Stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer through diagnostic route:Who should be screened?

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a global health concern,with advanced-stage diagnoses contributing to poor prognoses.The efficacy of CRC screening has been well-established;nevertheless,a significant proportion of patients remain unscreened,with>70%of cases diagnosed outside screening.Although identifying specific subgroups for whom CRC screening should be particularly recommended is crucial owing to limited resources,the association between the diagnostic routes and identification of these subgroups has been less appreciated.In the Japanese cancer registry,the diagnostic routes for groups discovered outside of screening are primarily categorized into those with comorbidities found during hospital visits and those with CRC-related symptoms.AIM To clarify the stage at CRC diagnosis based on diagnostic routes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study using a cancer registry of patients with CRC between January 2016 and December 2019 at two hospitals.The diagnostic routes were primarily classified into three groups:Cancer screening,follow-up,and symptomatic.The early-stage was defined as Stages 0 or I.Multivariate and univariate logistic regressions were exploited to determine the odds of early-stage diagnosis in the symptomatic and cancer screening groups,referencing the follow-up group.The adjusted covariates were age,sex,and tumor location.RESULTS Of the 2083 patients,715(34.4%),1064(51.1%),and 304(14.6%)belonged to the follow-up,symptomatic,and cancer screening groups,respectively.Among the 2083 patients,CRCs diagnosed at an early stage were 57.3%(410 of 715),23.9%(254 of 1064),and 59.5%(181 of 304)in the follow-up,symptomatic,and cancer screening groups,respectively.The symptomatic group exhibited a lower likelihood of early-stage diagnosis than the follow-up group[P<0.001,adjusted odds ratio(aOR),0.23;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.19-0.29].The likelihood of diagnosis at an early stage was similar between the follow-up and cancer screening groups(P=0.493,aOR for early-stage diagnosis in the cancer screening group vs follow-up group=1.11;95%CI=0.82-1.49).CONCLUSION CRCs detected during hospital visits for comorbidities were diagnosed earlier,similar to cancer screening.CRC screening should be recommended,particularly for patients without periodical hospital visits for comorbidities.

Non-participation of asymptomatic candidates in screening protocols reduces early diagnosis and worsens prognosis of colorectal cancer

The Agatsuma et al’s study shows that despite the evidence of the benefits of an early colorectal cancer(CRC)diagnosis,through screening in asymptomatic subjects,up to 50%of candidates reject this option and many of those affected are diagnosed later,in advanced stages.The efficacy of screening programs has been well-established for several years,which reduces the risk of CRC morbidity and mortality,without taking into account the test used for screening,or other tools.Nevertheless,a significant proportion of patients remain unscreened,so understanding the factors involved,as well as the barriers of the population to adherence is the first step to possibly modify the participation rate.These barriers could include a full range of social and political aspects,especially the type of financial provision of each health service.In Japan,health services are universal,and this advantageous situation makes it easier for citizens to access to these services,contributing to the detection of various diseases,including CRC.Interestingly,the symptomatic CRC group had a lower early-stage diagnosis rate than the patients detected during follow-up for other comorbidities,and symptomatic and cancer screening groups showed similar early-stage diagnosis.

Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: Shedding light on an unresolved challenge

Diagnosing early-stage pancreatic cancer(PC)remains a clinical challenge.Hence,studying novel imaging aspects that could enhance the diagnostic accuracy of malignant pancreatic precursor lesions is imperative.This article aims to un-derscore the promising role of emerging imaging aspects that may facilitate the earlier diagnosis of PC,thereby improving its management and prognosis.

