Sultan NS, Alhallaq AS, Alhallaq MS
… +3 more, Arafat HM, Eid S, Shaqaliah AJ
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42345143
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BACKGROUND: Bortezomib, a 26S proteasome inhibitor, has become a cornerstone in the treatment of multiple myeloma. However, its use is limited by a common and potentially serious adverse effect, bortezomib-induced periph...BACKGROUND: Bortezomib, a 26S proteasome inhibitor, has become a cornerstone in the treatment of multiple myeloma. However, its use is limited by a common and potentially serious adverse effect, bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN), which manifests in 30-60% of multiple myeloma patients primarily as a sensory, distal, axonal neuropathy, often with pain, numbness, tingling, and in some cases, motor involvement, which can lead to dose reductions, therapy discontinuation, or long-term morbidity. BIPN is associated with genetic predisposition, and several studies suggest that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may contribute to the protective or increased risk effects of BIPN. This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of BIPN in multiple myeloma. METHODS: A qualitative systematic review was conducted to determine unique SNPs with significant association with BIPN. The search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The risk of bias analysis was conducted following the Q-Genie protocol. The included SNPs were computationally analyzed using Gene Ontology enrichment, KEGG, and PPI network analyses to determine pathways implicated in BIPN. SNPnexus analysis was applied, including SIFT and PolyPhen-2 functional prediction, evolutionary conservation, epigenetic regulatory mapping, significant biological pathways, and population allele frequencies. RESULTS: From a total of 9 studies, 48 SNPs increase the risk of BIPN, while 21 are protective. Computational analyses revealed that SNP-associated BIPN genes are implicated in xenobiotic response, detoxification, signal transduction, and inflammatory pathways. SIFT and PolyPhen-2 identified some variants with a potential impact on protein function. Several SNPs are conserved, which reflects their functional roles. Allele frequencies are distinct, with some SNPs being rare and others showing uneven distribution across populations. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variants probably play a significant role in the development of BIPN. The findings provide a mechanistic framework for predictive genotyping and personalized therapeutic strategies to mitigate BIPN in multiple myeloma patients.
Nayak SG, Issac A, Mishra P
… +1 more, Gonsalves J
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42345142
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OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transfer experience various infectious and non-infectious complications, and pulmonary problems continue to be a leading cause of death and morbidity. This systemati...OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transfer experience various infectious and non-infectious complications, and pulmonary problems continue to be a leading cause of death and morbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation interventions on various pulmonary function parameters. METHODS: We systematically searched for studies in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalKey, and ProQuest for articles published in English from 2000 to 2024. Two reviewers independently identified the articles using key thesaurus terms and free-text terms based on the inclusion criteria. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: The systematic review included 18 trials, with a total of 1,052 participants, of whom 621 were from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the remaining 431 were from quasi-experimental studies. Pooled data from randomized controlled trials showed that pulmonary rehabilitation programs were effective in improving forced vital capacity (P < 0.001), FEV1/FVC (P = 0.004), maximal inspiratory pressure (P < 0.001), and dyspnoea (P = 0.03) at a statistically significant level. CONCLUSION: The evidence from the review suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are effective in improving certain parameters of pulmonary function. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number (CRD42024522354).
Mohseni G, Heydari K, Hoseini A
… +4 more, Zeytounli Y, Rasouli K, Neshat S, Alizadeh-Navaei R
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42226568
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BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a multifactorial malignancy in which both Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been implicated. Given the high prevalence of both pathogens, we performed a...BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a multifactorial malignancy in which both Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been implicated. Given the high prevalence of both pathogens, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori-EBV co-infection (HECo) in GC and to evaluate its association with GC. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using a search strategy consisting of appropriate keywords in online databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to July 2024. Eligible case-control and cross-sectional studies in English reported H. pylori and EBV status assessed using validated assays (e.g., PCR, serology, immunohistochemistry/in situ hybridization, rapid urease test), enabling ascertainment of HECo within the same participant. Study quality was assessed using the "Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale" (NOS) and the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool). Random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool prevalence estimates and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and heterogeneity was quantified using I². RESULTS: Eighteen studies (n = 4364; 1999-2023) were included. HECo prevalence among GC patients was 21.44% (95% CI: 9.46-33.42). HECo was associated with increased odds of GC (pooled OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.66-5.73; I² = 69.1%). Subgroup estimates by age (high vs low) were based on two studies per stratum and showed wide CIs (high age: OR = 9.61, 95% CI: 1.90-48.64; low age: OR = 9.52, 95% CI: 1.83-49.54) and should be interpreted cautiously. There was a significant association between the presence of metastasis, the high stage of GC, and HECo. Our results showed no significant association between moderately or poorly differentiated GC, diffuse-type GC, the presence of vessel invasion, and HECo. CONCLUSION: HECo is associated with a higher risk of GC. Future primary studies should report mutually exclusive infection categories (HP only, EBV only, both, neither) and clarify the temporal relationship between infection and GC, to better disentangle independent versus joint effects and to inform prevention strategies.
