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Search Results (2,926)

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Keywords = cervical cancer

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17 pages, 4873 KiB  
Article
Downregulation of Ezrin Suppresses Migration Potential in Cervical Cancer Cells
by Marta Hałas-Wiśniewska, Wioletta Arendt, Alina Grzanka and Magdalena Izdebska
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010003 - 24 Dec 2024
Abstract
Background: The literature reports that ezrin (EZR) is important as a linker between microfilaments and cellular environments. Moreover, it affects cancer cell migration, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of EZR in [...] Read more.
Background: The literature reports that ezrin (EZR) is important as a linker between microfilaments and cellular environments. Moreover, it affects cancer cell migration, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of EZR in the migration of two different types of cervical cancer cells—from primary lesion (SiHa) and lymph node metastases (HT-3). In addition, we showed for the first time that a reduced EZR protein level affects the cellular response to the routinely used treatment with cisplatin. Methods: The most important stage of the study consisted of conducting a series of tests enabling the assessment of the migration potential of cervical cancer cells without altered EZR expression and with silenced protein expression. Results: Reducing the EZR level resulted in a decrease in the invasive and migration potential of SiHa and HT-3 cells’ inhibition of colony formation, a decrease in adhesive properties, and a strong reorganization of F-actin with a dominance of cells with a mitotic catastrophe phenotype. A lower level of protein significantly reduces the motor skills of SiHa and HT-3 cervical cancer cells. Conclusions: This significantly affects the assessment of EZR as a potential factor that can limit the development of metastases in targeted cancer therapy of cervical cancer. Full article
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21 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Overcoming Cultural Barriers and Building Healthcare Trust: A Mixed Methods Study on Cervical Cancer Prevention Among Arab American Women Across Major U.S. Cities
by Lilah Khoja, Manar Zoulfikar, Layla Hak, Sabrina Yousif, Manar Aljebori, Matthew Stiffler, Madiha Tariq, Sarah Burgard, Nancy L. Fleischer, Lauren P. Wallner and Celeste Leigh Pearce
Cancers 2025, 17(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010005 - 24 Dec 2024
Abstract
Background: Understanding why Arab American women have lower adherence to cervical cancer screening compared to other racial/ethnic groups is important. The study aimed to understand attitudes and knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination among Arab American women. Methods: A mixed-method approach [...] Read more.
Background: Understanding why Arab American women have lower adherence to cervical cancer screening compared to other racial/ethnic groups is important. The study aimed to understand attitudes and knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination among Arab American women. Methods: A mixed-method approach was employed, including nine focus groups and an online questionnaire. Demographic characteristics, medical history, screening practices, and attitudes towards HPV vaccination and HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening were assessed. Results: Focus group participants (n = 22) demonstrated varying levels of knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV, including limited awareness of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. Participants expressed mixed feelings about HPV self-sampling. Among questionnaire respondents (n = 25), who on average had a higher socioeconomic status than focus group participants, 73.9% had undergone a Pap test, with 94% up to date on screening. While 59% preferred self-sampling at home, almost two in five cited concerns about sample accuracy. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the variability in attitudes and experiences towards cervical cancer screening among Arab American women, potentially driven by socioeconomic disparities. Our qualitative results suggest the need for targeted, culturally tailored health education in the Arab American community. Further research should explore effective strategies to engage this underserved group and enhance adherence to prevention programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gynecologic Cancer: Risk Factors, Interception and Prevention)
5 pages, 212 KiB  
Commentary
Ultrastaging and Low-Volume Metastatic Disease in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: State of the Art
by Alejandro Soderini, Ignacio Macció, Alejandro Aragona, Florencia Arrudi, Baca Noel and Patricio Mollar Vigh
Lymphatics 2024, 2(4), 260-264; https://doi.org/10.3390/lymphatics2040020 (registering DOI) - 23 Dec 2024
Abstract
The sentinel lymph node technique in early-stage cervical cancer—when to perform it, its process, as well as the surgical specimen—continues to be a challenge for gynecologists, oncologists, and pathologists in order to plan the therapeutic strategy. The objective of this paper is to [...] Read more.
