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This article examines the influence that digital life stories (DLS) can have on cancer research, using the PARCA1 project as an example. After describing the theoretical framework of DLS, we present the PARCA1 project. The PARCA1 project was anchored in the French context (Grand Est region) and aimed at producing knowledge on patients' experience of the cancer pathway through DLS. It involved 10 patients chosen to favor heterogeneity in profiles and experiences of illness. The paper describes the digital tool and the life stories methodology used to accompany the DLS. Next, it presents the methods and strategies used by participants to complete their DLS and the relationship between people with cancer and the accompanying researcher. Following this, we present (1) the impact of DLS on people with cancer, i.e., their progressive engagement in research, and (2) the impact on research, i.e., the methodological impact of people with cancer on research. In the discussion and conclusion, we explore how DLS can impact individuals who engage in them and their role in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major reason for biomarker failure is the selection of candidate biomarkers based on inaccurate or incorrect published results. Incorrect research results leading to the selection of unproductive biomarker candidates are largely considered to stem from unintentional research errors. The additional possibility that biomarker research may be actively misdirected by research fraud has been given comparatively little consideration. This review discusses what we believe to be a new threat to biomarker research, namely, the possible systematic production of fraudulent gene knockdown studies that target under-studied human genes. We describe how fraudulent papers may be produced in series by paper mills using what we have described as a 'theme and variations' model, which could also be considered a form of salami slicing. We describe features of these single-gene knockdown publications that may allow them to evade detection by journal editors, peer reviewers, and readers. We then propose a number of approaches to facilitate their detection, including improved awareness of the features of publications constructed in series, broader requirements to post submitted manuscripts to preprint servers, and the use of semi-automated literature screening tools. These approaches may collectively improve the detection of fraudulent studies that might otherwise impede future biomarker research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on several studies on U-shaped dose-response relationship for chemical or radiation carcinogenesis and its implications for cancer risk assessment. Analysis of the impact of radon on lung cancer; Discussion of a model on U-shaped number response of altered hepatic foci and focal volume as functions of administered tetrachlorodibenzodioxin.

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction occurs in up to 50% of people with advanced ovarian and 15% of people with gastrointestinal cancers. Evaluation and comparison of interventions to manage symptoms are hampered by inconsistent evaluations of efficacy and lack of agreed core outcomes. The patient perspective is rarely incorporated. Aim: To synthesise the qualitative data regarding patient, caregiver and healthcare professionals' views and experience of malignant bowel obstruction to inform the development of a core outcome set for the evaluation of malignant bowel obstruction. Design: A qualitative systematic review was conducted, with narrative synthesis. The review protocol was registered prospectively (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, CRD42020176393). Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2021. Reference lists were screened for further relevant publications, and citation tracking was performed. Results: Nine papers were included, reporting on seven studies which described the views and experiences of malignant bowel obstruction through the perspectives of 75 patients, 13 caregivers and 62 healthcare professionals. Themes across the papers included symptom burden, diverse experiences of interventions, impact on patient quality of life, implications and trajectory of malignant bowel obstruction, mixed experience of communication and the importance of realistic goals of care. Conclusion: Some of the most devastating sequelae of malignant bowel obstruction, such as pain and psychological distress, are not included routinely in its clinical or research evaluation. These data will contribute to a wider body of work to ensure the patient and caregiver perspective is recognised in the development of a core outcome set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing recognition that social risk factors influence individual and population health has generated stakeholder support in the promotion of health equity, bridging partnerships across health care, public health, and social service sectors. The integration of social care into health care delivery requires routine screening to identify and address health-related social needs (HRSN). Screening tools must be short, accessible, and inclusive and accurately reflect potential risks to prioritize tailored interventions. However, HRSNs are also sensitive and can prompt additional ethical concerns when integrated with clinical practice in medical care. This paper examines the psychometric properties of three stakeholder-driven HRSN screening tools to identify adverse, unmet risks among oncology patients. Further research is needed to ensure social needs initiatives protect sensitive social data in electronic health records and that patients with complex medical and social needs receive comprehensive resources through targeted service connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on studies which described a mechanistic cancer model fit to U-shaped dose-response data on enzymatically altered hepatocellular foci in rats. Prediction of a U-shaped dose-response relation; Discussion on a dose-response function involving a linear ratio modelling competing saturable activation and repair processes.

The article focuses on the issue regarding optimal chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma as an adjuvant to surgery where surgical removal of the tumor is not possible. Optimal chemotherapy is defined as the prolongation of life and improvement of its quality with minimum side effects. It claims that prolongation of survival from epithelial carcinoma is very difficult to attain in which the aim of chemotherapy is to obtain a quality of life as near to normal as possible for as long as possible.

The article presents a study which discusses the murine models of colon cancer, colitis, and colitis-associated cancer in relation to the possibilities to clarify the connectedness of these diseases. It states that the implications of the study include the cells involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, and the discoveries of the pathogenesis of malignancies which serves as biomakers. The murine models have provided unique insights into pathogenesis and mechanisms to evaluate potential therapy.

The article presents a research review tracing the evolution of adrenocortical neoplasms. As drawn out from the early analysis of specimens of tumor in humans and animals, it is indicated that adrenocortical neoplasms encompasses both genetic and epigenetic alterations. It is being cited that the changes in epigenetic serve to expound the size of adrenal progenitor population and the probability of subsequent genetic alterations. Factors and signaling pathways in adrenal tumorigenesis are also determined.