Alheany ARA, Abdulkareem AZ, Abdullah ZA
… +1 more, Al-Alwany SHM
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169600
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BACKGROUND: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) arises from germinal center B cells through complex viral, genetic, and environmental factors. This study examines HHV-6B infection and the IL-18 rs1946518 polymorphism as potential cont...BACKGROUND: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) arises from germinal center B cells through complex viral, genetic, and environmental factors. This study examines HHV-6B infection and the IL-18 rs1946518 polymorphism as potential contributors to inflammation-driven HL susceptibility and risk of disease progression. METHODS: A case-control study of 180 venous blood samples was conducted, including 90 HL patients and 90 healthy controls. Viral and genomic DNA were isolated using the standard phenol-chloroform protocol, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of HHV-6B genomes and the IL-18 rs1946518 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was performed. Variants of IL-18 rs1946518 were confirmed using Sanger sequencing. To compare genotype and allele frequencies between patient and control groups, statistical tests were conducted, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, as appropriate. RESULTS: No significant difference in age was observed between HL patients (28.5 ± 9.7 years) and controls (30.6 ± 10.8 years; P > 0.05). Males represented 57.8% of HL patients compared to 42.2% females. The presence of HHV-6B DNA was detected in 25.6% (23/90) of HL patients, with 74.4% (67/90) testing negative. Analysis of IL-18 rs1946518 revealed a significant difference in the frequency of the TT genotype between HL patients and controls (P = 0.04, OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09-0.87). The frequency of T and C alleles was observed to be higher in HL patients (T: 70, C: 40) and in controls (T: 60, C: 60), respectively, suggesting a potential increased risk of HL associated with the T allele and a possible protective effect of the C allele. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence links HHV-6B infection and IL-18 rs1946518 variants to the pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma, potentially influencing disease susceptibility and clinical outcomes. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
El-Tayb HA, Abd-Allah AZ, Saeed MS
… +2 more, Abdel-Hakeem SS, Abdel-Rahman FZ
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169599
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BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise. The prognosis remains poor, especially for patients with metastatic disease. Methyltransfera...BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise. The prognosis remains poor, especially for patients with metastatic disease. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is the primary catalytic enzyme in the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase system. METTL3 plays a dual role, acting as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the cancer type. It also plays a significant role in the response to treatment. However, its specific function in CRC remains unclear. METHODS: A prospective cohort of sixty patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) was enrolled at the South Egypt Cancer Institute (SECI). METTL3 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). This study aimed to investigate METTL3 expression in CRC and its association with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes in patients treated with oxaliplatin (OX)- and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-containing regimens. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that elevated METTL3 expression correlated with increased synchronous metastasis and a greater number of metastatic sites. In addition, elevated METTL3 was associated with increased lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, a non-brisk immune response, and greater tumor depth. Notably, right-sided tumors exhibited significantly higher METTL3 expression compared to those on the left side and in the rectum. Finally, METTL3 overexpression was associated with a lower response rate to OXA-based therapy, as well as shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), all with p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: METTL3 may serve as both a prognostic and predictive biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC).
