Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention最新文献

{"title":"HPV Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening in Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Fatima Zahra Chellat, Nassiba Bahra, Youssef Chami Khazraji, Rachid Bekkali, Maria Bennani, Zineb Gaizi, Nabil Tachfouti, Samira El Fakir, Anasse Ben Abdallah, Mohammed El Mzibri, Mohamed Berraho","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Morocco is currently planning to introduce HPV testing as the primary screening method in routine cervical cancer screening. Accordingly, HPV self-sampling offers a potential solution to increase participation rates, particularly in underserved regions. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling using the GeneXpert assay as an alternative to clinician-administered screenings in Morocco.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 997 women aged 30 or 40 years from four Moroccan provinces. Participants were offered the choice of clinician-collected sampling, supervised self-sampling, or unsupervised self-sampling. Socioeconomic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires, and HPV detection and genotyping were performed using the GeneXpert HPV assay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 13% of participants opted for self-sampling, including 4.8% who chose unsupervised, and 8.2% supervised self-sampling. Women living in urban areas, younger participants (30 years old), and those with higher education and income levels were more likely to select self-sampling. Satisfaction was high: 92.2% found the procedure easy to perform, all participants reported comfort using the cytobrush, and all indicated willingness to recommend the test to relatives or friends. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing was comparable between self-collected and clinician-collected samples, demonstrating no effect of sampling method on HPV detection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HPV self-sampling is feasible and highly acceptable among Moroccan women. However, the low uptake, particularly in rural settings, highlights the need for targeted education and awareness efforts. Integrating self-sampling into national screening programs may improve participation and contribute to reducing cervical cancer incidence in Morocco.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1249-1256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Prognostic Impact of Supraclavicular Lymph Node Metastases in Lung Cancer: Do We Need a Modification of the Current Staging System?","authors":"Ahmed Sohaib, Hany F Sedeek, Mahmoud El Madawie, Naglaa Said Elabd, Usama Abouelhassan, Mohamed Alhefny","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1295","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The management of Stage IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is complex. The current staging system does not distinguish between ipsilateral and contralateral supraclavicular lymph node involvement, although this distinction may impact prognosis. This study investigates the differences in prognosis between these two presentations of N3 disease.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study presents a retrospective analysis of 113 patients diagnosed with Stage IIIB NSCLC who had supraclavicular lymph node metastases and underwent chemoradiation therapy. Patients were categorized based on whether their supraclavicular involvement was ipsilateral or contralateral to the primary lung tumor. Survival outcomes were calculated and correlated with various factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with ipsilateral supraclavicular metastases had a median progression-free survival of 12 months, compared to 9 months for those with contralateral involvement. The median overall survival for the two groups was 17 months and 14 months, respectively. Poorer survival outcomes were associated with contralateral nodal involvement, older age, poor performance status, and exclusive radiotherapy treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Contralateral supraclavicular metastases are associated with a worse prognosis compared to ipsilateral involvement in Stage IIIB NSCLC. These findings suggest a need to reevaluate their classification within current staging systems and to consider systemic treatment for these high-risk patients. Phase III randomized controlled trials are needed to validate this observation.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1295-1302"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147634997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Non-Coding Code: Silent Regulators of MEG3 and Let-7i-3p/5p in the Progression of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.","authors":"Ghanyia Jasim Shanyoor, Afraa Ali Kadhim, Hiba Muneer Abdel Hassan Al-Khafaji, Mohanad K Aneed Al-Saedi, Maryam Qasim Mohammed","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1429","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1429","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The long non-coding RNA MEG3 functions as a tumor suppressor in several cancers, potentially influencing gene expression through transcriptional, translational, and epigenetic mechanisms. let-7i plays a role in leukemia progression. This study aimed to evaluate MEG3 gene expression in adult ALL patients and investigate its possible regulatory interaction with let-7i-3p and let-7i-5p.