PPM1F regulates ovarian cancer progression by affecting the dephosphorylation of ITGB1.

PPM1F has been shown to play diverse biological functions in the progression of multiple tumors. PPM1F controls the T788/T789 phosphorylation switch of ITGB1 and regulates integrin activity. However, the impacts of PPM1F and ITGB1 on ovarian cancer (OV) progression remain unclear. Whether there is such a regulatory relationship between PPM1F and ITGB1 in ovarian cancer has not been studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the function and the mechanism of PPM1F in ovarian cancer. The expression level and the survival curve of PPM1F were analyzed by databases. Gain of function and loss of function were applied to explore the function of PPM1F in ovarian cancer. A tumor formation assay in nude mice showed that knockdown of PPM1F inhibited tumor formation. We tested the effect of PPM1F on ITGB1 dephosphorylation in ovarian cancer cells by co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting. Loss of function was applied to investigate the function of ITGB1 in ovarian cancer. ITGB1-mut overexpression promotes the progression of ovarian cancer. Rescue assays showed the promoting effect of ITGB1-wt on ovarian cancer is attenuated due to the dephosphorylation of ITGB1-wt by PPM1F. PPM1F and ITGB1 play an oncogene function in ovarian cancer. PPM1F regulates the phosphorylation of ITGB1, which affects the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer.

The relationship of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and interval debulking surgery outcome after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the changes of C-reactive protein to Albumin Ratio (CAR) levels and Interval Debulking Surgery (IDS) outcome after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) in ovarian cancer patients. METHODS: A nested case-control study for 209 patients with ovarian cancer who received NAC-IDS therapy from the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College between 2015‒2021 was conducted. Demographic data, laboratory indicators, and imaging examinations were collected. The outcome was regarded as optimal IDS in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship of CAR before NAC, CAR after NAC and ∆CAR with optimal IDS. The authors also performed the subgroup analysis based on menopausal state. RESULTS: The end time of follow-up was January 24, 2022. A total of 156 patients had been treated with optimal IDS, and 53 with suboptimal IDS. After adjusting age, body mass index, menopausal state, NAC drug, peritoneal perfusion and CAR before NAC, the result showed that CAR after NAC (Odds Ratio [OR = 3.48], 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI 1.28‒9.48], p = 0.015) and ∆CAR (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.11‒0.78, p = 0.015) were associated with optimal IDS, respectively. Additionally, the authors found a significant correlation between CAR after NAC and optimal IDS (OR = 3.16, 95% CI 1.07‒9.35, p = 0.038), and ∆CAR and optimal IDS (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.11‒0.94, p = 0.038) among ovarian cancer patients with menopause. CONCLUSION: CAR after NAC and ∆CAR were independent prognostic markers of optimal interval debulking surgery for ovarian cancer patients.

Single-cell RNA sequencing and cell-cell communication analysis reveal tumor microenvironment associated with chemotherapy responsiveness in ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on the responsiveness to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer (OV). METHODS: We integrated single cell RNA-seq datasets of OV containing chemo-response information, and characterize their clusters based on different TME sections. We focus on analyzing cell-cell communication to elaborate on the mechanisms by which different components of the TME directly influence the chemo-response of tumor cells. RESULTS: scRNA-seq datasets were annotated according to specific markers for different cell types. Differential analysis of malignant epithelial cells revealed that chemoresistance was associated with the TME. Notably, distinct TME components exhibited varying effects on chemoresistance. Enriched SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophages in chemo-resistant patients could promote chemoresistance through SPP1 binding to CD44 on tumor cells. Additionally, the overexpression of THBS2 in stromal cells could promote chemoresistance through binding with CD47 on tumor cells. In contrast, GZMA in the lymphocytes could downregulate the expression of PARD3 through direct interaction with PARD3, thereby attenuating chemoresistance in tumor cells. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the non-tumor cell components of the TME (e.g. SPP1+ TAMs, stromal cells and lymphocytes) can directly impact the chemo-response of OV and targeting the TME was potentially crucial in chemotherapy of OV.

SEOM-GEICO clinical guideline on epithelial ovarian cancer (2023).

