Cancer Burden Research Articles

Psychological outcomes in patients with rare cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rare cancers are those that exhibit an incidence of less than six per 100,000 in a year. On average, the five-year relative survival for patients with rare cancers is worse than those with common cancers. The traumatic experience of cancer can be further intensified in patients with rare cancers due to the limited clinical evidence and the lack of empirical evidence for informed decision-making. With rare cancers cumulatively accounting for up to 25% of all cancers, coupled with the rising burden of rare cancers on societies globally, it is necessary to determine the psychological outcomes of patients with rare cancers. This PRISMA-adherent systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42023475748) involved a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and PsycINFO for all peer-reviewed English language studies published since 2000 to 30th January 2024 that evaluated the prevalence, incidence and risk of depression, anxiety, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with rare cancers. Two independent reviewers appraised and extracted the summary data from published studies. Random effects meta-analyses and meta-regression were used for primary analysis. We included 32 studies with 57,470 patients with rare cancers. Meta-analyses indicated a statistically significant increased risk-ratio (RR) of depression (RR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.43-4.77, I2=97%) and anxiety (RR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.27-5.55, I2=92%) in patients with rare cancers compared to healthy controls. We identified a high suicide incidence (315 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI: 162-609, I2=95%), prevalence of depression (17%, 95% CI: 14-22, I2=88%), anxiety (20%, 95% CI: 15-25, I2=96%) and PTSD (18%, 95% CI: 9-32, I2=25%). When compared to patients with common cancer types, suicide incidence, and PTSD prevalence were significantly higher in patients with rare cancers. Systematic review found that having advanced disease, chemotherapy treatment, lower income, and social status were risk factors for negative psychological outcomes. We highlight the need for early identification of psychological maladjustment in patients with rare cancers. Additionally, studies to identify effective interventions are imperative. This study was supported by the National Medical Research Council Transition Award, SingHealth Duke-NUS Oncology Academic Clinical Programme, the Khoo Pilot Collaborative Award, the National Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist-Individual Research Grant-New Investigator Grant, the Terry Fox Grant and the Khoo Bridge Funding Award.

Proteomic characterization and cytotoxic potential of proteins from Cuscuta (Cuscuta epithymum (L.) crude herbal product against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line

BackgroundThe burden of breast cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide, is increasing at an alarming rate. Cuscuta, used in traditional medicine for different ailments, including cancer, is known for containing phytochemicals that exhibit anticancer activity; however, the bioactivities of proteins from this plant remain unexplored. This study aimed to screen the cytotoxic potential of proteins from the crude herbal product of Cuscuta epithymum(L.) (CE) harvested from the host plants Alhagi maurorum and Medicago sativa.MethodsThe proteins from CE were extracted using a salting-out method, followed by fractionation with a gel filtration chromatography column. Gel-free shotgun proteomics was subsequently performed for protein characterization. The viability assay using MTT was applied to deduce the cytotoxic potential of proteins against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with further exploration of the effect of treatment on the expression of the apoptotic mediator BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) and B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (BCL-2) proteins, using western blotting to strengthen the findings from the in vitro viability assay.ResultsThe crude proteins (CP) of CE were separated into four protein peaks (P1, P2, P3, and P4) by gel filtration chromatography. The evaluation of potency showed a dose-dependent decline in the MCF-7 cell line after CP, P1, P2, and P3 treatment with the respective IC50 values of 33.8, 43.1, 34.5, and 28.6 µg/ml. The percent viability of the cells decreased significantly upon treatment with 50 µg/ml CP, P1, P2, and P3 (P < 0.001). Western-blot analysis revealed upregulation of proapoptotic protein BAX in the cells treated with CP, P3 (P < 0.01), and P2 (P < 0.05); however, the antiapoptotic protein, BCL-2 was downregulated in the cells treated with CP and P3 (P < 0.01), but no significant change was detected in P2 treated cells. The observed cytotoxic effects of proteins in the CP, P1, P2, and P3 from the in vitro viability assay and western blot depicted the bioactivity potential of CE proteins. The database search revealed the identities of functionally important proteins, including nonspecific lipid transfer protein, superoxide dismutase, carboxypeptidase, RNase H domain containing protein, and polyribonucleotide nucleotidyltransferase, which have been previously reported from other plants to exhibit anticancer activity.ConclusionThis study indicated the cytotoxic activity of Cuscuta proteins against breast cancer MCF-7 cells and will be utilized for future investigations on the mechanistic effect of active proteins. The survey of CE proteins provided substantial data to encourage further exploration of biological activities exhibited by proteins in Cuscuta.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Females with Breast Cancer in Iraq with Respect to Age: A Single-Center Study