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 83 blood samples, classified in a case-control study design, were collected from newly diagnosed ALL patients (n=53) and healthy controls (n=30). Hematological parameters were estimated using a CBC analyzer. RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative real-time PCR with gene-specific primers was employed to assess MEG3 and let-7i-3p/5p expression levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ALL patients and healthy controls were matched for age (29.0±9.9 vs. 28.6±7.7 years, p=0.862) and sex (p=0.299). Hematological analysis revealed significant cytopenias in patients, including reduced Hemoglobin (Hb) (8.60±1.75 vs. 14.72±2.51 g/dL; p<0.001), white blood cells (WBCs) (4.91±2.84 vs. 7.96±1.57×109/L; p<0.001), and platelets (PLT) (156.96 ± 35.64 vs. 269.93±55.35×109/L; p<0.001). Gene expression analysis revealed that MEG3 was significantly downregulated in ALL patients (fold change 0.535±0.273; p=0.001), whereas Let-7i-3p/5p were upregulated (fold changes 1.875 ± 0.732 and 1.857 ± 0.891: p=0.003 and 0.004, respectively), indicating a different dysregulation pattern associated with adult ALL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates that adult ALL patients exhibit hematological abnormalities including anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Molecular analysis revealed a significant downregulation of lncRNA MEG3, alongside upregulation of let-7i-3p/5p, suggesting their potential involvement in leukemogenesis. These findings highlight the diagnostic and possibly prognostic relevance of MEG3 and let-7i in adult ALL and provide a basis for further investigation into their mechanistic roles and therapeutic targeting.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1429-1439"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Surendra Kumar Saini, Shelly Srivastava, Jitesh Sarvaiya, Mitanshu Sharma","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1287","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding cancer among patients and their caregivers, and to determine how these factors influence health-seeking behavior and early detection practices. Additionally, the study aimed to identify key gaps and barriers that may hinder effective cancer prevention and timely treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 participants, using a structured, pretested questionnaire. KAP scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis to determine the predictors of health behaviors. Correlation analysis was used to assess the interrelationships among KAP components.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Moderate levels of knowledge (mean score: 62.2 ± 9.7) and attitudes (71.1 ± 8.0) were observed, with notable gaps in awareness of risk factors and early detection methods. Practice scores (82.6 ± 9.5) were influenced by both attitude and knowledge levels, with knowledge showing the strongest correlation with practice (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified education level (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) and economic status (β = 0.23, p = 0.03) as significant predictors of KAP scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Knowledge and attitudes are key determinants of cancer-related health behaviors. Enhancing awareness and fostering positive attitudes through targeted educational interventions can improve early detection, treatment adherence, and preventive practices. Strengthening public health initiatives, addressing stigma, and improving access to healthcare are critical for optimizing cancer outcomes and promoting sustainable behavioral change.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1287-1294"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cancer Vaccines: Mobilizing Immunity for Targeted Cancer Therapy.","authors":"Vural Yilmaz","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1171","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Cancer remains the leading cause of mortality in economically developed nations, presenting a major global health burden. Conventional anti-cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often fall short of providing safe, targeted, and long-lasting treatments, particularly for aggressive and metastatic cancer types.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative that harnesses the patient's own immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. Among the various immunotherapeutic strategies, cancer vaccines represent a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. These vaccines aim to stimulate or enhance tumor-specific immune responses and are tailored to target the diverse molecular and immunological hallmarks of cancer.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>While several cancer vaccines have gained regulatory approval and entered clinical use, many others remain under investigation, requiring further optimization and evaluation through clinical trials.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review provides an overview of both clinically approved and emerging cancer vaccine strategies. Additionally, it examines the underlying factors that influence their clinical efficacy and translational potential, including immune evasion, delivery challenges, and patient-specific variables.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1171-1178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET in Breast, Ovarian, and Cervical Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Madina Gabdullina, Akmaral Ainakulova, Umut Elboga, Indira Karibayeva, Galymzhan Alisherov, Zhanar Zhakenova, Jandos Amankulov, Zhamilya Zholdybay","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1161","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET imaging in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers by conducting a systematic review of the existing literature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, following by a meta-analysis of the included studies, was performed using a random-effects statistical model.