Geographical Disparities in Lung Cancer in Canada: A Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe eastern provinces of Canada exhibit a heightened prevalence and mortality rate of lung cancer compared to their western counterparts. While established risk factors for lung cancer exist in Canada, there remains ambiguity regarding the underlying provincial and territorial trends. This review aims to identify and analyze potential contributors to healthcare inequality, guiding policymakers towards a strategic and sustainable approach at the provincial level.Recent FindingsExisting studies emphasize the significant roles played by socio-economic and environmental factors in influencing lung canc...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - February 6, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Pelvic Floor Therapy and Initial Interventions for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Gynecologic Malignancies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides evidence-based updates for the first-line management approaches for pelvic floor disorders in patients with gynecologic malignancies, as well as important provider considerations when referring for pelvic floor physical therapy.Recent FindingsCurrently, there is strong evidence to recommend pelvic floor muscle training as initial treatment for urinary incontinence and for pelvic organ prolapse; some evidence to recommend a more targeted pelvic floor muscle training program for fecal incontinence; and mostly expertise-based evidence to recommend vaginal gels or estrogen to aid w...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 31, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
The Dairy and Cancer Controversy: Milking the Evidence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCancer risk reduction remains a significant concern for both individuals with a cancer diagnosis and those aiming to prevent it. Dairy products, a source of beneficial dietary nutrients, have sparked controversy regarding their impact on cancer risk.Recent FindingsEvidence indicates that dairy consumption, particularly milk, can decrease colorectal cancer risk. However, cow ’s milk, a key dairy product, exposes individuals to growth hormones, notably insulin-like growth factor-1, potentially elevating cancer risk. Extensive research supports the link between dairy intake and heightened prostate c...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 30, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Sarcopenia and Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewTo summarise the current literature regarding the presence of sarcopenia in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). These are uncommon cancers separated into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NECs). For the diagnosis of sarcopenia, there needs to be low muscle strength and low muscle quantity/quality.Recent FindingsFive studies exist describing either low muscle strength or low muscle quantity in patients with NETs. The studies used different techniques to analyse muscle strength and muscle quantity, included heterogeneo...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 25, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Elderly Rectal Cancer: An Updated Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTreatment of rectal cancer patients of advanced age should be modulated by life expectancy and tolerance. Due to the rapid advance of this field, we aim to conduct an updated review of this topic.Recent FindingsThe field of elderly rectal cancer has advanced a lot. This review covers all the treatment aspects of elderly rectal cancer, including the prognostic factor, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative treatment. We also provide the future aspect of the management of elderly rectal cancer.SummaryThe advancement of prognostic factor research, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and ...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 25, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Germline Mutations and Ancestry in Prostate Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewProstate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-cutaneous malignancy of men in the USA; notably, the incidence is higher among men of African, followed by European and Asian ancestry. Germline mutations and, in particular, mutations in DNA damage repair genes (DDRGs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. This review intends to discuss the implication of ancestry on prostate cancer, specifically in regard to lack of diversity in genomic and genetic databases and the ability of providers to properly counsel patients on the significance of cancer genetic results.Recent Find...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 24, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Integrative Oncology Approaches to Supporting Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment of Solid Tumours
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this review was to examine the role and practical applications of integrative oncology strategies in supporting immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment of adult solid tumours.Recent FindingsBeyond tumour-intrinsic factors, several patient-associated factors affect ICI response, including germline genetics, systemic inflammation, the gut microbiota, and diet. Current promising supportive interventions include a Mediterranean-style diet with over 20 g of fibre, regular exercise, use of live biotherapeutics, minimisation of PPI and antibiotic use, and ensuring vitamin D repletion, with...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 9, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Integrative Oncology Approaches to Reduce Recurrence of Disease and Improve Survival
