Objective: This review explores breast cancer awareness, knowledge, and screening practices among women in Gulf andMiddle Eastern countries, highlighting disparities and challenges within the region. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify English-language studies (2015 onward) on breast cancer awareness, knowledge, and screening practices among women in Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. Data from eligible studies were independently extracted by two reviewers, and a weighted average formula was applied to synthesize findings, ensuring greater influence from larger sample sizes while minimizing redundancy across countries. Results: By synthesizing findings from 25 studies, the review identifies significant variations in breast cancer awareness levels, with 30% of populations exhibiting high awareness, 45% moderate awareness, and 25% low awareness. A weighted average analysis reveals gaps between awareness and practices of screening methods: while 75% of women were aware of breast self-examination (BSE), only 45% practiced it; similarly, awareness of mammography stood at 60%, but practice levels were as low as 35%. Key barriers to timely medical help-seeking include emotional (65%), informational (50%), and financial (40%) factors, underscoring the role of cultural stigmas, logistical challenges, and limited healthcare access. Educational interventions demonstrated success in bridging awareness gaps, increasing awareness by 85% and improving help-seeking behavior by 70%. Effective initiatives include school-based health education, digital platforms, and community outreach. However, challenges persist in addressing cultural and psychological barriers and ensuring equitable healthcare access. Conclusion: Lessons from developed countries emphasize the value of integrated public health campaigns, proactive healthcare engagement, and advanced technology in improving breast cancer outcomes. The review concludes with actionable recommendations to enhance awareness, screening practices, and healthcare systems across the Gulf and Middle East, paving the way for earlier detection and better survival rates.

Overview: This study explores a novel therapeutic method for oral squamous cell carcinoma using selenium nanoparticles encapsulated within niosomal carriers, targeting enhanced stability, cellular uptake, and controlled drug release. Methods: Selenium nanoparticles were encapsulated into niosomes via thin-film hydration and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on CAL27 cells after 24 hours, alongside a drug release study conducted under simulated physiological conditions. Results: The formulated nanoparticles showed an average size of ~180 nm, zeta potential of –25 mV, and low PDI (~0.15), indicating high stability and uniformity. MTT results indicated a 60% decrease in cell viability compared to controls after 24 hours. The drug release exhibited an initial burst (35% release in 6 hours), followed by sustained release reaching ~90% over 48 hours. Conclusion: Niosome-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles display promising physicochemical characteristics, significant cytotoxic activity, and a controlled release profile, underscoring their potential as an effective therapeutic approach for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate clinical applicability.

Background and aim of the work: Thyroid carcinoma is a common type of cancer, making up 2.1% of all new cancers. Ultrasonography (USG) is used to check thyroid nodules. TI-RADS is a system that classifies thyroid nodules based on USG. High-risk nodules undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), and the results are reported using the BETHESDA classification. This study aimed to determine how accurate TI-RADS and BETHESDA are together for diagnosing thyroid cancer. Research design and methods: This observational study examined data from thyroid cancer patients. We assessed characteristic data comprising age, gender, TI-RADS, BETHESDA, and thyroid malignancy histopathology. An independent t-test and Fisher exact test assessed the relationships between TI-RADS, BETHESDA, and thyroid malignancy histopathology. Diagnostic tests were based on ROC curve analysis of FNAB (BETHESDA), USG (TI-RADS), and a combination of both in establishing a diagnosis of malignancy based on the results of histopathological examination. Results: This study included 47 patients. FNAB (BETHESDA) was more accurate at 80.85% compared to USG (TI-RADS) and their combination. Similarly, FNAB (BETHESDA) had a higher sensitivity at 80.48% compared to USG (TI-RADS) and their combination. However, when FNAB (BETHESDA) and USG (TI-RADS) were combined, they had the highest specificity values, reaching 100.0%, compared to each examination alone. Conclusions: The study found that while FNAB (BETHESDA) is accurate and sensitive, combining it with USG (TI-RADS) improves specificity, making it a valuable approach for clinical decision-making. This integration could lead to better diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes by providing a more comprehensive assessment of thyroid nodules.

