ecancermedicalscience最新文献

{"title":"Association of travel burden with colorectal cancer outcomes in resource-limited settings of Kashmir, India.","authors":"Saquib Zaffar Banday, Malik Tariq Rasool, Sheikh Zahoor Ahmad, Lekshmi Shenoy, Aaqib Zaffar Banday, Maniza Ayub, Bishal Gyawali","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2136","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The impact of travel burden, which contributes to both financial and time toxicities, on cancer treatment and outcomes remains largely understudied, especially in resource-limited settings. We assessed the impact of travel burden on the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) treated at a regional cancer center in the resource-limited context of Kashmir, India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective study including all patients with newly diagnosed CRC in 2022 at the State Cancer Institute, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, North India. Travel burden was recorded as the average time required to traverse the shortest distance between the cancer center and the place of the patient's residence. We estimated the travel burden, analyzed the association of travel burden with survival outcomes, and compared outcomes for patients who traveled from their homes for treatment (Group A) to those who rented apartments near the hospital to complete treatment (Group B).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>263 patients (42.6% females) with CRC were included, including patients who traveled from their homes (group A) and those who rented apartments near the hospital to complete treatment (group B). Group A patients (N = 178) traveled a median of 22 kms (48 minutes) to reach the cancer center, while Group B patients (N = 85) resided a median of 75 kms (130 minutes) away from the hospital. Travel time did not correlate with symptom duration before diagnosis of CRC.In group A, patients with the highest travel burden (Q4 travel time) had poorer outcomes than other patients (Q1-Q3 of travel time) (18-month overall survival (OS) of 65% versus 83.6%, adjusted HR 2.5 (95% CI 1.2 to 5.2)). 18-month OS in group B was higher than that for group A patients (85.6% versus 78.9%, p = 0.056).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study demonstrates that travel burden is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with CRC.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13354810/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419605","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":"Access to cancer medicines in Kenya: a scoping review of costs, financial toxicity, quality of life and policy impacts.","authors":"James Onyuro Oketch, Daniel Ogungu Onguru, Stephen Asito Amolo","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2135","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer, Kenya's third leading cause of death, imposes severe health and economic burdens, through high treatment costs and limited availability of cancer medicines. However, the full evidence landscape is fragmented. In this scoping review, we synthesise evidence on access to cancer medicines, financial toxicity (FT), Quality of life (QoL) and health policy impacts for the top five cancers in Kenya.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis; extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, we searched PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar and grey literature (January 2018-May 2025) for studies on Kenyan adults, focusing on breast, cervical, prostate, esophageal or colorectal cancers. Eligible studies reporting outcomes on medicine access, FT, QoL or National/Social health insurance fund/Authority (SHA) were included. Studies were screened using Rayyan software and data synthesised descriptively and thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 60 articles were included. About one-quarter addressed health policy (15, 25%), while others focused on multiple objectives (14, 23.3%), medicine access (12, 20%), FT (10, 16.7%) and QoL (9, 15%). Most studies focused on breast (63%) and cervical cancers (50%). Medicine affordability was poor, costing 3.15-162.42 days of minimum wage per chemotherapy cycle, exceeding the World Health Organisation threshold, particularly for regimens including Trastuzumab. Public facility availability was below 50%, with procurement delays (4-8 months) contributing to stockouts. Treatment costs for stage I-III cancers ranged from USD 1,340-1,542 in public versus 10,915-11,862 in private facilities. FT affected 20%-54% of households and treatment abandonment due to costs was reported in over half (53.8%) of patients. QoL was generally poor (median scores 41.99-53), associated with FT and late-stage diagnosis (71% stage III/IV). Insurance provided inadequate coverage, although SHA's KES 400,000 cap showed potential to reduce costs despite underfunding and limited adoption of expert advice. Major evidence gaps included the scarcity of data regarding pricing and catastrophic health expenditure measures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High treatment costs, limited medicine availability and inadequate financial protection constrain access to cancer medicines in Kenya. Strengthening supply chains, expanding insurance coverage and improving measurement of FT are critical to inform policies aimed at improving equitable access to cancer treatment in Kenya.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13354814/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419644","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":"Cancer disparities: an extensive review.","authors":"Chinaecherem P Okafor, Chekwube K Nwufo, Victor Akachukwu Ibiam","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2134","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer disparities are persistently a significant public health burden worldwide and disproportionately impact the underserved populations. To effectively combat cancer disparities, a clear understanding of their causes and patterns is essential. Currently, government data and peer-reviewed research journals display a wide range of data to describe the extent of different cancer disparities. However, there are still gaps in understanding the scope and patterns of these disparities and in adopting practical approaches to eliminate them adequately. Accordingly, we examine essential topics that are crucial to a coherent