Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a significant role in carcinogen detoxification, and hence, polymorphisms of this gene may lead to lung cancer susceptibility. Accordingly, this study is aimed at investigating GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms' association with lung cancer risk and their effects on the toxicities of platinum-based chemotherapy used to treat Bangladeshi lung cancer patients. Methods: The study subjects comprised 180 lung cancer patients and 200 healthy volunteers. Genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were analyzed using a multiplex PCR-based method. Chemotherapy toxicity was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0). Results: GSTM1 null genotype was found to be significantly associated with a 1.6-fold increased risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.01-2.52, p = 0.0491), whereas no significant association was observed with GSTT1 null genotype and combined GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype. Moreover, no significant relationship was observed between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and the increased risk of platinum-based chemotherapy-induced toxicities in lung cancer patients. Conclusions: These findings indicated that the GSTM1 null but not GSTT1 null genotype was significantly associated with lung cancer susceptibility. These polymorphisms were not related to platinum-based chemotherapy-induced toxicities in Bangladeshi lung cancer patients.
Background: We aimed to study age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of different cancer sites in Isfahan province, an industrialized city in the central part of Iran. Method: We obtained cancer incidence data from 2014 to 2018 in the Isfahan population-based cancer registry (PBCR). We studied quality indicators of PBCR and the validity of residential places for cancer patients. ASRs per 100,000 of common cancers were reported overall and at subprovincial levels. Results: Overall, 42,994 new cancer cases were registered in Isfahan PBCR in 2014-2018, and 51.4% were male. A high percentage of microscopic verification (MV%) (78.1%) and a low percentage of death certificate-only (DCO%) cases (7%) indicate the acceptable validity and completeness of this registry. The ASRs per 100,000 for all cancers combined were 173.7 in men and 171.1 in women. The most common cancers were prostate (ASR = 26.1), bladder (ASR = 19.9), and colorectum (ASR = 19.6) cancers in men and breast (ASR = 49.9), thyroid (ASR = 11.5), and colorectal (ASR = 15.6) cancers in women. Compared to the national reports in Iran, Isfahan province had a higher ASR of leukemia (13.6 in men and 8.9 in women), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (14 in men and 9 in women), and bladder (19.9 in men and 3.4 in women) cancer. The ASR of childhood cancers was 182.7. Notably, the most frequent cancer was leukemia (ASR = 73.4). We observed a wide geographic heterogeneity of cancer incidence in different counties for some cancers like breast, prostate, leukemia, and colorectal cancers. Conclusion: High incidence rates of hematological malignancies and bladder cancers in Isfahan province suggest further research to study the association between occupational and environmental exposures due to industrial pollution.
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent malignancy among males and ranks as the fifth primary cause of mortality worldwide, underscoring its substantial impact on public health. Notably, there is a lack of research focused on PCa within the context of Saudi Arabia. Consequently, this study endeavours to elucidate the knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices related to PCa among males in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on males over 40 years old in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia between December 2022 and March 2023. The survey used a web-based questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic characteristics, PCa knowledge, and attitudes toward screening practices. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis evaluated the participants' knowledge and attitudes toward PCa screening. Results: Out of the 468 male participants aged over 40 years, approximately 44% demonstrated limited awareness about PCa. Intriguingly, 60.3% of participants showed a positive attitude toward PCa screening. Moreover, 35.7% reported consulting a urologist for screening purposes. Furthermore, 25.6% had undergone a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, with the predominant rationale (25.8%) being medical advice. Multivariate analysis revealed that being married (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.5, p = 0.011) and having a family history of PCa (AOR = 4.6, p = 0.001) were significant predictors of heightened PCa awareness. Concurrently, a history of PCa (AOR = 6.8, p = 0.001) and holding a postgraduate qualification (AOR = 5.5, p = 0.024) emerged as significant determinants of proactive practices toward PCa. Conclusion: The results revealed a significant lack of knowledge regarding PCa and the screening practices associated with it among the study participants. These results emphasize the urgent need to provide men with comprehensive information about the benefits and limitations of PCa screening in order to enable them to make more informed decisions.
