ecancermedicalscience最新文献

{"title":"Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colorectal carcinoma in an indigenous African population of Kano, Nigeria.","authors":"Jimoh Ajanaku Abdulrazaq, Mohammed Aminu Zakari, Yusuf Ibrahim, Hamza Ahmad","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1816","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1816","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) over-expression has been noticed in colorectal cancers (CRCs) with adverse outcomes, serving as a potential marker for prognosis, targeted therapy and as a window in CRC prevention. Unfortunately, there are scarce data regarding COX-2 expression in CRC in Africa where CRC incidence is on the increase with younger age affectation and unfavourable outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This retrospective study aims to determine the proportion of CRCs that over-express COX-2 and document any relationship between COX-2 over-expression with clinicopathological features such as histologic subtype, tumour grade, age and sex.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>All the 139 CRCs that were histologically diagnosed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period were included, but only 124 Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were sectioned and stained with COX-2 antibody. COX-2 expression was scored for distribution (no cells = 0, 1%-10% = 1, 11%-50% = 2, 51%-80% = 3, 81%-100% = 4) and intensity (no stain = 0; weak = 1; moderate = 2, strong = 3). The immunoreactive score (IRS) is a product of intensity (I) and distribution (D) as: 9-12 strongly +, 5-8 moderately +, 1-4 weakly + and 0 negative. Over-expression of COX-2 is an IRS of 5-12. Outcomes were statistically evaluated with clinicopathological data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The CRCs occurred more commonly in males (M: F, 2:1), in the middle age group (mostly between 30 and 59 years), and 51.1% of cases occurred before 50 years and peaked in the 6th decade. Over-expression of COX-2 was observed in 46.8% (58/124) and was strongly associated with adenocarcinoma (ADC) not otherwise specified (NOS) (moderately and poorly differentiated tumours) but not with age or sex.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The over-expression of COX-2 was significantly associated with ADC NOS (moderately and poorly differentiated tumours), indicating that it may influence the outcome of CRCs with possible variation in tumour subtype.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1816"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 gene expression in colorectal carcinomas may predict poorer survival.","authors":"Uchenna Simon Ezenkwa, Sebastian Anebuokhae Omenai, Oluwadamilare Iyapo, Chinedu Anthony Ezekekwu, Adesoji E Adetona, Chima Uzoma Akunwata, Ayotunde Oladunmi Ale, Henry Okwuchukwu Ebili","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1814","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1814","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (ptgs2), otherwise called Cyclooxygenase 2, is overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) compared to normal tissues. However, the impact of differential expression among ptgs2-positive tumours on CRC prognosis has not been well investigated. By sub-stratifying positive tumour expression, this study determined its potential influence on patients' outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Cancer Genome Atlas database was explored to determine CRC cases with RNA-Sequence (RNA-Seq) transcript data and matched clinicopathological data alongside gene copy number variation and methylation status. Descriptive, chi-square, Fisher exact, Linear-by-Linear associations, logistic and Kaplan-Meier statistics were used to determine proportions, associations, predictors and survival between ptgs2 and tumour parameters using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Two-tailed <i>p</i>-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 534 CRC classified predominantly as adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (86.3%) and mucinous carcinoma (12.4) histologically included in this study. Marker (ptgs2) expression ranged from 0.02 FPKM-131.89 FPKM, (Median 1.4 FPKM). The majority of the cases (53.4%) were diagnosed at an early stage and showed high ptgs2 RNA-Sequence (RNA-seq) expression in 51.5% (275/534). Significant associations were seen between ptgs2 expression and histological subtype (<i>p</i> < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.013), pN2 stage (> 6 positive lymph nodes) (<i>p</i> = 0.011) and American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging stage (<i>p</i> = 0.028), and these all had lower ptgs2 expression. On regression analysis, histological differentiation emerged as a predictor of ptgs2 expression (Odds ratio 2.749, 95% confidence interval 1.479-5.108, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Also, gene methylation was associated with reduced ptgs2 expression. Overall survival was significantly inferior among individuals with low ptgs2 tumours (<i>p</i> = 0.018) while that for disease-free survival was non-significant (<i>p</i> = 0.327).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CRCs with low ptgs2 transcripts are associated with poorer survival. This finding suggests a need for closer follow up and tailored adjuvant therapy for these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1814"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Real world outcomes in alveolar soft part sarcomas: experience with an ultra-rare sarcoma from a tertiary care centre in North India.","authors":"Sanal Fernandes, Sameer Rastogi, Kanu Priya Bhatia, Sindhura Chitikela, Shamim A Shamim, Shivanand Gammanagatti, Adarsh Barwad","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1813","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1813","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare, indolent soft tissue sarcoma, with a high predilection for systemic dissemination. This study aims to elucidate the patterns of clinical presentation of ASPS and their treatment outcomes, with emphasis on the use of newer therapeutic agents and their efficacy in advanced ASPS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective cohort that included patients with ASPS treated at our institute between 2016 and 2023. Clinicopathological data were obtained from case records and analysed to assess outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 34 patients (19 males, 15 females) with a median age of 28 (3-72) years. 