Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Patrick Bou-Samra, Najib Muhammad, Austin Chang, Ritesh Karsalia, Feredun Azari, Gregory Kennedy, Walter Stummer, Janos Tanyi, Linda Martin, Alexander Vahrmeijer, Barbara Smith, Eben Rosenthal, Patrick Wagner, David Rice, Amy Lee, Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez, Marcus M. Malek, Gary Kohanbash, Wilson Barry Edwards, Eric Henderson, Jane Skjoth-Rasmussen, Ryan Orosco, Summer Gibbs, Richard W. Farnam, Lalitha Shankar, Baran Sumer, Anand T. N. Kumar, Laura Marcu, Lei Li, Victor Greuv, Edward J. Delikatny, John Y. K. Lee, Sunil Singhal
Summary: The third biennial intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) conference showcased the clinical significance of optical contrast agents in precision cancer surgery. It presented ongoing clinical trials and preclinical work, discussing various dyes and imaging techniques. IMI has been proven valuable in altering surgical outcomes and making clinical decisions, with potential for further development.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Zhipeng Wu, Wei Wang, Lengyun Wei, Shenglong Zhu
Summary: This article aims to systematically analyze existing clinical trials, summarize the potential applications of metformin in cancer treatment, and propose three directions for its usage.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
W. Watson Buchanan, Colin A. Kean, K. D. Rainsford, Walter F. Kean
Summary: A clinical trial is a research method that investigates the therapeutic intervention's efficacy, both short-term and long-lasting, as well as its potential toxicity. The history of clinical trials can be traced back to Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar's court around 600 BC, as described in the Book of Daniel. However, it is in the past 500 years that significant written documentation and interpretation of therapeutic benefits have been made. Examples such as Lind's demonstration on the effectiveness of oranges and lemons for scurvy treatment in 1747, and Edward Jenner's unethical experiment on inoculation in 1796, showcase the importance of clinical trials. Ethical considerations, rigorous clinical observations, statistics, scientific purity of therapeutic agents, and safety testing have contributed to the foundation of modern clinical trials.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Bradley J. Monk, Antonio Gonzalez-Martin, Lynn Buckley, Ursula A. Matulonis, B. J. Rimel, Xiaohua Wu, Kathleen N. Moore, Mansoor R. Mirza
Summary: Niraparib, a PARP inhibitor, has shown significant improvement in progression-free survival for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients regardless of biomarker status. This review focuses on managing the adverse events associated with niraparib to maintain its efficacy and improve patients’ quality of life. Hematologic events, such as thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia, were the most commonly reported adverse events, while gastrointestinal events were generally low grade. Clinical strategies including cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacologic agents are summarized for managing these events. Personalized starting dose of niraparib based on body weight and platelet count demonstrated improved safety profile. Long term safety data from NOVA trial confirmed that niraparib is well tolerated with appropriate and early dose modifications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Edoardo Crimini, Matteo Repetto, Philippe Aftimos, Andrea Botticelli, Paolo Marchetti, Giuseppe Curigliano
Summary: This review presents the most important molecular targets in breast cancer, classified according to their pathway and in accordance with ESCAT, assisting clinicians in making therapeutic decisions.
CANCER TREATMENT REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Wanda Cui, Rodney P. Rocconi, Ramya Thota, Richard A. Anderson, Suanna S. Bruinooge, Ioanna A. Comstock, Neelima Denduluri, Audrey Gassman, Julie Gralow, Karla J. Hutt, Laleh Amiri-Kordestani, Matteo Lambertini, John Leighton, Karen H. Lu, Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, Teri Pollastro, Shan Pradhan, Haleh Saber, Caroline Schenkel, Daniel Spratt, Suparna Wedam, Kelly-Anne Phillips
Summary: Anticancer agents can cause ovarian dysfunction, but there is currently inadequate assessment in clinical trials. ASCO recommends measuring and evaluating ovarian toxicity and function in relevant trials to better guide treatment choices for patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Wei Zhu, Parsa Charkhchi, Mohammad R. Akbari
Summary: Liquid biopsy, a novel sampling method analyzing tumor components in the peripheral circulation, has the potential to improve the clinical management of ovarian cancer by enabling early diagnosis, predicting prognosis, detecting recurrence, and monitoring treatment response. Its advantages include non-invasiveness, feasibility, and the ability to capture dynamic tumor changes over time.