Cancer of the thyroid has become the fastest-growing cancer among women in the past several decades. This study is aimed at using scientometric methods to identify research frontiers and development trends in the field of thyroid cancer (TC) research. We used the Scopus database to collect articles and reviews related to TC in November 2022. R software and Bibliometrix software package were used for scientometric analysis. More than 28,000 articles were obtained from Scopus using the defined specific keywords. The United States, France, and England published the most publications. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism and Cancer were found as the core journals in this field. Morris LGT, Sikora AG, and Davies L authored the most publications. National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute at NIH, and the University of Washington contributed the most publications. The most cited evidence was related to the articles of Bray (2018), Sung (2021), and Parkin (2005). Using scientometric analysis, this study mapped and visualized the knowledge landscape in the field of TC. The analysis showed that scientists in the field of TC are working collaboratively to tackle one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. This analysis showed that scientists in the field of TC are working with a scientific framework as a team to tackle one of the most common cancers in the world.
Background: Pancreatic cancers are known for their aggressive nature. This aggressiveness may be attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which promote relapse, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting CSCs is essential to reverse this aggressiveness in pancreatic malignancies. Literature highlights the association of PD-L1 expression with CSCs in various cancers, suggesting immunotherapy as a promising therapeutic approach. This study is aimed at investigating the potential of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancers by examining its association with selected CSC marker expression. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 56 patients with confirmed diagnoses of pancreatic cancers at Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2015 to October 2022. After exclusions, based on refusal to provide consent or incomplete follow-up data, 38 patients were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue samples to assess the expression of CSC markers (CD133, CD44, and L1CAM) and immune checkpoint inhibitor marker (PD-L1). Statistical analysis was employed to determine associations between marker expression, clinical factors, and overall survival. Results: The study revealed that 86.8% of pancreatic cancer cases exhibited positive PD-L1 expression. Moreover, a significant association of PD-L1 expression was observed with the presence of CD44 protein (p = 0.030), as well as with the overall survival of patients (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Our findings show a significant association of PD-L1 with CD44 marker expression as well as patient survival. This research shows the potential to serve as the foundation for investigating the efficacy of immunotherapy in reducing CD44-expressing CSCs in pancreatic cancer, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
Background. People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at a high-risk of developing AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). This review is aimed at exploring available evidence regarding the trends of ADCs and NADCs and the associated risk factors among adult PLHIV. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO host databases to identify articles published between 2010 and 2023 that reported incidence and mortality rates of cancer, including ADCs and NADCs among PLHIV. We compared trends and rates in PLHIV with HIV-negative adults and further assessed related risk factors. Results. A total of 1886 potentially eligible articles were screened, and of these, 36 were included in this study. More than 50% (n=20) of these were based in high-income countries. Seventeen studies reported a higher prevalence of NADCs compared to ADCs, with twelve of these conducted in high-income countries. Conversely, eight out of twelve studies reporting a higher prevalence of ADCs versus NADCs were from low-and-middle and upper-middle-income countries. Ten studies indicated a higher incidence of ADCs (6 studies) and NADCs (4 studies) among PLHIV compared to HIV-negative individuals. In contrast, only two studies observed an increase in NADCs among the HIV-negative population. In comparing mortality, seven out of nine studies showed elevated NADC-related deaths compared to ADCs. The main risk factors identified for any cancer, NADCs, and related mortality were advancing age, and longer duration of HIV infection, while lower CD4 cell counts (<200 cells/μl), was associated with both ADC and NADC occurrences. Conclusion. Chronic HIV infection combined with advancing age in PLHIV taking antiretroviral therapy appears to have contributed to increasing cancer burden, particularly the incidence of NADCs and associated mortality. These findings stress the importance of screening for high-risk cancers among PLHIV for early detection and treatment to ensure improved outcomes.
