Efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil and High-Concentration Cisplatin Suspended in Lipiodol by Short-Term Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

Background: Since advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is potentially fatal, and patients’ quality of life (QOL) often deteriorates during their treatment, improving the prognosis and QOL of patients given chemotherapy is very important. In addition, cost-effective treatments are highly desirable when chemotherapy must be given repeatedly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and usefulness of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and high-concentration cisplatin by short-term hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (3-day FPL) in advanced HCC patients. Methods: Thirty patients with unresectable advanced HCC were enrolled. The patients underwent hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy via the implanted port system with 5-FU on days 1 - 3 and a fine-powder formulation of cisplatin in suspended pre-warmed lipiodol on day 2 every 4 to 10 weeks. Tumor response was assessed one month later with CT. Results: All patients had evidence of portal vein invasion (Vp2-4). Four patients achieved a complete response (CR), 8 patients achieved a partial response (PR), and 7 patients had stable disease (SD). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 198 days and 452 days, respectively. The OS was significantly longer in the successful disease control group (CR, PR, and SD) than in the progressive disease group (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Three-day FPL was effective and tolerable in advanced HCC patients due to its shorter time of administration than conventional FP therapy. Therefore, repetitive 3-day FPL appears useful and contributes to improving the prognosis and QOL of patients with advanced HCC. In addition, this protocol is a cost-effective treatment.

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel,cisplatin and fluorouracil followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy for unresectable sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma: Two cases of report

BACKGROUND Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma(SNUC) is a rare aggressive tumor that is often unresectable. Optimal treatment for patients with unresectable,locally advanced SNUC(LA-SNUC) has not been established,and the patient outcome remains poor. We report two cases of unresectable LA-SNUC in which induction chemotherapy with docetaxel,cisplatin and fluorouracil(TPF) followed by radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin(CCRT),a standard treatment option for locally advanced head and neck cancer,demonstrated promising outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man presented with tearing and pain in the right eye. A biopsy of the tumor invading the sinonasal cavities,right orbit and cranial base confirmed the diagnosis of LA-SNUC. Induction TPF chemotherapy induced remarkable tumor shrinkage and rapidly improved the symptoms. He subsequently received CCRT and achieved complete remission of the disease. The other case is a 21-year-old man who presented with worsening vision. The unresectable tumor involving the nasal septum and cranial base was pathologically diagnosed as SNUC. TPF chemotherapy followed by CCRT yielded complete remission of the disease with preserved visual function. Both patients have been disease-free for44 mo.CONCLUSION Induction TPF chemotherapy followed by CCRT may remarkably improve the outcomes in LA-SNUC patients.

Endu combined with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for stage IIB-IVA cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND In recent years,the incidence of cervical cancer has increased with increasing life pressures and changes in women's social roles,posing a serious threat to women's physical and mental health.AIM To explore the clinical effect of Endo combined with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma.METHODS A total of 120 patients admitted to the oncology department of our hospital were selected as the research subjects.They were equally divided into the test group and the control group(60 patients each)with a random number table.The test group was treated with Endo combined with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy,and the control group was treated with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy.We compared the serum thymidine kinase 1(TK1),human epididymis protein 4(HE4),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and squamous cell carcinoma-associated antigen(SCC-Ag)levels,the clinical effects and survival before and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy,the quality score,and the 3-year follow-up outcomes between the two groups.RESULTS After chemotherapy,the complete remission+partial remission rate was 85.00%in the test group and 68.33%in the control group;the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Before chemotherapy,the serum TK1,HE4,VEGF,and SCC-Ag levels of the two groups were not significantly different(P>0.05).After chemotherapy,the levels of serum TK1(1.27±0.40 pmol/L),HE4(81.4±24.0 pmol/L),VEGF(235.1±38.0 pg/mL),and SCC-Ag(1.76±0.55 ng/mL)were lower than those in the control group[TK1(1.58±0.51 pmol/L),HE4(98.0±28.6)pmol/L,VEGF(284.2±54.1 pg/mL),and SCC-Ag(2.34±0.78 ng/mL)].The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Before chemotherapy,there were no significant differences in the physical,role,mood,cognition,social and symptom scale scores of the two groups(P>0.05).After chemotherapy,the physical,role,mood,cognitive and social scores were higher in the test group than in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The symptom scale scores of the test group were all lower than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The 3-year progression-free survival(PFS)rate was 43.33%in the test group and 26.67%in the control group;the overall survival(OS)rate was 48.33%in the test group and 33.33%in the control group;the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The 3-year PFS time of the test group was 20.0 mo,which was longer than that of the control group(15.0 mo),and the difference was significant(P<0.05).The OS time of the test group was 30.0 mo,which was longer than that of the control group(18.0 mo),and the difference was significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Endo combined with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma has a positive effect on reducing the level of tumor markers in patients,prolonging the PFS and OS times of patients,and improving the quality of life.