7 patients presented with localised disease, and 27 with metastatic disease. The most common site of primary was the extremities (73%), and the most common sites of metastasis included the lungs (82%) and bones (21%). Brain metastasis was seen in 7 patients at baseline (25.9%). 90% of patients with metastatic disease received a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the first-line setting with a median progression-free survival of 12 months. The median overall survival in this subset was 36 months. 7 patients with the advanced disease received immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) (3-atezolizumab, 4-nivolumab); 2 patients on atezolizumab and 1 on nivolumab continue to be progression free at 20,15 and 52 months, respectively. Patients with brain metastasis were seen to have markedly poor outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The use of anti-angiogenic agents and ICIs has significantly improved survival in patients with advanced ASPS. Brain metastasis confers poor survival in these patients despite the use of newer agents. This study represents the largest cohort of patients with advanced ASPS from this region.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1813"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959123/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pericardial synovial sarcoma in a young adult: case report of a rare malignancy.","authors":"Javeria Haider, Humera Mahmood, Muhammad Faheem, Shaista Khurshid","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1811","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1811","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Synovial sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour that mainly presents in adolescents and adults younger than 30. It is characterised by a translocation between chromosomes X and 18, which leads to the expression of SS18:SSX fusion proteins. Although it can arise from various soft tissues, the lower limb is the most common site of origin. Pericardial synovial sarcoma is an extremely rare primary malignant tumour of the heart with an unclear prognosis. There are only a few cases reported from Pakistan. Here, we report a case of a 33-year-old male who presented with symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath. The case was discussed in a multi-disciplinary tumour board and the surgeons deferred surgery as it was associated with high-risk mortality and was also refused by the patient so he was first managed with systemic chemotherapy to which he responded very well and was shifted to maintenance therapy using Pazopanib (small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors), to which he initially responded but later symptoms started to worsen and there was an interval increase in the size of the lesion. This report aims to share the diagnosis and management of this patient.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1811"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delivering psychological and social support to children with cancer in India and their families: a position statement from the social and psychological taskforce of the Indian childhood cancer initiative.","authors":"Rhea Daruvala, Ruchira Misra, Bindu Nair, Hiba Siddiqui, Usha Banerji, Valerie M Crabtree, Ramandeep Singh Arora","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1812","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1812","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Indian childhood cancer initiative (ICCI) was established to address the critical gaps in childhood cancer care within India, where survival rates are significantly lower compared to high-income countries. While psychosocial support is a well-recognised component of comprehensive cancer care, its provision in India remains fragmented and inconsistent. This position statement, developed by the ICCI Psychological and Social Support Taskforce, outlines the urgent need for standardization of psychological and social care in pediatric oncology across the country. Informed by a thorough needs assessment and guided by international standards, this document proposes key areas of focus for integrating psychosocial support into pediatric cancer care. The taskforce identified eight priority areas essential for addressing the psychosocial needs of pediatric oncology patients and their families: ensuring holistic care through the integration of psychological and social support with medical treatment, early psychosocial assessment and intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, community outreach, policy advocacy, research and the establishment of national standards for care. Early identification and intervention of psychosocial issues are critical to improving treatment adherence and overall patient outcomes. Furthermore, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between medical professionals, psychologists and social workers is essential for delivering comprehensive care. The taskforce emphasises the importance of advocacy at both the policy level and community level, raising awareness about the psychosocial needs of children with cancer. The statement also highlights the necessity of expanding research in psychosocial oncology, particularly within the Indian context, to develop culturally sensitive interventions. Establishing national standards for psychosocial care will ensure equitable access to these services, addressing current disparities in service provision. In conclusion, this position statement advocates for systemic changes in pediatric cancer care, integrating psychosocial services into treatment