The sentinel lymph node technique in early-stage cervical cancer—when to perform it, its process, as well as the surgical specimen—continues to be a challenge for gynecologists, oncologists, and pathologists in order to plan the therapeutic strategy. The objective of this paper is to describe the state of the art and provide a critical point of view about these topics. Full article
12 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score on Postoperative Prognosis in Patients with Metastatic Cancer of the Cervical Spine
by Dong-Ho Kang, Kyunghun Jung, Jin-Sung Park, Minwook Kang, Chong-Suh Lee and Se-Jun Park
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(24), 7860; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247860 - 23 Dec 2024
Abstract
Background: Although the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) is widely utilized to evaluate spinal instability, its prognostic value for survival in patients with cervical spinal metastases remains unclear. This study investigated the association between the SINS and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic [...] Read more.
Background: Although the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) is widely utilized to evaluate spinal instability, its prognostic value for survival in patients with cervical spinal metastases remains unclear. This study investigated the association between the SINS and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic cervical spine cancer. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 106 patients who underwent surgery for metastatic cervical spine cancer at a single institution between 1995 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: high SINS (≥13) and low-to-moderate SINS (0–12). Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome and was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regression. Secondary outcomes included changes in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS), operation time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative complications. Results: The median OS was significantly shorter in the high SINS group compared to the low-to-moderate SINS group (5.3 months versus 8.6 months; p = 0.023). A high SINS was independently associated with increased mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.959; 95% CI, 1.221–3.143; p = 0.005). Lung cancer (HR, 4.004; 95% CI, 1.878–8.535; p < 0.001) and rectal cancer (HR, 3.293; 95% CI, 1.126–9.632; p = 0.029) were predictive of worse survival, whereas postoperative chemotherapy (HR, 0.591; 95% CI, 0.381–0.917; p = 0.019) and radiotherapy (HR, 0.531; 95% CI, 0.340–0.827; p = 0.005) were associated with improved survival. Changes in the ECOG-PS and postoperative complication rates were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: A high SINS was associated with significantly shorter survival in patients with metastatic cervical spine cancer, reflecting both mechanical instability and tumor aggressiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Spine Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment)
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19 pages, 8457 KiB  
Article
Complex Large-Deformation Multimodality Image Registration Network for Image-Guided Radiotherapy of Cervical Cancer
by Ping Jiang, Sijia Wu, Wenjian Qin and Yaoqin Xie
Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121304 - 23 Dec 2024
Abstract
In recent years, image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer has become an important treatment method for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, and multi-modality image registration technology is a key step in this system. However, due to the patient’s own movement and other factors, [...] Read more.
In recent years, image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer has become an important treatment method for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, and multi-modality image registration technology is a key step in this system. However, due to the patient’s own movement and other factors, the deformation between the different modalities of images is discontinuous, which brings great difficulties to the registration of pelvic computed tomography (CT/) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. In this paper, we propose a multimodality image registration network based on multistage transformation enhancement features (MTEF) to maintain the continuity of the deformation field. The model uses wavelet transform to extract different components of the image and performs fusion and enhancement processing as the input to the model. The model performs multiple registrations from local to global regions. Then, we propose a novel shared pyramid registration network that can accurately extract features from different modalities, optimizing the predicted deformation field through progressive refinement. In order to improve the registration performance, we also propose a deep learning similarity measurement method combined with bistructural morphology. On the basis of deep learning, bistructural morphology is added to the model to train the pelvic area registration evaluator, and the model can obtain parameters covering large deformation for loss function. The model was verified by the actual clinical data of cervical cancer patients. After a large number of experiments, our proposed model achieved the highest dice similarity coefficient (DSC) metric compared with the state-of-the-art registration methods. The DSC index of the MTEF algorithm is 5.64% higher than that of the TransMorph algorithm. It will effectively integrate multi-modal image information, improve the accuracy of tumor localization, and benefit more cervical cancer patients. Full article
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9 pages, 1350 KiB  
Article
Bulgarian Experience in Vaginal Electronic Brachytherapy for Gynecologic Cancers’ Treatment—First Results
