ecancermedicalscience最新文献

{"title":"Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: insights from a state cancer institute in India.","authors":"Nishu Dhingra, Dama Swetha, Pariseema S Dave, Bijal M Patel, Chetna Parekh, Ruchi Arora","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2109","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy, accounting for 0.5%-1% of invasive cervical cancers. It is marked by rapid progression, early nodal and distant spread, and poor survival even in early stages. Management is challenging in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to delayed diagnosis and advanced presentation. This study describes the clinicopathological features, treatment approaches and outcomes from a state cancer institute in India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively analysed data of women with biopsy-proven NECC treated between January 2004 and December 2020 at a tertiary state cancer centre. Clinical, pathological and treatment data were extracted. Immunohistochemistry confirmed all cases. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 54 patients identified, 32 were included for analysis. Median age was 51.2 years (range 30-77). Most patients were multiparous, 87.5% illiterate and 31.2% tobacco users. Advanced disease presentation noted, 68.7% with stage III and 12.5% with stage IV. Tumour size >4 cm was noted in 81.2%, pelvic nodes in 53.1% and para-aortic nodes in 29%. Treatment included concurrent chemoradiation (n = 19), surgery and adjuvant chemoradiation (n = 5), neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation (n = 5) and palliative therapy (n = 3). Platinum-etoposide was the most frequently used chemotherapy regimen. Median time to recurrence was 9 months; pelvic and distant metastases were common. Four-year overall survival was 24.7%. Only two long-term survivors were observed, both stage III patients treated with intensive multimodality therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NECC demonstrates aggressive clinical behaviour with poor survival despite multimodality treatment. Early diagnosis, timely systemic therapy and collaborative multicentre data are essential to improve outcomes, especially in LMIC settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2109"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13338351/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148404059","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":"Trends in incidence and mortality of acute and chronic leukaemias in Brazil: challenges and advances over three decades.","authors":"Kaio Mota-Ribeiro, Maria P Curado, Betine P M Iser, Mohsen Naghavi, Deborah C Malta, Max M Oliveira","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2106","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leukaemias are malignant neoplasms that affect the bone marrow, compromising the production of functional blood cells. In Brazil, leukaemia is the 13th most frequent cancer and the most common among individuals up to 20 years old. This study analysed the incidence and mortality of acute and chronic myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias in Brazil from 1990 to 2021, using adjusted and estimated data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021. This is an ecological time-series study with age-standardised rates, expressed per 100,000 inhabitants. Trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression, considering the average annual percentage change. The results indicated an increase in the incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in males, as well as an increase in AML-related mortality in both sexes. On the other hand, a reduction in the incidence and mortality of acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) was observed in both sexes. ALL-related mortality also decreased in females, whereas CLL-related mortality increased in males. According to age group and sex, varied trends were observed for these neoplasms. These findings highlight the need for further studies on haematologic neoplasms to inform public health policies, foster research on targeted therapies and promote advancements in the management of these diseases in Brazil.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2106"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319358/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367497","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":"Use of comprehensive geriatric assessment among oncologists in Uruguay: perceptions, practices and barriers.","authors":"Noelia Silveyraa, Clara Tambascob, Dahiana Amarilloc, Natalia Camejod, Gabriel Krygiere","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2105","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Population ageing has increased the proportion of older adults with cancer, a group characterised by high comorbidity burden and marked clinical heterogeneity. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is recommended by international guidelines to identify vulnerabilities and guide safer, more personalised treatment decisions. However, its implementation remains limited, and there is scarce information about its use in Uruguay.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe perceptions, practices and barriers regarding the use of CGA among oncologists and trainees in Uruguay.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study using an anonymous electronic questionnaire. Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and physicians in training (postgraduate oncology training) involved in the clinical care of patients with cancer were included. A descriptive analysis was performed, and chi-square tests were used to compare frequencies between groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 60 physicians responded, representing approximately 60% of the national oncology community. Although 55% reported being familiar with the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline, only 31.7% reported using formal CGA tools, and just 11.7% applied CGA routinely. Informal evaluation based on clinical judgement predominated. Functional status was the most frequently assessed domain (79%), while physical performance was the least used (>70% never or almost never). Participants familiar with the guideline assessed life expectancy and cognition more frequently, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.048). The most commonly reported barriers were lack of resources for referral, limited physical space and insufficient training. Among those unfamiliar with the guideline, perceived limited evidence and uncertainty about which tool to use were predominant barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CGA use in Uruguay is low, revealing a substantial gap between knowledge and implementation. The identified barriers highlight the need to strengthen training, improve available resources and promote institutional strategies to support CGA integration, with the aim of improving care for older adults with cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319355/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367544","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":"A scoping review on pathways/models/frameworks for palliative care provision for cancer patients while admitted at hospitals within sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Agnes Chipo Tererai, Margaret Borok, Zvavahera Mike Chirenje, Liz Gwyther, Lindsay Farrant, Ntokozo Ndlovu, Simbarashe Rusakaniko","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2104","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tertiary hospitals are multi-specialty centers where patients are referred for various treatment modalities, including cancer diagnosis and treatment. Often, cancer patients are admitted to hospitals several times. Palliative care (PC) promotes quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers and should be integrated into cancer care at hospitals.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To review literature on PC pathways, models and frameworks for cancer care in hospitals.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Four databases (Medline, Embase, AMED and Scopus) were searched. Inclusion criteria were PC, pathway/ model/framework, cancer, hospital, SSA countries and articles with abstracts. Each database was searched using OR to link synonymous words, then AND to combine all keywords. Two documents of grey literature related to the topic were included. Findings were tabulated under author, year, title, location, PC pathways and cancers. Analysis was done using descriptive methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 264 articles screened, 15 (13 studies and two reports) were included. These were from eight SSA countries. Six of the studies had a model of PC provision in hospitals within the outpatient department or oncology unit and provided by any health worker and/or a trained PC team. The other studies did not have a model but highlighted the need for one.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The need for PC for cancer patients in hospitals is recognised across SSA; however, countries are at different stages of developing hospital PC pathways.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Findings will guide the formulation of a PC pathway for cervical and prostate cancer patients at a tertiary hospital in Harare Zimbabwe.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2104"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319350/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367449","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-energy ionizing radiation and carcinogenesis: a call for optimized clinical stewardship in the computed tomography era.","authors":"Satyajeet Ratha, Samarth Ozab, Sweta Sonic, Sneha Dhillon","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2103","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used diagnostics. Despite their diagnostic advantages, their increasing reliance necessitates critical examination of projected lifetime cancer risks due to radiation exposure, a stochastic effect linearly correlated with dose. CT-associated cancers are estimated to increase significantly. The paediatric population is disproportionately vulnerable, facing higher risks even from lower doses. Current risk models may underestimate cancer incidence due to Dose and Dose Rate Effectiveness Factor complexities. High-risk scans such as whole-body CT, abdominal CT and brain CT, significantly increase exposure. A critical re-evaluation of guidelines to prioritise the risk-benefit ratio for CT use. Future diagnostic and screening strategies must prioritize innovation in alternative non-ionizing modalities like magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and thermography with integration of Artificial Intelligence. 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' principle is essential, aiming to limit ionizing radiation doses to near zero to safeguard public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2103"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319354/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367463","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":"Patient-centred care: a scoping review of measures of patient centredness in healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).","authors":"Anna Cabanes, Cindy Sun, Diksha Thakkar, Carolyn Taylor, Phuong Thao Le","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2102","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Person- or patient centredness (PC) is increasingly recognized as a core component of high-quality healthcare and a critical pathway to achieving equitable, person-responsive cancer services. While the concept of PC has been widely adopted and measured in high-income countries, its implementation and evaluation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain limited and inconsistent. This scoping review maps existing research on measures of PC in LMICs, with a specific focus on cancer care. We identified 345 studies published between 2004 and 2022 that reported on PC in LMICs, of which 20 focused on cancer. Most studies were conducted in upper-middle-income countries and used cross-sectional designs. Patient satisfaction was the most commonly measured domain, followed by communication and shared decision-making. However, foundational