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Ten eligible studies that described the effectiveness of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPI PET imaging in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers were included in this review. The total number of participants was 253 females. Aggregated data from nine studies indicate a remarkably high diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 48.69 (95% CI: [16.94-139.96]) for detecting primary tumors, and a DOR of 207.50 (95% CI: [46.18-932.34]) from seven studies for detecting lymph node metastasis. [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-FAPI PET demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in identifying both primary lesions and metastatic lymph nodes in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>[68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET imaging could function as a supplementary technique to [18F]F-FDG PET imaging modalities, offering a more comprehensive evaluation for cancer staging, assessment of treatment response, and guidance in radiation therapy planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1161-1170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Insights into Identification of Natural AKT1/mTOR Signaling Inhibitors from Veratrum Viride-Derived Alkaloids for Breast Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics.","authors":"Anu Priya Eswaran, Selvaraj Jayaraman, Sathan Raj Natarajan, Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1335","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Breast cancer (BC) is a complex illness that affects millions of women globally. As its incidence rises, new treatment strategies are needed. Veratrum viride, a traditional medicinal herb, is known for its therapeutic potential, yet its molecular mechanism of action against BC remains unclear. The purpose of this preliminary investigation is to assess V. viride's anti-breast cancer potential by identifying its active compounds and using bioinformatics techniques to clarify their multi-target mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Materials & methods: </strong>Initially, eleven compounds from V. viride were examined for pharmacokinetic and toxicity characteristics. Network pharmacology was used to predict and integrate compound-target interactions with genes linked to BC. Topological and drug-protein interaction (DPI) analyses were employed to identify important hub genes. KEGG pathway enrichment and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were conducted to validate functional relevance. Target-compound interactions were verified through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Using ADMET profiling analysis and drug-likeness properties, three alkaloids namely jervine, veratramine, and rubijervine were identified as promising drug candidates. We identified six important hub genes: MTOR, INSR, FOXO1, FOXO3, RPS6KB1, and AKT1. According to GO and KEGG analyses, the compounds targeted pathways important in the regulation of BC, including AMPK, HIF-1, FOXO, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Moreover, jervine demonstrated robust binding stability and affinity with core targets in molecular docking and dynamics simulations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This work provides the first evidence that alkaloids derived from V. viride, especially jervine, may act as multi-target inhibitors against BC. However, further experimental validation is required to confirm their therapeutic efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1335-1350"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemotherapy Supports Cancer Cell Dissemination in a Melanoma Preclinical Model.","authors":"Ekaterina Lapkina, Tatiana Ruksha","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to determine how the chemotherapeutic alkylating agent dacarbazine, together with the application of the miR-204-5p mimic in vivo, affects the presence of disseminated melanoma cells in distant organs - the lungs and liver.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was carried out on B16 melanoma-bearing mice (n = 48). The animals were treated with dacarbazine (50 mg/kg) or dacarbazine combined with the microRNA miR-204-5p mimic (5 nM). Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the expression of miR-204-5p target genes following miR-204-5p mimic application. The presence of melanoma cells in distant organs was assessed by immunovisualization of the melanocyte marker PMEL using an immunohistochemical assay and by evaluating the expression of the melanocyte-specific protein tyrosinase via real-time PCR.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The level of PMEL expression increased twofold in the lungs of mice treated with dacarbazine (p = 0.014) and 4.2-fold in the group of animals treated with a combination of dacarbazine and the miR-204-5p mimic (p = 0.001), as compared to the control group. However, tyrosinase expression was detected in the lungs of B16 melanoma-bearing mice treated with dacarbazine and the negative control only, due to the sporadic presence of melanoma cells in distant organs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Taken together, dacarbazine and the miR-204-5p mimic favor the dissemination of B16 melanoma cells in the lungs, which may support further metastatic development. Although miR-204-5p has been described as a tumor-suppressive microRNA in melanoma, the application of a synthetic mimic to overexpress it in distant organs promoted tumor cell dissemination.