Proton beam radiation offers improved cancer therapy due to its unique physical prop erties, particularly the Bragg peak, which allows for precise energy deposition within the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This is especially beneficial when treating tumors near sensitive organs. Water is frequently used as a reference medium for calculating and measuring proton beam properties like range and dose, as it closely mimics human tissue in terms of energy loss and scattering. The goal of this work is to describe quantitatively and qualitatively physical processes using both Maple programming and GEANT4 simulation for proton treatment when a pro ton pencil beam passes through a water phantom.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer with controversial health effects. While high doses have been associated with oxidative stress and repro ductive toxicity, low doses may exert protective effects. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on serum markers of prostate cancer and semen quality in male Wistar rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into six groups (n = 6 per group) and orally administered varying doses of MSG (0, 15, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Serum total Prostate Specific Antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), Total Acid Phos phatase (TAP), Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP), and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) were measured using ELISA. Sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology were assessed from epididymal samples. Our results showed that MSG exhibited a biphasic (hormetic) response. 15 mg/kg MSG reduced TAP by -64% (p < 0.001), fPSA by -60% (p < 0.001) and tPSA by -60% (p < 0.001), GGT by -19.4% (p<0.05) while 50–100 mg/kg MSG improved semen quality, boosting sperm count by +110% and +170% (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), sperm motility by +108% and +77% (p < 0.001, p < 0.01), and viability by +7% and +16% (ns, p < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, 1000 mg/kg MSG caused severe repro ductive toxicity, with –65% sperm count, –100% motility, –23% morphology, and –37% viability (all p < 0.05). These results confirm MSG’s hormetic behavior: low doses improved prostate health and fertility, while high doses induced prostate pathology and impaired spermatogenesis. Low-dose MSG (15–100 mg/kg) demonstrated protective effects on prostate health and male fertility, while higher doses (≥ 500 mg/kg) showed potential for prostate pathology induction and reproductive toxicity. These findings suggest MSG’s dual potential as both a therapeutic candidate for prostate cancer and a model compound for inducing prostate disease in experimental settings
Cancer registration is a cornerstone of effective cancer control programs, providing essential data on cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality. This paper reviews the development, current status, and challenges of the Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) program in Iran. Since the 1950s, Iran has made significant efforts to establish systematic cancer registration, culminating in the expansion of PBCRs across multiple provinces. The Golestan Province Cancer Registry was the first Irani an registry included in the international Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) report in 2014, with Ardabil Province joining in 2023, reflecting growing international recognition. The Iranian PBCR program has evolved through national legislation mandating cancer reporting, expansion from pathology-based to population-based registries, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Despite progress, challenges re main, including underreporting, data completeness, and timeliness. The most recent national PBCR report (2018) documented approximately 141,000 new cancer cases with age-standardized incidence rates of 182.8 and 165.3 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. Regional disparities were evident, with higher rates of oesoph ageal, stomach, and lung cancers in northern provinces and breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers more common centrally. Projections indicate a 42.6% increase in new cancer cases by 2025, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cancer con trol strategies. Survival analyses reveal substantial variation by cancer type and re gion, with higher survival in provinces with better socioeconomic indicators. Fur thermore, modifiable risk factors such as smoking, overweight, opium use, and Helicobacter pylori infection contribute significantly to cancer burden in Iran. To strengthen the PBCR program, priorities include timely publication of reports, improving data quality and coverage, and expanding international certification and publication. Sustained political commitment and resource allocation are essential to optimize cancer surveillance and support evidence-based policy to reduce Iran’s growing cancer burden.
Background: Endometriosis is a benign gynecologic condition that is estrogen-de-pendent. Malignant transformation is one of the complications of endometriosis; it canaffect the woman`s ovarian and extra-ovarian regions. Diagnosing endometriosis-asso-ciated cancers has an essential role in treatment.Purpose: Our study aimed to review magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features ofmalignant transformation of pelvic endometriosis. Material and Methods: We searched three online databases including Web of Sci-ence, Scopus, and PubMed, applying relevant keywords up to May 2022. We includedEnglish observational studies using MRI for endometriosis patients and comparing theMRI features of malignant pelvic endometriosis with non-malignant ones or studiesreporting the MRI features of malignant pelvic endometriosis. Finally, a comprehen-sive systematic review of the included studies was conducted. The small number ofqualifying studies was the most significant limitation. Also, the eligible studies wereinsufficient for conducting a meta-analysis. Results: A total of eight papers were included as they matched our inclusion require-ments. Eighty-seven individuals were included finally. Studies were published between1992 and 2021. The larger size of the lesion, loss of T2-weighted images shading, muralnodules, mural nodules contrast enhancement, and mural nodules protruding fromthe cyst wall at acute angles were the main MRI features suggesting potential malig-nant transformation of pelvic endometriosis. Conclusion: The endometriosis›s malignant changes can be observed on MRI. Thepredominant MRI findings are a large cyst, loss of shading on T2-weighted imaging,mural nodules enhancement, and acutely angled protrusion of mural nodules fromthe cyst wall.
