6 μM and EGFR phosphorylation inhibition with an IC50 of 130.6 nM. Both complex 1 and 2 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, with Complex 2 causing apoptosis. Radiosensitization was observed at doses above 2 Gy. Complex 2' demonstrated high stability and favorable lipophilicity (LogD7.4 3.2), showing 12% cellular uptake after 30 min. Conclusions: Complexes 2 and 2' show promise as dual-function anticancer agents, offering EGFR inhibition, apoptosis induction, and radiosensitization. Their potential as radiopharmaceuticals warrants further in-depth investigation in preclinical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as a locally effective therapeutic approach for liver oligometastases from tumors of various origin is well established. We investigated the role of robotic SBRT (rSBRT) treatment on oligometastatic patients with liver lesions. Material and Methods: This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The PubMed and Scopus databases were accessed by two independent investigators concerning robotic rSBRT for liver metastases, up to 3 October 2023. Results: In total, 15 studies, including 646 patients with 847 lesions that underwent rSBRT, were included in our systematic review. Complete response (CR) after rSBRT was achieved in 40.5% (95% CI, 36.66–44.46%), partial response (PR) in 19.01% (95% CI, 16.07–22.33%), whereas stable disease (SD) was recorded in 14.38% (95% CI, 11.8–17.41%) and progressive disease (PD) in 13.22% (95% CI, 10.74–16.17%) of patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) rates at 12 and 24 months were estimated at 61.49% (95% CI, 57.01–65.78%) and 32.55% (95% CI, 28.47–36.92%), respectively, while the overall survival (OS) rates at 12 and 24 months were estimated at 58.59% (95% CI, 53.67–63.33%) and 44.19% (95% CI, 39.38–49.12%), respectively. Grade 1 toxicity was reported in 13.81% (95% CI, 11.01–17.18%), Grade 2 toxicity in 5.57% (95% CI, 3.82–8.01%), and Grade 3 toxicity in 2.27% (955 CI, 1.22–4.07%) of included patients. Conclusions: rSBRT represents a promising method achieving local control with minimal toxicity in a significant proportion of patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of rSBRT in the management of metastatic liver lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no clear evidence on whether radiotherapy (RT) improves treatment result in patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS).

Simple Summary: This study aims to explore the connection between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and the programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway in gastric cancer (GC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise in cancer treatment. Here, we investigate their potential in GC. TAMs, abundant in the tumor microenvironment (TME), can express PD-1, which interacts with PD-L1 on cancer cells. This systematic review indicates that high PD-L1 expression correlates with increased TAM infiltration and may lead to worse patient outcomes. This suggests that TAMs could be crucial in regulating the PD-1/PD-L1 network in GC. Enhanced comprehension of this intricate relationship may offer opportunities for optimizing the efficacy of ICIs in this malignancy. Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and aggressive types of cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have proven effective in treating various types of cancer. The use of ICIs in GC patients is currently an area of ongoing research. The tumor microenvironment (TME) also seems to play a crucial role in cancer progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant population in the TME. TAMs are capable of displaying programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on their surface and can form a ligand with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is found on the surface of cancer cells. Therefore, it is expected that TAMs may significantly influence the immune response related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Aim of the study: Understanding the role of TAMs and PD-1/PD-L1 networking in GC. Methods: A systematic review of published data was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane databases. We retrieved articles investigating the co-existence of TAMs and PD-1 in GC and the prognosis of patients expressing high levels of PD-1+ TAMs. Results: Ten articles with a total of 2277 patients were included in the systematic review. The examined data suggest that the expression of PD-L1 has a positive correlation with the infiltration of TAMs and that patients who express high levels of PD-1+ TAMs may have a worse prognosis than those who express low levels of PD-1+ TAMs. Conclusions: TAMs play a pivotal role in the regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 networking and the progression of GC cells. Nevertheless, additional studies are needed to better define the role of TAMs and PD-1/PD-L1 networking in GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Alexandros. Gerontopoulos, Eftychia. Mosa, Filippo. Alongi, Ioannis. Kokakis, Haytham. Saraireh, Nikolaos. Tsoukalas, Nikolaos. Charalampakis, Konstantinos. Tsanadis, Konstantinos. Tsapakidis, Maragkouli. Eleni, Christos. Christopoulos, Maria. Tolia Aim: The malignant psoas syndrome [...]