Background: Respiratory depression is the most feared opioid-related side-effect yet research on the topic is sparse. We evaluated changes in respiratory parameters during parenteral opioid titration for cancer pain to determine if opioid titration was associated with evidence of hypoventilation. The primary outcome measure was to measure changes in end-tidal CO2 (ET-CO2) during opioid titration to pain control. Methods: Subjects with severe cancer pain admitted for parenteral opioid titration for poorly controlled pain were eligible. Those who were oxygen dependent were excluded. ET-CO2, O2 saturation, respiratory rate (RR), and vital signs were monitored daily until pain control was achieved. Results: 30 patients completed the study of which 29 are reported. The mean ET-CO2 at initial evaluation was 33.39±5.0 and 34.79±5.7 mmHg at pain control (P=0.14, 95% CI -0.5 to 3.3). None had an ET-CO2 ⩾50 mmHg. All maintained O2 saturation ⩾92%. RR dropped transiently below 10/minute in two subjects. Conclusions: Parenteral opioid titration for relief of cancer pain was not associated with respiratory depression as demonstrated by significant changes in ET-CO2 or oxygen saturation in non-oxygen dependent cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charles Hewitt Moore, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, practiced at Middlesex and St. Luke's Hospitals and was administratively active in The Medical and Chirurgical Society. From 1851 to 1868, he demonstrated expertise in general surgery and the lymphatic system; on pelvic deformity and disease; on the vascular system and aneurisms; on the etiology of cancer; and on the neurophysiology of sleep. He subscribed to two principles of medical investigation: anomalies can reveal new information; and the propagation of untested theory inhibited medical learning and practice. Translator of the German edition of Rokitansky's Handbook (vol. 3, 1851), Moore wrote twelve papers, three chapters for Holmes' System of Surgery (1860-1862), and two treatises. Renowned in vascular and cancer surgery, he combined ablation with ZnCl2 against cutaneous and breast cancer. Theorizing that ganglionic nerve tissue was involved in the sleep cycle, he anticipated modern investigations into the sleep-related activity of basal ganglia, the only nerve tissue of that kind in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with advanced cancer have an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism. Increasingly, patients are admitted to palliative care settings for brief admissions, with greater numbers of discharges (vs deaths) reported internationally. There is limited guidance around the use of thromboprophylaxis or incidence of venous thromboembolism for these patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the use of thromboprophylaxis as well as incidence of venous thromboembolism and bleeding in palliative care units or residential hospices for patients with advanced cancer. Design: A systematic review using Cochrane methods. Data sources: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched up to 28 September 2018 along with a grey literature search; the reference lists of selected papers were hand-searched. Inclusion criteria were original papers assessing thromboprophylaxis use in palliative care units or residential hospices for adult inpatients with cancer. Two reviewers independently selected and appraised papers using a tool designed for disparate data. Heterogeneity in study design made a meta-analysis not possible. Results: A total of 11 full-text papers (9 quantitative and 2 qualitative) and 11 abstracts were included. Thromboprophylaxis use ranged between 4% and 53%; venous thromboembolism rates between 0.5% and 20%; and bleeding incidence was between 0.01% and 9.8%. Risk assessment tools were used infrequently and adherence to international thromboprophylaxis guidelines ranged between 5% and 71%. Physician opinions differed around the use of thromboprophylaxis; patients were largely accepting of thromboprophylaxis if it was offered. Conclusion: There is limited evidence around the optimal use of thromboprophylaxis for patients with advanced cancer admitted to palliative care settings. Although some patients may derive benefit, further research in this area is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a valuable imaging modality widely used in the management of cancers. Its usage is well defined for most head and neck malignancies. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the utility of PET scan for sinonasal malignancies. This is highlighted by the latest international consensus statement on endoscopic skull base surgery. Objective: This systematic review aims to clarify the role of PET scan in the management of sinonasal malignancies. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases for research studies of interest. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) updated statement was used to guide the review. Results: In total, 1807 articles were assessed for eligibility. Thirty-nine original papers, published between 2004 and 2021, met inclusion criteria. Seven articles focused on the role of PET scan for inverted papilloma, 23 for sinonasal carcinoma, 4 for melanoma, and 3 for lymphoma, and finally, 3 articles focused on the use of specific PET scan tracers for sinonasal malignancies. Qualitative summaries for each potential role of PET scans were provided. In general, included studies were retrospective in nature with low level of evidence. Conclusions: In general, and across all types of sinonasal malignancies, PET scan yielded positive results regarding detection and initial staging. It was also considered as the modality of choice for detection of distant metastases, except in the case of sinonasal lymphoma. PET scan's main limit resides in its inability to detect lesions in or close to the metabolic activity of the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) 12 is a scaffolding protein that improves the specificity and efficiency of spatiotemporal signal through assembling intracellular signal proteins into a specific complex. AKAP12 is a negative mitogenic regulator that plays an important role in controlling cytoskeletal architecture, maintaining endothelial integrity, regulating glial function and forming blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood retinal barrier (BRB). Moreover, elevated or reduced AKAP12 contributes to a variety of diseases. Complex connections between AKAP12 and various diseases including chronic liver diseases (CLDs), inflammatory diseases and a series of cancers will be tried to delineate in this paper. We first describe the expression, distribution and physiological function of AKAP12. Then we summarize the current knowledge of different connections between AKAP12 expression and various diseases. Some research groups have found paradoxical roles of AKAP12 in different diseases and further confirmation is needed. This paper aims to assess the role of AKAP12 in physiology and diseases to help lay the foundation for the design of small molecules for specific AKAP12 to correct the pathological signal defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological bodies and their afflictions have multiplied in recent years, along with the specialists who study them. The result is a cascade of data, much of it difficult to reconcile. I argue that variable enactments of disease, rather than reflecting an epistemological disconnect or difference in scale, engender ontological gaps. To pursue these malleable matters, I trace the proliferation of "cancer" from the Spring Street Presbyterian Church burial vaults (1820–1850) in Manhattan. To explore the struggles involved in making many things one, I consider emergent multiplicities of this "disease" within specialists' laboratories, archival records, and the writing process. Rather