Effectiveness and tolerability of programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy for upper gastrointestinal tract cancers

BACKGROUND The combination of programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor and che-motherapy is approved as a standard first-or second-line treatment in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.However,it is unclear whether this combination is superior to chemotherapy alone.AIM To assess the comparative effectiveness and tolerability of combining PD-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced gastric cancer,gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)cancer,or oesophageal carcinoma.METHODS We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies that compared the efficacy and tolerance of PD-1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.We employed either random or fixed models to analyze the outcomes of each clinical trial,en-compassing data on overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),objective response rate,and adverse events(AEs).RESULTS Nine phase 3 clinical trials(7016 advanced oesophageal and gastric cancer patients)met the inclusion criteria.Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group had a significantly longer OS than the chemotherapy-alone group[hazard ratio(HR)=0.76,95%confidence interval(CI):0.71-0.81];the pooled PFS result was consistent with that of OS(HR=0.67,95%CI:0.61-0.74).The count of patients achieving an objective response in the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group surpassed that of the chemotherapy-alone group[odds ratio(OR)=1.86,95%CI:1.59-2.18].AE incidence was also higher in the combination-therapy group than in the chemotherapy-alone group,regardless of whether≥grade 3 only(OR=1.30,95%CI:1.07-1.57)or all AE grades(OR=1.88,95%CI:1.39-2.54)were examined.We performed a subgroup analysis based on the programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)and noted extended OS and PFS durations within the CPS≥1,CPS≥5,and CPS≥10 subgroups of the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group.CONCLUSION In contrast to chemotherapy alone,the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy appears to present a more favorable option for initial or subsequent treatment in patients with gastric cancer,GEJ tumor,or oesophageal cancer.This holds true particularly for individuals with PD-L1 CPS scores of≥5 and≥10.

Nimotuzumab with Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck (LASCCHN)

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) constitute 5% of all cancers globally and are the most common cancers in India. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not been proved to be effective in advanced cases and the prognosis remains dismal. This underscores the need for newer treatment options in these cases. Nimotuzumab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) monoclonal antibody, was safer when combined with chemo- or radio-therapy. Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrently administered nimotuzumab with chemo-radiotherapy in patients with advanced inoperable squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck (LASCCHN). Methods:?This was an open-label, single arm study evaluating 57 patients with histologically confirmed inoperable LASCCHN (stages III and IV) and eastern co-operative oncology group (ECOG) performance status < 2. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. The patients were administered IV cisplatin 30 mg/m2?and IV nimotuzumab 200 mg weekly for 6 weeks, along with radiotherapy of 6600 cGy over 33 fractions. Patients were evaluated over response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria 24 weeks after the last cycle of chemotherapy. Results: Mean age of patient was 50 years old (29 - 79 years old). The most common site of cancer was oral cavity (56.1%). Forty six patients (80.7%) completed 6 cycles of therapy. Objective response rate (ORR) was 80.7%, with 34 patients (59.6%) achieving complete response (CR), and 12 (21%) achieving partial response (PR). Stable disease (SD) was noted in 8 (14%) patients and progressive disease in 3 (5.2%) patients. Conclusion: Addition of nimotuzumab is a safe and efficacious option in patients with inoperable LASCCHN. Our observations confirm the available Phase II data. The long term survival benefits based on this encouraging response rate need to be further evaluated in this subset of cancer patients.

