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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in North Africa. Women in this region have unique reproductive profiles. It is essential to obtain reliable information on reproductive histories to help better understand the relationship between reductive health and breast cancer. We tested the reliability of a reproductive history-based questionnaire. We interviewed 25 breast cancer patients and 25 non-cancer controls from hospitals in Morocco and Egypt about their reproductive history in colloquial Arabic. The questions included pregnancy history, breastfeeding practices, menstruation, contraceptive use and knowledge of breast screening and re-interviewed the same women after 2 weeks. Two-way paired t-test was used to compare observed mean changes in response, and the Fishers Exact test was used for small-cell data. Pearson's correlation test was used to estimate the correlation of subjects' responses to continuous questions between the first and second interview. For categorical questions, percentage of agreement was calculated along with Cohen's Kappa Coefficient values. Moroccan subjects showed good to excellent agreement for responses to all demographic and reproductive questions (r = 0.87 to 0.99). Egyptian subjects had excellent agreement for these questions (r = 0.87 to 0.99), except for those regarding duration of oral contraceptive pill use and reported age at menarche (r = 0.72 and 0.59, respectively). We showed highly correlated responses to most reproductive questions. Duration of contraception use and age at first pregnancy elicited slightly less than reliable responses. In Egypt, responses relating to self-reported age at menarche were less reliable than those given by Moroccan subjects. Future epidemiological studies should take these differences into account when constructing reproductive history questionnaires. (Contains 5 tables.)

Purpose Lung cancer is known to be a complex multifactorial disease, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The study of the different signaling pathways and the identification of the genes involved, will contribute to further understanding the pathogenesis of the disease, thus allowing the development of appropriate targeted treatments. Recently, the link between cancer and inflammation has become more evident and inflammation has been proposed as the seventh hallmark of cancer. Previous studies have suggested that key cytokines involved in inflammation may have an important role in the etiology of lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether common variants in inflammation-related genes: IL-6, IL6-R, and IL6-ST, influence lung cancer risk in Moroccan population. Materials and Methods Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-6, IL6-R, and IL6-ST genes were assessed in 120 controls and 120 patients with confirmed lung cancer diagnosis. Genotyping analysis was performed with the TaqMan® allelic discrimination technology. The results were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 software. Results Among the studied SNPs, we found a significant association for the IL-6 (rs2069840) (OR = 1.63; 95% confidence interval 1.08-2.47; p = 0.01). No significant association was observed for the remaining SNPs of IL-6R (rs2228145) and IL-6ST (rs2228044) genes. Conclusion Our results suggest the IL-6 (rs2069840) polymorphism may influence the occurrence of lung cancer in Moroccan patients., Author(s): Houda Kaanane [sup.1] , Nezha Senhaji [sup.1] , Hind Berradi [sup.1] , Nadia Benchakroun [sup.2] , Abdellatif Benider [sup.2] , Mehdi Karkouri [sup.3] , Hicham El Attar [sup.4] IGOT [...]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the dosimetric precision of the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm to validate the Monaco® (Elekta) treatment planning system for the two radiotherapy techniques IMRT and VMAT® on the Infinity™ Elekta linear accelerator. Several irradiation plans were created on the Monaco® treatment planning system (TPS) and calculated by the integrated MC algorithm for its validation. The same plans were applied experimentally using the Matrixx Evolution 2D array with its appropriate phantom. All measurements were performed by superimposition with those calculated on the Infinity™ linear accelerator (ELEKTA). The calculated and measured dosimetric data were overlaid to make the comparison of what is realistic and what was simulated using the MyQA (IBA) software associated with the Matrixx. Good agreement was observed between calculated and measured data using 3%, 3mm distance to agreement (DTA) and low dose threshold 5% criteria. Global gamma analysis passing rates for all tests are greater than 95%. An agreement less than 2 mm is shown for open fields and homogenous dose test. However, there was increase in the agreement criteria above 3 mm for chair and pyramid test as a result of high gradient dose regions especially at the edge of target volumes. Results obtained from this study allowed, in one hand to confirm the accuracy of our MC model dose calculation with Monaco® TPS, and in the other hand, the use of the matrix detector as a standard tool for IMRT/VMAT® patient quality control.

