Effects of intermittent fasting on quality of life tolerance of chemotherapy in patients with gynecological cancers: study protocol of a randomized-controlled multi-center trial.

Unlabelled: Fatigue is a very common side effect during intravenous chemotherapy. Unfortunately, only few effective therapeutic options are available, mostly based on daily activity. In our pilot trial we were able to demonstrate that intermittent fasting can reduce fatigue in healthy people, thus we aimed to assess the effects of the fasting dietary on quality of life during chemotherapy in patients with gynecological cancer, especially on the domain of fatigue.

Real-World Experience of Metronomic Chemotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Results of a Retrospective Unicenter Study.

Introduction: Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) is increasingly used in oncology due to its favorable therapeutic index. There is still a lack of evidence for MCT in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In this retrospective unicenter study, we demonstrated real-word data on MCT in MBC.

Anti-tumor effects of low-dose metronomic vinorelbine in combination with alpelisib in breast cancer cells.

In metastatic breast cancer (MBC), mutations, activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway seem to be associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor outcome. Inhibition of the PI3K signaling pathway may lead to sensitization and prevention of the development of resistance to cytotoxic drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor activity of low-dose vinorelbine (VRL) combined with alpelisib, an α-selective PI3K inhibitor and degrader, in breast cancer (BC) cells.

Current Approaches to the Management of Sentinel Node Procedures in Early Vulvar Cancer in Germany: A Web-Based Nationwide Analysis of Practices.

Background: Lymph node involvement is the most important prognostic factor for recurrence and survival in vulvar cancer. Sentinel node (SN) procedure can be offered in well-selected patients with early vulvar cancer. This study aimed to assess current management practices with respect to the sentinel node procedure in women with early vulvar cancer in Germany.

Discordance of HER2-Low between Primary Tumors and Matched Distant Metastases in Breast Cancer.

We examined differences in HER2 expression between primary tumors and distant metastases, particularly within the HER2-negative primary breast cancer cohort (HER2-low and HER2-zero). The retrospective study included 191 consecutive paired samples of primary breast cancer and distant metastases diagnosed between 1995 and 2019. HER2-negative samples were divided into HER2-zero (immunohistochemistry [IHC] score 0) and HER2-low (IHC score 1+ or 2+/in situ hybridization [ISH]-negative).

A questionnaire-based survey on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with STIC in Germany.

Purpose: Despite the growing understanding of the carcinogenesis of pelvic high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) of the ovary and peritoneum and its precursor lesion serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), evidence-based proven recommendations on the clinical management of patients with STIC are lacking so far.

Methods: A questionnaire containing 21 questions was developed to explore the clinical experience with patients with the diagnosis of STICs and the diagnostic, surgical and histopathological approaches in Germany. Overall, 540 clinical heads of department in all German gynaecological centres were asked to participate.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Ovarian Neoplasms - What is Possible, What is Useful?

The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques is becoming increasingly important in gynecologic oncology due to technical advances and the increasing level of surgical expertise. In addition to laparoscopic approaches for the treatment of benign neoplasms, minimally invasive surgical methods have also become established in some areas for treating gynecologic malignancies. For tumor entities such as endometrial and cervical carcinoma, there are conclusive studies emphasizing the role of laparoscopy in surgical therapy.

Influence of interdisciplinary frailty screening on perioperative complication rates in elderly ovarian cancer patients: results of a retrospective observational study.

Purpose: Frailty is a frequent and underdiagnosed multidimensional age-related syndrome, involving decreased physiological performance reserves and marked vulnerability against major stressors. To standardize the preoperative frailty assessment and identify patients at risk of adverse surgical outcomes, commonly used global health assessment tools were evaluated. We aimed to assess three interdisciplinary preoperative screening assessments to investigate the influence of frailty status with in-hospital complications irrespective of surgical complexity and radicality in older women with ovarian cancer (OC).

Influence of anesthetic technique on survival after tumor debulking surgery of elderly patients with ovarian cancer: Results of a retrospective cohort study.

Epidural analgesia could influence the postoperative oncologic outcomes in patients with specific types of non-metastatic solid neoplasms. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of anesthetic technique on survival in elderly patients with ovarian cancer (OC). The records of all women with OC older than 60 years of age undergoing tumor debulking surgery at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Mainz, Germany) between January 2008 and December 2019 were obtained.

Intermittent Fasting-Short- and Long-Term Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Safety in Healthy Volunteers: A Prospective, Clinical Trial.

Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) is defined as an eating pattern without calorie restrictions, alternating between periods of fasting and eating. In the past decades IF has not only become a popular weight-reducing diet but is thought to improve Quality of Life (QoL) and fatigue. However, very little evidence exists for the general population.

Factors Associated with Increased Analgesic Use in German Women with Endometriosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

(1) Background: Endometriosis is a frequent chronic pain condition in women of fertile age. Pain management with analgesics is frequently used by women with endometriosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to health services was temporarily restricted in various countries for persons without serious conditions, resulting in increased physical and mental health issues.