protocols, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving research and policy development to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1812"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959125/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breast cancer radiotherapy in Sub-Saharan Africa: a comparative study of acute toxicity between conventional and hypofractionated treatment regimens.","authors":"Joseph Daniels, Tony Obeng-Mensah, Kofi Adesi Kyei","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1810","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1810","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypofractionated radiotherapy for breast cancer has been increasingly adopted globally due to its comparable efficacy and reduced treatment burden. The study compared the incidence and severity of four main acute radiation-induced toxicities between breast cancer patients treated with conventional versus hypofractionated radiotherapy. Stratified purposive sampling was used to recruit participants into two groups: group #1 received conventional radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks), whereas group #2 received hypofractionated radiotherapy (40.05 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks). A closed-ended questionnaire administered by the researcher was used for quantitative data collection. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events tool (version 5) was used for grading acute toxicities. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 23). The study involved 53 patients with a mean age of 47.9 years (± 12.4) ranging from 26 to 75 years. The patients had breast cancer ranging from stage IIA (13.2%) to IIIC (9.4%). A considerable majority (62.3%) were treated with conventional fractionation whereas 37.7% were treated with a hypofractionated regimen. Dermatitis was the most prevalent side effect among patients in both groups #1 (67%) and #2 (70%). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of dermatitis, pharyngitis, chest wall/ breast pain and fatigue between the two groups. However, the mean incidence of overall acute toxicity was significantly lower in group #2 (2.15 ± 1.14) compared with group #1 (2.42 ± 1.48), with a p-value of 0.001. Comparatively, the conventional 50 Gy dose regimen was associated with more acute radiation-induced toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1810"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immunohistochemistry effect on diagnostic reliability for paediatric cancer at Mwanza region, Tanzania: a laboratory descriptive study.","authors":"Jeffer O Bhuko, Erius Tebuka, Oscar Ottoman, Kristin Schroeder","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1809","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1809","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In nations with poor and intermediate incomes, cancer is one of the main causes of mortality. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is crucial for an accurate cancer evaluation, prognosis and treatment decision-making. To use IHC, a significant amount of facilities and capacity growth are needed. Because of this, it is crucial to comprehend the potential effects of IHC and identify the most essential reagents required to distinguish between typical diagnoses in our environment.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Employing IHC, this study aims to assess how well paediatric cancer diagnoses in Tanzania can be made and to identify the most widely used biomarkers for diagnostic distinction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Pathology samples from kids who were given cancer diagnoses in 2018 at the Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, were examined using H&E staining. Basic demographic information from the histology form was gathered in addition to the reported histopathology results from Bugando Medical Centre, including patient age, sex and sample collection. Muhimbili National Hospital received tissue from the histology block for the IHC examination. It was determined which reagents/biomarkers were required for diagnostic confirmation by comparing the histopathology data for diagnostic agreement, variations in diagnosis and other factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The examinations included 105 (105) patients with paediatric cancer. 55.2% of the population, who had a median age of 6 years (IQR 3-9), were female. Burkitt and NHL-DLBCL were the paediatric diagnoses with the greatest pathology. The correlation between H&E and IHC histology was 51.0%. 17.6% (<i>n</i> = 18) of diagnoses had enhanced diagnostic specificity (e.g., NHL to diffuse large B cell lymphoma), and 31.4% of diagnoses were altered as a result of IHC.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Considering that the diagnosis of juvenile cancer changes in about 30% of cases, IHC is crucial for accurate diagnosis. IHC retraining is crucial, and developing nations can successfully adopt a modest shared biomarker panel to improve therapy allocation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1809"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge of breast cancer among patients undergoing breast cancer treatment at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana.","authors":"Josephine Nsaful, Florence Dedey, Kirstyn E Brownson, Ruth Y Laryea, Nathaniel Coleman, John Tetteh, Mohammed Albezel Sheriff, Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey, Benedict N L Calys-Tagoe","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1808","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1808","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in females worldwide. Western Africa has one of the highest mortality rates globally partly due to late presentation, often attributed to deficits in patient knowledge about the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital among breast cancer patients. A structured questionnaire was utilised to collect data on patient demographics; sources of information on breast cancer; risk factors; symptoms; and treatment options. A chi-square test