Farag N, Saleh H, El-Mezayen HA
… +3 more, El-Kassas M, El-Sharkawy A, Mounir M
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169598
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BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The limited sensitivity of current diagn...BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The limited sensitivity of current diagnostic tools, including imaging and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), underscores the need for novel biomarkers to enable early detection. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of circulating miRNA-106 b.5p and to develop an integrated predictive model combining this marker with routine biochemical parameters for early HCC detection in HCV-infected patients. METHODS: A total of 42 HCC patients, 83 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum miRNA-106 b.5p levels were quantified using qRT-PCR, and biochemical markers, including AFP, albumin, platelets, ALT, and bilirubin, were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multivariate discriminant analyses were performed to evaluate diagnostic performance and to construct a combined predictive score. RESULTS: Serum miRNA-106 b.5p expression was significantly higher in HCC patients compared with LC patients and controls (p < 0.001), showing a progressive increase along the disease spectrum. ROC analysis revealed miRNA-106 b.5p (AUC = 0.679) outperformed AFP (AUC = 0.731) in discriminating HCC from cirrhosis. The newly developed miRNA-106 b.5p HCC score, integrating miRNA-106 b.5p, AFP, albumin, platelet count, total bilirubin, and ALT, achieved 94% sensitivity and 91% specificity (AUC = 0.744) at a cut-off value of 0.42. The model demonstrated superior performance in detecting early-stage and low-grade tumors compared with AFP alone. CONCLUSION: Integration of miRNA-106 b.5p with routine biochemical markers markedly enhances non-invasive diagnosis of HCV-related HCC. The proposed miRNA-106 b.5p HCC score represents a cost-effective, accurate, and clinically applicable tool for early tumor detection and improved management of high-risk patients.
Cahyopoetro AJW, Lusikooy RE, Patellongi IJ
… +4 more, Labeda I, Sampetoding S, Arsyad A, Abdi A
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169597
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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum levels of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for tumor size reduction following neoadjuvant CAPEOX chemot...BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum levels of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for tumor size reduction following neoadjuvant CAPEOX chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 36 patients with histologically confirmed stage III-IV colorectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant CAPEOX therapy. Serum MTHFR and CEA levels were measured before chemotherapy. Tumor response was assessed by comparing pre- and post-treatment imaging, based on RECIST criteria. Correlations between the biomarkers and the percentage of tumor reduction were analyzed using Spearman's test, followed by multivariate linear regression to develop a predictive model. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 45.6 ± 8.0 years, with a predominance of male patients (66.7%). Both serum MTHFR and CEA levels showed significant correlations with tumor size reduction (MTHFR: ρ = 0.764, p < 0.001; CEA: ρ = 0.654, p < 0.001). The final regression model demonstrated strong predictive performance: Tumor size reduction (%) = -165.68 + (1.10 × CEA) + (15.38 × MTHFR), with an adjusted R² of 0.714 (p < 0.001). A nomogram derived from this model yielded a Harrell's C-index of 0.836, indicating high discriminative ability in predicting therapeutic response. CONCLUSION: Serum MTHFR and CEA levels serve as complementary biomarkers for predicting tumor size reduction following neoadjuvant CAPEOX chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer. Their combined use provides a simple, cost-effective tool for individualized treatment planning and advances biomarker-based precision oncology in resource-limited clinical settings.
Jyotishi C, Patel M, Prajapati S
… +1 more, Gupta R
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169596
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the ability of diosgenin and its derivatives to suppress three angiogenic receptor tyrosine kinases-VEGFR2, FGFR1, and PDGFRA-through comprehensive in silico screening, molecular doc...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the ability of diosgenin and its derivatives to suppress three angiogenic receptor tyrosine kinases-VEGFR2, FGFR1, and PDGFRA-through comprehensive in silico screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. METHODS: We screened 1,525 plant-derived compounds, 20 sapogenins, and three diosgenin derivatives for drug-likeness and bioavailability using SwissADME. The top candidates were docked against the three receptor tyrosine kinases using PyRx. Diosgenin and 14 of its derivatives were then further analyzed. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed using NAMD3 with CHARMM force fields to assess the stability of the protein-ligand complexes. Parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and ΔG were evaluated. RESULTS: Diosgenin was among the top 10 hits for all three receptor tyrosine kinases. It showed the strongest binding and stable interactions with VEGFR2 (ΔG: -11.03 kcal/mol) compared to lenvatinib (ΔG: -7.52 kcal/mol) and sorafenib (ΔG: -4.01 kcal/mol). The FGFR1-diosgenin and PDGFRA-Diosgenin complexes displayed positive ΔG values, indicating less favorable thermodynamic binding. Three diosgenin derivatives (Formosanin C, Dioscin, and 2-Amin-5-(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole DG-8d moiety) were also evaluated for their anticancer potential. While Formosanin C showed the highest binding affinities among all three derivatives, diosgenin uniquely interacted with the key catalytic residues of VEGFR2, suggesting functionally more relevant inhibition despite slightly lower docking scores. Similarly, Yamogenin, another sapogenin evaluated, exhibited a high binding affinity across all three angiogenic receptors. Although Yamogenin showed high affinity across all three receptors, molecular dynamics confirmed the superior stability of diosgenin with VEGFR2 (ΔG = -11.03 vs. -9.85 kcal/mol). CONCLUSION: Diosgenin represents a promising and selective VEGFR2 inhibitor with potential to have anti-angiogenic therapeutic activity.
