Cancer Management and Research最新文献

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality, which caused more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer (including anal cancer) and 904,000 deaths in 2022, making colorectal cancer the third-highest incidence and second-highest mortality in cancer worldwide. Conventional treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery have achieved certain results, but there is room for improvement. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered programmed death that induces cell death by cleaving gasdermins through caspase, making the cell form non-selective pores, undergoing cytoplasm flattening caused by plasma membrane leakage and finally leading to death. It can be induced by the following pathways including canonical pathway, non-canonical pathway, apoptotic caspases-mediated pathway and granzymes-mediated pathway. Pyroptosis is often associated with the detection, prognosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. In canonical pathway, the common inflammasomes including NLRP3, NLRP1, NLRC4, AIM2 and Pyrin are related to the detection and prognosis of colorectal cancer. In terms of the treatment of colorectal cancer, most studies focus on the GSDMD-mediated and GSDME-mediated pyroptosis therapy, while there are relatively few studies on the treatment of colorectal cancer mediated by other gasdermin families, such as GSDMB. The pyroptosis therapy in colorectal cancer involves the drug, natural-occurring substances, chemotherapy, nanotechnology, radiotherapy, virus, and other novel treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). This article explores the mechanisms of pyroptosis and its research on colorectal cancer detection and prognosis, focusing on the research related to pyroptosis and colorectal treatment, and provides an outlook on the future of pyroptosis and colorectal cancer treatment.

Purpose: Tumor budding (TB) is an established prognostic factor in early colorectal cancer. However, its evaluation on hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) slides may underestimate the true budding activity. This study aimed to investigate the role of pan-cytokeratin (Pan-CK) immunohistochemistry in upgrading TB assessment in malignant colorectal polyps at the pT1 stage and to determine clinicopathological factors associated with TB upgrading.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 104 malignant colorectal polyps at the pT1 stage diagnosed between January 2015 and June 2024 at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City. TB was assessed on H&E and Pan-CK stained slides according to the 2016 International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) criteria. Cases were classified as Bd1 (0-4 buds), Bd2 (5-9 buds), or Bd3 (≥10 buds). Upgrading was defined as an increase in TB grade on Pan-CK compared with H&E, particularly evaluated among cases classified as Bd1 on H&E. Clinicopathological features associated with upgrading were analyzed using univariate and multivariate models.

Results: The number of tumor buds was significantly higher on Pan-CK compared with H&E (median [IQR] 1.0 [0.0-7.0] vs 0.5 [0.0-3.0]; p < 0.001). Among 90 cases classified as Bd1 on H&E, 25 (27.78%) were upgraded to Bd2/3 after Pan-CK staining. In univariate analysis, higher Haggitt/Kikuchi level and the presence of synchronous polyps were significantly associated with upgrading, whereas tumor grade 2 demonstrated a borderline association. Multivariate analysis identified synchronous polyps as the only independent predictor (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.03-8.76; p = 0.045).

Conclusion: Pan-CK substantially increases TB detection and grading in pT1 malignant colorectal polyps. Synchronous polyps were identified as the sole independent predictor of TB upgrading, representing a novel finding. Selective Pan-CK use in these cases may optimize resources and guide management.

Purpose: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and although immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved outcomes, their use is often limited by immune-related adverse effects and treatment resistance. This study therefore investigates the effects of the small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-202 on lung carcinogenesis using a subcutaneous tumor model in C57BL/6 mice. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate its cytotoxic activity, induction of apoptosis, and impact on antitumor immune modulation.

Methods: In this study, we utilized in vivo mouse models and in vitro CMT167 cancer cells to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of BMS-202. Tumor growth inhibition was assessed through caliper measurements and histological analysis. Apoptosis was analyzed using AO/PI staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry, Caspase-3 activity assays, and Real-Time PCR to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bad, Bax, Apaf1, Bcl2, and Bcl-xl). Additionally, flow cytometry was employed to analyze lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) was used for measurement of cytokines.