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a growing concern in Iraq, posing significant health challenges for Iraqi women. The objective of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with breast cancer among Iraqi women, with a specific focus on age-related differences. Materials and Methods Medical records of 500 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic information, clinical history, presentation details, treatment modalities, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results Among the studied cohort, 62.4% of breast cancer cases were diagnosed in women aged 50 and older. Marital status correlated significantly with age, with 89.9% of those diagnosed before 50 being married compared to 74.7% of those diagnosed after 50. Notably, 48% of patients diagnosed before 50 had breastfeeding duration of 1–3 months, contrasting with 28.5% of those diagnosed after 50. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, and vitamin D deficiency were significantly more prevalent among patients diagnosed after 50. Clinical presentation revealed 67.8% with tumor stage II. Metastasis to lymph nodes occurred in approximately 50% of patients. Among patients who were diagnosed after 50 years of age, 34% had metastasis, compared to 22.9% of those diagnosed before the age of 50. Mortality rates were higher in patients diagnosed after 50 (23%) compared to those under 50 (12.8%). Conclusion The findings emphasize the need for targeted public health campaigns, early detection initiatives, and treatment optimization to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the burden of breast cancer.

A commentary on "global, regional, and national burdens of early onset pancreatic cancer in adolescents and adults aged 15-49 years from 1990 to 2019 based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019: a crosssectional study".

A commentary on "global, regional, and national burdens of early onset pancreatic cancer in adolescents and adults aged 15-49 years from 1990 to 2019 based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019: a crosssectional study".

Estimating occupational disease burden: a way forward.

Estimates of occupational disease burden provide important information on which effective policy and regulations can be developed. However, there is no direct way that these data can be obtained, and most burden estimates are derived by merging different data from diverse sources to synthesize estimates of the number of people made ill or who have died from workplace exposures. In recent years, several research groups have published estimates of occupational health burden at national or global scales; these are not always consistent. The World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation have taken on the task of producing occupational disease burden estimates for several workplace agents, which we assume are to be seen as the definitive global, regional, and national data. In this commentary, we critique the WHO/ILO approach for their estimates of the non-melanoma skin cancer burden from solar ultraviolet radiation and some of their results for hazardous particulates. We provide recommendations for researchers undertaking occupational burden estimates that they should report along with their data.

Trends and projections of the global burden of thyroid cancer from 1990 to 2030.

We aimed to explore the burden of thyroid cancer worldwide from 1990 to 2019 and to project its future trends from 2020 to 2030. Based on annual data on thyroid cancer cases from 1990 to 2019 available in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, we calculated the age-standardised incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates for thyroid cancer. We used the estimated annual percentage change (EPAC) to quantify the temporal trends in these age-standardised rates from 1990 to 2019 and applied generalised additive models to project the disease burden from 2020 to 2030. The global age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of thyroid cancer increased from 1990 to 2019, with a higher overall disease burden in women than in men at both study time points. The male-to-female ratios for the ASIR increased from 0.41 in 1990 to 0.51 in 2019, while the ratio for the age-standardised death rate (ASDR) increased from 0.60 to 0.82. The models predicted the United Arab Emirates would have the fastest rising trend in both the ASIR (estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) = 4.19) and age-standardised DALY rate (EAPC = 4.36) in 2020-30, while Saint Kitts and Nevis will have the fastest rising trend in the ASDR (EAPC = 2.29). Meanwhile, the growth trends for the ASDR and age-standardised DALY rate are projected to increase across countries in this period. A correlation analysis of the global burden of thyroid cancer between 1990-2019 and 2020-30 showed a significant positive correlation between the increase in the ASIR and socio-demographic index (SDI) in low-SDI and low-middle-SDI countries. The global burden of thyroid cancer is increasing, especially in the female population and in low-middle-SDI regions, underscoring a need to target them for effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Trends in the global, regional, and national burden of testicular cancer from 1990 to 2019: an observational study with 30-year global data.

