Tackling Predatory Journals in Oncology: Training Is Key!

Predatory journal is a global threat endangering the integrity of oncology research, where guidelines and recommendations are evidence-based. In this correspondence, we question regarding the problem while also providing some pertinent solutions.

Complete response in a lung adenocarcinoma with pleural metastases initially treated with gefitinib and switched to osimertinib after cerebral oligo-progression with unknown T790M mutation: a case report and review of literature.

Background: First- and second-generation anti-epithelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown great efficacy in the treatment of advanced adenocarcinoma with epithelial growth factor receptor mutations, but this efficacy is limited by certain resistance mechanisms, in particular the T790M mutation, which must be screened before second-line treatment with osimertinib is indicated. The search for this mutation is sometimes difficult, especially in cases of intracranial relapse, through this case report we attempt to discuss the possibility of initiating treatment with osimertinib despite an unknown T790M mutation in such situation.

Case Report: We present the case of a 70-year-old Moroccan male patient diagnosed with non-small cell lung carcinoma initially metastatic to the pleura with an epithelial growth factor receptor mutation who received gefitinib in first line with a complete response, he subsequently presented with cerebral oligo-progression with extra cranial stability.

Breast cancer treatment and its impact on survival in Morocco: a study over a decade.

Background: In Morocco, much progress has been made in breast cancer treatment. However, there is limited information on survival outcomes of breast cancer patients according to their therapeutic management.

Methods: A pattern-of-care study was conducted in Morocco's two main oncology centres: Rabat and Casablanca and has shown that major progress has been made in the quality of care with survival rates comparable to those in developed countries.

Unraveling the Mystery of Desmoid Tumors: Insights From a Moroccan Tertiary Center.

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, aggressive malignancies developing from clonal fibroblastic proliferation originating from soft tissues. Despite their low metastatic potential, their invasiveness towards neighboring organs and a high recurrence rate contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, thereby impacting the quality of life of patients. Several therapeutic options are available, but standardized protocols are lacking.

Management of patients with advanced prostate cancer-metastatic and/or castration-resistant prostate cancer: Report of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) 2022.

Background: Innovations in imaging and molecular characterisation together with novel treatment options have improved outcomes in advanced prostate cancer. However, we still lack high-level evidence in many areas relevant to making management decisions in daily clinical practise. The 2022 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC 2022) addressed some questions in these areas to supplement guidelines that mostly are based on level 1 evidence.

Symptomatic spinal cord compression in spinal epidural metastasis of a testicular germ cell tumor: a case report with review of the literature.

Background: Metastatic germ cell tumors particularly in the bone are rare entities. They occur in young men and classified in the group of poor prognosis. Bone metastases are responsible for a significant functional handicap and a deep alteration in the quality of life of young patients.

Management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Middle East African countries: Challenges and strategic recommendations.

Despite the reliance on Western guidelines for managing prostate cancer (PC), there are wide variations and gaps in treatment among developing countries such as the Middle East African (MEA) region. A multidisciplinary team of experts from the MEA region engaged in a comprehensive discussion to identify the real-world challenges in diagnostics and treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) and provided insights on the urgent unmet needs. We present a consensus document on the region-specific barriers, key priority areas and strategic recommendations by experts for optimizing management of mCRPC in the MEA.

Management of Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer. Part I: Intermediate-/High-risk and Locally Advanced Disease, Biochemical Relapse, and Side Effects of Hormonal Treatment: Report of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2022.

Background: Innovations in imaging and molecular characterisation and the evolution of new therapies have improved outcomes in advanced prostate cancer. Nonetheless, we continue to lack high-level evidence on a variety of clinical topics that greatly impact daily practice. To supplement evidence-based guidelines, the 2022 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC 2022) surveyed experts about key dilemmas in clinical management.

Cancer patients and COVID-19 vaccination, from safety to protocol adherence: A real-life setting report.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has slowed down cancer prevention and treatment strategies; consequently, cancer patients are prioritized to get the COVID-19 vaccines. Being constantly threatened by a new outbreak, the dive within the immunogenicity response is of great value; nonetheless, evaluating the side effects of these vaccines on fragile patients will assure their adherence to the vaccination protocol.

