Basic & Clinical Cancer Research

Ethics and Cancer

2025-10-01T11:23:37+0330

The ethical challenges in cancer care are complex and varied. Delving deeper into the multifaceted issues that healthcare professionals and patients face is necessary. These challenges are deeply intertwined, requiring a nuanced understanding and approach

Association between Childhood and Adulthood Risk Factors and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Iran

2025-10-01T11:26:59+0330

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cancer among Iranian men. This study aimed to investigate the association between early and late lifestyle risk factors and GC among the Iranian population.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study recruited gastric cancer (GC) patients from the Cancer Institute in 2010-2012. Controls were healthy visitors to be frequency-matched based on sex, age, and residential place and were not visiting the oncology wards. We collected exposure to various risk factors before the diagnosis in patients and prior to the interview in controls. Additionally, we obtained information on socioeconomic factors during childhood. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various potential risk factors.

Results: The study included a total of 212 GC patients and 287 controls. The average age of cases was 60.2 years, and controls were 53.48. Participants with a family history of GC had a 3.8-fold higher risk of GC than those without a family history (OR=3.98, 95% CI 1.86, 8.50). In addition, the odds of GC was significantly higher in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.01-3.46). We observed an inverse association between GC by education (P trend <0.001). Individuals reported coffee consumption had a lower risk of GC (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.77) as compared to non-coffee users. The study found that individuals with medium (OR=0.45, 95% CI 0.23-0.87) and high (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.45-0.71) intake of vegetables and high intake of fruit (OR=0.43, 95% CI 0.45-0.71) had lower odds of GC, while higher consumption of red meat (OR=4.33, 95% CI 2.15-8.77) had higher odds of GC. Analysis of factors related to the childhood period showed that lack of access to tap water increased the odds of GC compared to using tap water (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.74, 6.44). We did not observe any significant associations between helicobacter pylori infection, opium use, waterpipe smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and other early life risk factors and the risk of GC.

Conclusion

The occurrence of GC is influenced by several factors, including family history of GC, dietary habits, and socioeconomic status during both childhood and adulthood.

Sensitivity of Self-reported Opium Use in Cancer Patients: Implications for conducting epidemiological studies

2025-10-01T11:43:29+0330

Background: Underreporting bias related to opium use is a significant methodological issue that can threaten the results of epidemiologic studies, particularly when opium use is the exposure of interest. In our current study, we aimed to measure the sensitivity of opium use. among cancer patients and identify the contributing factors

Method: In a cross-sectional study, we examined the sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer cases. In this study, we avoided using urine tests as the gold standard to prevent false positive results, given that most cancer patients use opioids to alleviate their pain. Instead, we relied on their reports of use to anesthesiologists as the gold standard and compared it with their reports to interviewers to calculate sensitivity

Results: The sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients was approximately 63.33% (95% CI: 43.86% – 80.07%). Interestingly, this sensitivity was significantly higher among cigarette users 88.24% (95% CI: 63.56% – 98.54%) compared to non-users 30.77% (95% CI: 9.09% – 61.43%). Additionally, the sensitivity of self-reported opium use was higher among alcohol users and participants with low socioeconomic status compared to their counterparts, although these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The observed sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients underscores the importance of meticulous and comprehensive approaches for collecting and interpreting self-reported substance use data. Researchers and policymakers should consider contributing factors to the sensitivity of self-reported opium use.

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Indian Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA) Gynecological Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis

2025-10-01T11:47:04+0330

Background: Cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYA) represents a bridge between childhood and elderly incidence curves of cancers demanding tailored approaches and management of their distinct presentations. The literature on Indian gynecological cancer patients aged 15 to 39 years is limited. Thus, our study aims to determine the distribution of gynecological tumors, modalities of diagnosis, and treatment employed in managing these patients. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients from 15 to 39 years of age who presented with gynecological tumors was done. The data of all the patients during the study period was recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: The study included 50 patients. The tumors observed were ovarian (78%), cervical (16%) and uterine (6%) in origin. Histopathological diagnosis was benign (46%), malignant (50%) and borderline tumor (4%). CA125 was the most frequently done tumor marker and was raised in 17 cases (34%), of which 13 were malignant. The tumor size was greater than 10 cm in 56% of cases. Definitive management strategies included cystectomy/ salpingo-oopherectomy (44%), total hysterectomy and salpingo-oopherectomy (38%), chemoradiation (14%), and conization (2%). The most common benign and malignant ovarian tumors were serous cystadenoma and serous cystadenocarcinoma, respectively. All uterine malignancies were sarcomas. Conclusion: Ovarian tumors are the most common gynecological malignancies in adolescents and young adults. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive and multidisciplinary management can improve survival and preserve future fertility in these young patients.

A review of the role of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in the development of colorectal cancer

2025-10-01T11:49:35+0330

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) plays a significant role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the production of Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT). This toxin activates Wnt, NF-κB, and STAT3 signaling pathways, leading to chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and abnormal cellular proliferation. The presence of ETBF in the gut microbiota can increase the risk of CRC by enhancing immune cell infiltration, triggering inflammatory responses, and disrupting cell cycle regulation. ETBF detection is performed using molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunomagnetic separation-PCR (IMS-PCR), which offer high accuracy in identifying this bacterium. Immunomagnetic separation enhances the sensitivity and precision of detection. In addition to precise diagnostic methods, preventive strategies play a crucial role in reducing the risk of CRC. A healthy diet, including increased fiber intake, reduced consumption of processed meats and saturated fats, along with maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity, are among the effective factors in preventing this disease. Furthermore, stress reduction and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco can positively impact lowering the risk of CRC. A deeper understanding of the role of ETBF in CRC and its effects on molecular pathways can contribute to the development of novel preventive approaches. Investigating the composition of the gut microbiota and implementing preventive strategies based on lifestyle modifications not only aids in identifying at-risk individuals but also plays a significant role in reducing the prevalence and progression of this disease.

Case report: Mesenteric Fibromatosis

2025-10-01T11:54:22+0330

A 28-year-old patient reported having a lump in the right lower abdominal and pelvic area for the last 21 days along with pain, anorexia, fever, and nausea. After a thorough investigation, an AP scanogram of the patient showed a clearly defined lump in this area. Histopathological examination showed mesenteric fibromatosis. Resection and anastomosis were done.

Our case is one of the few known cases of the extremely rare condition fibromatosis of the mesentery. These tumours present a diagnostic and therapeutic difficulty due to their rarity. These tumours are still asymptomatic, however they frequently appear as an asymptomatic mass. There aren't any obvious therapy options. The preferred method of treatment is surgical excision with a wide margin; we underwent the same technique and the prognosis was good. Numerous single case reports with various and peculiar appearances and their difficulties exist. This case report aims to offer current understanding of mesenteric fibromatosis as well as our clinical experience with the presented patient. Following surgery, the patient did well, and a three-month follow-up revealed a typical recovery.