by Virginia Payakova, Angel Yordanov, Desislava Kostova-Lefterova, Nikolay Mutkurov, Ilko Iliev, Marin Valkov, Elitsa Encheva and Desislava Hitova-Topkarova
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(24), 7849; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247849 - 23 Dec 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study is to prospectively collect dosimetric and clinical data on vaginal cuff electronic brachytherapy and propose a protocol for the procedure. Methods: Twenty-five patients who had proven endometrial or cervical carcinoma and had undergone radical hysterectomy have [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study is to prospectively collect dosimetric and clinical data on vaginal cuff electronic brachytherapy and propose a protocol for the procedure. Methods: Twenty-five patients who had proven endometrial or cervical carcinoma and had undergone radical hysterectomy have been treated with vaginal cuff electronic brachytherapy. Treatment session durations and doses to the targets and the organs at risk have been extracted from the treatment planning software. Patients have been followed up for early side effects for 3 months. Results: Treatment session times ranged from 3.0 to 6.6 min. Mean coverage of the planned treatment volume with 100% of the prescribed dose was 90%, and with 95% of the prescribed dose was 95%. Doses in the bladder were lower than those achieved in previously published studies with a mean D2cc of 4.7 Gy, and doses in the rectum were higher with a mean D2cc of 5.3 Gy. The first-month adverse events included eight G1 and three G2 toxicities, while the events registered on the third month were two G2 vaginal dryness events and one G1 urinary tract obstruction, of which only one patient with vaginal dryness did not respond to local treatment. No local relapses have been detected. Conclusions: Vaginal cuff electronic brachytherapy has demonstrated safety and effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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17 pages, 1715 KiB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence in Cervical Cancer Screening: Opportunities and Challenges
by Miriam Dellino, Marco Cerbone, Antonio d’Amati, Mario Bochicchio, Antonio Simone Laganà, Andrea Etrusco, Antonio Malvasi, Amerigo Vitagliano, Vincenzo Pinto, Ettore Cicinelli, Gerardo Cazzato and Eliano Cascardi
AI 2024, 5(4), 2984-3000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai5040144 (registering DOI) - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 136
Abstract
Among gynecological pathologies, cervical cancer has always represented a health problem with great social impact. The giant strides made as a result of both the screening programs perfected and implemented over the years and the use of new and accurate technological equipment have [...] Read more.
Among gynecological pathologies, cervical cancer has always represented a health problem with great social impact. The giant strides made as a result of both the screening programs perfected and implemented over the years and the use of new and accurate technological equipment have in fact significantly improved our clinical approach in the management and personalized diagnosis of precancerous lesions of the cervix. In this context, the advent of artificial intelligence and digital algorithms could represent new directions available to gynecologists and pathologists for the following: (i) the standardization of screening procedures, (ii) the identification of increasingly early lesions, and (iii) heightening the diagnostic accuracy of targeted biopsies and prognostic analysis of cervical cancer. The purpose of our review was to evaluate to what extent artificial intelligence can be integrated into current protocols, to identify the strengths and/or weaknesses of this method, and, above all, determine what we should expect in the future to develop increasingly safer solutions, as well as increasingly targeted and personalized screening programs for these patients. Furthermore, in an innovative way, and through a multidisciplinary vision (gynecologists, pathologists, and computer scientists), with this manuscript, we highlight a key role that AI could have in the management of HPV-positive patients. In our vision, AI will move from being a simple diagnostic device to being used as a tool for performing risk analyses of HPV-related disease progression. This is thanks to the ability of new software not only to analyze clinical and histopathological images but also to evaluate and integrate clinical elements such as vaccines, the composition of the microbiota, and the immune status of patients. In fact, the single-factor evaluation of high-risk HPV strains represents a limitation that must be overcome. Therefore, AI, through multifactorial analysis, will be able to generate a risk score that will better stratify patients and will support clinicians in choosing highly personalized treatments overall. Our study remains an innovative proposal and idea, as the literature to date presents a limitation in that this topic is considered niche, but we believe that the union of common efforts can overcome this limitation. Full article
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14 pages, 3863 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Structural Analysis of Hyperchromatic Crowded Cell Groups in Cervical Cytology: Overcoming Diagnostic Pitfalls
by Shinichi Tanaka, Tamami Yamamoto and Norihiro Teramoto
Cancers 2024, 16(24), 4258; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16244258 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 205
Abstract
Background: The diagnostic challenges presented by hyperchromatic crowded cell groups (HCGs) in cervical cytology often result in either overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis due to their densely packed, three-dimensional structures. The objective of this study is to characterize the structural differences among HSIL-HCGs, AGC-HCGs, and [...] Read more.
