Tehran University of Medical Sciences Basic & Clinical Cancer Research 2228-6527 15 3 2024 08 04 158 170 Rahim Akrami Department of epidemiology & biostatistics, School of public health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Abbas Badakhshan Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Masoumeh Hashemian Department of Health Education, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Masoud Hiteh Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Bahareh Amin Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mohammad Shafi Mojadadi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. Mansoureh Feizabadi Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Maasoumeh Aran Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Najmeh Mahmoodabadi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. Maryam Goudarzian Iranian research center on healthy Aging, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. Salehabadi Raha Iranian research center on healthy Aging, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. Alireza Darvishi Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Homeyra Vahdati Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Taibeh Nowrouzinejad Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Akbar Pejhan Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mohsen Koushan Department of Nursing, Elderly Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Nasrin Fazel Department of Nursing, Elderly Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Ahmad Allahabadi Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Abolfazl Rahmani Sani Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Alireza Ghorbani Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mohammad Hassan Rakhshani Department of epidemiology & biostatistics, School of public health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Moosaalreza Tadayonfar Department of Nursing, Elderly Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Forough Mortazavi Leishmaniasis Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. Akram Kooshki Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Roya Akbarzadeh Department of Nursing, Elderly Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mojtaba hadavifar Environmental Sciences Department, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran Ali Delbari Department of Anatomy, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Hafez Heydari Zarnagh Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Ghaffarirad Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Majid Fallahi Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Reza Frozen Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Behnaz Souizi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Oncology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Jila Agah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Oncology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Ramezan Ali Khamirchi Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mohammad Shourideh Yazdi Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Hessam Ghassemof Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Houman Kamranian Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mehdi Molavi Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Hossein Assarzadeh Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Hassan Salehipour Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Nasrin Hashemian Nejad Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mohammadreza Sadr Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Seyed Mehdi Mirhamidi Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Abolfazl Shakiba Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Seyed Mehdi Razavi Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mahdi Motakeffar Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Fatemeh Nodeh Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mohammad Reza Shegarf Nakhaie Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Omid Gholami Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Freshteh Ghorat Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mohammad Mohammad-Zadeh Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Alireza Moslem Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Kazem Zendehdel Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran 2023 11 28 2024 04 24 Background: Appropriate priority setting in public health and biomedical research is crucial to make decisions for resource allocation and prioritizing the projects. We studied the research gaps and identified priorities for biomedical research in Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences (SabUMS), located in Sabzevar city in the northeastern part of Iran.  Materials & Methods: we used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to determine the public health problems and health research priorities.The processes for priority setting included preparation, problem finding, idea generation, data cleaning and statement development, ranking, and dissemination. We used qualitative research and quantitative surveys for problem findings. We organized two workshops with researchers and public health authorities of Sabzevar city for idea generation, defining criteria for priority setting, and ranking of the research ideas. We used national and international recommendations to prepare a list of research priorities in the region for COVID-19. Results: The criteria for priority setting were concerns of the community, magnitude, and urgency of the problem. In addition, feasibility, the possibility of regional and international research collaboration, and the availability of the infrastructure and capacity to conduct research were used for ranking. The final list of priority areas for research in SabUMS included non-communicable diseases, mental health, drug abuse, accidents, and nutrition respectively. COVID-19 was considered a separate area for research. Conclusion: Experience from this study and follow-up reports would provide best practices in research development in low-resource areas and pave the way for evidence-based public health practice. https://bccr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/bccrj/article/view/504

