Treatment Of Cancer Research Articles

Injectable nanocomposite hydrogels for targeted intervention in cancer, wound healing, and bone and myocardial tissue engineering.

Despite current medicine's fast-paced advances, many acute and chronic illnesses still lack truly effective and safe therapies. Cancer treatments often lead to off-target healthy tissue damage and poor therapeutic outcomes, wound standard treatments generally demonstrate poor healing efficacy and increased susceptibility to infection, and bone tissue engineering and myocardial tissue engineering can result in immunological rejection and limited availability. To tackle these issues, injectable hydrogels have emerged, and through the incorporation of nanoparticles, nanocomposite hydrogels have appeared as versatile platforms, offering improved biocompatibility, mechanical strength, stability, and precise controlled drug release, as well as targeted delivery with increased drug retention at the site of action, reducing systemic drug distribution to non-target sites. With the ability to deliver a diverse range of therapeutic entities, including low molecular weight drugs, proteins, antibodies, and even isolated cells, injectable nanocomposite hydrogels have revolutionized current therapies, working as multifunctional platforms capable of improving efficacy and safety in cancer treatment, including in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, photothermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy, and after tumor surgical removal, and in general, chronic diabetic or tumor-induced wound healing, as well as in bone tissue engineering and myocardial tissue engineering. This review provides a thorough summary and critical insight of current advances on injectable nanocomposite hydrogels as an innovative approach that could bring substantial contributions to biomedical research and clinical practice, with a focus on their applications in cancer therapy, wound healing management, and tissue engineering.

European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines on MR imaging prior to fertility-sparing treatments in patients with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.

To establish standardised MRI protocols and structured reporting guidelines for optimal patient selection in fertility-sparing treatments for gynaecological cancers. The European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Female Pelvis Working Group utilised the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method to develop these guidelines. A multidisciplinary panel composed of ten radiologists and two gynaecological oncologists conducted a comprehensive review of clinical and imaging literature (until 28th February 2025) and evaluated MRI protocols through a structured survey consisting of 104 questions across five sections covering MR imaging preparation, equipment specifications, protocols, and reporting standards. Recommendations achieving ≥ 80% consensus were designated as "RECOMMENDED", with those below this threshold marked as "SUGGESTED" or "NOT RECOMMENDED". Consensus was reached on MRI technical requirements, including sequence selection, imaging planes, and contrast timing. Disease-specific structured reporting templates were developed with standardised criteria for cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. These evidence-based guidelines provide a standardised framework for MRI acquisition and reporting to support optimal patient selection for fertility-sparing treatments. By harmonising imaging protocols and structured reporting, we aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. These guidelines represent a key step toward developing comprehensive recommendations for fertility preservation, with future validation and adaptation ensuring their applicability across diverse clinical settings. Question Fertility-sparing treatments in gynaecological cancers require adherence to strict selection criteria based on tumour stage, size, and histological subtype. Findings MRI is essential for accurately assessing eligibility criteria in cervical and endometrial cancers, and characterising adnexal masses using standardised reporting criteria. Clinical relevance MRI is valuable for the preoperative evaluation of patients considered for fertility-sparing treatments in gynaecologic cancers. Key parameters include precise tumour measurements, depth of invasion, and local tumour extent through optimised protocols combining anatomical and functional sequences.

Interplay between the gut microbiota, its metabolites and carcinogens.

The gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms that reside in the gastrointestinal tract, playing a critical role in the host. It produces many metabolites, such as bile acids, which play an important role in the metabolism of the host. One area of particular interest is its involvement in the development and treatment of cancer. Carcinogens, which are substances known to promote cancer formation and development, are present in various sources in our daily lives, including cigarettes, barbecues, and moldy foods. The types, amounts, and metabolism of carcinogens have been closely linked to cancer risk, underscoring the importance of understanding their interplay with the gut microbiota. Numerous studies have demonstrated significant differences in the composition and function of the gut microbiota in individuals with cancer compared to healthy individuals. The gut microbiota and its metabolites have been shown to influence the metabolism of various carcinogens, thereby affecting cancer progression. While much attention has been paid to the relationship between the gut microbiota and cancer risk, the potential interplay between the gut microbiota and carcinogens has received less focus. This review aims to emphasize the importance of exploring the interplay between the gut microbiota with its metabolites and carcinogens in cancer development and therapy. By uncovering the mechanisms of the interplay, new approaches for cancer prevention and treatment can be developed.

