Forum of Clinical Oncology Feed

Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Breast: A Rare Case Report

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundPrimary leiomyosarcoma of the breast is an exceptionally rare mesenchymal tumor, constituting less than 1% of all breast malignancies. Its diagnosis is often delayed due to clinical and radiological similarities to more common benign or epithelial breast tumors.Case PresentationA 60-year-old woman presented with a painless, gradually enlarging lump in the retroareolar region of the left breast, 10 years after undergoing lumpectomy for a similar lesion. Imaging revealed a hypoechoic, vascular mass measuring 6.5 × 5.1 cm. Mammography showed a well-defined, dense lesion. A core biopsy indicated benign acini with mild stromal pleomorphism and a low Ki-67 index. The patient underwent modified radical mastectomy. Histopathology revealed a malignant phyllodes tumor with a heterologous component of leiomyosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivity for smooth muscle actin and a Ki-67 index of 7%–8%. The tumor was staged as pT3NxMx. Postoperative chemotherapy was initiated, and the patient tolerated the first cycle well.Clinical DiscussionPrimary breast leiomyosarcoma is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and nonspecific presentation. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are crucial for definitive diagnosis, particularly when arising within a malignant phyllodes tumor. Complete surgical excision with negative margins remains the mainstay of treatment. The benefit of adjuvant therapy is unclear due to limited data, and management must be individualized. Regular follow-up is essential, given the risk of local recurrence and hematogenous metastasis.ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of considering rare mesenchymal tumors in patients with recurrent breast lumps. A multidisciplinary approach combining imaging, histopathological evaluation, and individualized treatment planning is critical to optimize outcomes in such rare entities.

Translation and Linguistic Validation of the Albanian Version of EORTC QLQ BN-20 Questionnaire

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundBrain tumors and their treatments decrease the quality of life. The assessment of patient-reported outcomes, and more specifically health-related quality of life, is an important aspect of clinical care. EORTC QLQ BN20 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-BR) are the most used tools to assess QoL. In Albania, there is very little information available about the quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to describe the translation process and linguistic validation of the EORTC QLQ-BN20 questionnaire into Albanian.Patients and methodsAccording to the EORTC standard guidelines, there was a backward and forward translation procedure to generate the Albanian language version of the QLQ-BN20. The linguistic validation process included a pilot study of ten patients. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to detect any difficulty encountered while completing the questionnaire.ResultsFour female and six male patients with an average age of 58.4 participated in the pilot study. There was no need for changes to be incorporated into the final Albanian BN–20 questionnaire.DiscussionThe pilot validation showed that the Albanian translation of the EORTC BN-20 nearly replicated its English counterpart. The final version of the Albanian BN-20 has received EORTC approval, and it is available on the EORTC website for academic or commercial use in clinical practice and studies for patients with primary brain tumours.

Early Myelosuppression Secondary to Linezolid Use in the Context of Hematologic Malignancy

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Cytopenia is a common adverse effect following anti-cancer therapy. Among the various cell line reductions, neutropenia is most strongly associated with an increased risk of infection. Severe infections may further suppress hematopoietic function and thereby prolong cytopenic periods. Here, we present a case of relapsed and refractory leukemia with profound cytopenia and infectious complications following intensified chemotherapy. This case highlights the concept of an early and pronounced myelosuppressive effect in patients with impaired bone marrow function secondary to anti-neoplastic therapy. Clinicians should be particularly vigilant in recognizing the vulnerability of such patients to enable earlier detection and intervention.

ALK expressing desmoid fibromatosis treated with Crizotinib: a clinical case

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ObjectivesDesmoid fibromatosis (DF) is a rare myofibroblastic neoplasm with invasive growth and a tendency to local recurrence. A number of patients have been found to suffer from relapse after surgical treatment. Moreover, there are several instances where the DF treated with radiotherapy led to radio-induced sarcoma. Here in our practice, we have revealed that DF can express ALK and adjuvant therapy with Crizotinib is possible after the surgical treatment.Case presentationA young patient was initially diagnosed with DF in the projection of the right shoulder. Initially, the tumour mass was left under strict active surveillance. When the tumour grew aggressively after two years, the patient underwent an interscapulothoracic amputation of the right upper limb followed by targeted adjuvant therapy with Crizotinib. The patient is relapse free for five years.ConclusionDF has been found to have a tendency to local recurrence. Furthermore, radiation therapy has a risk of inadvertently transforming the tumour into sarcoma. Here, we have demonstrated that such patients can be checked for ALK mutation, and an adjuvant therapy with Crizotinib can be recommended.