Background. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. The low and middle-income countries (LMICs) cover a major share of the global cancer burden; however, most of the LMICs including Nepal still lack national cancer control and prevention strategies. Since 1st January 2018, the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) started the population-based cancer registry (PBCR) in urban, suburban, and rural regions to support evidence-based cancer control intervention in each geographical region. Methods. Data regarding incidence and mortality was collected by the PBCR in Nepal. Indirect and direct methods were used to collect data from health facilities and communities, respectively. Registered cases of incidence and mortality from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019 were used. Each case was verified for correctness and duplication followed by residence confirmation via phone call. Guidelines and principles of the International Association of Cancer Registry were followed for the overall registration process including data quality control. Ethical approval was taken from the Ethical Review Board of the NHRC. Result. Age-adjusted incidence (AAR) and mortality rates in Nepal were found 65.6 and 29 per 100,000 people, respectively. Every 1 in 14 men and 1 in 13 women were at risk of getting, and 1 in 28 men and 1 in 33 women were dying of cancer before age 75 in Nepal. The highest risk was found for lung cancer (1 in 80) followed by stomach and mouth among men, and in women, breast cancer (1 in 76) was the commonest among all followed by lung and cervix. Conclusion. Cancer has been growing as one of the major public health burdens in Nepal. Screening with cost-effective technology, awareness, and vaccination against HPV should be a government priority including revision of treatment protocols for cancers that have higher mortality to prevent further preventable life loss from malignancies.
Background. Detecting a group of esophageal cancer (EC) cases in endemic regions is essential in identifying high‐risk populations and executing appropriate interventions. The main aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of EC in Eritrea. Methods. A retrospective (period: 2011 – 2021) study was carried out by abstracting data on EC patients from the logbook kept at the National Health Laboratory (ENHL). Information on socio‐demographic, clinical history, and biopsy analysis findings was collected. For the statistical assessment of data, the End Results (SEER) Joinpoint Regression Program (V.4.5.0.1) was used to calculate crude incidence rate (CIR), age‐adjusted incidence rate (ASR), and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) by sex, age, and histotype. Results. A total of 189 patient’s samples (134 (70.9%) females vs. 55 (29.1%) males, ratio 2.43 : 1) were evaluated. Of the 155 patients with EC, 44 (28.4%) and 111 (71.6%) were diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), respectively (AC/ESCC ratio, 0.4). The median age (IQR) of patients with EC was 60 years (46.0 – 70 years) – (males 62 (IQR: 49.0 – 77 years) vs. females 60 (IQR: 46 ‐67 years), p‐value =0.43. Within age bands, the F: M ratios in patients with ESCC were as follows: >20 ‐29 years =2: 1; 30‐39 years =8 : 1; 40 – 49 years =10.5 : 1; 50‐59 years =6.67 : 1; 60‐69 years =3.25.1; 70‐79 years =1.5 : 1 and>80 years =2 : 1. The all‐age CIR and ASR for EC were 0.468 per 100 000 and 2.281 per 100 000 persons, respectively. Similarly, the all‐age ASR for both males and females was 2.88 per 100 000 and 1.61 per 100 000. Over the study period, the EAPC for all cases was ‐3.0% (95% CI, −11.3 to 6.1, p‐value =0.455). Conclusion. In large part, EC is a women’s disease in Eritrea. The unusually high incidence of ESCC and the high female‐to‐male ratio point at sex‐dependent exposures as a major driver of the EAC epidemic in the country. Therefore, research on the risk factors of EC in Eritrea is urgently needed.