Physical Fitness and Physical Activity in Adolescent Childhood Cancer Survivors and Controls: The PACCS Study.

To compare physical fitness, function and physical activity (PA) in adolescent childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) to age- and sex-matched controls and across different cancer diagnoses. This multicenter cross-sectional study (PACCS) included CCSs aged 9-18 years (≥1-year after cancer treatment) and age- and sex-matched controls. Physical fitness tests included cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and muscular strength (maximal isometric handgrip, knee-extension, and chest-press). Physical function tests included a 1-min sit-to-stand test (STS) and countermovement jump (CMJ). PA was measured by accelerometer for seven days. We used linear mixed effects models to compare outcomes between CCSs and controls, and across diagnostic groups. We included 157 CCSs and 113 controls, aged 13.4 ± 2.6 years (mean ± SD). Cancer types were leukemia (n = 78), central nervous system (CNS) tumors (n = 18), lymphoma (n = 16), and other solid tumors (n = 45). CCSs had lower VO2max (marginal mean [95% confidence interval]) 41.7 [38.4-45.0] vs 46.4 [42.9-49.8] mL·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001), knee-extension strength (35.4 [34.1-36.8] vs 38.2 [36.7-39.7] kg, P = 0.003), chest-press strength (30.0 [28.4-31.6] vs 32.8 [31.0-34.7] kg, P = 0.007), STS repetitions (57.5 [55.8-59.3] vs 60.0 [58.0-62.0] P = 0.017), and CMJ height (22.1, [20.5-23.8] vs 24.9 [23.2-26.6] cm, P < 0.001). PA levels and sedentary time were similar in both groups (8513 [7993-9034] vs 9000 [8404-9596] steps per day, P = 0.174, respectively). Survivors of CNS tumors had the lowest values for VO2max, muscular strength, physical function and PA. Despite no significant difference in PA levels, adolescent CCSs had 4.2% to 11% lower physical fitness and function compared to controls, where survivors of CNS tumors performed poorest.

Strategies to improve facial scars following Mohs micrographic surgery.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the gold standard treatment for skin cancers of the face, but scarring in these cosmetically sensitive areas remains a challenge, with no clear consensus on the most effective treatments. This study reviews the literature on therapies for specifically facial scars following Mohs surgery, emphasizing their mechanism of action and evidence of efficacy. Non-invasive options such as topical silicone and pressure therapy have shown benefits, while advanced techniques like dermabrasion, microneedling, or energy devices like the pulse-dye, CO2, Erbium, and Nd:YAG lasers, show promise in improving scar pliability and visibility. Intralesional injections of corticosteroids, botulinum toxin, and dermal fillers also have supportive data. Conversely, treatments like topical onion extract and vitamin E lack evidence of efficacy. Managing hypertrophic granulation tissue (HGT) also remains critical to reduce aberrant scarring from second-intention healing (SIH). To ensure optimal clinical outcomes, clinicians should remain updated on the wide range of scar therapies available, focusing on those with established biochemical mechanisms and evidence of efficacy.

Age-related adverse effects of Tamoxifen in female breast cancer patients: Insights from the FDA's adverse event reporting system.

BackgroundTamoxifen is an effective treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (BC). Despite its effectiveness, there have been many reports of adverse reaction. However, the relationship between Tamoxifen-related adverse events (ADEs) and patient age remains unclear.AimTo enhance clinical medication guidance and drug safety by identifying age-specific ADEs associated with Tamoxifen therapy in female breast cancer patients, thereby offering a more robust foundation for evidence-based clinical practice.MethodsADEs reports of Tamoxifen from the FAERS database were extracted from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2023. Reporting odds ratio (ROR) data analysis strategy was used for mining signal strength that represents age differences in ADEs related to Tamoxifen.ResultsThe number of efficient ADE signals associated with Tamoxifen for female BC included in the analysis was 338 in premenopausal women, 847 in perimenopause and 1525 in postmenopause respectively. Our study showed age differences in three age groups of ADEs with Tamoxifen in female BC. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women receiving tamoxifen therapy demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of adverse drug reactions, particularly involving the gastrointestinal tract, renal/urinary systems, hematologic/lymphatic systems, endocrine functions, and immune responses. It was particularly concerned that ADEs associated with ear and labyrinth disorders had only been reported in perimenopause.ConclusionAge differences was detected in ADE signals related to Tamoxifen. There were significant differences in Tamoxifen related ADEs of premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with BC in different systems. To ensure the safety of medicines, we should be aware of the age-related differences in ADEs and take appropriate preventive measures to reduce incidence of serious ADEs.

