Emerging biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of cancer: a systematic review.

Cancer remains a global health challenge, necessitating continuous advancements in diagnostic and treatment strategies. This review focuses on the utility of non-invasive biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and treatment, their role in early detection, disease monitoring, and personalized therapeutic interventions. Through a systematic review of the literature, we identified 45 relevant studies that highlight the potential of these biomarkers across various cancer types, such as breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. The non-invasive biomarkers discussed include liquid biopsies, epigenetic markers, non-coding RNAs, exosomal cargo, and metabolites. Notably, liquid biopsies, particularly those based on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), have emerged as the most promising method for early, non-invasive cancer detection due to their ability to provide comprehensive genetic and epigenetic information from easily accessible blood samples. This review demonstrates how non-invasive biomarkers can facilitate early cancer detection, accurate subtyping, and tailored treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes. It underscores the transformative potential of non-invasive biomarkers in oncology, highlighting their application for enhancing early detection, survival rates, and treatment precision in cancer care. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023474749 PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023474749.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Women of Reproductive Age on Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer and Vaccination in Otukpo, Nigeria.

Background: Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of human papilloma virus (HPV) is a necessary measure in curtailing delayed diagnosis and poor control practices. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices vis-à-vis HPV infection, cervical cancer and vaccination among women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 15 selected health-care facilities in Otukpo metropolis and it involved 168 pregnant women. The data were collected using structured questionnaire, and analysed for descriptive and analytical statistics using Epi Data Version 3.1 and SPSS statistical package Version 21. Results: Most of the respondents (75.0%) have heard of human papilloma virus and their information source were mostly the health-care providers. In total, 132(78.6%) agreed to take the vaccine if offered for free but 152(90.5%) stated that it is imperative to seek the opinion of health providers before vaccine uptake. However, only 27(16.1%) have undergone recommended checkup for human papilloma virus/cervical cancer and 23(13.7%) have taken at least a vaccine dose. Some respondents 66(39.3%) had good knowledge while 95(56.6%) demonstrated positive attitude. However, most respondents 161(95.8%) demonstrated poor practices. Conclusions: There is enormous need to improve HPV sensitization especially in women due to cervical cancer associated risks. Healthcare personnel are therefore encouraged to create more awareness on HPV infection and screening of cervical cancer (CC) via counseling sessions and communications tool like the new media. KAP approach is a critical tool towards successful CC screening and HPV control.

Knowledge, awareness and practice of infection control by health care workers in the intensive care units of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), one of the leading causes of, morbidity and mortality, are common in developing countries. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), commonest cause of HAIs, has been isolated from the hands of more than half of health care workers. Practice of hand hygiene may help in the control of nosocomial infections. We evaluated the practice of infection control among health care workers in the intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Information on knowledge, awareness and practice of infection control in the ICU were obtained from health care workers with the aid of a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty nine out of the 80 (86%) respondents had good knowledge that a hand is the most common vehicle of transmission of infection. However, 53.8% and 32.5% of the respondents had knowledge of movement of hand hygiene and practiced six steps of the hand washing technique respectively. Though, physicians accounted for 68 (85%) of the respondents, only 28% of them practiced the six steps of the hand washing technique with resident doctors constituting a large proportion of hand washing technique defaulters. Only 13.9% of non-physician and 7.5% of physician respondents had ever attended a training program on infection control respectively. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and awareness of infection control among the health care workers in our ICU is good but the practice is poor. Training workshop on infection control should be organized for all ICU health care workers to reduce noso-comial infections.