Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention最新文献

Background and objectives: We are reporting the performance of HPV self-sample collected by a novel kit in comparison with clinician collected cervical sample for HPV testing for cervical cancer screening.

Methods: Consenting, eligible women aged 25 to 60, with a positive cervical cancer screening test report in the past one year but without any prior treatment for cervical abnormalities were enrolled in the study. Each woman provided 2 samples for the HPV test (vaginal self-sample collected with the CERVICHECKTM, an indigenous kit from India and cervical sample collected by the clinician). These samples were analysed using cobas HPV test on 4800 platform and for liquid-based cytology.

Results: We enrolled 156 eligible, consenting participants at 2 study sites. The agreement for the sample collected by CERVICHECKTM and clinician collected sample for any high-risk HPV was 95.1% (k= 0.90, SE 0.036, 95% CI 0.83-0.97). The agreement for HPV 16 or 18 only was 95.1%, (k=0.88, SE 0.045, 95% CI 0.79-0.97). The overall acceptability of the kit was good, participants expressed that self-sampling was easy and > 90% women were willing to recommend it to their friends.

Interpretation and conclusions: There was almost perfect or perfect agreement between the HPV self-sample collected by CERVICHECKTM and clinician collected cervical sample. Self-sampling was highly acceptable to the participating women.

Background: The Tie2/Ang pathway was found to be involved in forming tumor blood vessels in various tumors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the value of Tie2/Ang pathway as a novel biomarkers for the early detection of chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). And the possibility of their future application in HCC treatment.

Methods: Flow cytometry was performed to identify and count Tie2 expressing monocytes (TEMs) in peripheral blood monocytes from HCC patients (n = 25), CHC cirrhotic patients (n = 25) and healthy volunteers (n = 25). In addition, Angiopoietin 1 and 2 (Ang) levels in the serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA).

Results: Percentage of TEMs in peripheral blood monocytes, serum Ang2 levels and Ang2/Ang1 ratio significantly increased in HCC patients compared with CHC patients and healthy controls (P< 0.001). However significant increase was only noticed in serum Ang1 levels in HCC group compared to the control group (P <0.05).

Conclusions: TEMs may promote angiogenesis in HCC regarding the Ang2/Tie2 signal pathway. Percentage of TEMs in peripheral blood monocytes, Ang2 serum levels and Ang2/Ang1 ratio may be applied as a biomarkers for identifying CHC-related HCC. Moreover, inhibiting the proangiogenic functions of this pathway may represent a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of current treatments for HCC.

Background: Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and the second most prevalent cancer in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. There is an increasing incidence of colorectal cancer worldwide. However, there is a notable decrease in incidence in high-income countries due to effective screening programs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the facilitators and barriers to the utilization of colorectal cancer screening from healthcare providers' perspective.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at multiple centres using semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives of primary healthcare physicians, gastrointestinal physicians, and colorectal surgeons on colorectal cancer screening in Dammam, Al-Khobar, and Al-Qatif in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Forty participants were involved in this study, leading to the identification of several barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer screening.

Results: Health system-related barriers included the unavailability of screening methods, such as FIT tests, or endoscopy units in some centres, high patient load, and the absence of a national screening program. Facilitators included easy access to screening guidelines, collaboration between hospitals, and the presence of female endoscopists. Individuals-related barriers encompassed patient unwillingness to screen, fear, lack of awareness, social and cultural factors, and inconvenience. Alternatively, the presence of a family history of colorectal cancer, GI symptoms, and higher education levels were considered as facilitators.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of implementing structural changes within the healthcare system, alongside raising awareness, and educating citizens. It also stresses the utilization of the effective strategies identified in this study regarding patient-provider communication to target individuals-related barriers and enhance screening rates.

Background: Colon cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. The study aimed to identify the risk factors of death from heart disease in the elderly colon cancer patients with liver metastasis.

Methods: All data of the retrospective study were retrieved from database of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results between 2000 and 2020. Odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using logistic regression model.

