Clinical Oncology Department Research Articles

Three years Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Breast Cancer Patients at Clinical Oncology Department –Tanta University

Three years Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Breast Cancer Patients at Clinical Oncology Department –Tanta University

Characteristics and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C virus therapy in a single medical center in Egypt

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence has increased dramatically over the previous two decades and is anticipated to rise further in some countries, notably the United States, by 2030. HCC is most widespread in Asia and Africa, where hepatitis B and C are ubiquitous and lead to the development of chronic liver disease and, finally, HCC. In this study, we examined changes in the characteristics and prognosis of HCC patients, as well as the risk of developing HCC after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medication.Methods: The study enrolled all individuals who attended the Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt, with a proven diagnosis of HCC in the period between January 2020 and December 2021. HCC is diagnosed based on radiographic appearance (arterial enhancement phase and delayed washout phase) or compatible histology.Results: This retrospective cohort included 254 HCC patients, separated into three groups. Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank analysis revealed that hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment therapy considerably reduced the time to HCC development following hepatitis diagnosis (p < .001). HCV therapy had a substantial impact on progression-free survival and overall survival in HCC patients (p < .001).Conclusions: The emergence of DAA medication has greatly altered the management of HCV patients in the context of HCC. DAAs have been shown to be both safe and beneficial in these individuals, particularly in terms of lowering the risk of hepatic decompensation. DAAs have been reported to enhance overall survival in patients with cirrhotic HCV-related HCC, most likely due to decreased hepatic decompensation.

Clinico-epidemiological Features of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma in Clinical Oncology Department in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Egypt

Clinico-epidemiological Features of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma in Clinical Oncology Department in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Egypt

Diffusion-weighted MRI in characterization of enlarged cervical lymph nodes

Background Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) has been shown to enhance the visibility of sub-centimetric lymph nodes (LNs) by suppressing background tissue, thereby facilitating LN identification in comparison to conventional sequences. Aim The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient in distinguishing among cancerous and benign cervical lymphadenopathy. Patients and methods This prospective research includes 50 cases complaining of cervical LN swelling referred to MR units of Radiodiagnosis and Clinical Oncology department at Tanta University Hospital, with symptoms of enlarged cervical LN. Results The most frequently encountered lesion was lymphoma in 12 (24.00%) cases, followed by metastatic from thyroid carcinoma in 7 (14%) cases and metastasis from cancer parotid in 6 (12%) cases, 5 (10%) cases were diagnosed as metastasis from tongue, metastasis from oropharyngeal mass was found in 4 (8%) cases, 3 cases were diagnosed as TB and acute inflammatory with percentage of (6%) for each one, where there were 2 cases diagnosed with percentage of (4%). This study revealed that DWI is a technique for investigation of tumors histological content of LNs and used for distinguishing among benign and cancerous ones. Conclusion DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient map is a novel and promising method for distinguishing cancerous from noncancerous LN. The addition of DWI to standard MRI gives extra biological and functional information for characterizing cervical LN.

Retrospective ِِAnalysis of The Prognostic Impact Of Lymph Node Ratio (mLNR) In Colorectal Cancer at Clinical Oncology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals and Damanhur Oncology Center

Retrospective ِِAnalysis of The Prognostic Impact Of Lymph Node Ratio (mLNR) In Colorectal Cancer at Clinical Oncology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals and Damanhur Oncology Center

Assessment of sexual function and quality of life in breast cancer patients before and after the occurrence of therapy-related skin changes

Background Patients with breast cancer (BC) who receive adjuvant chemotherapy or other treatment modalities may potentially benefit from an enhanced prognosis of survival. Physical or aesthetic complications may, nevertheless, result in significant distress as a consequence of adverse dermatologic responses. There has been a heightened focus on matters related to quality of life (QoL) as the number of BC survivors has risen. Sexual disorders are reported by as many as 75% of women who undergo treatment for BC. Despite this, the majority of oncologists lack the necessary training to identify patients who are particularly susceptible to developing sexual disorders. Patients diagnosed with BC frequently experience female sexual dysfunction. Objective To compare and evaluate the impact of skin changes induced by different treatment modalities in BC patients on their sexual function and QoL. Patients and methods This is a prospective cohort research on 58 cases diagnosed with BC, which was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Clinical Oncology department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University from April 2022 to February 2023. The calculated sample size for the current study using Epi info 7 programs was 56 women. The power of the study is 80% with a confidence level of 95% as determined by the Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University. Both sexual function and QoL were assessed before and 3–6 months after the occurrence of skin changes related to different treatment modalities using validated questionnaires irrespective of their tumor stage. Results Of the 58 patients, there was statistically significant variance regarding dermatological life quality index (DLQI) (P<0.001), with 8.6% of patients experiencing a very large influence on their QoL, which increased to 19%. However, the number of patients having an extremely large influence on their quality of life changed from 0 to 5.2%. There was statistically significant variance (P<0.001) regarding female sexual function index values among the six domains of female sexual function index before and after the occurrence of skin changes. There is a negative correlation between DLQI score and desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction scores, while there is a positive correlation between DLQI score and pain score. QoL was negatively affected by the occurrence of such skin lesions. Conclusion There was a significant negative impact of skin changes induced by different treatment modalities in BC patients on their sexual function and QoL.