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1155-1160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pesticide Exposure and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer among Postmenopausal Women in Rural Punjab, India.","authors":"Ratika Samtani, Noopur Sharma, Sekhar M, Roumi Deb","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1369","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1369","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Punjab, a state in Northern India, has reported an alarming rise in cancer cases, which has been linked to the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture. Ovarian cancer, often diagnosed at late stages, lacks systematic screening within the population under the national program. The present study aimed to screen postmenopausal women for ovarian cancer and to evaluate pesticide exposure as a potential risk factor.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 1,327 postmenopausal women, residing in 48 villages for at least ten years, were screened annually for CA-125 levels. Women with CA-125 levels >35 U/mL were referred for transvaginal ultrasound. Demographic data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. For pesticide profiling, a case-control design was adopted. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for organochlorine and organophosphate residues using gas chromatography.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 1,327 postmenopausal women screened, 30 (2.3%) had elevated CA-125 levels (>35 U/ml); no ovarian cancers were detected during follow-up imaging and specialist evaluation. In the case-control analysis (24 cases; 42 controls), detectable pesticide residues were associated with a crude 6.7-fold increased odds of ovarian cancer (95% CI: 1.4-32.7). After multivariable adjustment for parity and education, Ethion (aOR = 6.29, 95% CI: 1.37-28.8) and DDE (aOR = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.35-30.3) remained associated, though confidence intervals were wide, reflecting small sample size. In agricultural participants, chlorpyrifos detections were more frequent among controls (OR = 0.12, p = 0.008).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although no ovarian cancer cases were detected during screening, the study highlights the prevalence of pesticide exposure among women in Punjab's Malwa region and its possible association with ovarian cancer risk. Routine population screening using CA-125 is not supported in light of current evidence and guidelines. Instead, strengthening diagnostic and registry systems in rural areas, reducing harmful exposures through safer agricultural practices, and conducting well-powered prospective studies with repeated exposure assessments are essential to clarify risks and inform targeted strategies in high-exposure settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1369-1376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Key Determinants Shaping Cancer Prevention Policy Governance in Iran.","authors":"Mosayeb Ghareh Beygi, Seyyed Mohammad Isanedjad","doi":"10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1399","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.4.1399","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Cancer prevention policy (CPP) plays a vital role in reducing the cancer burden, but it poses considerable challenges in health systems with limited resources and disparities in service access. Understanding the drivers, processes, and barriers influencing CPP governance is critical to designing equitable and effective interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, such as Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative study employed a case study approach to investigate the complex social and systemic factors shaping cancer prevention policy (CPP) governance in Iran. Data were collected through 25 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and an extensive review of 47 relevant documents. Participants were purposively selected from government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and cancer specialty centers. Data analysis combined deductive and inductive content analysis, facilitated by ATLAS.ti, to identify themes related to actors, processes, and contextual influences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed that CPP governance is influenced by a network of domestically and internationally trained specialists, institutional leadership from the Ministry of Health, academic bodies, and civil society. Political, economic, and socio-cultural contexts significantly affected policy priorities and resource allocation. Challenges included insufficient needs assessments, fragmented stakeholder collaboration, and tensions between the growth of specialization and equitable access. Public demand for cancer prevention services remained low due to limited awareness and accessibility. Workforce shortages and cost constraints further complicated program implementation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Successful CPP governance requires inclusive participation, evidence-informed decision-making, and the adaptive integration of international expertise with local realities.</p>","PeriodicalId":55451,"journal":{"name":"Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention","volume":"27 4","pages":"1399-1409"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}