Although biennial upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended for gastric cancer screening in Korea, data regarding the endoscopic characteristics associated with the diagnosis of gastric neoplasms in serial endoscopic screening are limited. We aimed to evaluate the index endoscopic characteristics associated with the diagnosis of gastric neoplasms and adequate gastric cancer screening interval.

We retrospectively reviewed cases of the patients diagnosed with gastric neoplasms, who showed no evidence of gastric neoplasms on index endoscopy between October 2005 and December 2022. The indices of endoscopic characteristics were analyzed. Patients were stratified according to the interval between endoscopic examinations (≤1, 1-2, 2-3, and >3 years), and the proportion of adenoma, early gastric cancer (EGC) and advanced gastric cancer (AGC) was analyzed across groups.

A total of 331 lesions with histological diagnoses of gastric neoplasms (167 adenomas, 138 EGCs, and 26 AGCs) were included. The initial baseline endoscopic findings were as follows: normal, 22 (6.7%); gastritis, 16 (4.8%); erosion, 65 (19.6%); ulcers, 19 (5.8%); atrophy, 104 (31.4%); and intestinal metaplasia, 105 (31.7%). The proportion of AGC increased with longer surveillance intervals: 0% at ≤1 year (median: 0.76 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.38), 3.1% at 1-2 years (1.59; 0.57), 6.7% at 2-3 years (2.37; 0.51), and 20.0% at >3 years (4.18; 1.53). Conversely, adenoma were most frequently detected within 1 year, comprising 63.6% ( P < 0.05).

Cautious follow-up endoscopy may be necessary for patients demonstrating endoscopic findings of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. Shorter surveillance intervals enable early detection of gastric neoplasia and may prevent progression to advanced cancer.

Objective was to describe the association between baseline characteristics and the number of Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool (SSPedi) assessments completed over an 8-week period.

This was a sub-analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial among 10 sites that were randomized to the intervention group. Participants were English- or Spanish-speaking pediatric patients 8-18 years of age newly diagnosed with cancer. Participants were prompted to complete SSPedi three times weekly for 8 weeks. The outcome was the number of SSPedi assessments completed during the 8-week period. Factors associated with the number of assessments were determined using mixed effects Poisson regression.

At the 10 intervention sites, 216 patients were included in the analysis. Among these participants, 129 (59.7%) were male, 112 (51.9%) were white, and 83 (38.4%) were Hispanic. The number of SSPedi assessments was significantly higher for participants 11-14 years (rate ratio (RR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.25) and 15-18 years (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.27) compared to 8-10 years. Participants completed more SSPedi assessments if they were Asian compared to white (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.46), non-Hispanic compared to Hispanic (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.28) and from families with a household income ≥$60,000 (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.21). Participants completed fewer SSPedi assessments if they had solid tumors compared to leukemia (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.99).

Adherence to three-times weekly SSPedi varied by age, race, ethnicity, cancer diagnosis, and family income. This information may facilitate interventions to support routine symptom screening in clinical practice.

NCT04614662.

We aimed to analyse trends in incidence, mortality and 5-year relative survival of malignant and benign/borderline brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours between 1980 and 2021 in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, stratified by sex, age group, behaviour and histological subtypes.

We used incidence data from the Cancer Registry of Zurich, Zug, Schaffhausen and Schwyz, including primary benign/borderline and malignant tumours diagnosed between 1980 and 2021 in the Canton of Zurich in patients aged ≥ 15 years (N = 10,226). Mortality data were provided by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (N = 3514). We calculated age-standardised incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 person-years and used Joinpoint to analyse trends.

The age-standardised incidence rate of malignant tumours was stable over time (around 7.7-8.2 per 100,000 person-years in men and 4.6-5.2 in women), while the rate of benign/borderline tumours increased from 3.8 in 1980-1990 to 10.8 in 2011-2021 in men and from 5.7 to 19.1 in women. The age-standardised mortality rate remained stable over time for malignant tumours (around 5.5-6.1 in men and 3.5-4.0 in women) but significantly decreased for benign/borderline tumours (from 1.0 to 0.5 in men and from 1.2 to 0.5 in women). Age-standardised 5-year relative survival increased from around 80% in 1980-1989 up to > 90% in 2011-2017 for benign/borderline tumours and from < 20% to around 30% for malignant tumours. There was a small survival advantage in women compared to men.

We observed an increase in incidence and a decrease in mortality rates for benign/borderline tumours, while both rates remained stable for malignant tumours. Five-year relative survival improved over time. The increasing incidence rates in benign/borderline tumours may be due to improved diagnostic techniques and an increasing use of CT scans, as reported in other countries. The increase in relative survival may reflect earlier detection and better treatment options.