A Complex Interplay of Tumor Microenvironment Could Enhance Cholangiocarcinoma Progression Even After Surgery: A Prospective Study.

The current study was conducted to explore the impact of macrophages and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) on treatment outcomes and to define the interaction between these factors and the clinicopathologic features of advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients. Twenty-five patients with metastatic CCA were recruited for the current study from El-Rajhi Hospital and the Clinical Oncology Department of Assiut University. Additionally, 19 healthy controls were included. Before the flow cytometric detection of immune cells, the diagnosis and staging of CCA were performed based on surgical intervention, imaging, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) determinations. This was followed by flow cytometric detection of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+PD-1+, CD8+PD-1+, and CD11b+CD68+ macrophages in the peripheral blood of both patients and controls. The current results revealed higher levels of CD4+, CD8+, and CD11b+CD68+ macrophages in controls compared to patients. At the same time, PD-1 expression was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. CD4+ was correlated with improved progression-free survival (PFS), while CD8+PD-1 was associated with shorter PFS. In general, CD4+ and CD8+ levels progressively increased with improved response to treatments, differentiation, single organ site metastasis, and surgical interventions. On the contrary, PD-1 expression and macrophages progressively increased with worsening response, dedifferentiation, multiple organ sites, and surgical interventions. The median PFS was 12 months, and the mean ± standard error (SE) was 13.1 ± 1.3. CCA has a desmoplastic microenvironment with complex immunologic topography and tumor-reactive stroma. The immune landscape of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in CCA patients before treatment could reflect the state of systemic immune function and response to treatments. Our results revealed that T-lymphocytes correlated with better prognosis while macrophages and PD-1+ expression were associated with poor outcomes.

Retrospective Study of Clinicopathologic Features and Outcome of Colonic Cancer in Relation to Primary Tumor Location

Abstract Background Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and outcomes of colon cancer are different according to the primary tumor location and could be considered as distinct disease entities of the same organ. Objectives Analyzing and comparing clinical, epidemiological, pathologic features and outcome of colon cancer according to primary location whether the patients are right sided colon cancer (RSCC) and left sided colon cancer (LSCC) patients in different situations. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study conducted between January 1st, 2013 and January 1st 2019. One hundred and fifty patients diagnosed with colon cancer were enrolled in GIT unit, Department of Clinical Oncology, Ain Shams University Hospital. Results In our study right sided colon cancer patients were more females and clinically presented with higher frequency of anaemia (P value = 0.001) and perforation (P value = 0.02). Left sided colon cancer on the other side were more males (P value = 0.032) and was associated with more constipation (P value <0.001) and intestinal obstruction (P value = 0.085). RSCC was more associated mucinous adenocarcinoma, more advanced T stage (T4), lymphovascular invasion, larger tumor sizes and more poorly differentiated tumor. LSCC was associated with more advanced stage and lymph node positivity. Right side tumor has highest disease-free survival period which is 34.63 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.39-40.86) comparing with the left side tumor which was 24.94 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.61-30.27). left side tumor has highest progressive free survival period which is 4.77 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.33-8.22) comparing with the right-side tumor which was 2.21 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-3.79). Conclusion RSCCs and LSCCs show different characteristics in clinical presentation and prognostic features, so we can consider the side of tumor is helpful in determining the behavior and the outcome of the disease. We can consider RSCC and LSCC as two separate disease entities.