Increased Risk of Hyperglycemia in Advanced Urothelial Cancer Patients Treated with Enfortumab Vedotin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Enfortumab vedotin, an anti-nectin-4 antibody-drug conjugate, is a key treatment for advanced urothelial cancer. However, hyperglycemia, a major adverse event, varies in incidence and can progress to diabetic ketoacidosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the risk of hyperglycemia with enfortumab vedotin. We searched studies published through September 30, 2024. Eligible clinical trials evaluated enfortumab vedotin as a monotherapy or combined with pembrolizumab. Pooled incidence and relative risk of hyperglycemia were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models. Seven studies with 2,138 patients were included in our analysis. The summary incidence of all-grade hyperglycemia was 10.3% (95% CI: 8.6-12.2%), and high-grade hyperglycemia occurred in 5.7% (95% CI: 4.5-7.1%) of patients. No significant difference was observed between monotherapy and combination therapy (p = 0.16). Enfortumab vedotin significantly increased the risk of all-grade (RR = 16.97, 95% CI: 6.22-48.25, p < 0.001) and high-grade hyperglycemia (RR = 34.78, 95% CI: 4.77-253.43, p < 0.001). Enfortumab vedotin is associated with a significantly increased risk of all-grade and high-grade hyperglycemia in urothelial cancer. Its combination with pembrolizumab does not appear to elevate this risk further. Routine glucose monitoring and early intervention should be implemented, particularly in high-risk patients.

Population Pharmacokinetics Modeling of Selpercatinib to Support Posology in Pediatric Patients With RET-Altered Metastatic Thyroid Cancer or Solid Tumors.

Selpercatinib is a first-in-class, highly selective, RET kinase inhibitor with CNS activity, approved for the treatment of RET-altered lung, thyroid, and other cancers. We report pharmacokinetic analyses to identify factors affecting selpercatinib steady-state exposure and support posology in pediatric patients. Population pharmacokinetic analyses using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling were performed on data from two ongoing, open-label, Phase 1/2 studies in adult and pediatric patients with advanced solid tumors. In LIBRETTO-001 (NCT03157128) patients (≥ 12 years) received oral selpercatinib from 20 mg once daily through 240 mg twice daily (BID) during phase 1 and 160 mg BID in phase 2. In LIBRETTO-121 (NCT03899792), patients (6 months-21 years) received doses based on body surface area (BSA), starting at a dose expected to match adult exposure of 160 mg BID. Overall, 8024 selpercatinib plasma concentration measurements from 830 patients were included in the pharmacokinetic analysis. The final model, a 2-compartment disposition model with sequential zero- and first-order absorption, was similar to a previously developed adult model, which identified weight, dose, and Asian race as covariates. Simulations performed using the final model suggested the following dose regimen as appropriate for patients aged 2-17 years: 40 mg three times a day for pediatric patients with a BSA of 0.33-0.65 m2; BSA-based dosing (92 mg/m2 rounded for 40 and 80 mg capsules) for pediatric patients 2 to < 12 years, and BSA ≥ 0.66 m2; and weight-based dosing (120 mg BID < 50 kg and 160 mg BID ≥ 50 kg) for adolescent patients ≥ 12 years.