Testicular cancer (TC) is currently the most common malignancy in young and middle-aged men. A comprehensive assessment of TC burden is in lack. Global incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of TC from 1990 to 2019 were obtained. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to quantify trends in TC changes during the period. Relationships between disease burden and age, sociodemographic index (SDI) levels, human development index (HDI) were further analyzed. Globally, incident cases of TC more than doubled from 1990 to 2019, together with an increasing of global age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) of TC from 1.9 to 2.8. The age-standardized deaths rates (ASDR) remained stable from 0.31 to 0.28. The similar results were reflected in the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). In 2019, the highest ASIR were found in Southern Latin America, Central Europe and Western Europe. Analogously, the highest ASDR were found in Southern Latin America followed by Central Latin America and Central Europe. The burden of incidence increased with SDI, appropriately reached a peak at about 0.78, and then declined. Similarly, the burden of deaths increased with SDI, met a maximum at about 0.7. From 1990 to 2019, the ASIR of TC has increased significantly, while the ASDR has been relatively stable and slightly decreased. The disease burden of TC is shifting to regions and countries with moderate to high levels of development. TC remains a rapidly growing global health problem, and new changes in TC burden should be considered when formulating new TC control policies.

Comparison of the ScreenFire and Xpert HPV assays for the detection of human papillomavirus and cervical precancer among women living with HIV in Malawi

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for primary cervical cancer screening, including among women living with HIV (WLWH). Low-and-middle-income countries account for 85% of the cervical cancer burden globally, yet have limited access to HPV-based screening, largely due to cost. This study aims to compare the performance of a rapid, isothermal amplification HPV assay (ScreenFire) to that of the Xpert HPV assay for the detection of HPV and cervical precancer among WLWH in Malawi.MethodsWe utilized stored self- and provider-collected specimens from a prospective cohort study of WLWH in Malawi from July 2020 to February 2022. Specimens were tested with both Xpert and ScreenFire HPV assays. The overall and within-channel non-hierarchical agreement between ScreenFire and Xpert was determined for both self- and provider-collected specimens. Hierarchical ScreenFire HPV positivity by channel was compared to Xpert for each histological diagnosis—cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) compared to <CIN2.Results315 matched self- and provider-collected specimens had valid results from both Xpert and ScreenFire testing and were included in analyses, of which 279 and 36 were HPV positive and HPV negative, respectively, on Xpert self-collection. Of the 315, 245 (78%) had normal pathology, 21 CIN1 (7%), 14 CIN2 (4%), and 35 CIN3 (11%). Of the 245 with normal pathology, 213 (87%) and 188 (77%) were HPV-positive on Xpert and ScreenFire self-collected specimens, respectively. Among provider-collected specimens, the assays had 80% agreement on overall HPV positivity (unweighted kappa 0.59, 95% 0.50–0.69). ScreenFire was HPV-positive in 90% of self-collected specimens that were HPV-positive on Xpert. Channel agreement between the assays was high for both self- and provider-collected specimens, but slightly lower for HPV18/45. In hierarchical analysis, ScreenFire demonstrated high concordance with Xpert testing for detecting CIN2+ cases in all channels, missing no HPV 16 or HPV 18/45 positive CIN2+ case that was positive on Xpert, in both self- and provider-collected specimens.ConclusionIn this study of stored specimens, the ScreenFire HPV assay performed well in the detection of HPV and CIN2+ among WLWH compared to the Xpert HPV assay. If supported by larger validation studies, ScreenFire could be an affordable alternative point-of-care HPV assay for use in LMICs.