Modakafusp alfa (TAK-573) is a novel, first-in-class fusion protein of a humanized anti-CD38 IgG4 kappa antibody fused to attenuated human interferon alfa-2b. It acts as an agonistic innate immunity enhancer through targeted interferon (IFN) signaling and has been investigated as an immune-oncology therapeutic agent in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Population PK analysis and sequential PK-PD analysis of serum M-protein (MP) as a primary marker of tumor burden in RRMM were conducted using dose escalation (Part 1) and dose expansion (Part 2) data from 96 RRMM patients enrolled in the Phase 1/2 iinnovate-1 trial. After exploring various structural PK models with different levels of mechanistic complexity, a Michaelis-Menten approximation model that included an anti-drug antibody (ADA) binding model adequately captured the nonlinear PK of modakafusp alfa and the apparent time-varying impact of ADA on the PK. Body weight was a significant predictor of central volume of distribution (exponent of 0.51) but was not predictive of elimination-related parameters given both catabolic and likely target-mediated elimination processes. Serum MP data from patients evaluable at baseline were adequately characterized using the Claret tumor growth inhibition and drug resistance model, with antitumor drug effect using an E_max model. The population PK and PK-PD modeling results supported model-informed drug development for modakafusp alfa, including the switch from weight-based to fixed dosing and the selection of two fixed doses for the randomized dose extension (Part 3) phase of the trial to inform future optimal dose selection, which is consistent with the Project Optimus paradigm.

The differential implementation of the 1997 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards of collecting multiracial data affects the accuracy and comparability of race-specific cancer rates of incidence and mortality.

Cancer incidences from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and cancer deaths from the National Vital Statistics System were obtained. Population data came from Census Bureau postcensal vintage 2022 estimates. Age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality in 2020 were compared via rate ratios across three race definitions: two definitions compliant with the 1997 OMB standards, namely race-alone and race-alone-or-in-combination, and one compliant with the previous 1977 OMB standards, namely bridged-race.

The proportions of multiracial individuals in the incidence and death data were lower than those in the population data, with the degree varying by age, race, and geography. However, race definitions had minimal impact on rates for Whites, Blacks, and Asians. Race-alone-or-in-combination rates were lower for Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) compared to race-alone rates, which suggests an underrepresentation of multiracial NHOPI individuals in the incidence data. Race-alone and race-alone-or-in-combination yielded similar rates for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/ANs) but were significantly lower than their bridged-race counterparts, which suggests a mismatch in how AI/AN was classified between the incidence and population data.

Improving the representation of multiracial incidence is essential for addressing the unique needs in cancer prevention and care among subpopulations with large shares of multiracial individuals. This article is the first to demonstrate the usefulness of race-alone-or-in-combination categories in capturing cancer burdens for minority race groups.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is characterized by an overproduction of aldosterone, leading to hypertension and hypokalemia. Although surgery is an effective treatment for unilateral PA, some patients may be unwilling or unable to undergo this invasive procedure. This case report presents a 51-year-old female patient with refractory hypertension, diagnosed with right-sided hypersecretion of aldosterone and concomitant with autonomous cortisol secretion. The patient declined surgery and was treated with spironolactone as an alternative. Despite optimized medication over 3 months, her blood pressure remained poorly controlled, and she continued to experience hypokalemia and muscle weakness. The patient subsequently underwent right-sided superselective adrenal artery embolization (SAAE). The procedure led to significant reductions in aldosterone and cortisol levels, achieving long-term blood pressure control and biochemical remission with minimal doses of antihypertensive drugs and no need for potassium supplementation. Two years of follow-up confirmed sustained clinical and biochemical improvements, along with evidence of ameliorated target organ damage. This case highlights the potential of SAAE as a feasible treatment option for aldosterone-producing adenomas, offering an alternative therapeutic approach beyond current guidelines.

