Objective: Using action research principles, in consultation with members and administrators of Wellspring Canada, the purpose of the current study was to adapt and examine the impact of a positive body image program (Body Image Awareness Seminars; BIAS) on positive and negative body image in individuals living with cancer. Methods: The project used a single-group pretest–posttest design with a 6–week follow-up. Over the 6-week program, 37 participants engaged in 90-minute weekly group sessions consisting of researcher-led psychoeducation, group discussion and activities grounded in positive body image research. Each seminar had a unique theme designed to promote respect, acceptance and appreciation for the body. Participants completed the Body Image Scale, Body Appreciation Scale-2, Functionality Appreciation Scale, Measure of Body Apperception, Appearance Evaluation subscale and Self-Compassion Scale anonymously using Qualtrics at the 3 data collection points. Homework assignments included optional readings and writing exercises based on the positive body image tenet taught that week. Results: Participants reported statistically significant improvements in positive body image (i.e., body appreciation, functionality appreciation), self-compassion, and negative body image (i.e., body image distress and disturbance, investment in body integrity and appearance evaluation), which were sustained at the 6-week follow-up in a subsample of participants ( n=11). Conclusions: This study suggests that the adapted BIAS program can lead to improvements in both positive and negative body image in individuals living with diverse types of cancer. Results support the implementation of BIAS in the standard of care for those living with cancer to continue to affect positive change.

jabbrv-ltwa-all.ldf jabbrv-ltwa-en.ldf Background Plasmablastic myeloma (PBM) is a rare, aggressive subtype of multiple myeloma (MM) with poor prognosis. On the other hand, plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is also an aggressive large B-cell lymphoma with plasmacytic phenotype, which is generally treated with anti-lymphoma drugs. Importantly, PBM is difficult to distinguish from PBL, because clinical features of both diseases closely overlap. We report two cases of PBM accompanied by apparent extramedullary lesions. Case Case1: A 38-year-old female complained of fatigue. She presented pancytopenia, splenomegaly, the soft tissue lesion over the chest wall and multiple osteolytic lesions. Initially, pathology of the soft tissue established a diagnosis of PBL. She received two cycles of EPOCH, leading to considerable improvement. She then received daratumumab (Dara) and Lenalidomide (Len), achieving remission for two years. Case2: A 60-year-old-male was evaluated for multiple tumors of pancreas and retroperitoneum. Biopsy of pancreatic tumor identified plasmacytoid cells, whereas biopsy of bone marrow showed no evidence of plasma cells. Therefore, he was initially diagnosed as multiple plasmacytoma, and received 3 cycles of chemotherapy with Bortezomib (Bor), lenalidomide, and dexamethasone, but in vain. Once Bor was replaced to Dara, he rapidly developed panperitonitis and ascites filled with plasmablasts, and eventually died of multiple organ failure. Conclusion As there has been no standard care for PBM, our cases raise a possibility that combination therapy of anti-myeloma and anti-lymphoma drugs from the first may provide good outcome. In addition, Ki-67 proliferation index is an useful finding to diagnose as PBM. Keywords plasmablastic myeloma (PBM), plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), Ki-67