The current study was designed to investigate the changes in the circulating Epstein–Barr virus DNA load (EBV DNA) at various time points before and after treatment and its clinical significance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A total of 142 patients with NPC were prospectively enrolled in this study. The plasma EBV DNA concentration was measured before and after treatment using qPCR. The prognostic values of the EBV DNA load were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression tests. Following multivariate analysis, our data showed that high pre-EBV DNA loads were associated with significantly poorer distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) and progression free survival (PFS); detectable end-EBV DNA loads were associated with significantly worse loco-regional recurrence free survival (LRRFS) and PFS, and the detecTable 6 months-post-EBV DNA loads were associated with significantly poorer overall survival (OS), DMFS and PFS (p < 0.05). Additionally, combining the pre-EBV DNA load and the stage of the disease, our results showed that patients at stage III-IVA with a low pre-EBV DNA load had similar survival rates as patients at stage II with a low or high pre-EBV DNA load, but had better survival rates than those at stage III-IVA with a high pre-EBV DNA load. Taken together, we showed that the change of the EBV DNA load measured at several time points was more valuable than at any single time point for predicting patients' survival for NPC. Furthermore, combining the pre-EBV DNA load and the TNM classification could help to formulate an improved prognostic model for this cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes are mainly correlated with the response to radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). In NPC patients, previous research has studied the association between X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 and 3 (XRCC1 and XRCC3) polymorphisms and radio-therapeutic response. The objective of our study was to test the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphisms and the response to radiotherapy in the NPC Moroccan population. Material and methods: A total of 100 patients with NPC were genotyped for polymorphisms in XRCC1 and XRCC3 genes. Results: The results revealed that the genotypes and alleles of both SNPs did not show any significant association with clinical stages (for XRCC1 Arg-399Gln: p [genotype] = 0.559; p [allele] = 0.440) and (for XRCC3 Thr241Met: p [genotype] = 0.638; p [allele] = 0.567). Moreover, in the study of the association between the polymorphisms and radiotherapy, the response to radiation therapy between genotypes and alleles was not statistically significant (for XRCC1 Arg399Gln p [genotype] = 0.583; p [allele] = 0.459) and (for XRCC3 Thr241Met p [genotype] = 0.660; p [allele] = 0.590). Conclusions: The present study suggests that XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism does not have any impact on the radio-therapeutic response in Moroccan NPC patients whereas XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism may act as a prognostic indicator for NPC patients treated with radiotherapy. However, studies with a larger sample are needed to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by a national cancer plan (2010–19), Morocco made significant investments in improving breast cancer detection and treatment. A breast cancer pattern-of-care study was conducted to document the socio-demographic profiles of patients and tumour characteristics, measure delays in care, and assess the status of dissemination and impact of state-of-the-art management. The retrospective study conducted among 2120 breast cancer patients registered during 2008–17 at the two premier-most oncology centres (Centre Mohammed VI or CM-VI and Institut National d'Oncologie or INO) also measured temporal trends of the different variables. Median age (49 years) and other socio-demographic characteristics of the patients remained constant over time. A significant improvement in coverage of the state-financed health insurance scheme for indigent populations was observed over time. Median interval between onset of symptoms and first medical consultation was 6 months with a significant reduction over time. Information on staging and molecular profile were available for more than 90% and 80% of the patients respectively. Approximately 55% of the patients presented at stage I/II and proportion of triple-negative cancers was 16%; neither showing any appreciable temporal variation. Treatment information was available for more than 90% of the patients; 69% received surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Treatment was tailored to stage and molecular profiles, though breast conservation therapy was offered to less than one-fifth. When compared using the EUSOMA quality indicators for breast cancer management, INO performed better than CM-VI. This was reflected in nearly 25% difference in 5-year disease-free survival for early-stage cancers between the centres. • Morocco achieved significant progress in quality of breast cancer care in last decade. • Access delay reduced significantly over time but was still high at median 6 months. • More than 80% breast cancer patients had complete molecular profiles. • Many gaps still exist in quality of treatment; <20% eligible patients receive BCT. • Difference in quality resulted in 25% difference in 5-year survival for stage I/II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide with more than 1. 7 million new cases annually. Major advances have been made in the therapeutic management of this condition in many countries. However, neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with breast cancer constitute a significant concern due to their negative impact on patient's life and on the success of therapy itself. Methodology: In this study we aimed to evaluate psychological disorders in a population of 212 Moroccan women treated for breast cancer within the Mohammed VI Center for the Treatment of Cancers of Casablanca. A questionnaire was designed to this end on the basis of different validated scales, including the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Body Image Scale (BIS). Results: Data analysis has shown that 69.3% of participants had significant sleep disorders; 87% suffer from an anxiety-depressive syndrome (ADS), and 83.0% had significant body image dissatisfaction. A positive correlation was shown between ADS and both patients' national health insurance coverage and patients or husbands' education. Analysis further revealed that anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with different types of treatment. Similarly, both BIS and PSQI scores were positively associated with anxiety and depression disorders. Conclusion: The present investigation highlights the need to generalize and strengthen the psychological approach of patients treated for breast cancer