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAfter a cancer diagnosis, patients ask what they can do in addition to the recommended treatments to increase their survival. Many turn to integrative medicine modalities and lifestyle changes to improve their chances of survival. Numerous studies have demonstrated that lifestyle changes can significantly improve survival rates for cancer patients. Less support exists for the use of natural products or supplements to improve cancer survival. In this manuscript, we review key findings and evidence in the areas of healthy eating habits, physical activity, stress management and social support, and sle...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 5, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Time-Limited Therapy in the First-Line Setting and Role of Minimal Residual Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we provide an overview of different time-limited combination therapies of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and summarize the data of pivotal clinical studies. Furthermore, we discuss the relevance of MRD in clinical trials and summarize the challenges that arise in routine clinical care. Finally, we provide an outlook on studies and datasets needed to optimize the use of time-limited treatment strategies and MRD assessments in modern CLL management.Recent FindingsIn recent years, first-line treatment of CLL has undergone a considerable transformation, with targeted substances havi...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 4, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Ovarian Suppression: Early Menopause, Late Effects
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPre-menopausal women diagnosed with hormone receptor (HR) breast cancer are candidates for prolonged hypoestrogenism to improve cancer outcomes. However, the disease benefit eclipses the toxicities associated with ovarian function suppression (OFS), which are often under-reported.Recent FindingsIncreased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease, bone disorders, and metabolic disorders is well reported in women with no history of cancer, after surgical oophorectomy or premature ovarian failure. Vasomotor symptoms, urogenital atrophy, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cognitive decline, and sleep...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 2, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
PARP Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: a Short Communication
This article aims to discuss the current uses, limitations, and future directions for PARP inhibitors (PARPis) in the treatment of breast cancer.Recent FindingsFollowing the results of the OlympiAD and EMBRACA trials, PARPis were approved in HER2-negative breast cancer with a germline BRCA mutation. We reviewed this class of drugs ’ mechanism of action, efficacy, and limitations, as well as further studies that discussed resistance, impaired homologous recombination repair (HRR), and the combination of PARPis with other drugs.SummaryImproving understanding of HRR, increasing the ability to target resistance, and combinin...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 2, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Male Breast Cancer: a Review on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMale breast cancer is a relatively uncommon and rare disease that is often managed based on evidence adopted from trials pertaining to female breast cancer due to low accrual rates or exclusion of males. This is despite the known differences in the biology and epidemiology of this condition. This review provides an update regarding the management and surveillance of male breast cancer.Recent FindingsMen with breast cancer tend to undergo more extensive surgery in the breast and axilla. The outcomes of male breast cancer compared to a similar subtype of female breast cancer appear worse when matched...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 2, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Prolymphocytic Leukaemia: an Update on Biology and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarises the recent advances in knowledge regarding the biology and treatment of prolymphocytic leukaemias.Recent FindingsBoth B-PLL and T-PLL are genetically complex, and the molecular landscape of these diseases has been well characterised recently. Diagnostic criteria for T-PLL have been refined with the publication of the first international consensus criteria, whereas the diagnosis of B-PLL has been thrown into question by the most recent WHO classification. Treatment advances in B-PLL have relied heavily on the advances seen in CLL that have then been extrapolated to B-PLL with ...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 2, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Immunotherapy for Early-Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Is Earlier Better?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this narrative review, we discuss the optimal timing of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in early triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), the landscape of predictive biomarkers for the use of immunotherapy, and the mounting literature suggesting a benefit for an early use of ICI.Recent FindingsTNBC is associated with a poor prognosis relative to other breast cancer subtypes, and until recently, the treatment of TNBC was limited to cytotoxic chemotherapy. In 2021, the immune-checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab, was approved in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with high-ri...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 2, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Stage 3 N2 Lung Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Conundrum
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe treatment of stage III N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains debated. There is an absence of a universally agreed definition of resectability for this heterogeneous group and a lack of trial data.Recent FindingsWe reviewed and compared current international guidelines and evidence surrounding management of stage III N2 NSCLC. The Irish and Australian guidelines advise subcategorising N2 disease into N2a (may be resectable) and N2b (never resectable). On the contrary, American and British guidelines avoid subcategorising N2 disease, emphasising importance of local MDT decisions. It is su...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 2, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