than force these different cancers to cohere, or make one "win" based on disciplinary domain (science/humanities) or hierarchy of substance (bone/paper), I rely on Stengers's (2018) ecology of partial connects. The outcome is not a rubric of knowledge gained, but a sketchbook of lessons learned with bodies multiple along the way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attaining a successful career in cancer surgery depends on many choices. In this paper based on the Letton Lecture from the 2023 Southeastern Surgical Conference, Dr. Jennifer Tseng reflects on the choices that enabled her current work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are access, treatment and morbidity inequities for Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) with cancer in Aotearoa (New Zealand). This includes inequities in quality of life and experiences of the palliative care setting for Māori. This review included 20 papers that were identified through a combination of our literature review and key informant surveys. In this review, we consider the context of palliative care and cancer quality of care for Māori, draw on evidence regarding access and challenges for Māori with cancer in the palliative setting and discuss how to achieve palliative care equity for Māori with cancer. In Aotearoa, palliative care has fundamental underpinnings based on westernised understandings of health with a focus on addressing physical health aspects. Our findings highlight the misalignment of this approach with regard to Māori with cancer in the palliative care setting and to being able to fulfil their right to good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify how public health problems are identified, explained, and addressed in Scandinavian public health programmes. Methods: Recent public health white papers from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have been studied asking the following questions. How are policies and activities justified? Which problems and causes are identified? What is to be done? To what extent are the interpretations and suggested interventions in accordance with liberal or social democratic political ideals? Results: The programmes studied give similar reasons for dealing with public health, namely the wish to create good lives for citizens and to improve the economy of society. The health problems identified are almost the same: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal diseases, and mental illness. The Danish programme differs from its Norwegian and Swedish counterparts with regard to explanations and suggested solutions to the problems. It may be characterized as more liberal. While the Danish programme stresses the importance of individual behaviour, responsibility, and autonomy, the two others emphasize social relations, living conditions, and participation in addition to behavioural factors. Political responsibility for the health of the population is emphasized in the Norwegian and Swedish programmes. The Swedish programme, in particular, stresses common values such as equality and equal rights, and the significance of the welfare state. The Norwegian programme underlines the importance of empowering the individual, an ambition that could also be seen as a social liberal ambition to increase the self-determination of citizens. Conclusion: There is not one Scandinavian model in public health policy but several: a Danish model mainly adhering to liberal ideals, a Norwegian one that could tentatively be labelled social liberal, and a Swedish model adhering to more social democratic ideals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radiation dose from internal radiation exposure is difficult to measure directly and hence different lung models were developed. The dose on the lung is the result of the regional deposition of aerosols carrying radon daughters in the respiratory tract. Deposition of aerosols can be take place during inhalation and exhalation in the 5 regions of the respiratory tract due to variation of aerosol sizes and other biological factors such as breathing rate. In this paper, a modified breathing rate is instead applied on the assumptions developed by the ICRP66 model to analyze the regional deposition of radioactive aerosols and a comparison has been made with the result of ICRP66 model deposition. According to the result, as the diameter of aerosols increases from 1 to 10 μm, the percentage deposition fraction in extrathoracic regions, in ET1 region increases from 6.53% to 48.43% and in ET2 region increases from 7.3% to 50.33%. The aerodynamic deposition of the attached fraction of radon aerosols along the bronchial regions (bronchi (BB), and bronchiolar (bb) region) is found small and almost constant. For 1 μm diameter aerosols, the percentage deposition is found 0.82%, for 5 μm diameter aerosols, the deposition is predicted 2.56% and at 10 μm the deposition is predicted about 1.93% in bronchi (BB) region. In the bronchiolar region (bb) for 1 μm aerosols, the deposition predicted is 1.5% and at 10 μm about 0.88% is predicted. The deposition of small size attached fraction of radon aerosols is found maximum in the alveolar region as compared to other regions of the respiratory tract and the deposition becomes almost negligible for large size aerosols in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Siblings of youth with cancer are at risk for psychosocial difficulties and report unmet needs. Supporting siblings is a psychosocial standard of care; however, many barriers prevent this standard from being fully achieved. Transdisciplinary team science has potential to generate novel, real-world solutions to complex research problems and can be beneficial to addressing sibling needs within pediatric hematology/oncology nursing. This process paper aims to present a guiding framework for transdisciplinary team science using the experiences of the Sibling Partnership for Advocacy, Research, and Care in Childhood Cancer (SPARCCC) as an exemplar. Methods: SPARCCC employed an established model of transdisciplinary team-based research, which consisted of four phases: development, consultation, implementation, and translation. This transdisciplinary team was comprised of international experts from a variety of disciplines, as well as siblings and families impacted by cancer. Results: SPARCCC held two summits, and team members developed ongoing collaborative efforts to advance advocacy, research, and support for siblings of youth with cancer. The team implemented the four phases of the transdisciplinary team-based framework and used an iterative process to build a shared perspective of the needs of siblings and take action. For instance, we completed a grant application, several manuscripts, and conference presentations to disseminate our findings and begin to advance a focused research agenda for sibling supportive care. Discussion: Transdisciplinary team science holds promise for tackling complex issues within pediatric hematology/oncology nursing research, particularly areas that are not well aligned with more traditional models and can be used to generate novel solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the aims of the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC) is to achieve consensus on a classification system for cancer pain. We performed a systematic literature review to identify existing classification systems and domains/items used to classify cancer patients with pain. In a systematic search in the databases Medline and Embase, covering 1986-2006, 692 hits were obtained. 