Review
Reproductive Biology
Shona Nag, Shyam Aggarwal, Amit Rauthan, Narayanankutty Warrier
Summary: Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecological cancer, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Cytoreductive surgery along with chemotherapy is the main treatment approach. In recent years, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval surgery and maintenance therapy have gained importance. PARP inhibitors have shown promising results as maintenance therapy, especially for tumors with homologous recombination deficiency.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Shuangfeng Chen, Yuebo Li, Lili Qian, Sisi Deng, Luwen Liu, Weihua Xiao, Ying Zhou
Summary: Ovarian cancer, especially endometrioid ovarian cancer, is closely related to endometriosis and Lynch syndrome, with dysbiosis of the female reproductive tract microbiota potentially playing a role in its pathogenesis. Dysregulation of the microenvironment and accumulation of mutations are stimulatory factors in the progression of endometrioid ovarian carcinoma. The study of molecular subtypes of endometrioid ovarian cancer is crucial for predicting prognosis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Rheumatology
Ana Lorenzo-Vizcaya, David Alan Isenberg
Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by the production of auto-antibodies and inflammatory response. Effective therapies for SLE are needed, as some drugs have shown success in phase II trials but failed in phase III trials. This review focuses on specific drugs and explores the reasons for their failure or success.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
News Item
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paul Webster
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy has generated significant excitement, but the potential lies in antibody-drug conjugates, proteolysis-targeting chimeras, and liquid biopsy for early detection.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Takafumi Watanabe, Hideaki Nanamiya, Yuta Endo, Manabu Kojima, Shinji Nomura, Shigenori Furukawa, Shu Soeda, Hirosumi Tamura, Masae Ryufuku, Daisuke Tanaka, Takao Isogai, Jun-ichi Imai, Shinya Watanabe, Keiya Fujimori
Summary: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze mutational profiling in EOC patients and investigate the association between somatic mutations and clinicopathological characteristics. Validated mutations were detected in 82.5% of tumors, with TP53, PIK3CA, KRAS, PTEN, and CTNNB1 being the most frequently mutated genes. Mutations in PTEN and CTNNB1 were associated with younger age, while PIK3CA1, KRAS, and CTNNB1 mutations were observed in early-stage EOC. TP53 mutations were more common in advanced stage EOC. Significant associations were found between mutations and specific subtypes of EOC, with PIK3CA and KRAS mutations associated with favorable progression free survival (PFS). Mutations only in TP53 were associated with worse PFS. The study's molecular profiling may potentially be used for novel stratification within histological subtypes of EOC, with further research needed for improved clinical outcomes and treatment.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Wanyuan Cui, Kelly-Anne Phillips, Prudence A. Francis, Richard A. Anderson, Ann H. Partridge, Sherene Loi, Sibylle Loibl, Louise Keogh
Summary: This study aimed to determine the barriers to and facilitators of ovarian toxicity assessment in breast cancer clinical trials. Through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from multiple countries, the main barrier identified was the lack of consideration. However, most participants believed that evaluating the impact of breast cancer treatments on ovarian function is valuable. Suggested strategies to increase ovarian toxicity assessment included including it in clinical trial design guidelines and stakeholder advocacy.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Paola Mosconi, Anna Roberto, Nicoletta Cerana, Nicoletta Colombo, Florence Didier, Maurizio D'Incalci, Domenica Lorusso, Fedro Alessandro Peccatori
Summary: Despite efforts to engage citizens/patients in clinical research, there are obstacles to participation. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and trust in clinical research among women with ovarian cancer. The results showed that most patients had some understanding of clinical trials and informed consent, but lacked knowledge about randomization. The majority of patients were willing to participate in clinical trials and recognized the importance of doctors in decision-making.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanlin Song, Zhenfei Bi, Yu Liu, Furong Qin, Yuquan Wei, Xiawei Wei
Summary: Molecular target inhibitors have been approved for tumor treatment and mainly target cell proliferation and metabolism. The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway plays essential roles in cell functions and abnormal activation of this pathway leads to tumor development. In this review, the development and potential combinations of inhibitors targeting this pathway are discussed.