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Basic & Clinical Cancer Research 2228-6527 15 3 2024 08 04 151 157 Ali Nowroozi Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Reza Nowroozi Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Erfan Amini Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Seyed Ali Momeni Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hassan Inanloo Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Solmaz Ohadian Moghadam Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2023 12 18 2024 03 10 Considering the importance of understanding COVID-19 prevalence and vaccine effectiveness in individuals dealing with bladder or prostate cancer, as well as the plausible adverse repercussions of immunization, this study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and vaccination rates of COVID-19 in this group of patient. Furthermore, the investigation seeks to evaluate potential adverse effects and the efficacy of vaccines in patients diagnosed with prostate and bladder cancer. In this cross-sectional study conducted from 2020 to 2022, we systematically extracted clinical and demographic information, COVID-19 diagnoses, clinical symptoms, and paraclinical data from the bladder and prostate cancer registry at our institution. Our analysis encompassed assessing the frequency of COVID-19 infections, vaccination rates, and the occurrence of adverse effects associated with vaccination within this specific cohort. Among the 249 enrolled patients, COVID-19 infection was confirmed in 19.4% of bladder cancer patients and 16.6% of prostate cancer patients. A substantial majority, 81% (202 patients), had received vaccination, with the Sinopharm vaccine being the preferred choice for the majority (90%).  The study's outcomes reveal a vaccine efficacy of 82% in individuals with bladder cancer, while displaying a higher efficacy of 96% among patients with prostate cancer. This study provides evidence supporting the efficacy of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in reducing COVID-19-associated complications and mortality, as well as its high efficacy in patients with prostate and bladder cancer. https://bccr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/bccrj/article/view/510

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Basic & Clinical Cancer Research 2228-6527 15 3 2024 08 10 171 178 Amitabha Chakrabarti Oncologist RAHI DAS DEPARTMENT OF RADIOTHERAPY, R. G. KAR MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, KOLKATA, INDIA 2024 02 07 2024 06 01   ABSTRACT  BACKGROUND: Whole Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT) has been effective in the management of brain metastases, giving good local control but has shown to have potential neurocognitive effects. Assessing its effect on neurocognitive function is decisive assessing quality of life and therapeutic decision-making.   METHOD: This is an observational study at R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital from May 2022 to April 2023 involving 60 biopsy proven carcinoma patients with brain metastases fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. All received 30Gray (Gy)/10# WBRT over 2 weeks. Neurocognitive function assessment using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were conducted before and at 2nd, 3rd, and 6th months post WBRT.   RESULTS: The study, encompassing a median age of 58, revealed 43.3% had lung primary and 35% breast primary. Mean MMSE score was 27 pre radiation. Following WBRT, a more than equals to 3-point MMSE decrease occurred in 6.6%, 11.6%, and 18.3% at 2nd, 3rd, and 6th months post radiation respectively. Neurocognitive decline was 36% for those above 50 years and 64% for those below 50 years by the 6th month. At 2nd months 88.3% patients had controlled disease having a decrease in MMSE score by 1.6, while 11.6% with uncontrolled disease showed 3.1 MMSE change and the same trend continued at 3rd and 6th month observations.   CONCLUSION: WBRT is crucial for local control of brain metastases, but neurocognitive decline, especially under 50, is of major concern. Study results offers awareness for pre-treatment counseling on WBRT benefits, risks and consideration for Hippocampal Avoidance WBRT or WBRT with memantine, and requires further extensive research.   https://bccr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/bccrj/article/view/517

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Basic & Clinical Cancer Research 2228-6527 15 3 2024 09 07 179 186 Hanieh Soltani Student research committee, Razi faculty of nursing and midwifery, Kerman University of medical sciences, Kerman, Iran Atefeh Ahmadi Nursing research center, Department of counselling in midwifery, Razi faculty of nursing and midwifery, Kerman University of medical sciences, Kerman, Iran Malihe Afiat Emam Reza hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Shahrzad Zolala Department of midwifery, Nursing research center, Razi faculty of nursing and midwifery, Kerman University of medical sciences, Kerman, Iran 2024 01 10 2024 07 02   Aim We evaluated the prevalence of gynecologic cancers in south of Iran in 2014-2019. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive study aimed to study 1222 patients with female gynecological cancers who were referred to the specialized oncology and radiotherapy clinics in Kerman city in south of Iran. The required information was gathered from the cases recorded in available pathology centers in Department of Health in Kerman province during 2014 -2019 years. The data analysis was done by SPSS20 software via descriptive statistics tests of Chi square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and ANOVA. Results The uterine (38.98%), and ovarian cancers (36.94%) had the highest relative frequencies. There was no significant difference in the relative frequency of female cancers in the five time intervals (p>0/01). The age average of patients was 66/15 ±58/53 years which was significantly different among different types of cancer (p<0/01). The highest and lowest age average was related to the vagina (61.89±26.64) and placenta (30.66±5.50) cancers. Conclusion The most frequent cancer in the first two years of study was ovarian cancer, while the most frequent cancer in the next three years of the study was the uterine cancer. The highest and lowest age averages were related to vagina cancer, and trophoblastic cancer, respectively. https://bccr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/bccrj/article/view/513

