Current Issue : July-September Volume : 2025 Issue Number : 3 Articles : 5 Articles
Background: The crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells promotes proliferation, tumor relapse, and the acquisition of a partial epithelialto- mesenchymal (pEMT) phenotype in tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of patient-derived CAFs on tumor cell growth and radioresistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: CAFs were isolated and cultured in a three-dimensional spheroid formation. SCC-25 tumor cells educated by the CAFs (SCC25-E cells) were subjected to irradiation, and the response of the CAF-stimulated tumor cells to radiotherapy was determined using an MTT assay, a clonogenic assay, and Western blotting. Tumor cell morphological changes and growth dynamics were assessed using 3D holotomographic microscopy and a live video microscope. Results: Patient-derived CAFs significantly increased the growth rate of SCC-25 cells. CAFs drove fibrosis in the tumor microenvironment (TME), functioned as a physical barrier, temporarily stopped tumor growth, and induced the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Viability after irradiation at 4–8 Gy was significantly higher in SCC25-E cells than in the controls (p = 8 × 10–4 or lower). Furthermore, irradiation triggered the pEMT profile in HNSCC cells. Conclusions: CAFs’ education of tumor cells and the induced p38 phosphorylation had no influence on irradiation sensitivity. SCC25-E cultures demonstrated increased tumor cell growth, viability, and stress-induced phospho-p38 activation....
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a global health challenge. Metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia, have been linked to CRC progression, yet the relationship between lipid profiles, tumor location, and survival outcomes remains controversial. This study investigates the association between blood lipid parameters, tumor localization, and survival in CRC patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 126 CRC patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2024 at Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital. Patients with comorbidities affecting lipid metabolism or who were on lipid-lowering drugs were excluded. Clinical, pathological, and lipid data, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), were analyzed. Tumor location was categorized as right-sided or left-sided. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated with a statistical analysis using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression models. Results: Higher HDL-C levels and a lower TC/HDL-C ratio were significantly associated with improved OS (p: 0.004 and p: 0.016, respectively). This relationship remained significant in early- and advanced-stage disease (p: 0.04 for HDL-C and p: 0.03 for TC/HDL-C). In patients with tumors located in the right colon, LDL-C levels of 150 mg/dL and below were found to be statistically positively correlated with overall survival, while in patients with tumors located in the left colon, HDL-C levels of 45 mg/dL and above and TC/HDL-C levels of 4.16 and above were found to be statistically positively correlated with overall survival. A multivariate analysis confirmed that age, stage, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C were independent predictors of OS. Conclusions: Our study highlights the potential role of lipid profiles, particularly HDL-C and the TC/HDL-C ratio, as prognostic factors in CRC. Further research, including molecular and genetic analyses, is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between lipid metabolism and CRC progression....
Background/Objectives: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by rapidly developing, painful ulcerative lesions. It exhibits pathergy, a phenomenon in which minor trauma or injury to the skin triggers an exaggerated inflammatory response. This leads to the development of new skin lesions or the worsening of existing ones. Treatment typically involves a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. However, even with effective therapy, the overall management of pyoderma gangrenosum remains challenging, and wound healing can be prolonged. The development of pyoderma gangrenosum after breast cancer surgery is rare, and its presence complicates the treatment of patients requiring additional oncologic therapy. In particular, the effect of radiation on these lesions is not well documented. Given the known skin toxicity of radiotherapy and its negative impact on wound healing, the use of adjuvant breast radiation raises significant concerns in this context. Methods: We present the case of a 66-year-old female with Stage IIB invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast who developed postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum after breast-conserving surgery. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine, and then subsequently underwent standard-of-care adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Results: During therapy, she demonstrated rapid resolution of her pyoderma gangrenosum without experiencing excess skin toxicity. Conclusions: While the literature on the direct application of radiation in pyoderma gangrenosum is limited, our case provides evidence supporting the safety of radiation therapy in oncologic cases complicated by this disease. In addition to receiving the benefit of adjuvant therapy for her breast cancer, our patient demonstrated an improvement in her postoperative PG with no adverse skin effects....
The prevalence and mortality associated with breast cancer have forced healthcare providers to leverage surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy to achieve a cure. Whereas mortality has significantly dropped over the decades, longterm toxicities and healthcare costs are prohibitive. Therefore, a better understanding of tumor biology through molecular profiling is being utilized for de-escalation of treatment where appropriate. As research evolves, there is growing evidence that less aggressive treatment regimens, when appropriately tailored, can be equally effective for certain patient populations. This approach not only enhances the quality of life for patients by reducing the financial, physical, and emotional burdens associated with more invasive therapies but also promotes a more personalized treatment strategy. By focusing on precision medicine and understanding the biological characteristics of tumors, healthcare providers and patients can make informed decisions that balance safety with efficacy. The field of molecular profiling is a promising avenue for precision-targeted de-escalation and escalation of therapy to minimize the risk–benefit ratio....
Background: Advancements in therapeutic approaches and standard medical interventions have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. However, uncertainties remain regarding the optimal timing and protocols for dental implant placement in patients undergoing radioiodine-131 (I-131) therapy. Debates continue about the potential effects of radiation on osseointegration dynamics and implant viability. This in vitro study assessed the impact of radiodiodine-131 (I-131) used for differentiated thyroid cancer on the structure of zirconia and titanium implants. Methods: A total of 60 implants were utilized, with distribution into two cohorts: titanium implants (Ti, n = 30) and zirconia implants (Zr, n = 30). Subsequently, the Ti and Zr implants were immersed in I-131 solution and retrieved at specified time intervals: 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 h, and 8 days post irradiation. The analyses used to characterize the structure of the implants were radioactivity, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, roughness, and Vickers hardness assessment. Results: The findings indicate that the zirconia implants exhibited minimal ultra-structural topographic changes after irradiation. Notable topographical changes and debris deposition on zirconia surfaces became evident after 24 h, with cumulative effects observed after 192 h. The titanium implants, on the other hand, showed surface alterations beginning at 12 h of exposure. Significant changes, including erosive patterns and substantial debris deposits, occurred after 48 and 192 h, leading to increased surface roughness by 24 h. Implants exposed for 12 and 24 h formed a statistically significant group, indicating the onset of surface alteration accumulation. The erosion debris confirmed the surface alterations induced by radioiodine-131 exposure. Conclusions: Overall, the Zr implants demonstrated greater stability compared to the Ti implants following radioiodine-131 exposure....
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