Search

A recent report from Osaka University discusses the advancements in systemic therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The study highlights the introduction of novel therapeutic agents such as abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel, and others, which have shown survival benefits in phase 3 trials. The research emphasizes the importance of patient selection and treatment sequencing in managing mCRPC effectively. For more information, readers can refer to the full article in The World Journal of Men's Health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan, explored the psychological aspects and support for cancer survivors attempting to conceive during or after cancer treatments. The researchers conducted a systematic literature review and identified 20 relevant studies. The findings indicated that survivors who try to conceive face financial, relational, and mental health challenges, and many lack access to fertility counseling and reproductive health information. The study suggests that healthcare professionals should provide accurate and updated information on reproductive medicine and fertility counseling to enhance pregnancy support for cancer survivors. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Osaka University have published a report on a novel therapeutic medicine for neuroendocrine cancer. The study focuses on RNA splicing regulation and its potential in treating aggressive neuroendocrine cancers such as small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The researchers investigated the use of amido-bridged nucleic acid-based splice-switching oligonucleotides to alter the splicing of the RE1-silencing transcription factor, leading to significant antitumor effects in tumor xenograft models. This new therapeutic approach shows promise for treating intractable neuroendocrine cancers. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan has identified a potential indicator for patients with pancreatic cancer who may not benefit from radical surgery after neoadjuvant therapy. The study found that patients who experienced a recurrence within a year of surgery did not fare better than those who received neoadjuvant therapy but did not undergo surgery. The elevation of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) after neoadjuvant therapy was found to be a significant indicator of poor prognosis, with a specificity of 96.6%. The researchers concluded that patients with CA19-9 levels above 200 U/mL after neoadjuvant therapy should not undergo radical surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Kindai University in Osaka, Japan, has found that the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab is an effective treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage B. The study compared this combination therapy to sorafenib and found that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab showed a trend towards improved overall survival and progression-free survival. The study also reported high objective response rates and durable responses with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment. The safety data of this combination therapy were consistent with previous knowledge. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Osaka University in Japan discusses research findings on the impact of a partner's cancer diagnosis or death on mortality risk. The study, which followed 55,050 married couples over a period of time, found that after a partner's cancer diagnosis, the mortality rate ratio for all-cause mortality did not increase, but there was an increase in externally-caused mortality, particularly suicide among men. After a partner's death, the mortality rate ratios for all-cause, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and externally-caused mortality significantly increased among men. The study also found that smoking affected some of the cause-specific mortality risk. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan investigated the changes in body composition following esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer. The study included 528 patients who underwent esophagectomy and had preoperative body composition measurements. The researchers found that body weight continuously decreased until 6 months after surgery, while skeletal muscle mass decreased until 3 months but gradually recovered after that. Body fat mass consistently decreased over time. Severe loss of skeletal muscle mass at 3 months correlated with reduced overall survival, and loss of body fat mass was associated with reduced recurrence-free survival. The study concluded that significant reductions in skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass at 3 months after surgery indicate a poor long-term prognosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan examined the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic strategy for pediatric patients with low- or intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) was not necessary for low- or intermediate-risk AML patients in first complete remission. The researchers identified favorable prognostic factors for survival, such as umbilical cord blood (UCB) as a safe donor source for low-risk AML patients and late relapse as a favorable prognostic factor for intermediate-risk AML patients. The study concluded that allo-HCT after relapse may benefit intermediate-risk AML patients with late relapse and low-risk AML patients. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on a phase II trial conducted by Osaka General Medical Center to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a total neoadjuvant therapy combining long-course chemoradiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Topics discussed include the trial's design and patient outcomes, the treatment's effectiveness and safety profile, and the response rates observed among participants.