ObjectivesSynchronous primary tumors have been defined as two or more concurrent, yet independent tumors diagnosed within 6 months or less. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence and clinical findings in cats with synchronous gastrointestinal (GI) small cell lymphoma (SCL) and GI mast cell tumor (MCT) at two referral hospitals. A secondary objective was to classify these tumors as distinct or mixed, and if mixed, categorize them histomorphologically as collision or combined tumors based on standardized definitions informed by literature review.MethodsThe databases of the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) and University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria (Vetmeduni) were searched between January 2012 and December 2022 for cats with synchronous GI SCL and GI MCT. Clinical findings, treatment and outcome were abstracted from medical records. Biopsy or autopsy reports and, when available, slides and/or histopathology images indicating the presence of a synchronous GI SCL and GI MCT were reviewed by two board-certified pathologists.ResultsA total of 15 cats were diagnosed with synchronous GI SCL and GI MCT, representing 4.3% of 329 cats with GI SCL in the AMC population. This study identified 15 cats with a total of 18 synchronous tumors. Six cats had tumors classified as distinct tumors and six as combined. Three cats had both distinct and combined tumors. Survival in this group of cats was in the range of 8-1189 days.Conclusions and relevanceThis is the first report to classify synchronous tumors in cats as distinct and combined tumors. The results of this study indicate a wide range of survival times for cats with synchronous GI SCL and GI MCT, suggesting that despite the diagnosis of synchronous tumors, the outcome is similar to cats with either GI SCL or GI MCT.

ObjectivesFeline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a malignant tumour arising from squamous epithelium and accounts for 15% of all skin tumours, commonly involving the nasal planum, pinnae and eyelids. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) combines the application of short high-voltage electric pulses with intravenous or intralesional administration of cytotoxic agents to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ECT with intravenously administered bleomycin in the treatment of different stages of cSCC (T1-T4).MethodsA total of 23 cats with cSCC located on the nasal planum (19/23), lip (1/23), eyelid (1/23), metacarpal pad (1/23) and temporal region (1/23) were included in this retrospective study. Cats were excluded if they did not have a histological or cytological diagnosis of cSCC or if records were incomplete. All cats were treated following a standard protocol with intravenous bleomycin before electroporation of cSCC lesions. Cats were staged according to the World Health Organization staging system: T1 (10/23), T2 (4/23), T3 (1/23) and T4 (8/23). Data on treatment adverse effects and response were collected.ResultsThe median follow-up after initial treatment was 136 days (range 7-1763). Common adverse effects were local effects in 13/23 cats consisting of erythema, desquamation (dry/moist), ulceration and crusting. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 65.3% of cases, partial response in 13%, stable disease in 8.7% and progressive disease in 13%. Eight cats received a second ECT treatment, with 4/8 cats achieving CR after the second treatment. The overall response rate was 78.3%. The recurrence rate was 26.7%, with a disease-free interval of 466 days.Conclusions and relevanceECT is effective in treating T1 and T2 cSCC and can be considered a relevant treatment alternative for these cases.

Conjunctival melanoma is a rare yet aggressive ocular surface malignancy, with an incidence of approximately 0.2-0.8 cases per million individuals annually. It predominantly affects older adults, making its occurrence in younger individuals exceedingly rare and diagnostically challenging.

We report a 30-year-old Syrian male presenting with a progressively enlarging pigmented lesion on the temporal-inferior conjunctiva of the right eye. The lesion, noted since adolescence, demonstrated significant growth over the past 3 years. Comprehensive clinical assessment and imaging studies confirmed the presence of a well-vascularized, mobile conjunctival lesion, with no evidence of intraocular extension. Surgical excision with 1 mm safety margins was performed, followed by ocular surface reconstruction using a cryopreserved amniotic membrane graft. Histopathological analysis revealed a malignant melanoma with epithelioid and spindle cell morphology and tumor-free margins. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with full epithelialization by 1 week and no evidence of recurrence at the 1-year follow-up.

Timely diagnosis and a multidisciplinary surgical approach are essential for achieving optimal outcomes in conjunctival melanoma, particularly in young patients. Complete excision with negative margins combined with amniotic membrane grafting ensures effective oncologic control and functional ocular surface restoration.

Saikosaponin D (SSD) has been shown to have the strongest anti-tumor activity. This study aimed to explore the effects and potential molecular mechanism of Saikosaponin D (SSD) against estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

MCF-7 and T-47D cell lines were treated with a series of concentrations of SSD. Growth, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis tests were performed. Next, potential targets of SSD against breast cancer were predicted. The targets for SSD were collected from HERB database and PharmMapper Server and displayed accoding to degree.

there was a dose-dependent decrease in MCF-7 and T-47D cancer cell viability and the the half maximal inhibitory concentrations were 7.31 ± 0.63 µM and 9.06 ± 0.45 µM, respectively. Treatment with SSD decreased cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle at G1, and induced cell apoptosis. There were 227 potential targets of SSD against breast cancer, among which ESR1 was a hub gene. SSD treatment can reduce the protein levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα), Cyclin D1 (CCND1), and the proto-oncogene c-Myc (c-Myc).

SSD may have therapeutic potential in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, may through its suppression on ESR1.