In recent years, the incorporation of new strategies to the therapeutic armamentarium has completely changed the outcomes of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The identification of new predictive and prognostic biomarkers has also enabled the selection of those patients more likely to respond to targeted agents. Nevertheless, EOC is still a highly lethal disease and resistance to many of these new agents is common. The objective of this guideline is to summarize the most relevant strategies to manage EOC, to help the clinician throughout the challenging diagnostic and therapeutic processes and to provide evidence-based recommendations.

Preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as prognostic factor in epithelial ovarian cancer / Cociente neutrófilos/linfocitos preoperatorio como factor pronóstico en el cáncer epitelial de ovario.

Objectives: To determine if there is an association between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) diagnosed and treated in a Spanish population. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer who had neutrophil and lymphocyte values in complete blood count before the histopathological diagnosis and survival of at least three months, in an intermediate complexity hospital. Convenience sampling. Measured variables included age, menopausal stage, parity, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, treatment type, residual tumor, lymph node involvement, presence of ascites, cytology, histologic type, differentiation grade, and CA-125 values. Additionally, outcomes, overall survival, disease/progression-free survival were also measured. Bivariate inferential and Cox regression analyses were performed. Results: Out of 78 candidates, 60 women with EOC were included. Of them, 24 (40%) had a low NLR (≤ 2,9) while 36 (60%) had a high NLR (> 2,9). An association was found between high NLR levels and suboptimal cytoreductive surgery. High NLR ratios were associated with lower overall survival (Hazard ratio (HR): 4.1; 95% CI: 1.4-11.8) and lower 5-year disease-free survival (HR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2-5.7). Conclusions: A plasma neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of more than 2.9 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer in our setting. There is a need to establish the optimal cut-off point and conduct prospective studies with larger patient numbers in order to support this information.

Objetivos: evaluar si hay asociación entre los valores del cociente plasmático neutrófilos/ linfocitos (NLR) y el pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer epitelial de ovario (CEO) diagnosticadas y tratadas en una población española. Materiales y métodos: cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con cáncer epitelial de ovario que tuvieran un recuento de neutrófilos y linfocitos en hemograma previo al diagnóstico histopatológico en un hospital de nivel medio de complejidad y posterior sobrevida de, al menos, 3 meses. Muestreo por conveniencia. Se midieron: edad, estado menopáusico, paridad, estadio Federación International de Ginecología y Obstetricia (FIGO), tipo de tratamiento, tumor residual, afectación ganglionar, presencia de ascitis, citología, tipo histológico, grado de diferenciación y cifras de CA-125; como desenlaces, sobrevida global y sobrevida libre de enfermedad o progresión. Análisis inferencial bivariado y por regresión de Cox. Resultados: de 78 candidatas, ingresaron 60 mujeres con CEO. De ellas, 24 (40%) presentaron un NLR bajo (≤ 2,9) y 36 (60 %) elevado (> 2,9). Se encontró asociación entre los niveles altos de NLR y cirugía citoreductora subóptima. Los niveles altos de NLR se asociaron a menor sobrevida global (Hazard ratio (HR): 4,1; IC 95%: 1,4-11,8) y menor sobrevida libre de enfermedad a los 5 años (HR:2,6; IC 95 %: 1,2-5,7). Conclusiones: un cociente plasmático neutrófilos/linfocitos mayor de 2,9 se asoció a un mal pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer epitelial de ovario en nuestro medio. Se necesita determinar el punto de corte óptimo y realizar estudios prospectivos con mayor número de pacientes que avalen esta información.

Spectrum of germline pathogenic variants in Brazilian hereditary breast/ovarian cancer cases.

