Care Of Cancer Patients Research Articles

Patient perspective on adapting to bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.

Bowel dysfunction continues to be a clinically significant consequence of rectal cancer surgery, affecting quality of life. Rectal cancer patients value self-empowerment and adaptation to change to improve their quality of life in the context of bowel dysfunction. There are limited qualitative data addressing patients' perspectives on adapting to bowel dysfunction. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients' perspectives on adapting to bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. Adult patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery with sphincter preservation at a single colorectal referral centre from July 2017 to July 2020 were included. Patients were excluded if they had surgery <1 year since recruitment, received a permanent stoma or developed recurrence or metastasis. Semistructured interviews were held by phone and transcribed verbatim. Bowel dysfunction was assessed via the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Thematic analysis was used to identify adaptations which patients found helpful for improving bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. A total of 54 patient interviews were included. The distribution of patients with no, minor and major LARS was 39%, 22% and 39%, respectively. Four main themes were conceived from the analysis: implementing lifestyle changes, fostering supportive relationships and self-compassion, communication and access to resources, and adapting to social and cultural challenges. Associated subthemes were identified, namely forward planning, self-compassion and addressing social stigma. Patients' valuable perspective on adapting to bowel dysfunction involve subtle themes which expand the existing literature. These themes inform a patient-centred approach, which may improve outcomes and quality of care for rectal cancer patients.

Low molecular weight 35 kDa hyaluronan fragment HA35 in the treatment of bone metastasis pain: A case report.

Late-stage cancer patients often experience severe pain due to bone metastasis, caused by structural damage and cancer-induced inflammation. Hyaluronan, known to alleviate pain by blocking the TRVP1 calcium channel, faces limitations due to its high molecular weight. However, 35 kDa low molecular weight hyaluronan fragment (HA35) have shown promise in relieving various pains, including cancer-related pain. Nonetheless, evidence regarding their efficacy in bone metastasis pain remains scarce. A 52-year-old female with a rectal malignant tumor and multiple secondary tumors in the sacrum and lungs, accompanied by bone metastasis pain. Despite undergoing radiotherapy, her pain relief was unsatisfactory. Before treatment with HA35, her numerical rating scale score was 10, severely affecting her sleep, appetite, and daily activities. The patient was diagnosed with rectal malignant tumor with multiple metastases, presenting symptoms such as sacral metastasis pain, anal pain, lower limb pain, and anterior abdominal pain. Sacral metastasis pain and lower limb pain indicated a clear diagnosis of bone metastasis pain. Treatment involved subcutaneous injection into the deep fat tissue layer of the abdomen. A subcutaneous injection of 100 mg/5 mL of HA35 was administered once into the deep fat tissue of the abdomen, with subsequent injections repeated every 3 days. Following 1 injection, the patient's pain score decreased to 6 points within 20 minutes, providing 40% pain relief. After 40 minutes, the score further dropped to 4 points, with 60% pain relief. After 50 injections, pain was consistently controlled at around 3 points. Subcutaneous injection of HA35 into the abdominal fat tissue effectively alleviates pain in cancer and bone metastasis patients resistant to conventional treatments. Additionally, it helps alleviate anxiety and fatigue, and improves diet and sleep, thereby offering crucial palliative care for advanced cancer patients.

Satisfaction with in-person and teleconsultationoutpatient care in breast cancer patients at aPeruvian cancer center

Satisfaction with in-person and teleconsultationoutpatient care in breast cancer patients at aPeruvian cancer center

Impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment on treatment strategies and complications in older adults with colorectal cancer considering surgery.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in customizing care for elderly cancer patients, specifically focusing on colorectal cancer. The research compared treatment strategies and outcomes in older adults considered for surgery before and after the initiation of a Geriatric Oncology Service (GOS). Conducting a comparative study, two cohorts of consecutive colorectal cancer patients aged 75 or older were examined: the control group (n = 156) and the GOS group (n = 158). Upon the treating surgeon's GOS consultation request, a geriatrician and an oncologist performed CGA, guiding treatment decisions and perioperative interventions. Postoperative complications were compared using propensity score matching (PSM). In the GOS group, 91% (n = 116) underwent CGA consultations, influencing decisions to forego surgery in 12 patients. After PSM for surgical cases (controls n = 146, GOS n = 146), each group comprised 128 patients. Perioperative physical therapy and pharmacist referrals were more frequent in the GOS group. The GOS group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of postoperative complications (22%) compared to the control group (33%) (p = 0.0496). Patients undergoing colorectal surgery post-GOS implementation experienced a notable reduction in postoperative complications, highlighting the positive impact of personalized geriatric assessment on surgical outcomes in the elderly.