92 papers were evaluated to address pain classification. Six standardised classification systems were identified; three of them systematically developed and partially validated. Both pain characteristics and patient characteristics relevant for cancer pain classification were included in the classification systems. All but one of the standardised systems aim at predicting treatment response or adequacy of treatment. Several domains and items used to describe cancer pain but not formally described as part of a classification system were also identified and systematised. The existing approaches to pain classification in cancer patients are different, mostly not thoroughly validated, and none is widely applied. An internationally accepted classification system for cancer pain could improve research and cancer pain management. This systematic review suggests a need for developing an international consensus on how to classify pain in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To reduce the risk of renal toxicity, urine specific gravity (SG) and pH (potential of hydrogen) parameters should be met before nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents are administered. The purpose of this study was to compare laboratory urine SG and pH values with those obtained with urine point-of-care (POC) testing methods commonly used when caring for children receiving nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Method: A method-comparison design was used to compare the values of three POC methods for SG (dipstick, automated dipstick reader, refractometer) and three pH (dipstick, automated dipstick reader, litmus paper) methods with laboratory analysis of 86 urine samples from 43 children hospitalized on a pediatric hematology oncology unit in a large academic medical center. The Bland–Altman method was used to calculate bias and precision between POC and laboratory values. Results: Except for the SG refractometer, bias values from Bland–Altman graphs demonstrated poor agreement between POC and laboratory urine SG and pH results. The precision values between these methods indicated overestimation or underestimation of hydration or urine pH status. Compared with laboratory methods, 31% of POC visual reading of dipstick SG values were falsely low—putting the patient at risk of not receiving necessary hydration and subsequent nephrotoxicity. Discussion: In conclusion, most POC urine testing methods for SG and pH are not accurate compared with laboratory analysis. Because laboratory analyses can take longer than POC methods to obtain results, clinicians need to collaborate with laboratory medicine to ensure that an expedited process is in place in order to prevent chemotherapy administration delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empowerment is a concept of growing importance in cancer care, but little is known about cancer patients’ experiences of empowerment during follow-up. To explore this area, a qualitative systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. A total of 2,292 papers were identified and 38 articles selected and included in the review. The thematic synthesis of the papers resulted in seven analytical themes being identified: empowerment as an ongoing process, knowledge is power, having an active role, communication and interaction between patients and health care professionals, support from being in a group, religion and spirituality, and gender. Very few articles explicitly explored the empowerment of cancer patients during follow-up, and the review identified a lack of attention to patients’ own understandings of empowerment, a lack of specific focus on empowerment during follow-up, and insufficient attention to collective empowerment, as well as ethnic, social, and gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to examine whether feeling a loss of control over one's life is associated with an increased risk for loneliness among those diagnosed with cancer. Method: We draw on data from the Health and Retirement Study to identify three baseline and follow-up cohorts of cancer survivors age 50 and older. Ordinary least squared regression is used to examine predictors for future loneliness. Results: Upon adjusting for other known predictors of loneliness, feelings of loss of control was significantly predictive of loneliness among 4-year cancer survivors. Discussion: Social workers and other health care practitioners should seek to provide evidence-based interventions to reduce the risk for loneliness for cancer survivors feeling a loss of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multi-omics data integration facilitates collecting richer understanding and perceptions than separate omics data. Various promising integrative approaches have been utilized to analyze multi-omics data for biomedical applications, including disease prediction and disease subtypes, biomarker prediction, and others. Methods: In this paper, we introduce a multi-omics data integration method that is constructed using the combination of gene similarity network (GSN) based on uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The method utilizes UMAP to embed gene expression, DNA methylation, and copy number alteration (CNA) to a lower dimension creating two-dimensional RGB images. Gene expression is used as a reference to construct the GSN and then integrate other omics data with the gene expression for better prediction. We used CNNs to predict the Gleason score levels of prostate cancer patients and the tumor stage in breast cancer patients. Results: The model proposed near perfection with accuracy above 99% with all other performance measurements at the same level. The proposed model outperformed the state-of-art iSOM-GSN model that constructs the GSN map based on the self-organizing map. Conclusion: The results show that UMAP as an embedding technique can better integrate multi-omics maps into the prediction model than SOM. The proposed model can also be applied to build a multi-omics prediction model for other types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is about the ontology of a cancer diagnosis at high-end hospitals in Colombia. Drawing on a seventeen-month ethnographic fieldwork study in this country, it pays attention to how dermatologists, pathologists, and oncologists looked at my partner's skin during a routine medical checkup and enacted two seemingly contradictory diagnoses: a lethal melanoma and a benign dysplastic nevus—commonly known as mole. Because their differences under the microscope or through dermatology goggles may be subtle, physicians often disagree on what they see. When medical services are not unrelated to the economic possibilities of patients to pay for them, what emerges through a microscope might be different. With neoliberal medical reforms in Colombia as background, this paper focuses on the ontological indeterminacy of cancer and its relationship to high-end hospitals and a patient who could, albeit not without effort, pay for the treatment. Thus, I argue that how physicians saw was not unrelated to what they saw and therefore to their practices of medicine in neoliberal Colombia. How do medical practices and ways of seeing in Colombia enter into composition with the bodies they study? Could the same skin tissue simultaneously be cancerous and noncancerous? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores post-treatment experiences of women who have had radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer. Drawing on data from a project which explored post-treatment wellbeing, conceptual metaphors of ghosts/haunting are used to engage with enduring legacies of cancer and 'neglected matters' in post-treatment trajectories. Current arrangements of care contribute to the idea that participants are 'out of the other side of cancer' once active treatment completes. Despite broader ambitions for holistic cancer rehabilitation, fragilities of body and mind persist, even when the outward representation is one of health, of looking well, of moving on. We show how neglected matters of cancer (visceral late effects, psychological suffering and lives not lived) are part of living with and beyond cancer. These 'ghosts' manifest in chronic states of unsettledness that are temporarily relieved by individualised 'fixes', such as mobilisation of 'mind over matter' discourse and mindfulness. This discourse and its associated tools are a powerful yet impoverished framing of approaches to living with and beyond cancer. We argue for the need to attend to 'neglected matters' of post-treatment trajectories differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoacoustic (PA) technology can be used for non-invasive imaging of blood vessels. In this paper, we report on our prototype PA imaging system with a newly designed ultrasound sensor and its visualization performance of microvascular in animal. We fabricated an experimental system for animals using a high-frequency sensor. The system has two modes: still image mode by wide scanning and moving image mode by small rotation of sensor array. Optical test target, euthanized mice and rats, and live mice were used as objects. The results of optical test target showed that the spatial resolution was about two times higher than that of our conventional prototype. The image performance in vivo was evaluated in euthanized healthy mice and rats, allowing visualization of detailed blood vessels in the liver and kidneys. In tumor-bearing mice, different results of vascular induction were shown depending on the type of tumor and the method of transplantation. By utilizing the video imaging function, we were able to observe the movement of blood vessels around the tumor. We have demonstrated the feasibility of the system as a less invasive animal experimental device, as it can acquire vascular images in animals in a non-contrast and non-invasive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The tumour extracellular matrix (ECM) has unique features in terms of composition and mechanical properties, resulting in a structurally and chemically different ECM to that of native, healthy tissues. This paper reviews to date the efforts into decellularization of tumours, which in the authors' view represents a new frontier in the ever evolving field of tumour tissue engineering. An overview of the ECM and its importance in cancer is given, ending with examples of research using decellularized tumours, which has already indicated potential therapeutic targets, unravelled malignancy mechanisms or response to chemotherapy agents. The review highlights that more research is needed in this area, which can answer important questions related to tumour formation and progression to ultimately identify new and effective therapeutic targets. Within the near-future of personalized medicine, this research can create patient-specific tumour models and therapeutic regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers, as measurements of defined biological characteristics, can play a pivotal role in estimations of disease risk, early detection, differential diagnosis, assessment of disease progression and outcomes prediction. Studies of cancer biomarkers are published daily; some are well characterized, while others are of growing interest. Managing this flow of information is challenging for scientists and clinicians. We sought to develop a novel text-mining method employing biomarker co-occurrence processing applied to a deeply indexed full-text database to generate time-interval–delimited biomarker co-occurrence networks. Biomarkers across 6 cancer sites and a cancer-agnostic network were successfully characterized in terms of their emergence in the published literature and the context in which they are described. Our approach, which enables us to find publications based on biomarker relationships, identified biomarker relationships not known to existing interaction networks. This search method finds relevant literature that could be missed with keyword searches, even if full text is available. It enables users to extract relevant biological information and may provide new biological insights that could not be achieved by individual review of papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of effective cancer treatments is a key goal for pharmaceutical companies. However, the current costs of bringing a cancer drug to the market in the USA is now estimated at $1 billion per FDA approved drug, with many months of research at the bench and costly clinical trials. A growing number of papers highlight the use of data mining tools to determine associations between drugs, genes or protein targets, and possible mechanism of actions or therapeutic efficacy which could be harnessed to provide information that can refine or direct new clinical cancer studies and lower costs. This report reviews the paper by R.J. Epstein, which illustrates the potential of text mining using Boolean parameters in cancer drug discovery, and other studies which use alternative data mining approaches to aid cancer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to find the evidence for or against the use of hypnotherapy in the treatment of symptoms in terminally ill adult cancer patients. The title and abstract were evaluated following a search through Index Medicus/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAHL, CancerLit, AHMED, Psychinfo, CISCOM, Cochrane and DARE. Search terms included hypnotherapy, cancer, terminal care and palliative care. Inclusion criteria included systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational and prospective studies, retrospective surveys, case studies and reports. A total of 27 papers were evaluated. Two reviewers assessed the studies, one extracted the relevant data and 10% were evaluated independently by a third reviewer. The 27 papers comprised a randomized controlled trial, an observational study, a retrospective questionnaire and 24 case studies. Hypnotherapy was used to treat a variety of symptoms, including pain, anxiety and depression. The poor quality of the studies and heterogeneity of the study population limited further evaluation; further research is required to understand the role of hypnotherapy in managing symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: People diagnosed with cancer have to deal with the debilitating psychological implications of this disease. Although the clinical efficacy of psychological interventions is well documented, relatively little has been written on the neural correlates of these treatments in the context of oncology. The present work is the first to provide an overall perspective of the existing literature on this topic. It also considers the potential directions for future research. Methods: This scoping review was carried out across 5 databases (EMBASE, PsycINFO, OVID MEDLINE, CINAHL, COCHRANE CENTRAL), from conception dates until 3 December 2021. Results: From an initial set of 4172 records, 13 papers were selected for this review. They consisted of 9 randomized controlled studies (RCTs), 1 quasi-experiment, 2 single case studies, and 1 secondary quantitative analysis. The studies were also heterogeneous in terms of the patient and control populations, psychological interventions, and neuroimaging methodologies used. The findings from these few studies suggest that psychological interventions in oncology patients may modulate both cortical and subcortical brain activity, consistent with the brain areas involved in distress reactions in general and to cancer specifically. The implications of this scoping review in terms of future research are also discussed. Conclusions: The literature on the neural correlates of psychological interventions in cancer patients is very limited, and thus requires further exploration. The provision of psychological interventions offers cancer patients a more integrated approach to care, which may in turn help preserve both the physical and the psychological wellbeing of individuals with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to