PURPOSE: To define the spectrum of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) and copy number variant (CNV) in cancer susceptibility genes to the burden of breast and ovarian cancer (BC, OvC) in high-risk Brazilians in Minas Gerais with health insurance, southeast Brazil, undergoing multigene panel testing (MGPT). METHODS: Genotyping eligible individuals with health insurance in the Brazilian healthcare system for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome to undergo molecular testing for 44 or 141-gene panels, a decision that was insurance driven. RESULTS: Overall, 701 individuals clinically defined as high BC/OvC risk, underwent MGPT from 1/2021 to 10/2022, with ~ 50% genotyped with a 44-gene panel and the rest with a 141-gene panel. Overall, 16.4% and 22.6% of genotyped individuals harbored PVs using 44-gene and the 141 gene panel, respectively. The most frequently mutated genes were: BRCA2 (3.7%); BRCA1 (3.6%) and monoallelic MUTYH (3.1%). CONCLUSION: The rate of PVs detected in high-risk individuals in this study was twice the 10% threshold used in Brazilian health guidelines. MGPT doubled the detection rate of PVs in cancer susceptibility genes in high-risk individuals compared with BRCA1/BRCA2 genotyping alone. The spectrum of PVs in Southern Brazil is diverse, with few recurring variants such as TP53 (0.6%), suggesting regional founder effects. The use of MGPT in hereditary cancer in Minas Gerais significantly increased the detection rate of P/LPVs compared to existing guidelines and should be considered as the primary genotyping modality in assessing hereditary cancer risk in Brazil.

A Molecular Characterization of the Allelic Expression of the BRCA1 Founder Δ9-12 Pathogenic Variant and Its Potential Clinical Relevance in Hereditary Cancer.

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome is a genetic condition that increases the risk of breast cancer by 80% and that of ovarian cancer by 40%. The most common pathogenic variants (PVs) causing HBOC occur in the BRCA1 gene, with more than 3850 reported mutations in the gene sequence. The prevalence of specific PVs in BRCA1 has increased across populations due to the effect of founder mutations. Therefore, when a founder mutation is identified, it becomes key to improving cancer risk characterization and effective screening protocols. The only founder mutation described in the Mexican population is the deletion of exons 9 to 12 of BRCA1 (BRCA1Δ9-12), and its description focuses on the gene sequence, but no transcription profiles have been generated for individuals who carry this gene. In this study, we describe the transcription profiles of cancer patients and healthy individuals who were heterozygous for PV BRCA1Δ9-12 by analyzing the differential expression of both alleles compared with the homozygous BRCA1 control group using RT-qPCR, and we describe the isoforms produced by the BRCA1 wild-type and BRCA1Δ9-12 alleles using nanopore long-sequencing. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, our results showed a similar transcript expression of the wild-type allele between the healthy heterozygous group and the homozygous BRCA1 control group. An association between the recurrence and increased expression of both alleles in HBOC patients was also observed. An analysis of the sequences indicated four wild-type isoforms with diagnostic potential for discerning individuals who carry the PV BRCA1Δ9-12 and identifying which of them has developed cancer.

Melatonin changes energy metabolism and reduces oncogenic signaling in ovarian cancer cells.

Ovarian cancer (OC) adjusts energy metabolism in favor of its progression and dissemination. Because melatonin (Mel) has antitumor actions, we investigated its impact on energy metabolism and kinase signaling in OC cells (SKOV-3 and CAISMOV-24). Cells were divided into control and Mel-treated groups, in the presence or absence of the antagonist luzindole. There was a decrease in the levels of HIF-1α, G6PDH, GAPDH, PDH, and CS after Mel treatment even in the presence of luzindole in both OC cells. Mel treatment also reduced the activity of OC-related enzymes including PFK-1, G6PDH, LDH, CS, and GS whereas PDH activity was increased. Lactate and glutamine levels dropped after Mel treatment. Mel further promoted a reduction in the concentrations of CREB, JNK, NF-kB, p-38, ERK1/2, AKT, P70S6K, and STAT in both cell lines. Mel reverses Warburg-type metabolism and possibly reduces glutaminolysis, thereby attenuating various oncogenic molecules associated with OC progression and invasion.