Background. Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising, and it is a leading cause of mortality, with greater death rates pronounced in developing countries, including Jordan. Understanding knowledge and awareness of etiologic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, and dietary patterns is crucial for combating ailments. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the level of knowledge and awareness of CRC-related risk factors, practices, and possible associations of studied variables among young Jordanians. Methodology. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using an online self-reported assessment of anthropometrics, knowledge, awareness, and dietary and lifestyle practices toward CRC and its related risk factors. Results. A study of 795 Jordanian university students found that 93.8% were Jordanians, 73.0% were female, aged 18-24, and single. Most participants were from medical and science schools (69.4%). The vast majority (about 84%) were found to have good knowledge and awareness of CRC and its risk factors, but this was not reflected in their dietary practices. There are significant differences in physical activity, smoking, vegetable consumption, and serving sizes of red meat and processed meats between the sexes. Academic study specialties significantly impact knowledge and awareness. Conclusion. The study reveals that while young Jordanian university students have good knowledge and awareness about CRC and its risk factors, these levels are not reflected in their dietary behaviors and food choices for CRC prevention, highlighting the need for national programs to improve these practices, particularly in the younger population.
Aims. Giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) is associated with considerable morbidity. As GCTB epidemiological data for China are limited, this study is aimed at describing the disease characteristics of GCTB in China and establishing the historical context for its treatment before recent advances in treatment options. Methods. The disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and local GCTB recurrence rate after primary surgery for GCTB were evaluated in this single-center, retrospective, noninterventional, observational study of patients treated for GCTB at Ji Shui Tan Hospital, Beijing, from 2009 to 2016 based on medical chart review. Patients with unmet need were defined as those whose surgical treatment was difficult or who had to undergo high-morbidity surgery. Results. Among the 668 patients with a primary GCTB diagnosis, 578 (86.5%) of target lesions were in the extremities, and 89 (13.3%) were in the pelvic or axial bone. Of these, 173 (25.9%) were characterized as having an unmet need. Almost all GCTB patients received surgical treatment at both primary diagnosis (666/668 (99.7%)) and last disease recurrence (196/200 (98.0%)). Additionally, about one-third of patients received nonsurgical treatment at primary diagnosis (205/668 (30.7%)) and disease recurrence (67/200 (33.5%)), with neoadjuvant therapy being the most common treatment. The rate of high-morbidity surgery increased for recurrent disease (65/200 (32.5%)) compared with primary diagnosis (111/668 (16.6%)). The 2-year cumulative incidence of postoperative disease recurrence was 29.2%, in line with rates observed in prior studies. Conclusion. As many patients with primary and recurrent disease received high-morbidity surgery, more effective treatments are needed.
Aims. Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a rare and diverse group of tumors that account for 3 to 10% of all head and neck malignancies. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of SGTs in the south of Iran and compare the findings with previous reports from Iran and other parts of the world. Methods. Using a retrospective study, 405 patients diagnosed with SGTs were observed over an eight-year period between April 2013 and October 2021 in Shiraz, Iran. Patients’ demographic and clinicopathological features were obtained from patients’ records. Quantitative and descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results. There were 302 benign (74.5%) and 103 (25.4%) malignant SGTs. Pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin’s tumors were the most common benign SGTs (70.5% and 21.5%, respectively). The most common malignant SGTs were mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma (26.2% and 22.3%, respectively). There was a statistically significant association between tumor origin and its malignancy status (p<0.001). In addition, the results indicated that benign tumors were most commonly detected in the parotid gland (p<0.05). The benign tumors were more frequently observed among the younger population (p=0.006). Conclusion. In summary, the findings of the current study were mainly consistent with the previous reports from Iran and the rest of the world. Benign tumors were the most prevalent type of SGTs, and the parotid gland was the most common site. While the majority of cases that developed from the major salivary glands were benign, all the minor SGTs were malignant. Older patients were more likely to develop malignant tumors compared to younger ones. This study provides insights into the prevalence, age-related incidence, gender distribution, and geographic variation of salivary gland tumors. This can be instrumental to develop a guideline for screening, diagnosis, and determining an optimal treatment.