The Role of Thyroid Disease and Other Biomarkers in Invasive Breast Cancer: A 3-year Retrospective Comparative Study

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ObjectiveBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Among various prognostic systems, molecular subtypes represent one of the most recent advancements. Recent studies suggest that thyroid disease may be a favorable prognostic factor in BC and thyroid hormones might influence disease progression. However, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is generally considered unrelated to cancer aggressiveness. This study aimed to examine the postoperative TSH levels and evaluate the impact of thyroid disease on cancer aggressiveness.MethodsA retrospective comparative analysis was conducted on patients with invasive BC treated between 2017 and 2019. Ninety-seven patients were included and divided into two groups: Group A (n = 49), without thyroid disease, and Group B (n = 48), with thyroid disease. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.ResultsSignificant correlations suggested that preoperative calcium levels are linked to cancer aggressiveness and may serve as potential prognostic factors. No differences were found in preoperative and postoperative TSH values between groups. However, a significant correlation was observed between preoperative TSH levels and progesterone receptor status.ConclusionThyroid disease appears to be associated with a more favorable prognosis based on molecular subtype distribution. Future research should investigate the role of TSH and its relationship to overall patient survival.

The Impact of Religiousness and Spirituality on the Quality of Life of Patients With Cancer

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and quality of life in patients with cancer.MethodologyThe research is based on an extensive systematic review of scientific studies available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases (2020–2024), following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Out of 14,285 studies, 13 were selected, including 3,535 patients, ensuring reliable findings.ResultsThe findings showed that patients with high levels of spirituality and religiosity experienced reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms, greater adherence to their treatments, and an overall better quality of life.ConclusionsThe integration of spiritual care into palliative treatments can play a crucial role in improving the mental health and overall quality of life of cancer patients.

Fatal Fulminant Myocarditis Following a Single Dose of Pembrolizumab in a Patient with Recurrent Thymoma: A Case Report

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Background and ObjectivesThymic epithelial tumors often present with autoimmune disorders. While PD-L1–targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like pembrolizumab offer therapeutic potential, they risk severe myocarditis. We report fatal ICI-induced myocarditis after a single dose, underscoring the need for close monitoring in thymoma patients.Case PresentationA 31-year-old male with type B1/B2 thymoma (pT3, Masaoka stage 3) underwent surgical resection and received adjuvant radiotherapy. After disease relapse, he received six cycles of CAP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2, Adriamycin 50 mg/m2, cisplatin 50 mg/m2) and showed stable disease. Due to 60% PD-L1 expression, pembrolizumab was initiated. One week post-first dose, he presented with chest pain and dyspnea. Workup revealed elevated troponin, ST-segment elevations, and normal echocardiography, consistent with myocarditis. Despite high-dose steroids and intensive care, he rapidly deteriorated, developing ventricular fibrillation and passed away within 24 h.ConclusionThis case underscores the lethal synergy between thymoma’s immunogenic milieu and ICI toxicity, particularly myocarditis. The rapid progression to fatal arrhythmia after a single pembrolizumab dose suggests that thymoma patients may require enhanced cardiac monitoring protocols pre- and post-ICI initiation. Further research is needed to identify risk stratification biomarkers and optimize immunosuppression strategies for this high-risk population.

A Systematic Review on Dostarlimab-gxlyin in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer: Efficacy, Safety, and Future Directions

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Dostarlimab-gxly, a monoclonal anti–PD-1 antibody, has been recognized as being effective for rectal cancer in patients whose tumors are mismatch repair deficient. Even though promising preliminary clinical results have been obtained, further critical appraisal of the efficacy, safety, and use of this drug among the broader spectrum of patients will be required. To bridge this knowledge gap, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted involving literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2018 to November 2024. The studies that were analyzed based on these primary metrics were complete clinical response (cCR), pathologic complete response (pCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety profile. The process of screening and filtering of abstracts from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science generated 1,246 abstracts, of which 28 were included in the final analysis of dostarlimab-gxly treated patients, who totaled 1,567. Results demonstrated a pooled complete response rate of 32.5%, with notably higher pCR rates in deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) tumors compared to mismatch repair-proficient tumors. Patients who received dostarlimab-gxly with radiotherapy or chemotherapy showed higher response rates but increased risks of toxicity. The most common adverse effects were fatigue, diarrhea, and immune-related colitis. The meta-analysis put emphasis on large improvements in PFS and OS compared to control treatments. Dostarlimab-gxly represents a possible alternative treatment strategy for rectal cancer, predominantly effective in the dMMR context. Given its generally balanced safety profile, it is paramount to remain ever vigilant for potential immune-related adverse events. Future work should concentrate on making combination therapies maximally effective, establishing predictive biomarkers, and performing extensive research to further reinforce these findings.