Results: Specifically, cell viability decreased from 98.1% to 30.1% at concentrations ranging from 0 μM to 40 μM (P<0.001). Apoptosis assays revealed distinct fluorescence patterns indicating increased apoptosis, with late apoptotic cells becoming prominent at higher concentrations. In vivo, results showed that treatment with BMS-202 significantly reduced tumor weight, with mean weights of 609 ± 41.5 mg and 371.88 ± 47.5 mg at 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg, respectively (P<0.001). Flow cytometry analysis indicated a marked increase in CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, rising from 6.8% to 26.2% (P<0.001), and a reduction in PD-1 expression, suggesting enhanced immune activation. Additionally, BMS-202 treatment significantly elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and TNF-α, indicating a robust immune response (P<0.001).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that BMS-202 effectively promotes apoptosis and enhances immune responses in lung cancer, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent in treating lung carcinogenesis.

Objective: This study aimed to construct a symptom network in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing chemotherapy, thereby providing a theoretical framework for optimizing symptom management strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 261 patients with CRC receiving chemotherapy across five tertiary care hospitals in Shanghai, selected through convenience sampling. Network analysis was applied to construct the symptom network and to determine centrality indices, including strength centrality. Model accuracy and stability were evaluated using nonparametric bootstrapping techniques.

Results: Symptom prevalence ranged from 5.4% to 85.8%, with severity scores ranging from 0.51±1.44 to 4.83±3.23. Fatigue was associated with the highest severity score. Depression (r_strength = 2.188), nausea (r_strength = 1.290), and anorexia (r_strength = 1.223) demonstrated the highest strength centrality values. The constructed network model exhibited high accuracy and stability, as indicated by narrow confidence intervals and Correlation Stability (CS) coefficients exceeding 0.25.

Conclusion: This study is among the first to apply network analysis to chemotherapy-related symptom interactions and potential mechanisms in CRC, highlighting central targets for intervention. These findings may inform more precise and efficient symptom management approaches in oncology care.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression of the bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) gene in malignant tumors originating from various tissues and to explore its clinical significance.

Methods: We employed the TCGA database, R software, GeneMANIA database, and biological information analysis technologies to analyze the expression of the BST2 gene across various tumor tissues at different pathological stages and to assess its association with tumor prognosis, mutations, immune invasion, immune checkpoint-related genes, and associated pathways. Validation was performed using skin cutaneous melanoma cell lines, including M14, A375, B16-F10, and A2058.

Results: The expression of the BST2 gene varied across tumors of different origins, showing both increased and decreased levels. BST2 expression was closely associated with patient prognosis. In pan-kidney cohort, renal clear cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and uterine sarcoma, its expression significantly differed across pathological stages. Additionally, in most tumors, BST2 expression correlated positively with immune infiltration and was linked to immune checkpoint-related genes. Validation of skin cutaneous melanoma cell lines displayed BST2 expression was significantly elevated in melanoma cell lines compared with the normal human melanocyte line.

Conclusion: This pan-cancer analysis highlights the correlation between BST2 expression and tumor type, prognosis, pathological stage, tumor mutations, and immune invasion. The findings suggest that BST2 may serve as an effective prognostic biomarker with potential applications in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life in cervical cancer patients, and to explore the mediating role of self-compassion between the two, so as to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer.

Methods: Convenience sampling method was used to select cervical cancer patients who attended a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province from May to October 2024 as study subjects. The Perceived Social Support Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Cervical Cancer Quality of Life Measurement Scale were used for data collection. AMOS 26.0 software was used to construct structural equation modeling to analyze the relationship between variables.

Results: The total scores for perceived social support, self-compassion, and quality of life in cervical cancer patients were 42.22±3.65, 98.38±10.95, and 147.73±11.17, respectively. Perceived social support was positively correlated with quality of life (P<0.01), and self-compassion was also positively correlated with quality of life (P<0.01). Self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life, accounting for 41.76% of the total effect.

Conclusion: Cervical cancer patients have a moderate level of perceived social support and self-compassion, and a relatively high level of quality of life. Perceived social support can directly enhance or indirectly affect the quality of life of cervical cancer patients through self-compassion. Healthcare professionals can improve patients' levels of self-compassion and quality of life by providing comprehensive social support.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is recognized as the third most common malignant neoplasm worldwide. In Ecuador, it ranks fourth in incidence and third in mortality. The KRAS gene mutation has been associated with a poorer prognosis due to its contribution to resistance against anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics associated with the KRAS gene mutation in Ecuadorian patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, including patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2018 and 2022 at a specialized cancer center, and the KRAS gene mutation status was evaluated. The relationship between KRAS mutation status and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed.

