Superficial leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignancy of muscular origin arising in the skin and soft tissues. Although wide local excision is the standard of care for these tumors, Mohs micrographic surgery is a promising treatment option as it provides for optimal margin control. The object of this systematic review is to examine the efficacy of micrographic surgery in the management of superficial leiomyosarcoma. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline and Cochrane databases; 14 studies representing 66 patients were included. Analysis demonstrated a notably low rate of recurrence (1.5%) and metastasis (0.0%) in tumors treated with micrographic surgery, contrasting with increased rates of recurrence and metastasis in tumors treated with wide local excision. These data may be influenced by a shortage of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma in the included patients, as subcutaneous tumors are more likely to recur and metastasize. Further research is warranted to determine the value of Mohs micrographic surgery in treating superficial leiomyosarcoma and specifically, the subcutaneous variant.

PurposeTo comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors with chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating PARP inhibitor-chemotherapy combinations. Studies reporting progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety outcomes were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, and a meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models.ResultsOf 970 studies retrieved, four RCTs involving 1064 patients met the inclusion criteria. PARP inhibitors combined with chemotherapy significantly improved PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-0.84, P < .0001) and showed a trend towards improved OS (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.79-1.09, P = .36), though this was not statistically significant. There was no significant improvement in ORR (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.98-1.20, P = .13). Regarding safety, no significant difference was observed in all grades or grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) overall, but the combination therapy was associated with an increased risk of anemia, nausea, and diarrhea (RRs ranging from 1.14 to 1.29, all P < .01).ConclusionPARP inhibitor combined with chemotherapy is an effective option for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer, but its potential increased risks of specific AEs need to be weighed. Clinicians should make individualized treatment plans according to the specific conditions of patients, comprehensive consideration of efficacy and safety.

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain cancer with poor prognosis. Recurrence is common, and survival post-recurrence is limited. Identifying prognostic factors for recurrent glioblastoma can optimize treatment and improve outcomes.

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the accuracy of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) detection in cervical cancer remains debated.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a prevalent form of skin cancer that can be localized or metastatic. Current evidence supports the use of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitors for locally advanced or metastatic BCC with resistance due to genetic alterations in the Hh pathway. This systematic review evaluated the prevalence of genetic alterations in Hh pathway genes in BCC.

Primary pulmonary nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare and highly aggressive thoracic malignancy that poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in clinical practice. This tumor is characterized by its heterogeneous clinical presentations and poor prognosis, often evading accurate initial diagnosis. In this study, we present two cases of primary pulmonary NMC treated with an integrated therapeutic approach combining anti-angiogenic agents, platinum-based chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This multimodal strategy achieved survival durations of 32 and 13 months, respectively, surpassing the currently reported median survival of advanced NMC. Through a systematic literature review of reported cases, we have summarized the currently used diagnostic methods and treatment modalities for NMC. Our findings suggest that multimodal therapy incorporating anti-angiogenic treatment may offer superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional monotherapy regimens, particularly for patients who are not eligible for surgery. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of NMC management by elucidating diagnostic pitfalls through histopathological correlation and proposing an effective therapeutic combination that demonstrates improved survival outcomes. By providing valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary NMC, we hope to contribute to the development of more effective strategies for managing this rare and aggressive malignancy.

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of nanocarbon suspensions and methylene blue injections in sentinel lymph node biopsies of patients with breast cancer based on the dye method.

Head and neck cancers (HNC) comprise malignancies occurring in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and salivary glands. This meta-analysis assessed the effect of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET on the management of recurrent HNC.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide with a poor prognosis when diagnosed at advanced clinical stages. The main risk factors are tobacco consumption and alcohol abuse. However, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is increasing due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Current diagnostic techniques for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC often involve invasive, costly, and time intensive procedures. Alternatively, liquid biopsies have emerged as a minimally invasive technique which may lessen the burden of cancer diagnoses on both patients and healthcare resources. This technique analyzes biological components released by tumors into the bloodstream, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, tumor proteins, and methylation changes, allowing for specific cancer detection and surveillance. This article reviewed the status and clinical applications of ctDNA and CTCs in the diagnosis and treatment of HPV-positive HNC. In addition, a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 Checklist (PROSPERO ID: 560498) was conducted to investigate whether liquid biopsies could be leveraged to assess the role of the immune system on treatment outcomes and the overall survival of HNC patients. Two public databases (Medline and Embase) were searched using relevant MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms and keywords. After multiple rounds of screening, eight studies published between 2017 and 2024 involving 814 cancer patients from three different countries were retained for data extraction. The data demonstrated that the immune microenvironment of HNC patients could be characterized via liquid biopsy, however, future validation is required. Furthermore, through the detection of HPV ctDNA, liquid biopsy technology has shown promise in diagnostics, as a predictor of patient prognoses and treatment responses, and as a tool to monitor disease progression in HPV-positive HNC.