The Clinicoepidemiological Features and Treatment Outcomes in Cervical Carcinoma at Clinical Oncology Department of Ain Shams University Hospital: Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Background Through Increased education, access to care, and the expansion of screening and vaccination programs, reductions in cervical cancer incidence and mortality may be achieved. Aim and Objectives the aim of the study was to determine the clinicoepidemiological features and treatment outcome in cancer cervix at clinical oncology department of Ain Shams University Hospital. Subjects and Methods This retrospective analytical study included consecutive adult female patients ≥ 18 years with pathologically confirmed cervical cancer presented to the Clinical Oncology Department, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt from January 2016 to December 2020. Results Most of the patients (71.3%) were under 60years, andthe median age at diagnosis was 53 years. In our cohort, about 54.5 % of patients were postmenopausal, with the median age of menopause around 51.0 years. In most cases, the age of menarche was between 9 and 12 years. 94.1.0 % of the patients were married, and most of them got married after reaching the age of 18 years (74.2%). In our cohort, CCRTH improved both DFS and OS for adjuvant groups as well as PFS and OS for patients who received definitive treatment. Univariate analysis including age, menopausal status, sociodemograhic data, tumor characteristsics, FIGO sataging and treatment received showed that significantrisk factors for reduced PFS and OS of patients who received palliative treatment was Diabetus mellitus as a comorbidity. Conclusion This data emphasizes that patient in rural setting present at later stages which could be improved by creating awareness in rural women, and help accessing adequate screening measures.

227 Retrospective Study to Assess Axillary Management and Oncological Outcome After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract Aim Evaluation of the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on axillary nodal status. The secondary objective was to evaluate the percentage of patients who are eligible for SLNB after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Method This retrospective study was conducted by collecting data during the period from October 2019 to July 2021. The study included 64 patients who had biopsy-proven locally advanced breast cancer with clinically or radiologically positive axillary LNs, had been receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Clinical Oncology Department, and underwent surgery after neoadjuvant therapy at the surgical oncology unit of Alexandria Main University Hospital. Exclusion criteria were as follows: Patients with early-stage breast cancer, metastatic stage IV breast cancer, unfit/refusing neoadjuvant therapy, aged less than 18 years or more than 75 years or clinically and radiologically negative axilla. Data were collected retrospectively to assess the oncological and surgical outcomes after completing NAC. The files of 450 patients were reviewed, and only 64 patients were eligible patients to be included in our study. Results Complete pathological response (ypT0ypN0) was found in six of the 64 patients in our study. Four patients were triple-negative, and two patients were HER2-enriched biological subtype. One patient was T1, one patient was T2, one patient was T3, and three patients were T4. One patient was N1, four patients were N2, and one patient was N3. Conclusions Post-neoadjuvant ultrasound is essential for assessment of axillary response. Approximately 44.4% of patients with negative post-neoadjuvant axillary ultrasound can avoid unnecessary ALN clearance. Accurate axillary staging is the cornerstone for omission of axillary clearance after neoadjuvant among patients.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound in Evaluation of Obstructive Jaundice with MRCP as a Gold Standard

Abstract Background MRCP has high sensitivity for CBD stones, strictures and malignancies in cases of obstructive jaundice especially cases with suspicion (clinical/CBD-IHBR dilatation on USG). As MRCP has more diagnostic accuracy compared to ultrasound in detecting the cause of obstruction in cases of obstructive jaundice, USG may be considered as an initial screening test and MRCP for definitive treatment planning. The limitation of the study is the small sample size. Objective To evaluate cross sectional retrospective study was done From June 2021 to June 2022 on 31 patients (17 females and 14 males) presenting with obstructive jaundice were referred from Internal Medicine, General Surgery and Clinical Oncology Department to Diagnostic Radiology Department in Ain Shams University hospitals, MRCP were done for all the patients and then Abdominal US examination were performed and then comparison between US & MRCP result were done. Results The US has sensitivity of 100.0%, specificity of 100.0% and accuracy of 100.0 % in detection of level of obstruction and also has sensitivity of 71.0% and accuracy of 71.0% in detecting cause of obstruction taking MRCP as a gold standard. Conclusion MRCP is an excellent tool for detecting the cause of obstructive jaundice, Use of MRCP could therefore spare the patients from invasive preoperative endoscopic procedures and it can also most likely reduce overall surgical costs. We propose MRCP as the method of choice for the diagnostic imaging of obstructive jaundice.

Recent trends in bone metastasis treatments: A historical comparison using the new Katagiri score system.