The serum LDH level and KELIM scores are potential predictors of a benefit from bevacizumab first-line therapy for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The survival benefit of first-line treatment with bevacizumab in advanced ovarian cancer patients are multifaceted. In our study, we aimed to identify potential markers of bevacizumab efficacy to help predict which patients would experience survival benefits. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 114 patients examined from January 1, 2015, to March 1, 2023, and data on clinical, biological, and imaging variables, such as ascites, serum LDH, and CA125, were extracted from electronic medical records. We performed a correlation analysis and principal component analysis to investigate correlations among variables and reduce their dimensionality. Then, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify the predictors of progression-free survival. RESULTS: Favorable KELIM score (≥ 1, HR 0.376, 95% CI [0.202-0.700], p = 0.002), which indicated better chemosensitivity, and lower LDH levels (≤ 210 U/L, HR 38.73, 95% CI [6.108-245.6], p < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of a treatment benefit with bevacizumab in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Regardless of LDH level, patients with favorable KELIM scores had a higher progression-free survival (PFS) benefit (p = 0.18). Among patients with unfavorable KELIM scores, those with higher LDH levels had the lowest PFS benefit (median: 11.5 months, p = 0.0059). CONCLUSION: Patients with poor chemosensitivity and low LDH levels are more likely to benefit from first-line bevacizumab treatment. The combination of the two markers can be a helpful predictor of patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment and a guide for treatment decisions-making. Retrospectively registered: 2020-MD-371, 2020.10.12.

Management and Clinical Outcomes of Breast Cancer in Women Diagnosed with Hereditary Cancer Syndromes in a Clinic-Based Sample from Colombia.

This study aimed to investigate prognosis and survival differences in 82 breast cancer patients with germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PVs) treated and followed at the Breast Unit of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Colombia (INC-C) between 2018 and 2021. Median age at diagnosis was 46 years, with 62.2% presenting locally advanced tumors, 47.6% histological grade 3, and 35.4% with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype. Most carriers, 74.4% (61/82), had PVs in known breast cancer susceptibility genes (i.e., "associated gene carriers" group, considered inherited breast cancer cases): BRCA2 (30), BRCA1 (14), BARD1 (4), RAD51D (3), TP53 (2), PALB2 (2), ATM (2), CHEK2 (1), RAD51C (1), NF1 (1), and PTEN (1). BRCA1-2 represented 53.7%, and homologous recombination DNA damage repair (HR-DDR) genes associated with breast cancer risk accounted for 15.9%. Patients with PVs in non-breast-cancer risk genes were combined in a different category (21/82; 25.6%) (i.e., "non-associated gene carriers" group, considered other breast cancer cases). Median follow-up was 38.1 months, and 24% experienced recurrence, with 90% being distant. The 5-year Disease-Free Survival (DFS) for inherited breast cancer cases was 66.5%, and for other breast cancer cases it was 88.2%. In particular, for carriers of PVs in the BRCA2 gene, it was 37.6%. The 5-year Overall Survival (OS) rates ranged from 68.8% for those with PVs in BRCA2 to 100% for those with PVs in other HR-DDR genes. Further studies are crucial for understanding tumor behavior and therapy response differences among Colombian breast cancer patients with germline PVs.

CircUBE2D2 regulates HMGB1 through miR-885-5p to promote ovarian cancer malignancy.

BACKGROUND: The newly discovered CircUBE2D2 has been shown to abnormally upregulate and promote cancer progression in a variety of cancers. The present study explored circUBE2D2 (hsa_circ_0005728) in Ovarian Cancer (OC) progression. METHODS: CircUBE2D2, miR-885-5p, and HMGB1 were examined by RT-qPCR or WB. SKOV-3 cell functions (including cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion) were validated using the CCK-8, flow cytometry, scratch assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The direct relationship between miR-885-5p and circUBE2D2 or HMGB1 was confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down analysis. circUBE2D2's role in vivo tumor xenograft experiment was further probed. RESULTS: OC tissue and cell lines had higher circUBE2D2 and HMGB1 and lower miR-885-5p. Mechanically, CircUBE2D2 shared a binding relation with miR-885-5p, while miR-885-5p can directly target HMGB1. Eliminating circUBE2D2 or miR-885-5p induction inhibited OC cell activities. However, these functions were relieved by down-regulating miR-885-5p or HMGB1 induction. Furthermore, circUBE2D2 knockout reduced tumor growth. CONCLUSION: CircUBE2D2 regulates the expression of HMGB1 by acting as a sponge of ceRNA as miR-885-5p, thereby promoting the control of OC cell proliferation and migration and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Targeting CircUBE2D2 could serve as a new potential treatment strategy for OC.