javascript:void(0) Background and Objectives: Dermatofibromas (DF) are common benign skin lesions with unclear etiology, possibly reactive or tumoral. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of DF misdiagnosis and correlate histopathological findings with clinical interpretations. Methods: The extraction for this retrospective study was conducted from 8035 excisions performed between 2016 and 2022 by 9 physicians. A total of 50 cases with conclusive histopathological diagnoses of DF and 33 clinical cases of DF were identified. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The clinical arm included 33 cases, with 7 having DF in the differential diagnosis. The mean age for a confident DF diagnosis was 57.86 years, compared to 44.35 years for a probable diagnosis (p=0.023). Diagnosis accuracy was 69% for certain cases vs 43% for probable cases. DF on legs had higher clinical uncertainty, 6/7 vs 9/26 (p=0.016). In the histopathological arm of 50 patients, lesions on lower extremities had higher correct diagnosis rates (p=0.024) and were least accurate on the torso (p=0.009). Conclusions: DF can pose a challenge even for experienced clinicians. Location is crucial as DF may escape diagnosis in less common areas. Patient’s age and physician’s expertise induce uncertainty.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Background: The investigation of cuproptosis in relation to tumor development has been limited, particularly in Multiple myeloma (MM), indicating the need for further research. Our study aimed to examine the impact of cuproptosis-related genes on the prognosis of MM. Methods: Using the datasets, we filtered cuproptosis score-related differentially expressed genes (CRDEGs) by overlapping the DEGs between the MM and normal groups and between the high and low cuproptosis score groups. Additionally, key module genes were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis. A univariate Cox algorithm and multivariate Cox analysis were employed to obtain biomarkers of MM and build a prognostic model, before conducting independent prognostic analysis. Results: A total of 59 CRDEGs were filtered. Demonstrating their involvement in the COPII vesicle coat and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Six prognosis-related biomarkers (PARP1, EDEM3, SEC23A, RSL24D1, TTC37, and SRP72) were obtained, and a prognostic model was developed. The performance of the model was verified using a test cohort (GSE136324 dataset) and a validation cohort (GSE24080 dataset). Risk score, age, albumin, International Staging System (ISS) score, and β2-microglobulin (B2M) was found to be a significant predictor of prognosis independently . Conclusion: As a result of this investigation, a set of six biomarkers associated with cuproptosis (PARP1, EDEM3, SEC23A, RSL24D1, TTC37 and SRP72) were screened to provide a basis for predicting the prognosis of MM.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, representing about 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers. Facial BCCs, particularly infiltrative and recurrent types, present substantial challenges due to their aggressive nature and potential for local recurrence. Objective: This report highlights the surgical and reconstructive challenges in managing recurrent infiltrative BCC of the face over a decade-long clinical course, emphasizing the importance of advanced techniques and multidisciplinary care. Case Presentation: A 78-year-old female first presented in 2013 with an infiltrative BCC on the left anterior chin. Initial treatment involved wide local excision (WLE) and adjuvant radiotherapy, yet the carcinoma recurred. Subsequent recurrences occurred in December 2017 and January 2021, with the latest recurrence in 2023 presenting as a 1 cm lesion at the chin more on the left , accompanied by facial asymmetry and lip drooping due to scar contracture. Surgical Technique: The resection involved extensive removal of the lower lip, exposing the mandible. Reconstruction utilized bilateral Karapandzic flaps for the lower lip and a bilobed rotational flap for the chin defect. Meticulous dissection preserved vital neurovascular structures, ensuring functional and cosmetic restoration. Outcome: Post-operative histology revealed basal cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation, clear margins, and no invasion. The patient showed satisfactory recovery, with functional and aesthetic outcomes meeting expectations. She remains disease-free 18 months post-surgery. Conclusion: This case underscores the complexities in managing recurrent facial BCCs and the necessity for advanced surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary approach to achieve optimal outcomes.

Introduction: Despite constant improvements, incontinence is one of the most relevant and quality-of-life-reducing side effects of radical prostatectomy (RP) and, in addition to patient-specific factors such as age, the experience of the surgeon/center and the surgical technique used play an important role. Aim of the study was to present current real-world data on incontinence after RP from one of the largest German rehabilitation centers in 2022 and to compare it to the results from the same institution in 2016. Material and Methods: Retrospective, unicentric, univariate analysis of data from 1394 men after RP in 2022 at admission and discharge. Incontinence defined as ≥1 pad/day was evaluated by quantitative measuring all day incontinence under a defined graduation and compared to the results of 2016. Results: Median age for both cohorts was 66 years with minor differences in preoperative PSA levels. Despite different surgical approaches, no significant change in postoperative incontinence rates in 2016 and 2022 were noted at discharge (76.9 vs. 77.9%, p=0.56). A notable increase in patients with Gleason score 3+4 and a shift towards robotic surgery were observed in 2022. While nerve sparing led to a significant improvement in continence (p < 0.01), lymphadenectomy and T-stage were not related to any significant increase in incontinence rates. Comparing age groups within the cohort, patients >69 years exhibited the highest risk of postoperative incontinence and least likelihood of regaining continence during rehabilitation (p < 0.01). Men treated at a certified prostate cancer center had significantly (p<0.01) lower incontinence rates. Conclusion: Our study shows little improvement in short term post-operative incontinence rates after radical prostatectomy in Germany in the last six years and known risk factors for post-operative incontinence like age, nerve-sparing surgery and level of experience were reproduced in our analyses. We conclude to carefully select patients for RP and to strongly advice treatment at certified centers.

