RISK OF INSUFFICIENT HYDROXYVITAMIN D LEVELS IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN RIVERS STATE NIGERIA.

Background: The global increase in diabetes, especially in developing nations, has escalated complications like diabetic foot ulcers. Hypovitaminosis D is considerably prevalent among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), especially among those with chronic vascular complications.

Objectives: To determine the association between vitamin D levels and foot ulcers among patients with T2DM.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein as Markers of Heart Failure Severity: A Study at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital Heart Failure Clinic.

Background: Systemic inflammatory markers, such as the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and high-sensitivity Creactive protein (hs-CRP), have been linked to cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure (HF), and increased mortality rates. This study aimed to assess NLR and hs-CRP levels in chronic HF patients and determine the relationship between these markers with HF severity.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 chronic HF patients at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Gender Perspective in the Workplace: The Experience of Women Medical Doctors.

Background: Women are a considerable part of the population and contribute to every facet of life with significant participation in all professions, however, despite such advancements by women, there is still a gender bias in all walks of life including the medical field. This study aimed to evaluate the opportunities, challenges, and job satisfaction of women doctors in the workplace.

Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among 165 women medical doctors living in Rivers State, Nigeria.

A multicenter, retrospective archive study of radiological and clinical features of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients and crizotinib efficacy.

To evaluate radiological and clinical features in metastatic anaplastic lymphoma kinase+ non-small cell lung cancer patients and crizotinib efficacy in different lines. This national, non-interventional, multicenter, retrospective archive screening study evaluated demographic, clinical, and radiological imaging features, and treatment approaches in patients treated between 2013-2017. Totally 367 patients (54.

Comparing the efficacy of regorafenib and 5-fluorouracil-based rechallenge chemotherapy in the third-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: The optimal treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after the second line is still controversial. Regorafenib has been the standard of care in this setting as it improved overall survival (OS) compared to placebo. In real-world practice chemotherapy rechallenge is also a preferred option even though supporting evidence is not enough.

Validation of bioelectrical impedance analysis in the evaluation of body composition in patients with breast cancer.

Background: The evaluation of body composition is an essential parameter for preventing obesity and sarcopenic obesity, which are prognostic factors in breast cancer. This study aims to validate the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of women who are breast cancer survivors by using the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement method.

Methods: This validation study included 104 women without metastasis between 32 and 72 years old (mean 47.

Viral Hepatitis B and C: Knowledge Gaps and Patterns of Preventive Practices Among Medical Doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Introduction Hepatitis B and C viruses can result in both acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild acute disease to a serious, lifelong manifestation including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of medical doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria, to hepatitis B and C as well as their practice for prevention and treatment of the same. We also assessed their practice of universal precaution, provision, and use of personal protective tools.

Real-life comparison of afatinib and erlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer with rare EGFR exon 18 and exon 20 mutations: a Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) study.

Objectives: To compare the survival of first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with rare EGFR exon 18 and exon 20 mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively evaluated survival characteristics of 125 patients with EGFR exon 18 and exon 20 mutated NSCLC who received erlotinib or afatinib as first line treatment between 2012 and 2021 from 34 oncology centres. Since exon 20 insertion is associated with TKI resistance, these 18 patients were excluded from the study.

Coronaphobia: A barrier to ongoing cancer treatment?

Introduction: Increased stress levels caused by the pandemic might cause delays in cancer treatment. We conducted a survey among cancer patients undergoing treatment to evaluate their psychological wellbeing and treatment adherence during Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Material And Methods: Patients receiving active chemotherapy at a private oncology center between January and May 2021 were included.

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in resected stage I non - small cell lung cancer: A Turkish Oncology Group Study.

Purpose: The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for tumors smaller than 4 cm is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of adjuvant platin-based chemotherapy in high-risk stage I patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: This cooperative group study included 232 NSCLC patients who underwent curative surgery for stage I disease with tumor size 2-4 cm.

Turkish national consensus on breast cancer management during temporary state of emergency due to COVID-19 outbreak.

Objectives: Cancer care is excessively influenced by the COVID-19 outbreak for various reasons. One of the major concerns is the tendency for delayed surgical treatment of breast cancer patients. The outbreak has urged clinicians to find alternative treatments until surgery is deemed to be feasible and safe.

Pertuzumab, trastuzumab and taxane-based treatment for visceral organ metastatic, trastuzumab-naïve breast cancer: real-life practice outcomes.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to describe the real-life practice outcomes of pertuzumab-trastuzumab-taxane (PTT) combination in visceral organ metastatic, trastuzumab-naive breast cancer (BC) patients.

Methods: This study was conducted by Turkish Oncology Group and included 317 patients' data from 36 centers.

Results: Median age was 51 (22-82).

Cutaneous melanoma in Turkey: analysis of 1157 patients in the Melanoma Turkish Study.

Purpose: To develop a large Turkish National Melanoma registry in order to define demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with melanoma.

Methods: The data was collected from 1635 patients with melanoma through a web-based registry system in 22 centers. Herein we present the results of 1157 patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Revisiting post-gastrectomy anemia with a brief survey among a group of Turkish medical oncologists.

Purpose: Total or subtotal gastrectomy are performed as curative or palliative treatment in patients with gastric cancer. Anemia is a frequent complication of gastrectomy. Patients undergoing total or subtotal gastrectomy should be carefully monitored for the development of anemia and be given appropriate treatment when indicated.

Comparison of metabolic and anatomic response to chemotherapy based on PERCIST and RECIST in patients with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic role of metabolic response to chemotherapy, determined by FDG-PET, in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials And Methods: Thirty patients with metastatic NSCLC were analyzed for prognostic factors related to overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Disease evaluation was conducted with FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT prior to and at the end of first-line chemotherapy.

Voltage-gated sodium channel blockers can augment the efficacy of chemotherapeutics by their inhibitory effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which cancer cells become more invasive and chemo resistant. EMT may also be associated with tumor dormancy which prevents the cure of cancer with adjuvant treatment. Chemo resistance and dormancy may also decrease response to cytotoxic agents during treatment of metastatic disease.

Should we be more cautious about replacement of vitamin B12 in patients with cancer receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy?

Vitamin B12 (Cbl) deficiency may cause hematologic and neurologic dysfunction. Replacement therapy is effective in correcting hematologic abnormalities and improving neurologic symptoms. Cbl is known to have antioxidant activity.

Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Capecitabine Maintenance in Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

Gastric cancer is still one of the cancers with highest mortality. Most patients present with advanced-stage disease. Palliative chemotherapy is usually the only treatment option for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC).