Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and fatal form of liver cancer and has been associated with the transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) family. However, the exact mechanism underlying this connection remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of TRPCs in HCC using bioinformatics methods. We employed bioinformatics methods to screen and determine the biomarkers (cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member [CYP2C9], kinesin family member 20A [KIF20A], secreted phosphoprotein 1 [SPP1], and TMF-regulated nuclear protein 1 [TRNP1]) for the risk score of HCC patients. To further verify our findings, we conducted western blotting to determine the expression levels of these biomarkers in HCC and normal samples. Functional characterization of the corresponding genes was conducted through wound healing, cell counting kit-8, and transwell invasion assays using cell lines with gene knockdown or overexpression. Notably, there were significant differences in the levels of 13 types of immune cells between the two risk groups, such as activated dendritic cells and activated CD4+ T cells. Western blotting indicated that KIF20A, SPP1, and TRNP1 were upregulated in HCC, which is consistent with the differential analysis. In the TRNP1 overexpression group, the cell migration distance, cell viability, and cell invasion ability were enhanced. In conclusion, this study identified four biomarkers, namely CYP2C9, KIF20A, SPP1, and TRNP1, and established a risk model for HCC. Our findings can pave the way for improving the diagnosis and treatment options for HCC using TRPC-related biomarkers.

Digestive endoscopy is a vital minimally invasive procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, including pre-cancerous lesions and early-stage cancers. In the era of value- and quality-based healthcare, increasing attention is being paid to endoscopy quality improvement. This study aimed to develop and validate a nursing management decision system instrument for patients undergoing endoscopy. This study was conducted in three stages: development, initial assessment, and evaluation. An initial pool of items was created from clinical practice guidelines, literature reviews, and patient interviews, followed by refinement based on expert input. The final instrument, the endoscopic nursing management system questionnaire (Endo-NMSQ), consists of 25 items across five domains rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Thirty endoscopy nurses participated in the pilot testing. This tool demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.97) and strong content validity. Overall, endoscopy nurses performed well in the patient assessment and competency domains, although some variability was noted across the five categories. The Endo-NMSQ proved to be a reliable and valid instrument that can complement existing patient safety frameworks throughout the endoscopy care continuum, from initial cancer screening and lesion detection to post-procedure evaluation. By facilitating structured nursing assessments, this tool may improve oncological endoscopy outcomes.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men, and can be detected through various modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a good imaging modality for PCa detection, localization, and staging. This study evaluates the role of multiparametric MRI in detecting lymph node metastasis in PCa patients. A prospective study was conducted at Erbil urology center/in Iraq, targeting patients planning to have a radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy between April 2022 and December 2022. This study included 30 patients diagnosed with PCa; every patient underwent both preoperative MRI of the prostate and radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection. MRI findings and histopathology results were compared for accuracy. Nodal metastasis was detected in 6/30 (20%) of cases. Overall, 6/30 (20%) had enlarged pelvic lymph nodes shown on MRI. Enlarged internal iliac lymph nodes were most common, found in 4/6 (66.7%) patients. There was a slight agreement between MRI T-stage and pathological T-stage (Kappa= 0.179, p=0.08). Lymph node enlargement on MRI showed moderate accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.708), with sensitivity and positive predictive value of 66.7% and specificity and negative predictive value of 91.7%. Although the predictor was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (log-odds ratio = 0.012, p = 0.01), its ability to distinguish patients with nodal involvement from those without was moderate (AUC = 0.708). This study suggests that preoperative MRI parameters, when combined with clinical features, may have limited value in predicting nodal metastases.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with many cases still diagnosed at advanced stages despite being largely preventable through early screening. Conventional screening approaches, such as colonoscopy and fecal occult blood testing, are effective but limited by invasiveness, low compliance, and suboptimal sensitivity for early-stage disease, underscoring the need for more precise and acceptable alternatives. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have enabled the detection of cancer-associated genetic and epigenetic alterations, including mutations in APC, KRAS, BRAF, and TP53, as well as microsatellite instability and aberrant DNA methylation, which may be detectable years before clinical manifestation of disease. Emerging technologies such as liquid biopsy and multitarget stool DNA testing are transforming CRC screening by providing minimally invasive approaches with improved diagnostic performance. These advances are further supported by next-generation sequencing, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, which enable the identification of complex biomarker patterns that were previously inaccessible. Several molecular assays have already received regulatory approval and show strong clinical utility, particularly in populations less likely to undergo invasive procedures. However, important challenges persist, including false-positive and false-negative results, high cost, lack of standardization, and ethical concerns related to data privacy, particularly in resource-limited settings. As the field advances toward precision prevention, integrating individualized risk profiling with molecular screening strategies may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Ultimately, the success of molecular CRC screening will depend not only on technological innovation but also on ensuring equitable access, affordability, and patient trust. In this perspective, we highlight the molecular revolution in CRC screening, emphasizing how modern technologies have enhanced the speed, accuracy, and uptake of screening strategies. While traditional methods are hindered by limited patient compliance and diagnostic performance, the integration of advanced molecular diagnostics (including liquid biopsies and multitarget DNA testing) is reshaping early detection. Nevertheless, the full potential of this “molecular revolution” will only be realized by addressing barriers related to cost, standardization, and global health equity.