Mohammed AJ, Salman SA, Chyad A
… +2 more, Abd Alredha RD, Alzerfi HSR
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169595
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BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women globally. Circulating biomarkers may provide added value by complementing HPV-based screening and enhancing risk stratifi...BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women globally. Circulating biomarkers may provide added value by complementing HPV-based screening and enhancing risk stratification. The aim of this study was to investigate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) as candidate serum biomarkers for the diagnosis and disease monitoring of cervical cancer. METHODS: In a single-center case-control study, 45 women with cervical cancer and 45 healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical variables included FIGO 2018 stage, symptoms, smoking status, and HPV vaccination status. Serum VEGF and M-CSF levels were measured using ELISA. Group and stage differences were assessed, and diagnostic performance was evaluated using ROC analysis, Youden's index, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Both biomarkers were significantly elevated in cancer patients compared with controls (M-CSF: 1457 ± 582 vs. 504 ± 250 pg/mL; VEGF: 399.7 ± 136 vs. 106.7 ± 53.2 pg/mL; both p < 0.001). Concentrations increased with advancing stage (M-CSF: p = 0.0006; VEGF: p = 0.0073). Vaccinated patients exhibited lower VEGF levels (p = 0.047). Diagnostic performance was excellent (AUC: M-CSF, 0.95; VEGF, 0.97). At optimal cut-offs, VEGF achieved 95% sensitivity (95% CI: 83.1%-99.4%) and 93% specificity (95% CI: 81.3%-98.5%). The combined model (AUC: 0.974) outperformed M-CSF alone (p = 0.038). Multivariate analysis confirmed that both VEGF and M-CSF remained significant independent predictors after adjusting for age, smoking status, and HPV vaccination status. CONCLUSIONS: Serum VEGF and M-CSF demonstrate diagnostic utility and stage association in cervical cancer. Their combined use enhances discriminatory power. These findings support their potential as adjunct biomarkers; however, external validation and longitudinal studies are needed.
Parthiban M, Rajagopal P, Maheswari Jayaveeran H
… +3 more, Jayaraman S, C K, Varalakshmi V S
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169594
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BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, frequently associated with dysregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and defective apoptosis. Sesamin, a lignan from sesame seeds, is rich...BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, frequently associated with dysregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and defective apoptosis. Sesamin, a lignan from sesame seeds, is rich in antioxidant and anticancer activities, yet it has not been well investigated for its therapeutic potential in GC. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the anticancer potential of sesamin against gastric cancer by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in AGS cells and MNNG-induced rats, evaluating its effects on apoptosis, oxidative stress, and tumor biomarkers to elucidate its molecular mechanism of action. METHODS: In vitro, molecular changes in AGS gastric cancer (GC) cells were determined by RT-PCR (p53, caspase-3, MDM2, PTEN, AKT, mTOR, NF-κB). In vivo, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was used to induce gastric cancer in Wistar rats. The intervention of sesamin was studied by histopathological analysis, and ELISA was used for the measurement of tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9) and oxidative stress markers. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR (p53, caspase-3, AKT, NF-κB, mTOR). RESULTS: Sesamin treatment in AGS cells upregulated PTEN, p53, and caspase-3, while downregulating MDM2, AKT, mTOR, and NF-κB at the mRNA level in the in vitro study. In the in vivo mRNA expression analysis, sesamin treatment confirmed enhanced p53 and caspase-3 with reduced AKT expression and slightly increased mTOR expression. In MNNG-induced rats, sesamin improved gastric histology, decreased tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9), suppressed IL-1β, and elevated GSH. RT-PCR analysis further validated the induction of pro-apoptotic genes and suppression of oncogenic PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling, consistent with in vitro findings. CONCLUSION: Sesamin has demonstrated effective anti-gastric cancer activity by inducing p53/caspase-3-mediated apoptosis and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings illustrate the therapeutic potential of sesamin against gastric cancer and reveal molecular clues for its use as a natural chemopreventive agent.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169593