review the current status of treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) in cancer patients after the addition of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) to the therapeutic arsenal available. The suitability of DOAC use in complex clinical situations, poorly represented in clinical trials, is controversial and difficult for care activity, making the recommendations in clinical practice guidelines the focus of special attention in this area. Recently, several randomized trials have compared low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to DOAC for the management of CAT. Potential drug interactions with DOACs or the increased risk of bleeding in intraluminal tumors require special precautions, as do metastatic or primary brain disease and comorbid conditions, such as renal or liver failure, which are not suitably represented in pivotal studies. Furthermore, few data are available for situations involving elevated bleeding risk, with thrombocytopenia levels below the inclusion criterion of clinical trials, or recurrence during active anticoagulant therapy. Similarly, it is less clear that patients and physicians accept the presumption that oral DOAC administration is more convenient than subcutaneous LMWH, particularly when drug absorption may be compromised. The non-inclusion or under-representation of patients at higher risk for complications with anticoagulation in randomized clinical trials, makes their use complex in certain situations in health care. This paper provides a practical review of current clinical guideline recommendations regarding LMWH and/ or DOAC to treat and prevent CAT, as well as the most controversial clinical conditions for their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB) has no specific clinical features, it is often overlooked. To identify some of the reasons for misdiagnosing UGTB we performed a systematic review. We searched in Medline/PubMed papers with keywords ‘urogenital tuberculosis, rare’ and ‘urogenital tuberculosis, unusual’. ‘Urogenital tuberculosis, rare’ presented 230 articles and ‘urogenital tuberculosis, unusual’ presented 81 articles only, a total of 311 papers. A total of 34 papers were duplicated and so were excluded from the review. In addition, we excluded from the analysis 33 papers on epidemiological studies and literature reviews, papers describing non-TB cases and cases of TB another than urogenital organs (48 articles), cases of congenital TB (three articles), UGTB as a case of concomitant disease (16 articles), and UGTB as a complication of BCG-therapy (eight articles). We also excluded 22 articles dedicated to complications of the therapy, which made a total of 164 articles. Among the remaining 147 articles we selected 43 which described really unusual, difficult to diagnose cases. We also included in our review a WHO report from 2014, and one scientific monograph on TB urology. The most frequent reasons for delayed diagnosis were absence typical clinical features of UGTB, and the tendency of UGTB to hide behind the mask of another disease. We can conclude that actually UGTB is not rare disease, but it is often an overlooked disease. The main reasons for delayed diagnosis are vague, atypical clinical features and a low index of suspicion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally phospholipid enclosed nanovesicles released by many cells in the body. They are stable in circulation, have low immunogenicity, and act as carriers for functionally active biological molecules. They interact with target organs and bind to the receptors. Their target specificity is important to use EVs as noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tools. EVs play a vital role in normal physiology and cellular communication. They are known to protect their cargo from degradation, which makes them important drug carriers for targeted drug delivery. Using EVs with markers and tracking their path in systemic circulation can be revolutionary in using them as diagnostic tools. We will discuss the scope of this in this paper. Although there are limitations in EVs isolation and storage, their high biocompatibility will fuel more innovations to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is among the most common, debilitating, and distressing symptoms associated with chronic condition in pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to identify non-pharmacological fatigue interventions in children and adolescents with cancer. For this, we carried out an integrative review of the literature from January 2000 to December 2016. A comprehensive search of four databases was conducted: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Psychology Information, Medline via PubMed, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trial, quasi-experimental, case-control and cohort studies were included in this review. Thirteen relevant studies were included for analysis. Seven papers reported positive outcomes for exercise, exercise plus leisure activities, healing touch and acupressure. In another six papers using exercise, exercise plus psychological intervention and massage, no effectiveness was found. Effective management of fatigue in children and adolescents is important but research in this area is limited, so the results of this review should be interpreted cautiously. Future researchers are encouraged to test the effective interventions in homogenous cancer populations and in other groups where fatigue is a common concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise is often recommended for cancer patients. However, for advanced cancer palliative care patients, it is unclear whether exercise, as a lifestyle intervention, is beneficial for palliative outcomes. Aim: To examine randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of lifestyle exercise interventions on palliative outcomes in patients with advanced stage cancer. Design: Systematic review and descriptive evidence synthesis. Data sources: Pubmed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Web of Science were systematically searched from inception to 2022. Two reviewers identified articles and removed duplicates. Next two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and then assessed full-texts articles for eligibility. Finally, all six reviewers examined full-text articles for eligibility and conducted the evidence synthesis. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials were included. Studies were heterogeneous making direct comparisons challenging, but were grouped along three categories: aerobic, resistance, or resistance-aerobic exercises. One of three aerobic studies had positive quality-of-life outcomes. Fatigue improved in one aerobic and one combination resistance-aerobic study. Most resistance-aerobic studies and one aerobic study showed improved physical function. All resistance studies showed improvement in at least one outcome. Across all studies, ill health was the most common reason for participant dropout. The most commonly used assessment tools were: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: Fatigue, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-life Questionnaire Core 30, and accelerometer. Conclusion: Current randomized controlled trials regarding effects of exercise interventions on palliative outcomes for advanced cancer patients show great variability. While studies show promise, no generalizable conclusions can be made. Further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All cancers can increase the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), and anticoagulants should be considered as an optimal treatment for patients suffering from cancer-associated VTE. However, there is still a debate about whether the new oral anticoagulant, rivaroxaban, can bring better efficacy and safety outcomes globally. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for relevant published papers before 1 September 2019, with no language restrictions. The primary outcomes are defined as the recurrence of VTE. The secondary outcomes are defined as clinically relevant non-major bleeding, adverse major bleeding events, and all-cause of death. The data were analyzed by Stata with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Four trials encompassing 1996 patients were included. Rivaroxaban reduced recurrent VTE with no significant difference (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.43–1.07). Similarly, there were no significant differences in adverse major bleeding events (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.37–2.00), clinically relevant non-major bleeding (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.73–2.12) and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.40–1.44). In a selected study population of cancer patients with VTE, rivaroxaban is as good as other anticoagulants. Further, carefully designed randomized controlled trials should be performed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing music therapy in a medical setting has necessarily undergone major changes during the COVID-19 world pandemic. Many programs had to discontinue while others were able to transition to a telehealth model. This paper describes the process of conducting telehealth-based music therapy sessions within an integrative oncology setting in a large cancer hospital. Patients provide feedback regarding benefits and challenges of inpatient, outpatient, and group music therapy using a telehealth model. Benefits include anxiety reduction, increased coping skills, and increased social support. Unique challenges include technology limitations. We share examples of how we successfully adapted our workflows to provide telehealth-based music therapy in inpatient, outpatient, and group settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated Turkish high school students' knowledge about risk factors for cancer, their interest in the disease, and their affective and behavioural attitudes towards it. Design: Quantitative survey. Setting: Data collection took place in three private schools in Central Turkey and one private school in Eastern Turkey. Method: Students (N = 275; 56% female students, 44% male students) completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire and described their level of knowledge regarding cancer risk factors, as well as their attitudes and interest in the disease. For data analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, v.24.0) was used. Results: Results indicated that most students succeeded in identifying nearly all carcinogenic (except for overweight) and non-carcinogenic risk factors. In addition, while most participants held negative attitudes towards cancer, they typically did not exhibit cancer protective behaviours, and most participants were not interested in cancer as a topic. Conclusion: Exploring high school students' levels of knowledge, attitudes and interests in regard to cancer may provide curriculum developers with information that enables the development of effective cancer education for Turkish high school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Society of Medical Oncology took place in Paris Convention Centre, Paris, France on 9th −13th September 2022 and was attended by more than 28,000 delegates, 23,000 of which were in person and 5000 online. This was the first on-site ESMO congress after the COVID-19 pandemic. This report focuses on a selection of talks delivered at the conference. There was a vast collection of interesting talks, nevertheless, I attended talks that focused on rare cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to review the literature on depression in palliative cancer care in order to identify which assessment methods and classification systems have been used in studies of depression. Extensive electronic database searches in PubMed, CancerLit, CINAHL, PsychINFO, EMBASE and AgeLine as well as hand search were carried out. In the 202 included papers, 106 different assessment methods were used. Sixty-five of these were only used once. All together, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was the most commonly used assessment method. However, there were regional differences and while the HADS dominated in Europe it was quite seldom used in Canada or in the USA. Few prevalence and intervention studies used assessment methods with an explicit reference to a diagnostic system. There were in total few case definitions of depression. Among these, the classifications were in general based on cut-off scores (77%) and not according to diagnostic systems. The full range of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria was seldom assessed, i.e. less than one-third of the assessments in the review took into account the duration of symptoms and 18% assessed consequences and impact upon patient functioning. A diversity of assessment methods had been used. Few studies classified depression by referring to a diagnostic system or by using cut-off scores. Evidently, there is a need for a consensus on how to assess and conceptualize depression and related conditions in palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: During COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients are considered one of the most vulnerable to infection since they tend to have advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and are often immunosuppressed by their cancer or therapy. Hence, the Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly has issued recommendations to reduce the frequency of cancer patients' visits to oncology centers during the pandemic while maintaining the access to cancer therapy and minimize the risk of exposure to coronavirus disease. Materials and methods: A qualitative methodological approach was conducted in April 2020 using a virtual panel discussion for collection of recommendations. Results: A total of 12 expert oncology pharmacy practitioners shared their knowledge and experiences in managing oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants recognized many fundamental recommendations that were already applied in many cancer centers since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. On that basis, the panelists developed eight practice-related recommendations for action, with a main focus on cancer treatment modification. Conclusions: In conclusion, delivering cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic carries significant challenges. This paper addressed suggestions to properly manage cancer patients during difficult times. Implementing changes in practice mandates a national collaborative effort from different sectors to guarantee the quality and continuity of care. The SOPA expert panel developed these recommendations, to ultimately contribute in maintaining access to cancer therapy while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical pharmacy services started in 2009 at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Qatar. Clinical pharmacy services was established to provide comprehensive prescription of drug management and support, and consulting services to build clinically efficient and cost-effective pharmacy program. Aim: To determine perceptions and expectations of healthcare providers toward the clinical pharmacy services at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of healthcare providers was conducted from January to May 2018. A self-administered electronic/paper survey containing four domains assessing healthcare providers' perceptions and expectations towards clinical pharmacy services, perceived barriers to clinical pharmacist role and suggested area for improvement was sent to 375 healthcare providers including physicians, operational pharmacists, nurses and dietitians. Results: The