Background: The diagnostic challenges presented by hyperchromatic crowded cell groups (HCGs) in cervical cytology often result in either overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis due to their densely packed, three-dimensional structures. The objective of this study is to characterize the structural differences among HSIL-HCGs, AGC-HCGs, and NILM-HCGs using quantitative texture analysis metrics, with the aim of facilitating the differentiation of benign from malignant cases. Methods: A total of 585 HCGs images were analyzed, with assessments conducted on 8-bit gray-scale value, thickness, skewness, and kurtosis across various groups. Results: HSIL-HCGs are distinctly classified based on 8-bit gray-scale value. Significant statistical differences were observed in all groups, with HSIL-HCGs exhibiting higher cellular density and cluster thickness compared to NILM and AGC groups. In the AGC group, HCGs shows statistically significant differences in 8-bit gray-scale value compared to NILM-HCGs, but the classification performance by 8-bit gray-scale value is not high because the cell density and thickness are almost similar. These variations reflect the characteristic cellular structures unique to each group and substantiate the potential of 8-bit gray-scale value as an objective diagnostic indicator, especially for HSIL-HCGs. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the integration of gray-scale-based texture analysis has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy in cervical cytology and break through current diagnostic limitations in the identification of high-risk lesions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Oncology and Therapeutics)
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10 pages, 427 KiB  
Article
Successful Desensitization to Irinotecan in a Patient with Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and a History of Anaphylaxis in Response to Irinotecan—Case Report and Literature Review
by Selda Ali, Denisa-Mihaela Nedelcu, Radu Serescu and Roxana Silvia Bumbăcea
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(24), 7824; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247824 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 235
Abstract
Background: Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor used for the treatment of various cancers, such as gastrointestinal, pancreatic, pulmonary, ovarian, and cervical cancers. Among chemotherapy agents, it represents a rare trigger of drug hypersensitivity reactions, with few cases being reported until today. [...] Read more.
Background: Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor used for the treatment of various cancers, such as gastrointestinal, pancreatic, pulmonary, ovarian, and cervical cancers. Among chemotherapy agents, it represents a rare trigger of drug hypersensitivity reactions, with few cases being reported until today. Methods: We present the case of a patient with metastatic esophageal cancer and a history of irinotecan-induced grade IV (WAO classification) anaphylaxis. An IgE-mediated reaction was confirmed in our case, as evidenced by a positive intradermal skin test result, and we carried out a successful desensitization protocol, given irinotecan’s indispensability in the treatment regimen. Our case underscores the fact that in such situations where the culprit drug is also the only therapeutic option available for such a patient, implementing a desensitization protocol may represent the only viable approach to ensure safe and successful dosing. Results: A comprehensive review of the literature was also conducted to assess previously reported irinotecan-induced hypersensitivity reactions, the utility of skin tests in identifying sensitisation to irinotecan, and the existing desensitization protocols. We found a total of seventeen cases of hypersensitivity reactions to irinotecan in the literature, out of which four provided the skin test results obtained and six performed desensitization protocols for irinotecan. Conclusions: Our literature review highlights that skin testing and desensitization protocols can provide suitable solutions for managing hypersensitivity reactions to irinotecan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dermatology)
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22 pages, 4996 KiB  
Article
Localization of Secondary Metabolites in Relict Gymnosperms of the Genus Sequoia In Vivo and in Cell Cultures In Vitro, and the Biological Activity of Their Extracts
by Rima N. Kirakosyan, Elena A. Kalasnikova, Elizaveta A. Bolotina, Abdulrahman Saleh, Anastasiya A. Balakina and Svetlana M. Zaytseva
Life 2024, 14(12), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121694 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 527
Abstract
In order to scientifically search for new sources of secondary metabolites with valuable qualities for phytopharmacognosy, tasks requiring a step-by-step solution were set. The primary task is the development of technologies for obtaining in vitro highly productive biomass of cells of relict gymnosperms [...] Read more.