Results: A total of 14322 elderly colon cancer patients with liver metastasis were identified. Out of them, 288 cases died of heart diseases, and 2001 cases were alive. In multivariate logistic analysis, the significant predictors for heart disease death were old age (OR = 1.06, p = 0.000), other histologic type besides adenocarcinoma (OR = 1.68, p = 0.004) and tumor size ≥ 5cm (OR = 1.89, p = 0.000). The protective factors were metastases besides liver (OR = 0.70, p = 0.027), surgery (OR = 0.64, p = 0.001) and chemotherapy (OR = 0.23, p = 0.000).

Conclusion: Among elderly colon cancer with liver metastases, it is crucial to identify the risk factors and adopt preventive methods and appropriate treatment, which may enhance the quality of patient care and prolong patients' survival.

Objective: This study investigated the potential anticancer properties of Myo-inositol on the DU-145 prostate cancer cell line.

Methods: The DU-145 cells have been treated to different doses of Myo-inositol in order to ascertain the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) using the trypan blue exclusion assay. The impact of Myo-inositol on proteomic profiles was evaluated using 2D gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Results: Myo-inositol significantly reduced DU-145 cell viability with an IC50 of 0.06 mg/ml (p<0.05). Proteomic analysis highlighted marked differences in protein expression between treated and untreated cells, particularly in proteins related to cytoskeletal regulation, apoptosis, and stress response. LC-MS further identified significant alterations in protein profiles, with suppression of proteins like Annexin A2 and Cofilin-1-A in controls, and upregulation of proteins such as Rho GTPase-activating protein, Apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (APAF1), and TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) in treated samples (p<0.001), indicating modulation of key signaling pathways involved in tumor suppression and oncogenesis.

Conclusion: Myo-inositol exhibits anticancer properties in prostate cancer cells by impacting cell viability and altering protein expression. While promising as an adjunctive treatment, further studies are needed to understand its mechanisms and potential in combination therapies for managing CRPC.

Background and aim: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. Bile duct and peribiliary changes related to CCA may present on ultrasound (US) findings. This study aims to evaluate US findings that could be used as predictors for developing CCA through our surveillance program in an endemic area of Thailand.

Methods: The study population was 4,337 villagers in Northern Thailand with a 5-year abdominal US surveillance. Patient demographics data and ultrasound findings of calcifications/granulomas, periductal fibrosis, and diffuse bile duct dilatation were included. A logistic regression model was used to determine significant predictors.

Results: There were 4,225 people included with an average age of 45.49±7.66 years. Prevalence of calcifications/granulomas, periductal fibrosis, and diffuse bile duct dilatation detected on baseline sonographic surveillance was 11.7%, 20.5%, and 11.3%, respectively. The univariate analysis for significant predictors for CCA include age (Relative Risk; RR = 1.12), family history of CCA (RR = 2.29), periductal fibrosis (RR=2.38), and diffuse bile duct dilatation  (RR = 7.59). The multivariate analysis the independent predictors were age (RR = 1.12), family history of CCA (RR = 1.92), and diffuse bile duct dilatation (RR = 5.94), respectively.

Conclusions: The sonographic predictor for CCA surveillance in endemic areas is diffuse bile duct dilatation.  Age and family history of CCA are also helpful clinical markers.

Occupational cancer remains an ongoing and emerging issue in cancer prevention and control and is more easily preventable in practice than other causes. As of 2024, changes in various aspects, such as methods for estimating the burden of cancer, evidence on novel carcinogens and classification systems, modernization of working conditions, job characteristics, occupational exposure, and societal changes have played a significant role. Furthermore, advances in technology, including wearable devices, exposome, and biomedical technology, offer more precise methods for identifying the associations between occupational carcinogens and cancer. Diagnosing occupational cancer and investigating clusters are crucial for understanding its etiology. Prevention at every level- from primary to quarterly prevention- and promotional activities are crucial for exposed workers, often outweighing the importance of treatment, which can be costly. This updated information, as reviewed in this article, and cooperative work with occupational medicine physicians, could contribute to improving clinical practices for better cancer prevention and control.

Background: Cancer screening is a crucial component in the fight to reduce cancer incidence and mortality. Currently, the WHO recommends highly effective cancer screening programs, including screening for cervical cancer (CC), breast cancer (BC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite the implementation of a cancer screening program since 2014, an evaluation of the effectiveness of BC, CC, and CRC screening in the Kazakhstan has not yet been conducted. Study aimed to assess the effectiveness and coverage of BC, CC, and CRC screening in the Republic of Kazakhstan during the period from 2021 to 2023.

Methods: Data for the retrospective analysis were extracted from the "Healthcare Statistics" database. Data on participants eligible for screening (n=8,167,184) for BC, CC, and CRC were included in the analysis.

Results: In 2023, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of detected cases of CC (1.7) compared to previous years. The detection rates for BC (14) and CRC (around 1) per 100,000 population in 2023 remained almost at the same level as in previous years. The detection rate for BC was 0.74% in 2021, followed by a decline to 0.59% in 2022. In 2023, there was an increase to 1.69%. As for CC, the detection rate was 0.70% in 2021, it increased to 0.77% in 2022, but then decreased again to 0.53% in 2023. CRC shows a steady decline in detection rates. In 2021, the detection rate was 4.23%, then it dropped to 3.64% in 2022, and continued to decrease to 3.28% in 2023.

Conclusions: The data for 2021-2023 underscore the necessity for continuous monitoring, analysis, and adaptation of screening strategies, taking into account regional peculiarities and new challenges, such as the pandemic. Ensuring high screening coverage for BC, CC, and CRC is a key factor for the early detection and effective treatment of these diseases.

Background: Cervical cancer is a highly prevalent cancer among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This disease affects women in various ways and consequently impacts the quality of life of those diagnosed with this type of cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life and the degree of religiosity among women with cervical cancer in Morocco.

Methods:  This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Regional Oncology Center in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco during the period from January to May 2024. A total of 80 patients with cervical cancer were surveyed using the two validated Moroccan versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) module and the BIAC (Belief Into Action Scale). Mean scores were calculated, and the ANOVA test was used to examine the significance of the mean difference between variables. A stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the predictive factors of health-related quality of life.

Results: The average age of the patients was 56.1 ± 9.21 years. The mean overall quality of life score was 51.78 ± 30.06. Social functioning had the highest score (92.19 ± 21.90), while emotional functioning had the lowest score (62.55 ± 42). Pain (AOR= 6.98, 95% CI: 1.18-41.16) was associated with the patients' health-related quality of life. Regarding religiosity, the mean overall score on the BIAC scale was 54.17 ± 23.72. The patients' faith in God remained intact, but religious practice was significantly impaired.

Conclusion: Cervical cancer significantly affects the health-related quality of life of patients. Consequently, efforts to improve quality of life should be undertaken, particularly in terms of emotional functioning, pain, and financial difficulties.

Background: Colorectal cancer is a significant global health concern, with Thailand reporting notable incidence rates. Locally advanced rectal cancer demands effective treatment strategies to reduce the risk of local recurrence post-surgery; however, the predictive factors for local recurrence are uncertain..

Objective: This study investigated patients with rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing preoperative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT). The pathological findings and predictors of local recurrence in rectal adenocarcinoma were examined following preoperative CCRT.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent preoperative CCRT and surgery at the Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Data were collected from patients to investigate the associations between pathological prognostic factors and local recurrence of rectal adenocarcinoma. For the analysis of continuous variables, the Student's t-test was employed to assess univariate associations. In the case of categorical variables, comparisons were made using the chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Furthermore, the Kaplan-Meier method, supplemented by the log-rank test, was utilized to examine the relationships between baseline prognostic variables and disease-free survival endpoints.

Results: Of the 70 patients who received preoperative CCRT, 14 (20%) experienced recurrence. Univariate log-rank analysis identified five pathologic predictors of the disease-free survival of preoperative CCRT patients: ypT stage (p = 0.0030), lymphatic space invasion (p = 0.0033), venous invasion (p = 0.0345), circumferential resection margin (CRM) (p = 0.0003), and TNM staging (p = 0.0109). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, ypTNM stage and CRM status were independent predictors for disease progression of preoperative CCRT patients.

Conclusion: ypTNM staging and CRM status emerged as independent predictors of local recurrence. The study also identified age and gender variations in rectal cancer incidence, highlighting the importance of tailored screening approaches.