Effectiveness and Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review of Real-World Studies.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, most evidence has come from clinical trials with strict eligibility criteria. Understanding real-world effectiveness and safety of ICIs in CRC is important to guide routine clinical practice across diverse populations. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify observational studies evaluating ICI-based regimens compared to conventional or combination therapies in patients with CRC. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus) were searched from inception through March 15, 2025. Eligible studies reported at least one efficacy outcome (e.g., progression-free survival [PFS], overall survival [OS], etc.) and/or safety outcome (e.g., adverse events) among real-world populations with CRC treated with ICIs. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and a narrative synthesis was performed to summarize the key findings. Eleven real-world studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing data from 2,049 patients. In MSI-H/dMMR metastatic CRC, real-world findings aligned with the survival benefits observed in clinical trials, demonstrating improved PFS and OS compared to conventional therapies. For MSS/pMMR metastatic CRC, combining ICIs with other agents (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors or chemotherapy) showed improvements but yielded conflicting results. Overall, the safety profiles were comparable to conventional therapies, with treatment-related adverse events occurring at similar rates. Real-world evidence supports the efficacy of ICI monotherapy in MSI-H/dMMR metastatic CRC and suggests potential benefits of ICI-based combination therapies in MSS/pMMR metastatic CRC. However, most of the data are derived from small, single-center cohorts, which limit their generalizability. Further multi-center studies are needed, especially to assess the efficacy of ICI-based combination therapies in the broader CRC population.

Rechallenge of an alternative CDK 4/6 inhibitor after hepatotoxicity in the treatment of hormone-positive metastatic breast cancer.

IntroductionCyclin Dependent Kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are changing the landscape of breast cancer treatment. These medications are generally well-tolerated, but incidences of hepatotoxicity have been reported in the literature.Case ReportIn this case, we present a 36-year-old Caucasian female who was diagnosed with hormone-receptor (HR) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative metastatic breast cancer who initiated first line treatment with an aromatase inhibitor and a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor, ribociclib. Following treatment initiation, she experienced grade 4 hepatoxicity.Management and OutcomeRibociclib was discontinued due to probable cause of hepatotoxicity based on a Naranjo score of 7. Once her liver enzymes resolved to grade 1 toxicity, she was transitioned to another CDK 4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib. The patient has remained on palbociclib for 1 year of treatment with normalization of her liver function enzymes and stable disease.DiscussionThis case presents a successful rechallenge of an alternative CDK 4/6 inhibitor after grade 4 ribociclib-induced hepatotoxicity and reviews similar cases of ribociclib-induced hepatoxicity and management strategies.

Solid Supersaturated Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Abiraterone Acetate: Improved Drug loading, Dissolution, Cellular Uptake and Anticancer Activity.

Abiraterone acetate (ABT) is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor approved for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, the treatment course of ABT is constrained by its high dose, poor solubility and permeability issues. A solid supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (ssSNEDDS) is an excellent approach for improving drug loading. The aim was to increase the solubility and drug loading of ABT in SNEDDS via supersaturation by using a polymeric precipitation inhibitor (HPMC E5). Liquid SNEDDS were thoroughly optimized with a mixture design followed by solidification with Aerosil® 200 by the adsorption method. The developed ABT-ssSNEDDS showed a nano-ranged particle size of 106.23 ± 4.15 nm and PDI of 0.234 ± 0.0069. Further, the powder showed an angle of repose of 34.86 ± 0.30° indicating good flow properties with smooth morphology under SEM analysis. DSC and PXRD studies revealed amorphization of ABT in the ABT-ssSNEDDS group. Further, the dissolution study demonstrated significantly higher ABT release from ABT-ssSNEDDS in comparison to free ABT after 2 h in pH 1.2 and 6.8 pH buffer. In-vitro cell culture studies in the PC-3 cell line denoted significantly enhanced anticancer activity and cellular uptake. Thus, ABT-ssSNEDDS could be an encouraging approach for improved oral therapy and enhanced drug loading of ABT.

Biomechanics-driven dose stress metrics for radiation-induced acute xerostomia prediction among head and neck radiation therapy.

Xerostomia is a condition commonly affecting patients subjected to radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. We propose dose metrics that consider the stress of parotid glands (PGs) during RT by using finite element analysis (FEA) of structural changes captured via computed tomography (CT) images acquired before and during RT to evaluate their effectiveness in predicting acute xerostomia. Thirty patients treated for HNC via in volumetric modulated arc therapy were enrolled. Patient complaints were considered by radiation oncologists based on the common terminology criteria for adverse events and scored as xerostomia grade 0 (XG-0), XG-1, or XG-2. All patients underwent CT both before and during RT (CTini and CTbst, respectively). FE-based deformable image registration was performed from the CTini images to the CTbst images, following which the stress of PGs was calculated and generate the dose-stress histograms (DSH). Four classical indices (volume change, mean dose, CT value change in PGs, and weight change), the mean stress, dose-volume histogram (DVH), and DSH metrics were used to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach. No significant differences among patients w/wo acute xerostomia groups were noted based on the four classical indices, mean stress, or DVH metrics; however, DSH metrics presented significant differences (p < 0.05) and demonstrated good predictive performance in distinguishing patients w/wo acute xerostomia (AUC > 0.70). The proposed metrics can analyze stress values without additional examinations and demonstrate significant differences between groups w/wo acute xerostomia and between different XGs.