Exploring novel approaches in the systemic therapy of low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary: a literature review.

By presenting a comprehensive analysis of low-grade serous carcinomas (LGSCs), a subset of epithelial ovarian cancers, this review delves into their distinct molecular characteristics, clinicopathological features and systemic therapy options, emphasizing their differences from high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs). Notably, LGSCs exhibit prevalent RAS/RAF/MEK/MAPK pathway activation, KRAS and BRAF mutations, and infrequent p53 mutations. While chemotherapy is commonly employed, LGSCs display lower responsiveness compared to HGSCs. Hormone therapy, particularly endocrine maintenance therapy, is explored due to the higher estrogen receptor expression. Novel therapeutic approaches involving CDK4/6 inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, and antiangiogenic agents like bevacizumab are also investigated. Ongoing clinical trials are striving to enhance LGSC treatment strategies, offering valuable insights for future therapeutic advancements in this challenging ovarian cancer subtype.

OCEANIA: real-world study of ovarian cancer treatment patterns across multiple lines of therapy in Argentina and Brazil.

Aim: To evaluate real-world data on treatment patterns in Argentina and Brazil in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: This study evaluated de-identified antineoplastic exposure data from a private healthcare provider in Argentina and health claims database (Orizon) in Brazil from 2010 to 2019 and 2015 to 2020, respectively. Results: Platinum-based chemotherapy was the most common first-line therapy (Argentina: n =311 [87.6%]; Brazil: n = 1142 [79.3%]). The proportion of patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy declined across both populations from first- to second-line, while use of non-platinum-based, targeted, and hormone therapies increased. Duration of platinum-based treatment and time to next treatment decreased from first- to fourth-line. Conclusion: There is an unmet need for effective therapies that can prolong time to next treatment in ovarian cancer in Argentina and Brazil.

[Box: see text].

Prognostic value of systemic inflammation response indexes obtained from the complete blood count in patients treated for advanced ovarian carcinoma in front line.

OBJECTIVE: Various systemic inflammation response indexes (SIRI) have repeatedly been described as prognostic factors in ovarian cancer. They have not been validated in prospective trials and published results are sometimes contradictory. We aimed to explore their role in a cohort of patients diagnosed with stage III and IV ovarian cancer treated at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the prognostic influence of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), the red cell distribution width (RDW), and the mean platelet volume (MPV). RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were analyzed. NLR > 2.243 at diagnosis, NLR before primary surgery, MLR at diagnosis, PLR > 289.1 at diagnosis, and PLR at diagnosis were significant in univariate Cox regression for progression-free survival, but none of them retained their significance in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. For overall survival, NLR > = 2.53 at diagnosis, MLR > = 0.245 at diagnosis, and PLR > = 198.3 at diagnosis resulted significant in univariate COX regression; only PLR > = 198.3 at diagnosis retained its significance in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, PLR > = 198.3 was an independent prognostic factor for worse OS. The definitive role of SIRI in ovarian cancer has not yet been established. If their value as prognostic factors could finally be established, they would become a simple and economical method to predict prognosis in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is time to conduct prospective, multicenter studies with larger samples to definitively establish its role in ovarian cancer, if any.

PITPNA-AS1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration in Ovarian Cancer by Regulating the MIR-223-3p/RHOB Axis.

Background: Ovarian cancer is a fatal gynecologic malignancy. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been verified to serve as key regulator in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. Objective: The aim of the study was to study the functions and mechanism of lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 in ovarian cancer cellular process. Methods: Clinical ovarian cancer samples were collected and stored at an academic medical center. Cellular fractionation assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were conducted to locate PITPNA-AS1 in OC cells. TUNEL staining, colony-forming assays, and Transwell assays were performed for evaluating cell apoptosis as well as proliferative and migratory abilities. Western blot was conducted for quantifying protein levels of epithelialmesenchymal transition markers. The binding relation between genes was verified by RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. Gene expression levels in ovarian cancer tissues and cells were subjected to RT-qPCR. Results: PITPNA-AS1 level was downregulated in ovarian cancer samples and cells. PITPNA-AS1 overexpression contributed to the accelerated ovarian cancer cell apoptosis and inhibited cell migration, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. In addition, PITPNA-AS1 interacted with miR-223-3p to regulate RHOB. RHOB knockdown partially counteracted the repressive impact of PITPNA-AS1 on ovarian cancer cell activities. Conclusion: PITPNA-AS1 inhibited ovarian cancer cellular behaviors by targeting miR-223-3p and regulating RHOB.

