Barriers and facilitators to telemedicine contraception among patients that speak Spanish: a qualitative study.

Background: Telemedicine contraception services have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. There may be unique equity implications and language barriers for patients who speak Spanish.

Objective: To identify the barriers and facilitators of telemedicine for contraception care among patients who speak Spanish using a community-based participatory research approach.

S100A8/A9 innate immune signaling as a distinct mechanism driving progression of smoking-related breast cancers.

Smoking plays an underappreciated role in breast cancer progression, increasing recurrence and mortality in patients. Here, we show that S100A8/A9 innate immune signaling is a molecular mechanism that identifies smoking-related breast cancers and underlies their enhanced malignancy. In contrast to acute exposure, chronic nicotine increased tumorigenicity and reprogrammed breast cancer cells to express innate immune response genes.

Dual anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 blockade in metastatic basal cell carcinoma.

We report the basal cell cancer (BCC) cohort of the SWOG/NCI 1609 Dual Anti-CTLA-4 & Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors (DART), a phase II prospective, multicenter basket trial of nivolumab and ipilimumab. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) (RECIST v1.1).

The XCL1-XCR1 axis supports intestinal tissue residency and antitumor immunity.

Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) provide frontline protection against pathogens and emerging malignancies. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) with TRM features are associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, the cellular interactions that program TRM differentiation and function are not well understood.

Novel clinical trial designs emerging from the molecular reclassification of cancer.

Next-generation sequencing has revealed the disruptive reality that advanced/metastatic cancers have complex and individually distinct genomic landscapes, necessitating a rethinking of treatment strategies and clinical trial designs. Indeed, the molecular reclassification of cancer suggests that it is the molecular underpinnings of the disease, rather than the tissue of origin, that mostly drives outcomes. Consequently, oncology clinical trials have evolved from standard phase 1, 2, and 3 tissue-specific studies; to tissue-specific, biomarker-driven trials; to tissue-agnostic trials untethered from histology (all drug-centered designs); and, ultimately, to patient-centered, N-of-1 precision medicine studies in which each patient receives a personalized, biomarker-matched therapy/combination of drugs.

Sequence specificity of an essential nuclear localization sequence in Mcm3.

Proteins with nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) are directed into the cell nucleus through interactions between the NLS and importin proteins. NLSs are generally short motifs rich in basic amino acids; however, identifying NLSs can be challenging due to the lack of a universally conserved sequence. In this study, we characterized the sequence specificity of an essential and conserved NLS in Mcm3, a subunit of the replicative DNA helicase.

Targeting ROR2 homooligomerization disrupts ROR2-dependent signaling and suppresses stem-like cell properties of human breast adenocarcinoma.

Breast cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are enriched following treatment with chemotherapy, and posited as having a high level of plasticity and enhanced tumor-initiation capacity, which can enable cancer relapse. Here, we show that such features are shared by breast cancer (BCA) cells that express receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor (ROR2), which is expressed primarily during embryogenesis and by various cancers. We find that Wnt5a can induce ROR2 homooligomerization to activate noncanonical Wnt signaling and enhance tumor-initiation capacity of BCA cells.

Incomplete human reference genomes can drive false sex biases and expose patient-identifying information in metagenomic data.

As next-generation sequencing technologies produce deeper genome coverages at lower costs, there is a critical need for reliable computational host DNA removal in metagenomic data. We find that insufficient host filtration using prior human genome references can introduce false sex biases and inadvertently permit flow-through of host-specific DNA during bioinformatic analyses, which could be exploited for individual identification. To address these issues, we introduce and benchmark three host filtration methods of varying throughput, with concomitant applications across low biomass samples such as skin and high microbial biomass datasets including fecal samples.

Targeting YAP/TAZ-TEAD signaling as a therapeutic approach in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Genetic alterations in Hippo pathway and the consequent activation of YAP/TAZ-TEAD are frequently observed in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. These include loss-of-function mutation and/or copy number loss of FAT1, and amplification of YAP1 and WWTR1 (encoding TAZ), thus raising the possibility that HNSCC cells may be dependent on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated transcriptional programs. In this regard, the recent development of small molecule TEAD inhibitors (smTEADi) provides an opportunity to therapeutically target Hippo pathway dysregulation in human malignancies.

Impact of Recent Translational and Therapeutic Developments on Clinical Course of BCR::ABL1-Positive and -Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Despite the study of BCR::ABL1-positive and -negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) providing seminal insights into cancer biology, tumor evolution and precision oncology over the past half century, significant challenges remain. MPNs are clonal hematopoietic stem cell-derived neoplasms with heterogenous clinical phenotypes and a clonal architecture which impacts the often-complex underlying genetics and microenvironment. The major driving molecular abnormalities have been well characterized, but debate on their role as disease-initiating molecular lesions continues.

Modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults differ by sex and APOE4.

Objectives: The extent to which lifestyle shapes trajectories of normal cognitive aging, and the factors with highest potential for mitigating cognitive decline, remain poorly uncharacterized.

Method: Participants of the Rancho Bernardo Study underwent demographic, health, and behavioral characterization at baseline, along with up to seven cognitive assessments over a 27-year follow-up period. Factor analysis of 24 baseline risk variables identified 9 composite factors.

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans, Version 1.2025, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines In Oncology.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous soft tissue sarcoma and affects an estimated 1,500 people annually in the United States. DFSP frequently exhibits extensive local infiltration. Initial treatment is through surgical excision, and care should be taken to ensure that negative margins are achieved to minimize recurrence.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Lung Cancer Screening, Version 1.2025.

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Lung Cancer Screening provide criteria for selecting individuals for screening and offer recommendations for evaluating and managing lung nodules detected during initial and subsequent annual screening. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening.