Optimizing Lymphedema Management After Breast Cancer: Predictive Risk Models in Clinical Practice.

Lymphedema secondary to multimodal breast cancer treatment is a relatively common complication that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Despite identifying several associated risk factors, accurately assessing individual risk remains challenging. This study aims to develop predictive tools integrating patient characteristics, tumor attributes, and treatment modalities to optimize clinical surveillance, enhance prevention, and enable earlier diagnosis. Data were analyzed from 309 patients referred to the Lymphedema Unit of Rehabilitation Service who underwent lymphadenectomy for breast cancer between January 2016 and December 2021. Collected variables included patient demographics, tumor clinicopathological features, and treatment details. A lymphedema incidence study was conducted, complemented by univariate and multivariate regression analyses to identify risk factors. A nomogram was developed to predict high-risk patients, facilitating personalized prevention and management strategies. The cumulative incidence of lymphedema was 18.4%. Independent risk factors included high body mass index, sedentary lifestyle, number of positive nodes (N stage), and radiotherapy, particularly targeting the breast, axilla, and supra-infraclavicular regions. The logistic regression model demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.75, with acceptable calibration, validating the predictive model. The predictive tools developed provide healthcare professionals with a means to identify patients at elevated risk of lymphedema, supporting individualized prevention and management.

Support needs of young people caring for their parents with cancer.

Family members play an essential role in cancer care, but greater attention is needed on how young people who are providing this care for their parents with cancer can be supported. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify strategies for allied healthcare providers to support young caregivers caring for parents with cancer. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 56 participants, including young caregivers (n = 10), parent survivor (n = 12), and allied healthcare providers (n = 34). Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Findings illuminate that young people are giving care with limited or no training and are not receiving intervention, support, or assistance from allied healthcare providers. Participants recognized that greater support is needed to meet young caregivers' needs, and the nature of the support needed changes over the course of cancer treatment. Allied healthcare providers could support young people through skills training, social and emotional support, and connecting to community resources. Findings reveal the unique and dynamic needs of young caregivers and underscore the need for healthcare systems to expand their support models to include these young, often invisible, caregivers. Given the chronic nature of cancer, the number of young caregivers is likely to increase; therefore, allied health professionals need to be better at identifying and supporting them as part of the family-centered cancer care provided.

Photoresponsive Ferrocene- Augmented Iridium Polypyridyl Complex as an Oxidase Mimic for Selective Glutathione Sensing: Implications for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy.

The enzyme-mimic activity of a well-defined structurally characterized organometallic complex, [Ir(ppy)₂(fcbpy)]PF₆(1; ppy = 2-phenylpyridine; fcbpy = 4-ferrocenyl-2,2'-bipyridine), a bimetallic iridium-polypyridyl complex is investigated under light irradiation for the first time. This complex exhibits an extended excited-state lifetime of 592ns due to bimetallic synergy, and possess oxidase-mimic activity in the presence of light. Leveraging this light-activated oxidase-mimic activity, a simple colorimetric assay is developed that successfully differentiates cancerous cells from normal cells, based on elevated glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, in cell viability studies, treatment with 1.25mgL-1 of [Ir(ppy)₂(fcbpy)]PF₆ resulted in only 32.25% viability in a cancer cell line (A549) compared to the untreated control, highlighting its potent anticancer potential. Importantly, noncancerous cells (BEAS-2B) maintain ≈72% viability at up to 10mgL-1 of catalyst concentration, indicating selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. This study establishes [Ir(ppy)₂(fcbpy)]PF₆ as a promising candidate for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in cancer, introducing a novel class of organometallic complexes with significant potential in bioassay development and targeted cancer treatment.