The purpose is to analyze the clinical features and mortality rates of Chinese acute leukemia patients affected by COVID-19 infection. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of acute leukemia patients with COVID-19 infection in Henan Province, China, from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. Our study included 100 cases of acute leukemia with COVID-19 infection. The median age was 49.5 years old (58% male and 42% female). Patients with acute myeloid leukemia were 76%, and 24% were acute lymphoblastic leukemia.86% of patients were asymptomatic; 35% of patients received antibiotic treatment, and 25% received antiviral treatment. For the first time, we analyzed the factors affecting the days of nucleic acid cycle threshold (CT) (CT≤36) in acute leukemia patients infected with COVID-19; the days in severe cases and dead patients was significantly longer. We found that in patients with neutropenia who were receiving antibiotic treatment the days was significantly longer, whereas in patients receiving antiviral treatment or delayed treatment this number was shorter. All patients were followed up for three months, and the overall mortality rate was 6%. Although multivariate analysis showed that no death related factor, univariate analysis showed that neutropenia was the main factor affecting mortality in patients infected with COVID-19. Early application of antiviral drug shorten the number of days of COVID-19 nucleic acid CT value≤36 in AL patients infected with COVID-19, which may further reduce the proportion of patients with severe symptoms or death.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide， with a tendency of increasing incidence in developed countries, which poses a significant threats to the patients’ physical and mental health. The development of colorectal cancer involves numerous genetic alterations, which indicate that transcription factors may play an important role in this process. Changes in the level of zinc finger proteins, the most prevalent transcription factor, may play an important trigger for the development of colorectal cancer. Different zinc finger proteins play different roles in terms of promoting or inhibiting cancer development. This paper briefly reviews the classification, functional characteristics, and expression changes of zinc finger proteins in colorectal cancer, it focuses on how they regulate gene transcription, influence on common signaling pathways and their potential for translational studies and clinical applications. The objective is to stimulate new ideas for their study in colorectal cancer while also providing foundational information to guide drug development and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients in clinical settings.

With the use of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapies, the clinical outcomes of metastatic melanoma have drastically improved. The current scenario has reduced the use of chemotherapy as a first-line treatment. However, in a resource-limited setting, where access to ICIs and targeted therapies is not feasible, and in patients who fail to tolerate these therapies, chemotherapy continues to remain effective. The median survival and response rates with chemotherapy alone are dismally low. Here, we report a case in which a patient with stage IV anorectal melanoma was able to achieve a complete metabolic response and sustain it for 3 years and continue to do so with the first-line single-agent temozolomide.

Background: Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is an aggressive mesenchymal tumor that usually occurs in children. When it occurs in adults, it poses a diagnostic challenge for the medical team. The clinical manifestations are not specific, imaging studies show a hepatic mass with a mixed component (solid and cystic). To date, surgical resection with neoadjuvant therapy has yielded satisfactory results in terms of survival. Case: We present the case of a 19-year-old patient, which, to our knowledge is the only case reported in Central America, which was surgically resected and received adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient has been followed for 34 months, and she remains free of disease. Conclusion: The presented case highlights the need to raise awareness about UESL in the Central American region and promote a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach to improve disease-free survival in these patients.

Background Chondrosarcoma accounts for 20% of all bone sarcomas and may present with soft tissue extension. The presence of an extraosseous component, along with positive surgical margins, have been separately associated with increased risk of local recurrence and decreased survival. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the treatment and outcomes of 7 chondrosarcoma patients who presented with both chondrosarcoma with soft tissue extension as well as positive surgical margins post wide en bloc resection. Methods This was a retrospective review over a consecutive thirteen-year period. Data including treatment details and outcomes were included. All patients underwent attempted negative margin wide en bloc resection and encountered unplanned positive margins on intraoperative determination or post-operative pathology. Results A total of 7 cases were identified. Average age (SD) was 61.1 years (5.87) with median (range) follow-up of 17.0 months (3, 91). Four (57.1%) cases arose in the extremities, and 3 (42.9%) cases in the pelvis. All patients underwent attempted negative margin wide en bloc resection. Four (57.1%) cases recurred with median (IQR) time to recurrence 16.0 months (9.50, 22.0). At study conclusion, five (71.4%) were alive with median (IQR) survival of 23 months (12.5, 36). Overall survival (OS) probability was 100%, 53.3%, and 53.3% at 1, 3, and 5-years, respectively. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 60%, 40%, and 40% at 1-, 3-, and 5-years, respectively. Conclusion Despite a limited sample size, our data reflected similar OS to chondrosarcomas with positive margins alone, but a higher recurrence rate. Our cohort represents a high-risk subgroup of chondrosarcoma patients, which may dictate increased monitoring and guide future treatment recommendations for these patients.