Brain metastases are common in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and portend poor outcomes, yet prognostic determinants—particularly whether brain metastases are present at diagnosis or develop during follow-up—remain incompletely characterized in driver-negative patients treated with first-line platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. This retrospective study evaluated prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic NSCLC who had brain metastases at diagnosis or developed them during follow-up and received first-line platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. A total of 136 epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-, and c-ros oncogene-1 (ROS-1)-negative patients from a single center were included to identify key demographic, clinical, and treatment-related predictors of survival. Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.070), higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (HR: 1.438), presence of multiple metastatic sites (HR: 1.297), and lack of response to first-line chemotherapy (HR: 1.579) were independently associated with worse OS. Conversely, a higher number of chemotherapy cycles was a favorable prognostic factor (HR: 0.797). The timing of brain metastasis, whether present at diagnosis or occurring during follow-up, was not significantly associated with OS. Median OS for the entire cohort was 11.8 months. Females had longer survival than males (21.2 vs. 9.8 months), and patients receiving second-line therapy had improved survival compared with those who did not (24.2 vs. 8.3 months). Survival in this population appears to be primarily influenced by sex, performance status, metastatic burden, and treatment response rather than the timing of brain metastasis. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized treatment strategies, early response assessment, and access to subsequent therapy.

Cancer is a major global public health problem and a leading cause of mortality. According to the GLOBOCAN estimates, Nepal recorded 22,008 new cancer cases, 14,704 cancer deaths, and 44,803 five-year prevalent cancer cases. Despite various public health initiatives, palliative care services in low-income countries remain inadequate. Knowledge of palliative care among family members caring for cancer patients is often insufficient. The demand for palliative care in Nepal has increased to provide essential care and support to cancer patients. This article aims to assess the level of knowledge among family caregivers regarding palliative care for cancer patients at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Nepal. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 family caregivers. Data were collected using a structured quantitative survey questionnaire, which included the validated Palliative Care Knowledge Scale. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Only 26.0% of the family caregivers had adequate knowledge about palliative care. Around 14.3% of the family caregivers had been informed about palliative care, mostly by health workers (86.1%). The mass media and social networking sites did not have an important role in providing information about palliative care. Family caregivers with secondary and higher secondary education, as well as those who had received information on palliative care, were more likely to have adequate knowledge. Public awareness campaigns, community dialogue, and media-based health promotion strategies may help improve family caregivers’ knowledge.