comprehension of the causes and patterns of major cancer disparities. The complex relationship between the different determinants of health inequalities creates unique patterns of disparities for different cancer forms and populations. Addressing these disparities will require diverse research approaches with rigorous frameworks from multiple disciplines. This review takes an in-depth study into cancer disparity patterns to inform effective intervention strategies for underserved populations. We present a comprehensive analysis of disparities in breast, colorectal, lung, prostate and cervical cancers. We analysed the interplay between genetic, socioeconomic, geographic, behavioural and environmental factors that shape cancer outcomes. Drawing inferences from recent studies on cancer epidemiology and intervention programs, this review highlights how underserved populations are disproportionately affected due to systemic barriers to early diagnosis, effective treatment, screening access and health literacy. Disparity patterns in incidence, mortality and survival rates were comprehensively described using recent studies, while also evaluating community-based interventions and policy efforts intended to address these disparities and mitigate their impacts.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419634","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":"Spectrum of actionable genetic variants in acute myeloid leukaemia patients from Pakistan: a study based on next-generation sequencing.","authors":"Sana Khurram, Ali Abdul Basit, Muhammad Asif Qureshi","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2132","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a genetically diverse malignancy with a high incidence in Pakistan. But patients rarely benefit from personalized care due to the unavailability of molecular diagnostics. This study aims to identify actionable genetic variants in adult Pakistani AML patients by using the inDxTM Extended AML/myelodysplastic syndrome panel for targeted next generation sequencing (NGS). Nine patients were included (median age = 42 years, 77.8% males). Mutations were found in six (66.7%) patients. The total number of mutations was 13 and these mutated 11 different genes, nine genes being affected in single cases (7.7%) and two genes: WT1 and DNMT3A, were mutated in two cases (15.4% each). Missense mutations constituted 69.2% of all 13 mutations. The variant allele frequencies for these mutations ranged from 7% to 54%. A number of clinically important mutations were observed, including an adverse WT1 variant, a favourable NPM1 mutation, targetable IDH1/JAK2 dual mutations and a myelodysplasia-related U2AF1 mutation. Co-mutation of DNMT3A with KRAS/NRAS or NPM1 indicated complex clonal dynamics. One of the three patients with no detectable mutations on NGS, was found Breakpoint cluster region-abelson murine leukaemia viral oncogene homolog 1-positive through polymerase chain reaction. This highlights the limitations of NGS panel, and advocates for the need for a multi-layered diagnostic approach. These findings support the viability of NGS in detecting clinically significant mutations in low-resource settings to guide risk stratification and personalized treatment planning. This study highlights the need for broader NGS integration in routine care and larger regional studies to improve AML management in Pakistan.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2132"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346686/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419532","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":"Primary intracranial sarcomas in Peruvian children: a high-incidence clinicopathological series from a National Reference Center.","authors":"Sandro Casavilca-Zambrano, Arie Perry, Jenny Bonifacio-Mundaca, Luis Ojeda-Medina, Juan Luis García-León, Raúl Mantilla, Mauricio Ramal-Matute, Karin Castro-Aguirre, Rosdali Díaz-Coronado, Stéphane Bertani","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2133","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Primary intracranial sarcoma is a recognized entity within the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and comprises an aggressive subgroup of mesenchymal, non-meningothelial neoplasms. Among these, tumours associated with DICER1 alterations have recently been characterized as a distinct molecular subset. Although globally rare, primary intracranial sarcomas consistent with the DICER1-associated spectrum demonstrate an unusually high incidence in Peru, where they represent the second most common high-grade pediatric CNS malignancy after medulloblastoma. This study aimed to describe their clinicopathological features and outcomes in a large national cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed 112 pediatric cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2025 at the National Cancer Institute of Peru, integrating histopathology, immunohistochemistry and clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median age was 7 years, and most tumours were supratentorial, predominantly affecting the frontal and parietal lobes. Histologically, they exhibited spindle, pleomorphic and undifferentiated round cell patterns, with frequent hyaline globules and aberrant vasculature. Immunohistochemistry showed recurrent ATRX loss, p53 overexpression and high proliferative indices, whereas myogenic markers were variably expressed. Median overall survival was 25 months, with 12-, 36- and 60-month survival rates of 65.7%, 45.9% and 44.0%, respectively. None of the tested markers (ATRX, p53 and Ki-67) demonstrated prognostic significance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the largest pediatric series of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas reported from a low- and middle-income country. The findings confirm their poor prognosis and biological heterogeneity, highlighting the urgent need for integrated molecular and epidemiological research to identify risk factors and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346684/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419401","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":"Strengthening oncology care in limited-resource settings through effective pharmacy quality improvement: insights from four major tertiary hospitals in Ghana.","authors":"Joseph Daniels, Andrew Yaw Nyantakyi, Edwina Ayaaba Ayabilah, Kofi Adesi Kyei","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2129","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In resource-limited settings like Ghana, the growing burden of oncology care demands robust pharmaceutical quality improvement (QI) strategies to ensure safe and effective systemic cancer treatment. However, limited evidence exists on the implementation and impact of such strategies within pharmacy departments of tertiary healthcare facilities.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study assessed the effectiveness, impact and challenges associated with QI strategies and practices in the pharmacy departments of four major tertiary healthcare facilities in Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted to assess QI practices in oncology care. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data from 91 pharmacy staff who were recruited via stratified random sampling. Quantitative analysis was performed using STATA version 19 with descriptive and inferential statistics applied to evaluate the implementation and perceived effectiveness of QI strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 37.5 ± 9.9 years. Various QI strategies were widely implemented, including the use of technology (100%), standard operating procedures (92.3%) and staff training (83.5%). Key focus areas were inventory management, patient safety and reduction of medication error. While overall perceptions of QI effectiveness were high (mean = 4.92), training adequacy and resource allocation scored lower. Major challenges included theft, preferential treatment of patients and inventory issues. Regression analysis identified staff training (p = 0.026), patient-centered focus (p = 0.013) and responsiveness (p = 0.011) as significant predictors of perceived performance, underscoring the importance of these factors in enhancing pharmacy service quality.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the widespread adoption of QI strategies in Ghanaian tertiary hospital pharmacy departments and their perceived positive impact on oncology care delivery. Despite notable strengths in technology use and service orientation, gaps in staff training and resource allocation remain. Addressing these challenges through targeted investments and continuous professional development is essential to strengthen pharmaceutical services and ensure safer, more efficient cancer care in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2129"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346692/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419566","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":"Factors associated with depression among women living with HIV and cervical cancer in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Alita Mrema, Queen Tarimo, Salum J Lidenge, Rehema Shungu, Herriethsiah Noah","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2128","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cervical cancer (CC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting women living with HIV (WLWH). Depression is common in both HIV and cancer populations, but the psychological burden among women with dual diagnoses is poorly studied in Tanzania. This study investigated socio-demographic, clinical and psychological factors associated with depression in WLWH and CC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 WLWH and CC, at least 3 months post CC treatment, between January and June 2024. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from structured questionnaires and medical records. Depression prevalence and severity were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Perceived social support, HIV-related stigma and coping strategies were also measured using the tools were used in previous studies in Tanzania with good internal consistency. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify independent predictors of depression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median age of participants was 49 years (IQR: 10). Most were married (91.9%), unemployed (51.9%) and had primary education (90%). Older age (51-73 years) was significantly associated with higher depression scores compared to younger participants (p < 0.001). Poor perceived social support was a strong predictor of depression (p = 0.0007). Negative self-image, as a component of HIV stigma, independently increased depression severity (p < 0.001). Conversely, active coping strategies were protective, with lower depression scores observed among women employing adaptive coping mechanisms (p = 0.018). Other socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, including education, marital status, CD4 count and cancer stage, were not significantly associated with depression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Depression is common among WLWH and CC in Tanzania, with older age, poor social support and negative self-image identified as significant risk factors, while active coping appeared protective. Integrating psychological screening, counseling and psychosocial interventions into routine oncologic and HIV care is critical to improve overall wellbeing and treatment outcomes in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2128"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419613","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":"Patterns of treatment failure and survival outcomes following definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a single centre experience.","authors":"Abhishek Chakravarty, Sweety Gupta, Sumit Singh, Aviral Rastogi, Atokali Chophy, Ravindra Babu Shylaja Namitha, Ravi Roushan Kumar, Mayank Soni, Deepa M Joseph, Manoj Gupta","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2131","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) continues to have suboptimal outcomes, with locoregional and distant failures remaining a significant cause of morbidity and mortality despite advances in radiotherapy techniques. This study evaluated failure patterns and survival outcomes following definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in LA-HNSCC.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>An ambispective analysis was conducted on LA-HNSCC patients who received definitive IMRT with weekly concurrent chemotherapy. Locoregional failures (both residual disease and new loco-regional recurrences) as well as distant metastases were identified. Patterns of failure were categorised as local, regional or distant. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess survival outcomes and univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were utilised to identify factors associated with failures and survival.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 332 patients were analysed, with a median age of 58 years; 94% had stage III-IVB disease and 83.1% received concurrent chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 10 months, failure was observed in 44.9% of patients. Local control rates at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were 97.9%, 81.6%, 69.9% and 52.5%, respectively. Local failure was the most common failure pattern (33.4%), followed by regional (15.6%) and distant failure (9.3%). Primary tumour volume greater than 30 cc and an oral cavity primary site were independent predictors of local failure. Median disease-free survival and overall survival were 8.3 and 13.8 months, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the use of modern IMRT techniques, locoregional failure - particularly local failure - remains the predominant pattern of treatment failure in LA-HNSCC. Primary tumour volume is a critical determinant of outcome, highlighting the need for volumetric risk stratification and individualised treatment strategies to improve disease control in high-risk patients. However, the interpretation of survival outcomes should be considered in light of the wide range of follow-up duration in this cohort, which represents a limitation of the present study.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419454","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":"Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of hepatocellular carcinoma in Toamasina Madagascar.","authors":"Randriamanovontsoa Niaina Ezra, Ranaivomanana Mampionona, Rasataharifetra Hanta, Jano, Rabenjanahary Tovo Harimanana, Rafaramino Florine","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2130","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>International recommendations for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are often difficult to apply in low-resource settings. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of HCC patients managed at Analankininina University Hospital in Toamasina, Madagascar.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Diagnosis of HCC was based on histological confirmation or non-invasive radiological criteria (arterial enhancement with washout on dynamic imaging) and/or elevated alpha-fetoprotein >500 ng/ml in cirrhotic patients. Serological, radiological and therapeutic data were analysed. The Child-Pugh score was used to assess liver function and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification was used for staging and therapeutic guidance. Alcoholism was defined as documented chronic excessive alcohol consumption recorded in medical files.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-three patients were included. Mean age was 52.57 ± 19.74 years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.31. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages (BCLC C/D: 39/43). Alpha-fetoprotein was >500 ng/ml in 33/43 patients. Liver ultrasound was performed in all cases, CT scan in 9/43 and histological confirmation was obtained in 9/43. Symptomatic palliative care was administered in 33/43 patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HCC is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage in our setting, limiting curative treatment options. Limited access to dynamic imaging, histopathology and systemic therapies contributes to suboptimal management. Strengthening hepatitis B virus birth dose vaccination, early screening of at-risk populations and improving access to diagnostic tools are essential priorities.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148677753","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":"Management of epithelial ovarian cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a survey of practicing physicians.","authors":"Ya Haddy Sallah, Verna Vanderpuye, Rahel Ghebre, Khadija Warfa, Alex Mutombo Baleka, Hannah Naa Gogwe Ayettey Anie, Pa Omadou Sallah, Esayas Berhanu Enoro, Namugga Jane, Rose Anorlu","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2125","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to evaluate current practices in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A 27-question survey was distributed to SSA-based physicians who managed OC and were members of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) via Research Electronic Data Capture. Questions evaluated diagnostics, imaging, surgical capacity, guideline adherence, access and barriers to systemic therapies, genetic testing and palliative care. Survey responses from 58 providers in 25 SSA countries were analysed. Clinical/medical oncologists and gynaecologic oncologists made up 52% and 36% of the respondents, respectively. Harmonised guidelines for SSA and the European Society of Medical Oncology guidelines were the most commonly used guidelines among respondents. Surgeries were performed by gynaecologic oncologists (53%) and general gynaecologists (38%). Complete cytoreductive surgery was the primary surgical goal for 38% of the respondents. Lymphadenectomy was routinely performed in 34% of patients with early-stage disease. The majority of systemic therapies were prescribed by clinical/medical oncologists (76%). Platinum/taxane doublet chemotherapy was the prevalent choice for adjuvant (90%) and neoadjuvant indications (83%). Single-agent gemcitabine was preferred for treating platinum-resistant disease (55%). Bevacizumab was prescribed by 33% of the providers. BRCA testing was limited. Drugs that target BRCA-positive tumours were prescribed by 12% of the respondents. Referral to routine palliative care services for advanced disease was performed by 41% of the respondents. The survey results demonstrate areas of guideline-concordant care for OC in SSA despite several challenges, including limited subspecialty surgical capacity and highlight important remaining gaps. To improve OC outcomes in SSA, increasing gynaecologic oncology capacity, promoting and adopting context-specific guidelines and supporting implementation-focused research require prioritisation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13346687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148419478","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}