This study aims to evaluate the association between IDO index and the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). We searched databases such as PubMed, to collect relevant English studies on the association between IDO level and the prognosis of CRC published before October 10, 2024. This meta-analysis included 11 studies involving 2068 patients. The results showed that IDO levels were not significantly correlated with OS in CRC patients (HR0.85, 95%CI 0.54-1.33, P = 0.488), but elevated IDO was associated with reduced disease-free survival (DFS) in CRC patients (HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.38-0.99, P = 0.044).Elevated IDO was significantly associated with the incidence of liver metastasis (HR 4.66, 95%CI 1.72-12.64, P = 0.003) and lymphatic infiltration (HR 2.75, 95%CI 1.52-4.97, P < 0.001) in CRC patients. In conclusion, high expression of IDO is significantly associated with DFS, liver metastasis and lymphatic infiltration in CRC patients, and may serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for DFS, liver metastasis, and lymphatic metastasis in CRC.

To compare survival outcomes of patients with stage IIIC cervical cancer based on different treatment strategies.

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has introduced innovative therapeutic paradigms for the management of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC). However, the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in patients with HER2-negative advanced GC/GEJC remain contentious. The comparability among different subgroups is not fully understood, necessitating the identification of optimal patient demographics and the exploration of potential biomarkers.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and laparoscopic focal therapy (LFT) have emerged as minimally invasive alternatives for managing small renal masses. Despite their increasing clinical adoption, comparative evidence regarding their clinical profiles remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis comprehensively evaluates perioperative outcomes, renal function preservation, and oncological efficacy between these 2 interventions for small renal mass treatment.

The value of surgical cytoreduction over modern systemic therapy in patients with colorectal peritoneal metastasis is debated. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the magnitude of the benefit of cytoreduction for peritoneal metastasis over varying intensities of palliative therapies.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) are effective agents in different tumor types. A typical class of adverse events (AEs) associated with these agents, often leading to treatment modifications and discontinuations of treatment, is hematological toxicity. In our systematic review and safety meta-analysis, we investigated the incidence and risk of all grades and ≥ grade (G) 3 hematological AEs, including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) due to PARPis, used alone or in combination, in patients diagnosed with solid tumors. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the European Society of Medical Oncology meeting abstracts for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerning the use of PARPis in patients with solid tumors. The search deadline was April 30, 2024. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for all-grade and ≥ G3 AEs of PARPis versus non-PARPis. 31 phase II/III RCTs were included. Anemia was the most common all-grade (49.2%) and ≥ G3 AE (25.0%). The administration of PARPis significantly increased the risk of developing all grades of anemia (RR = 2.15, p < 0.00001), neutropenia (RR = 1.50, p = 0.0002), and thrombocytopenia (RR = 2.59, p < 0.00001) compared to non-PARPis. Similarly, a significant increase in the risk of ≥ G3 anemia (RR = 5.43, p < 0.00001), neutropenia (RR = 1.70, p = 0.002), and thrombocytopenia (RR = 5.42, p < 0.00001) was detected. PARPis did not increase the risk of AML/MDS (p = 0.86). PARPis increase the risk of hematologic toxicity compared to other treatments in solid tumors. Clinicians should be aware of this risk, especially given the expected increase in PARPis use in the next year in different tumor types.

Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) is a rare disease associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Recent studies showed that detecting ctDNA is feasible and can aid treatment decisions for patients with mUM. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for eligible studies published up to May 2025 that included patients with mUM and reported data on the association between ctDNA and survival outcomes (OS and PFS). Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Of the initial 450 records, seven studies met eligibility, including 518 patients with mUM. At baseline, ctDNA positivity was associated with significantly worse PFS (HR 2.34; 95% CI 1.56-3.51; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) and OS (HR 3.32; 95% CI 2.09-5.29; p < 0.01; I2 = 48%). In patients treated with tebentafusp, ctDNA clearance was associated with superior OS (HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.49; p < 0.01; I2 = 46%) and any decrease in ctDNA was associated with better OS (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.22-0.80; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%). This meta-analysis underscores ctDNA as a potential predictor of worse survival in patients with mUM, highlighting its potential to refine risk stratification and guide treatment strategies. Trial Registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42025638076.

