Fighting Cancer in Ukraine at Times of War.

The resilience of the system in most specialized oncological institutions in Ukraine should be acknowledged, as well as the level of provision of high-quality special care quickly recovered in the center and areas close to a war zone. This situation has undoubtedly impacted global cancer research progress, as Ukraine is an important venue for many cancer trials.

The Impact of Climate Change on Global Oncology.

Climate change is the greatest threat to human health of our time, with significant implications for global cancer control efforts. The changing frequency and behavior of climate-driven extreme weather events results in more frequent and increasingly unanticipated disruptions in access to cancer care. Given the significant threat that climate change poses to cancer control efforts, oncology professionals should champion initiatives that help protect the health and safety of patients with cancer, such as enhancing emergency preparedness and response efforts and reducing emissions from our own professional activities, which has health cobenefits for the entire population.

Agreement and disagreement between child-caregiver symptom and function reports in pediatric oncology.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The use of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) is increasing in pediatric clinical practice and research, including in clinical trials. Treatment teams are now able to discern differences in symptom and function reports between children with cancer and their family caregivers. Few studies, however, have quantified such differences. DESIGN/METHODS: Children and caregivers were matched to create a dyad sample, and child/caregiver agreement of responses to the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric symptom and function measures were examined using the established minimally important difference (MID) value (three points) derived from these measures. Latent class analysis (LCA) was then used to analyze the status/patterns of response agreement. RESULTS: A total of 430 dyadic cases (dyads) were used for LCA modeling. Three classes of child-caregiver concordance resulted: (a) Agreement-caregiver and child within one MID (200 dyads); (b) Disagreement-caregiver underestimating symptoms (47 dyads with caregiver scores more than 1 MID lower than the child scores); and (c) Disagreement-caregiver overestimating symptoms (183 dyads with caregiver scores more than 1 MID higher than child scores). CONCLUSION: As PRO use increases in pediatric oncology, clinician identification of child/caregiver differences on symptom and function reports will help to distinguish family perceptions of cancer treatment impact. The treatment goal, in addition to mitigating symptom and function treatment-related burdens for the child and caregiver, may now also be to discern the direction and clinical meaning of the difference within the child-parent dyad.

Parenting a child with cancer and maintaining a healthy couple relationship: Findings from the Family Talk Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Despite the challenges that caring for a child with cancer brings for parents, little knowledge is available concerning the effects on the parents' couple relationship. Furthermore, few interventions have been designed to support parents in their couple relationship. The aim of this paper was, therefore, to explore parents' experiences of their couple relationship while having a dependent child with cancer and the support they received from a family-based intervention, the Family Talk Intervention (FTI). METHODS: Data for this paper were taken from semi-structured interviews performed in a pilot study of the FTI in the context of pediatric oncology. In total, 22 couples were interviewed after participating in the FTI. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Parents described how maintaining a couple relationship while living with childhood cancer could be very challenging and was not given the highest priority. The FTI was considered a way of providing important support to the couple and a chance for them to sit down together and listen to each other's perspectives on the situation. Parents described that the FTI had helped them gain an increased mutual understanding, sometimes also helping them to realize that they needed more extensive professional support in their relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Living with childhood cancer and upholding a healthy couple relationship is challenging for parents. The FTI has the potential to support couples, mainly by providing opportunities for parents to communicate with each other. However, some couples may be in need of a tailored clinical intervention.

Treatments for non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic quality assessment of clinical practice guidelines

Aim To evaluate the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods We searched MEDLINE, CPG developer websites, lung cancer societies, and oncology organizations to identify CPGs providing recommendations on treatments for NSCLC. The methodological quality for each CPG was determined independently by three appraisers using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) instrument. Results Twenty-two CPGs met the eligibility criteria. The median scores per AGREE II domain were: scope and purpose 90.7% (64.8–100%), stakeholder involvement 76.9% (27.8–96.3%); rigor of development 80.9% (27.1–92.4%); clarity of presentation 89.8% (50–100%); applicability 46.5% (12.5–87.5%); and editorial independence 91.7% (27.8–100%). Most of the CPGs (54.5%) were rated as “recommended with modifications” for clinical use. Conclusions Overall, the methodological quality of CPGs proving recommendations on the management of NSCLC is moderate, but there is still room for improvement in their development and implementation (AU)

Estudio multicéntrico de conciliación de la medicación en onco-hematología pediátrica / Multicentre study of medication reconciliation in paediatric onco-hematology