Background Cancer-associated depression is a multifaceted condition that arises from the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in individuals diagnosed with cancer. Understanding the background of this condition involves exploring how cancer and its treatments can precipitate depressive symptoms and the mechanisms behind this association. Objective To describe and synthesize information on the complicated interactions between chronic stress, inflammation, immunological responses, and cancer development. To review the existing evidence regarding mechanisms that may include neurotransmitter imbalances, structural brain changes, and genetic predispositions as key contributors to depression in cancer. Methods Literature searches on Cancer-associated Depression were conducted in electronic databases like APA PsycINFO, Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to understand the potential relationship between stress-induced depression and cancer. Research on the neurochemical, anatomical, immunological, genetic, and psychological changes that support cancer-related depression was collected, together with study features and findings, and the impact of depression on cancer was extracted. Results The literature search revealed a compilation of quantitative and qualitative studies about depression in cancer patients. Findings suggested the possibility of a link between cancer-induced stress and depression. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (like IL-6) and dysregulation of the neurotransmitters including serotonin had shown links to the onset of depression in cancer patients. Lastly, antidepressants along with psychological interventions were found to be effective in treating depression in cancer patients. Conclusions This Narrative review contributes insights into the need for integrating oncology and mental health services to address the psychosocial needs of cancer patients. Future research should focus on the bidirectional interactions between stress and cancer, aiming to improve cancer care by incorporating mental health support, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant health concern in the world. The existing standard of care guidelines for CRC surveillance falls short of effectively and timely detecting recurrence or metastasis. In recent years, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a promising material for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. In this paper, we provide an exhaustive review of the methods utilized for MRD detection via ctDNA, present evidence supporting the potential of ctDNA MRD as a valuable biomarker in clinical applications, and engage in a discussion regarding ongoing ctDNA MRD based clinical trials in CRC. Lastly, we offer insights into future prospects of ctDNA-based MRD methodological advancements and clinical research. It’s foreseeable that more sensitive, flexible, and economic MRD detection methods will emerge with the deeper research on cfDNA genomics, fragmentomics, methylomes, and nucleosome imprinting. At the same time, MRD-guided intervention study will evolve for revolutionizing the treatment paradigm of CRC.

Background: Supposed ‘spontaneous’ remissions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/CLL are extremely rare. By the most stringent immunophenotypic criteria, there are only seven cases to date of unexplained, immune system effected cures. A historic review of this phenomenon is presented as context for this eighth case of CLL immunophenotypic reversal. Case history: A 59-year-old, molecular biologist, stage I CLL, whose diagnosis and recovery were both thoroughly documented, not content to watch and wait, chose to treat himself, after individual tumour susceptibility testing, with evidence based, biological response modifiers, which initially seemed to keep his CLL stable. This included 1mg of hydroxocobalamin injected i.m. daily. However, after some years his lymphocytosis began slowly to drift upwards. At that point, he was persuaded to change his injection protocol to methylcobalamin, at 50 mg i.m. a day, a dose whose clinical safety is sufficiently well established, and a form of cobalamin that the research literature shows has anticancer actions. Outcome: This change in cobalamin form and dose proved a critical turning point. Complete disappearance of the lymphocytosis also coincided with a severe infection and an even further temporary increase of the parenteral methylcobalamin dose, both catalytic factors. In the 4th & 5th years following this, the patient’s repeated immunophenotyping showed no clonal disease present. A brief review of the field of cobalamin in cancer research and treatment is given, with discussion of the various mechanisms by which cobalamins may impact on cancer/CLL. Historic analysis reveals that cyanocobalamin is generally cancer promotional, whereas hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are cancer protective and cytotoxic. It is hypothesised that the actions of cobalamin in cancer aetiology and oncogenesis/progression are intertwined with those of nitric oxide, which tumours regulate to dupe the immune system to their presence, by causing a functional cobalamin deficiency in the host.

Thymic neuroendocrine tumors are rare malignant tumors with neuroendocrine functions located in the anterior mediastinum thymic region. They exhibit a high degree of malignancy and can early invade surrounding fat,pericardium, pleura, major blood vessels, and lungs,posing a significant risk of recurrence.Here, we report a case of recurrent thymic cancer treated with complete surgical resection, replacement of the innominate vein, superior vena cava formation, and iodine ion insertion.A 51-year-old male diagnosed with stage lllA malignant thymoma in November 2021, accompanied by lymph node metastasis,involving the peripheral left lung.The patient underwent six cycles of adjuvant immunotherapy with pembrolizumab and cisplatin plus etoposide, along with one course of radiotherapy postoperatively.Subsequently, the patient received regular immunotherapy and follow-up at our hospital. In October 2023,chest CT revealed tumor recurrence, with infiltration into the pericardium, bilateral innominate veins, superior vena cava, and brachiocephalic artery.Subsequently, the patient underwent a midline thoracotomy for extensive resection of recurrent thymic tumor,enlargement of pericardial resection, left innominate vein-to-right atrial artificial grafting,superior vena cava formation,and iodine-125radioisotope brachytherapy.Aggressive surgical intervention combined with adjuvant therapy is an essential treatment modality for locally advanced thymic cancer involving the superior vena cava and surrounding blood vessels.