assessed the relationship between the participants' levels of knowledge and demographic characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined which sociodemographic factors predicted knowledge. p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. This study enrolled 636 participants with a mean age of 52.6 ± 12.1 years. Television (TV) (63.4%) and radio (44.6%) were the main sources of information about breast cancer. Thirty-two percent of participants knew that family history was an associated risk factor for developing breast cancer. Eighty-three percent of the patients were familiar with self-breast examination, but only 42% of them practiced it. While 76% of participants knew that a breast mass could represent breast cancer, only 13%, 12% and 6% of participants identified nipple discharge, breast skin changes and changes in breast size as concerning symptoms of breast cancer, respectively. Only 7% of patients were aware of breast conservation as a treatment option. A higher educational level and higher monthly income were identified as predictors of a better level of knowledge, while age older than 60 years and advanced-stage disease correlated with decreased knowledge about breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness campaigns in Ghana should be expanded to include all Ghanaians, specifically women of lower socioeconomic status and older than 60 years. Educational messages should emphasise symptoms other than breast masses and the feasibility of breast-conserving surgery as a treatment option for early-stage disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1808"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959128/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current landscape of BRAF-V600E metastatic CRC management in Latin America: an expert Latin American panel's recommendations.","authors":"Anelisa K Coutinho, Yazmin Carolina Blanco Vazquez, Markus Andret Cavalcante Gifoni, Angela Marie Jansen, Juan Manuel O'Connor, Juan Carlos Samamé Pérez-Vargas, Mariana Rico-Restrepo, Gayatri Sanku, Guillermo Mendez","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1807","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1807","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Latin America (LA) with a projected 65.4% increase by 2040. Up to 10% of metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients in LA had an activating BRAF mutation. In clinical trials, targeted therapies for BRAF-V600E mutated mCRC have improved patient outcomes. However, in LA, BRAF-V600E testing and treatment of positive patients remains variable. To address this need, the Americas Health Foundation convened a meeting of LA experts on <i>BRAF-V600E</i> mCRC to develop treatment recommendations. The expert panel addressed the current landscape of BRAF-V600E mCRC testing, diagnosis and treatment in the region and identified significant limitations. Local guidelines, multidisciplinary boards, and tumor genotyping are among the recommendations. The panel also made first-line, second-line and surgery recommendations for patients after diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1807"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of de novo metastatic cancer at a major radiotherapy centre in West Africa: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Joseph Daniels, Onesmus Iinekela Amunyela, Andrew Yaw Nyantakyi, Edwina Ayaaba Ayabilah, Judith Naa Odey Tackie, Kofi Adesi Kyei","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1805","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2024.1805","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer is a major public health challenge in West Africa, with a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths attributed to distant metastasis. De novo metastatic cancer (DnMC), where metastasis is detected at diagnosis, presents considerable therapeutic challenges, particularly in limited-resource settings where novel treatments are often unavailable and/or unaffordable.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To determine the prevalence, incidence and clinicopathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with DnMC at a major radiotherapy center in West Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a single-institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study. Data on the prevalence and incidence of DnMC were retrieved from a hospital-based cancer registry whereas patients' demographic and clinicopathologic data were extracted from patients' medical records and analysed with STATA software (version 16). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise patient- and tumour-related characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence and incidence of DnMC were 15.2% and 5.3%, respectively, with a 36% overall incidence rate of metastatic cancer. The mean age was 50.9 years (SD 15.2), ranging from 15 to 90 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.6. Also, 28.8% had a history of alcohol intake whereas 13.7% were (tobacco) smokers. Additionally, 10.3% of the patients had a positive family history of cancer. Pain (28.2%) was the most common presenting symptom, followed by bleeding (16.5%). In all, 34.9% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 whereas 33.3% were ECOG 1. The gastrointestinal tract (25.8%) and breasts (17.6%) were the most frequent primary cancer sites, whereas 4.4% had metastatic cancers of unknown primary origin. The most frequent sites of distant metastasis were the lungs (34.6%), liver (28.9%) and bone (13.8%). Adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent histological type (35.2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was a relatively high rate of DnMC compared with high-income countries, emphasising the need for early detection and expanded access to comprehensive cancer care in limited-resource settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"18 ","pages":"1805"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11735141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143002078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}