Evolving sociodemographic trends with survival analysis in lung carcinoma: 6-year insight from Regional Cancer Center (RCC) of North India

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundIt is important to be cognizant of the evolving demographics, clinicopathological features, and overall survival (OS) associated with lung carcinoma to devise new strategies for improvement. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the same at the Regional Cancer Center of Haryana (India).Material and methodsA retrospective observational study of carcinoma lung cases registered from January 2015 to December 2020 was conducted analyzing demographics, clinicopathological profile, and OS. Risk factors were compared by log-rank test for univariate analysis.ResultsA total of 376 patients with a median age of 60 years were evaluated. Male to female ratio was 5.16:1. Out of total patients, 86.9% were smokers with a mean smoking index of 717.09. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was diagnosed in 84.31%, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in 14.89%, and superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome in 0.8% of patients. The most frequent histology among NSCLC patients was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (41.49%), followed by adenocarcinoma (31.12%). Performance score was 2 or above in 98.1% of patients. Median OS was 3 months (range 0.3–84 months). Median survival was 3, 2, and 0.4 months in NSCLC, SCLC, and SVC syndrome patients, respectively (p-value 0.483). Among NSCLC patients, the median OS in stage II patients was 9 months and in stage III and IV patients was 3 months, while in SCLC, the survival was 3 and 2 months in stage III and IV patients, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionMost frequent histopathology was SCC, and smoking was the major risk factor. The study showcased dismal survival in advanced-stage patients. Thus, there is an urgent need to create awareness to seek early medical attention and quick diagnostics.

Early assessment of endocan level as a predictor of remission status in acute leukemia patients

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundEndocan is primarily presented as a soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan that is expressed in endothelial cells, as well as in serum and plasma. In acute leukemia patients, disease status was found to correlate with endocan levels as it was strongly expressed in untreated patients but decreased after chemotherapy. Furthermore, endocan levels were sensitive to recurrence, as indicated by an increase in levels during relapse. Notably, no significant change in endocan levels was observed before and after chemotherapy in patients who did not achieve remission.Subjects and MethodsOur research team conducted a prospective study at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Clinical Hematology, and Stem Cell Transplant Unit. This study included 45 patients diagnosed with de novo acute leukemia. Endocan levels were measured before and at day 28 after chemotherapy induction.ResultsA high significant statistical correlation was found between the initial and post-induction endocan levels, with higher initial values observed. A nearly significant correlation existed between the initial endocan levels in responders and non-responders (AML) patients, with non-responder patients showing higher values. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between initial endocan and both lactate dehydrogenase and the initial bone marrow evaluation.ConclusionPre-induction endocan levels are significantly elevated in acute leukemia patients compared to post-induction levels, showing a near significant correlation with remission status in AML, but there was no significant correlation in ALL patients. Endocan level has a potential prognostic significance in acute leukemia.

Vitamin D should be considered as a targeted therapy in glioblastoma cases

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Prognostic Impact of ALK on Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma of CNS

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction and backgroundAnaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an atypical clinicopathological entity and its central nervous system (CNS) involvement is rarer still, presenting a diagnostic challenge to physicians. Based on the absence or presence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion, it presents as either ALK-negative or ALK-positive subtype, the latter predominantly having a favourable prognosis and presenting in younger patients. The definitive impact of the said ALK protein on the course of the illness is the main area of interest of this study.MethodologyThe study question was designed using the PICO (participants, interventions, comparisons and outcomes) strategy. We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and a literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane library using keywords like ‘anaplastic large cell lymphoma’, ‘ALCL’, ‘ALK’ and ‘CNS’.ResultsWe included 30 cases of ALCL in our study, of which 24 cases were ALK positive and the remaining were negative. Eighty-six percent of the former showed 2-year survival when receiving interventions such as methotrexate-based chemotherapy, radiation, non-methotrexate-based chemotherapy and surgery, while none of the ALK-negative patients passed an 8-month survival period.In this study, we assessed the histology, immunochemistry, prognostic factors and treatment methods of disease based on previous records and came to the conclusion that ALCL involving CNS had a better prognosis with a positive ALK protein status and also certain other prognostic factors such as meningeal involvement, T cell as a marker and age less than 18 years.

