Prognostic utility of lncRNAs (LINC00565 and LINC00641) as molecular markers in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is primary brain tumor grade IV characterized by fast cell proliferation, high mortality and morbidity and most lethal gliomas. Molecular approaches underlying its pathogenesis and progression with diagnostic and prognostic value have been an area of interest. Long-non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) aberrantly expressed in GBM have been recently studied. The aim is to investigate the clinical role of lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 in GBM patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were withdrawn from 35 newly diagnosed GBM cases with 15 healthy individuals, then lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 expression were evaluated using real time-PCR. Their diagnostic efficacy was detected using receiver operating characteristic curve. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: lncRNAs expressions were increased significantly among GBM as compared to control group. Their expressions were correlated with clinico-pathological data and survival pattern for the studied GBM patients. Higher levels of both lncRNAs were correlated to worse performance status. Expression of lncRNA565 was increased with large tumor size (≥ 5 cm). Survival analysis showed that both investigated lncRNA were increased with worse PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: Expression of lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 in a liquid biopsy sample can be used as prognostic biomarker for GBM patients.

Breast-Gynaecological & Immuno-Oncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC) Consensus and Recommendations for the Management of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Background: The management of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging with several controversies and unmet needs. During the 12th Breast-Gynaecological & Immuno-oncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC) Egypt, 2020, a panel of 35 breast cancer experts from 13 countries voted on consensus guidelines for the clinical management of TNBC. The consensus was subsequently updated based on the most recent data evolved lately. Methods: A consensus conference approach adapted from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) was utilized. The panellists voted anonymously on each question, and a consensus was achieved when ≥75% of voters selected an answer. The final consensus was later circulated to the panellists for critical revision of important intellectual content. Results and conclusion: These recommendations represent the available clinical evidence and expert opinion when evidence is scarce. The percentage of the consensus votes, levels of evidence and grades of recommendation are presented for each statement. The consensus covered all the aspects of TNBC management starting from defining TNBC to the management of metastatic disease and highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape in this field. Consensus was reached in 70% of the statements (35/50). In addition, areas of warranted research were identified to guide future prospective clinical trials.

The first BGICC consensus and recommendations for breast cancer awareness, early detection and risk reduction in low- and middle-income countries and the MENA region.

In low-middle income countries (LMICs) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, there is an unmet need to establish and improve breast cancer (BC) awareness, early diagnosis and risk reduction programs. During the 12th Breast, Gynecological & Immuno-oncology International Cancer Conference - Egypt 2020, 26 experts from 7 countries worldwide voted to establish the first consensus for BC awareness, early detection and risk reduction in LMICs/MENA region. The panel advised that there is an extreme necessity for a well-developed BC data registries and prospective clinical studies that address alternative modalities/modified BC screening programs in areas of limited resources. The most important recommendations of the panel were: (a) BC awareness campaigns should be promoted to public and all adult age groups; (b) early detection programs should combine geographically distributed mammographic facilities with clinical breast examination (CBE); (c) breast awareness should be encouraged; and (d) intensive surveillance and chemoprevention strategies should be fostered for high-risk women. The panel defined some areas for future clinical research, which included the role of CBE and breast self-examination as an alternative to radiological screening in areas of limited resources, the interval and methodology of BC surveillance in women with increased risk of BC and the use of low dose tamoxifen in BC risk reduction. In LMICs/MENA region, BC awareness and early detection campaigns should take into consideration the specific disease criteria and the socioeconomic status of the target population. The statements with no consensus reached should serve as potential catalyst for future clinical research.

Highlights from 11th Breast-Gynecological and Immunooncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC), 17-18 January 2019, Egypt.

During the 11th Breast-Gynecological and Immunooncology International Cancer Conference (BGICC), which was held on 17 and 18 January 2019, in Cairo, Egypt, around 100 international, regional and national experts from every continent presented the latest updates in breast cancer, gynaecological cancers and immunotherapy in oncology. Through this report, we highlight the important data and consensus issues that were discussed during the conference.

Risk of selected gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities in cancer patients treated with nintedanib: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A meta-analysis of the risk of selected gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities associated with nintedanib has been conducted. METHODS: Randomized Phase II/III trials of cancer patients on nintedanib; describing events of diarrhea, vomiting, elevated ALT and elevated AST constituted the eligible studies. RESULTS: The odds ratio for high-grade diarrhea was 3.76 (95% CI: 1.42-9.96; p = 0.008); high-grade vomiting: 1.38 (95% CI: 0.76-2.51; p = 0.28); high-grade elevated ALT: 4.36 (95% CI: 2.14-8.85; p < 0.0001); high-grade elevated AST: 6.96 (95% CI: 4.09-11.85; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Nintedanib-based regimens are associated with a higher risk of high-grade diarrhea, elevated ALT and elevated AST. Moreover, there is a proportional relationship between nintedanib dose and the risk of elevated transaminases.