Objetivo determinar la prevalencia de errores de conciliación (EC) al ingreso hospitalario en la población pediátrica onco-hematológica para comprobar si ésta presenta una susceptibilidad similar a la de los adultos para ser afectados por estos EC y describir las características de los pacientes en los que se producen.Métodoestudio prospectivo y multicéntrico de 12 meses de duración, de conciliación de medicación al ingreso en la población pediátrica onco-hematológica para evaluar la incidencia de EC y describir las características de los pacientes en los que se producen.Resultadosse concilió la medicación de 157 pacientes. En 96 pacientes se detectó al menos una discrepancia de la medicación. De las discrepancias detectadas, el 52,1% fueron justificadas por la nueva situación clínica del paciente o por el médico responsable mientras que el 48,9% se consideraron EC. El tipo de EC más frecuente fue la «omisión de algún medicamento», seguido por «una dosis, frecuencia o vía de administración diferente». Se efectuaron un total de 77 intervenciones farmacéuticas, de las que se aceptaron el 94,2%. En el grupo de pacientes con un número igual o mayor a 4 fármacos en tratamiento domiciliario se observó un incremento de 2,1 veces la probabilidad de experimentar un EC.Conclusionespara evitar o reducir los errores en uno de los puntos críticos de seguridad como son las transiciones asistenciales, existen medidas, como la conciliación de la medicación. En el caso de los pacientes pediátricos crónicos complejos, como los pacientes onco-hematológicos, el número de fármacos como parte del tratamiento domiciliario es la variable que se ha asociado a la presencia de EC al ingreso hospitalario, siendo la omisión de algún medicamento la causa principal de estos errores. (AU)

Objective To determine the prevalence of reconciliation errors (RE) on admission to hospital in the paediatric onco-haematological population in order to check whether they are similarly susceptible to these RE as adults and to describe the characteristics of the patients who suffer them.MethodsA 12-month prospective, multicentre study of medication reconciliation on admission in the paediatric onco-haematological population to assess the incidence of RE and describe the characteristics of the patients in whom they occur.ResultsMedication reconciliation was performed in 157 patients. At least 1 medication discrepancy was detected in 96 patients. Of the discrepancies detected, 52.1% were justified by the patient's new clinical situation or by the physician, while 48.9% were determined to be RE. The most frequent type of RE was the "omission of a medication", followed by "a different dose, frequency or route of administration". A total of 77 pharmaceutical interventions were carried out, 94.2% of which were accepted. In the group of patients with a number equal to or greater than 4 drugs in home treatment, there was a 2.1-fold increase in the probability of suffering a RE.ConclusionsIn order to avoid or reduce errors in one of the critical safety points such as transitions of care, there are measures such as medication reconciliation. In the case of complex chronic paediatric patients, such as onco-haematological patients, the number of drugs as part of home treatment is the variable that has been associated with the presence of medication RE on admission to hospital, with the omission of some medication being the main cause of these errors. (AU)

Estrategias de tratamiento en la metástasis vertebral. Necesidad de comités multidisciplinarios desde la perspectiva del cirujano. Narración de la literatura / Treatment strategies in vertebral metastasis. Need for multidisciplinary committees from the perspective of the surgeon. Narration of literatura

Las mejoras en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer han mejorado la supervivencia. Secundariamente también aumenta el número de estos pacientes que presentan una metástasis vertebral y el número con alguna morbilidad en relación con estas metástasis. Fractura vertebral, compresión radicular o lesión medular causan un deterioro de su calidad de vida. El objetivo en el tratamiento de las mismas ha de ser el control del dolor, mantenimiento función neurológica y de la estabilidad vertebral, teniendo presente que en muchos casos será un tratamiento paliativo.El tratamiento de estas complicaciones presenta un enfoque multidisciplinario, radiólogos, radiólogos intervencionistas, oncólogos y radioterapeutas, cirujanos de raquis, pero también Unidad de Rehabilitación o Unidad de Dolor. Recientes trabajos muestran que un enfoque multidisciplinario de estos pacientes puede mejorar calidad de vida e incluso pronóstico.En el presente trabajo se realiza una revisión y lectura de la bibliografía sobre el manejo multidisciplinario de estos pacientes.(AU)

Improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment have improved survival. Secondarily, the number of patients who present a vertebral metastasis and the number with some morbidity in relation to these metastases also increases. Vertebral fracture, root compression or spinal cord injury cause a deterioration of their quality of life.The objective in the treatment of the vertebral metastasis must be the control of pain, maintenance of neurological function and vertebral stability, bearing in mind that in most cases it will be a palliative treatment.The treatment of these complications needs a multidisciplinary approach, radiologists, interventional radiologists, oncologists and radiation therapists, spine surgeons, but also rehabilitation or pain units. Recent studies show that a multidisciplinary approach of these patients can improve quality of life and even prognosis.In the present article, a review and reading of the literature on the multidisciplinary management of these patients is carried out.(AU)

[Translated article] Treatment strategies in vertebral metastasis. Need for multidisciplinary committees from the perspective of the surgeon. Narration of literature / Estrategias de tratamiento en la metástasis vertebral. Necesidad de comités multidisciplinarios desde la perspectiva del cirujano. Narración de la literatura

Las mejoras en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer han mejorado la supervivencia. Secundariamente también aumenta el número de estos pacientes que presentan una metástasis vertebral y el número con alguna morbilidad en relación con estas metástasis. Fractura vertebral, compresión radicular o lesión medular causan un deterioro de su calidad de vida. El objetivo en el tratamiento de las mismas ha de ser el control del dolor, mantenimiento función neurológica y de la estabilidad vertebral, teniendo presente que en muchos casos será un tratamiento paliativo.El tratamiento de estas complicaciones presenta un enfoque multidisciplinario, radiólogos, radiólogos intervencionistas, oncólogos y radioterapeutas, cirujanos de raquis, pero también Unidad de Rehabilitación o Unidad de Dolor. Recientes trabajos muestran que un enfoque multidisciplinario de estos pacientes puede mejorar calidad de vida e incluso pronóstico.En el presente trabajo se realiza una revisión y lectura de la bibliografía sobre el manejo multidisciplinario de estos pacientes.(AU)

Improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment have improved survival. Secondarily, the number of patients who present a vertebral metastasis and the number with some morbidity in relation to these metastases also increases. Vertebral fracture, root compression or spinal cord injury cause a deterioration of their quality of life.The objective in the treatment of the vertebral metastasis must be the control of pain, maintenance of neurological function and vertebral stability, bearing in mind that in most cases it will be a palliative treatment.The treatment of these complications needs a multidisciplinary approach, radiologists, interventional radiologists, oncologists and radiation therapists, spine surgeons, but also rehabilitation or pain units. Recent studies show that a multidisciplinary approach of these patients can improve quality of life and even prognosis.In the present article, a review and reading of the literature on the multidisciplinary management of these patients is carried out.(AU)

Aspectos prácticos sobre la determinación de PD-L1 en el tratamiento de carcinoma urotelial. Consenso del grupo de uropatología de la SEAP / Practical aspects of PD-L1 assessment in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma: Consensus of the uropathology group of the SEAP

La reciente llegada de nuevos fármacos de inmunoterapia para el tratamiento del carcinoma urotelial hace necesario establecer criterios para armonizar la determinación de PD-L1 mediante inmunohistoquímica como factor pronóstico y para la selección de pacientes a tratar. En este escenario, un grupo de uropatólogos de la Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica, junto con un oncólogo médico como colaborador externo subespecializado en urooncología, ha elaborado este documento de recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia disponible. En la determinación de PD-L1 son especialmente relevantes la selección de la muestra analizada, su procesamiento, la plataforma de inmunohistoquímica y anticuerpo empleados, así como el algoritmo que se aplique para la lectura. Todos estos aspectos deben indicarse en el informe de resultados, que debería poder ser fácilmente interpretable en un contexto de rápida evolución de terapias inmunológicas.(AU)

The recent addition of novel immunotherapy drugs for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma makes it necessary the establishment of criteria to harmonize the immunohistochemical assessment of PD-L1, both as a prognostic factor and for the selection of patients to be treated. In this scenario, a group of uropathologists from the Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy, together with a medical oncologist as an external collaborator subspecialized in uro-oncology, have prepared this document of recommendations based on the available evidence. During PD-L1 assessment it is especially relevant the selection of the sample, its processing, the immunohistochemical platform and antibody used, and the algorithm applied in the interpretation of results. All these aspects must be indicated in the results report, which should be easily interpretable in a context of rapid evolution of immunological therapies.(AU)

Metastasis of tongue cancer locatedunilaterally, not crossing the midline,to the lymph nodes of the neck.