Thyroid profile in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prognostic role of thyrotropin-releasing hormone

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the thyroid profile in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and find out the relationship between thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) level and the clinical outcome of the patients.Patients and methodsProspective observational research was conducted from January to June 2024. This study included a sequential sample of 44 newly diagnosed ALL patients aged 15 and above. Each patient underwent full medical history, clinical examination, complete blood count, blood film, bone marrow aspirate, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, karyotyping, and a thyroid profile including T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and TRH. They were evaluated both at the time of diagnosis and after induction chemotherapy.ResultsA total of 44 patients were included in the study, 37 males and 7 females. Their ages ranged from 15 to 60 years (mean age 29.56 ± 13.91 years). All initial T3, T4, TSH, and TRH were statistically significantly lower than post-chemotherapy results (with p value = 0.001, 0.007, 0.035, and < 0.00,1 respectively). Initial TSH showed a statistically significant negative correlation with disease-free survival (with r = −033 and p = 0.027). Initial TRH showed a statistically significant negative correlation with overall survival and disease-free survival (with r = −030 and −030 and p = 0.45 and 0.45, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that initial TSH was the most significant determining factor of disease-free survival (with = −0.34 and p = 0.029). On the other hand, multiple regression analysis showed that karyotyping was found to be the most significant determining factor of overall survival in multiple regression analysis (with = 0.46 and p = 0.049, respectively). The evaluation of disease-free survival using the Kaplan–Meier curve, based on the initial thyroid profile, indicated the most favorable outcomes in patients with a euthyroid state and euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS).ConclusionsThyroid hormonal profile is initially affected in some patients with adult ALL. Euthyroid status is most commonly encountered with initial assessment. Abnormalities included ESS, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Significant improvement in the thyroid profile after the induction phase ensures the role of disease rather than therapy itself. Initial TRH and TSH have a negative prognostic impact on ALL outcomes. Moreover, the euthyroid status and ESS were associated with the best survival of ALL.

Dosimetric Outcomes of Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold (DIBH) Technique in Terms of Normal Tissue Sparing for Right-Sided Breast Cancer Irradiation: A Single-Institution Experience

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionDeep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) technique is commonly used in left breast cancer irradiation as it has shown to reduce cardiac and pulmonary doses. DIBH technique has also shown to reduce critical organ doses in right-sided breast cancer patients. This study aimed to demonstrate the single-institution experience of dosimetric benefits of DIBH technique in irradiation of right breast carcinoma patients.Materials and MethodTwenty consecutive patients who underwent adjuvant locoregional radiotherapy by DIBH technique for right-sided breast carcinoma were included retrospectively for analysis. Indications for use of DIBH for right-sided disease in our institution included presence of breast implant or need for irradiation of axillary and/or internal mammary nodal basin. For all these patients, planning computed tomography (CT) was obtained in both free breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) using indexed breast board. Treatment was replanned in the FB planning CT slices, and dosimetric endpoints in terms of differences in PTV coverage and doses to lungs, heart, liver, and contralateral breast were compared. Radiation was delivered using either volumetric modulated arc therapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique.ResultsThere was no significant difference in PTV coverage between FB and DIBH scans showing similar plan qualities. The ipsilateral lung volume showed significant increase with subsequent decrease in the mean dose with DIBH compared to FB (from 14 Gy in the FB plan to 12 Gy with DIBH, p-value 0.01). Technique of DIBH significantly lowered the mean hepatic dose compared to FB technique (3.8 vs. 7.9 Gy, p-value: 0.0001). Contralateral lung mean dose also showed reduction of statistical significance in DIBH. There was significant difference in the mean dose to the heart between the two techniques, as well as in the max dose, which was reduced significantly with DIBH. Contralateral breast mean dose was also reduced with DIBH, though the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionDIBH technique showed significant dosimetric benefit in terms of reduced critical organ doses, providing a potential for incorporation into radiotherapy of right-sided breast carcinoma.

Intestinal Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma: a Deceptive Malignant Neoplasm of the Sinonasal Region

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, adenocarcinomas comprise 10–20% of all primary malignant neoplasms. A considerable number of them originate from the salivary glands, while some are less well-known and resemble colon adenocarcinomas in their histologic makeup. Adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal region that does not arise from salivary glands is often presented as uncommon growths that are frequently misdiagnosed. Less than 4% of all cancers in this region are of the intestinal type, which shares histologic features with that of colon adenocarcinoma. The main age group affected by this malignancy ranges between 55 and 65 years. Workers in the shoe and hardwood industries frequently develop these tumors, and the risk of acquiring adenocarcinoma is enhanced by about 900 times following wood dust inhalation. Not much has been written about these neoplasms in the oral radiology literature, even though they account for about 4% of the primary neoplasms of the sinonasal tract. We present a case of well-differentiated intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) of the sinonasal region with paranasal sinus destruction associated with unusual radiographic appearance.