in Morocco. We anticipate that such a strategy will alleviate suffering and promote therapy success in these patients and will diminish or prevent conjugal and familial impacts of the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine the various epidemiological characteristics among newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer in Casablanca during 2018. During that period, 668 cases were collected, the average age was 51.6 years, the female was the most represented with 662 cases (99.1%) and men with 6 cases (0.9%), a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.009. The average age of menopause was 49.8 years and the average age of menarche was 13.5 years, 31.7% had a history of cancer (breast 14.1%, stomach and 9% liver 7%). The average diagnosis delay was 10 months, the thyroid disease was the most represented pathology, the left breast was diagnosed in 50.2% and the right breast in 44.7% and 1.3% in the bilateral location. The most common histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma (73.2%). The vascular and lymphatic invasion was observed in 42.2%, axillary nodes were affected in 71.1% of cases. The histological prognosis (SBR) revealed a predominance of grade II in 55.9% of cases. The Luminal B continues to be the most common phenotype (46%) followed by Triple Negative (15.3%) and Luminal A (14.2%) and HER2 (7.4%). The immediate prognosis is a cause for concern because of delayed diagnosis. It seems urgent to develop the health information policy and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les soins de support en oncologie permettent d'améliorer la prise en charge des symptômes d'inconfort. Dans ce cadre, l'efficacité des opioïdes est très recherchée dans le traitement des douleurs rebelles liées à une pathologie cancéreuse évoluée. Les propriétés antalgiques des opioïdes sont contrebalancées par des effets secondaires digestifs. L'objectif de cette étude est de décrire la prévalence et la gravité de la constipation induite par les opioïdes chez les patients cancéreux, et d'évaluer l'impact de dysfonctionnement intestinal induit par les opioïdes sur leur qualité de vie. Méthodes : il s'agit d'une étude transversale monocentrique auprès des patients souffrant de douleurs cancéreuses et qui sont sous traitement opioïde en utilisant deux questionnaires : KESS et PAC-QoL(pour patient assessment of constipation-quality of life). Résultats : 103 patients cancéreux ont été inclus dans cette étude, 75,7 % (n = 77) des patients souffraient de constipation selon le questionnaire KESS. Des symptômes de dysfonction intestinale, hors constipation, étaient présents chez 82,5 % des patients (n = 85) : ballonnements (70 %), perte d'appétit (60 %), flatulences (73,2 %), douleur lors de la défécation (45 %) et malaise épigastrique (23 %). Les résultats de la PAC-QoL démontraient que la qualité de vie globale était significativement dégradée chez les patients constipés (p < 0,0001) malgré un traitement laxatif. Conclusion : les patients cancéreux qui prennent des opioïdes pour la douleur sont très souvent constipés, en dépit de la prescription de laxatifs. Cela conduit à des altérations significatives de la qualité de vie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Amal. Tazzite, Hassan. Jouhadi, Khalil. Hamzi, Abdellatif. Benider, Sellama. Nadifi Sir, Deleterious BReast CAncer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and BReast CAncer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2) mutations have significant clinical [...]

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer (BC). Physicians have difficulty diagnosing it correctly given its clinical nature. Previous studies have shown that North Africa compared to the United States has a higher proportion of IBC relative to all BC. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to calculate a corrected IBC incidence rate using the population-based registry of Casablanca and other, local hospital-based data sources and to characterize the clinical presentation and basis of diagnosis of IBC. METHODS: We retrieved the Casablanca registry data from 2009–2012, and matched its data with demographic and clinical data from the medical records, logbooks and a local epidemiologic IBC case-control study. A corrected incidence was calculated after accounting for missed cases in the registry. RESULTS: The data showed that the incidence of IBC in the registry was significantly underestimated when the population-based and hospital data were combined. CONCLUSIONS: Population-based registries should focus on specific measures for verifying the diagnosis of IBC since physicians may miss documenting the disease in medical records. This study may have implications for better reporting and documentation of IBC in hospital- and population-based cancer registries in Morocco and other similar countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a higher incidence in North Africa than in most parts of the world. In addition to environmental factors such as Epstein–Barr virus infection and chemical carcinogen exposure, genetic susceptibility has been reported to play a key role in the development of NPC. NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 is a cytosolic enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage. A C to T transition at position 609 in the NQO1 gene (OMIM: 125860) has been shown to alter the enzymatic activity of the enzyme and has been associated with increased risk to several cancers. This study investigates for the first time the effect of this polymorphism on NPC susceptibility in a North African population. Methods: The NQO1 C609T polymorphism was genotyped using PCR‐RFLP in 392 NPC cases and 365 controls from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Results: The allele frequencies and distributions of genotypes did not differ between cases and controls (p > 0.05). When stratifying according to smoking status, we observed two‐fold higher NPC risk in ever‐smokers carrying the CT or TT genotype. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a significant interaction between T allele and smoking status (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.20–3.19; interaction p = 0.007). Conclusion: In this North African population, the functional NQO1 polymorphism was associated with a significantly higher risk of NPC among smokers and did not affect the risk among nonsmokers. The study was aimed to explore whether the NQO1 C609T polymorphism is associated with the nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk in a North African population. The functional NQO1 polymorphism was associated with a significantly higher risk among smokers. We investigated for the first time NQO1 C609T polymorphism and nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk in a North African population. Our findings provide evidence of an association among smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]