Investigating the therapeutic efficacy of psilocybin in advanced cancer patients: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, is known for its effects on anxiety and depression. It has recently gained increasing interest for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in patients with advanced cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of psilocybin on adult patients with advanced cancer. AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of psilocybin in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for articles published up to February 2023. The reference lists of the included studies were also searched to retrieve possible additional studies. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, comprising 132 participants. The results revealed significant improvements in quality of life, pain control, and anxiety relief following psilocybin-assisted therapy, specifically results on anxiety relief. Pooled effect sizes indicated statistically significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety at both 4 to 4.5 months [35.15 (95%CI: 32.28-38.01)] and 6 to 6.5 months [33.06 (95%CI: 28.73-37.40)]. Post-administration compared to baseline assessments (P < 0.05). Additionally, patients reported sustained improvements in psychological well-being and existential distress following psilocybin therapy. CONCLUSION: The findings provided compelling evidence for the potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy in improving quality of life, pain control, and anxiety relief in patients with advanced cancer.

Association between Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Hepatic Cancer: Current Concepts and Future Challenges.

Background: This study systematically reviewed the association between metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and the development of hepatic cancer. Previous research has highlighted MASLD as a predisposing condition. Aim: To collect recent global data on the relationship between MASLD and hepatic cancer. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, which included an analysis of studies on the relationship between MASLD and the incidence of hepatic cancers, focusing on the role of fibrosis and MASLD severity as predictors of cancer risk. Following standard methodological frameworks for the assessment of longitudinal studies, the review gathered information on fibrosis scores, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence, and other types of hepatic neoplasms. Results: A total of 522 studies were initially identified, of which 6 studies were appropriate for the review. They collectively revealed that the stage of fibrosis in MASLD is a significant independent predictor of mortality and liver-related events, with higher fibrosis stages correlating with greater risk. Longitudinal data showed that increases in FIB-4 scores were linked to a higher risk of developing HCC and cirrhosis. MASLD was also associated with an increased risk of non-hepatic cancers such as colorectal cancer in males and breast cancer in females. The severity of MASLD was found to be a modifiable risk factor for biliary tract cancer (BTC), with the risk further amplified by diabetes. Moreover, lifestyle factors and comorbidities, such as smoking and diabetes, were identified as modifiers of cancer risk in MASLD patients. Conclusions: The systematic review identified the association between MASLD and an elevated risk of hepatic cancer, establishing a clear link between the severity of liver fibrosis and the incidence of HCC and other hepatic neoplasms. This supports the need for screening for hepatic cancer in patients with MASLD, particularly in the presence of advanced fibrosis or other risk-modifying factors.

The Outcome of Aplastic Anaemia Associated with Terbinafine Therapy.

Onychomycosis (OM), a widespread fungus that affects the toenails and/or fingernails, causes a large amount of morbidity and is very frequent in the general population. The best treatment is systemic antifungals. Terbinafine is a potent antifungal drug that works by targeting the keratin and lipids found in fungi. In the United States, the prevalence of this nail ailment ranges from 2% to 14%; it is 5.5% globally. Here, we describe a case of aplastic anaemia linked to oral terbinafine use. Clinicians should be aware of this rare adverse effect and early discontinuation of the treatment is required to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. LEARNING POINTS: Aplastic anaemia is a rare side effect of terbinafine.Patients should be advised about this, and serial laboratory testing can be helpful for those who are on a long-term course of terbinafine.Early diagnosis and start of treatment can lead to a favourable outcome.

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) in an Elderly Female: A Rare Case.

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematologic malignancy derived from type 2 Dendritic cells (immature Plasmacytoid dendritic cells). It is an aggressive lymphoma and most commonly presents as nonpruritic cutaneous lesions. It can also involve the bone marrow, lymph nodes, or circulating peripheral blasts. Here we present a 61-year-old female with skin bruises all over her body for the last three months associated with fatigue, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. Her initial diagnosis was Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), but later she was diagnosed with BPDCN on tumor biopsy consistent with CD56+ neoplasm. The patient was treated with cyclophosphamide with steroid bridge. She was follow-up every week for the disseminated intravascular coagulation panel and monitored for tumor lysis syndrome. The management of the BPDCN is still unclear due to the condition's rarity. tagraxofusp has been used for remission induction as it has a higher response rate with an acceptable toxicity profile than conventional chemotherapy. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is recommended in patients with the first remission. For patients with relapsed/refractory disease, tagraxofusp demonstrates a good overall response, followed by HCT.

Calcitriol induced hypercalcemia - a rare phenomenon in lung cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia has been rarely reported in cases of lung cancer; however, it is frequently reported in cases of lymphoid malignancy and granulomatous disease. We present a rare case of hypercalcemia associated with squamous cell cancer of the lung with elevated calcitriol level. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old Caucasian female with severe hypercalcemia of 15 mg/dL, which led to a new diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. Since the parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) level was minimally elevated at 2.1 pmol/L, we believe excessive calcitriol production by tumor cells was the underlying mechanism for hypercalcemia. Calcitriol was significantly elevated at 130 pg/mL with a low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 25.9 ng/mL and suppressed PTH level of 8 pg/mL. Corticosteroids are generally used to treat calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia, but we successfully treated our patient with bisphosphonate, highlighting the further utility of bisphosphonates in hypercalcemia treatment. CONCLUSION: We believe that the underlying cause of hypercalcemia, in this case of metastatic squamous cell lung carcinoma, was elevated calcitriol, which was likely produced by the tumor cells. In addition to PTHrP, calcitriol levels should be included in the workup for hypercalcemia in cases of lung cancer. However, the pathophysiology and prognostic significance of dysregulated calcitriol production in solid tumors remain unclear and warrant further research. Bisphosphonate may be used as a steroid-sparing therapy even in cases of calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia and warrants further investigation.