Value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging combined with tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of US,MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors.METHODS The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors,confirmed by surgery and pathology,were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023.The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors.Prior to surgery,all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations,as well as serum tumor marker tests[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),human epididymis protein 4(HE4)].The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors.RESULTS This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors.These differences include echo characteristics,presence or absence of a capsule,blood flow resistance index,clear tumor shape,and blood flow signal display rate(P<0.05).The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors(P<0.05).Additionally,the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences(P<0.05).The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The combined use of US,MRI,and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity compared to using each method individually(P<0.05).CONCLUSION US,MRI,and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors.However,by combining these three methods,we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis,enabling early detection and identification of the tumor’s nature,and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Accuracy of Intraoperative Frozen Section in the Diagnosis of Ovarian Neoplasms

Objective: The aim of the work is to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section in the diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms in Zagazig University. Design: A prospective cross sectional cohort study. Method: This study was performed between March 2011 and March 2012, on 50 patients presented with ovarian mass. Gross examination of the tumor removed was done by inspection and palpation. The specimen was then cut with a sharp knife into two halves. The most appropriate area thought to be representative of lesion was chosen. The number of sections frozen was depended on the type and size of the tumor. Seven to eight μm sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The specimens were then fixed in formalin. Paraffin blocks of the sections were processed in the routine way and sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E). The diagnosis obtained by intraoperative frozen section based on cellularity and cell morphology was compared with final histopathological diagnosis in terms of diagnostic sensitivity, to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Assessment of the overall accuracy of the intraoperative diagnosis was classified as concordant or discordant. Results: There was no statisticaly significant differencre in the studied patients as regard the clinical data, macroscopic and intraoperative picture, while there was statisticaly significat association as regard the laterality of the ovarian masses. The validity of frozen section in the diagnosis of benign tumour was 100% with 100% accuracy, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, while sensitivity & negative prediction for borderline tumour and specificity & positive prediction of malignant tumour were 100%, specifecity for borderline tumours was 95% while the positive predictive value was 33.3% with 96% accuracy for both malignant and borderline tumours. Conclusion: Intraoperative frozen section is accurate for rapid diagnosis of ovarian tumors. It can help surgeons avoid under-treatment or overtreatment of patients. Our study was designed prospectively using a small number of patients. The door is open to larger studies using a larger number of patients to be performed in order to substantiate our results.

Review of lymphoma in the duodenum: An update of diagnosis and management

The presentation,subtype,and macroscopic images of lymphoma vary depending on the site of the tumor within the gastrointestinal tract.We searched PubMed for publications between January 1,2012 and October 10,2022,and retrieved 130 articles relating to duodenal lymphoma.A further 22 articles were added based on the manual screening of relevant articles,yielding 152 articles for full-text review.The most predominant primary duodenal lymphoma was follicular lymphoma.In this review,we provide an update of the diagnosis and management of representative lymphoma subtypes occurring in the duodenum:Follicular lymphoma,diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue,mantle cell lymphoma,and Tcell lymphomas.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm: Key immunohistochemical profiles for differential diagnosis

AIM To reveal better diagnostic markers for differentiating neuroendocrine tumor(NET) from solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm(SPN), focusing primarily on immunohistochemical analysis.METHODS We reviewed 30 pancreatic surgical specimens of NET(24 cases) and SPN(6 cases). We carried out comprehensive immunohistochemical profiling using 9 markers: Synaptophysin, chromogranin A, pancytokeratin, E-cadherin, progesterone receptor,vimentin, α-1-antitrypsin, CD10, and β-catenin.RESULTS E-cadherin staining in NETs, and nuclear labeling of β-catenin in SPNs were the most sensitive and specific markers. Dot-like staining of chromogranin A might indicate the possibility of SPNs rather than NETs. The other six markers were not useful because their expression overlapped widely between NETs and SPNs. Moreover, two cases that had been initially diagnosed as NETs on the basis of their morphological features, demonstrated SPN-like immunohistochemical profiles. Careful diagnosis is crucial as we actually found two confusing cases showing disagreement between the tumor morphology and immunohistochemical profiles.CONCLUSION E-cadherin, chromogranin A, and β-catenin were the most useful markers which should be employed for differentiating between NET and SPN.

Current perspectives on pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms:Diagnosis, management and beyond

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms have been increasingly recognized recently. Comprising about 16% of all resected pancreatic cystic neoplasms, serous cystic neoplasms are uncommon benign lesions that are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. Despite overall low risk of malignancy, these pancreatic cysts still generate anxiety, leading to intensive medical investigations with considerable financial cost to health care systems. This review discusses the general background of serous cystic neoplasms, including epidemiology and clinical characteristics, and provides an updated overview of diagnostic approaches based on clinical features, relevant imaging studies and new findings that are being discovered pertaining to diagnostic evaluation. We also concisely discuss and propose management strategies for better quality of life.

Pathological differential diagnosis of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm and endocrine tumors of the pancreas

AIM:To investigate differential points of solid-pseudo-papillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas and pancre-atic endocrine tumor (PET).METHODS:Ten cases of SPN and fourteen cases of PET were studied in this retrospective study. Clinical and pathologic features,immunostaining reactions and β-catenin gene mutations were analyzed.RESULTS:The mean age of SPN patients was 25.6 years and these patients had no specific symptoms. The mean diameter of the tumors was 11.0 cm,9/10 cases were cystic or a mixture of solid and cystic structures,and there was hemorrhage and necrosis on the cut surface in 8/10 (80%) cases. Characteristic pseudo-papillary structure and discohesive appearance of the neoplastic cells were observed in all 10 (100%) cases. The results of immunostaining showed that nuclear expression of β-catenin and loss of E-cadherin in all the cases,was only seen in SPN. Molecular studies discov-ered that 9/10 (90%) cases harbored a point mutation of exon 3 in β-catenin gene. On the other hand,the mean age of PET patients was 43.1 years. Eight of 14 cases presented with symptoms caused by hypoglyce-mia,and the other 6 cases presented with symptoms similar to those of SPN. The mean size of the tumors was 2.9 cm,most of the tumors were solid,only 3/14 (21%) were a mixture of solid and cystic structures,and macroscopic hemorrhage and necrosis were much less common (3/14,21%). Histologically,tumor cells were arranged in trabecular,acinar or solid patterns and demonstrated no pseudopapillary structure and discohesive appearance in all 14 (100%) cases. The results of immunostaining and mutation detection were completely different with SPN that membrane and cytoplastic expression of β-catenin without loss of E-cadherin,as well as no mutation in β-catenin gene in all the cases. CONCLUSION:Both macroscopic and microscopic features of SPN are quite characteristic. It is not difficult to distinguish it from PET. If necessary,immunos-taining of β-catenin and E-cadherin is quite helpful to make the differential diagnosis.

Combined Detection of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 9,Acetyl Heparinase and Cathepsin L in Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Objective： To investigate the clinic values of combining test of serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 （MMP-9）, acetyl heparinase （Hpa） and Cathepsin L （CL） in diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Methods： Serum levels of MMP-9, Hpa and CL were detected in a total of 418 cases, including 217 cases with ovarian malignant tumor, 100 cases with ovarian benign tumor and 101 healthy controls, by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Their correlation with clinicopathologic feature of ovarian malignant tumor was analyzed and their diagnosis performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic （ROC）. The combined diagnosis model was established by logistic regression analysis. Results： The serum levels of MMP-9, Hpa and CL were significantly higher in patients with ovarian malignant tumor than in benign tumor and healthy control, the serum levels of CL and Hpa were higher in epithelial cancer than in non-epithelial tumor, and MMP-9, Hpa and CL were elevated in low grade and advanced stage compared to high grade and early stage. The sensitivity for diagnosis of ovarian malignant tumor from high to low was CL, Hpa and MMP-9, and the specificity was MMP-9, CL and Hpa. The united diagnosis model was established and showed the sensitivity and specificity of combined detection were 84.6% and 82.1%, respectively, which were significantly higher than a single tumor marker. Conclusion： Serum MMP-9, Hpa and CL were correlated with ovarian malignant tumor and the combined detection of which may be valuable for clinical diagnosis of ovarian malignant tumor.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-related diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance on small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms

This research aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)in the context of small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs).A total of 108 patients with rectal subepithelial lesions(SELs)with a diameter of<20 mm were included in the analysis.The diagnosis and depth assessment of EUS was compared to the histology findings.The prevalence of NENs in rectal SELs was 78.7%(85/108).The sensitivity of EUS in detecting rectal NENs was 98.9%(84/85),while the specificity was 52.2%(12/23).Overall,the diagnostic accuracy of EUS in identifying rectal NENs was 88.9%(96/108).The overall accuracy rate for EUS in assessing the depth of invasion in rectal NENs was 92.9%(78/84).Therefore,EUS demonstrates reasonable diagnostic accuracy in detecting small rectal NENs,with good sensitivity but inferior specificity.EUS may also assist physicians in assessing the depth of invasion in small rectal NENs before endoscopic excision.