Effectiveness of a theory-based tailored mHealth physical activity intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer:A quasi-experimental study

Objectives:This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the theory-based tailored mHealth physical activity(PA)intervention among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.Methods:A quasi-experimental study design was adopted.A total of 60 breast cancer patients were selected from two tertiary hospitals in Shanghai and Hangzhou City from September 2019 to August 2021.According to the admission order,30 patients werefirst included in the control group,followed by 30 patients in the intervention group.A smartphone application(app)named“Breast Care”was developed based on social cognitive theory,self-efficacy theory,and the theory of planned behavior.The app integrated various functions,including information browsing,PA monitoring and feedback,symptom reporting,and social interaction.Patients in the intervention group received three months of personalized online PA guidance in addition to routine care.The control group received routine care.Baseline and post-intervention investigations after three months were conducted in two groups using the Short Form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire,the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale,and the Functional Assessment of Cancer TherapydBreast cancer.Results:After three months of intervention,compared to the control group,breast cancer patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in walking,moderate PA,and overall PA(P<0.05).Compared to the baseline data,breast cancer patients in the intervention group had significant improvements in walking and overall PA after three months(P<0.05),whereas the control group experienced significant declines in walking,moderate PA,and overall PA after three months(P<0.05).There were statistically differences between the two groups in scores for anxiety,overall quality of life,and its dimensions,such as physical well-being,emotional well-being,and additional breast cancer well-being(P<0.05).Conclusions:The theory-based tailored mHealth PA intervention has demonstrated a positive impact on promoting PA behavior change and emotional management among breast cancer patients.The‘Breast Care’app integrated various practical behavior change strategies,offering valuable guidance for personalized remote rehabilitation support for cancer patients.

Predicting the prognosis of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC);however,its efficacy varies.This review summarized the ability of various markers to predict the efficacy of HAIC and provided a reference for clinical applications.As of October 25,2023,51 articles have been retrieved based on keyword predictions and HAIC.Sixteen eligible articles were selected for inclusion in this study.Comprehensive literature analysis found that methods used to predict the efficacy of HAIC include serological testing,gene testing,and imaging testing.The above indicators and their combined forms showed excellent predictive effects in retrospective studies.This review summarized the strategies currently used to predict the efficacy of HAIC in middle and advanced HCC,analyzed each marker's ability to predict HAIC efficacy,and provided a reference for the clinical application of the prediction system.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy:Could they contribute to the development of new tumors and metastases?

Objective: Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy have demonstrated high effectiveness as the best mechanisms in the fight against cancer;however, various studies seem to confirm that they could also favor the development of other unwanted effects of great importance for the patient. The main objective of this study is to find out the possible existence of this type of links. Method: This is a systematic literature review that seeks to find out which and how long cases of late interactions related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments have been known. The bibliographic review was carried out based on references published in the last five years. Results: Various studies confirm the possible relationship between chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments with the development of new undesirable side effects, especially as a consequence of the hepatotoxicity generated in the case of chemotherapy and radiation in radiotherapy. However, in this last type of treatment, the problems raised are really few. Conclusions: The existence of a risk of suffering new unwanted side effects after different types of treatment seems to have been demonstrated, especially in the case of chemotherapy. In the case of radiotherapy, adverse effects are practically non-existent, although they are no less important.

HCV infection, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and immunochemotherapy: Evidence and open questions

There is plenty of data confirming that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a predisposing factor for a B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) outbreak, while relatively few reports have addressed the role of HCV in affecting B-NHL patients' outcome. HCV infection may influence the short-term outcome of B-NHL because of the emergence of severe hepatic toxicity (HT) during immunochemotherapy. Furthermore, the long term outcome of HCV-related liver disease and patients' quality of life will possibly be affected by Rituximab maintenance, multiple-lines of toxicity during chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this review, data dealing with aggressive and low-grade B-NHL were separately analyzed. The few retrospective papers reporting on aggressive B-NHL patients showed that HCV infection is a risk factor for the outbreak of severe HT during treatment. This adverse event not infrequently leads to the reduction of treatment density and intensity. Existing papers report that low-grade B-NHL patients with HCV infection may have a more widespread disease, more frequent relapses or a lower ORR compared to HCV-negative patients. Notwithstanding, there is no statistical evidence that the prognosis of HCV-positive patients is inferior to that of HCV-negative subjects. HCV-positive prospective studies and longer follow-up are necessary to ascertain if HCV-positive B-NHL patients have inferior outcomes and if there are long term sequels of immunochemotherapies on the progression of liver disease.