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cancer among Iranian men.This study aimed to investigate the association between early and late lifestyle riskfactors and GC among the Iranian population. Method: A hospital-based case-control study recruited GC patients from the Can-cer Institute in 2010-2012. Controls were healthy visitors to be frequency-matchedbased on sex, age, and residential place, and were recruited from the non-oncologywards. We collected exposure to various established risk factors before the diagnosisin patients and prior to the interview in controls. Additionally, we obtained infor-mation on socioeconomic factors during childhood. Logistic regression models wereemployed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) forvarious potential risk factors. Results: The study included a total of 210 GC patients and 210 controls. The averageage of cases was 59.9 years, and controls were 56.7 years. Participants with a familyhistory of GC had a 4-fold higher risk of GC than those without a family history(OR=4.1, 95% CI: 1.7, 9.6). We observed an inverse association between GC witheducation (P-value for trend =0.003). Individuals reported coffee consumption hada lower risk of GC (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.8) as compared to non-coffee users. Thestudy found that individuals with high intake of fruit (OR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.3, 1.3) andmedium (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 1.0) and high (OR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.6) intake ofvegetables had lower odds of GC, while higher consumption of red meat (OR=5.3,95% CI: 2.8, 10.2) had higher odds of GC. Analysis of factors related to the childhoodperiod showed that lack of access to tap water increased odds of GC compared to ac-cess to tap water (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3, 6.7). We did not observe any significant associ-ations between h. pylori infection, opium use, waterpipe smoking, cigarette smoking,alcohol consumption, BMI, and other early life risk factors, and the risk of GC. Conclusion: The occurrence of GC is influenced by several factors, including familyhistory of GC, dietary habits, and socioeconomic status (SES) during both childhoodand adulthood.
The aim of this work is a description of quantitatively and qualitatively physical processes for proton therapy when a proton pencil beam passes through a water phantom. Therefore, at first, we determine the absorbed dose with both Maple programming and Geant4 simulation in the suggested water phantom. Then, we used as CSDA method to calculate the proton range and range straggling. Also with the Highland formula the mean scattering angle is calculated and following it we investigate the inelastic cross-section, the ionization, and excitation by protons in the inner and outer shells as well as charge transfer, stripping, and ionization by neutral hydrogen. Finally, we estimate the probabilities of charge state and stopping cross section and straggling and fragmentation. The height, width, and depth of Bragg's peak are discussed through the investigation of collisions, processing, and random phenomena.
This study investigates the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on serum markers of prostate cancer, and semen quality, in male Wistar rats. The rats were administered varying doses of MSG (15mg, 50mg, 100mg, 500mg, and 1000mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Our results showed that 15mg/kg MSG significantly decreased serum markers of prostate cancer (TAP, TPSA, FPSA) and increased GGT levels, indicating a positive influence on the prostate gland. In contrast, 50mg and 100mg/kg MSG improved semen quality by boosting sperm count, viability, and morphology. Notably, MSG exhibited a dual dose-dependent hormetic behavior, where low doses elicited favorable responses, but higher doses elicited negative responses. These findings suggest that 15mg/kg MSG may be considered for prostate cancer treatment research, while 500mg/kg MSG may be used to induce prostate cancer in rats with prolong use. Controlled administration of 50mg/kg MSG and antioxidants may be beneficial in treating male infertility and protecting against prostate cancer. The study's results have implications for the use of MSG in food and pharmaceutical applications, and highlight the need for further research into its potential health implications.
