Real-World Efficacy and Adherence to Palbociclib in HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer: Insights from a Romanian Cohort.

Background/objectives: The first reimbursed prescription for palbociclib (Palbo) in breast cancer patients in Romania was issued in July 2018. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy, safety, and adherence to Palbo in combination with aromatase inhibitor (AI) or fulvestrant in a real-world cohort of HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients from Romania.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of reimbursed Palbo prescriptions was conducted using data extracted from the electronic database of the Romanian Health Insurance House, Dolj County, for disease code 124 (breast cancer), covering the period from 2018 to 2023.

Comparative Performance of Autoencoders and Traditional Machine Learning Algorithms in Clinical Data Analysis for Predicting Post-Staged GKRS Tumor Dynamics.

Accurate prediction of tumor dynamics following Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is critical for optimizing treatment strategies for patients with brain metastases (BMs). Traditional machine learning (ML) algorithms have been widely used for this purpose; however, recent advancements in deep learning, such as autoencoders, offer the potential to enhance predictive accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of autoencoders compared to traditional ML models in predicting tumor progression or regression after GKRS.

A Holographic-Type Model in the Description of Polymer-Drug Delivery Processes.

A unitary model of drug release dynamics is proposed, assuming that the polymer-drug system can be assimilated into a multifractal mathematical object. Then, we made a description of drug release dynamics that implies, via Scale Relativity Theory, the functionality of continuous and undifferentiable curves (fractal or multifractal curves), possibly leading to holographic-like behaviors. At such a conjuncture, the Schrödinger and Madelung multifractal scenarios become compatible: in the Schrödinger multifractal scenario, various modes of drug release can be "mimicked" (via period doubling, damped oscillations, modulated and "chaotic" regimes), while the Madelung multifractal scenario involves multifractal diffusion laws (Fickian and non-Fickian diffusions).

Digging in real-word electronic database for assessing CDK 4/6 inhibitors adherence in breast cancer patients from Romania.

It is imperative for patients to respect the prescribed treatments to achieve the anticipated clinical outcomes, including the outpatients receiving oral anti-cancer drugs such as selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK 4/6i). With the introduction of three CDK 4/6i drugs in the Romanian pharmaceutical market in 2018, our study aimed to evaluate medication adherence and the influencing factors among patients undergoing treatment with palbociclib, ribociclib, or abemaciclib for advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Medication adherence was assessed using the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) method, and Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between adherence, age, gender, and follow-up duration.

Oncolytic Virotherapy: A New Paradigm in Cancer Immunotherapy.

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are emerging as potential treatment options for cancer. Natural and genetically engineered viruses exhibit various antitumor mechanisms. OVs act by direct cytolysis, the potentiation of the immune system through antigen release, and the activation of inflammatory responses or indirectly by interference with different types of elements in the tumor microenvironment, modification of energy metabolism in tumor cells, and antiangiogenic action.

Immunotherapy with PD-1 Inhibitor Nivolumab in Recurrent/Metastatic Platinum Refractory Head and Neck Cancers-Early Experiences from Romania and Literature Review.

Prognosis in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC) refractory to platinum-based chemotherapy is poor, making therapy optimization a priority. Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody Nivolumab was approved in such cases. We present the early experience with Nivolumab immunotherapy at three cancer clinics from south and northeast Romania, aiming to describe the main characteristics and outcomes relative to literature reports, and to suggest patient selection criteria.

Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among Romanian emergency medicine personnel.

Background: Contemporary scientific literature has emphasized two specific aspects of healthcare professionals: compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed significant strain on health systems and healthcare workers, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis appears to have a magnifying effect, particularly on mental health.

Methods: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between threat perception, daily worries, and professional quality of life in a sample of Emergency Medicine Personnel during two major events mentioned above.

Clinical and morphofunctional identity of the nasal SMAS.

The fascial system of the face (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, SMAS) in the nasal part is a sustained layer that connects the nearby regions. In this paper, we aimed to emphasize the presence of SMAS in different areas of the nasal region: ala nasi, nasolabial fold, nasal dorsum and radix. We performed three studies (anatomical, histological, and radiological) to demonstrate the existence of nasal SMAS.

Theoretical and Experimental Aspects of Sodium Diclofenac Salt Release from Chitosan-Based Hydrogels and Possible Applications.

Two formulations based on diclofenac sodium salt encapsulated into a chitosan hydrogel were designed and prepared, and their drug release was investigated by combining in vitro results with mathematical modeling. To understand how the pattern of drug encapsulation impacted its release, the formulations were supramolecularly and morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy, respectively. The mechanism of diclofenac release was assessed by using a mathematical model based on the multifractal theory of motion.

Connection between Cardiac Fibrosis Biomarkers and Echocardiography Parameters in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

Background: Myocardial fibrosis represents a mainstay pathway in the pathophysiology of uremic cardiomyopathy. This process leads to structural and functional changes in the heart, which can be detected by echocardiography. The purpose of our study was to determine the association between four echocardiographic parameters (ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), mean E/e' ratio, and left atrial volume indexed) and biomarkers associated with cardiac fibrosis, such as procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP), and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Endoglin (CD105) as a putative prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer: a systematic review.

The outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be improved by the identification of prognostic biomarkers. This systematic review of observational cohort and case-control studies was conducted to investigate the role of Endoglin (CD105) in the prognosis of CRC. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched to identify the qualified studies using the relevant keywords.

Landscape of Immunotherapy Options for Colorectal Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives beyond Immune Checkpoint Blockade.

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy in Western countries and a major cause of death despite recent improvements in screening programs and early detection methods. In the last decade, a growing effort has been put into better understanding how the immune system interacts with cancer cells. Even if treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA4) were proven effective for several cancer types, the benefit for colorectal cancer patients is still limited.

Immunotherapy-Related Publications in Colorectal Cancer: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Patients with microsatellite-instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatched repair-deficient colorectal cancer (CRC) appear to be responsive to checkpoint inhibitors. This study aimed to assess research trends in CRC immunotherapy. Publication patterns of articles covering immunotherapies in CRC in the Web of Science Core Collection database were retrospectively examined using VOS viewer software (version 1.

A Comprehensive Review of the Use of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Cancer Patients Receiving Anticancer Therapy.

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The side effects of cancer treatment affect the quality of life. Cancer patients search for antioxidant dietary supplements and natural products during or after conventional cancer treatment for the alleviation of side effects, improvement of the benefits of treatment, and promotion of well-being.

An Insight into Deficient Mismatch Repair Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Romanian Population-A Bi-Institutional Pilot Study.

: Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be classified as mismatch-repair-deficient (dMMR) with high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H), or mismatch-repair-proficient (pMMR) and microsatellite stable (MSS). Approximately 15% of patients have microsatellite instability (MSI). MSI-H tumors are associated with a high mutation burden.

Nanomedicine to modulate immunotherapy in cutaneous melanoma (Review).

Cancer immunotherapy has shifted the paradigm in cancer treatment in recent years. Immune checkpoint blockage (ICB), the active cancer vaccination and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for T-cell-based adoptive cell transfer represent the main developments, achieving a surprising increased survival in patients included in clinical trials. In spite of these results, the current state-of-the-art immunotherapy has its limitations in efficacy.

Oncogenic mechanisms in renal insufficiency.

The prevalence of both cancer and end-stage renal disease is increasing. In addition, medical advances have meant increased survival rates for both diseases. Many chemotherapeutics are renally excreted, and conversely, renal insufficiency promotes a pro-neoplastic state, including genitourinary and other cancers.

The role of IgE specific for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in predicting cetuximab induced hypersensitivity reaction: a systematic review and a diagnostic meta-analysis.

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies are used for treating various diseases, from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease to cancer. Although monoclonal antibodies are known to have fewer toxic reactions compared with the conventional cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, the cases of severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) should be acknowledged. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the anti-IgE for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in patients with HSRs to cetuximab.

A multicenter, single-arm, basket design, phase II study of NC-6004 plus gemcitabine in patients with advanced unresectable lung, biliary tract, or bladder cancer.

NC-6004 is a nanoparticle developed using micellar technology that can improve release of cisplatin, a standard treatment for many cancer types, and achieve selective distribution to tumors. Here, in the Phase II portion of this study, the activity, safety, tolerability, and effects on quality of life of NC-6004 in combination with gemcitabine was examined in 34 squamous non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients, 50 biliary tract cancer patients, and 13 bladder cancer patients. All patients received 135 mg/m NC-6004 on day one and 1,250 mg/m gemcitabine on days one and eight.

Targeting CDK4/6 pathways and beyond in breast cancer.

Metastatic or advanced breast cancer (mBC/ABC) remains incurable despite many different systemic treatment options. Hormone receptor positive (HR+) disease represents the most common subtype in both early and advanced disease. A better understanding of the biology of this BC subtype, in particular regarding potential mechanisms of endocrine resistance, has led to the development of CDK4/6 inhibitors.

The efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion of oxaliplatin plus intravenous irinotecan, leucovorin and fluorouracil in colorectal cancer with inoperable hepatic metastasis.

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) was evaluated for different drugs to treat hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC). Combination treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin, oxaliplatin and irinotecan (FOLFOXIRI) is effective for CRC. A phase II study was conducted to evaluate concomitant HAI administration of oxaliplatin and intravenous leucovorin, 5-FU and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) for patients with inoperable liver metastasis, which had chemotherapy with oxaliplatin (OX) 85 mg/m(2) HAI plus systemic intravenous chemotherapy [leucovorin 200 mg/m(2), 5-FU 2400 mg/m(2) and irinotecan (IRI) 160 mg/m(2) in 48 hours].

[Assessment of the quality of life of women with breast cancer in adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors--a randomized trial].

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the impact on quality of life of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIN's) in adjuvant settings, at women with breast cancer.

Methods: From a total of 441 patients with breast cancer with hormonal treatment, were selected 177 of patients with adjuvant hormonal treatment (95 with tamoxifen treatment and 82 with AIN's treatment). These patients have completed the EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ BR23 questionnaires after 1 month of treatment (baseline), at 2 year of treatment with tamoxifen versus aromatase inhibitors (exemestane, anastrazole, letrozole).