CLINICAL VALUE OF SERUM TUMOR SUPPLIED GROUP OF FACTOR IN DIAGNOSIS OF EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of serum tumor supplied group of factor (TSGF) in diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: The serum TSGF was tested in 69 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, 28 patients with benign ovarian lesion and 61 healthy women. The serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CA125 were determined in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and in those with benign ovarian lesion. The correlations of TSGF with VEGF and CA125 were investigated. Results: The serum level of TSGF in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer was obviously higher than in patients with benign ovarian lesion and in healthy women (P<0.01). The serum level of TSGF in patients with epithelial cancer was associated with stage and grade. TSGF was highest in stage III, followed by stage IV, and was lowest in stage I-II. The TSGF level was lower in well-differentiated tumors and was higher in poorly differentiated tumor. There were no significant difference among diagnostic value of TSGF, VEGF, and CA125 in differentiation between epithelial ovarian cancer and benign ovarian lesion (P>0.05). The serum level of TSGF and VEGF and CA125 in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer showed positive correlation (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: There is no marked difference in diagnostic value among TSGF, VEGF and CA125. TSGF has a certain value in diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer, and is helpful to distinguish epithelial ovarian cancer from benign ovarian lesion.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary seminoma of the prostate:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Primary seminoma of the prostate(PSP)is a rare type of extragonadal germ cell tumour that is easily misdiagnosed,owing to the lack of specific clinical features.It is therefore necessary for clinicians to work toward improving the accuracy of PSP diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old male patient presenting with acute urinary retention was admitted to a local hospital.A misdiagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia led to an improper prostatectomy.Histopathology revealed PSP invading the bladder neck and bilateral seminal vesicles.Further radiotherapy treatment for the local lesion was performed,and the patient had a disease-free survival period of 96 mo.This case was analysed along with 13 other cases of PSP identified from the literature.Only four of the cases(28.6%)were initially confirmed by prostate biopsy.In these cases,imaging examinations showed an enlarged prostate(range 6-11 cm)involving the bladder neck(13/14).Of the 14 total cases,11(78.6%)presented typical pure seminoma cell features,staining strongly positive for placental alkaline phosphatase,CD117,and OCT4.The median age at diagnosis was 51(range 27-59)years,and patients had a median progression-free survival time of 48(range 6-156)mo after treatment by cisplatin-based chemotherapy combined with surgery or radiotherapy.The remaining three were cases of mixed embryonal tumours with focal seminoma,which had clinical features similar to those of pure PSP,in addition that they also had elevated serum alpha fetoprotein,beta-human chorionic gonadotropin,and lactose dehydrogenase.CONCLUSION PSP should be considered in patients younger than 60 years with an enlarged prostate invading the bladder neck.Further prostate biopsies may aid in proper PSP diagnosis.Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is still the main primary therapy for PSP.

New insights in diagnosis and treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs)are rare epithelial neoplasms derived from pluripotent endocrine cells along the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.GEP-NENs are classified into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.Despite overlapping morphological features,GEP-NENs vary in molecular biology,epigenetic,clinical behavior,treatment response,and prognosis features and remain an unmet clinical challenge.In this review,we introduce recent updates on the histopathologic classification,including the tumor grading and staging system,molecular genetics,and systemic evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment of GEP-NENs at different anatomic sites,together with some insights into the diagnosis of challenging and unusual cases.We also discuss the application of novel therapeutic approaches for GEP-NENs,including peptide receptor radionuclide therapy,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.These findings will help improve patient care with precise diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients with GEP-NENs.