You Only Find What You Are Looking for: Concurrent Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis and Undiagnosed Wilson's Disease.

Wilson's disease (WD), a rare genetic disorder characterized by copper accumulation, leads to a spectrum of hepatic dysfunction including liver cirrhosis, fulminant liver failure, and chronic hepatitis. Its manifestations could involve musculoskeletal, hematologic, neuropsychiatric, or renal systems. We present the case of a 27-year-old female with a past medical history of alcohol use disorder who presented with acute confusion, worsening abdominal distension, bilateral lower limb edema, and jaundice.The initial presentation was concerning for acute alcoholic hepatitis and decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis attributed to ongoing heavy alcohol consumption. However, due to the patient's young age, the severity of presentation, and the pattern of liver enzyme elevation, further workup was conducted to rule out concurrent pathologies. Viral, autoimmune, and metabolic workups were unrevealing. Subsequently, low ceruloplasmin levels and elevated urinary copper levels led to a diagnosis of WD with concomitant alcoholic liver disease. The coexistence of WD and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has not been well described in the literature. Laboratory testing including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and serum aminotransferases provides the most rapid and accurate method for diagnosing ALD due to WD, given that the conventional screening tests such as ceruloplasmin are less sensitive and specific in identifying patients with acute liver disease secondary to WD.

Clinical peer Review; A mandatory process with potential inherent bias in desperate need of reform.

Clinical peer review, a process mandated across all hospitals in the USA, originated as a measure to protect patients by ensuring a standardized level of medical service that is provided by all practicing physicians. The process involves retrospective chart reviewing to assess the quality of patients' care provided by physicians as well as adherence to the most appropriate guidelines. The process of clinical peer review almost entirely serves its ultimate purpose in quality preservation; However, certain laws gave immunity to reviewers resulting in abuse and using the clinical peer review process for secondary gain. Some notable cases of abuse were discussed in the article, we also shed light on two forms of bias that can potentially interfere with the review process and the dreaded outcomes that come along a negative peer review. We also propose methods to overcome these biases to further standardize and improve this crucial process.

Synchronous Endobronchial Carcinoid Tumor and Adenocarcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Diagnosis of synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (SMPLCs) is a challenge as multiple lesions on chest CT imaging can be misdiagnosed as more common entities such as metastatic disease or infections. The possibility of multiple primary lung cancers should always be considered. Accurate diagnosis can significantly change the management and prognosis. We report a case of a 57-year-old woman, an ex-smoker with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who was found to have synchronous endobronchial carcinoid tumor and adenocarcinoma of the lung. The association of carcinoid tumors and adenocarcinoma of the lung has been infrequently reported, with only a handful of cases published to date. Early diagnosis of resectable tumors can improve survival in patients with SMPLCs.

Delayed HIV diagnosis in a cystic fibrosis patient: Not just another exacerbation.

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer due to advancements in treatment. We present a patient with CF in whom diagnoses of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and severe pneumocystis pneumonia were delayed due to anchor bias. Our case highlights the importance of routine age-appropriate health screenings in patients with CF. In addition, we discuss the number of management challenges that may arise in patients with a dual diagnosis of CF and HIV.

Anorectal Melanoma: An Uncommon Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Anorectal melanoma (ARM) is a rare, aggressive disease. Given that it presents with local symptoms that resemble other common benign anorectal conditions, ARM is often low on the differential diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis and nonconsensus of treatment options lead to poor prognosis. Here, we report the case of an 85-year-old woman with a history of Irritable bowel syndrome who presented with altered bowel habits and bleeding per rectum. CT revealed a rectal mass with metastatic lesions to the bone, liver, and lungs. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for Human Melanoma Black-45, melanoma antigen recognized by T cells, and SRY-related HMG-box 10. A final diagnosis of ARM was made.

Tenesmus: An Unusual Presentation of Delayed Prostate Adenocarcinoma Recurrence.

We describe a case of prostate cancer recurrence 25 years after radical prostatectomy. Our patient is a 77-year-old male with past medical history pertinent for obesity and coronary artery disease. The patient's initial presentation in 1994 was for persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. He was subsequently diagnosed with high-grade prostate adenocarcinoma and underwent radical prostatectomy. The patient was followed up postoperatively for 16 years and deemed to be in clinical and biochemical remission with undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Twenty-five years post-operatively, the patient was evaluated with an investigatory colonoscopy for tenesmus, constipation, and change in stool caliber. Colonoscopy revealed significant anal canal stenosis. Biopsy of the lesion showed prostate adenocarcinoma recurrence. Prostate cancer recurrence presenting with only gastrointestinal symptoms is highly unusual, especially in a patient who never received radiotherapy and had been in remission for 25 years.

You Only Find What You Look for: Anchor Bias During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated syndrome caused by allergen inhalation. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of HP usually shows diffuse ground-glass opacities, but can show centrilobular ground-glass nodules, areas of air-trapping, or fibrotic changes. The clinical presentation of HP as well as the imaging findings can resemble coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. This resemblance, in the absence of a high level of suspicion for other etiologies, led to anchor bias and delayed diagnosis in the case presented here.