Lynch syndrome patients are at a high risk for developing colorectal cancer; thus, optimal surveillance strategies are required. Although colonoscopic imaging methods differ in diagnostic performance, direct comparisons in this population are not very common. We aimed to evaluate and compare the detection capabilities of white-light endoscopy (WLE), chromoendoscopy, virtual chromoendoscopy (NBI: narrow band imaging, LCI: linked color imaging, I-SCAN), and AI-assisted colonoscopy in detecting neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in individuals diagnosed with Lynch syndrome.

Recently, there has been significant attention focused on neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy (NICT) for the treatment of resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In order to assess the efficacy and safety of this innovative combination in relation to traditional neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT), we performed a systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of denosumab in the treatment of prostate cancer with bone metastases.

Immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy has become standard first line treatment in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), altering the second-line treatment landscape. After progression to first line no standardized systemic treatments have been identified. Advanced lines of therapy in pre-immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) era led to very modest clinical impact.

The first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) has evolved from chemotherapy alone to chemoimmunotherapy. However, the improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) have been modest. Therefore, this study employs a comprehensive multidimensional evaluation framework to identify optimized therapeutic combinations with enhanced efficacy and improved safety profiles in the immunotherapy era.

ImportanceSalivary gland tumors (SGTs) are rare and heterogeneous, necessitating improved prognostic tools to optimize patient management.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in distinguishing between benign and malignant SGTs, identifying tumor stage, and predicting survival and adverse events.DesignSystematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.SettingPublished clinical studies from tertiary care centers and academic hospitals globally, retrieved from electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library).ParticipantsIncluded studies focused on adult and pediatric patients with histologically-confirmed SGTs. Eligibility criteria encompassed all original research articles reporting NLR values related to diagnosis or prognosis of SGTs.ExposureThe exposure of interest was the NLR, evaluated pretreatment in relation to tumor type (benign vs malignant), tumor stage, survival, and adverse treatment outcomes.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome: prognostic performance of NLR regarding overall survival and disease stage.ResultsSeventeen original studies were included, with a median cohort size of 123 patients (range: 20-1989). The mean NLR was 2.86 for distinguishing benign versus malignant SGTs, 2.23 for early-stage versus late-stage malignancy, and 3.62 across different malignant histologic subtypes. An NLR below the cutoff value of 2.51 was significantly associated with improved overall survival (P < .05). A higher cutoff of 3.95 correlated with the presence or absence of grade ≥3 adverse events (P < .05).ConclusionsNLR shows promise as a cost-effective, noninvasive biomarker to stratify malignancy risk, assess tumor stage, and predict prognosis and treatment-related toxicity in both adult and pediatric SGT populations.RelevanceThese findings support the integration of NLR into routine pretreatment evaluation protocols for SGTs. Future prospective, multicenter studies are necessary to validate standardized cutoff values for clinical use and to further investigate its role in personalized treatment strategies.

Glioma is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults, with glioblastoma (GBM) representing the most aggressive subtype, characterized by diffuse infiltration, resistance to therapy, and a poor prognosis. Despite standard treatments, survival remains only approximately 14 months. Cannabinoids have been increasingly investigated for their therapeutic potential in gliomas, particularly GBM. Although multiple reviews on this field of research have been published, most are current only up to 2022. This systematic review aims to provide an updated summary of studies published between 2022 and 2025, capturing recent developments in anti-glioma mechanisms, combinational strategies, immune modulation, and novel therapeutic platforms. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink were searched for original English-language journal articles published between January 2022 and February 2025, using search terms related to cannabinoids and brain cancer. From 1031 records, 45 original research articles were included after removing duplicates, non-primary studies, and irrelevant topics. The studies were categorized into seven thematic domains based on content. Recent studies have elaborated on the anti-cancer mechanisms of cannabinoids beyond endocannabinoid signaling via the CB1/CB2 receptor, including ferroptosis induction, mitochondrial dysfunction, integrated stress response activation, and epigenetic modulation. Synthetic cannabinoids and their analogs demonstrated enhanced blood-brain barrier penetration and cytotoxicity in glioma models. Cannabinoids have been shown to modulate immune responses in glioma, influencing T cell infiltration, myeloid suppressor cell recruitment, and tumor-associated macrophage function. Novel formulation and delivery strategies have improved cannabinoid solubility, stability, and tumor targeting. Combination therapies, particularly cannabidiol with temozolomide or radiotherapy, exhibited additive or synergistic anti-tumor effects, although variability between glioma subtypes suggests the need for personalized approaches. Although cannabinoid-based glioma research has expanded our understanding of the mechanisms, discrepancies between preclinical findings and clinical data highlight the need for rigorous clinical trials and mechanistic research before cannabinoid-based treatments can be reliably integrated into standard glioma care.