Management of Ovarian Cystic Tumor: Diagnosis, Management, and Its Follow-Up-Case Presentation of Three Patients and Literature Review

The diagnosis and management of ovarian cystic tumor is sometimes difficult. In this manuscript, we wish to summarize this issue by showing three cases. Ultrasound and Color Doppler are very useful to diagnose the presence of this tumor but also to distinguish between benign and malignant. Pelvic MRI is also a strong tool and is sometimes mandatory. HE4 and CA125 are often useful as a serum diagnostic marker of malignancy, but not always so. Recently, laparoscopic management has gained popularity;however, great caution should be exercised during laparoscopic operative procedures, as this may lead to intraperitoneal malignant cell spreading/proliferation when the tumor is malignant. During the surgery of malignant tumor, irrespective of laparoscopic or laparotomic, intraperitoneal rupture should be avoided. Since the final diagnosis must be made by histological examination, the patient must always be informed of this possibility.

Endoscopic techniques for diagnosis and treatment of gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms:Where we are

BACKGROUND The correct localization of the primary tumor site and a complete histological diagnosis represent the milestones for the proper management of gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs).AIM To analyze current evidence on the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis/treatment of GEP-NENs.METHODS An extensive bibliographical search was performed in PubMed to identify guidelines and primary literature(retrospective and prospective studies,systematic reviews,case series)published in the last 15 years,using both medical subject heading(MeSH)terms and free-language keywords:gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms;endoscopy;ultrasound endoscopy;capsule endoscopy;double-balloon enteroscopy;diagnosis;therapy;staging.RESULTS In the diagnostic setting,endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)represents the diagnostic gold standard for pancreatic NENs and the technique of choice for the locoregional staging of gastric,duodenal and rectal NENs.The diagnosis of small bowel NENs(sbNENs)has been improved with the advent of video capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy,which allow for direct visualization of the entire small bowel;however,data regarding the efficacy/safety of these techniques in the detection of sbNENs are scanty and often inconclusive.From a therapeutic point of view,endoscopic removal is the treatment of choice for the majority of gastric NENs(type 1/2),for well-differentiated localized nonmetastatic duodenal NENs<1 cm,confined to the submucosa layer and for<10 mm,stage T1–T2,rectal NENs.EUS-guided pancreatic locoregional ablative treatments have been proposed in recent studies with promising results in order to control symptoms or reduce tumor burden in selected patients.CONCLUSION Standard axial endoscopy and EUS still play a pivotal role in several GEP-NENs.Advanced techniques for increasing the rate of R0 resection should be reserved for high-volume referral centers.

A modified method for locating parapharyngeal space neoplasms on magnetic resonance images: implications for differential diagnosis

The parapharyngeal space(PPS) is an inverted pyramid-shaped deep space in the head and neck region, and a variety of tumors, such as salivary gland tumors, neurogenic tumors, nasopharyngeal carcinomas with parapharyngeal invasion, and lymphomas, can be found in this space. The differential diagnosis of PPS tumors remains challenging for radiologists. This study aimed to develop and test a modified method for locating PPS tumors on magnetic resonance(MR) images to improve preoperative differential diagnosis. The new protocol divided the PPS into three compartments: a prestyloid compartment, the carotid sheath, and the areas outside the carotid sheath. PPS tumors were located in these compartments according to the displacements of the tensor veli palatini muscle and the styloid process, with or without blood vessel separations and medial pterygoid invasion. This protocol, as well as a more conventional protocol that is based on displacements of the internal carotid artery(ICA), was used to assess MR images captured from a series of 58 PPS tumors. The consequent distributions of PPS tumor locations determined by both methods were compared. Of all 58 tumors, our new method determined that 57 could be assigned to precise PPS compartments. Nearly all(13/14; 93%) tumors that were located in the pre-styloid compartment were salivary gland tumors. All 15 tumors within the carotid sheath were neurogenic tumors. The vast majority(18/20; 90%) of trans-spatial lesions were malignancies. However, according to the ICA-based method, 28 tumors were located in the pre-styloid compartment, and 24 were located in the post-styloid compartment, leaving 6 tumors that were difficult to locate. Lesions located in both the pre-styloid and the post-styloid compartments comprised various types of tumors. Compared with the conventional ICA-based method, our new method can help radiologists to narrow the differential diagnosis of PPS tumors to specific compartments.