Objectives: This study sets out to investigate the adverse events reported about the vaccine according to its doses and types, and to compare the prevalence and severity of toxicities across two subgroups of cancer patients, those who received the injection during active therapy cycles, and those who have not started the therapy yet at vaccination time, moreover, this paper examines the will and commitment of this population to the vaccination schemes.

The first Middle East and North Africa expert consensus recommendations for the management of advanced colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the third most prevalent and the second deadliest cancer worldwide. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the number of CRC cases increased over the past decades and will nearly double by 2030. The lack of clear MENA guidelines for the management of patients with CRC represents a step backwards in the fight against this burden.

What Experts Think About Prostate Cancer Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Report from the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2021.

Patients with advanced prostate cancer (APC) may be at greater risk for severe illness, hospitalisation, or death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to male gender, older age, potential immunosuppressive treatments, or comorbidities. Thus, the optimal management of APC patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is complex. In October 2021, during the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) 2021, the 73 voting members of the panel members discussed and voted on 13 questions on this topic that could help clinicians make treatment choices during the pandemic.

Knowledge and views of physicians and nurses about physical activity advice in oncology care: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: the benefits of physical activity have been approved in oncology care. This is why healthcare professionals must play a principle role in promoting physical activity during all cancer care pathway. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare physicians' and nurses' knowledge and views toward physical activity advice in oncology care.

[Evaluation of the practice of prescribing oral chemotherapy type "Capecitabine" by medical oncologist: A first study from Morocco].

Introduction: Oral anticancer therapy is becoming increasingly developed; their prescription has become a common practice in oncology. However, there is a variability and diversity in prescription practice. Its magnitude has been very little studied in scientific literature.

Patterns of care of breast cancer patients in Morocco - A study of variations in patient profile, tumour characteristics and standard of care over a decade.

Guided by a national cancer plan (2010-19), Morocco made significant investments in improving breast cancer detection and treatment. A breast cancer pattern-of-care study was conducted to document the socio-demographic profiles of patients and tumour characteristics, measure delays in care, and assess the status of dissemination and impact of state-of-the-art management. The retrospective study conducted among 2120 breast cancer patients registered during 2008-17 at the two premier-most oncology centres (Centre Mohammed VI or CM-VI and Institut National d'Oncologie or INO) also measured temporal trends of the different variables.

Methylene blue and ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy: Myth or reality?

Background: Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy (IIE) is a rare and serious adverse reaction. Thus far, no standard medication has been documentedto be efficient in the reversal of IIE, and while ifosfamide infusion interruption and hydration are recommended, methylene blue (MB) administration remains controversial.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records to assess cases with IIE after ifosfamide infusion.

Frequency and types of mutations in Moroccan patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor () gene are commonly observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in adenocarcinoma histology. The frequency of mutations is ethnicity-dependent, with a higher proportion reported in Asian populations than Caucasian populations. There is a lack of data on these mutations in north Africa.

Cancer management challenge in a developing country in COVID-19 pandemic: reflection of a group of Moroccan oncologists.

Management of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide challenge - in particular in developing countries where the risk of saturation of health facilities and intensive care beds must be minimized. The first case of COVID-19 was declared in Morocco on 2 March 2020, after which a panel of Moroccan experts, consisting of medical oncologists from universities and regional and private oncology centers, was promptly assembled to conduct a group reflection on cancer patient's management. The main objective is to protect the immunocompromised population from the risk of COVID-19, while maintaining an adequate management of cancer, which can quickly compromise their prognosis.

How to Manage Febrile Neutropenia During the COVID Pandemic?

This letter to the editor reflects on the recently published article about management of cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic by Al‐Shamsi et al., specifically as regards the management of febrile neutropenia in the context of the pandemic.

Impact of clinical pharmacy services in a hematology/oncology ward in Morocco.

Background: Clinical pharmacists are contributing to safe medication use by providing comprehensive management to patients and medical staff. The aim of this study is to document and evaluate the role of clinical pharmacy services in oncology department.

Patients And Methods: A prospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out from July 2018 through June 2019 at the Department of Medical Oncology at the National Institute of Oncology, Morocco.