Background:Despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, cervical cancer remains an important public health problem, especially in developing countries. However, there is limited evidence regarding awareness and practice of screening for cervical cancer among women in resource-poor settings like Nepal. This study is aimed at assessing the awareness of cervical cancer, risk perception, and practice of Pap smear tests among adult women of Dhulikhel municipality of Kavreplanchowk district in Nepal. Methodology. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 women (aged 18-45 years) residing across the Dhulikhel municipality of Nepal. Systematic random sampling method with face-to-face interviews was conducted to collect data. A descriptive analysis was performed to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. The chi-square test was used to determine the factors associated with risk perception and participants' demographic characteristics.Results:The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 30.7 ± 7.9 years. This study found that around 55% and 38% of women had heard about cervical cancer and Pap smear test, respectively. Of those who had heard of the Pap test, only 37.6% had ever practiced the test. Similarly, 33.2% and 12.1% knew about the correct age group and time interval to perform the Pap test, respectively. Among those who had heard about cervical cancer, nearly 57% had positive perceptions toward cervical cancer. In addition, risk perception of cervical cancer was found to be associated with participant age, family type, and marital status.Conclusion:The women had inadequate knowledge and practice of cervical cancer and Pap smear test. This study concluded the need for a context-specific and effective health awareness program to promote preventive measures for cervical cancer and enhance the practice of Pap smear test in the community.
Aim:The Auckland Advanced Breast Cancer Review (AABC) was a review of patients diagnosed with advanced inoperable/metastatic breast cancer (ABC) within the Auckland region of New Zealand, commissioned in response to a Breast Cancer Registry report (BCFNZR) that showed poor and inequitable survival outcomes. The review was aimed at assessing equity of care and identifying healthcare delivery gaps for patients with ABC in the Auckland region.Method:In this retrospective study, patients living within the Auckland region, diagnosed with ABC between the 1st January 2013 to the 31st December 2015 were identified from the Breast Cancer Registry. Data censorship date was 30th January 2019 to allow a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and survival data were extracted from electronic records for statistical analysis.Results:Of the 388 patients that met inclusion criteria for this study, median overall survival (medOS) was 18.9 months in the total population, with no difference between patients with de novo metastatic disease (dnMBC -18.9 m) and recurrent metastatic disease (rMBC -18.7 m). No statistically significant differences in medOS was found amongst Maori (16.2 m), Pacific People (17.3 m), and NZ European (18.9 m) or when patients were stratified according domicile district health board. Median number of lines of systemic treatment was two, with similar treatment exposure between ethnic groups.Conclusion:While treatment uptake and survival outcomes were generally comparable across ethnicity and district health boards, dnMBC survival outcomes were considerably poorer than expected, earmarking this subset of patients with ABC for more in-depth research.
Background:Determining cancer incidence and mortality is a key factor in the implementation of health policies and cancer prevention strategies. This report aims to describe the trends of cancer incidence in a single referral oncology department from the Marrakech region (Morocco). Material and Methods. All new cancer cases of age ≥ 15 years registered at the Medical Oncology department of Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, were included. Central nervous system (CNS) cancers, tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, and thyroid cancers for which chemotherapy was not indicated or was managed in other cancer-specialized departments were excluded from the analysis. Manual data collection from printed archived medical records of the study population was performed. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using R software and Joinpoint Regression Program.Results:A total of 15648 new cancer cases were analyzed. Missing data (n = 1822) accounted for 11.64%, and 4.1% (n = 652) were excluded. The final statistical analysis and registration included 13174 cases. The median age at diagnosis is 54 years for females and 61 years for males. Female patients outnumbered males with a ratio of 1.58 among all age groups except those aged ≥75 y. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for all sites was 68,0 per 100.000 person-years, which has increased with an annual percent change (APC) of 10.61%. The five most common malignancies among males are lung, stomach, prostate, colic, and rectal cancers. Among females, the five most frequent cancers are breast, cervix, ovary, colon, and stomach.Conclusion:The higher incidence observed in our results translates into a growing burden on the center and is expected to impact our ability to deliver cancer care. Epidemiological studies to identify risk factors and effective efforts are needed to further invest in cancer control and prevention plans.