Impact of perioperative red blood cell transfusion, anemia of cancer and global health status on the prognosis of elderly patients with endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Introduction: Perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions have been associated with increased morbidity and worse oncological outcome in some solid neoplasms. In order to elucidate whether RBC transfusions themselves, the preoperative anemia of cancer (AOC), or the impaired global health status might explain this impact on patients with endometrial cancer (EC) or ovarian cancer (OC), we performed a retrospective, single-institution cohort study.

Materials And Methods: Women older than 60 years with EC or OC were included.

Determinants of Pain-Induced Disability in German Women with Endometriosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

(1) Background: The main aim of this research was to examine the factors leading to pain-induced disability by assessing the impact of demographic, endometriosis-specific, pandemic-specific, and mental health factors. (2) Methods: Women with endometriosis who attended online support groups were invited to respond to an online survey during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The Pain Disability Index (PDI) was employed to assess disability-related daily functioning.

Mental Health and Social Support Are Key Predictors of Resilience in German Women with Endometriosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Endometriosis is a multifaceted chronic pain disorder that can have an impact on both physical and mental health. Women suffering from chronic pain may be more susceptible to various health disorders, especially during adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous research has identified resilience as a mediator between internal or external stressors and well-being.

Frailty assessment tools predict perioperative outcome in elderly patients with endometrial cancer better than age or BMI alone: a retrospective observational cohort study.

Objective: Five commonly used global health assessment tools have been evaluated to identify and assess the preoperative frailty status and its relationship with perioperative in-hospital complications and transfusion rates in older women with endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods: Preoperative frailty status was examined by the G8 questionnaire, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status System, as well as the Lee-Schonberg prognostic index. The main outcome measures were perioperative laboratory values, intraoperative surgical parameters and immediately postoperative complications.

Predictors of Psychological Distress in Women with Endometriosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Endometriosis is a multifaceted chronic pain condition that can have a negative impact on mental health. Patients suffering from chronic pain may face an additional psychological burden during adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported depression and anxiety, the influence of demographic, endometriosis-specific, pandemic-specific factors, and resilience on mental health outcomes of patients with endometriosis.

Comparison of cisplatin and mitomycin C/5-FU as radiosensitisers in the treatment of locally advanced vulvar cancer: results of a retrospective, observational, single-institutional cohort study.

Purpose: We retrospectively investigated the widely used radiosensitisers cisplatin and mitomycin C/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with locally advanced vulvar cancer for outcome and toxicity.

Methods: We screened the archive for patients treated with chemoradiation for vulvar cancer diagnosed between 01/2010 and 08/2021 at our institution. The impact of both radiosensitisers on prognosis was compared using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox-regression analysis.

The preoperative G8 geriatric screening tool independently predicts survival in older patients with endometrial cancer: results of a retrospective single-institution cohort study.

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of global health status assessment tools in elderly patients with endometrial cancer (EC) on survival.

Methods: Preoperative frailty status was assessed by the G8 geriatric screening tool (G8 Score), Lee Schonberg prognostic index, Charlson Comorbidity index and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status System in women older than 60 years with EC. Univariable and multivariable Cox-regression analyses, as well as Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to determine the prognostic impact.

Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

Purpose: To systematically review the current body of evidence on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for cervical cancer (CC).

Material And Methods: Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science were searched for prospective trials assessing immunotherapy in CC patients in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Full-text articles in English and German reporting outcomes of survival, response rates or safety were eligible.

Co-administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with rottlerin in metastatic prostate cancer cells.

After prostatectomy due to prostate carcinoma, patients often develop metastases. Although prostate cancer is susceptible to hormonal manipulation, many patients become castration-resistant. Therefore, new therapies are the focus of investigations.

G-8 Geriatric Screening Tool Independently Predicts Progression-Free Survival in Older Ovarian Cancer Patients Irrespective of Maximal Surgical Effort: Results of a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: We evaluated the prognostic impact of various global health assessment tools in patients older than 60 years with ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods: G-8 geriatric screening tool (G-8 score), Lee Schonberg prognostic index, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were determined retrospectively in a consecutive cohort of elderly patients with OC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier method were performed to analyze the impact of the preoperative global health status on survival.

Role of integrins in the metastatic spread of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Purpose: Integrins may be involved in the metastatic spread of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) which determines the therapeutical approach and prognosis. We investigated the integrin expression in primary tumor and metastases of advanced HGSOC.

Methods: The expression of integrin α2, α4, α5, α6, and β1 was assessed by immunostaining in tumor samples of the ovary, omentum, and peritoneum of each patient.

Pain experience and social support of endometriosis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany - results of a web-based cross-sectional survey.

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic pain condition in premenopausal women. Pain is mainly characterized by pain intensity and may induce disability in all areas of daily life. Nevertheless, pain is influenced by emotional and social factors as well.

Cancer and Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment in pregnant women is a challenging situation. A multidisciplinary network of specialists is required to guide both, the expecting mother and the unborn child through the diagnostic workup and the cytotoxic therapy, by balancing the respective risks and benefits. Tumor entity, stage, biology and gestational week at diagnosis determine the appropriate approach.