The value of combined MRI, enhanced CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis after surgery for ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to investigate the value of combined MRI, enhanced CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis after surgery for ovarian cancer. METHODS: Ninety-five ovarian cancer patients were selected as the study subjects, all of them underwent surgical treatment, and MRI, enhanced CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT were performed on all of them in the postoperative follow-up, and the pathological results after the second operation were used as the diagnostic "gold standard". The diagnostic value (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value and positive predictive value) of the three examination methods alone or in combination for the diagnosis of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer was compared, and the detection rate was calculated when the lesion was the unit of study, so as to compare the efficacy of the three methods in the diagnosis of postoperative recurrent metastatic lesions of ovarian cancer. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the combined group were higher than those of MRI and enhanced CT for recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer after surgery, and the specificity, accuracy and positive predictive value of the combined group were higher than those of the 18F-FDG PET/CT group, and those of the 18F-FDG PET/CT group were higher than those of the enhanced CT group (all P < 0.05). When the postoperative recurrent metastatic lesions of ovarian cancer were used as the study unit, the detection rate of lesions in the combined group was higher than that of the three examinations detected individually, and the detection rate of lesions in 18F-FDG PET/CT was higher than that of enhanced CT and MRI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of MRI, enhanced CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT can accurately diagnose recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer after surgery, detect recurrent metastatic lesions as early as possible, and improve patients' prognosis.

Comprehensive microRNA expression analysis of pediatric gonadal germ cell tumors: unveiling novel biomarkers and signatures.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs, and alterations in their expression may contribute to oncogenesis. Discovering a unique miRNA pattern holds the potential for early detection and novel treatment possibilities in cancer. This study aimed to evaluate miRNA expression in pediatric patients with gonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs), focusing on characterizing the miRNA profiles of each histological subtype and identifying a distinct histological miRNA signature for a total of 42 samples of pediatric gonadal GCTs. The analysis revealed distinct miRNA expression profiles for all histological types, regardless of the primary site. We identified specific miRNA expression signatures for each histological type, including 34 miRNAs for dysgerminomas, 13 for embryonal carcinomas, 25 for yolk sac tumors, and one for immature teratoma, compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we identified 26 miRNAs that were commonly expressed in malignant tumors, with six miRNAs (miR-302a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-371a-5p, miR-372-3p, miR-373-3p, and miR-367-3p) showing significant overexpression. Notably, miR-302b-3p exhibited a significant association with all the evaluated clinical features. Our findings suggest that miRNAs have the potential to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with malignant GCTs.

High Financial Hardship among Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is considered the most fatal and costly gynecologic cancer. Although personalized therapies have improved ovarian cancer prognosis, they have resulted in increased financial toxicity concerns among this population. This study evaluated financial toxicity in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Using secondary data from a study of barriers to palliative care, financial toxicity (FT) was measured through the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity scale. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to assess the relationship between selected demographic (i.e., age, race, ethnicity, education, place of birth, insurance type, yearly household income, employment status) and treatment-specific variables (i.e., years since diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal and targeted therapy) with clinically relevant financial toxicity. Characteristics were compared using Fisher's exact or chi squared tests. A total of 38 participants with advanced ovarian cancer were included in this study; 24% (n = 9) reported clinically significant FT. Income (p = .001), place of birth (p = .048) and employment status (p = .001) were related to FT. Study findings highlight that advanced ovarian cancer patients experience high FT, particularly those with low income, who are not able to work and were born outside the US. Further research using larger datasets and more representative samples is needed to inform intervention development and implementation.