Results: A total of 152 patients were included in the study. Of these, 52% were women, with a mean age of 62.01 years, and 78.3% were over 50 years old. The prevalence of the KRAS mutation was found to be 44.7%. The most frequent cancer stage was IV A (18.4%), and the majority of primary tumors were located in the rectum (34.9%). An association between KRAS mutation status and the location of the primary tumor was identified (p=0.030). However, no association was observed between mutation status and other sociodemographic or clinical variables.

Conclusion: Approximately 4 out of 10 Ecuadorian patients with colorectal cancer were found to have the KRAS gene mutation. This mutation was associated with tumor location, particularly in the descending colon. However, no associations were identified with other sociodemographic or clinical variables.

Background: The incidence of cancer is rising annually. With advances in diagnosis and treatment, cancer patients' long-term survival rates have improved, leading them to gradually enter a chronic disease state. However, they frequently experience physiological and psychological symptoms during treatment, which severely impact their survival and quality of life. Auricular acupoint therapy, a green non-pharmacological intervention characterized by ease of operation and low cost, can alleviate cancer-related symptoms. Despite its widespread use, systematic summarization and comprehensive evaluation of this therapy remain insufficient.

Objective: To systematically analyze the application of auricular therapy in cancer patients, identify its characteristics and intervention effects on symptoms, and provide a reference for symptom management in these patients.

Methods: Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Database, and VIP Database from their inception to April 20, 2025. Data from the included literature were extracted and analyzed.

Results: A total of 42 studies were included. Auricular therapy is applicable across multiple stages of cancer care and exerts positive effects on cancer-related pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, and chemotherapy-induced symptoms. Notably, the pain-fatigue-sleep disorder cluster is the most common and interrelated symptom group, with auricular acupressure as the most frequently used intervention.

Conclusion: Owing to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, auricular therapy offers unique advantages for managing symptoms in cancer patients. The current focus in this field has shifted from managing single symptoms or individual dimensions within symptom clusters to a comprehensive management of symptom clusters. Future research should pay attention to the dynamic progression of symptoms, focus on the core symptom clusters in cancer patients, and optimize intervention strategies to enhance the efficiency of symptom management.

Purpose: To explore the categories of flourishing in patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and analyse the influencing factors for each category.

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 260 patients who underwent postoperative chemotherapy at the gynaecological oncology ward of a tertiary hospital in Shanxi Province between May 2024 and May 2025. Participants completed the General Information Questionnaire, Flourishing Scale, Learned Helplessness Scale, Index of Autonomous Functioning Scale, and Perceived Social Support Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify the flourishing profiles. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the factors associated with profile membership.

Results: Among the 237 patients who completed valid questionnaires (recovery rate: 91.2%), the mean age was 59.48 ± 9.70 years. The LPA revealed three distinct latent categories of flourishing: low flourishing group (38.1%, n = 90), moderate flourishing group (34.2%, n = 80), and high flourishing group (27.7%, n = 67). Illness duration, comorbidity burden, learned helplessness, autonomous functioning, and perceived social support were significant factors influencing latent flourishing profiles (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Significant heterogeneity exists in flourishing levels among patients with ovarian cancer undergoing postoperative chemotherapy. Healthcare professionals can tailor interventions based on these distinct flourishing profiles and their key characteristics. This approach aims to promote patient flourishing, thereby improving their quality of life.

Patients with advanced gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma typically exhibit poor clinical outcomes, especially with brain metastases (BMs). Here, we present a notable patient with HER-2 positive advanced gastric cancer complicated with large-volume BMs who achieved long-term survival reaching 9 years through multidisciplinary treatment strategy encompassing abdominal radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), targeted therapy, and systemic chemotherapy. These findings highlight the need for balancing efficacy and safety to develop individualized radiotherapy strategies for large-volume BMs. This outcome highlights the potential benefits of comprehensive approaches and the feasibility of proactive local interventions for oligoprogressive disease. This case provides valuable experience for managing similar cases and offers new ideas for combining novel modalities like antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) drugs, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy.