Basic & Clinical Cancer Research

CircRNAs as Possible Potential Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Prognosis and Chemotherapy Response: A Comprehensive Study

Saba Mirzaei, Mahdieh Salimi, Hossein Mozdarani — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 08:42:05 +0330

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Optimal methods for most cancer control require the use of appropriate biomarkers. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), as closed-loop RNA molecules generated through reverse splicing, have emerged as promising biomarkers for cancer development.

Methods: In this observation, the expression of 3 unique circRNAs - cdr1as, circRNA-000284, circ-ITCH - within the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients was studied using Real-Time RT-PCR before and after chemotherapy compared with the control.

Results: The data confirmed that the analyzed circRNAs expression was significantly altered in breast cancer patients compared to the controls. These alterations have been related to advanced stages, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. CircRNA-000284 expression considerably decreased after chemotherapy. This may proposed its potential as a biomarker for monitoring treatment response.

Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights for the development of novel

strategies in the management and treatment of breast cancer. However, further studies are required to validate the clinical utility of these circRNAs as biomarkers and to explore their underlying mechanisms in breast cancer progression.

Geographic Variation and Trends in Laryngeal Cancer Incidence in Iran: A Comprehensive Analysis

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 17:40:57 +0330

Background and Aims: Laryngeal cancer poses a significant health challenge, particularly in Iran, where it exerts a substantial burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the geographic variation in laryngeal cancer incidence across Iran, estimate its burden in 2022, and project trends up to 2050.

Methods: Our study utilized data from two sources: the Iran National Population-based Cancer Registry (INPCR) for a four-year period (2014-2017) and the GLOBOCAN 2022 study. From the INPCR data, we calculated average age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for each province. Additionally, the GLOBOCAN 2022 study provided estimates of laryngeal cancer incidence and mortality rates for 2022, along with projections for future trends until 2050.

Results: Laryngeal cancer displayed significant regional variations within Iran between 2014 and 2017, with Kerman and North Khorasan provinces experiencing the highest incidence rates. Laryngeal cancer incidence increased with age and remained considerably higher in males. In 2022, laryngeal cancer represented 2 % of new cancer cases in Iran, with ASIRs higher than global averages. By 2050, a substantial increase in both incidence and mortality rates is projected, emphasizing the growing burden of laryngeal cancer in Iran.

Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial variations in laryngeal cancer incidence across Iranian provinces. Our findings suggest that opium use, in addition to established risk factors like tobacco and alcohol, might contribute to the high incidence rates observed in Iran. Early diagnosis and targeted interventions tailored to regional risk factor prevalence are crucial to address the growing public health burden of laryngeal cancer in Iran.

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

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 17:42:32 +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.

Biomarker panel for early detection of uterine cancer

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0330

Uterine cancer is the most prevalent gynecological malignancy in developed and developing countries and its incidence is arising every year. Worldwide, approximately 382,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and there are an estimated 90,000 deaths. As endometrial cancer becomes more prominent, the need to develop and characterize biomarkers for early-stage diagnosis and the treatment. We analyze the current state of biomarker utilization for early detection, including their sensitivity and specificity, paving the way for timely interventions. Several biomarkers, including P53, K-RAS, CA-125, HER2/neu, HE4, PTEN, MSI are used for early detection, treatment, and prevention of uterine cancer. Prognostic biomarkers in uterine cancer have emerged as indispensable tools for predicting disease progression and patient outcomes. Endometrial biopsy, CT scan, MRI Scan, Dilation and Curettage, Transvaginal ultrasound are vital for diagnosing and staging of uterine cancer and provide essential information about the cancer’s presence, size, and spread, guiding proper treatment decisions. Various treatments modalities, including surgery, Chemotherapy, targeted therapies are examined. In conclusion, early detection through biomarkers like P53, K-RAS, HER2/neu, PTEN, Serum CA-125 holds great promise for early diagnosis and treatment advancements, and offering hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for patients in the future.