Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignancies among women in Morocco. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with CC in Moroccan women aged 18 to 62.

this was a case-control study of 169 women who received radio-chemotherapy and 100 controls. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 29.0.10 to determine associated factors at a significance level of ≤0.05.

significant associations were found between CC and the following factors: educational level (OR= 9.167), sexual activity during menstruation (OR= 2.351), previous occurrences of sexually transmitted infections (OR= 2.173), and history of multiple sexual partners by the husband (OR= 6.305). However, family history of cancer, consanguinity, number of sleeping hours, and stress did not show any significant association with CC. HPV infection was detected in 33.81% of cases and 8% of controls, with HPV16 being the most prevalent genotype (59.57%), followed by HPV53 (14.79%). Other genotypes were found at lower frequencies. The phylogenetic analysis of HPV isolates showed that the distribution of HPV sequences in Moroccan women with cervical cancer is mainly linked to European, Saudi Arabian and North African epidemiological conditions, suggesting recombinant HPV forms. Additionally, American isolates formed two distinct outgroups, likely due to geographical distance, indicating variations in HPV strains by region.

Morocco faces a significant burden of CC, with HPV being the primary cause. Lifestyle risk factors like low education, male sexual behavior, multiple pregnancies, and sexual intercourse also contribute.

Occupational carcinogens contribute to the burden of nasopharyngeal (NPC) and laryngeal cancer (LC), yet their global impact and long-term trends remain insufficiently explored. This study estimates the burden, temporal trends, and future projections of occupational carcinogen-attributable NPC and LC from 1990 to 2050.

Using data from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, we analyzed death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across 204 countries and territories. Age-standardized death rate (ASDR), age-standardized DALYs rate, and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were used to assess trends. Decomposition analysis quantified the contributions of epidemiological changes, population growth, and aging. Future projections (2022-2050) were estimated using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing (ES) models.

Between 1990 and 2021, global deaths due to occupational carcinogen-attributable NPC increased by 25.4%, while DALYs rose by 17.0%, despite a 33.3% decline in the age-standardized rate (ASR) of DALYs. For LC, deaths cases increased by 29.4%, and DALYs rose by 22.0%, alongside a 42.9% reduction in ASDR and 42.7% in ASR of DALYs. Sex-specific trends revealed that males bore a disproportionately higher burden, particularly in high-risk occupational sectors. Across socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, the most significant increases in absolute burden were observed in low-middle and middle SDI regions, whereas high SDI regions exhibited the greatest declines in death and DALY rates. Decomposition analysis showed that population growth and aging were the primary drivers of increased burden in low- and middle-income regions, whereas epidemiological improvements helped offset burden in high-income regions. Projections to 2050 suggest that despite further reductions in age-standardized rates, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs will continue rising, particularly in regions experiencing rapid industrialization.

The increasing absolute burden despite declining rates underscores the need for sustained occupational health interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Efforts such as expanding occupational health surveillance systems, tailoring region-specific exposure controls, and improving early-warning prediction tools will be essential to mitigating future occupational cancer risks.

Oncology patients, as an immunocompromised population, are particularly susceptible to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). This study aims to establish a scientifically sound model to estimate the disease burden associated with HAIs in oncology patients, providing valuable decision-making support for healthcare systems and public health management.

Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed. Post-matching permutation tests were applied to compare hospitalization costs and lengths of stay between the HAIs and non-HAI groups, as well as between the multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRO) infection group and non-MDRO group.

The results indicate that the average hospitalization cost in the HAIs group was 23.7% higher than the non-HAI groups, with a median difference of 12,417.6 CNY. Among various hospitalization expenses, the largest disparity was observed in the cost of Western medications, which had a median difference of 5,453.79 CNY, representing a 54.38% increase. The average length of hospital stay in the HAIs group was 1.33 times that of the control group. For the MDRO infection group, the average hospitalization cost exceeded that of the control group by 56.43%, with an absolute difference of 32,266.62 CNY. Additionally, the average length of hospital stay in the MDRO group was 42.11% longer, extending by 8 days.

Both HAIs and MDRO infections significantly increase hospitalization duration and costs. The resulting disease burden is reflected in the direct escalation of health economic costs and the indirect effects of reduced hospital operational efficiency and heightened strain on the healthcare system. On this basis, we conclude that the funds for the prevention and control of HAIs and MDRO infections should be increased, and the measures for the prevention and control of HAIs should be implemented effectively, so as to reduce the direct and indirect economic burdens caused by HAIs and MDRO infections.

Our aim was to investigate psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life-high dose chemotherapy29 (EORTC QLQ-HDC29) in patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years and undergone HSCT were included. The European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire-cancer30 the Eastern cooperative oncology group performance score, and the functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant were used to determine convergent validity. Reliability was assessed through the calculation of Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values.

Totally 151 patients were included. The convergent validity analysis between the EORTC QLQ-HDC29 and the other variables revealed significant, low to strong correlations (p < 0.05). The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was excellent (ICC values ranged from 0.886 to 1.000). The internal consistency values were acceptable except for the "Worries/Anxiety" and "Inpatient Issues" scales (ranged from 0.175 to 0.985).