aspects of PC - such as patient rights, coordination of care and culturally responsive services - were rarely evaluated. Only 41% of studies used validated tools, and most interventions occurred at the facility level, with few system-level evaluations. Using the Santana et al. framework, which categorizes PC domains into structure, process and outcomes, we found that structural and systemic components of PC were particularly underrepresented in LMIC research. This suggests a gap between policy ambitions and practical implementation, especially in cancer care settings where multidisciplinary coordination and patient engagement are essential. This review advances the field by systematically documenting how PC is currently measured in LMICs and identifying significant limitations in scope, equity and contextual relevance. Findings highlight the urgent need for validated, culturally adaptable tools and frameworks that reflect the realities of LMIC health systems. Addressing these gaps is essential for scaling person-centred cancer care and strengthening health systems toward universal health coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2102"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319357/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367554","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":"Establishment of the first bone marrow transplant program in francophone sub-Saharan Africa: clinical case and future perspectives.","authors":"Elhadji Daouda Niang, Seynabou Fall, Sokhna Aissatou Toure, Marieme Lolita Camara, Modou Moustapha Ciss, Adjaratou Tiane Niang, Khadim Sarr, Amy Thiam, Fatou Samba Diago Ndiaye","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2100","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers curative potential for several malignant and non-malignant hematologic disorders. Despite its proven efficacy, access to HSCT in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited, especially in francophone countries, due to the lack of infrastructure, cryobiology facilities and trained personnel. Senegal recently launched a national initiative to establish its first HSCT program.</p><p><strong>Case report of the first autologous stem cell transplant in senegal: </strong>We report the first autologous HSCT performed in Senegal in February 2025 at Dalal Jamm University Hospital, in a 51-year-old man diagnosed with high-risk IgA-lambda multiple myeloma (ISS stage III, del17p). Mobilisation was achieved using filgrastim (10 µg/kg/day for 7 days). A total of 2.8 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells/kg were collected by apheresis and stored at 4°C for 24 hours without cryopreservation. Conditioning consisted of high-dose intravenous melphalan (200 mg/m²) followed by reinfusion of the graft on day 0. Hematologic recovery occurred by day +10, with transient grade 3 anemia and grade 4 thrombocytopenia requiring transfusion support. The main complications were manageable febrile neutropenia and mild gastrointestinal and renal toxicities. The patient was discharged on day +17, remained infection-free and achieved complete hematologic and biochemical remission at five months post-transplant. Consolidation therapy with bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone and lenalidomide maintenance was subsequently administered.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This first non-cryopreserved autologous HSCT in Senegal demonstrates the feasibility, safety and cost-effectiveness of transplantation under resource-limited conditions. Establishing local cryopreservation and molecular diagnostic capabilities will be essential to enable tandem and allogeneic HSCT, ensuring sustainability and regional self-sufficiency in advanced hematologic care.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2100"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367401","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":"Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of breast cancer genetic profiling in Egypt.","authors":"Amira Kotb, Wael Ali Hassan","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2101","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Egypt and poses a growing public health challenge with significant socio-economic implications. While traditional diagnostic and treatment approaches remain central to care, advances in genetic testing offer new pathways for early detection, prevention and individualised treatment. Genetic testing, particularly for BRCA1, BRCA2 and other high-penetrance gene mutations, can identify women at elevated risk, enabling proactive surveillance, risk-reducing strategies and tailored therapeutic decisions. This article evaluates the cost-effectiveness of incorporating breast cancer genetic testing into national healthcare protocols. Evidence suggests that genetic screening for high-risk populations can significantly reduce long-term treatment costs by avoiding unnecessary interventions and improving survival through early detection and personalised therapy. In the Egyptian context, the upfront cost of testing can be offset by savings from more targeted chemotherapy, reduced recurrence rates and improved quality of life. The article further discusses the role of personalised medicine in transforming breast cancer care, emphasising the need for national policies that support equitable access to testing. It proposes practical guidelines, including risk-based screening criteria, integration of genetic counseling services, government-subsidised testing programs and capacity-building in local genomic laboratories. By adopting a structured, evidence-based approach to genetic testing and personalised care, Egypt can enhance treatment outcomes, reduce healthcare expenditures and align with global trends in precision oncology. The integration of genetic testing into routine oncology care not only supports clinical decision-making but also represents a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Egypt's healthcare system.