Differential impact of TIM-3 ligands on NK cell function.

Background: The transmembrane protein T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) is an immune checkpoint receptor that is expressed by a variety of leukocyte subsets, particularly in the tumor microenvironment. An effective TIM-3-targeting therapy should account for multiple biological factors, including the disease setting, the specific cell types involved and their varying sensitivities to the four putative TIM-3 ligands (galectin-9, phosphatidylserine, high mobility group protein B1 and carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 1), each of which engages a unique binding site on the receptor's variable immunoglobulin domain. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and function of TIM-3 natural killer (NK) cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), determine whether the four TIM-3 ligands differentially affect TIM-3 NK cell functions, identify the most immunosuppressive ligand, and evaluate whether targeting ligand-mediated TIM-3 signaling enhances NK cell effector functions.

Prognostic value of GLIM criteria including systemic inflammation in patients with advanced cancer.

An assessment of systemic inflammation and nutritional status may form the basis of a framework to examine the prognostic value of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. The objective of the study was to examine the prognostic value of GLIM criteria, including body mass index (BMI), weight loss (WL) and systemic inflammation (mGPS), in advanced cancer patients. Three criteria were examined in a combined cohort of patients with advanced cancer and their relationship with survival was examined using Cox regression methods.

Distinct Transcriptomic and Tumor Microenvironment Profiles in Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma and Aggressive Cutaneous Melanomas.

: Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a rare and aggressive melanoma subtype with a notably poor prognosis compared to cutaneous melanoma (CM). Despite advances in molecular characterization, SNMM remains underexplored, posing a clinical challenge and highlighting the need for detailed molecular profiling. This study aimed to identify the molecular features of SNMM, elucidate its clinical behavior and prognostic implications, and provide insights for improved therapeutic strategies.

Thermal ablation of margins for recurrence prevention after endoscopic mucosal resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large colorectal lesions can be challenging, and residual lesions after EMR can progress to colorectal cancer. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of adding thermal ablation of margins [using argon plasma coagulation (APC) or snare tip soft coagulation (STSC)] in reducing recurrence rates after EMR.

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase.

Effectiveness of a protocol with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for treating osteoradionecrosis: a retrospective study.

Objective: To compare the treatment of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) using a protocol that incorporates antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with a conventional treatment protocol.

Methodology: This retrospective study analyzed 55 patients diagnosed with ORN at a reference hospital between 2002 and 2021. Patients were treated using two different clinical protocols.

Artificial Intelligence Models Could Enhance the Diagnostic Accuracy (DA) of Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) in the Detection of Colorectal Adenoma in a Screening Setting.

Background/aim: This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy (DA) for colorectal adenomas (CRA), screened by fecal immunochemical test (FIT), using five artificial intelligence (AI) models: logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM). These models were tested together with clinical features categorized as low-risk (lowR) and high-risk (highR).

Patients And Methods: The colorectal neoplasia (CRN) screening cohort of 5,090 patients included 222 CRA patients and 264 non-CRA patients.

Interaction Between Sclerostin and Mast Cells in Fibro-Osseous Lesions of the Jaws.

Objective: To assess the sclerostin, β-catenin, and tryptase expression in fibro-osseous lesions (FOL) of the jaws.

Subjects And Methods: Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed for these proteins on FOL and non-lesional bone. The sclerostin-positive cells were scored from 0 (no expression) to 3 (high expression).

Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology for the Treatment of Neoplastic Pericardial Effusion.

This document presents guidelines to assist surgeons in the diagnosis and management of this condition, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations described by a group of physicians members of the Brazilian Society of Oncological Surgery regarding the treatment of neoplastic pericardial effusion, developed to guide oncological surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons and general surgeons in their clinical practice. Members of the Thoracic Neoplasms Committee carried out a literature review and discussion among expert peers to create a guideline that would help in managing this very serious clinical condition in our oncology practice: Neoplastic pericardial effusion.

Implementation of the ProMisE classifier and validation of its prognostic impact in Brazilian endometrial carcinomas.

Purpose: Molecular classification of endometrial cancer (EC) has emerged as a key approach to individualize therapy and define prognostic outcomes. This study aimed to implement the traditional ProMisE classification in a Brazilian population, compared with a molecular setting of ProMisE biomarkers, and evaluate its impact on patients' prognosis.

Patient And Methods: A prospective cohort of 114 patients with primary EC treated at Barretos Cancer Hospital (BCH) between October 2020 and December 2022 was conducted.

Comparative analysis of extracellular vesicles miRNAs (EV-miRNAs) and cell-free microRNAs (cf-miRNAs) reveals that EV-miRNAs are more promising as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer.

MicroRNAs can be found intracellularly incorporated into extracellular vesicles (EV-miRNAs) or extracellularly as cell-free miRNAs (cf-miRNAs). This study aimed to compare the diagnostic and prognostic potential of four miRNAs with recognized roles in prostate cancer as cf-miRNAs and EV-miRNAs, obtained from liquid biopsies (LB). Total RNA was isolated from whole plasma and plasma EVs from 15 controls (CTR) and 30 patients (20 with localized prostate cancer (PCa), 10 with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa)).