The liver is the most common metastatic organ of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). NET liver metastases (NETLMs) are categorized into simple liver metastasis (type I), complex liver metastasis (type II) and diffuse liver metastasis (type III), of which diffuse liver metastasis accounts for the highest percentage, up to 60-70%. Radical resection is recommended for all patients with type I and partial type II liver metastases without extrahepatic metastases in G1 and G2 grades, with a 5-year survival rate of 65%-70%. But for patients with G3 or type III liver metastases, treatment is controversial. Ablation and TAE/TACE are commonly used localized treatments. Somatostatin analogue (octreotide and lanreotide) are efficacious in the treatment of better-differentiated NETs and can prolong the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients. Targeted drugs such as sunitinib, everolimus, sofantinib and cabozantinib are used to control tumor growth and improve symptoms. In addition, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of progressive somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic NETs and has shown potential for prolonging PFS and improving survival. Multidisciplinary treatment is crucial for patients with NETLMs with high tumor load, and neoadjuvant therapy combined with surgery may lead to a better prognosis. However, the choice of treatment, indications for combination therapy, and disease prognosis still require further research and exploration. This review summarizes and evaluates the current treatment strategies and development trend of NETLM treatment through a literature review and provides new ideas as well as insights.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Lenvatinib plus transarterial chemoembolization with or without programmed death-1 inhibitors (PD-1 inhibitors) in the treatment of intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Gastrointestinal tumors represent a significant proportion of malignant neoplasms worldwide. Sarcopenia has emerged as a clinically relevant prognostic factor. Defined as the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, sarcopenia has been associated with adverse outcomes in oncological patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide. Prioritizing emergency responses resulted in the postponement of routine medical care, including melanoma diagnoses. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the pandemic's effect on diagnosis rates, Breslow thickness, stage at presentation, ulceration, histologic subtypes, and patient age.

Differentiating pseudoprogression (PsP) from true progression (TP) in high-grade glioma (HGG) patients is still challenging and critical for effective treatment management. This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in making this distinction. We aimed to assess the performance of AI algorithms in distinguishing between pseudoprogression and true progression in patients with high-grade glioma. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for studies reporting on AI algorithms that differentiate pseudoprogression from true progression in high-grade gliomas. The analysis evaluated reported metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and F1 score. The meta-analysis included 26 articles involving 1,972 patients. In the high-grade glioma group, AI algorithms demonstrated a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI: 77%-100%) and a specificity of 75% (95% CI: 54%-97%). For the glioblastoma (GBM) group, accuracy was 77% (95% CI: 68%-86%), with sensitivity of 77% (95% CI: 67%-86%) and specificity of 63% (95% CI: 43%-82%). Overall, the algorithms achieved an accuracy of 80% (95% CI: 76%-85%), sensitivity of 85% (95% CI: 80%-91%), specificity of 69% (95% CI: 58%-80%), a PPV of 79% (95% CI: 58%-100%), a NPV of 97% (95% CI: 90%-100%), and an F1 score of 74% (95% CI: 67%-81%). AI algorithms show significant promise in accurately distinguishing between pseudoprogression and true progression in high-grade gliomas, suggesting their potential utility in clinical decision-making.

Pancreatic cancer is still a terrifying condition that has a high mortality rate due to its rapid progression and treatment complexity. However, there is still no consensus on what the gold standard of treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is.