Bone metastasis has various negative impacts. Activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) can be significantly decreased, survival may be impacted, and medical expenses may increase. It is estimated that at least 5% cancer patients might be suffering from bone metastases. In 2016, we published the Comprehensive Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone Metastasis. Since then, the therapeutic outcomes for patients have gradually improved. As life expectancy is a major determinant of surgical intervention, the strategy should be modified if the prolongation of survival is to be achieved. To monitor how bone metastasis treatment has changed before and after launch of our guidelines for bone metastasis. For advanced cancer patients with bone metastasis who visited the Department of Clinical Oncology at Akita University hospital between 2012 and 2023, parameters including the site and number of bone metastases, laboratory data, and survival time, were extracted from electronic medical records and the Katagiri score was calculated. The association with survival was determined for each factor. Data from 136 patients were obtained. The 1-year survival rate for the poor prognosis group with a higher Katagiri score was 20.0% in this study, which was 6% and an apparent improvement from 2014 when the scoring system was developed. Other factors significantly affecting survival included five or more bone metastases than less (P = 0.0080), and treatment with chemotherapy (P < 0.001), bone modifying agents (P = 0.0175) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (P = 0.0128). In recent years, advances in various treatment methods have extended the survival period for patients with advanced cancer. It is necessary not only to simply extend survival time, but also to maintain ADL and improve QOL. Various therapeutic interventions including surgical approach for bone metastasis, which is a disorder of locomotor organs, are increasingly required. Guidelines and scoring system for prognosis need to be revised promptly.

Treatment Outcome in Locally Advanced Rectal Carcinoma and Its Correlation with Hypo-Fractionated Radiotherapy and Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Introduction: Rectal cancer is the second most common type within the large intestine, posing significant health risks globally. In Bangladesh, it ranks high among diagnosed cancers. Improved diagnostic methods aid in early detection, which is crucial for effective management. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy is a standard approach. However, newer methods like preoperative hypo-fractionated radiotherapy with surgery promise better outcomes, including reduced recurrence rates and enhanced survival, with potential cost and time savings. Aim of the Study: The study aims to evaluate and contrast the efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma. Methods: The study, conducted at the Department of Clinical Oncology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh and the Department of Radiation Oncology at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICR&amp;H) in Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh, aimed to compare treatments for locally advanced rectal cancer over 1.5 years (From January 2018 to June 2019). A total of 80 patients were divided into two groups; Group A received hypofractionated radiotherapy, while Group B received oral capecitabine alongside external beam radiotherapy. Inclusion criteria involved confirmed adenocarcinoma within specified stages, with ethical clearances obtained. Patients underwent evaluations before treatment and response assessments posttreatment. Treatment modalities were defined, focusing on radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing various statistical tests. Results aimed to address study objectives while minimizing biases. Result: The study involved 80 patients, divided into Groups A and B, each with 40 individuals. Group A mainly comprised individuals aged 41-50 (45%), followed by 31-40 (25%). Group B had the highest proportion aged 31-40 (30%) and 41-50 (32.50%). Both groups showed male predominance (1.3:1). Moderately differentiated tumors were common, with Group A having more poorly differentiated tumors. Stage III was predominant pre-treatment (65% Group A, 70% Group B). Most patients presented with per rectal bleeding (80%) and alteration of bowel habits (56.25%). Response rates to treatment were similar between groups. Tumor downsizing was more frequent in Group B. Sphincter-sparing surgery was feasible in both groups with no significant difference. Conclusion: The study comparing preoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally advanced rectal carcinoma found similar efficacy in tumor response, downsizing, and sphincter preservation. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences. Both approaches showed acceptable short-term outcomes, offering clinicians options based on patient and resource considerations.

An objective cross-sectional assessment of ChatGPT in hematology-oncology manuscript composition: Balancing promise with factual inaccuracies