TGF-β-regulated different iron metabolism processes in the development and cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer

The impact of different iron metabolism processes(DIMP)on ovarian cancer remains unclear.In this study,we employed various gene chips and databases to investigate the role of DIMP in the initiation and development of ovarian cancer.cBioPortal was used to determine mutations in DIMP-associated genes in ovarian cancer.Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to examine the influence of DIMP on the prognosis of ovarian cancer.By analyzing 1669 serous ovarian cancer cases,we identified a range of mutations in iron metabolism genes,notably in those coding for the transferrin receptor(19%),melanotransferrin(19%),and ceruloplasmin(10%)in the iron import process,and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase(9%),hepcidin antimicrobial peptide(9%),metal regulatory transcription factor 1(8%),and bone morphogenetic protein 6(8%)in the iron regulation process.Compared to the unaltered group,the group with gene alterations exhibited a higher tumor mutation burden count(43 vs.54)and more advanced histologic grade(78.19%vs.87.90%).Compared to the normal ovarian counterparts,a reduction in expression was observed in 9 out of the 14 genes involved in iron utilization and 4 out of the 5 genes involved in iron export in ovarian cancer;in contrast,an increase in expression was observed in 2 out of the 3 genes involved in iron storage in ovarian cancer.Furthermore,in cisplatin-resistant cells compared to cisplatin-sensitive ones,the expression of all genes in iron storage and 13 out of 14 genes in iron import was decreased,while that of 8 out of the 10 genes in iron utilization was increased.In addition,survival curve analysis indicated that a higher expression in the majority of genes in the iron import process(12/21),or a reduced expression in most genes in the iron export process(4/5)correlated with poor progression-free survival.Additionally,TGF-βcould regulate the expression of most iron metabolism-associated genes;particularly,expression of genes involved in the iron storage process(2/2)was inhibited after TGF-β1 or TGF-β2 treatment.In conclusion,DIMP plays multifaceted roles in the initiation,chemo-resistance,and prognosis of ovarian cancer.Therapeutically targeting DIMP may pave the way for more tailored treatment approaches for ovarian cancer.

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms in gastroenteropancreatic tract

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms(MiNENs)are a hetero-geneous group of malignant neoplasms that can settle in the gastroenteropan-creatic tract.They are composed of a neuroendocrine(NE)and a non-NE compo-nent in at least 30%of each tumour.The non-NE component can include different histological combinations of glandular,squamous,mucinous and sarcomatoid phenotypes,and one or both of the components can be low-or high grade malignant.Recent changes in the nomenclature of these neoplasms might lead to great deal of confusion,and the lack of specific clinical trials is the main reason why their management is difficult.The review aims to clarify the definition of MiNEN and analyze available evidence about their diagnosis and treatment options according to their location and extension through careful analysis of the available data.It would be important to reach a general consensus on their diagnosis in order to construct a classification that remains stable over time and facilitates the design of clinical trials that,due to their low incidence,will require long recruitment periods.

Immune pathway through endometriosis to ovarian cancer

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease,defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity.This disease is one of the main gynecological diseases,affecting around 10%-15%women and girls of reproductive age,being a common gynecologic disorder.Although endometriosis is a benign disease,it shares several characteristics with invasive cancer.Studies support that it has been linked with an increased chance of developing endometrial ovarian cancer,representing an earlier stage of neoplastic processes.This is particularly true for women with clear cell carcinoma,low-grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid.However,the carcinogenic pathways between both pathologies remain poorly understood.Current studies suggest a connection between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers(EAOCs)via pathways associated with oxidative stress,inflammation,and hyperestrogenism.This article aims to review current data on the molecular events linked to the development of EAOCs from endometriosis,specifically focusing on the complex relationship between the immune response to endometriosis and cancer,including the molecular mechanisms and their ramifications.Examining recent developments in immunotherapy and their potential to boost the effectiveness of future treatments.