Background:The majority of patients with retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular cancer of childhood, are found in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), with leukocoria being the most common initial presenting sign and indication for referral. Findings from the current study serve to augment earlier findings on the clinical presentation and outcomes of children with retinoblastoma in Uganda.Methods:This was a retrospective study in which we reviewed records of children admitted with a diagnosis of retinoblastoma at the Uganda Cancer Institute from January 2009 to February 2020. From the electronic database, using admission numbers, files were retrieved. Patient information was recorded in a data extraction tool.Results:A total of 90 retinoblastoma patients were studied, with a mean age at the first Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) presentation of 36.7 months. There were more males (57.8%) than females, with a male to female ratio of 1.37 : 1. The majority (54.4%) had retinoblastoma treatment prior to UCI admission. The most common presenting symptoms were leukocoria (85.6%), eye reddening (64.4%), and eye swelling (63.3%). At 3 years of follow-up after index admission at UCI, 36.7% of the patients had died, 41.1% were alive, and 22.2% had been lost to follow-up. The median 3-year survival for children with retinoblastoma in our study was 2.18 years. Significant predictors of survival in the multivariate analysis were follow-up duration ( P ¯ < 0.001 ), features of metastatic spread (P = 0.001), history of eye swelling (P = 0.012), and bilateral enucleation (P = 0.011).Conclusions:The majority of children who presented to the Uganda Cancer Institute were referred with advanced retinoblastoma, and there was a high mortality rate. Retinoblastoma management requires a multidisciplinary team that should include paediatric ophthalmologists, paediatric oncologists, ocular oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurses.
Introduction:Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of mature T-cells. Limited epidemiological studies have shown that there is substantial variation in age at diagnosis and subtype distribution between different geographical regions. This is the first epidemiological study of ATLL in South Africa.Methods:A national epidemiological study of ATLL in South Africa was performed. All new cases of ATLL from 2009 to 2019 were identified by laboratory database search in public and private health care sectors. Demographic and diagnostic data were obtained, and the cases were subtyped according to the Shimoyama classification.Results:There were 31 patients with ATLL over the 10-year period, with an incidence of 0.06 per 100000 population. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1 and the median age at diagnosis was 37 years. Acute ATLL was the most commonly seen subtype in South Africa.Conclusion:In this, the first epidemiological study of ATLL in South Africa, we demonstrate that ATLL is a rare disease, that acute ATLL is the most commonly diagnosed subtype, and that ATLL is likely under diagnosed. Patients present at a considerably younger age than the reported age in other nations.
Esophageal cancer is an aggressive, often deadly disease globally that represents a significant health problem in Tanzania. The WHO reported 604,100 new esophageal cancer cases worldwide during 2020 and 544,076 deaths (Sung, 2021; World Health Organization, 2020). In Eastern Africa, 16,137 cases and 15,188 deaths were related to this disease in 2020. Esophageal cancer is associated with various etiologic risk factors, and access to the disease treatment is a major barrier to survival. This study examined associations between the prevalence of four geographically stratified, population-level, etiologic risk factors (tobacco use, unprotected water use, solid fuel source use, and poverty), as well as two access-to-care predictors (persons per hospital and distance from residence to where esophageal cancer treatment occurs). Regional- and coarser-scale zonal incidence rates were calculated for 2006 through 2016 and evaluated for geographic differences in relation to risk factors and access to care predictors using Poisson regression. Differences in the geographic distribution of esophageal cancer were observed. Distance from the region of residence to the treatment center (Ocean Road Cancer Institute) was statistically associated with the geographic pattern of esophageal cancer incidence. Further research into etiologic risk factors, dietary practices, and nutrition is needed to better understand the associations with esophageal cancer in Tanzania and other parts of Eastern Africa.