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367395","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":"Age and sex-based differences in therapy preferences among patients with cancer: evidence from a novel therapy preference scale.","authors":"Prajwal Dhakal, Christopher S Wichman, Shailesh Simkhada, Bunny J Pozehl, Radowan Elnair, Amulya Yellala, Kalika Mahato, Vijaya Raj Bhatt","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2097","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patients' preferences are crucial to formulating personalised treatment plans. We developed a self-reported questionnaire, therapy preference scale (TPS), to examine treatment preferences of patients with cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>TPS has 30 questions: 19 on patients' preferences on safety, quality of life and treatment effectiveness, 8 questions on the importance of various treatment characteristics and 3 on patients' preferred intent of therapy, expenses and life expectancy gain. We recruited 300 adults >18 years with a cancer diagnosis and categorised them into 4 age-by-sex groups (younger men <60 years, older men ≥60 years, younger women< 60 years, older women ≥60 years). Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric ANOVA method was used to compare responses among four groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Older women, compared to other groups, were more likely to value maintenance of cognitive function and ability to perform daily activities. Older women were more likely to risk having a shorter life expectancy rather than facing the risk of long-term cognitive impairments. Younger men and women were more likely to accept more effective treatment, even if it caused significant pain. A higher percentage of younger men, compared to other groups, valued maintaining sex life. Older men and women were more likely to prefer oral pills over intravenous therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patient preferences may vary based on age and sex, with older women prioritising cognitive and physical function independence more frequently, whereas younger men and women are willing to pursue more effective treatment options even with a greater risk of significant pain. TPS can elicit detailed preferences of an individual patient to facilitate shared decision-making with their oncologists.</p>","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2097"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367361","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":"Prospective evaluation of locoregional control in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma with lower or mid infratemporal fossa involvement treated with surgery and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy.","authors":"Prasoon Mishra, Rahat Hadi, Ajeet Kumar Gandhi, Madhup Rastogi, Rohini Khurana, Ashish Singhal, Surendra Prasad Mishra, Anoop Srivastava, Avinav Bharati, Ashish Chandra Agarwal, Avinash Poojari, Vachaspati Kumar Mishra, Raunaq Puri, Akanksha Manral, Vikas Gupta, Bhoopendra Pratap Vishwaranjan, Saumyta Mishra","doi":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2098","DOIUrl":"10.3332/ecancer.2026.2098","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the head and neck malignancy in India. In locally advanced OCSCC, a combination of definitive surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy (RT), with or without concurrent chemotherapy, offers superior oncologic outcomes compared to definitive chemoradiotherapy alone. The prognosis of T4b OCSCC with infratemporal fossa (ITF) involvement largely depended on the degree of invasion. Tumours confined to the lower or mid ITF tend to have relatively better outcomes than those with extensive or high-level involvement. This study prospectively evaluates the treatment outcomes in patients with OCSCC involving the lower or mid ITF who underwent curative surgical resection followed by adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This is a single-arm prospective interventional study between January 2021 and October 2022, which included 20 patients of clinically T4b OCSCC as per the American Joint Committee on Cancer (8th edition) with lower or mid ITF involvement. Patients with tumour invasion into the skull base, carotid artery, prevertebral fascia or pterygomaxillary fissure were excluded to maintain a uniform study cohort. All patients were treated with curative intent with surgery include ITF clearance followed by adjuvant CCRT. Primary endpoint was to evaluate loco-regional control (LRC) and secondary end point was to assess acute toxicities according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was done for assessing disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Median follow-up was 11.5 months (4-21 months). The median age was 39 years (range 32-67) with 95% males. Buccal mucosa was most common site with 19 patients (95%). All patients were clinically cT4b (Stage IV) stage involving low/mid ITF involvement with low ITF were 15(75%) and mid ITF patients were 5(25%) patients. All patients underwent definitive ITF clearance and received adjuvant CCRT with weekly concurrent cisplatin 35-40 mg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; to a median number of 6 cycles (5-7 cycles). Median RT dose was 64 Gray (60-66). 08 (40%) patients had grade 3 oral mucositis and odynophagia each. Skin toxicity and oral pain was present in 6(30%) and 5(25%) patients, respectively. Grade 4 toxicities were not observed. LRC at 3 months was 73.68% with 4 local and 1 locoregional failures only. LRC at 1 year was 36.8% with 8 local, 2 local-distant, 1 loco-regional-distant and 1 distant failure only. Median DFS was 10.4 months and median OS was not reached; four patients died. LRC at 3 months was better for patients with low ITF disease as compared to mid ITF disease (85.7% versus 40% (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.04) and at 1 year was 42.8% versus 40% (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.50).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Locally advanced OCSCC with low ITF involvement may benefit from tri-modality therapy of surge","PeriodicalId":11460,"journal":{"name":"ecancermedicalscience","volume":"20 ","pages":"2098"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13319359/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367495","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}