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BACKGROUND: Many countries have launched Helicobacter pylori (HP) management guidelines to assist physicians, based on regional data. However, adherence is often assessed using questionnaires, which may not accurately re...BACKGROUND: Many countries have launched Helicobacter pylori (HP) management guidelines to assist physicians, based on regional data. However, adherence is often assessed using questionnaires, which may not accurately reflect real-world practice. This study aimed to assess adherence to the Thailand Consensus on HP management through a retrospective chart review conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH), located in the capital, and Phrapokklao Hospital (PPK), located in a province. Medical records of patients diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection via esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with a rapid urease test (RUT) between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed. Collected data included demographics, indications for HP testing, pre-EGD preparation, treatment regimens, and follow-up practices. RESULTS: 2,136 medical records were reviewed: 1,987 KCMH and 149 PPK. Most patients were Thai under universal health coverage. Pre-diagnostic preparation at KCMH showed 98.5% discontinued proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) ≥2 weeks, compared to 83.9% at PPK (p < 0.001). Antibiotic discontinuation ≥4 weeks was higher at KCMH (98.6% vs 95.3%, p = 0.009). For first-line, KCMH (74.6%) received PPI-based triple therapy for 14 days, while 77.5% at PPK received concomitant therapy. 78% at KCMH confirmed HP eradicate vs 44.1% at PPK (p < 0.001). Eradication rates were comparable (95.9% at PPK vs 89.4% at KCMH: p = 0.139). CONCLUSION: This study highlights suboptimal adherence to the Helicobacter pylori (HP) consensus in provincial hospitals in Thailand, suggesting that future guidelines should address healthcare limitations outside the capital to enhance the overall quality of national healthcare.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169592
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of HMGA2 expression and its association with oncogenic signaling pathways in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: RNA-seq data and clinical information of OSCC pa...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of HMGA2 expression and its association with oncogenic signaling pathways in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: RNA-seq data and clinical information of OSCC patients (n=253) and normal oral tissues (n=27) were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). HMGA2 expression was compared between normal oral tissues and OSCC tissues, and patients were stratified into HMGA2-high and HMGA2-low groups based on median expression. Differentially expressed genes were identified using DESeq2, followed by pathway enrichment analyses using Reactome and WikiPathways. Functional validation was independently performed in two OSCC cell lines using siRNA-mediated HMGA2 knockdown. Cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration were assessed, and EGFR signaling and EMT-related proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: HMGA2 expression was significantly higher in OSCC tissues than in normal oral tissues (adjusted p < 0.001) and was associated with advanced AJCC stage and poorer overall survival (p < 0.05). Pathway analyses revealed significant enrichment of EGFR-related signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated processes in the HMGA2-high group. HMGA2 knockdown significantly reduced proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration of OSCC cells, accompanied by decreased expression of mesenchymal markers and reduced activation of EGFR and its downstream effectors, including AKT, ERK, and STAT3. EGFR pathway activity was partially restored by exogenous EGF treatment. CONCLUSION: HMGA2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in OSCC and functions as both a prognostic biomarker and a functional contributor to aggressive tumor behavior through EGFR-associated signaling and EMT-related phenotypes.