Physician knowledge, use, and perceptions of genetic biomarker testing for the management of patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: an international physician survey.

Aims: To explore physician-reported knowledge, use, and perceptions of genetic testing for advanced ovarian cancer management.

Materials & Methods: Gynecology/oncology specialists ( = 390) in the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia completed an online survey spanning March 2021 to April 2022.

Results: Physician-reported breast cancer gene mutation (BRCAm) testing rates increased over the 2 years before the survey; most patients underwent testing in the preceding 6 months.

Leveraging Optical Anisotropy of the Morpho Butterfly Wing for Quantitative, Stain-Free, and Contact-Free Assessment of Biological Tissue Microstructures.

Changes in the density and organization of fibrous biological tissues often accompany the progression of serious diseases ranging from fibrosis to neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease and cancer. However, challenges in cost, complexity, or precision faced by existing imaging methodologies and materials pose barriers to elucidating the role of tissue microstructure in disease. Here, we leverage the intrinsic optical anisotropy of the Morpho butterfly wing and introduce Morpho-Enhanced Polarized Light Microscopy (MorE-PoL), a stain- and contact-free imaging platform that enhances and quantifies the birefringent material properties of fibrous biological tissues.

Achieving Language Justice in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology: A Multinational Perspective for Language-Concordant Equitable Patient- and Family-Centered Care and Research Inclusion.

Language-discordant healthcare encounters-when the patient/caregiver and clinician are not able to communicate directly in the patient's/caregiver's preferred language-are associated with worse quality of care, increased adverse events, and research exclusion. Here, we describe the current state of language justice in clinical practice and research in the United States, Canada, and Spain, discuss the role of social determinants of health and language, in patient safety and health outcomes and review an example of culturally and linguistically concordant interventions to increase research participation. We close with practical and global strategies to increase multilingual research participation and to provide equitable patient- and family-centered care in pediatric hematology-oncology.

Increasing a Quitline's Reach to Low-Income Tobacco Users Through 211 Agencies.

Introduction: Low-income individuals bear a disproportionate share of the burden of tobacco use. This study tested the feasibility of increasing a quitline's reach to low-income tobacco users by collaborating with 211 information and referral agencies, which primarily serve people experiencing economic hardship.

Aims And Methods: Study participants (N = 114 888) were adult tobacco users referred to the California quitline by 211 agencies, referred by healthcare clinics, or self-referred from April 17, 2021 to December 31, 2023.

Implementing Mutational Epidemiology on a Global Scale: Lessons from Mutographs.

The Mutographs Cancer Grand Challenge team aimed to discover unknown causes of cancer through mutational epidemiology, an alliance of cancer epidemiology and somatic genomics. By generating whole-genome sequences from thousands of cancers and normal tissues from more than 30 countries on five continents, it discovered unsuspected mutagenic exposures affecting millions of people, raised the possibility that some carcinogens act by altering forces of selection in tissue microenvironments rather than by mutagenesis, and demonstrated changes to the direction of somatic evolution in normal cells of the human body in response to exogenous exposures and noncancer diseases. See related article by Bressan et al.

Clinical Outcomes With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With FGFR2/3, MTAP or ERBB2 Genomic Alterations in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background: FGFR2/3, MTAP and ERBB2 genomic alterations have treatment targets in advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC). These alterations may affect tumor microenvironment and outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in aUC.

Patients And Methods: We identified patients with available genomic data in our multi-institution cohort of patients with aUC treated with ICI.

Identifying Strong Neoantigen MHC-I/II Binding Candidates for Targeted Immunotherapy with SINE.

The discovery of tumor-derived neoantigens which elicit an immune response through major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I/II) binding has led to significant advancements in immunotherapy. While many neoantigens have been discovered through the identification of non-synonymous mutations, the rate of these is low in some cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the identification of neoantigens through additional means, such as aberrant splicing, is necessary.

A Distinct Alternative mRNA Splicing Profile Identifies the Oncogenic CD44 Transcript Variant 3 in KMT2A-Rearranged Pediatric T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), which constitutes of 10-15% of all pediatric ALL cases, is known for its complex pathology due to pervasive genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. Although most children are successfully cured, chromosomal rearrangements involving the KMT2A gene is considered a poor prognostic factor. In a cohort of 171 pediatric T-ALL samples we have studied differences in gene and splice variant patterns in KMT2A rearranged (KMT2A-r) T-ALL compared to KMT2A negative (KMT2A-wt) T-ALL samples.

YAP-driven malignant reprogramming of oral epithelial stem cells at single cell resolution.

Tumor initiation represents the first step in tumorigenesis during which normal progenitor cells undergo cell fate transition to cancer. Capturing this process as it occurs in vivo, however, remains elusive. Here we employ spatiotemporally controlled oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inhibition together with multiomics to unveil the processes underlying oral epithelial progenitor cell reprogramming into tumor initiating cells at single cell resolution.

Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma: ASCO Guideline Update.

Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and others on the management of pleural mesothelioma (PM).

Methods: ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pathology, cancer genetics, and advocacy experts to conduct an updated literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 2016 through 2024. Outcomes of interest included survival, disease-free or recurrence-free survival, and quality of life.

Breaking the Bone Marrow Barrier: Peripheral Blood as a Gateway to Measurable Residual Disease Detection in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with high rates of relapse after initial treatment. Identifying measurable residual disease (MRD) following initial therapy is essential to assess response, predict patient outcomes, and identify those in need of additional intervention. Currently, MRD analysis relies on invasive, serial bone marrow (BM) biopsies, which complicate sample availability and processing time and negatively impact patient experience.