Objective: Ovarian cancer is a major global health issue and ranks as the sixth most common cancer among women worldwide. Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment outcomes less favorable. This study examines the role of Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, as a complementary therapy for women in Iraq battling ovarian cancer. It highlights ginger’s potential to improve the effectiveness of treatments and enhance patients’ quality of life. Methodology: The research used a mixed-methods approach, involving 57 participants over a 42-week period. It focused on the bioactive components of ginger such as gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. These compounds may work in tandem with traditional cancer treatments. Participants, categorized based on the stage of their cancer and their treatment regimens, were given ginger supplements alongside standard chemotherapy. The study carefully tracked and analyzed immune responses, physiological changes, and clinical outcomes. Results: The findings were notable. Ginger supplementation significantly boosted T-helper cell activity, improved CD4/CD8 ratios, and lowered inflammatory cytokine levels. Physiologically, participants experienced better antioxidant activity, reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea, and better fatigue management. Perhaps most strikingly, those taking ginger required fewer secondary surgeries and additional chemotherapy sessions. Their biochemical markers, including CA-125 levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers, also showed improvement. The research highlights ginger’s potential as a valuable addition to traditional cancer treatments, helping to strengthen the immune system and body while reducing the side effects of therapy. However, the study did face some limitations, such as a relatively small sample size, a lack of diverse participants, and limited resources. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should involve larger and more diverse groups of participants, extend the duration of observation, and explore ginger’s effects on other types of cancer to broaden the scope of its benefits. Conclusion: Ultimately, this study advocates for incorporating ginger into cancer care protocols due to its affordability, accessibility, and minimal side effects. By integrating ginger into oncology practices, healthcare providers can potentially revolutionize supportive care for ovarian cancer patients, paving the way for holistic well-being and better treatment outcomes.

Background: Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment; however, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and severe side effects. Niosomes, non-ionic surfactant vesicles, have emerged as a promising nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery. This study investigates the enhanced therapeutic potential of paclitaxel-loaded niosomes in ovarian cancer cell line. Methods: Paclitaxel-loaded niosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and characterized for size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). The morphology of the niosomes was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity of paclitaxel-loaded niosomes was assessed using the MTT assay on ovarian cancer cell line (A2780S) after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. The results were compared with free paclitaxel to evaluate the effect of the niosomal formulation on drug efficacy. Results: The paclitaxel-loaded niosomes exhibited a mean size of approximately 285 nm, a PDI of 0.44, and a negative zeta potential of -21 mV. SEM images confirmed the spherical morphology of the niosomes. The MTT assay results showed a significant increase in cytotoxicity in the niosomal formulation compared to free paclitaxel at both 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), indicating enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Conclusion: Paclitaxel-loaded niosomes demonstrate improved drug delivery and enhanced cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cell lines. The results suggest that niosomal paclitaxel could be a promising strategy for improving the therapeutic potential of paclitaxel in ovarian cancer treatment. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the clinical applicability of niosomal formulations.

Overview: Oral cancer poses significant health challenges with high mortality and systemic side effects from conventional chemotherapy. This study developed folic acid-conjugated nanoniosomes for targeted delivery of bleomycin, leveraging folate receptor overexpression on oral cancer cells to enhance drug delivery and reduce off-target effects. Methods: Nanoniosomes were synthesized via the thin-film hydration method using cholesterol, nonionic surfactants, and folic acid. Bleomycin was loaded into the hydrated lipid film, and the suspension was sonicated to achieve uniformity. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterized particle size, PDI, and zeta potential, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assessed morphology. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on folate receptor-positive oral cancer cells treated with varying bleomycin concentrations over 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results: The nanoniosomes averaged 230 ± 15 nm in size with a PDI of 0.21 ± 0.03 and a zeta potential of -28 ± 2 mV, indicating stability. SEM revealed spherical, smooth particles. Cytotoxicity tests showed a time- and dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, with IC50 values decreasing from 20 µM at 24 hours to 10 µM at 72 hours. Conclusion: Folic acid-conjugated nanoniosomes demonstrated effective targeted delivery of bleomycin, enhancing cytotoxicity and minimizing systemic toxicity. These findings support further investigation for clinical applications in oral cancer therapy.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue in Nigeria. With advancements in treatment, there is a growing focus on targeted therapies. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a critical mediator of tumour angiogenesis, has emerged as a potential biomarker in cervical cancer for early detection and targeted therapies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Histopathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. A total of 117 diagnosed cervical carcinoma cases were evaluated. VEGF expression was assessed through immunohistochemistry using a Bio-SB monoclonal antibody, with VEGF positivity indicated by brown membrane staining in tumour cells. VEGF expression was quantitatively measured by calculating the percentage of positively stained cells per high-power field, and results were categorized as positive or negative based on predetermined cut-off points. Patients’ clinicopathological data, including tumour type, grade, and cell differentiation, were also analyzed. Results: The mean ages of patients with adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma-in-situ, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma were 44.9, 54.3, and 55.9 years, respectively. VEGF positivity was observed in 65 (55.56%) of cases, with a statistically significant difference between positive and negative cases (P < 0.05). VEGF was expressed in 8 (53.33%) of adenocarcinoma cases, 17 (65.39%) of squamous cell carcinoma-in-situ cases, and 40 (52.63%) of invasive squamous cell carcinoma cases. The highest expression was observed in squamous cell carcinoma-in-situ, suggesting an early role in tumour angiogenesis. VEGF expression was more frequent in well- and moderately differentiated tumours compared to poorly differentiated ones. Among squamous cell carcinomas, VEGF positivity was higher in non-keratinizing tumours 36 (57.14%) than in keratinizing tumours 20 (51.28%). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that VEGF is significantly expressed in different histological subtypes of cervical cancer, particularly in early-stage tumours, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for early detection and targeted therapy. However, limitations include the retrospective nature of the study and potential variability in VEGF quantification. Future studies should focus on larger sample sizes and explore the role of VEGF in treatment outcomes to refine its utility as a therapeutic target.