Hagos A, Hagos Z, Tekluu B
… +4 more, Welderfael T, Kumar A D N, Konuku K, K KC
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169591
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OBJECTIVE: This work addressed the fact that nano phytoformulations have emerged as promising, biocompatible alternatives to conventional cancer drugs, helping to overcome drug resistance in cancer and offering sustainab...OBJECTIVE: This work addressed the fact that nano phytoformulations have emerged as promising, biocompatible alternatives to conventional cancer drugs, helping to overcome drug resistance in cancer and offering sustainable, biocompatible, and effective drug delivery. This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (SS-ZnO NPs) using an eco-friendly green synthesis method from Sida schimperiana aqueous root extract (SS-AQ), and to evaluate their selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. METHODS: The SS-ZnO NPs were characterized using spectroscopic (FTIR, XRD, DLS), microscopic (SEM, TEM), and chemical (EDX) analytical techniques. The selective cytotoxicity of SS-ZnO NPs against breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231) and normal cell lines (L929) was evaluated using the MTT assay. RESULTS: XRD analysis confirmed that SS-ZnO NPs possess a crystalline, hexagonal wurtzite structure with an average size of 55.4 nm. DLS analysis indicated that the SS-ZnO NPs are monodispersed with a negative surface charge of -28.9 mV, suggesting high colloidal stability. SEM and TEM-EDX analyses revealed that the SS-ZnO NPs exhibit a pseudo-spherical, rough morphology with an average particle size of 22.65 nm. Strong absorption peaks at 1.01 keV and 0.52 keV were observed, corresponding to the characteristic signals of Zn and oxygen, respectively. The MTT assay demonstrated that SS-ZnO NPs exhibited significant, dose-dependent selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, with inhibition ranging from 10.14% to 62.44% at concentrations of 6.25-100 µg/mL, and an IC₅₀ value of 45.28 µg/mL (p ≤ 0.01). In comparison, SS-AQ exhibited 8.81% to 58.11% inhibition at the same concentration range, with an IC₅₀ of 50.16 µg/mL (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study highlight that bio-inspired SS-ZnO NPs possess enhanced anticancer properties and can be considered a promising anticancer agent with potent, specific cytotoxic efficacy against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, offering a potential alternative nanotherapeutic approach with reduced toxicity.
Watanabe O, Nakaya N, Nakaya K
… +8 more, Kaji Y, Otsuki A, Saito J, Yaguchi-Saito A, Kuchiba A, Fujimori M, Shimazu T, Hozawa A
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169590
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BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, participation rates in Japan remain low. Although knowledge about CRC has been identified as a predictor of screening uptake, data specific to th...BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, participation rates in Japan remain low. Although knowledge about CRC has been identified as a predictor of screening uptake, data specific to the Japanese population remain limited. We aimed to examine the associations between knowledge of CRC risk factors and knowledge of cancer screening, with CRC screening attendance in Japan. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,966 Japanese adults aged 40-69 years. Associations between correct answers on CRC risk factors and cancer screening, and CRC screening attendance were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS: Seventy percent of participants had undergone CRC screening. A significant positive linear association was observed between knowledge of CRC risk factors and CRC screening attendance (P for trend < 0.01). Similarly, greater knowledge of cancer screening was significantly associated with higher attendance (P for trend < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Accurate knowledge of CRC risk factors and cancer screening was positively associated with CRC screening attendance. These findings show the importance of disseminating accurate information to the Japanese population; however, further prospective studies are needed to examine this association more thoroughly.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169589
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OBJECTIVE: The high incidence of cervical cancer, despite still-low screening coverage, presents a significant challenge especially for developing countries like Indonesia. Detecting cervical cancer risk can be one appro...OBJECTIVE: The high incidence of cervical cancer, despite still-low screening coverage, presents a significant challenge especially for developing countries like Indonesia. Detecting cervical cancer risk can be one approach to increasing screening coverage. This study aims to develop and test the validity, reliability, and usability of the Integrated Sinara application as a database for identifying women at risk of cervical cancer. METHODS: This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) design, utilizing the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) model. A total of 100 respondents in Maluku, Indonesia, participated in the application testing, selected through a purposive sampling technique. The Integrated Sinara application was developed as a mobile application connected to a web-based system for database storage. RESULTS: The Integrated Sinara application demonstrated validity, with an r-count value exceeding the r-table value (r > 0.195), and a reliability coefficient of 0.891. The usability test result of 87.6% indicates that the Integrated Sinara application is highly feasible for use. CONCLUSION: The Integrated Sinara application can be used as a database for identifying women at risk of cervical cancer, making it easier for health workers to reach this at-risk group. Further research is needed to develop an iOS version of the application, evaluate the impact of the system, and assess its scalability in more diverse settings.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169588
