Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitor Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The open-label randomized phase 2 LACOG0415 trial evaluated 3 treatment strategies for patients with advanced castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC): androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AAP), apalutamide (APA) alone, or APA plus AAP.

Objective: To investigate the association of ADT plus AAP, APA alone, or APA plus AAP with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with advanced CSPC in the LACOG0415 trial.

Design, Setting, And Participants: The LACOG0415 randomized clinical trial comprised 128 patients with advanced CSPC who were randomized (1:1:1) to 1 of 3 treatment arms from October 16, 2017, to April 23, 2019.

Durvalumab with or without bevacizumab with transarterial chemoembolisation in hepatocellular carcinoma (EMERALD-1): a multiregional, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study.

Background: Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is standard of care for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma that is amenable to embolisation; however, median progression-free survival is still approximately 7 months. We aimed to assess whether adding durvalumab, with or without bevacizumab, might improve progression-free survival.

Methods: In this multiregional, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study (EMERALD-1), adults aged 18 years or older with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma amenable to embolisation, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 at enrolment, and at least one measurable intrahepatic lesion per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) were enrolled at 157 medical sites including research centres and general and specialist hospitals in 18 countries.

Cemiplimab in recurrent cervical cancer: Final analysis of overall survival in the phase III EMPOWER-Cervical 1/GOG-3016/ENGOT-cx9 trial.

Aim: Cemiplimab has demonstrated significantly longer survival than physician's choice of chemotherapy in patients with recurrent cervical cancer after first-line platinum-containing chemotherapy. We report the final survival analysis from the phase III randomized study (EMPOWER-Cervical 1/GOG-3016/ENGOT-cx9).

Methods: Cemiplimab (n = 304) or chemotherapy (n = 304) were administered every 3 weeks.

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.

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.

The St. Jude Global Academy: A Multifaceted Education Program to Expand Pediatric Oncology Workforce Capacity.

There is currently a global shortage of healthcare professionals equipped to handle the rising burden of childhood cancer. St. Jude Global is an initiative to improve survival rates of children with cancer worldwide while improving access to quality care.

Clinical impact of healthcare-associated infections in Brazilian ICUs: a multicenter prospective cohort.

Background: Limited data is available to evaluate the burden of device associated healthcare infections (HAI) [central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)] in low and-middle-income countries. Our aim is to investigate the population attributable mortality fraction and the absolute mortality difference of HAI in a broad population of critically ill patients from Brazil.

Methods: Multicenter cohort study from September 2019 to December 2023 with prospective individual patient data collection.

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.

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).

Health literacy development of Primary Health Care patients: qualitative research.

Objectives: to identify the process of health literacy development among primary care patients, relating it to their self-care practices.

Methods: qualitative, prospective research with 22 patients from two Family Health Strategy units. Data were obtained through individual semi-structured interviews, examined through descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis.

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.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Elderly Patients in a Latin American Country: Analysis of 11 Year of Data from the Brazilian Registry SBTMO/CIBMTR.

This study analyzed recent changes in the utilization of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and myeloproliferative diseases (MPDs) and the survival of HCT recipients ≥60 years of age in Brazil. This retrospective registry study included patients who received a first allogeneic HCT from any donor between 2012 and 2023. Of the 6657 patients, 444 (7%) were 60 years of age or older who received grafts from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related (42%) or unrelated (20%) donors or HLA-haploidentical donors (32%).

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.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Combined Therapy of Botulinum Toxin and Hyaluronic Acid Compared to Conservative Intervention in the Treatment of Chronic Peripheral Facial Paralysis of Oncologic Etiology.

Background: Neoplasms in the head and neck often lead to peripheral facial paralysis (PFP), impacting facial expression and causing psychological distress. Standard treatments involve physiotherapy, but botulinum toxin type A (BTA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have shown promise in promoting facial symmetry.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of combined BTA and HA intervention in PFP patients, comparing it to conventional treatment (physiotherapy).

High-Flow Nasal Oxygen vs Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure: The RENOVATE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) are commonly used respiratory support therapies for patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Objective: To assess whether HFNO is noninferior to NIV on the rates of endotracheal intubation or death at 7 days in 5 patient groups with ARF.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This noninferiority, randomized clinical trial enrolled hospitalized adults (aged ≥18 years; classified as 5 patient groups with ARF: nonimmunocompromised with hypoxemia, immunocompromised with hypoxemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] exacerbation with respiratory acidosis, acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema [ACPE], or hypoxemic COVID-19, which was added as a separate group on June 26, 2023) at 33 hospitals in Brazil between November 2019 and November 2023 (final follow-up: April 26, 2024).

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.

Ultrasound-Guided Puncture Pneumoperitoneum for Laparoscopy. Pilot Study of a New Technique in an Animal Model.

Introduction: All forms of access to the peritoneal cavity in laparoscopy could damage intra-abdominal structures. Currently, ultrasound (USG) is being used in several procedures to guide needles: breast biopsy, central venous access puncture, anesthetic nerve blocks, etc. Therefore, this research seeks to verify the feasibility and viability of performing pneumoperitoneum using USG-guided puncture in a pilot study using a porcine model.