cancer patients

Aim: To determine the correlation between mammographic features of breast cancer with molecular subtypes and to calculate the predictive value of these features. Materials and method: This is a retrospective study of breast cancer patients presenting between January 2017 and December 2021, who underwent mammography of the breast followed by true cut biopsy and immunohistochemical staining of the tissue sample. Breast carcinoma patients without preoperative mammograms, those unable to undergo histopathological and IHC examinations and h/o prior cancer treatment were excluded. On mammography, size, shape, margins, density, the presence or absence of suspicious calcifications and associated features were noted. Results: Irregular-shaped tumors with spiculated margins were likely to be luminal A/B subtypes of breast cancer. Tumors with a round or oval shape with circumscribed margins were highly suggestive of Triple negative breast cancer. Tumors with suspicious calcifications were likely to be HER2 enriched. Conclusion: Mammographic features such as irregular or round shape, circumscribed or noncircumscribed margins and suspicious calcifications are strongly correlated in predicting the molecular subtypes of breast cancer and thus may further expand the role of conventional breast imaging.

This is a literature review study focusing on the expression of p53 and WT1. Both the p53 and WT1 proteins are tumor suppressors, which means that they play a role in preventing the progression into cancerous ones. If these proteins are altered or deleted, they lose the ability to carry out their role, which might result in the development of cancer. The primary objectives of this study were to review the literature regarding the expression of both p53 and WT1 and to investigate their prognostic significance; and to discuss our new hypothesis regarding the ratios of expression of WT1/p53, as well as our model regarding acute myeloid leukemia. In brief, the objectives were to make the focus in the suggested hypothesis as well as collecting the supportive literature. According to the findings of the current research, the level of expression of WT1 and p53 can indicate either a favorable or unfavorable prognosis for cancer patients. Further, we demonstrated that the expression, not just as a quality variable but also as a quantity variable, may have a more substantial explanation in the progression of tumors than we had previously thought. According to the theory that was derived from this research, if the expression of WT1/p53 (the expression is given as a ratio) is somewhere around 4, then p53 acts as though it were wild type and offers protection against tumors. In order to verify this idea, we need to do additional study.

Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women and the quality of life of women with breast cancer is a significant healthcare issue specifically in developing and underdeveloped countries.Globally quality of Life (QoL) has become an important indicator to measure the outcomes of medical and nursing interventions. The QoL studies have an imperative role in healthcare especially in chronic disease as the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities have increased the survival rates and duration of cancer patients. Similarly, breast cancer itself and its treatment with Chemotherapy, in particular, has many complications and negative impacts on the QoL of cancer women. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of Pakistani women with Breast Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and the relationship of QoL with socio-demographic variables.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 110 female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. FACIT-B questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of these patients. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 20 using the Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-square test, and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age of participants was (mean ± SD) 42.98 ± 8.98. A significant negative correlation was observed with age and QoL, r = -0.218, p - value 0.022. No significant association was observed between QoL and marital status; education status; and socioeconomic status.Conclusion: The majority of breast cancer women 59(53.6%) had moderate QoL and Chemotherapy also showed moderate impacts on different domains: physical, functional emotional, social, and sexual well-being of the women.

This study aimed to examine the disparities of childhood cancer survival among different racial and ethnic groups in Texas. The analysis was mediated by socioeconomic status (SES) and spatial accessibility to Children Oncology Group (COG) hospitals. The relationship between race-ethnicity and overall survival was measured using the Cox proportional hazards model with a robust variance estimator. The counterfactual model measures the total effect of race-ethnicity on survival through all mediating pathways while adjusting for baseline confounders (age, sex, and stage at diagnosis), which are then decomposed into natural direct and indirect effects. Considering all cancer site groups, African Americans showed a statistically significant higher hazard ratio in death (HR = 3.63; 95% CI = 1.87 - 6.62) compared with non-Hispanic White children. At the same time, the mortality hazard ratio among Hispanic children is not significant (HR = 1.23; 95% CI = 0.80 - 1.93) when compared with non-Hispanic White children. Analysis results also suggested that both mediators significantly contribute to racial-ethnic survival disparities for specific cancer site groups such as Leukemia for African American children. This study builds knowledge and understanding about underlying factors (mediators) responsible for the disparities in the outcomes among childhood cancer patients.

Background: Cancer treatment frequently depends on the intricate and potent effects that are acknowledged for their potential to save lives. Chemotherapy can have adverse effects on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, posing significant challenges.Objective: •    To assess the causative agent, development, and timing of occurrence.•    To improve management of neurological complications.•    To discriminate the iatrogenic effects of cancer therapy and neurological progression.Method: A prospective observational study was conducted in a hospital setting, focusing on the neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients over a span of six months. The research involved participants from both the oncology in-patient and daycare departments. After obtaining informed consent, individuals in the study population were interviewed to gather information about any neurological symptoms they encountered following their chemotherapy sessions.Results and discussion: Within our study population, a predominant 67% comprised female patients, while male patients constituted 33%. Of the total participants, 66% reported experiencing neurological symptoms. Among these symptoms, the majority of patients encountered sensations such as tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation. Other reported symptoms included headaches, distal weakness, myalgia, seizures, and ataxia.Conclusion: In this current study, 66% of the study population encountered neurological side effects. Generally, the presence of comorbidities, vitamin deficiencies, and advanced age can significantly contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy. Depending on the severity of neuropathy, recommendations for interventions include the prescription of vitamin supplements, calcium supplements, duloxetine, and pregabalin.