Background: Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) is a commonly occurring malignancy in the head and neck region. However, due to the heterogeneity of primary tumor sites, tumor behavior, and molecular mechanisms, there is currently no consensus on the accuracy of clinicopathological prognostic factors for individual cases. Tumor histopathologic behavior remains a crucial factor in predicting aggressiveness. Recent studies have shown that peritumoral tumor budding (TB) combined with cell nest size (CNS) is a reliable marker for predicting lymph node metastasis, advanced cancer prognosis, and therapeutic response in SCCs of different origins. Materials and methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analyzed 128 LSCC cases that underwent total laryngectomy at Amir Alam Hospital. We evaluated TB and CNS based on the Boxberg et al. study. Results: Our study demonstrated a significant correlation between TB, and nodal involvement (P value=0.015), vascular invasion (P value=0.035), and mortality rate (P value=0.001), as well as a significant statistical correlation between high TB and extra-laryngeal extension (P value=0.006), clinical stage (P value=0.011), and mortality rate (P value=0.001). Moreover, small nest size was also associated with the clinical stage (P value=0.047), extra-laryngeal extension (P value=0.015), and mortality rate (P value=0.001). Based on our results, TB, CNS, and clinical stage are independent prognostic factors for mortality rate and are correlated with disease-free survival. Conclusion: Given the effect of TB and CNS on the overall prognosis and survival of patients with LSCC, evaluating these two factors on routine H&E microscopic examination of LSCC specimens is recommended to facilitate individualized risk assessment and treatment planning.

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) harbours the most aggressive phenotype of all lung cancers to correlate with its bleak prognosis. The aggression of SCLC is partially attributable to its strong metastatic tendencies. The biological processes facilitating the metastasis in SCLC are still poorly understood and garnering a deeper understanding of these processes may enable the exploration of additional targets against this cancer hallmark in the treatment of SCLC. Recent findings: This narrative review will discuss the proposed molecular mechanisms by which the cancer hallmark of activating invasion and metastasis is featured in SCLC through important steps of the metastatic pathway. The review will discuss SCLC VEGF family expression and vascular mimicry as a means of vasculogenesis, and the role of tumour heterogeneity, DLL3, NFIB, selectin, and B1 integrin in enabling epithelial to mesenchymal transition and subsequent invasion, and the molecular markers expressed by SCLC to assist organ-specific homing during metastasis. The review will also discuss a recent article observing mir-1 mrna upregulation as a potential therapeutic option in targeting the metastatic activity of SCLC. Conclusion: Treatment of SCLC remains a clinical challenge due to its recalcitrant and aggressive nature. Amongst the many hallmarks used by SCLC to enable its aggressive behaviour, that of its ability to invade surrounding tissue and metastasise is particularly notable and understanding the molecular mechanisms in SCLC metastasis can identify therapeutic targets to attenuate SCLC aggression and improve mortality.

The prognosis of high-risk neuroblastomas (NB) that are resistant to first-line induction chemotherapy is relatively poor. This study explored the mechanism of resistance to first-line chemotherapeutics mediated by TXNDC17 and its potential solutions in NB. The genetic and clinical data of patients with NB were obtained from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments dataset. TXNDC17 and BECN1 expressions in NB cells were up- and downregulated by transfection with plasmids and shRNA, respectively. Autophagy-related proteins were detected by western blot. Cell viability was determined using cell proliferation and toxicity experiments. Apoptotic cells were detected using flow cytometry. Overall, 1076 pediatric and adolescent patients with NB were enrolled in this study. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rates and event-free survival (EFS) rates for the patients with mutation of BECN1 were 37.4% ± 9.1% and 34.5% ± 8.8%, respectively. For patients with mutation of TXNDC17, the 10-year OS and EFS were 41.4% ± 5.9% and 24.3% ± 5.1%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the unaltered group. The overexpression of BECN1 and TXNDC17 reduced NB sensitivity to cisplatin (DDP), etoposide (VP16), and cyclophosphamide (CTX). Autophagy mediated by BECN1 was regulated by TXNDC17, and this process was involved in the resistance to DDP, VP16, and CTX in NB. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) can enhance the sensitivity of NB cells to chemotherapeutics by inhibiting TXNDC17, ultimately decreasing autophagy-mediated chemoresistance. Acquired resistance to first-line chemotherapeutics was associated with autophagy mediated by BECN1 and regulated by TXNDC17, which can be reversed by SAHA.