Vinca herbacea Waldst. & Kit., a perennial species of the Apocynaceae family, is distributed across temperate regions of Asia and Europe but occurs only in limited areas of northern Iran, particularly along the Alborz Mountains. Members of the Apocynaceae are known for producing pharmacologically active monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs), including Tubotaiwine and Vinervine, which serve as precursors of anticancer agents used in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors. In this study, aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) of Vinca herbacea were collected from the Baleskuh protected area, Tonekabon County, Mazandaran Province, Iran. Ethanolic extracts were prepared by cold maceration and analyzed using LC-MS. Results indicated the presence of Vinervine (m/z 339.25) in leaves and stems, while Tubotaiwine (m/z 325.32–325.33) was detected in all aerial organs. MassLynx data confirmed molecular ions and isotopic patterns consistent with previous reports of these alkaloids. To our knowledge, this is the first global report of Tubotaiwine and Vinervine in Vinca herbacea, expanding the phytochemical profile of this species. Given their reported anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, these findings highlight the pharmacological and biotechnological potential of Vinca herbacea and warrant further confirmatory studies, including LC-MS/MS, NMR-based structural elucidation, and bioactivity assays
Breakthroughs in sequencing technologies have overturned the notion that tumor tissues are sterile, revealing that a wide array of bacteria, fungi, and viruses—collectively known as the intratumoral microbiota—inhabit tumors across diverse cancer types. These microorganisms, which can colonize tumors via mucosal barrier disruption, adjacent tissue spread, or hematogenous routes, have emerged as critical modulators of the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that intratumoural microbiota influence cancer biology by inducing genomic instability, altering epigenetic landscapes, promoting chronic inflammation, evading immune surveillance, and reshaping tumor metabolism. The diversity and composition of these microbial communities vary by tumor type and stage, with distinct microbial signatures linked to patient prognosis and therapeutic response. As research progresses, the intratumoural microbiota are being recognized not only as biomarkers for early cancer detection and prognosis but also as promising targets for innovative therapies, particularly in the context of immunotherapy. While challenges remain in elucidating the origins, functions, and safe manipulation of these microbes, ongoing advances hold the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through microbiota-targeted strategies. This review summarizes the characteristics and origins of intratumoural microbiota, their prognostic significance, and their emerging applications in cancer therapy.
data on cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality. This paper reviews the development, current status, and challenges of the Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) program in Iran. Since the 1950s, Iran has made significant efforts to establish systematic cancer registration, culminating in the expansion of PBCRs across multiple provinces. The Golestan Province Cancer Registry was the first Iranian registry included in the international Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) report in 2014, with Ardabil Province joining in 2023, reflecting growing international recognition. The Iranian PBCR program has evolved through national legislation mandating cancer reporting, expansion from pathology-based to population-based registries, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Despite progress, challenges remain, including underreporting, data completeness, and timeliness. The most recent national PBCR report (2018) documented approximately 141,000 new cancer cases with age-standardized incidence rates of 182.8 and 165.3 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. Regional disparities were evident, with higher rates of oesophageal, stomach, and lung cancers in northern provinces and breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers more common centrally. Projections indicate a 42.6% increase in new cancer cases by 2025, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cancer control strategies. Survival analyses reveal substantial variation by cancer type and region, with higher survival in provinces with better socioeconomic indicators. Furthermore, modifiable risk factors such as smoking, overweight, opium use, and Helicobacter pylori infection contribute significantly to cancer burden in Iran. To strengthen the PBCR program, priorities include timely publication of reports, improving data quality and coverage, and expanding international certification and publication. Sustained political commitment and resource allocation are essential to optimize cancer surveillance and support evidence-based policy to reduce Iran’s growing cancer burden.
Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) plays a significant role in the developmentand progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the production of Bacteroides fra-gilis toxin (BFT). This toxin activates Wnt, NF-κB, and STAT3 signaling pathways, lead-ing to chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and abnormal cellular proliferation. ETBFin the gut microbiota can increase the risk of CRC by enhancing immune cell infil-tration, triggering inflammatory responses, and disrupting cell cycle regulation. ETBFdetection is performed using molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and immunomagnetic separation-PCR (IMS-PCR), which offer high accuracy inidentifying this bacterium. Immunomagnetic separation enhances the sensitivity andprecision of detection. In addition to precise diagnostic methods, preventive strategiesplay a crucial role in reducing the risk of CRC. A healthy diet, including increased fiberintake, reduced consumption of processed meats and saturated fats, along with main-taining a healthy weight and regular physical activity, are among the effective factorsin preventing this disease. Furthermore, stress reduction and avoidance of alcohol andtobacco can positively impact lowering the risk of CRC. A deeper understanding ofthe role of ETBF in CRC and its effects on molecular pathways can contribute to thedevelopment of novel preventive approaches. Investigating the composition of the gutmicrobiota and implementing preventive strategies based on lifestyle modifications notonly aids in identifying at-risk individuals but also plays a significant role in reducingthe prevalence and progression of this disease.
Background: Cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYA) represents a bridge between childhood and elderly incidence curves of cancers demanding tailored approaches and management of their distinct presentations. The literature on Indian gynecological cancer patients aged 15 to 39 years is limited. Thus, our study aims to determine the distribution of gynecological tumors, modalities of diagnosis, and treatment employed in managing these patients. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients from 15 to 39 years of age who presented with gynecological tumors was done. The data of all the patients during the study period was recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: The study included 50 patients. The tumors observed were ovarian (78%), cervical (16%) and uterine (6%) in origin. Histopathological diagnosis was benign (46%), malignant (50%) and borderline tumor (4%). CA125 was the most frequently done tumor marker and was raised in 17 cases (34%), of which 13 were malignant. The tumor size was greater than 10 cm in 56% of cases. Definitive management strategies included cystectomy/ salpingo-oopherectomy (44%), total hysterectomy and salpingo-oopherectomy (38%), chemoradiation (14%), and conization (2%). The most common benign and malignant ovarian tumors were serous cystadenoma and serous cystadenocarcinoma, respectively. All uterine malignancies were sarcomas. Conclusion: Ovarian tumors are the most common gynecological malignancies in adolescents and young adults. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive and multidisciplinary management can improve survival and preserve future fertility in these young patients.
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cancer among Iranian men. This study aimed to investigate the association between early and late lifestyle risk factors and GC among the Iranian population. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study recruited gastric cancer (GC) patients from the Cancer Institute in 2010-2012. Controls were healthy visitors to be frequency-matched based on sex, age, and residential place and were not visiting the oncology wards. We collected exposure to various risk factors before the diagnosis in patients and prior to the interview in controls. Additionally, we obtained information on socioeconomic factors during childhood. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various potential risk factors. Results: The study included a total of 212 GC patients and 287 controls. The average age of cases was 60.2 years, and controls were 53.48. Participants with a family history of GC had a 3.8-fold higher risk of GC than those without a family history (OR=3.98, 95% CI 1.86, 8.50). In addition, the odds of GC was significantly higher in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.01-3.46). We observed an inverse association between GC by education (P trend <0.001). Individuals reported coffee consumption had a lower risk of GC (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.77) as compared to non-coffee users. The study found that individuals with medium (OR=0.45, 95% CI 0.23-0.87) and high (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.45-0.71) intake of vegetables and high intake of fruit (OR=0.43, 95% CI 0.45-0.71) had lower odds of GC, while higher consumption of red meat (OR=4.33, 95% CI 2.15-8.77) had higher odds of GC. Analysis of factors related to the childhood period showed that lack of access to tap water increased the odds of GC compared to using tap water (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.74, 6.44). We did not observe any significant associations between helicobacter pylori infection, opium use, waterpipe smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and other early life risk factors and the risk of GC. Conclusion The occurrence of GC is influenced by several factors, including family history of GC, dietary habits, and socioeconomic status during both childhood and adulthood.
A 28-year-old patient reported having a lump in the right lower abdominal and pelvic area for the last 21 days along with pain, anorexia, fever, and nausea. After a thorough investigation, an AP scanogram of the patient showed a clearly defined lump in this area. Histopathological examination showed mesenteric fibromatosis. Resection and anastomosis were done. Our case is one of the few known cases of the extremely rare condition fibromatosis of the mesentery. These tumours present a diagnostic and therapeutic difficulty due to their rarity. These tumours are still asymptomatic, however they frequently appear as an asymptomatic mass. There aren't any obvious therapy options. The preferred method of treatment is surgical excision with a wide margin; we underwent the same technique and the prognosis was good. Numerous single case reports with various and peculiar appearances and their difficulties exist. This case report aims to offer current understanding of mesenteric fibromatosis as well as our clinical experience with the presented patient. Following surgery, the patient did well, and a three-month follow-up revealed a typical recovery.
The ethical challenges in cancer care are complex and varied. Delving deeper into the multifaceted issues that healthcare professionals and patients face is necessary. These challenges are deeply intertwined, requiring a nuanced understanding and approach
Abstract Background: Cervical cancer is a multi-stage disease that is contaminated by a DNA virus and is involved in one or more stages in the pathogenesis process. In addition to human papillomaviruses (HPV), the tumor necrosis factor-α gene (TNF-α) is considered a major intermediate mediator of the acute inflammatory response to viruses and a gram-negative bacterium. The pro-region polymorphisms of the TNF-α gene such as -308 and -238 polymorphisms affect the expression of this gene. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms of the TNF-α gene and its relationship with various genotypes of HPV in cervical lesions. Methods: In this study, 58 female patients with cervical cancer symptoms were selected, then following histopathologic studies, DNA was extracted from all specimens, and the PCR method was used to determine the types of HPV genotypes and TNF-α gene polymorphisms. Also, an ARMS-PCR reaction was performed to amplify TNF-α -308 and TNF-α -238 polymorphisms. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out by the Epi Info software version 7. 2 and Chi-Square (x2) test using SPSS ver.7.3.1.10. These lesions were categorized into metaplasia groups (93.37%), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I and II (20.68%), CIN III (15.51%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (25.86%). Results: In this study 58 lesions were collected and 26 of which were HPV positive. They were categorized as the following: 1 sample (4.53%) metaplasia, 7 samples (33.58%) CIN I and CIN II, 6 samples (66.66%) CIN III and 12 samples (80%) SCC. According to the results of statistical analysis, there was a significant difference between different types of HPV genotypes in different wastes. On the other hand, in contrast to the -238 polymorphism of the TNF-α gene, a significant difference was observed between the various types of -308 polymorphism of the TNF-α gene in the three groups of metaplasia, CIN, and SCC. In general, we can conclude that GG genotype testing of the -308 polymorphism of TNF-α gene and HPV types in combination with para-clinical parameters can be effective as risk factors and molecular markers for prognosis and early treatment of cervical cancer.
Background: We conducted a historical cohort study and studied the survival rate and prognostic factors of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma among patients admitted at the Cancer Institute of Iran. Methods: We recruited 352 patients who were referred to the Cancer Institute hospital in 2004-2011. Patients were newly diagnosed and pathologically confirmed as oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. We abstracted data from the archived medical records and followed up with the patients until their death or end of follow-up in January 2015. Results: A total number of 347 patients (212 males and 135 females) were analyzed in this study. Surgery, alone or in combination with other modalities, was performed in 308 (88.8%) patients. The median time of follow-up was 18.7 months. The 1, 3, and 5-year survival were 84%, 53%, and 41%, respectively. The risk of death was significantly higher in patients older than 70 years of age (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7), moderately differentiated tumors (HR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3-9.7), “surgery with adjuvant treatment” group (HR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6-4.2), and the “surgery with neoadjuvant treatment” group (HR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.4-7.0). Patients diagnosed with a higher TNM staging also experienced a higher probability of death. An increase in the number of involved lymph nodes was another independent indicator of outcome. Conclusion: the 5-year survival rate of oral cancer was 41% among patients admitted to the Cancer Institute of Iran. A higher survival rate in early-stage oral cancer patients indicates the importance of early detection among these patients.
Background: Since its identification, the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway through PIK3CA, has been known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several solid tumors especially Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Impaired signal transduction through EGFR-PIK3CA may give rise to oncogenic processes because of its key role in regulation of major cellular functions. Several oncogenic mechanisms mediated by unregulated EGFR signaling pathways have been suggested by previous studies including, mutations in genes encoding EGFR and PIK3CA and increased ligands of EGFR. Here, we aimed to compare the total gene expression of EGFR and PIK3CA on mRNA level between HNSCC tissues and normal squamous cell tissues. Methods: In this pilot study, we examined 31 samples of tumor-infected squamous cell tissues as well as 31 samples of healthy tissues around the tumor as controls for the expression of EGFR and PIK3CA genes using quantitative polymerase chain reactions (Q-PCR). Results: both EGFR and PIK3CA mRNA levels were slightly altered in HNSCC tissues compared with the control group (3% decrease and 9% increase respectively) but these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: our results indicate that total EGRF and PIK3CA expression in mRNA level is not altered in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas compared with that of normal squamous cell tissues.