Tube feeding in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradio-/radio therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on the GRADE approach

ScopeThe scope of this systematic review (SR) was to determine whether a nasogastric tube (NGT) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a more useful supportive therapy in patients with oral cancer undergoing chemoradio-/radio therapy. MethodsFor the review, two authors searched MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL and Ichushi-Web to identify clinical practice guidelines, SRs and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) according to pre-determined criteria. RevMan Web was used to combine trials and analyse the data. We evaluated the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system approach. ResultsIt was not possible to perform a meta-analysis of only treatment completion based on the included RCTs; therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of treatment breaks as a surrogate outcome. A meta-analysis of potential treatment breaks, including treatment discontinuation, revealed no superiority between PEG and NGT (risk ratio=0.64 [0.23, 1.79]). A meta-analysis was conducted on two RCTs regarding the harms of infection. There does not appear to be a significant increase in the risk of infection with either PEG or NGT (risk ratio=1.18 [0.45, 3.08]). The certainty of the evidence for two outcomes was judged to be very low. Further, meta-analyses of quality of life and nutritional status were not possible because of differences in assessment methods. ConclusionWe could not determine the superiority of NGT or PEG in the supportive care of oral cancer patients who received chemoradio-/radio therapy. The effect of PEG feeding is uncertain, and it is necessary to consider indications for each case.

Best practices in wound care for gastrointestinal stoma and colorectal cancer patients from a nursing perspective: A meta-analysis.

Colorectal cancer, a type of colon or bowel cancer, poses a major challenge in the treatment of colorectal lesions. Colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a minimally invasive technique, but the risk of wound infections remains a significant concern. These infections can impede the healing process, affecting daily activities and patient satisfaction. To mitigate the risk of wound infections, various prophylactic measures have been explored, including medication, vaccines, lifestyle adjustments and hygiene practices. This study aims to investigate the prevention of wound infections through prophylactic measures in colorectal EMR. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify prophylactic measures that can prevent wound infections. A systematic literature search was conducted using both free words and search terms. The data extraction was performed after a comprehensive literature screening. The meta-analysis was performed using the metabin function of the meta library in R to evaluate the infection incidences in intervention and control groups. A total of 599 infection incidences were considered, with 267 in intervention and 332 in the control group. The results of meta analysis demonstrated significant reduction of wound incidences following the prophylactic measures (risk ratio [RR] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6747; 0.9016, I2 = 78.5%, p < 0.01). The wound infection ratio analysis also exhibited an approximate 6.6% less infection rate in the intervention group, demonstrating significantly less wound infection following the implementation of prophylactic measures. This study highlights the crucial significance of prevention of wound infections by prophylactic measures in colorectal EMR.

Prostate Cancer Related Sexual Dysfunction and Barriers to Help Seeking: A Scoping Review.

Despite available support, sexuality needs are the most frequently reported unmet need among men with prostate cancer, which may be due to low help-seeking rates. Using the Ecological Systems Framework as a theoretical foundation, we conducted a scoping review of the available literature to understand what factors impact help-seeking behaviour for sexual issues after prostate cancer treatment among men who had received treatment. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search on Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, Emcare, and Scopus was conducted to identify studies of adult prostate cancer patients post-treatment, which reported barriers and/or facilitators to help-seeking for sexual health issues. Quality appraisals were conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools, and results were qualitatively synthesised. Of the 3870 unique results, only 30 studies met inclusion criteria. In general, studies were considered moderate to good quality, though only six used standardised measures to assess help-seeking behaviour. Barriers and facilitators for sexual help-seeking were identified across all five levels of the Ecological Systems Framework, including age, treatment type, and previous help seeking experience (individual level), healthcare professional communication and partner support (microsystem), financial cost and accessibility of support (meso/exosystem), and finally embarrassment, masculinity, cultural norms, and sexuality minority (macrosystem). Addressing commonly reported barriers (and inversely, enhancing facilitators) to help-seeking for sexual issues is essential to ensure patients are appropriately supported. Based on our results, we recommend healthcare professionals include sexual wellbeing discussions as standard care for all prostate cancer patients, regardless of treatment received, age, sexual orientation, and partnership status/involvement.