Clinical Study on Simultaneous Modulated Accelerated Radiotherapy and Concurrent Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicities of simultaneous modulated accelerated radiotherapy （SMART） and concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS Eightyseven patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma received SMART from April 2002 to September 2006. According to the UICC staging system, 30 patients were diagnosed as stage IIb, 42 patients stage III, 13 patients stage IVa and 2 patients stage IVb. The intensitymodulated radiotherapy was delivered with the ＂step and shoot＂ SMART technique with the prescribed dose of 66-76 Gy （2.2-2.4 Gy/day） to the gross tumor volume （GTV） and positive neck lymph nodes （GTVLN）, with 60 Gy （2.0 Gy/day） to the highrisk clinical target volume （CTV1）, encompassing the area around the nasopharynx and the upper neck, and with 54 Gy （1.8 Gy/day） to the lowrisk clinical target volume （CTV2）, including the lower neck and supraclavicular area. Among all the patients, 31 received 2 cycles of SMART concurrently with 5 fluorouracil （5-Fu） and cisplatin （the FP group） and 56 received 2 cycles of concurrent cisplatin. All the patients received 3 to 4 cycles of adjuvant combination chemotherapy of cisplatin and 5fluorouracil starting from the 1st month after completion of SMART. RESULTS With a median follow up of 59 months （ranging from 19 to 85 months）, the 1, 2 and 3year overall survival rates were 100%, 94.6% and 91.3% respectively. Acute mucositis and pharyngitis were more frequently observed in the FP group than in the cisplatin group. CONCLUSION SMART technique provides an excellent opportunity to spare normal tissue and is probably more biologically effective. Combination of single cisplatin was more tolerable.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer

AIM： To evaluate the dosimetry, efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiation therapy （IMRT） and concurrent chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. METHODS： A retrospective study was performed on 7 patients who were definitively treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy. Patients who did not receive IMRT radiation and concurrent chemotherapy were not included in this analysis. IMRT plans were evaluated to assess the tumor coverage and normal tissue avoidance. Treatment response was evaluated and toxicities were assessed. RESULTS： Five- to nine-beam IMRT were used to deliver a total dose of 59.4-66 Gy （median： 64.8 Gy） to the primary tumor with 6-MV photons. The minimum dose received by the planning tumor volume （PTV） of the gross tumor volume boost was 91.2%-98.2% of the prescription dose （standard deviation [SD]： 3.7%-5.7%）. The minimum dose received by the PTV Of the clinical tumor volume was 93.8%-104.8% （SD： 4.3%-11.1%） of the prescribed dose. With a median follow-up of 15 rno （range： 3-21 too）, all 6 evaluable patients achieved complete response. Of them, 2 developed local recurrences and 2 had distant metastases, 3 survived with no evidence of disease. After treatment, 2 patients developed esophageal stricture requiring frequent dilation and 1 patient developed tracheal-esophageal fistula. CONCLUSION： Concurrent IMRT and chemotherapy resulted in an excellent early response in patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. However, local and distant recurrence and toxicity remain to be a problem. Innovative approaches are needed to improve the outcome.

Prognostic factors in resectable cholangiocarcinoma patients: Carcinoembryonic antigen, lymph node, surgical margin and chemotherapy

AIM: To evaluate outcomes in resectable cholangiocarcinoma patients and to determine prognostic factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among newly-diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma patients from January 2009 to December 2011 who underwent curative resection in Srinakarind Hospital (a 1000-bed university hospital). Two hundred and sixty-three cholangiocarcinoma patients with good performance were enrolled. These patients had pathological reports with clear margins or microscopic margins. Prognostic factors which included clinical factors, serum liver function test as well as serum tumor makers at presentation,tumor data, and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were determined by uniand multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median overall survival time was 17 mo (95%CI: 13.2-20.7); and 1-, 2-, and 3year survival rates were 65.5%, 45.2% and 35.4%. Serum albumin levels, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, staging classifications by American Joint Committee on cancer, pathological tumor staging, lymph node metastases, tumor grading, surgical margin status, and if adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, were shown to be significant prognostic factors of resectable cholangiocarcinoma by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis, however, established that only abnormal serum CEA [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68; P = 0.027] and lymph node metastases (HR 2.27; P = 0.007) were significantly associated with a decrease in overall survival, while adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.71; P = 0.067) and surgical margin negative (HR 0.72; P = 0.094) tended to improve survival time. CONCLUSION: Serum CEA and lymph node metastases which were associated with advanced stage tumors become strong negative prognostic factors in cholangiocarcinoma.