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BACKGROUND: Early tumour severity and malignancy classification are critical for timely clinical intervention, improving patient outcomes through accurate risk assessment. However, conventional diagnostic methods often s...BACKGROUND: Early tumour severity and malignancy classification are critical for timely clinical intervention, improving patient outcomes through accurate risk assessment. However, conventional diagnostic methods often struggle to accurately differentiate tumour severity and malignancy at early stages, frequently leading to misdiagnosis or delayed intervention. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to develop a robust deep learning framework for accurate, automated, and interpretable classification of tumour severity and malignancy across multiple medical imaging modalities. METHODS: High-resolution mammography, MRI, and CT images were collected from publicly available repositories, ensuring representation of diverse tumour types, stages, and malignancy levels. Data pre-processing involved resizing, noise reduction, and Histogram Equalization with Region-Based Segmentation (HE-RBS) to enhance image contrast and isolate regions of interest. Feature extraction utilized a hybrid iResNet with ViT Feature Fusion (iRViT-HFF) to capture both local and global tumour characteristics. Tumour severity and malignancy were classified using an Explainable Cost-Sensitive InceptionV3 (CS-InceptionV3) model to minimize critical misclassifications and provide clinically interpretable outputs. RESULTS: The proposed framework achieved 97.6% accuracy, 96.9% sensitivity, 98.3% specificity, and a 97.2% F1-score, significantly outperforming conventional machine learning and other deep learning methods. The model reliably classified early-stage tumours across all imaging modalities and provided interpretable heatmaps to support clinical decision-making. CONCLUSION: The hybrid deep learning framework accurately and effectively classifies tumour severity and malignancy at early stages, providing a reliable and interpretable tool to support clinical oncology workflows.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
· 2026 May · PMID 42169587
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BACKGROUND: Atypical squamous cells represent a significant category in cervical cytology screening, with a varying degree of malignant potential between ASC-US and ASC-H. In low-resource settings, challenges in follow-u...BACKGROUND: Atypical squamous cells represent a significant category in cervical cytology screening, with a varying degree of malignant potential between ASC-US and ASC-H. In low-resource settings, challenges in follow-up and testing necessitate a clear understanding of the risk associated with these diagnoses. OBJECTIVE: To determine the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) for premalignant and malignant cervical lesions (CIN2+) in patients with ASC cytology results, and to evaluate management challenges, particularly the high loss to follow-up, in a low-resource clinical setting. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 276 patients with ASC cytology results from February 2019 to December 2024 at a tertiary care center. Patients were categorized into ASC-US (n=210) and ASC-H (n=66) groups. Demographics, histological outcomes, HPV testing results, and management patterns were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Tests. The primary outcome was the PPV for CIN2+ among the 85 (30.8%) patients who underwent histological verification. RESULTS: Among 1,360 cervical cytology specimens, ASC prevalence was 20.3% (ASC-US: 15.4%, ASC-H: 4.8%). Biopsy was performed in 30.8% of patients (n=85). The Positive Predictive Value (PPV) for CIN2+ was significantly higher for ASC-H compared to ASC-US (ASC-H: 40% [16/40] vs. ASC-US: 4.4% [2/45]; p<0.001). One case of endometrial carcinoma was identified in the ASC-H group but was excluded from the PPV calculation for cervical CIN2+ lesions. HPV testing was performed in only 13.8% of cases, with a 68.4% positivity rate, reflecting significant selection bias. Loss to follow-up (LTFU), defined as no follow-up within 12 months, occurred in 75.7% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: ASC-H carries a substantially higher risk for significant cervical pathology compared to ASC-US, supporting differential management approaches. The extremely high rate of loss to follow-up (75.7%), strictly defined as no record of colposcopy, biopsy, or repeat cytology within 12 months of the index ASC finding, is a critical programmatic failure that severely limits the generalizability of these findings and underscores the urgent need for systematic patient tracking, enhanced patient education, and the integration of costeffective screening technologies like self-collection HPV testing to improve patient outcomes in low-resource settings.