Fetiform teratomas are rare tumors mimicking malformed fetuses, posing diagnostic challenges especially when differentiating them from fetus-in-fetu. Fetiform teratomas result from neoplastic processes of germ cells, while fetus-in-fetu arises from aberrant embryogenesis, specifically the inclusion of a parasitic monozygotic twin. This review systematically examined 17 cases of fetiform teratoma identified through strict criteria, excluding cases with vertebral columns or long bones. A thorough search of multiple electronic databases, using the keywords 'fetus-in-fetu,' 'fetus-ex-fetus,' 'homunculus,' or 'fetiform teratoma' was conducted to identify relevant studies published till December 2024. Common locations of fetiform teratoma included the ovaries, retroperitoneum, and sacrococcygeal region, with clinical presentations varying from neonatal masses to pelvic pain in adults. Imaging typically revealed complex masses with solid-cystic components and calcifications, while histopathology demonstrated tissues from all three germ layers, including rare elements like thymic or retinal tissue. Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating imaging, histopathology, and ideally, cytogenetic studies, considered the gold standard for differentiating these entities based on genetic makeup. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment. Post-operative follow-up is recommended due to a small risk of recurrence or malignant transformation. This review underscores the need for standardized diagnostic criteria, primarily focusing on the absence of a vertebral column and long bones for fetiform teratomas. The study's limitations include the small sample size and lack of molecular or genetic data, highlighting the need for further research into the pathogenesis and genetic characteristics of these rare entities.

Whether serum lipids have an impact on breast cancer(BC) prognosis remains controversial and unstudied. We conducted this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) to explore the impact of levels of various components of the lipid profile on multiple survival outcomes (OSs) of BC.

Prostate cancer (PCa) screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) thresholding and systematic biopsies reduces advanced disease presentations and cancer-specific mortality, but also leads to overdiagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) integration may maintain screening benefits, while reducing overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies. This review analyses the benefit-harm balance when MRI is integrated as first-line and second-stage (after PSA >3 ng/ml) test in PCa screening.

Pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy has become the standard neoadjuvant regimen for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the KEYNOTE-522 trial did not use dose-dense (dd) anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) as part of its chemotherapy backbone. This meta-analysis assesses the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant ddAC in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (CT) and pembrolizumab.

The incidence of cancer is constantly increasing, and current cytostatics are not effective enough and cause serious side effects. Thio/semicarbazide derivatives seem to be promising candidates for anticancer drugs. This systematic review aimed to analyze comparatively the ADMET profiles of thiosemicarbazides and semicarbazides with proven antitumor activity published through August 2024.

The pre-metastatic niche (PMN) represents the microenvironment established in target organs before primary tumor metastasis, playing a crucial role in organ-specific metastasis. Understanding and preventing PMN formation holds promise for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy and reducing cancer-related mortality. Despite the significance of this field, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis is lacking. This study aims to identify global research trends and hotspots in PMN through a systematic bibliometric evaluation, providing a foundation for future advancements in this field.

The efficacy of regorafenib or fruquintinib in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment has not been elucidated. This study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of this combination therapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has emerged as a potential alternative to upfront surgery (US) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced colon cancer (LACC), offering benefits such as early micrometastases eradication and improved surgical outcomes. However, its efficacy and safety remain uncertain owing to conflicting evidence.

Managing large intracranial meningiomas (LIMs) is challenging. Because of the significant morbidity associated with resection, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has increasingly been employed for LIMs. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the role of SRS in LIMs.

Liver malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), present significant treatment challenges, with limited curative options available. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach for early-stage HCC, offering comparable survival benefits to surgical resections in some patients. However, the economic implications of RFA relative to other treatment modalities remain a critical factor in decision-making. This study systematically reviews economic evaluations of RFA to assess its viability in managing liver malignancies.

The tongue is the most common site of oral malignancies, with surgical resection the mainstay of treatment. Tongue cancer resections have significant functional impacts. Ideal reconstruction would restore speech intelligibility, facilitate swallowing of liquids and solids without significant dysphagia, and have minimal morbidity. We aimed to review and synthesize published outcomes of tongue reconstructive methods into a useful clinical treatment algorithm.