A recent report from the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan discusses the potential of manipulating mannose metabolism as an anticancer strategy. The researchers explain that cancer cells have metabolic advantages over normal cells, including the ability to rapidly generate ATP and divert glucose into various metabolic intermediates. However, mannose has been found to dampen this metabolic advantage, resulting in slow-cycling cancer cells that are highly susceptible to chemotherapy. The review summarizes the current knowledge of mannose metabolism and its potential as a target for enhancing chemosensitivity in cancer cells. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital in Japan investigated the impact of surgical complications on the outcomes of children with hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer. The study found that severe surgical complications, such as massive blood loss and bile leakage, were associated with a worse prognosis. The participation of experienced liver surgeons and a shorter duration from surgery to postoperative chemotherapy were linked to better outcomes. The research suggests that involving experienced liver surgeons in technically demanding liver resections is important. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on a rare presentation of multiple myeloma involving crystalline light chain casts and hypercalcemia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Topics discussed include the association between hypercalcemia and crystalline light chain casts; the treatment approach for this condition; and the role of hydration and anti-myeloma therapy in recovery.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kindai University in Osaka, Japan, has found a potential link between pancreatic amyloidosis and multiple myeloma. The study focused on a 60-year-old woman who underwent whole-body contrast-enhanced CT due to suspected multiple myeloma. The CT scan revealed pancreatic enlargement and increased peripancreatic fat tissue. Further testing using F-18-FDG PET/CT showed diffuse uptake in the pancreas, ventricles, and vertebral column. Biopsy and bone marrow aspiration cytology confirmed amyloid light-chain amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy was administered, resulting in the disappearance of F-18-FDG uptake in the pancreas and a decrease in pancreatic enlargement. The researchers concluded that when diffuse F-18-FDG uptake in pancreatic enlargement is observed in multiple myeloma patients, amyloid light-chain amyloidosis should be considered. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan compared minimally invasive surgery to open gastrectomy for older patients with gastric cancer. The study included 464 patients aged 75 years and older who underwent either open or laparoscopic gastrectomy between 2004 and 2018. After matching the patients, the laparoscopy group had shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and a lower complication rate compared to the open surgery group. However, there were no significant differences in overall, recurrence-free, and disease-free survival between the two groups. The researchers concluded that minimally invasive surgery may be more beneficial for older patients with gastric cancer in terms of blood loss and hospital stay. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Osaka, Japan, explored the use of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) as a larynx-preserving treatment for patients with residual or recurrent laryngeal carcinomas. The study included 15 patients who underwent BNCT after radical irradiation for laryngeal carcinoma. The treatment was found to be effective, with a response rate of 93.3% and a complete response rate of 73.3% at three months after BNCT. The most common adverse event was laryngeal edema, which occurred in nine patients but resolved within a week. Further long-term observations are needed to fully evaluate the treatment outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Osaka University in Japan examines the validity of self-reported participation in cancer screenings and health checkups. The study included over 7,000 participants and compared their self-reported participation to municipal records. The findings showed that self-reported participation had moderate to high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal, stomach, breast, and cervical cancers. However, the researchers caution that self-reported participation, especially for lung cancer screening and health checkups, should be interpreted carefully when assessing the effectiveness of preventive measures. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Kindai University in Osaka, Japan, aimed to identify risk factors for febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) receiving carboplatin plus etoposide therapy. The study found that the co-administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) and a low body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with FN. Patients with both factors had a higher frequency of FN compared to those without the factors. This research provides valuable insights into the risk factors for FN in SCLC patients undergoing this specific chemotherapy regimen. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Osaka, Japan, explored the impact of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) dose on graft-versus-leukemia effects in HLA-haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The researchers found that the effect of the patient's HLA-B leader genotype was influenced by the PTCy dose. In the low-dose PTCy group, patients with the M+ genotype had a negative impact on overall survival compared to the M- genotype. However, in the high-dose PTCy group, patients with the M+ genotype had a decreased risk of relapse. These findings provide immunological insight into PTCy dosage and suggest the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Osaka University in Japan highlights the findings of a study on arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in Japanese patients with cancer. The study aimed to investigate the incidence of ATE, identify predictors of ATE, and determine its impact on survival. The research found that ATE is a significant complication for cancer patients, leading to treatment interruptions and poor outcomes. Factors such as male sex, advanced age, advanced cancer stage, and hematologic malignancies were associated with a higher risk of ATE. The study also found that antithrombotic therapy after ATE is associated with improved survival among cancer patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan has discovered a novel type of L-asparaginase enzyme derived from Latilactobacillus sakei LK-145 (Ls-Asn1) that shows potential as a therapeutic agent for leukemia. The researchers successfully purified and characterized the enzyme and its mutated forms, finding that certain mutations affected the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Specifically, the C196S mutation increased the stability of the enzyme and effectively inhibited the growth of Jurkat T-cell leukemia. The study suggests that Ls-Asn1 could be a promising new treatment for leukemia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Rinku General Medical Center in Osaka, Japan, explored the use of the EndoPredict (EP) multigene assay in predicting the risk of distant recurrence in luminal breast cancer. The researchers analyzed microarray data from fresh frozen (FF) tissues and examined the applicability of EP to microarray data from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. The study found that EP using microarray data from FF tissues was effective in predicting distant recurrence risk in luminal breast cancer, and it may also be useful in FFPE tissues. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into breast cancer prognosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Osaka University in Japan explores the use of liquid biomarkers in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The study highlights the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods and discusses the potential of blood- and urine-based biomarkers in overcoming these limitations. The researchers found that tests such as the 4Kscore test and Prostate Health Index have shown promise in distinguishing prostate cancer from benign conditions, while urinary biomarker tests have revolutionized risk stratification and reduced unnecessary biopsies. The study concludes that advancements in non-invasive liquid biomarkers may help stratify patients and avoid unnecessary biopsies, particularly in cases where prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are in the gray area of 4 to 10 ng/mL. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan aimed to estimate the prevalence of childhood cancer survivors in Osaka and Japan as a whole. The researchers used data from the population-based Osaka Cancer Registry to identify children aged 0-14 years who were diagnosed with cancer between 1975 and 2019. They found that among 8,186 patients diagnosed with childhood cancer in Osaka, 5,252 survived until December 31, 2019. The prevalence of childhood cancer survivors has been increasing over time, indicating the ongoing need for cancer survivorship support for children, adolescents, and young adults. The study's findings may be useful for policymakers and clinicians in planning and evaluating survivorship care. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Osaka, Japan, investigated the association between immunotherapy and survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing hemodialysis. The study found that immunotherapy as a first-line treatment did not significantly improve the survival of these patients. The researchers concluded that immunotherapy may not be the most appropriate therapy for NSCLC patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study is important as the number of patients undergoing hemodialysis is increasing globally, and the incidence of cancer is high among these patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Osaka Red Cross Hospital in Japan examined the safety and efficacy of nivolumab plus ipilimumab as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The researchers found that while the treatment initially led to rapid progression and deterioration in the patient's condition, it eventually resulted in a long-lasting response. The study concluded that careful assessment of the response is necessary, as long-term effectiveness can be observed after initial progression. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Internal Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators at Osaka University in Japan examined the suicide risk among patients with cancer, specifically focusing on the differences between men and women. The researchers used standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare the risk of suicide among cancer patients to the general population. The study found that both men and women with poor prognosis had a higher suicide risk, but the difference in SMRs between the good and poor prognosis groups was smaller for women than men. This research provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients in Japan. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Osaka, Japan, explored the inhibitory effect of a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia, known as AHCC, on the growth of tumor patient-derived xenografts (PDX) in Super SCID mice. The researchers found that AHCC significantly suppressed tumor proliferation in mice transplanted with renal cancer PDX. Additionally, AHCC showed growth inhibitory effects on breast cancer PDX. The study suggests that the Super SCID-PDX model could be a valuable tool for investigating the effects of functional foods. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan discusses the use of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for metastatic or unresectable oesophageal cancer. The study investigated the clinical utility of early tumour shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DpR) in 53 eligible patients. The findings suggest that ETS is a promising marker for predicting sensitivity to pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy. The research provides valuable insights into the treatment of oesophageal cancer and may help improve patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan examined the effectiveness of a gene panel called the Lung Cancer Compact Panel in detecting genetic mutations in liquid samples from patients with lung cancer. The study analyzed three different cohorts of liquid specimens and found that the compact panel accurately identified genetic mutations in these samples. The researchers concluded that the compact panel has the potential to guide targeted therapies for lung cancer patients and enhance precision medicine approaches. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the detection of genetic mutations in various cytological specimens. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Osaka International Cancer Institute discusses the impact of incidental pulmonary embolism (PE) on the long-term prognosis of cancer patients. The study used data from a hospital-based cancer registry and electronic medical records to analyze the characteristics of cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the effect of incidental PE on patient survival. The study found that incidental PE in cancer patients was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. The research concluded that cancer-related factors, rather than thrombosis-related factors, determine prognosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital in Japan discusses the impact of a cancer history on cardiovascular events among patients with myocardial infarction (heart attack) who received revascularization. The study found that patients with a history of cancer had a significantly higher risk of composite cardiovascular events compared to those without a cancer history. Additionally, patients who were diagnosed with a heart attack within 6 months after their cancer diagnosis had a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those diagnosed later. This research highlights the importance of considering a patient's cancer history when assessing their risk of cardiovascular events after a heart attack. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Osaka University in Japan evaluated the use of low-keV virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) with dual-energy CT (DECT) and deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study found that DLIR40keV had a significantly higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) compared to HIR70keV and HIR40keV. DLIR40keV also had a higher sensitivity for detecting HCC compared to HIR70keV. The research concluded that HCC detectability was significantly improved with DLIR40keV. This study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Graduate School of Medicine in Osaka, Japan, examined the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with autoimmune diseases (ADs). The study analyzed data from advanced treatment centers in Japan and found that ICI therapy was associated with improved overall survival in both AD and non-AD subgroups of patients with advanced NSCLC. However, the study also highlighted the need for tailored therapy strategies based on the type of AD and careful consideration of the risk-benefit profile. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Osaka University in Japan aimed to compare the risks of environmental carcinogenic chemicals in Japan using the loss of happy life expectancy (LHpLE) indicator. The researchers surveyed a general population panel and a panel of cancer patients to determine emotional happiness and evaluated whether cancer incidence affected emotional happiness. The study found no significant decrease in emotional happiness due to cancer incidence and no significant associations between emotional happiness and cancer type, history, or stage. The LHpLE indicator was calculated for different chemicals and psychological distress, highlighting the importance of risk reduction in environmental policies. This study is the first to compare chemical risks using the LHpLE indicator. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Osaka, Japan, examined the use of panitumumab in chemotherapy-naive frail or elderly patients with RAS wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC). The study found that panitumumab showed favorable overall survival (OS) in these patients, with a median OS of 17.5 months. While there were no significant differences in progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with left-sided tumors (LSTs) and right-sided tumors (RSTs), there were significant differences in OS, with LST patients experiencing longer survival. The study suggests that panitumumab may be optimal for patients with LSTs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Osaka, Japan explored the relationship between dyspnoea (shortness of breath) and related factors in patients with cancer. The study enrolled 209 patients with cancer and found that cough worsened dyspnoea, dyspnoea increased emotional distress, emotional distress increased somatosensory amplification, and somatosensory amplification worsened cough. The researchers suggest that managing these factors may be useful in treating dyspnoea in patients with cancer. The study was supported by the Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan, explored the use of continuous subcutaneous injection (CSCI) followed by a once-daily transdermal patch as a strategy for rapidly titrating fentanyl in patients with cancer pain who cannot take oral medication or have renal impairment. The study found that fentanyl titration by CSCI was effective and safe for achieving rapid pain control. The research involved reviewing the medical records of patients with moderate to severe cancer pain who underwent fentanyl titration between October 2019 and October 2021. The study concluded that this method can be a reasonable approach for patients in need of pain relief. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan have conducted a study on the feasibility of adjuvant chemotherapy after major hepatectomy for biliary tract cancers. The study found that major hepatectomy may impair liver function and affect the feasibility of adjuvant chemotherapy in the early period after surgery. The researchers compared major hepatectomy with non-major hepatectomy and found that the treatment completion proportion and dose intensity were lower in major hepatectomy cases. The study concluded that caution should be exercised against biliary tract infections and gastrointestinal disorders during adjuvant chemotherapy after major hepatectomy for biliary tract cancers. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Osaka University in Japan examined the relationship between dietary consumption of antioxidant vitamins and prostate cancer risk in Japanese men. The study included 40,720 men without a history of cancer who completed a food frequency questionnaire. After an average follow-up period of 15.2 years, 1,386 cases of prostate cancer were identified. The study found no associations between consumption of antioxidant vitamins (including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E) and prostate cancer risk. However, higher lycopene intake was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The researchers concluded that there is no association between antioxidant intake of vitamins and prostate cancer risk. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Osaka University in Japan explored the use of high-dose-rate (HDR) mold brachytherapy as a treatment for mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Traditionally, hospitalization is required for this treatment, but the researchers successfully performed the procedure in an outpatient setting. The patient, a 71-year-old man, received HDR mold brachytherapy over a period of five days and showed no signs of recurrence or metastasis after thirty months. This study is the first to report on the use of HDR mold brachytherapy in an outpatient setting for mandibular gingival cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Osaka General Medical Center in Japan have conducted a multi-institutional retrospective analysis on the prognostic factors of conversion surgery (CS) for stage IV advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The study examined the clinical outcomes of CS and identified factors that limit R0 resection, which is the complete removal of the tumor. The results showed that patients who achieved R0 resection had significantly longer survival than those with incomplete resection. The study concluded that patients with certain pathological factors may be eligible for intensive adjuvant therapy after CS with R0 resection. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Osaka University in Japan focused on the use of a geriatric prognostic scoring system to predict postoperative survival in elderly patients with liver cancer. The study analyzed 88 patients aged 75 years and older who were treated for primary liver cancer or metastatic liver tumor. The results showed that the geriatric prognostic scoring system was effective in predicting patients' prognosis after hepatectomy, providing valuable information for surgeons in determining treatment strategies for elderly patients with liver cancer. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on liver cancer treatment in an aging society. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case study of a 70-year-old woman with metastatic brain tumors who underwent surgical removal of the tumor and radiation necrosis. The patient had a history of colon cancer and had previously undergone surgical removal of a left occipital tumor. The study found that the main cause of the edema (swelling) was determined to be radiation necrosis, based on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) around the necrotic tissue. The research concludes that understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of perifocal edema is crucial for differentiating radiation necrosis from recurrent tumors. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Osaka City General Hospital in Japan explored the use of a novel marker, the minimum umbilicus-vertebra diameter (MUVD), in preoperative computed tomography (CT) images and robotic surgery to prevent severe intra-abdominal infectious complications (IAICs) following minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG) for cancer. The study included 400 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) or robotic gastrectomy (RG). The researchers found that a high MUVD and laparoscopic surgery were independent risk factors for severe IAIC occurrence. They concluded that robotic surgery should be considered first in patients with gastric cancer who have an MUVD value of 84 mm or higher to reduce the risk of severe IAICs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Osaka University in Japan investigated the utility of serum NY-ESO-1 and p53 antibodies as predictive markers for the postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer. The study found that serum NY-ESO-1 and p53 antibodies may be useful tumor markers for gastric cancer. The combination of NY-ESO-1 and p53 antibody responses to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) increased the diagnostic accuracy of gastric cancer. This research provides valuable insights into the potential use of these antibodies as biomarkers for gastric cancer diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]