response rate was 112/375. Most of the healthcare providers (74%) perceived the increasing interest in clinical pharmacy services. Also, they expected (1) providing consultations regarding appropriate medication choices (82%); (2) providing information about medication availability and shortages (82%); (3) assisting in the prescribing of cost-effective drugs by providing pharmacogenomics information routinely (75%) and (4) Participating actively in research activities (74%). Overall, healthcare providers have a high level of trust in the clinical pharmacists' abilities (P < 0.01). Nurses were less appreciative (P < 0.002) of the positive role of clinical pharmacists in direct patient care as compared to both physicians and pharmacists (64.2%, 90% and 95.7%, respectively). Conclusion: This study revealed a positive attitude towards the role of clinical pharmacists by healthcare providers at National Center for Cancer Care and Research. However, there is an area of improvement by empowering with privilege and staffing, elevating the awareness and expansion in the ambulatory care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reviewed the research into the mechanisms of growth of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) based on laboratory pre-clinical studies that have shaped understanding of the disease over the past decade. In response to these findings, we propose an approach to potentially prevent cancer metabolic adaptation and recurrence. This paper collates pre-clinical results, first to determine the tumor's mechanisms of growth and then to source natural substances that could potentially suppress those mechanisms. The results from in vivo and in vitro studies of TNBC were combined first to select 10 primary mechanisms (Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, Hedgehog, MAPK, MTAP, NF-κ B, Notch, P13K, STAT3, and Wnt signaling pathways plus p53 and POL2A gene expression) that promote TNBC growth, and second to propose a treatment array of 21 natural compounds that suppress laboratory models of TNBC via these mechanisms. We included BRCA mutations in the review process, but only pathways with the most preclinical studies utilizing natural products were included. Then we outlined potential biomarkers to assess the changes in the micro-environment and monitor biochemical pathway suppression. This suppression-centric aim targets these mechanisms of growth with the goal of potentially halting tumor growth and preventing cancer cell metabolic adaptation. We chose TNBC to demonstrate this 5-step strategy of supplementary therapy, which may be replicated for other tumor types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have identified fatigue as one of the major symptoms experienced during and after cancer treatment. However, there are limited options to manage cancer related fatigue (CRF) with pharmacological interventions. Several acupuncture studies suggested that acupuncture has a positive impact on CRF. This review aims to assess the evidence of acupuncture for the treatment of CRF. Method: Electronic database searches were conducted on 4 English databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect). Search keywords were; "acupuncture" and "cancer," or "cancer related fatigue." Studies published as full text randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English were included. Estimates of change in fatigue cores were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis where randomized comparisons were available for true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture and true acupuncture versus usual care. The quality of original papers were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias (ROB). Results: Nine RCTs were selected for review with a total of 809 participants and a range of 13 to 302 participants within the studies. Six RCTs reported significant improvement of CRF for the acupuncture intervention compared to the control groups. Pooled estimates suggest Brief Fatigue Inventory scores are 0.93 points lower 95% CI (−1.65, −0.20) in true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture and 2.12 points lower 95% C (−3.21, −1.04) in true acupuncture versus usual care. Six studies had low risk of bias (ROB) and 3 studies had a moderate ROB predominantly in blinding of participants, blinding of assessors and incomplete data outcomes. Among the 9 RCTs, 2 studies have reported the occurrence of minor adverse effects (spot bleeding and bruising) related to acupuncture treatment. No serious adverse reactions related to acupuncture were reported. Conclusion: The current literature review suggests that acupuncture has therapeutic potential in management of CRF for cancer survivors. Promotion of acupuncture in cancer care to manage CRF may improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Up to 50% of breast cancer survivors prescribed tamoxifen do not take it as prescribed for the full duration, which is linked to increased risk of recurrence and mortality. This paper tests the feasibility and acceptability of a self-directed psychoeducational intervention to support medication taking. Design: A single arm pre–post design was used with 33 women with suboptimal adherence to tamoxifen (scores ⩽ 24 on the Medication Adherence Rating Scale, range 5–25) taking part in the intervention over 2–12 weeks. Method: Feasibility was assessed via eligibility, uptake and retention. Questionnaires were completed pre- and post-intervention, and qualitative interviews were conducted to assess acceptability of the materials. Results: Recruitment and uptake were good, with 87% of eligible participants agreeing to participate. Two thirds of participants recruited to the study completed the follow-up questionnaires (66%). The qualitative interviews showed that the participants found the materials acceptable and helpful. Paired samples t -tests showed small improvements in adherence over time, as well as improvements in psychosocial targets of the intervention, namely; necessity and concern beliefs, personal control, coherence, distress, symptom experience and self-efficacy for managing side-effects. Conclusion: The intervention appears to be acceptable and feasible in this population and has the potential to improve both adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors prescribed tamoxifen. Larger scale trials are needed however to establish the efficacy of the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event data has received much attention recently. Increasingly, extensions to standard joint modelling approaches are being proposed to handle complex data structures commonly encountered in applied research. In this paper, we propose a joint model for hierarchical longitudinal and time-to-event data. Our motivating application explores the association between tumor burden and progression-free survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients. We define tumor burden as a function of the sizes of target lesions clustered within a patient. Since a patient may have more than one lesion, and each lesion is tracked over time, the data have a three-level hierarchical structure: repeated measurements taken at time points (level 1) clustered within lesions (level 2) within patients (level 3). We jointly model the lesion-specific longitudinal trajectories and patient-specific risk of death or disease progression by specifying novel association structures that combine information across lower level clusters (e.g. lesions) into patient-level summaries (e.g. tumor burden). We provide user-friendly software for fitting the model under a Bayesian framework. Lastly, we discuss alternative situations in which additional clustering factor(s) occur at a level higher in the hierarchy than the patient-level, since this has implications for the model formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]