The reliability and validity of Turkish version of the EORTC QLQ-HDC29 was feasible and acceptable in patients treated with HSCT. Further research is required to ascertain the psychometric properties of the EORTC QLQ-HD29.

Perioperative FLOT is considered the gold standard treatment for locally advanced gastric cancer. However, in the adjuvant setting, chemotherapy intolerance has brought de-escalation strategies to the forefront as an important area of research. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of adjuvant FLOT and FOLFOX regimens in enhancing survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who underwent surgical resection following neoadjuvant FLOT treatment.

Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (cT2-4, N0-3) who received four cycles of neoadjuvant FLOT and subsequently underwent surgery at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between January 2018 and September 2024 were retrospectively evaluated. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes were compared to patients receiving adjuvant FOLFOX or FLOT. Clinical variables such as disease stage and response to neoadjuvant therapy were also analyzed to determine their impact on DFS and OS.

The analysis included 171 patients, with a median age of 59 years and a median follow-up duration of 16.1 months. At 16 months, the DFS and OS rates were 66% and 82%, respectively. Of the 171 patients, 105 received adjuvant FLOT, 37 received FOLFOX, and 29 received no adjuvant therapy. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in DFS (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.30-1.33, p = 0.229) or OS (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.24-2.37, p = 0.635) between the FLOT and FOLFOX groups. However, the advanced disease stage and lack of pathological response to neoadjuvant FLOT were associated with decreased DFS and OS, highlighting these factors as potential prognostic indicators.

Among patients undergoing surgery after neoadjuvant FLOT, adjuvant FOLFOX showed comparable efficacy to FLOT, suggesting its potential as an alternative option, particularly for patients with deteriorated ECOG PS or those who developed chemotherapy intolerance postoperatively. These findings inform treatment strategies and optimize adjuvant therapy selection based on individual patient profiles.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents, and the evaluation of joint invasion with MRI is important for treatment planning. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of MRI findings (direct and indirect) for joint invasion in patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the knee region.

The MRI evaluations of 50 knee osteosarcoma patients who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively by two radiologists and an orthopedic oncologist. The presence of intrasynovial tumor tissue, intra-articular destruction of cartilage or bone, and invasion of the capsular and cruciate ligament insertions were evaluated as direct findings in the diagnosis of joint invasion on MRI. Indirect findings included tumor size, adjacent epiphyseal bone signal changes- bone marrow infiltration and edema, synovial contrast enhancement, and joint effusion. These findings were scored separately on a 5-point Likert scale and statistically compared with histopathologic results.

The mean age of the patients was 22 years and the gender distribution was 21 females and 29 males. The best predictors for joint invasion were direct visualization of capsular insertion invasion (p < 0.05) and destruction of intraarticular bone (p < 0.05). MRI findings with statistically significant sensitivity and specificity: intrasynovial tumor tissue specificity 76%, sensitivity 58%; intra-articular cartilage destruction specificity 84%, sensitivity 56%; intra-articular bone destruction sensitivity 84%, specificity 48%; capsular insertion invasion sensitivity 92%, specificity 48%. Synovial effusion and contrast enhancement were the most sensitive indirect signs but lacked specificity.

Joint invasion by osteosarcoma can reliably be assessed on preoperative MR images with high sensitivity and specificity. Particularly direct visualization of intrasynovial tumor tissue, capsular insertion invasion, and destruction of intraarticular bone and cartilage, a combination of highly specific direct signs was valuable, while indirect signs were less predictive and specific.

Several epigenetic alterations are involved in the development of breast cancer. The long noncoding RNA HOTAIR and related RNAs play a role in initiation of breast cancer and are promising targets for diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate HMGA2 associated ceRNA HOTAIR pathway in breast cancer patients.

Forty breast cancer patients and ten healthy controls were included in this study, and then patients were divided into clinicopathologic groups. After total cell-free RNA isolation, expression levels of target RNAs were analysed by Real-Time PCR. The amount of gene expression was determined according to delta-delta Ct method and change in the expression was determined using the 2^-ΔΔCt method.

HOTAIR expression was significantly higher in the study group (especially in the ER negative group) than in the control group (p value = 0.006). When patients with relapse were compared with those without relapse, HMGA2 expression was significantly higher (p value = 0.048). There was a significant increase in miR-20a-5p expression (p value = 0.002) in the premenopausal group compared to the postmenopausal group, while there was a significant decrease in HMGA2 expression (p value = 0.002). A positive correlation between patient age and HMGA2 and a negative correlation between patient age and miR-20a-5p were found (respectively p value: 0.037 and p value: 0.006). Also, we found a negative correlation between HMGA2 and miR-20a-5p (p value: 0.027, correlation coefficient: -0.350).