ABSTRACT Background: Artificial intelligence (AI)-based large language models (LLMs), such as Chat Generative Pre-training Transformer (ChatGPT), exhibit promise in aiding manuscript composition and literature search, encompassing various research tasks. However, their utilization remains unregulated. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to objectively assess the ability of ChatGPT 3.5 (free version) to assist with various tasks associated with manuscript preparation and research based on pre-defined scoring criteria. Secondary objectives included an assessment of the factual accuracy of data and any false information returned by ChatGPT. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was planned in the Departments of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India, a tertiary care referral center. Between July 1, 2023, and July 30, 2023, seven prompts comprising queries related to manuscript design, specific data, or complex discussion in hematology/oncology subjects were used. The responses were scored based on detailed pre-defined criteria for accuracy and completeness, and scoring was independently performed by a panel of five reviewers with current expertise in the field of hematology/medical oncology. Negative marking was performed for factual inaccuracies. Cronbach’s alpha and interclass correlation coefficient were calculated to assess inter-observer agreement. Results: ChatGPT readily provided information on the structural components of the manuscript and research design, with the ability to customize responses immediately. However, the presence of factual inaccuracies, fictional citations, and false information presented confidently were notable drawbacks. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.995, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.995, indicating good inter-observer agreement. The overall score was 34.2 out of 90, with a poor score on the veracity of data and references. Conclusion: The current iteration of ChatGPT rapidly provides plausible and professional-looking information on up-to-date topics but is hindered by significant factual inaccuracies. Future research focusing on improving response accuracy and addressing ethical considerations of content generated by LLMs will help us maximize their potential in scientific paper development.

A real-world study of the effectiveness and safety of apatinib-based regimens in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer

PurposeThis investigation sought to examine the efficacy and safety of low-dose apatinib used alongside chemotherapy in the clinical management of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) within a real-world setting, whilst comparing the outcomes with those treated solely with chemotherapy.MethodsThis case series study analyzed clinical data and treatment outcomes of 163 patients with metastatic TNBC who underwent rescue treatment at the Medical Oncology Department of Clinical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, School of Fujian Medical University, China, between October 2011 and January 2023. All the patients underwent rescue treatment with either chemotherapy alone or apatinib (250 mg/day) combined with chemotherapy. The study’s primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), whereas the secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety profiles.ResultsThe study was designed to compare two groups [1]. Out of the 163 TNBC patients who participated in the study, 107 individuals (65.6%) received treatment based on chemotherapy, whereas 56 patients (34.4%) were given treatment based on a combination of low-dose apatinib (250 mg/day) and other treatments, including chemotherapy. After propensity score matching (PSM), the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who received apatinib-based treatment were 50.0 and 90.0%, respectively, while they were 6.7 and 20.0%, respectively, for the chemotherapy-based group (P < 0.001). The group that received apatinib-based treatment showed superior results in both PFS and OS compared to the group that received chemotherapy. The median PFS and OS for the apatinib-based group were 7.8 and 20.3 months, respectively, while they were only 2.2 months and 9.0 months, respectively, for the chemotherapy-based group (P < 0.001) [2]. Patients who were administered combo therapies, including PD-1 inhibitors, were excluded. In total, 97 patients received chemotherapy alone, while 34 patients were treated with apatinib in combination with chemotherapy. After propensity score matching (PSM), the ORR and DCR for the total group who received combo therapies were 44.4 and 81.5%, respectively, while they were 11.1 and 22.2%, respectively, for the chemotherapy alone group (P < 0.001). The group receiving both apatinib and chemotherapy displayed notable advantages over the group solely receiving chemotherapy in regards to PFS and OS for the entirety of the population. The PFS was found to be 7.8 months in comparison to 2.1 months (P < 0.001) and the OS was 21.1 months in contrast to 9.0 months (P < 0.001). Apatinib combined with chemotherapy induced grade 3/4 hematological toxicities, including neutropenia (8.8%) and thrombocytopenia (2.9%). Additionally, non-hematological toxicities were commonly observed, such as Hand-foot syndrome (35.3%), proteinuria (26.5%), hypertension (61.8%), higher alanine aminotransferase levels (26.5%), and fatigue (35.3%). The most frequent non-hematological grade 3/4 toxicities were Hand-foot syndrome (2.9%) and hypertension (5.9%). The study did not report any fatal adverse effects.ConclusionsThe combination of low-dose apatinib with chemotherapy has proven to be more effective than chemotherapy alone in treating metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Additionally, the occurrence of grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities was significantly lower compared to the recommended dose of apatinib.

Do Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) 2 and 3 Proteins Play a Role in Prognosis of Invasive Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma?