Metastatic appendiceal cancer treated with Yttrium 90 radioembolization and systemic chemotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary appendiceal cancers are rare,and they generally present with liver and/or peritoneal metastases.Currently there are no guidelines to treat metastatic appendiceal cancer,and hence they are treated as metastatic colorectal cancer.Combining Yttrium 90(Y-90)radioembolization(RE)with systemic chemotherapy early in the treatment of right sided colon cancers has been shown to improve survival.Based on this data,a combination of systemic chemotherapy and Y-90 RE was used to treat a case of metastatic appendiceal cancer.CASE SUMMARY A 76-year-old male presented to the emergency room with progressive right lower quadrant pain.A Computed Tomography of the abdomen and pelvis was performed which showed acute appendicitis and contained perforation.Urgent laparoscopic appendectomy was then followed by histological analysis,which was significant for appendiceal adenocarcinoma.After complete workup he underwent right hemicolectomy and lymph node dissection.He received adjuvant chemotherapy as the local lymph nodes were positive.Follow-up imaging was significant for liver metastasis.Due to rapid growth of the liver lesions and new peritoneal nodules,the patient was treated with a combination of Y-90 RE and folinic acid,fluorouracil,and irinotecan with bevacizumab and not microwave ablation as previously planned.Follow up imaging demonstrated complete response of the liver lesions.At 12-mo follow-up,the patient continued to enjoy good quality of life with no recurrent disease.CONCLUSION Utilization of Y-90 RE concomitantly with systemic chemotherapy early in the treatment of appendiceal cancer may provide improved control of this otherwise aggressive cancer.

Conversion of Unresectable to Resectable Liver Metastases from Colorectal Carcinoma Using Hepatic Arterial Chronomodulated Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Short Literature Review

Background: The regional chronomodulated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is an effective regimen for the treatment of patients with unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer, especially for the conversion into resectability. Aim: To demonstrate that chronomodulated HAI triplet chemotherapy according to OPTILIV protocol is well tolerated and displayed high antitumor activity in this heavily-pretreated patient. Case Presentation: A 54 years old patient from Russia was treated for a tumor in the ascending colon presented with 13 hepatic metastases ranging from 0.3 to 2.7 cm in diameter. He underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, 12 cycles of FOLFIRINOX combined to bevacizumab for the last 5 cycles, resulting in a partial response according to CT scan. It was decided to perform a two-stage hepatectomy at Paul Brousse hospital: left partial hepatectomy allowed the excision of 9 lesions. Radio frequency ablation was performed in 2 nodular lesions. Afterwards, the patient received 5 cycles of chronomodulated triplet chemotherapy into the hepatic artery, according to the OPTILIV protocol design, yet without cetuximab, because of the KRAS mutation in the liver metastases, with a partial re-sponse. The patient could then undergo the second stage of the planned right hepatectomy, which turned out to be an R0 resection followed by receiving three courses of chronomodulated HAIC. Disease progression was documented after 3 months. Chronomodulated FOLFIRI chemotherapy was re-started intravenously, in combination with Aflibercept and it was associated with further disease progression. The genetic analysis of our patient’s cancer revealed a high level of MSI. The patient was included in the Phase 2 CheckMate-142 trial and received nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks within 3 months. Treatment was discontinued due to ineffectiveness. Then the patient underwent radiotherapy geared towards reduction of pain. Afterwards, the patient died from the disease progression 2 years after the beginning of treatment. Conclusion: In this article, the authors report a clinical case with chronomodulated HAIC as rescue therapy in a heavily pretreated patient with metastatic colorectal cancer, allowing to achieve an objective response despite prior progression on FOLFIRINOX (the same triplet chemo by IV route). This strategy permitted to overcome drug resistance and to perform further complete resection of the liver me-tastases with prolonged patient survival. Thus, chronomodulated HAI is useful in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer and de-serves to be further assessed prospectively in clinical trials chemotherapy.

Clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Advanced pancreatic cancer is resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs,resulting in limited treatment efficacy and poor prognosis.Combined administration of the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine and erlotinib is considered a potential first-line treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.However,their comparative benefits and potential risks remain unclear.AIM To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with other chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.METHODS Literature on the clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer was retrieved through an online search.The retrieved literature was subjected to a methodological qualitative assessment and was analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 software.Ten randomized controlled trials involving 2444 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were included in the meta-analysis.RESULTS Compared with chemotherapeutic treatment,erlotinib combined with chemotherapy significantly prolonged the progression-free survival time of pancreatic cancer patients[hazard ratio(HR)=0.78,95%CI:0.66-0.92,P=0.003].Meanwhile,the overall survival(HR=0.99,95%CI:0.72-1.37,and P=0.95)and disease control rate(OR=0.93,95%CI:0.45-0.91,P=0.84)were not significantly favorable.In terms of safety,the erlotinib and chemotherapy combination was associated with a significantly higher risk of diarrhea(OR=3.59,95%CI:1.63-7.90,P<0.05)and rash(OR=3.63,95%CI:1.64-8.01,P<0.05)compared with single-agent chemotherapy.Moreover,the risk of vomiting(OR=1.27,95%CI:0.62-2.59,P=0.51),regurgitation/anorexia(OR=1.61,95%CI:0.25-10.31,P=0.62),and infection(OR=0.72,95%CI:0.28-1.87,P=0.50)were not significant in either group.CONCLUSION Compared with a single chemotherapeutic modality,erlotinib combined with gemcitabine can prolong progression-free survival in pancreatic cancer,but does not improve survival benefit or disease control rate,and can increase the risk of diarrhea and rash.

TRIANGLE operation,combined with adequate adjuvant chemotherapy,can improve the prognosis of pancreatic head cancer:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The TRIANGLE operation involves the removal of all tissues within the triangle bounded by the portal vein-superior mesenteric vein,celiac axis-common hepatic artery,and superior mesenteric artery to improve patient prognosis.Although previously promising in patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),data are limited regarding the long-term oncological outcomes of the TRIANGLE operation among resectable PDAC patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD).AIM To evaluate the safety of the TRIANGLE operation during PD and the prognosis in patients with resectable PDAC.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent PD for pancreatic head cancer between January 2017 and April 2023,with or without the TRIANGLE operation.Patients were divided into the PD_(TRIANGLE)and PD_(non-TRIANGLE)groups.Surgical and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups.Adequate adjuvant chemotherapy was defined as adjuvant chemotherapy≥6 months.RESULTS The PD_(TRIANGLE)and PD_(non-TRIANGLE) groups included 52 and 55 patients,respectively.There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics or perioperative indexes between the two groups.Furthermore,the recurrence rate was lower in the PD_(TRIANGLE) group than in the PD_(non-TRIANGLE) group(48.1%vs 81.8%,P<0.001),and the local recurrence rate of PDAC decreased from 37.8%to 16.0%.Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that PD_(TRIANGLE)(HR=0.424;95%CI:0.256-0.702;P=0.001),adequate adjuvant chemotherapy≥6 months(HR=0.370;95%CI:0.222-0.618;P<0.001)and margin status(HR=2.255;95%CI:1.252-4.064;P=0.007)were found to be independent factors for the recurrence rate.CONCLUSION The TRIANGLE operation is safe for PDAC patients undergoing PD.Moreover,it reduces the local recurrence rate of PDAC and may improve survival in patients who receive adequate adjuvant chemotherapy.