Gynecologic Oncology Needs for Trans-Masculine and Trans Feminine Persons

Abstract Purpose of the Review Persons with gender identity that is not congruent with their sex assigned at birth have unique needs in relationship to gynecologic malignancy screening and treatment. Providers of gynecologic oncology care require knowledge of these specific concerns and inclusive practices to avoid under screening and offer evidence-based treatments. This review seeks to collate data on the most common clinical situations gynecologic oncology providers encounter. Recent Findings Transmasculine persons who have a cervix need access to appropriate prevention and screening for cervical cancer but may face obstacles to obtaining this care. Transfeminine persons may develop HPV infection of the neovagina but cancer development rare and prevention is largely unknown. Abnormal uterine bleeding in transmasculine persons either taking gender affirming hormone therapy or not can present a diagnostic challenge which requires careful consideration to rule out malignancy. Concerns about testosterone use and the relationship of androgen receptor to ovarian cancer progression have been raised but conclusive data is lacking. There are no effective strategies for ovarian cancer screening and unnecessary exams should be avoided. Summary Large population based studies are needed to develop evidence based HPV screening guidelines that align with reproductive organ inventories, rather than gender or simply sex assigned at birth. HPV vaccination, utilization of HPV self swab in those for whom pelvic examination is dysphoric and careful evaluation of neovaginal tissue are first steps in reducing HPV related cancer burden. In addition, providers need to carefully evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding in transmasculine persons in gender inclusive ways to adequately detect endometrial pathology. Androgen receptor presence on ovarian cancer remains a biologic concern for transmasculine persons on gender affirming hormone therapy but risk of ovarian cancer appears small. Further long term studies of testosterone hormone therapy in this population are needed.

Liver cancer in China: the analysis of mortality and burden of disease trends from 2008 to 2021

BackgroundLiver cancer is one of the most common cancers in China. To understand the basic death situation and disease burden change trend, we analyze the death information of liver cancer among Chinese residents from 2008 to 2021.MethodsData was collected from the Cause-of-Death Surveillance dataset of the National Cause-of-Death Surveillance System from 2008 to 2021. Excel 2016 was used for data entry and to calculate the Crude Mortality Rate (CMR), Age-Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR), Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL), and Potential Years of Life Lost Rate (PYLLR). SPSS 25.0 was used to statistically analyze CMR, ASMR, PYLL, and other indicators. Annual percent change (APC) and average APC(AAPC) was used for trend analysis and tested by t tests. Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 was used to calculate APC and AAPC. Age-Period-Cohort model was used to assess the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on liver cancer mortality.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2021, 491,701 liver cancer deaths were reported in the National Disease Surveillance Points System. The ASMR of liver cancer in Chinese residents decreased from 27.58/100,000 in 2008 to 17.95/100,000 in 2021 at an average annual rate of 3.40% (t = -5.10, P < 0.001). The mortality rate was higher in males than in females (all P < 0.001) and higher in rural areas than in urban areas (all P < 0.001). The mortality rate of liver cancer varied significantly among eastern, central, and western China (all P < 0.001). The PYLLR of liver cancer in Chinese residents decreased from 2.89‰ in 2008 to 2.06‰ in 2021 at an average annual rate of 2.40% (t = -5.10, P < 0.001). Males had a lower PYLLR than females, decreasing at average annual rates of 2.20% (t = -5.40, P < 0.001) and 2.90% (t = -8.40, P < 0.001), respectively. Urban areas had a lower PYLLR than rural areas, decreasing at average annual rate of 3.30% (t = -4.00, P < 0.001) and 2.50% (t = -11.60, P < 0.001), respectively. Eastern, central, and western China decreased at average annual rates of 3.40%, 2.30%, and 2.10%, respectively (t = -7.80, -3.60, -7.10, P < 0.001 for all). The risk of China liver cancer mortality increased with age, decreased with birth cohort.ConclusionsThe mortality and disease burdens of liver cancer in China decreased yearly and were higher in males and in people living in rural areas, with significant differences among those living in eastern, central, and western China.