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Basic & Clinical Cancer Research 2228-6527 15 3 2024 09 25 187 196 Diksha Sukhija Senior Resident Diptajit Paul Pt B D Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak Ashok Chauhan Senior Professor & Head Abhishek Soni Associate Professor Paramjeet Kaur Professor Joginder Redhu Junior Resident 2023 10 05 2024 07 17 Introduction: It was earlier documented that concurrent systemic therapy has a beneficial effect in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients when given along with palliative local radiation. But, the data in Indian population is limited. So, we conducted the study to assess the effect of concurrent erlotinib and palliative thoracic radiotherapy as compared to palliative radiotherapy alone in patients with advanced and/or metastatic NSCLC. Material & Methods: Previously untreated patients of advanced and/or metastatic NSCLC, were included in this study, to receive either palliative radiotherapy 30Gy/10fractions with concurrent erlotinib 150mg daily (Group 1) or radiotherapy alone with similar dose-fractionation (Group 2). Symptomatic relief & quality of life (QoL) were assessed using different internationally validated tools. Results: A total of 60-patients were enrolled into the study. After 4-weeks of radiotherapy, patients in group 1 showed better improvement in QoL scoring and had more symptomatic relief than group 2. Nineteen and eleven patients of group 1 and 2 showed partial response. Median survival was 7.4 and 5.1 months in group 1 & 2, respectively. Conclusion: Our study concluded that concurrent erlotinib with palliative thoracic radiotherapy in advanced and/or metastatic NSCLC patients results in increased symptomatic relief & survival as well improvement in QoL. https://bccr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/bccrj/article/view/496

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Basic & Clinical Cancer Research 2228-6527 15 3 2024 10 12 197 215 Shruti Talashi University of the West of Scotland 2024 05 16 2024 07 07 Background: Oestrogen plays a vital role in breast development and is strongly related to breast cancer. This research article delves into this paradox. Inflammation is a cancer hallmark that involve chemokine that attract inflammatory immune cells and promote breast cancer spread. E2 as a potential oestrogen can inhibit chemokine secretion, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Interestingly, atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs), as anti-inflammatory G protein-independent transmembrane proteins, act as "scavengers," removing excessive chemokine's, resulting in reduced inflammation, and most strikingly, these genes are essential for normal breast development. This finding suggested that ACKRs may act as tumour suppressors. This study investigated whether a higher E2 level can influence the expression of its own receptors type and ACKRs. Method: In this research, a relative gene expression study been carried out on target genes estrogen receptors (ERa, ERb) and atypical chemokine receptors (ACKR2, ACKR3 & ACKR4) normalised with TOP1 endogenous control gene in MCF-7 breast cancer cells when treated with a higher E2 level including controls for calibration using RT-qPCR technique in designing the experimental assay. Result: Research outcome consistently revealed a down regulation in the m-RNA expression level of target genes at 18 h time point with statistical analysis done using nonparametric Mann‒Whitney's U-test confirming significant differences between the E2-treated and untreated groups (p < 0.05), supporting the hypothesis that E2 does modulates the expression of ACKR2, ACKR3 and ACKR4 via interplay with ERs. Conclusion: These findings highlight the seemingly contradictory roles of E2. While it can fuel tumour growth, it might also have anti-inflammatory effects through cross-talk with expressed ACKR genes. A study with an extended time of E2 exposure on MCF-7 is further proposed to assess its effect at cellular level and an auxiliary analysis at protein level can strengthen the possibility of ERs-ACKRs interplay. Research & development in protein receptors field are valuable for evolving novel cancer therapies. https://bccr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/bccrj/article/view/534