Advanced Stage Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis: HEADSpAcE Consortium Health Systems Benchmarking Survey.

Background: Globally, most people with head and neck cancers (HNCs) are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease. HNC diagnostic stage has multifactorial explanations, with the role of health system factors not yet fully investigated.

Methods: HNC centres (n = 18) from the HEADSpAcE Consortium were surveyed via a bespoke health system questionnaire covering a range of factors.

Re-evaluating prognostic indicators: The critical role of body composition and gene expression in endometrial cancer outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI), body composition (BC), and the expression of genes linked to obesity or lipid metabolism on the prognosis of endometrial cancer.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of patients with confirmed endometrial cancer treated at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) and analyzed publicly available data from the endometrial cancer TCGA-UCEC cohort. BC was assessed using computed tomography (CT) scans, and gene expression analysis was performed using RNA-seq data.

Cross-ancestral GWAS identifies 29 novel variants across Head and Neck Cancer subsites.

In this multi-ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) and fine mapping study of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) subsites, we analysed 19,073 cases and 38,857 controls and identified 29 independent novel loci. We provide robust evidence that a 3' UTR variant in (rs78378222, T>G) confers a 40% reduction in odds of developing overall HNSCC. We further examine the gene-environment relationship of and variants demonstrating their effects act through both smoking and alcohol use.

Circulating angiotensin-(1-7) is decreased in patients with isolated nocturnal hypertension.

Isolated nocturnal hypertension (INHT), defined as nighttime elevated blood pressure (BP) with normal daytime BP assessed by ambulatory BP monitoring, is associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that an alteration in the circulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to INHT development. We examined circulating levels of angiotensin (Ang) (1-7) and Ang II and ACE2 activity in 26 patients that met the INHT criteria, out of 50 that were referred for BP evaluation (62% women, 45 ± 16 years old).

Socioeconomic disparities and health literacy: Unraveling the impact on diagnostic and cancer care in Uruguay.

Background: Disparities in the timely diagnosis and care of cancer patients, particularly concerning geographical, racial/ethnic, and economic factors, remain a global health challenge. This study explores the multifaceted interplay between socioeconomic status, health literacy, and specific patient perceptions regarding care access and treatment options that impact cancer care in Uruguay.

Methods: Using the Cancer Health Literacy Test, Spanish Version (CHLT-30-DKspa), and a highly comprehensive questionnaire, we dissected the factors influencing the pathway to diagnosis and route of cancer care.