To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the association of the HMGA2 associated HOTAIR axis with breast cancer in cell-free RNA from peripheral blood of patients. Our findings emphasize the potential of the HMGA2 associated HOTAIR axis as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, especially in ER negative, postmenopausal onset, and relapsed breast cancer.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global health and affected chronic disease management. This study quantified the impact of the pandemic on disease-specific measures of health dynamics, such as mortality rates, healthcare resource utilization (HRU), and disease burden.

An interrupted time-series analysis was performed by examining temporal trends across disease categories over two periods: pre-pandemic and pandemic (after January 2020). Monthly mortality data were collected from 31 countries, while monthly HRU and disease burden data were collected from South Korea. We defined primary outcomes as disease-specific mortality rate, number of patients, outpatient visits, days of hospitalization, disease burden, and per capita cost. We used a generalized least squares model with AR (1) residuals and an automated SARIMA model and Benjamini-Hochberg-adjusted q-values were applied for statistical significance (q < 0.05).

A significant increase in disease-specific mortality was observed across multiple countries, with circulatory diseases showing the most widespread rise. HRU declined across most disease categories, including reductions in patient numbers, outpatient visits, and hospital stays; however, patient number showed sustained increase in neoplasm and mental disorder. Although changes in total direct medical costs varied by disease, per capita costs initially increased despite a decrease in the number of patients.

The pandemic led to increased mortality and disease burden with limited access to healthcare services. Establishing resilient healthcare systems and appropriate public health policies are key to ensure continuity of care during national crises.

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea; National Research Foundation of Korea; Korean Government; Korea Environment Industry & Technology Institute.

Expressive writing interventions (EWIs) are associated with important psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. However, EWIs have not been widely integrated into routine psychosocial care of cancer populations. A review of the current literature on EWIs' impact on the cancer patient experience, including qualitative analyses of patient perspectives, will increase our understanding of barriers and facilitators to adoption in clinical settings.

To bridge existing gaps in the literature by examining quantitative and qualitative studies on EWIs for patients with cancer. To present recent data examining the benefits of EWI's for patients with cancer.To provide strategies for clinicians engaging in EWI's for their patients.

Informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we completed a scoping review of relevant quantitative and qualitative articles published from 2015 to 2025 to assess the impact of EWIs on health-related outcomes (e.g., physical symptoms and quality of life [QOL]) as well as approaches to improve their use in patients with cancer.

Of the 28 studies with 3527 patients that we analyzed, 24 were quantitative and 4 were qualitative. Most studies were conducted in the USA (42.8%) or China (28.6%) and included patients with breast cancer (71.4%) or only included women (71.4%). Of the patients in the studies, 46.8% identified as White, 42.8% as Asian, 5.5% as Black, and 4.5% as Latino. Twenty-one of the quantitative studies found that EWIs were positively associated with cancer patients' QOL and/or physical health outcomes. Of the 4 qualitative studies, themes of narrative reconstruction, cultural disclosure norms, and intervention delivery format emerged. The characteristics of EWI methods can be tailored to maximize therapeutic benefits through cultural adaptation, timing, and privacy.

Despite promising associations between EWIs and health-related outcomes in patients with cancer, EWIs for cancer populations are heterogeneous and randomized clinical trials are limited. Larger trials that establish the efficacy of EWIs in diverse cancer populations are warranted.

To evaluate real-world patient characteristics, healthcare resource use (HRU), and clinical outcomes among patients with advanced or metastatic (A/M) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stratified by KRAS mutation status (KRAS G12C, KRAS non-G12C, and KRAS wild-type[WT]).

This retrospective chart review included adults with A/M NSCLC and known KRAS status who received second- or third-line non-targeted therapy (index therapy) in France, the UK, or Switzerland. Patient characteristics, HRU, and key clinical outcomes-including time to treatment discontinuation (TTD), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS)-were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank methods. Exploratory multivariate Cox models adjusted for clinical covariates.

The study included 211 patients (France: 192, UK: 13, Switzerland: 6), with 53.1% having KRAS G12C, 21.8% KRAS non-G12C, and 25.1% KRAS WT NSCLC. Median age was 66 years; 62.1% were male, and 95.8% were current/former smokers. Baseline characteristics were comparable across KRAS subgroups. HRU was high, including 125 unplanned healthcare provider visits, primarily to general practitioners (42.4%) and specialists (24.0%). Hospitalization was frequent (70.1% of patients), with 40.8% experiencing unplanned admissions, largely due to disease complications (54.2%) and grade 3/4 adverse events (24.4%). Median TTD, PFS, and OS were comparable across KRAS subgroups for second-line (4.4-4.7 months, 5.3-6.3 months, and 11.2-15.0 months) and third-line (3.2-4.1 months, 3.4-5.2 months, and 5.1-9.2 months) therapy. Multivariate analysis showed that KRAS status, performance status, histology, and comorbidities were not significantly associated with survival outcomes.

Patients with advanced NSCLC, regardless of KRAS mutation status, experience a substantial disease burden, frequent hospitalizations, and poor clinical outcomes. These findings highlight the urgent need for more effective treatment options for advanced NSCLC, including therapies tailored to KRAS-mutated disease.