Bladder carcinoma ranks second in prevalence among males in Egypt. As a family of tyrosine kinases, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) dysregulation has been linked to some malignancies in humans. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinicopathological data of patients while investigating FGFR2 and FGFR3 immunohistochemical expression in invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 60 invasive urothelial carcinoma (UC) cases in the Pathology department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, from 2009 to 2020. All biopsies were stained for FGFR2 and FGFR3 antibodies. Complete clinical data were available for 44 patients treated and followed in clinical oncology and nuclear medicine departments. Advanced stage and high grade are significantly correlated with FGFR2 positivity (P=0.048 and 0.044, respectively). Cases presented with Perineural invasion showed a higher percentage of FGFR2 (P=0.023). There is a significant indirect linear correlation between FGFR3 expression and lymph node positivity (r= -0.265, P=0.041). A high FGFR2 expression could be associated with poor prognostic parameters, while high FGFR3 expression would be associated with good prognostic parameters. These findings might highlight the importance of FGFR-targeted therapy as a FGFR2 antagonist and FGFR3 agonist for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma patients.

Clinico-epidemiological study of central nervous system tumors at clinical oncology department Tanta University Hospitals

Clinico-epidemiological study of central nervous system tumors at clinical oncology department Tanta University Hospitals

Clinico-epidemiological study of hematological malignancies at clinical oncology department Tanta university hospitals

Clinico-epidemiological study of hematological malignancies at clinical oncology department Tanta university hospitals

Risk factors and survival of triple-negative breast cancer among breast cancer patients: Ten-year cross-sectional study in the southwestern Iranian population.

Breast cancer results from genetic and epigenetic mutations, contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and survival rates of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) among breast cancer patients in southwestern Iran over a ten-year period. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to assess prognostic factors associated with survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer in Iran's southwestern region over a ten-year period (2007-2017). Data were collected from patients who visited the Clinical Oncology Department at Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz (the breast cancer center of the Southwestern country). The study enrolled women diagnosed with TNBC using a census method and data from medical records. The primary outcome (survival rates) and secondary outcomes (demographic data, diagnostic stages, and three receptors estrogen receptors [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2] status) were collected. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 2641 women over ten years; TNBC was diagnosed in 227 individuals (8.59%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between negative ER status and TNBC (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of TNBC differed significantly from that of other types of breast cancer (p = 0.0001). The variables of age, HER2, PR, and TNBC grade did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The overall disease-free survival rate over 5 years was 88.1%, while the rate for individuals without recurrence was 77.97%. This study highlights a differentially low incidence of TNBC in the southwestern part of Iran when compared to other regions; genetic or epigenetic influences may explain this discrepancy. ER-negative status is a crucial prognostic indicator in diagnosing TNBC. The incidence of this disease is expected to rise by 100% in 2 years and 77.97% in 5 years.

Molecular Tumour Board (MTB): From Standard Therapy to Precision Medicine.

Background: In the metastatic setting, cancer patients may not benefit from standard care regimes and their diseases undergo drug resistance due to tumour cell heterogeneity and genomic landscape complexity. In recent years, there have been several attempts to personalise the diagnostic-therapeutic path and to propose novel strategies based on not only histological test results but also on each patient's clinical history and molecular biology. Profiling molecular tests allows physicians to investigate the single tumour genomic landscape and to promote targeted approaches. The Molecular Tumour Board (MTB) is a multidisciplinary committee dedicated to selecting individualised and targeted therapeutic strategies appropriate for patients suffering from diseases that present resistance to standard care. Materials and Methods: Our MTB settled in "Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche", Ancona (AN), Italy, and includes oncologists, molecular biologists, geneticists, and other specialists. Clinical cases are referred by physicians to the MTB, through the Cancer and Research Centre of the Marche Region (CORM), through a telemedicine platform. Four possible molecular profiles are available: FoundationOne® CDx e FoundationOne®Liquid CDx and two local Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panels, with 16 DNA genes and 10 RNA genes respectively. The resulting genetic mutations and their analyses are evaluated by all the members of the Board and a report for each patient is provided with medical recommendations. Results: from June 2021 to May 2023, we collected data from 97 referral patients (M: 49, F: 48). The mean age was 60.6 years (range 22-83 years). 90 cases were approved for testing. Only seven patients were not eligible for genomic profiling. In two patients who were eligible, molecular profiling was not performed because a tissue sample was not available. Off-label therapy was recommended for three patients. 5% of cases (5/88) showed addressable driver mutations associated with an existing targeted therapy and were immediately enrolled. Conclusions: MTB presents a powerful tool for offering precise medical goals. Our Department of Clinical Oncology also takes advantage of the important role of multidisciplinary teams, through the establishment of CORM and MTB meetings, within which there is the chance to perform NGS-based analyses. It will be important in the future to implement the use of genomic profiling to improve personalised care and to guide the choice of suitable therapies and more appropriate management of patients.