Chemotherapy plus immunotherapy as first line combination in older patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 10%-15% of all lung cancers. At diagnosis, nearly two thirds of patients with SCLC have extensive stage (ES), with a median overall survival (OS) less than 12 months. The combination of protein-death-1/protein-death-ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with first-line platinum plus etoposide chemotherapy has changed the therapeutic landscape for ES-SCLC.

Nutrition in HNSCC: is it a matter for oncologists? The role of multidisciplinary team-a narrative literature review.

Background: Malnutrition, defined as weight loss and unsatisfactory nutrient intake, is very common in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in either the early or palliative setting. Despite increased awareness, nutritional programs are not yet adequately implemented in these patients. There are several reasons for this delay: differences in composition, the expertise of the multidisciplinary teams involved in HNSCC patients' treatment, and economic and network resources conditioning faster or slower nutritional supply delivery.

Prediction of Response to Anti-Angiogenic Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients: From Biological Factors to Functional Imaging.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading tumor worldwide. In CRC, the angiogenic pathway plays a crucial role in cancer development and the process of metastasis. Thus, anti-angiogenic drugs represent a milestone for metastatic CRC (mCRC) treatment and lead to significant improvement of clinical outcomes.

Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Hormone Therapy and Anti-HER2 Treatment: An Update on Treatment Strategies.

Hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer represents a distinct subtype expressing estrogen and progesterone receptors with an overexpression of HER2. Approximately 14% of female breast cancer cases are HER2-positive, with the majority being HR-positive. These tumors show a cross-talk between the hormonal and HER2 pathways; the interaction has implications for the treatment options for the disease.

CDK4/6 inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer: Focus on toxicity and safety.

The development of oral cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, including palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, has revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (BC). When combined with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant, these agents have been approved as first-line therapy in the metastatic setting. Abemaciclib has also gained FDA approval for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive, early BC at high risk of recurrence.

Primary adrenal insufficiency induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: biological, clinical, and radiological aspects.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have become a cornerstone in medical oncology, with evolving therapeutic strategies and applications. These monoclonal antibodies, designed to enhance immune responses, have revealed a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). While many irAEs exhibit favorable responses to corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy, most ICI-related endocrinopathies necessitate lifelong replacement therapy and pose significant clinical challenges.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Patients with Psoriasis and a History of Malignancies or On-Treatment for Solid Tumors: A Narrative Literature Review.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Although numerous studies have explored whether neoplasms are concurrent conditions or are induced by psoriasis, a definitive definition remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive narrative literature review to offer practical guidance to oncologists and dermatologists regarding the initiation and discontinuation of biologics for psoriasis.

COVID-19: From emerging variants to vaccination.

The vigorous spread of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in the rapid infection of millions of people worldwide and devastation of not only public healthcare, but also social, educational, and economic infrastructures. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 over time is due to the mutations that occurred in the genome during each replication. These mutated forms of SARS-CoV-2, otherwise known as variants, were categorized as variants of interest (VOI) or variants of concern (VOC) based on the increased risk of transmissibility, disease severity, immune escape, decreased effectiveness of current social measures, and available vaccines and therapeutics.

The impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant challenge for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as patients with cancer, as they face a heightened susceptibility to severe infections compared to the general population. Such severe infections substantially increase the risk of morbidity and mortality among these patients. Notable risk factors for mortality include advanced age (> 70 years), current or past smoking history, advanced disease stage, the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 2 or higher.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Staging and Radiological Response Criteria in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and challenging cancer associated with asbestos fiber exposure, which offers limited treatment options. Historically, platinum-based chemotherapy has been the primary approach, but recent developments have introduced immunotherapy as a promising alternative for the treatment of this disease. Nevertheless, the unique growth patterns and occasionally ambiguous progressive characteristics of MPM make the interpretation of radiological assessments complex.

Multidisciplinary clinical guidelines in proactive monitoring, early diagnosis, and effective management of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd)-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) in breast cancer patients.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), has altered the treatment landscape in breast cancer (BC), irrespective of the HR-receptor status. The use of the agent is increasing, despite the finding that exposure to T-DXd increases the risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD), particularly in BC patients. Although T-DXd-related ILD can be potentially severe and life-threatening, most low-grade cases can be treated safely using a multidisciplinary approach comprising early and accurate diagnosis, effective management, close monitoring, and the prompt administration of steroids.

CDK4/6 inhibition in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer: Biological and clinical aspects.

A dysregulated cell division, one of the key hallmarks of cancer, results in uncontrolled cellular proliferation. This aberrant process, mediated by a dysregulated cell-cycle machinery and overactivation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6, can potentially promote tumorigenesis. The clinical application of CDK 4/6 inhibitors, developed to inhibit cell-cycle progression, in the treatment regimens of breast cancer (BC) patients is expanding.