The double burden of severe mental illness and cancer: a population-based study on colorectal cancer care pathways from screening to end-of-life care.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in persons with severe mental illness (SMI). Although their cancer incidence is similar, or sometimes even potentially lower compared to the general population, their cancer mortality remains higher. The role of healthcare provision and care equity in this mortality is increasingly being addressed in research, but available studies are limited in their scope. In this context, our aim was to compare colorectal cancer (CRC) care pathways from screening to end-of-life care in patients with and without pre-existing SMI on a national scale. This research leverages real-world data from the French national health claims database, covering the entire population, to assess cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment follow-up as well as quality of care (QOC) pathways among patients with incident CRC in 2015-2018, considering whether they had pre-existing SMI. We matched patients with SMI with three patients without - on age, sex, region of residence, year of cancer incidence and cancer type and location at presentation - as well as nationally established quality of CRC care indicators and regression models adjusting for relevant socio-economic, clinical and care provider-related covariates. Among patients with incident CRC, 1,532 individuals with pre-existing SMI were matched with individuals without SMI. After adjusting for covariates, both colon and rectal cancer patients with SMI were less likely to participate in the national CRC screening programme and to receive advanced diagnostic examinations (e.g., colonoscopies and several complementary diagnostic examinations). They also had lower odds of receiving combined treatments (e.g., neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and excision) and of having access to targeted therapy or capecitabine but higher odds for invasive care (e.g., stoma). Colon cancer patients with SMI were also more likely to have no treatment at all, and rectal cancer patients with SMI were less likely to receive post-treatment follow-up. Suboptimal QOC was observed for both groups of patients, but to a higher extent for patients with SMI, with statistically significant differences for indicators focusing on diagnosis and post-treatment follow-up. Our findings reveal discrepancies across the care continuum of CRC between individuals with and without SMI and provide initial avenues on where to focus future efforts to address them, notably at the entry and exit stages of cancer care pathways, while calling for further research on the mechanisms preventing equity of physical healthcare for individuals with SMI.

Learning from the Active Hospital-Based Cancer Registry in India: An Ethnography Study

PurposeThe increasing incidence of cancer in low- and middle-income countries highlights the need for better cancer data management. Hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) enhance patient outcomes by managing cancer data, reviewing clinical performance and allocating resources. However, sustainability remains a challenge despite government initiatives. Therefore, this study documented the functionalities, core processes, and team involvement of active HBCRs in India, aiming to identify factors that facilitate their sustainability.MethodsAn ethnographic study was conducted in two Indian hospitals, one specializing in cancer care and the other offering multispecialty services, focusing on their HBCRs. The study involved process observations, interviews, and record reviews, with thematic analysis guided by ethnographic investigations. The staff managing the HBCRs were key participants.ResultsThe findings are categorized into three themes: (1) existing management strategies and infrastructure, (2) the implementation process, and (3) the sustainability and scalability of the registry model. This study highlights the key factors necessary for a sustainable HBCR, including human resources, training, and a well-structured management system. The involvement of oncologists and physicians, funding, qualified staff, adequate space, and digitalization are crucial for success. Data management errors can be minimized through training, while interdepartmental coordination and data quality play essential roles.ConclusionThis study offers critical insights into enhancing cancer surveillance systems, thereby improving cancer care and public health interventions in India and similar contexts worldwide. Policymakers and healthcare practitioners can leverage these findings to strengthen existing systems and address the growing burden of cancer effectively.

Nose-to-brain Drug Delivery System: An Emerging Approach to Chemotherapy-induced Cognitive Impairment.

The rise in global cancer burden, notably breast cancer, emphasizes the need to address chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, also known as chemobrain. Although chemotherapy drugs are effective against cancer, they can trigger cognitive deficits. This has triggered the exploration of preventive strategies and novel therapeutic approaches. Nanomedicine is evolving as a promising tool to be used for the mitigation of chemobrain by overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with innovative drug delivery systems. Polymer and lipid-based nanoparticles enable targeted drug release, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. Utilizing the intranasal route of administration may facilitate drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) by circumventing first-pass metabolism. Therefore, knowledge of nasal anatomy is critical for optimizing drug delivery via various pathways. Despite challenges, nanoformulations exhibit the potential in enhancing brain drug delivery. Continuous research into formulation techniques and chemobrain mechanisms is vital for developing effective treatments. The intranasal administration of nanoformulations holds promise for improving therapeutic outcomes in chemobrain management. This review offers insights into potential future research directions, such as exploring novel drug combinations, investigating alternative delivery routes, or integrating emerging technologies to enhance the efficacy and safety of nanoformulations for chemobrain management.

The Burden Cancer-Related Deaths Attributable to High Body Mass Index in a Gulf Cooperation Council: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BMI has been reported to be a major risk factor for the increased burden of several diseases. This study explores the burden of cancer linked to high body mass index (BMI) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and assesses the correlation with Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Using Global burden of disease (GBD) 2019 data, the authors quantified cancer burden through mortality, DALYs, age standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) across sexes, countries, cancer types, and years. Spearman's correlation tested ASMR against SDI. The authors estimated 95% uncertainty limits (UIs) for population attribution fraction (PAFs). Between 1990 and 2019, all six GCC countries showed increased number of the overall cancer-related deaths (398.73% in Bahrain to 1404.25% in United Arab Emirates), and DALYs (347.38% in Kuwait, to 1479.35% in United Arab Emirates) reflecting significant increasing in deaths, and burden cancer attributed to high BMI. In 2019, across GCC countries, pancreatic, uterine, and kidney cancer accounted for 87.91% of the total attributable deaths associated with high BMI in females, whereas in male, colon and rectum cancer alone accounted for 26% of all attributable deaths associated with high BMI. The study highlights the significant impact of high BMI on cancer burden in GCC countries. Moreover, the study identifies specific cancers, such as pancreatic, uterine, and kidney cancer in females, and colon and rectum cancer in males, as major contributors to attributable deaths, urging targeted prevention strategies at reducing weight and encouraging physical activity could greatly lessen the impact of diseases in the GCC countries.

The Burden of Overweight and Obesity-Associated Gastrointestinal Cancers in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Global Burden of Disease 2019 Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with cancer, including gastrointestinal (GI). Data from low (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (MICs) are limited. METHODS: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to determine the mortality from GI cancer risk of high body mass index (BMI) in these countries. RESULTS: Mortality rates of GI cancers from high BMI increased in LICs and lower MICs, while burdens decreased or remained stable in high and middle-income countries. DISCUSSION: The GI cancer-related burden from high BMI increased in LICs and lower MICs, necessitating a concerted effort to tackle the obesity pandemic.

Mhealth interventions to improve public knowledge of HPV-associated oral cancer in the UK

In the UK, the age-standardised incidence rates of cancers of the ‘oropharynx’and ‘lip and oral cavity’ are ‘2.6%’ and ‘4.9%’ respectively.These indicate a significant oral cancer burden. These are attributable tonumerous risk factors; the major risk factors include tobacco use, alcoholconsumption, and exposure to oral HPV infection. Though, significantsuccess in reducing the prevalence of most of the major risk factorshas been recorded, exposure to HPV infection still remains a majordriver of oral cancer prevalence in the UK. HPV-associated oropharyngealcancer prevalence in men and women is 6.29 and 2.04%, respectively,while prevalence for HPV-associated oral cavity cancer in menand women is 11.7 and 6.95%, respectively; and it is projected to overtakecervical cancer by the year 2025. This is mainly due to exposure tooral HPV infection through oral sex practice as over 63% of UK youngadults are found to have a history of oral sex practice. Only a minorityof the UK population is aware of HPV-associated oral cancer whichcalls for more public health efforts to increase knowledge on the role ofHPV in oral cancer. While the use of technology-based, clinic-based,and community-based interventions has been employed to improvepublic knowledge on the role of HPV in oral cancer development, technology-based interventions have not been adequately explored. Mhealthapplication-based interventions have been previously employed toimprove knowledge and behavioural change in diverse chronic diseases.Hence, our recommendation on the adoption of Mhealth application-based intervention strategy in the education of the UK’s populationon HPV-associated oral cancer is highly desirable as it closelyaligns with the country’s National Health Service (NHS) commitmenttowards the digital transformation of the healthcare system.