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic: An Italian feasibility study of a mixed in-person/telerehabilitation intervention for cancer patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted healthcare organizations, necessitating a rapid transition from in-person to virtual care. Our study explored the feasibility of a mixed in-person/telerehabilitation intervention for cancer patients and its effects on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), quality of life (QoL), physical function, patient satisfaction, and perceived usefulness. TRACE 2020 is an observational prospective study that enrolled adult cancer patients, between January 2021 and March 2023, who were eligible for a rehabilitation program to be provided also in telerehabilitation. Patients were assessed at baseline and after the rehabilitation program. Adherence to sessions, reasons for non-adherence and adverse events were collected. Of the 23 patients enrolled, 87% received a mixed intervention, with an average of 60% in-person sessions and 40% telerehabilitation sessions. Adherence was very high (91%). Evaluation scales showed an improvement in CRF, QoL, and lower limb strength and a relevant increase in patients' level of physical activity (PA). Most patients reported good satisfaction; the few criticisms mainly concerned difficulties in connectivity, lack of physical contact and difficulties in understanding how to perform exercises during telerehabilitation sessions. The physiotherapist underlined the usefulness of the innovative approach and suggested ways to facilitate future implementation. A mixed intervention including telerehabilitation is feasible and accepted by cancer patients. It may have a positive effect on their CRF, QoL, and level of PA and render patient care more flexible. The findings suggest what characteristics the target population for telerehabilitation should have, in order to integrate telerehabilitation in standard care for cancer patients.

Ethical Dilemmas and Coping Experiences of Nurses Caring for Patients With Hematologic Cancer: A Phenomenological Study.

The study aimed to evaluate the ethical dilemmas faced by nurses who provide care to patients with hematologic cancer and determine their coping mechanisms using a phenomenological approach. This qualitative study was conducted with 35 nurses employed in clinics specializing in hematologic cancer patient care, living in diverse regions of Turkey, using semistructured, in-depth interviews through the WhatsApp mobile application. The snowball sampling technique was utilized to identify participants, and interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. All interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed. Data analysis was conducted using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method, with the study adhering to the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist for reporting. In the analysis of the data, 2 categories (ethical dilemma situations and coping experiences) and 6 subthemes (treatment, care, professional values and beliefs, emotions, struggling with emotional burdens, and psychosocial approach) emerged. According to the results, nurses responsible for hematologic cancer patients struggle with ethical dilemmas in healthcare delivery and face challenges in effectively addressing them, which could potentially impact the quality of healthcare provided by nurses.

Nomograms for prognosis prediction in esophageal adenocarcinoma: realities and challenges.

Prognostic assessment is of great significance for individualized treatment and care of cancer patients. Although the TNM staging system is widely used as the primary prognostic classifier for solid tumors in clinical practice, the complexity of tumor occurrence and development requires more personalized probability prediction models than an ordered staging system. By integrating clinical, pathological, and molecular factors into digital models through LASSO and Cox regression, a nomogram could provide more accurate personalized survival estimates, helping clinicians and patients develop more appropriate treatment and care plans. Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a common pathological subtype of esophageal cancer with poor prognosis. Here, we screened and comprehensively reviewed the studies on EAC nomograms for prognostic prediction, focusing on performance evaluation and potential prognostic factors affecting survival. By analyzing the strengths and limitations of the existing nomograms, this study aims to provide assistance in constructing high-quality prognostic models for EAC patients.

Enhancing Breast Cancer Detection: Leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks

Abstract: Breast cancer continues to be a critical health concern, necessitating early detection and accurate classification for effective treatment. This study presents a comparative analysis between a custom-designed Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the pre-trained DenseNet121 model for breast cancer detection and classification. We compiled a comprehensive dataset of breast cancer images and applied appropriate preprocessing techniques to optimize the input for the models. The dataset was divided into training, validation, and testing sets to evaluate the models' performance. The CNN model comprises multiple convolutional and pooling layers followed by fully connected layers for classification, while the DenseNet121 model is fine-tuned specifically for breast cancer detection. The models were evaluated based on metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC-ROC. The DenseNet121 model outperformed the custom CNN model, achieving higher accuracy and reliability. For wider accessibility, we integrated the superior DenseNet121 model into a user-friendly web-based interface using Python Flask, enabling real-time breast cancer predictions. Ethical considerations were paramount, ensuring data privacy, security, and transparency in all model predictions. This study highlights the effectiveness of the DenseNet121 model and contributes to improved breast cancer diagnosis and patient care.