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation vs cardiopulmonary bypass in lung transplantation: an updated meta-analysis.

Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in lung transplantation.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies comparing ECMO to CPB in lung transplantation. Odds ratios (ORs) for binary endpoints and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Genetic polymorphisms, methylation, and expression levels in the GSTP1 and MGMT genes in urothelial bladder tumors.

Background: Alteration in DNA repair and metabolism genes can affect the maintenance of DNA integrity or xenobiotics metabolism, potentially leading to DNA damage accumulation. The present study investigated the association between polymorphisms in Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1, rs1695) and O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT, rs2308321) genes with urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) susceptibility and prognosis. Furthermore, the methylation patterns of the promoter region of these genes were analyzed in tumor and non-tumor bladder tissues, besides MGMT gene expression in tumor samples.

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents versus multiple plastic stents for the treatment of post-orthotopic liver transplant anastomotic biliary strictures: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background And Aims: The most common adverse event (AE) of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS). Management varies widely between centers, and it is not clear whether a combination of endoscopic dilation of the stenosis followed by multiple plastic stents (MPS) or placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (fcSEMS) is better for the management of post-OLT ABS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of fcSEMS versus MPS in the treatment of post-OLT ABS.

Comparative outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery versus open thoracic surgery in pediatric pulmonary metastasectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy in pediatric patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy for various malignancies. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies comparing VATS and open thoracotomy in pediatric patients. The treatment effects for continuous outcomes were compared using mean differences (MDs), and binary endpoints were evaluated using odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Plasma mutation profile of precursor lesions and colorectal cancer using the Oncomine Colon cfDNA Assay.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Early detection of precursor lesions or early-stage cancer could hamper cancer development or improve survival rates. Liquid biopsy, which detects tumor biomarkers, such as mutations, in blood, is a promising avenue for cancer screening.

Nose-to-Brain Delivery of Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Targeted Therapy.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer that remains challenging to treat, especially owing to the lack of effective targeting and drug delivery concerns. Due to its anatomical advantages, the nose-to-brain strategy is an interesting route for drug delivery. Nanoengineering has provided technological tools and innovative strategies to overcome biotechnological limitations, which is promising for improving the effectiveness of conventional therapies.

Evaluation of the antineoplastic properties of the photosensitizer biscyanine in 2D and 3D tumor cell models and artificial skin models.

Background: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality that combines the application of a photoactive compound (photosensitizer, PS) with low-power light to generate reactive oxygen species in the target tissue, resulting in cytotoxic damage and cell death, while sparing adjacent tissues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phototoxicity of a cyanine dye with two chromophores (biscyanines, BCD) in systems with varying levels of cellular organization, and we used the Photogem® (a photosensitizer approved by the Brazilian ANVISA agency for clinical use in Photodynamic Therapy) as a positive control.

Materials And Methods: The cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed in vitro in 2D monolayers, 3D spheroid cultures, and artificial skin models.

Cervical cancer in young women: Does age impact survival in cervical cancer?

Background And Objectives: To evaluate the oncology outcomes in cervical cancer patients aged 25 years or younger and compare them with those in older patients.

Methods: Cervical cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: young patients (≤25 years) and older patients (>25 years). For each young patient, two controls were selected from the database of cervical cancer patients aged over 25 years, matched by FIGO stage, treatment, and histologic type.

The role of exfoliative cytology in diagnosis of oral lesions.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the use of oral exfoliative cytology and highlight its limited effectiveness in diagnosing oral diseases.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1000 consecutive cases of oral cytology were retrieved from the files of an Oral Pathology Service, comprising the period between January 2002 and December 2022. Patient data and clinical details of the lesions were collected, and all slides were reviewed.

Adverse Ocular Impact and Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Narrative Review.

Cannabis is the most used drug worldwide with an estimated 219 million users. This narrative review aims to explore the adverse effects and therapeutic applications of cannabis and cannabinoids on the eye, given its growing clinical and non-clinical uses. The current literature reports several adverse ocular effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, including eyelid tremor, ptosis, reduced corneal endothelial cell density, dry eyes, red eyes, and neuro-retinal dysfunction.

Robot-assisted versus manually guided stereotactic biopsy for intracranial lesions - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stereotactic biopsies are essential for obtaining accurate histopathological analysis to guide treatment decisions for deep-seated brain lesions. Manually guided methods, while commonly used and highly precise, can be limited by potential inaccuracies and insufficient tissue sampling. The emerging robot-assisted (RA) techniques offer enhanced precision and could address these limitations for improved accuracy.

Molecular Insights Into Actinic Cheilitis and Lower Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma: AURKA and AURKB Amplifications and Their Association With Tumor Microenvironment.

Background: Lip exposure to carcinogens lead to several disorders, such as actinic cheilitis (AC) and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC). Although several studies have described important pathways in lip carcinogenesis, the comprehension of association of target genes in this process and their association with tumor microenvironment still need to be better understood.

Methods: Tissue samples of 30 AC and 17 LLSCC cases were included for histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical expression of CD4, CD8, and PD-L1, and fluorescence in situ hybridization for AURKA, AURKB, TP53, PTEN, CCND1, and MYC.