This review explores various methods for detecting BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, including Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH), Denaturing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC), Digital PCR, High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRMA), Multiple Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) & NGS-panels, RNA methods, and Sanger Sequencing. The search used articles published between 2018 and 2023, focusing on genetic testing for BRCA mutations and techniques for identifying these mutations. The review identifies the advantages and limitations of each method, such as Sanger sequencing is more advantageous for large-scale genotyping than targeted deep sequencing. NGS is a high-throughput platform that requires bioinformatics support and is more useful than Sanger sequencing. Both MLPA and aCGH are useful in detecting LGRs and cannot be substituted by DNA sequencing. PCR-based methods like HRMA are fast and relatively cheap, while DHPLC is cheap and efficient due to its mutation sensitivity and specificity. Digital PCR and RNA-based methods have higher accuracy and precision, with increased detection sensitivity. New technologies such as CRISPR- based diagnostics and third-generation sequencing (ONT) shows a lot of potential. The decision on which detection method to use, depends on the type, variety, scale, and costs of mutation typing necessary in clinical or research scenarios. One example is using one network with multiple algorithms, which offers full results in the shortest time possible. The main focus of this review is to identify the strengths, limitations and cost of each method in detecting BRCA1/2 mutations.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and characterize key hub genes involved in adenocarcinoma progression across multiple organ types via integrative bioinformatics analysis. Methods: Gene expression datasets from GEO and GEPIA2 were analyzed to identify genes whose expression was upregulated across various adenocarcinoma types. Protein‒protein interaction networks were constructed, and hub genes were identified. Transcription factors and microRNA regulatory networks were mapped, and functional enrichment analysis was performed. Results: Ten hub genes (CHEK1, CDC20, ANLN, RRM2, CCNB1, CCNA2, KIF23, TOP2A, BUB1, and KIF11) were consistently overexpressed in six adenocarcinoma types and linked to cell cycle regulation and mitotic progression. In prostate adenocarcinoma, five of these genes were not significantly overexpressed. Survival analysis revealed that most hub genes were associated with poorer survival. Regulatory network analysis identified key transcription factors (e.g., TP53 and MYC) and miRNAs (e.g., hsa-miR-103a-3p and hsa-let-7e-5p) as modulators of these genes. Conclusions: This integrative approach identified critical hub genes and regulatory networks involved in adenocarcinoma progression, offering potential avenues for targeted therapies and emphasizing the importance of personalized strategies for different adenocarcinoma subtypes.

Cancer is an exceedingly pervasive disease currently, with approximately 14 million individuals diagnosed every year. The lifestyle and environmental changes are the most widespread causes of cancer. There are numerous cancer treatments available, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapies. However, these procedures have adverse effects. In such circumstances, plant-based therapies have shown increased efficacy. Plant secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, polyphenols, cannabinoids, and flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-proliferative properties, making them ideal candidates for cancer treatment. They inhibit major signaling pathways like MAPK, EGFR, VEGF, Ras/Raf, NF-kβ, induce necrosis, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and cause cell cycle arrest. Phytochemicals together with nanomedicines have a better possibility of eliminating malignant cells. They impede mitophagy while regulating Caspase-dependent cascades. Molecular investigation has revealed that they influence DNA repair, liposomal activities, and the phagocytosis process. The highlights of this review encompass how chemotherapeutic agents induce multidrug resistance, and phytochemical-based cancer treatments and their mechanisms of action, including how they rejuvenate cell damage and eliminate tumor cells from the body.