In order to scientifically search for new sources of secondary metabolites with valuable qualities for phytopharmacognosy, tasks requiring a step-by-step solution were set. The primary task is the development of technologies for obtaining in vitro highly productive biomass of cells of relict gymnosperms of the genus Sequoia, capable of accumulating various classes of secondary metabolites. The study of the accumulation and localization of secondary metabolites allowed us to evaluate the biological activity and cytotoxicity of in vitro Sequoia cultures. In our study, histochemical methods were used to determine the localization of secondary compounds (phenolic and terpenoid in nature) in plant tissues. Secondary metabolites—polyphenols, catechins, and terpenoids—are mainly localized in the epidermal, parenchymal, and conductive tissues of Sequoia leaves and stems. In callus and suspension cultures of Sequoia, secondary metabolites were localized in cell walls and vacuoles. The mineral composition of the nutrient medium (MS and WPM), the light source (photoperiod), and the endogenous content of polyphenols in the primary explant influenced the initiation and growth characteristics of the in vitro culture of Sequoia plants. Inhibition of growth in suspension cultures on the WPM nutrient medium was noted. The cultivation of Sequoia cell lines at a 16 h photoperiod stimulated the formation of polyphenols but had a negative effect on the growth of callus cultures. Extractive substances obtained from intact and callus tissues of evergreen Sequoia demonstrate high biological (fungicidal) activity and cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect on Fusarium oxisporum was noted when 200 mg/L of Sequoia extract was added to the nutrient medium. Extracts of redwood callus cultures were low in toxicity to normal FetMSC cells but inhibited the growth of lines of “immortal” cervical HeLa cancer cells and human glioblastoma A172. Intact tissues of Sequoia plants and cell cultures initiated from them in vitro are producers of secondary metabolites with high biological activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants as a Promising Biofactory for Bioactive Compounds: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1097 KiB  
Review
Vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, and Antioxidant Strategies to Improve Oocyte Quality in Women with Gynecological Cancers: A Comprehensive Review
by Isaic Alexandru, Daciana Nistor, Alexandru Catalin Motofelea, Bianca-Astrid Cadar (Andone), Andreea Crintea, Carmen Tatu, Gheorghe Nicusor Pop and Andrei Nicolae Csep
Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121567 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 350
Abstract
Background: Gynecological cancers, including ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers, significantly affect both survival and reproductive health in women. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can impair ovarian function, reducing oocyte quality and fertility potential. Objective: This review aims to evaluate how vitamins [...] Read more.