Changing Trends in the Global Disease Burden of Pancreatic Cancer from 1990 to 2030

Changing Trends in the Global Disease Burden of Pancreatic Cancer from 1990 to 2030

Bioengineered carbohydrate polymers for colon-specific drug release: Current trends and future prospects.

The worldwide health burden of colorectal cancer is still substantial, and traditional chemotherapeutic drugs sometimes have poor selectivity, which can result in systemic toxicity and unfavorable side effects. For colon-specific medication delivery, bioengineered carbohydrate polymers have shown promise as carriers. They may enhance treatment effectiveness while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects. The unique properties of these manufactured or naturally occurring biopolymers, such as hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, and pectin, enable targeted medicine release. These qualities can be changed to meet the physiological needs of the colon. In the context of colorectal cancer therapy, this article provides a comprehensive overview of current developments and prospective future directions in the field of bioengineered carbohydrate polymer synthesis for colon-specific drug delivery. We discuss numerous techniques for achieving colon-targeted drug release, including enzyme-sensitive polymers, pH-responsive devices, and microbiota-activated processes. To increase tumor selectivity and cellular uptake, we also examine the inclusion of active targeting approaches, such as conjugating specific ligands. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of combination treatment strategies, which use the coadministration of numerous therapeutic medications to target multiple pathways implicated in cancer growth and address drug resistance mechanisms. We address recent biomimetic advances that potentially improve the biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and tumor penetration of carbohydrate polymer-based nanocarriers. These methods involve protein corona engineering and cell membrane coating. Furthermore, we look at the possibility of intelligent and sensitive systems that may adjust their behaviors in response to certain inputs or feedback loops, allowing for precise and regulated drug distribution.

Contraceptive strategies for reducing the risk of reproductive cancers.

Reproductive cancers, encompassing various malignancies like endometrial, ovarian, cervical cancer, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, pose a significant global health burden. Understanding their patterns is vital for effective prevention and management. Contraceptives show a protective effect against some of these cancers. This clinical guidance document aims to elucidate the disease burden of reproductive cancers and the evidence supporting contraceptive methods in prevention and management. Regional disparities in incidence and mortality highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, particularly in low-resource settings. Healthcare providers must weigh individual risk profiles and medical eligibility criteria when discussing contraceptive options. Enhanced health literacy through direct patient education is essential for leveraging low-cost behavioral interventions to mitigate reproductive cancer risks.

The past and future of angiogenesis as target for cancer therapy and prevention.

Cancer growth is dependent on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which represents a hallmark of cancer. Since this concept was established in the Seventies, inhibition of tumor development and metastases by blocking the neoangiogenic process has been an important approach to the treatment of tumors. However, antiangiogenic therapies are often administered when cancer has already progressed. The key to reducing the cancer burden is prevention. We noticed 20 years ago that a series of possible cancer chemopreventive agents showed antiangiogenic properties when tested in experimental models. This article reviews the relevant advances in the understanding of the rationale for targeting angiogenesis for cancer therapy and prevention and on substances with antiangiogenic activity that may be suitable for such strategies. Many compounds, either dietary derivatives or repurposed drugs, with antiangiogenic activity are possible tools for cancer angioprevention. Such molecules have a favorable safety profile and are likely to allow the prolonged duration necessary for an efficient preventive strategy. Recent evidence on mechanisms and possible use is described here for food derivatives, including flavonoids, retinoids, triterpenoids, omega fatty acids, and carotenoids from marine microorganisms. As examples, a number of compounds, including epigallocatechin, resveratrol, xanthohumol, hydroxytyrosol, curcumin, fenretinide, lycopene, fucoxanthin, and repurposed drugs, such as aspirin, β-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, carnitines, and biguanides are reviewed.