Resectable Pancreatic Cancer with CA19-9 > 500U/mL: A Biological Indicator for Survival Benefit with Intensive Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

While anatomical resectability guides pancreatic cancer treatment, carbohydrate antigen (19-9 (CA19-9) serves as a biological indicator of disease burden. Current guidelines suggest considering neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for cases with markedly elevated CA19-9, but specific threshold values and treatment strategies remain undefined. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intensive NAC using gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel or fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) for anatomically resectable pancreatic cancer with elevated CA19-9 (> 500U/mL). We analyzed patients with anatomically resectable pancreatic cancer and CA19-9 > 500U/mL treated between 2014 and 2022. Initial planned treatments were either 4-month intensive NAC followed by surgery (NAC group) or upfront surgery (UPS group). Survival outcomes were evaluated using retrospective intention-to-treat analysis. Among 184 included patients, 46 received NAC and 138 underwent upfront surgery. The NAC group demonstrated significantly improved overall survival compared with the UPS group (median 52.7 vs. 22.7months, P < 0.001). Resection rates were 89.1% and 76.1% in the NAC and UPS groups, respectively. Among resected cases, the NAC group achieved higher lymph node-negative resection rates (53.7% vs. 23.8%, P < 0.001) and better post-resection CA19-9 normalization rates (75.6% vs. 56.1%, P = 0.037). Survival benefits were maintained even in cases with CA19-9 > 2000U/mL (median OS 52.7 vs. 18.9months, P = 0.025). CA19-9 > 500U/mL serves as an effective indicator for implementing intensive NAC in anatomically resectable pancreatic cancer. This biomarker-based strategy effectively extracts the beneficial group from NAC, prolonging survival outcomes through better systemic disease control.

Improved commissioning of lung stereotactic body radiotherapy using a customized respiratory motion Phantom: a single- institutional study.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) involves delivering high doses of radiation with geometric precision in a few hypofractionated schedules. In lung SBRT, respiratory motion is an additional concern as it could cause the delivered dose distribution to deviate from the treatment plan. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct accurate commissioning tests on a dynamic phantom. In this study, the QUASAR™ Respiratory Motion Phantom was customized using 3D-printed parts to minimize motion-induced errors in measurements. The customisations included a specialized ion chamber insert designed to move with the tumour and measure the average dose at its centre. A film insert was also developed for secure fixation, enabling precise dose verification on a static plane while minimizing the risk of friction-related damage. The quality assurance (QA) tests were performed on the plans created for phantom studies indicated that ion chamber measurements were within 1.9% of the planned dose, and film gamma analysis demonstrated pass rates over 95% using the 3%/1mm criteria. A set of SBRT volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were created for a suite of test patients using both flattened and flattening filter free (FFF) 6 MV beams and utilising robust optimization. A standardized patient-specific QA protocol was used to evaluate the treatment plans of 20 test patients, yielding film gamma pass rates above 98.8%. The suggested approach, using the 3D-printed inserts, effectively mitigated dose-blurring, providing a robust tool for lung SBRT commissioning and ensuring the reliability of lung cancer treatment with SBRT.

Development of a novel anti-CEACAM5 VHH for SPECT imaging and potential cancer therapy applications.