Identifying relevant factors influencing cancer-related fatigue in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma during chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is a rapidly growing malignant tumor,and chemotherapy is one of the treatments used to combat it.Although advancements of science and technology have resulted in more and more patients being able to receive effective treatment,they still face side effects such as fatigue and weakness.It is important to thoroughly investigate the factors that contribute to cancer-related fatigue(CRF)during chemotherapy.AIM To explore the factors related to CRF,anxiety,depression,and mindfulness levels in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy.METHODS General information was collected from the electronic medical records of eligible patients.Sleep quality and mindfulness level scores in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy were evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form.The Piper Fatigue Scale was used to evaluate the CRF status.The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to evaluate anxiety and depression status.Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were used to investigate the factors related to CRF.RESULTS The overall average CRF level in 62 patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy was 5.74±2.51.In 25 patients,the highest rate of mild fatigue was in the cognitive dimension(40.32%),and in 35 patients the highest moderate fatigue rate in the behavioral dimension(56.45%).In the emotional dimension,severe fatigue had the highest rate of occurrence,34 cases or 29.03%.The CRF score was positively correlated with cancer experience(all P<0.01)and negatively correlated with cancer treatment efficacy(all P<0.01).Tumor staging,chemotherapy cycle,self-efficacy level,and anxiety and depression level were related to CRF in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy.CONCLUSION There was a significant correlation between CRF and perceptual control level in patients.Tumor staging,chemotherapy cycle,self-efficacy level,and anxiety and depression level influenced CRF in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy.

Stage IV malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma palliatively treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant transformation(MT)of mature cystic teratoma(MCT)has a poor prognosis,especially in advanced cases.Concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)has an inhibitory effect on MT.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present a case in which CCRT had a reduction effect preoperatively.A 73-year-old woman with pyelonephritis was referred to our hospital.Computed tomography revealed right hydronephrosis and a 6-cm pelvic mass.Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy(EUS-FNB)revealed squamous cell carci-noma.The patient was diagnosed with MT of MCT.Due to her poor general con-dition and renal malfunction,we selected CCRT,expecting fewer adverse effects.After CCRT,her performance status improved,and the tumor size was reduced;surgery was performed.Five months postoperatively,the patient developed dis-semination and lymph node metastases.Palliative chemotherapy was ineffective.She died 18 months after treatment initiation.CONCLUSION EUS-FNB was useful in the diagnosis of MT of MCT;CCRT suppressed the disea-se and improved quality of life.

Impact of web-based positive psychological intervention on emotions,psychological capital,and quality of life in gastric cancer patients on chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a malignant digestive tract tumor that originates from the epithelium of the gastric mucosa and occurs in the gastric antrum,particularly in the lower curvature of the stomach.AIM To evaluate the impact of a positive web-based psychological intervention on emotions,psychological capital,and quality of survival in gastric cancer patients on chemotherapy.METHODS From January 2020 to October 2023,121 cases of gastric cancer patients on chemotherapy admitted to our hospital were collected and divided into a control group(n=60)and an observation group(n=61)according to the admission order.They were given either conventional nursing care alone and conventional nursing care combined with web-based positive psychological interventions,respectively.The two groups were compared in terms of negative emotions,psychological capital,degree of cancer-caused fatigue,and quality of survival.RESULTS After intervention,the number of patients in the observation group who had negative feelings toward chemotherapy treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire score was considerably higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the degree of cancer-caused fatigue was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);and the Quality of Life Scale for Cancer Patients(QLQ-30)score was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementing a web-based positive psychological intervention for gastric cancer chemotherapy patients can effectively improve negative emotions,enhance psychological capital,and improve the quality of survival.

Cetuximab combined with chemotherapy for simultaneous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Multiple primary carcinomas(MPCs)are defined as two or more independent primary cancers that occur simultaneously or sequentially in the same individual.Synchronous MPCs are rarer than solitary cancers or metachronous MPCs.Accurate diagnoses of synchronous MPCs and the choice of treatment are critical for successful outcomes in these cases.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old patient presented with dysphagia,without obvious cause.A diagnosis of synchronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma with liver metastasis was confirmed based on examination and laboratory results.After multi-disciplinary consultations,combination chemotherapy(a 3-wk cycle with oxaliplatin 212 mg administered on day 1 and capecitabine 1.5 g twice daily on days 1-14)and esophageal cancer radiotherapy were initiated.Based on the results of genetic testing,we switched to a regimen of leucovorin+fluorouracil+oxaliplatin and cetuximab regimen for 8 cycles.Subsequently,capecitabine and bevacizumab were administered until the most recent follow-up,at which the tumor remained stable.CONCLUSION Successful cetuximab chemotherapy treatment provides a reference for the nonoperative and homogeneous treatment of different pathological types of synchronous MCPs.