Nitroxide radical conjugated ovalbumin theranostic nanosystem for enhanced dendritic cell-based immunotherapy and T1 magnetic resonance imaging

Melanoma, known for its aggressive metastatic nature, presents a formidable challenge in cancer treatment, where conventional therapies often fall short. This study introduces a pioneering approach utilizing metal-free nanosystem as tumor vaccines, spotlighting their potential in revolutionizing melanoma treatment. This work employed organic nitroxides, specifically 4-carboxy-TEMPO, in combination with chitosan (CS), to create a novel nanocomposite material - the CS-TEMPO-OVA nanovaccines. This composition not only improves biocompatibility and extends blood circulation time of TEMPO but also marks a significant departure from traditional gadolinium-based contrast agents in MRI technology, addressing safety concerns. CS-TEMPO-OVA nanovaccines demonstrate excellent biocompatibility at both the cellular and organoid level. They effectively stimulate bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), which in turn promote the maturation and activation of T cells. This ultimately leads to a strong production of essential cytokines. These nanovaccines serve a dual purpose as both therapeutic and preventive. By inducing an immune response, activating cytotoxic T cells, and promoting macrophage M1 polarization, they effectively inhibit melanoma growth and enhance survival in mouse models. When combined with αPD-1, the CS-TEMPO-OVA nanovaccines significantly bolster the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) within tumors, sparking a powerful systemic antitumor response that effectively curbs tumor metastasis. The ability of these nanovaccines to control both primary (subcutaneous) and metastatic B16-OVA tumors highlights their remarkable efficacy. Furthermore, the CS-TEMPO-OVA nanovaccine can be administered in vivo via both intravenous and intramuscular routes, both of which effectively enhance the T1 contrast of magnetic resonance imaging in tumor tissue. This study offers invaluable insights into the integrated application of these nanovaccines in both clinical diagnostics and treatment, marking a significant stride in cancer research and patient care.

Bereaved family members’ perspectives on quality of death in deceased acute cardiovascular disease patients compared with cancer patients – a comparison of the J-HOPE3 study and the quality of palliative care in heart disease (Q-PACH) study

BackgroundOutcome measures during acute cardiovascular disease (CVD) phases, such as quality of death, have not been thoroughly evaluated. This is the first study that compared the family members’ perceptions of quality of death in deceased CVD patients and in deceased cancer patients using a bereaved family survey.MethodsRetrospectively sent questionnaire to consecutive family members of deceased patients with CVD from ten tertiary hospitals from October 2017 to August 2018. We used the short version of the Good Death Inventory (GDI) and assessed overall care satisfaction. Referencing the GDI, the quality of death was compared between CVD patients admitted to a non-palliative care unit (non-PCU) and cancer patients in palliative care units (PCU) and non-PCUs in the Japan Hospice and Palliative Care Evaluation Study (J-HOPE Study). Additionally, in the adjusted analysis, multivariable linear regression was performed for total GDI score adjusted by the patient and participant characteristics to estimate the difference between CVD and other patients.ResultsOf the 243 bereaved family responses in agreement (response rate: 58.7%) for CVD patients, deceased patients comprised 133 (54.7%) men who were 80.2 ± 12.2 years old on admission. The GDI score among CVD patients (75.0 ± 15.7) was lower (worse) than that of cancer patients in the PCUs (80.2 ± 14.3), but higher than in non-PCUs (74.4 ± 15.2). After adjustment, the total GDI score for CVD patients was 7.10 points lower [95% CI: 5.22–8.97] than for cancer patients in PCUs and showed no significant differences compared with those in non-PCUs (estimates, 1.62; 95% CI [-0.46 to 5.22]).ConclusionsThe quality of death perceived by bereaved family members among deceased acute CVD patients did not differ significantly from that of deceased cancer patients in general wards, however, was significantly lower than that of deceased cancer patients admitted in PCUs.

Real-World Healthcare Resource Use Associated with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Patients Care in Portugal-TRACE Study.

Recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) is a challenging disease, requiring personalized management by a multidisciplinary team. The aim of this retrospective multicentric study was to characterize real-world healthcare resource use and patient care for R/M HNSCC in Portugal during the first year after diagnosis. A total of 377 patients ineligible for curative treatment were included, mostly male (92.8%), aged 50-69 years (74.5%), with heavy alcohol (72.7%) or smoking habits (89.3%). Oropharynx (33.2%) and oral cavity (28.7%) were primary tumor locations, with lung metastases being the most common (61.4%). Eligible patients for systemic treatment with palliative intent (80.6%) received up to four treatment lines, with varied regimens. Platinum-based combination chemotherapy dominated first-line treatment (>70%), while single-agent chemotherapy and anti-PD1 immunotherapy were prevalent in later lines. Treatment approaches were uniform across disease stages and primary tumor locations but varied geographically. Treated patients received more multidisciplinary support than those who were ineligible. This study provides the first Portuguese real-world description of R/M HNSCC patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and supportive care during the year after diagnosis, highlighting population heterogeneity and aiming to improve patient management.

Postoperative Delirium and Neurocognitive Disorders: Updates for Providers Caring for Cancer Patients.

To provide up to date information on postoperative delirium and neurocognitive disorders in surgical cancer patients. Established risk factors such as age, psychosocial factors, comorbidities, frailty and preexisting cognitive decline continue to exhibit associations with perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND); novel risk factors identified recently include microbiome composition and vitamin D deficiency. Prevention measures include cognitive prehabilitation, perioperative geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary care, dexmedetomidine and multimodal analgesic techniques. Studies investigating ciprofol, remimazolam, esketamine, ramelteon and suvorexant have shown encouraging results. Controversy remains regarding the use of inhalational versus intravenous general anesthesia. Innovative approaches to address PND are a rapidly developing area of research, but more studies are needed to identify effective prevention and management interventions. Despite challenges and controversy in the field, implementation of best practice can reduce the detrimental impact of PND on patients, caregivers, and society at large.

Knowledge about dental care in patients with head and neck cancer among senior dental school students: a cross-sectional descriptive study

BackgroundThe dentist's central role in treating head and neck cancer patients is to care for the patient’s oral cavity before, during, and after radio/chemotherapy. This research aimed to determine dental students' knowledge about head and neck cancer patients’ dental care.MethodsOne hundred and four fifth and sixth-year dental students participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that collected demographic information (gender, year of study) and four questions consisting of attendance to courses or workshops, passing a dedicated course at the university, willing to participate in a course or workshop on the treatment of head and neck cancer patients and self-evaluating information about the treatment of head and neck cancer patients. Final part 36 questions about oral and dental care for head and neck cancer patients before, after, and during treatment. The data were analyzed with SPSS 26 statistical software and using t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression at the 0.05 significance level.ResultsMost of the participants were in their sixth year (48.9%). A total of 48.1% of the people reported that their information about dental treatments in patients with head and neck cancer was bad. 85% of participants agreed with the necessity of evaluating the patient's mouth and teeth before starting the treatment. The lowest percentage of correct answers was related to the ideal duration of tooth extraction and a poor prognosis before the start of cancer treatment. The regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between years of education, willingness to participate in courses, and students’ knowledge evaluation and knowledge.ConclusionThe findings showed that students’ awareness of oral and dental treatment and care for patients with head and neck cancer is insufficient. It is recommended that teaching staff pay more attention to the lack of knowledge and effort to educate students by holding special courses and workshops.

The Effect of Education and Monitoring via Tele-Nursing to Elderly Cancer Patients Using Oral Anticancer Agents on Self-efficacy and Medication Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThis study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of the education and monitoring provided via tele-nursing to elderly cancer patients using oral anticancer agents on their medication treatment adherence self-efficacy and medication adherence. MethodsThe sample of the study consisted of 60 elderly cancer patients who presented to the oncology outpatient clinics of a medical faculty hospital in Turkey. An Elderly Information Form, the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale, the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale, a Tele-nursing Evaluation Form, and a Telephone Monitoring Form were used to collect data. Patients in the intervention group were sent text messages and educational videos via WhatsApp® for the first four weeks, and after the fifth week, they were monitored by phone for eight weeks. Data collection tools were applied to the control and intervention groups at weeks 1, 8, and 12. Independent samples t-test, Repeated measurements analysis of variance chi-square test, and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data. ResultsIn the study, while there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the intervention and control groups on the pretest application of the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (p > .05), a significant difference was found between the mean posttest scores of the groups (p < .05). ConclusionsIn this study, it was determined that the education and monitoring provided to elderly cancer patients via tele-nursing positively affected their self-efficacy and medication adherence. Implications for nursing practiceIn line with the research results, it is recommended that nurses use tele-nursing applications in the care of elderly cancer patients using oral anticancer agents.