Anxiety is also a very common disorder, both in patients and their family members. Anxiety and stress can compromise the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. Feelings of anxiety and anguish can occur at various times of the disease path: during screening, waiting for test results, at diagnosis, during treatment or at the next stage due to concern about relapses. Anxiety and distress can affect the patient’s ability to cope with diagnosis or treatment, frequently causing reduced adherence to follow-up visits and examinations, indirectly increasing the risk of failure to detect a relapse, or a delay in treatment; and anxiety can increase the perception of pain, affect sleep, and accentuate nausea due to adjuvant therapies. Failure to identify and treat anxiety and depression in the context of cancer increases the risk of poor quality of life and potentially results in increased disease-related morbidity and mortality [1]. From all this we deduce the need and importance of dedicated psychological and psychiatric support for these patients within the Breast Unit. The fact that the psycho-oncologist who is dedicated to the care of patients with breast cancer must be an integrated figure in the multidisciplinary team of the Senological Center and not an external consultant is enshrined in the same European Directives that concern the legislation concerning the requirements that a Breast Unit must have in order to be considered a Full Breast Unit (Wilson AMR, et al. 2013).One of the most complex situations you find yourself dealing with is communication with the patient. This communication is particularly complex in two fragile subpopulations that are represented by women. [Menditto L. T (Tirannie) Cancer of the Breast. Am J Psychol & Brain Stud, 2023; 1(1):26-30].

Background: Cervical Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, especially in lowresource settings. It is a significant health problem worldwide, with over half a million new cases diagnosed each year, accounting for approximately 6.6% of all gynecological Cancer cases and over 300,000 deaths each year. In Zambia, it is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women. The number of cases has increased by approximately 40%. This study explored the lived experiences of Cervical Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, focusing on their subjective experiences. By examining their journeys through chemotherapy, the study aimed to highlight the subtle complexities in which treatment impacts patients’ lives and well-being.  Methods and procedures: Employing a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants with diverse demographics. The sample size was determined by data saturation and saturation was reached at 10. Ethical protocols were ensured, and Study approval was obtained from UNZABREC and the National Health Research Authority. Thematic analysis was conducted on audio-recorded interviews with cervical cancer patients, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy while discerning significant patterns and themes in their narratives. Results/findings: Emotional experiences ranged from anxiety to gratitude. Psychological challenges encompassed coping mechanisms, stress management, emotional adjustments, and treatment-related fears. Socially, community support, workplace accommodations, and healthcare provider roles were key. Physical experiences revealed side effects managed through coping strategies. Financial challenges significantly impacted individuals and families.  Conclusions and recommendations: The study revealed that cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy face complex challenges spanning emotional, psychological, social, physical, and financial domains, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive patient-centered care. Recommendations suggest focusing on financial aid for cancer patients and tackling treatment expenses and insurance issues. The Cancer Diseases Hospital should establish multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, and enhance patient education efforts. Nurses should adopt strategies integrating cultural competence and patient-centered care to address diverse challenges during chemotherapy. These aim to enhance the well-being and care quality of Cervical Cancer patients.

Background: Tailored adjuvant treatment is key to managing endometrial cancer effectively. Understanding prognostic factors of loco-regional failure and the impact of adjuvant treatment can help in treatment de-escalation without compromising survival outcomes.The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of failure in endometrial cancer patients and to determine predicting Loco-Regional Recurrence (LRR) factors.Patients and methods: Data were collected from 214 patients treated for endometrial cancer between 2005 and 2012 in Salah Azaiez Institute in Tunisia. All patients underwent upfront surgery followed by adjuvant brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation. The median follow-up period was 44 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for LRR.Results: The 5-year overall survival rate was 78.1%, and the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 80.1%. LRR occurred in 25 patients (11.6%), with a median recurrence time of 29 months (range 4 months - 46 months). Pelvic relapse was the most common site, occurring in 10 patients. Vaginal relapses were observed in 9 patients, and retro-peritoneal relapses were observed in 6 cases. FIGO stage, tumor grade, histologic type, Lympho-Vascular Space Invasion (LVSI), and delays in adjuvant treatment were significant predictors of LRR.Conclusion: Identifying prognostic factors for LRR in endometrial cancer is crucial for optimizing adjuvant treatment strategies. Higher FIGO stages and the presence of LVSI were independent predictive factors for LRR. Tailored adjuvant treatment, taking these prognostic factors into account, is essential to improve patient outcomes and minimize unnecessary treatment-related toxicity.