Parotid gland tumors are rare, exhibit complex histopathology, and often lack early clinical symptoms. Epidemiological and pathological features of parotid gland tumors in Anhui province, China, have not yet been reported. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the distribution and histopathological characteristics of parotid gland tumors in Anhui province. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 758 patients with parotid gland tumors admitted to three centers from January 2018 to January 2022. All diagnoses were unequivocally confirmed by histopathological examination. Pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma were the most prevalent tumors. Benign and malignant tumors were detected in six hundred forty-one and one hundred seventeen patients, respectively, with a benign-to-malignant ratio of 5.48:1. A slight female predilection (51.8%) was observed. The highest incidence occurred in the 51-60 years age group. Warthin tumor was the second most prevalent benign tumor, showing a significant male predilection. The distribution and frequency of most parotid gland neoplasms in Anhui province were similar to global reports, confirming the well-known male predilection for Warthin tumor. This multicenter study provides an epidemiological baseline for better characterizing these tumors in this region.

Nivolumab is a standard-of-care treatment for relapsed/refractory (r/r) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and is approved for selected non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes. However, high costs significantly restrict nivolumab accessibility, particularly in the developing world. This study aims to report treatment outcomes in patients with r/r HL and r/r NHL treated with standard or reduced doses of nivolumab in Armenia. A total of 16 patients diagnosed with HL and NHL between 2013 and 2023 (follow-up until March 2025) who received at least one nivolumab dose were included in the study. Primary endpoints: overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and disease progression (PD). Secondary endpoint: overall survival (OS) and safety description. Of the 16 patients, 9 (56.3%) were female. Median age at diagnosis: 37 years. Median follow-up duration: 37 months. Fifteen patients (93.8%) presented with advanced-stage disease. Seven patients (43.8%) were primary resistant. Thirteen (81.3%) experienced financial toxicity, receiving nivolumab at reduced doses. ORR: 9 patients (56.25%), CR: 4 patients (25%), PR: 5 (31.3%), PD: 7 (43.8%). Estimated OS at 12, 24, and 36 months was 91.7%, 81.5%, and 40.7%, respectively. Nivolumab ≥100 mg showed superior efficacy, with responses still seen at reduced doses and no severe adverse events. In conclusion, standard-dose nivolumab showed superior effectiveness in this cohort, though ORR was also observed with reduced doses. Approximately half of patients with r/r HL and NHL responded despite dose reduction. OS and safety were comparable to global data. Larger studies are needed to evaluate potential dose reduction in resource-limited settings.

The rapid introduction of checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK-targeted therapies has transformed melanoma into one of oncology’s most curable malignancies. However, access to these agents remains profoundly unequal across regions. This study evaluates treatment outcomes for patients with non-metastatic melanoma (NMM) in Albania over a decade, highlighting how limited access to innovative treatments constrains survival improvements compared to Western European nations such as France and Germany. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 152 Albanian patients with NMM treated between 2011 and 2021 at the University Hospital Mother Theresa. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables were extracted from medical records. Patients receiving surgery plus adjuvant or systemic therapy were included. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and relapse rates. BRAF mutation was present in 26.3% of patients. All patients underwent surgery; 84.9% received adjuvant systemic therapy. The predominant regimen was interferon-based immunotherapy (48.8%), followed by chemotherapy (23.3%) and targeted therapy (20.2%). No patients received checkpoint inhibitors during the study period, as anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 therapies were not approved in Albania. Relapse occurred in 57.2% of patients, with a mean relapse time of 1.6 years. Median DFS was 3.1 years and median OS 8.7 years, with a 10-year OS rate of 86.8%. Compared with published European data, Albanian patients experienced shorter DFS (3.1 vs. 5-6 years) and higher relapse rates, consistent with limited access to modern therapies. This study illustrates how systemic inequities in drug access perpetuate survival disparities across Europe. Thus, policies enabling equitable access to innovative cancer treatments are essential to translate scientific progress into population-level benefit.