Unveiling Bladder Cancer Prognostic Insights by Integrating Patient-Matched Sample and CpG Methylation Analysis.

Bladder cancer prognosis remains a pressing clinical challenge, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers for precise survival prediction and improved quality of life outcomes. This study proposes a comprehensive strategy to uncover key prognostic biomarkers in bladder cancer using DNA methylation analysis and extreme survival pattern observations in matched pairs of cancer and adjacent normal cells. Unlike traditional approaches that overlook cancer heterogeneity by analyzing entire samples, our methodology leverages patient-matched samples to account for this variability. Specifically, DNA methylation profiles from adjacent normal bladder tissue and bladder cancer tissue collected from the same individuals were analyzed to pinpoint critical methylation changes specific to cancer cells while mitigating confounding effects from individual genetic differences. Utilizing differential threshold settings for methylation levels within cancer-associated pathways enabled the identification of biomarkers that significantly impact patient survival. Our analysis identified distinct survival patterns associated with specific CpG sites, underscoring these sites' pivotal roles in bladder cancer outcomes. By hypothesizing and testing the influence of methylation levels on survival, we pinpointed CpG biomarkers that profoundly affect the prognosis. Notably, CpG markers, such as cg16269144 (PRKCZ), cg16624272 (PTK2), cg11304234, and cg26534425 (IL18), exhibited critical methylation thresholds that correlate with patient mortality. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to enhancing prognostic accuracy and refining therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer patients. The identified biomarkers pave the way for personalized prognostication and targeted interventions, promising advancements in bladder cancer management and patient care.

Unveiling perceptions regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction: A questionnaire-based survey of patients from central India.

Post mastectomy breast reconstruction uptake remains low in the developing countries. We examined patient perspectives about it in a cohort of Indian breast cancer patients. This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in central India. All post mastectomy patients for breast cancer were interviewed via a survey questionnaire to assess their perspective regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction. None of the 192 patients underwent immediate or delayed reconstruction by the end of 24months follow-up. Age, education level, occupation and marital status did not affect the uptake of post mastectomy breast reconstruction. The most common patient-reported reasons for not having reconstruction were the desire to avoid additional surgery and the belief that it was not important (80% for each). System related factors such as additional cost of surgery and additional length of stay were reported to be important by 55% and 65% patients respectively. Our survey of 192 post mastectomy breast cancer patients showed that none opted for post mastectomy reconstruction, suggesting significant barriers to it. Understanding and addressing these barriers are crucial to ensuring comprehensive care for these breast cancer patients.

The 30th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat Report.

The 30th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Scientific Retreat was held at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA, from October 26 to 28, 2023. A hybrid component was included for virtual attendees. The Annual PCF Scientific Retreat is a leading international scientific conference focused on pioneering, unpublished, and impactful studies across the spectrum of basic through clinical prostate cancer research, as well as research from related fields with significant potential for improving prostate cancer research and patient outcomes. The 2023 PCF Retreat concentrated on key areas of research, including: (i) the biology of cancer stem cells and prostate cancer lineage plasticity; (ii) mechanisms of treatment resistance; (iii) emerging AI applications in diagnostic medicine; (iv) analytical and computational biology approaches in cancer research; (v) the role of nerves in prostate cancer; (vi) the biology of prostate cancer bone metastases; (vii) the contribution of ancestry and genomics to prostate cancer disparities; (viii) prostate cancer 3D genomics; (ix) progress in new targets and treatments for prostate cancer; (x) the biology and translational applications of tumor extracellular vesicles; (xi) updates from PCF TACTICAL Award teams; (xii) novel platforms for small molecule molecular glues and binding inhibitors; and (xiii) diversity, equity and inclusionstrategies for advancing cancer care equity. This meeting report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the 2023 PCF Scientific Retreat. We hope that sharing this information will deepen our understanding of current and emerging research and drive future advancements in prostate cancer patient care.