Cemiplimab in Ultra-Octogenarian Patients with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Real-Life Experience of a Tertiary Referral Center.

Background: The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rapidly increasing, paralleling the aging of the population. cSCC predominantly affects chronically sun-exposed areas, such as the head and neck region. At our tertiary center, a multidisciplinary approach to non-melanoma skin cancer is provided for locally advanced cSCC.

Mismatch Repair system protein deficiency as a resistance factor for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma patients receiving neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy.

Background: Available data on Mismatch Repair system (MMR) deficiency are conflicting and derived from small studies. Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic implications of MMR status in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 318 patients affected by LARC treated in Italy at the Medical Oncology Units of the University Hospital of Cagliari, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Milan, and AOU Ospedali Riuniti Ancona.

Fibroblast growth factor receptors as targets for anticancer therapy in cholangiocarcinomas and urothelial carcinomas.

Cholangiocarcinomas and urothelial carcinomas are lethal tumors worldwide and only a minority of patients are eligible for surgery at diagnosis. Moreover, patients are poorly responsive to current therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and multimodality treatments. Recently, several advances have been made in precision medicine and these results are modifying the treatment paradigm for patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinomas and urothelial carcinoma.

Quality of Life in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients and Care Burden of Caregivers in Sardinia during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurogenerative disorder whose median survival ranges from 2 to 4 years after symptomatic onset. Therefore, the global Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in these patients should be carefully evaluated to guarantee an adequate care level, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic period, given the increased social isolation and the pressure on healthcare services. Caregiving has been recognized as an important source of physical and psychological burden, with a possible QoL impairment.

Treatments for relapsed, BRCA-wild type, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Introduction: Although platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) is considered the standard treatment for relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, there is currently no standard treatment for these patients. We compared the effectiveness of modern and older therapies in relapsed platinum-sensitive, BRCA-wild type, and ovarian cancers using a network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was performed up to October 31, 2022.

The Tumor Microenvironment and the Estrogen Loop in Thyroid Cancer.

Thyroid cancer (TC) cells employ multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/Raf/MAPK, fostering cell proliferation, survival and metastasis. Through a complex interplay with immune cells, inflammatory mediators and stroma, TC cells support an immunosuppressive, inflamed, pro-carcinogenic TME. Moreover, the participation of estrogens in TC pathogenesis has previously been hypothesized, in view of the higher TC incidence observed among females.

The Future of Breast Cancer Research in the Survivorship Field.

Prevalence of survivors of breast cancer has been steadily increasing in the last 20 years. Currently, more than 90% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer are expected to be alive at 5 years from diagnosis thanks to early detection and breakthrough innovations in multimodal treatment strategies. Alongside this advancement in clinical outcomes, survivors of breast cancer might experience several specific challenges and present with unique needs.

Infections in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy and targeted therapy: An overview on the current scenario.

Patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer are often vulnerable to infection, and the risk is increased by tumor-associated immunosuppression and the effects of the treatments. Historically, links between the risk of infection and cytotoxic chemotherapy due to neutropenia and respiratory syndromes are well established. The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death- ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) have changed the treatment paradigm for lung cancer patients.

Breast MRI: Clinical Indications, Recommendations, and Future Applications in Breast Cancer Diagnosis.

Purpose Of Review: This article aims to provide an updated overview of the indications for diagnostic breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), discusses the available and novel imaging exams proposed for breast cancer detection, and discusses considerations when performing breast MRI in the clinical setting.

Recent Findings: Breast MRI is superior in identifying lesions in women with a very high risk of breast cancer or average risk with dense breasts. Moreover, the application of breast MRI has benefits in numerous other clinical cases as well; e.

A narrative review of the principal glucocorticoids employed in cancer.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a pharmacological class of drugs widely used in oncology in both supportive and palliative settings. GCs differentially impact organs with immediate and long-term effects; with suppressive effect on the immune system anchoring their use to manage the toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition, GCs are often used in the management of symptoms related to cancer or chemotherapy and as adjuvants in the treatment of pain in the management of other.

Approaches to Fertility Preservation for Young Women With Breast Cancer.

In patients with early breast cancer, the combination of different systemic treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, and more recently also immunotherapy has demonstrated to significantly improve their survival outcomes. However, this gain is often obtained at the cost of higher toxicity calling for the need of increased attention toward survivorship-related issues, including fertility preservation in young women. According to available guidelines, health care providers should offer oncofertility counseling to all patients with cancer diagnosed at reproductive age.