In this study, we investigated the utility of a novel developed anti-CEACAM5 VHH for cancer diagnosis and its potential of being a targeting-moiety of VHH-drug conjugates for cancer therapy. Anti-CEACAM5 VHH (6B11) affinity and specific cellular binding was confirmed by ELISA, FACS and immunofluorescence in cancer cell lines with varying CEACAM5 expression levels. Intracellular penetration ability within tumor spheroids was tested with Oregon Green 488 labeled 6B11 (OG488-6B11). Biodistribution and binding specificity of 99mTc-radiolabeled 6B11 was tested in A549 CEACAM5 overexpressing (A549-CEA5-OV) and knockout (A549-CEA5-KO) tumor-bearing mice upon SPECT/CT imaging, γ-counting and autoradiography. The therapeutic efficacy of 6B11 and 6F8 (anti-CEACAM5 VHH with lower binding affinity) was tested by viability, wound healing and adhesion assays. To verify the potential of VHHs as a warhead for VHH-drug conjugation, an internalization assay with OG488 labeled VHH was performed. 6B11 demonstrated high binding affinity (EC50 0.5nM) and cellular binding. OG488-6B11 penetrated tumor spheroids completely at 24h, while a conventional antibody was only visible at the spheroid periphery. SPECT imaging indicated higher uptake (p < 0.05) in A549-CEA5-OV tumors, resulting in increased tumor-to-blood ratios especially at 4 (2.0016 ± 1.1893, p = 0.035) and 24 (2.9371 ± 2.0683, p = 0.003) hpi compared to A549-CEA5-KO tumors at 4 (0.5640 ± 0.3576) and 24 (0.8051 ± 0.4351) hpi. 99mTc-6B11 was predominantly renally cleared. Autoradiography and immunohistochemistry confirmed these uptake patterns. 6B11 nor 6F8 did exhibit significant anti-cancer therapeutic efficacy in vitro. OG488-6B11 was effectively internalized and accumulated in cells in a time-dependent manner, to end up in the lysosomes. The anti-CEACAM5 VHH 6B11 is a good candidate for SPECT-based cancer diagnosis and can be potentially used as targeting moiety in the development of VHH-based drug conjugates for cancer treatments.

Regeneration of the Skin of Oncology Patients after Radiation Therapy Using Upcycled Fish Collagen

Oncological therapy is a very complex process. An accurate diagnosis is the first and most important stage of therapy for the patient, as it allows the medical staff to determine what treatment is necessary and how to plan it. Cancer treatment is now widely recognized as holistic, in which the body is viewed as one interconnected system. Cancer therapy should not focus on just one area of care, but should also include treatment support such as proper nutrition or pain management. The aim of the article was to confirm the level of hydration, limit excessive water loss and regulate the pH value of the skin of patients after cancer treatment who were administered fish collagen. The cosmetic preparation collagen laminate obtained by ultrafiltration was tested on patients who underwent therapy at the University Hospital in Zielona Góra and who underwent radiotherapy. Patients are currently no longer undergoing treatment. The research group of 50 women suffered from breast cancer (n = 50). Before the experiment, the patients’ skin was examined to diagnose its condition (zero condition). The study was conducted with the consent of the Bioethics Committee (consent number 692/23). It was confirmed that the product tested for an oncological patient has an appropriate level of skin hydration, supports the reconstruction of the skin and its energy barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss and restoring appropriate pH values. Thanks to this, the effects of pathological changes can be removed and the effects of pathological changes can be accelerated.

Combination of RNA-sequencing data analysis, network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques to investigate the mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

BackgroundPrunella vulgaris L. (PVL) extracts have been reported to inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of lung cancer cells. However, its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the main active ingredients and potential molecular mechanisms of PVL in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and methodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with NSCLC were obtained by analyzing microarray dataset GSE136043 in Gene Expression Omnibus. The bioactive components of PVL were obtained using TCMSP database, and the related targets of PVL were collected using the Swiss Target Prediction database, and drug-disease common targets were subsequently obtained. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using a STRING database and core targets were obtained via Cytoscape 3.9.0 software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the common targets were performed using DAVID database. Molecular docking analysis was then performed using AutoDock Vina software. Finally, the therapeutic activity of morin, a crucial component of PVL, against NSCLC was verified by in vitro experiments.ResultsA total of 11 active components and 180 targets of PVL were obtained, 39 of which overlapped with NSCLC’s disease targets, and were considered to be “drug-disease” common targets. Morin, luteolin, delphinidin, kaempferol and quercetin were considered key components of PVL in NSCLC treatment. AKT1, MMP9, ESR1, XDH, MAPT, and CYP1B1 were considered to be the core targets in the PPI network. These “drug-disease” common targets were associated with 100 GO items, including 41 biological processes, 16 cellular components, and 43 molecular functions. KEGG enrichment analysis identified 14 signaling pathways. The key components morin, luteolin, delphinidin, kaempferol and quercetin had good binding affinity with the core targets (AKT1, MMP9, ESR1, XDH and CYP1B1). Additionally, morin could inhibit NSCLC cell viability and promote cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, morin could also reduce mRNA expression levels of core targets.ConclusionPVL may have the potential to treat NSCLC with a multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway manner.