Purpose. This cohort study describes the differences in kidney cancer age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates between American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/ANs) and Whites in Oklahoma. Additionally, rates for the U.S. are updated to establish an epidemiological comparison between Oklahoma and the rest of the country. Materials and Methods. Kidney cancer age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates for Oklahoma were gathered using the Oklahoma Central Cancer Registry since 1999. National rates were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database between 1997 and 2017. Rate ratios were used to compare incidence and mortality rates for AI/ANs and Whites within Oklahoma as well as the entire country. Joinpoint regression models were created to illustrate trends in kidney cancer incidence and mortality. Results. The age-adjusted incidence rate of kidney cancer in Oklahoma for AI/ANs and Whites was 32.3 and 15.8 per 100,000, respectively, for an incidence rate ratio of 2.04. The national incidence rate ratio was 0.89. The age-adjusted mortality rate in Oklahoma for AI/ANs and Whites was 9.78 and 4.98 per 100,000, respectively, for a mortality rate ratio of 1.98. Oklahomans, irrespective of race, fare worse in terms of kidney cancer mortality compared to the rest of the country. Conclusions. In Oklahoma, AI/ANs are more likely than Whites to have a kidney cancer diagnosis. AI/ANs are twice as likely to die from kidney cancer than Whites in Oklahoma. AI/AN populations in certain states may benefit from kidney cancer early screening initiatives.
Background. In developing countries, environmental and personal hygiene is playing a great role in the increasing of intestinal helminth infection. In countries with limited resources and poor hygiene practices, there is a substantial overlap of intestinal helminthic and chronic infections like HIV, TB, and cancer. Intestinal helminths like Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm cause malnutrition and induce a type-2 immune response that could worsen the severity and clinical outcomes of patients with cancer. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths among cancer patients who are under chemotherapy. Methodology. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in volunteer cancer patients. Clinical information were collected from study participants using a structured questioner. Stool sample was collected for parasitological examination. Formol-ether concentration technique was done, and then, two microscopic slides were prepared. Examination was done by two laboratory technicians for the detection of helminths. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis, and simple descriptive statistical analysis was done for data presentation. Result. The total study participants were 41, of these 31 (75.6%) were females and 10 (24.4%) were male. Breast cancer and colonic cancer were the highest proportion with the others, 43.9% and 17.1%, respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites were 7/41 (17%). Hookworm 3/41(7.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides 3/41(7.3%), and Hymenolepis nana 1/41(2.4%) are the isolated parasite. Conclusions and Recommendations. The prevalence of intestinal helminths in cancer is lower than HIV and DM in the study area. However, the prevalence in these cancer patients is still high and needs deworming and health education for the better management of these cancer patients.
Objective To evaluate the scientometrics characteristics of the scientific production on the treatment of brain tumors with gamma knife radiosurgery in Scopus. Methods The Scopus database (Elsevier) was used to collect all relevant studies for this bibliometric analysis. Data was obtained as a .csv file; it was downloaded from Scopus and was exported by SciVal to Microsoft Excel for a presentation using tables for more detailed analysis. The citations and the number of papers for the most productive institutions, authors, countries, and journals publishing scientific papers were analyzed on the use of gamma knife radiosurgery for brain tumors. Results 458 metadata were obtained from scientific publications, on which inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, leaving 248 studies. The maximum peak of publications was 2018 with 31 publications, and the minimum peak was 2015 with 18. The most related subtopics were neurology, surgery, and oncology, and most of the retrieved papers had only institutional collaboration. As for more productive journals, Journal of Neurosurgery is first with 23 publications; within the countries with the most scientific publications, we have the United States, Japan, and China. With the United States being the country with the highest number of productions, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center was the main university with the highest scientific production and Sheehan and Trifiletti and American authors dominate the list with the highest number of documents. Conclusion Scientific production regarding gamma knife surgery and brain tumors has been increasing during the last 10 years, with a high incidence during 2018, and the highest number of published articles was in the first quartile. Likewise, the United States is the country with the most publications, authors, and universities on the subject. Greater efforts are still lacking from all countries in the world to reach the quantity and quality of production of the United States.