Article
Acoustics
C. Landolfo, T. Bourne, W. Froyman, B. Van Calster, J. Ceusters, A. C. Testa, L. Wynants, P. Sladkevicius, C. Van Holsbeke, E. Domali, R. Fruscio, E. Epstein, D. Franchi, M. J. Kudla, V. Chiappa, J. L. Alcazar, F. P. G. Leone, F. Buonomo, M. E. Coccia, S. Guerriero, N. Deo, L. Jokubkiene, L. Savelli, D. Fischerova, A. Czekierdowski, J. Kaijser, A. Coosemans, G. Scambia, I. Vergote, D. Timmerman, L. Valentin
Summary: This study validated the use of modified benign simple descriptors (BDs) to exclude malignancy in most women with adnexal masses, and proposed a two-step strategy using the ADNEX model to estimate the risk of malignancy. The modified BDs were applicable to 37% of tumors, 99.3% of which were benign. The two-step strategy showed an AUC of 0.94.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
A. Romiti, F. Moro, L. Ricci, C. Codeca, F. Pozzati, M. Viggiano, R. Vicario, I. Fabietti, G. Scambia, P. Bagolan, A. C. Testa, L. Caforio
Summary: This retrospective study examined 51 fetal ovarian cysts in 48 fetuses and reclassified the cysts using IOTA terminology. The results showed that anechoic cysts and cysts with low-level content often resolved spontaneously, while cysts with ground-glass, hemorrhagic, mixed, or undefined content were frequently associated with postoperative necrosis.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Barbara Costantini, Andrea Rosati, Virginia Vargiu, Vitalba Gallitelli, Chiara Di Ilio, Rossana Moroni, Giovanni Scambia, Anna Fagotti
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Marco Filetti, Pasquale Lombardi, Raffaele Giusti, Rosa Falcone, Florian Scotte, Diana Giannarelli, Antonella Carcagni, Valeria Altamura, Giovanni Scambia, Gennaro Daniele
Summary: This study provides an up-to-date estimate of the efficacy and safety of different combinations used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Overall, 3- or 4-drug regimens containing dexamethasone, 5-HT3 antagonists, mirtazapine or olanzapine showed the highest probability of being the most effective in terms of complete response. Regimens containing dexamethasone and 5-HT3 antagonist had the lowest probability of being the most effective in terms of complete, acute, and delayed response.
CANCER TREATMENT REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Laura Vertechy, Serena Maria Boccia, Giordana Tiberi, Giacomo Avesani, Giacomo Corrado, Anna Fagotti, Giovanni Scambia, Claudia Marchetti
Summary: This study evaluated the role of non-platinum doublet pegylated liposomal doxorubicin/trabectedin in ovarian cancer platinum-sensitive patients who experienced disease progression under PARP inhibitor maintenance. The results showed that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin/trabectedin might be a therapeutic option in this setting with an acceptable toxicity profile.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Greta Barbaro, Annalisa Inversetti, Martina Cristodoro, Carlo Ticconi, Giovanni Scambia, Nicoletta Di Simone
Summary: Placentation is a process where maternal immune cells and trophoblastic cells interact to achieve immune balance. HLA-G, expressed on trophoblastic cells, plays a crucial role in modulating maternal immune response. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), affecting 5% of pregnant women, with 40-60% cases unexplained, shares immunological similarities with allograft rejection. This review aims to explain how alterations in the HLA-G pathway disrupt immune balance and increase the risk of RPL.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Luca Masucci, Silvia D'Ippolito, Flavio De Maio, Gianluca Quaranta, Roberta Mazzarella, Delia Mercedes Bianco, Roberta Castellani, Annalisa Inversetti, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Antonio Gasbarrini, Giovanni Scambia, Nicoletta Di Simone
Summary: The incidence of Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is higher in patients with Celiac Disease (CD) and is associated with genetic components HLA-DQ2 and DQ8. This study evaluated the microbiota of endometrial and vaginal samples in RPL patients with and without HLA-DQ2/DQ8, as well as healthy pregnant women. The results showed significant differences in the composition of Lactobacillus species in the RPL groups compared to the controls.
Article
Oncology
Barbara Costantini, Andrea Rosati, Virginia Vargiu, Vitalba Gallitelli, Chiara Di Ilio, Rossana Moroni, Giovanni Scambia, Anna Fagotti
Summary: Chemotherapy-induced tumor changes make it difficult for surgeons to visually evaluate disease distribution during surgery. This study assessed the accuracy of laparoscopic visual evaluation of the diaphragmatic peritoneum and compared it with histopathological examination.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Loek A. W. de Jong, Marie Lambert, Nielka P. van Erp, Lukas de Vries, Etienne Chatelut, Petronella B. Ottevanger
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the systemic exposure to cisplatin and paclitaxel following adjuvant intraperitoneal administration in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The study found that systemic exposure to cisplatin after intraperitoneal administration is high, providing a pharmacological explanation for the high incidence of adverse events seen with this treatment regimen.
CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
C. S. E. Hendrikse, P. M. M. Theelen, P. van der Ploeg, H. M. Westgeest, I. A. Boere, A. M. J. Thijs, P. B. Ottevanger, A. van de Stolpe, S. Lambrechts, R. L. M. Bekkers, J. M. J. Piek
Summary: The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway plays a role in ovarian carcinogenesis, particularly in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) with activating MAPK mutations. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of MAPK inhibitors in ovarian carcinoma (OC) patients, showing that MEK inhibitors are the most promising single agents in (LGS)OC. Combination treatment with Raf-and MEK inhibitors in BRAFv600 mutated LGSOC had the greatest efficacy.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Sandro Pignata, Giovanni Scambia, Clorinda Schettino, Laura Arenare, Carmela Pisano, Davide Lombardi, Ugo De Giorgi, Claudia Andreetta, Saverio Cinieri, Carmine De Angelis, Domenico Priolo, Claudia Casanova, Marta Rosati, Filippo Greco, Elena Zafarana, Ilaria Schiavetto, Serafina Mammoliti, Sabrina Chiara Cecere, Vanda Salutari, Simona Scalone, Alberto Farolfi, Marilena Di Napoli, Domenica Lorusso, Piera Gargiulo, Daniela Califano, Daniela Russo, Anna Spina, Rossella De Cecio, Paolo Chiodini, Francesco Perrone
Summary: This study compared carboplatin and paclitaxel with avelumab plus carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line treatment in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. The addition of avelumab showed potential for improving progression-free survival, but further investigation is needed.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carlo Maria Cicala, Lucia Musacchio, Giovanni Scambia, Domenica Lorusso
Summary: Immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) reverse the immunosuppressive phenotype of cancer cells, allowing the host immune system to generate an immune response against the tumor. One of the key mechanisms targeted by ICB is the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, which inhibits T-cell proliferation and leads to exhaustion. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies are now the main treatment for advanced stage tumors. Dostarlimab, a novel IgG4 anti-PD-1 antibody, has shown remarkable results in certain types of cancer.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Olivier Colomban, Elizabeth M. Swisher, Rebecca Kristeleit, Iain McNeish, Ronnie Shapira-Frommer, Sandra Goble, Kevin K. Lin, Lara Maloney, Gilles Freyer, Benoit You
Summary: Mathematical modeling of early CA-125 kinetics can be used as an indicator of rucaparib efficacy in recurrent ovarian carcinoma patients. The KELIM-PARP score is associated with treatment response and progression-free survival. This study suggests the potential use of this strategy in selecting patients for PARPi-based treatment regimens.
Review
Surgery
S. Restaino, G. Scutiero, Cristina Taliento, A. Poli, G. Bernardi, M. Arcieri, E. Santi, F. Fanfani, V. Chiantera, L. Driul, G. Scambia, P. Greco, G. Vizzielli
Summary: This study compares the performance of Trainee Surgeons using 2D versus 3D/4K laparoscopy through a systematic review of the literature. The results showed that in simulated settings, trainee surgeons using 3D laparoscopy made fewer errors in performing skill tasks compared to those using 2D laparoscopy. However, in clinical studies, there was no significant difference in the time taken for specific laparoscopic procedures between the two groups.
UPDATES IN SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Philip Smith, Thomas Bradley, Lena Morrill Gavarro, Teodora Goranova, Darren P. Ennis, Hasan B. Mirza, Dilrini De Silva, Anna M. Piskorz, Carolyn Sauer, Sarwah Al-Khalidi, Ionat-Gabriel Funingana, Marika A. V. Reinius, Gaia Giannone, Liz-Anne Lewsley, Jamie Stobo, John McQueen, Gareth Bryson, Matthew Eldridge, R. M. Glasspool, C. Gourley, R. Kennedy, G. Hall, R. Edmondson, A. Clamp, S. Sundar, A. Walter, M. Hall, H. Gabra, C. Fotopoulou, E. Brockbank, A. Montes, M. Lockley, Geoff Macintyre, Florian Markowetz, James D. Brenton, Iain A. McNeish
Summary: Treatment resistance is common in ovarian high grade serous carcinoma, often leading to relapse. Here, the authors leverage shallow whole genome and panel sequencing of 276 patients with available diagnostic and relapse samples and show high concordance of copy number and mutation status.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