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum on Survival and Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Conventional treatments for breast cancer use cytotoxic drugs, which cause severe side effects. Researchers are seeking new treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficacy. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus species, have demonstrated positive effects on various diseases, including cancer. The probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum were examined using MCF-7 and MCF-10A human breast cancer and normal human breast cell lines, respectively. The cell lines were treated with the supernatant and probiotic pellets, and cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and BCL2 gene expression were evaluated. The culture supernatant of L. plantarum significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cell line compared to other groups, including the group treated with both probiotics.The supernatant of L. plantarum increased apoptosis and significantly reduced BCL2 gene expression in MCF-7 cells. No effects were observed in MCF-10A cells. The findings indicated that the supernatant of L. plantarum had a stronger cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. In contrast, the combination of L. plantarum and L. acidophilus showed no synergistic effects.These results suggest that metabolites in the supernatant of L. plantarum contribute to the cytotoxic effects of this probiotic. This probiotic is a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment, and further research is needed to understand its preventive and therapeutic mechanisms.

Immune Cell Infiltration and Causal Relationships with Prostate Cancer: A Transcriptomic and Mendelian Randomization Study

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern, with immune cell infiltration playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Understanding the immune landscape of prostate tumors compared to healthy tissue is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies. This study aims to estimate immune cell infiltration in prostate tumors and healthy tissues and investigate the causal relationships between immune phenotypes and PCa using Mendelian randomization.MethodsTranscriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was utilized to compare prostate tumor tissues with healthy controls. Immune cell infiltration was estimated using Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts, single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and xCell methodologies. Mendelian randomization was employed to explore causal relationships between 731 immune phenotypes and PCa, using five methods including inverse-variance weighting for evaluation. Results with a false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P-value <0.05 were considered significant. Sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out analyses, were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings.ResultsSignificant differences in the infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils, and basophils were observed between prostate tumors and healthy tissues. Before FDR correction, 42 immune phenotypes showed a causal relationship with PCa. After FDR correction, CD4 on HLA DR+ CD4+ T cells exhibited a significant causal association with PCa (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.54 (0.43–0.71), P = 3.86E-06). Sensitivity analyses revealed no abnormalities, confirming the reliability of the results.ConclusionsThis study highlights the significant differences in immune cell infiltration between PCa and healthy tissues and identifies a causal relationship between specific immune phenotypes and PCa. The findings provide valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic targets in PCa treatment.

Brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer: Prevalence, high-risk factors, and overall survival prognosis

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionThis study assesses brain metastases (BM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – its prevalence, risk factors, overall survival, and influencing aspects.Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study was conducted at Nghe An Oncology Hospital in Vietnam. We assessed 895 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between June 2019 and June 2023. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess the association of BM with factors. We evaluated the overall survival (OS) time using the Kaplan–Meier method and assessed differences using the log-rank test. In addition, we determined the association between OS time and factors using the Cox regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of BM in NSCLC at the time of diagnosis was 13.1%. BM were associated with non-squamous carcinoma (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.01–4.14), lymph node stage N3 (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.15–2.72), and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ≥5 ng/ml (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.05–3.13). The median OS time for patients with BM was lower than in those without BM (15.3 vs. 18.3 months, p = 0.005). When analyzing multivariable Cox regression, the OS time of patients with BM was associated with positive EGFR/ALK gene mutation status (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20–0.70) and number of brain metastatic in 1–3 lesions (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33–0.96).ConclusionsThe prevalence of BM at the time of diagnosis in NSCLC was 13.1% and was associated with non-squamous carcinoma, node stage, and serum CEA. EGFR/ALK gene mutation status and the number of brain metastatic lesions were independent prognostic factors for OS of BM NSCLC.

Palliative care in cancer: Ensuring quality of life alongside active cancer treatment

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The importance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio before and after radiation in breast cancer patients

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimThe purpose of this research is to analyze the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to define prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer and to analyze the NLR values among stages, grades, and fractions.MethodsThe data retrieval period was from October 2018 to June 2020. The study included 56 patients who were part of the research. The mean age of patients was 53.42 years.ResultsOn average, NLR after radiotherapy was higher than before treatment. Moreover, the 5-year overall survival rate for breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy was 81%.ConclusionsBased on the NLR results for patients with breast cancer, it is confirmed that the ratio of patients with poor prognosis compared to those with good prognosis is 3.3 to 1. Specifically, all stages of breast cancer showed an increase in NLR after treatment. The exception was stage III, which showed lower NLR values after treatment and, consequently, a better prognosis of the disease.