<br><b>Introduction:</b> In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the incidence of tongue cancer. Rapid asymptomatic growth, early metastases, and crossing lymphatic drainage of the tongue reduce the chances of successful therapy. The presence of metastases in cervical lymph nodes is also an important prognostic factor.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study is a retrospective analysis of the incidence of unilateral and bilateral metastases within the cervical lymphatic system in patients with unilateral tongue cancer that does not cross the midline.</br> <br><b>Materials and methods:</b> A retrospective study of a group of patients hospitalized and treated for malignant tongue cancers at the Clinical Ward of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology of the Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute in Warsaw in 2012-2023. As many as 106 patients treated for unilateral tongue cancer that has not crossed the midline were selected, who also underwent unilateral or bilateral cervical lymphadenectomy, apart from primary tumor resection and reconstruction. The analysis was based on the medical records of the patients, results of imaging and histopathological examinations, and surgical procedure protocols.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> In a group of 106 patients with unilateral tongue cancer, in whom the cancer did not cross the midline, 47 patients underwent unilateral lymphadenectomy, of which 16 had lymph node metastases. Bilateral lymph node removal was performed in 59 patients. In 26 cases metastases were detected only in ipsilateral lymph nodes, and in 13 cases metastases were found in contralateral lymph nodes. Among 106 patients, occult metastases were detected in 21 patients.</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Due to the crossing of the lymphatic drainage of the tongue, which allows for the possibility of contralateral metastases, and the impact of the operation on oncological efficacy, it is reasonable to perform bilateral cervical lymphadenectomy.</br>.

[Medical Treatments in Oncology 2023].

Medical Oncology since the beginning of the new millennium has recognized a great positive evolution in the care of cancer. In fact, for more than 60 years the two classical pillars of the antineoplastic therapy were hormone therapies mainly applied in breast, prostate and thyroid cancer, and chemotherapy seldom curative and heavily toxic. Nowadays some new treatments are available thanks to the advances in genomics, proteomics and molecular biology of tumor cells either to the advances in immunology studies. Specific pathways in cancer cells have been recognized and hit by targeted drugs. Monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, checkpoint inhibitors, cellular therapies and vaccines are the new tools for oncologists. The last discovery is the antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which combine monoclonal antibodies with cytotoxic drugs. Unfortunately, these impressive advances have caused the appearance of new scientific, social, and financial problems. All these topics are discussed in the article.

Neuroscience and oncology: state-of-the-art and new perspectives.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Emerging discoveries suggest that both the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system are an important driver of cancer initiation, promotion, dissemination, and therapy resistance, not only in the brain but also in multiple cancer types throughout the body. This article highlights the most recent developments in this emerging field of research over the last year and provides a roadmap for the future, emphasizing its translational potential. RECENT FINDINGS: Excitatory synapses between neurons and cancer cells that drive growth and invasion have been detected and characterized. In addition, a plethora of paracrine, mostly tumor-promoting neuro-cancer interactions are reported, and a neuro-immuno-cancer axis emerges. Cancer cell-intrinsic neural properties, and cancer (therapy) effects on the nervous system that cause morbidity in patients and can establish harmful feedback loops receive increasing attention. Despite the relative novelty of these findings, therapies that inhibit key mechanisms of this neuro-cancer crosstalk are developed, and already tested in clinical trials, largely by repurposing of approved drugs. SUMMARY: Neuro-cancer interactions are manyfold, have multiple clinical implications, and can lead to novel neuroscience-instructed cancer therapies and improved therapies of neurological dysfunctions and cancer pain. The development of biomarkers and identification of most promising therapeutic targets is crucial.

Pharmacogenomic testing in oncology: a health system's approach to identify oncology provider perspectives.

Aim: Identify oncology healthcare providers' attitudes toward barriers to and use cases for pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing and implications for prescribing anticancer and supportive care medications. Materials & methods: A questionnaire was designed and disseminated to 71 practicing oncology providers across the MedStar Health System. Results: 25 of 70 (36%) eligible oncology providers were included. 88% were aware of PGx testing and 72% believed PGx can improve care. Of providers who had ordered a medication with PGx implications in the past month, interest in PGx for anticancer (90-100%) and supportive care medications (>75%) was high. Providers with previous PGx education were more likely to have ordered a test (odds ratio: 7.9; 95% CI: 1.1-56; p = 0.0394). Conclusion: Oncology provider prescribing practices and interest in PGx suggest opportunities for implementation.