Background: Gynecological cancers, including ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers, significantly affect both survival and reproductive health in women. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can impair ovarian function, reducing oocyte quality and fertility potential. Objective: This review aims to evaluate how vitamins and antioxidants can enhance fertility and fertility preservation outcomes for women diagnosed with gynecological cancers, particularly in the context of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Standard treatments for these cancers, including hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy, often compromise ovarian function and oocyte quality. This review focuses on the potential role of these interventions in improving oocyte quality, thereby supporting successful fertility preservation and ART outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of the current literature was conducted, examining the effects of vitamins A, C, D3, E, and Coenzyme Q10 on oocyte quality, particularly in the context of oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cancer and its treatments. Results: The evidence suggests that certain vitamins and antioxidants may mitigate oxidative damage and enhance oocyte quality. Vitamin A supports cumulus–oocyte complex integrity, while vitamins C and E act as potent antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress in ovarian tissues. Vitamin D3 enhances ovarian reserve markers and modulates inflammatory cytokines. Coenzyme Q10 improves mitochondrial function and reduces DNA damage, increasing oocyte viability and fertilization potential. Conclusions: The incorporation of specific vitamins and antioxidants into fertility preservation strategies may enhance oocyte quality in women with gynecological cancers. Although the preliminary findings are promising, further research is needed to determine optimal dosages and establish standardized protocols for clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Reproduction of Mammals)
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27 pages, 1853 KiB  
Article
Cost Analysis Related to Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Cervical Cancer in Antigua and Barbuda: A Prevalence-Based Cost-of-Illness Study
by Andre A. N. Bovell, Cebisile Ngcamphalala, Dane Abbott, Jabulani Ncayiyana and Themba G. Ginindza
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121685 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 556
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue globally. In Antigua and Barbuda, cervical cancer is ranked among the top five most common cancers in terms of incidence and mortality among females. There is no evidence that the costs of diagnosing, treating, and [...] Read more.
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue globally. In Antigua and Barbuda, cervical cancer is ranked among the top five most common cancers in terms of incidence and mortality among females. There is no evidence that the costs of diagnosing, treating, and managing this cancer have been studied before in Antigua and Barbuda. From the providers’ perspective, this study aimed to estimate costs associated with cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda. The prevalence-based cost-of-illness methodology was used to assess patient data abstracted from four study sites for the period 2017–2021, and to derive the annual prevalence. Top-down and bottom-up costing approaches were used to estimate direct medical costs. Costs were computed using the 2021 price level and converted to United States Dollars (USD). Total annual direct medical costs of cervical cancer were estimated at USD 0.24 million (ranging between USD 0.19 million and USD 0.30 million). Major cost drivers were treatment (USD 112,863.76), post-treatment side-effects care (USD 67,406.57), and the diagnostic process (USD 26,238.58). The overall direct medical unit costs for managing a case were estimated at USD 115,822.09. Our study reflects the current estimates for managing cervical cancer and provides evidence to complement cervical cancer prevention and cost containment measures in Antigua and Barbuda. Full article
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13 pages, 10622 KiB  
Article
Small GTPase ARL4C Associated with Various Cancers Affects Microtubule Nucleation
by Evgeniia Ulas, Ilya Brodsky and Anton Burakov
Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122872 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The changes in the level of small GTPase ARL4C are associated with the initiation and progression of many different cancers. The content of ARL4C varies greatly between different tissues, and the induction of ARL4C expression leads to changes in cell morphology and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The changes in the level of small GTPase ARL4C are associated with the initiation and progression of many different cancers. The content of ARL4C varies greatly between different tissues, and the induction of ARL4C expression leads to changes in cell morphology and proliferation. Although ARL4C can bind alpha-tubulin and affect intracellular transport, the role of ARL4C in the functioning of the tubulin cytoskeleton remained unclear. The aim of the present work is to study this role; Methods: The cells of the following lines were used for the experiments: HeLa (human cervical carcinoma), MCF7 (human breast cancer), U2OS (human osteosarcoma), Vero, BS-C-1, and COS7 (African green monkey kidney). The receptor activation by agonists followed by the preparation of cell lysates, electrophoresis, and immunoblotting, as well as cell fixation and immunofluorescent staining, were used to assess endogenous ARL4C/ABCA1 levels and the microtubule network morphology. The microtubule regrowth technique was performed to estimate the rate of microtubule nucleation, and the overexpression of different ARL4C constructs was used to affect ARL4C activity in the cells; Results: We showed that the changes in the endogenous ARL4C level or the ARL4C activity alter the microtubule nucleation process in the cells; Conclusions: small GTPase ARL4C may serve as one of the regulators of the microtubule nucleation process both in normal and cancer cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Pathology)
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16 pages, 594 KiB  
Article
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Cervical Cancer Screening with HPV Self-Sampling for Sex Workers and Formerly Incarcerated Women in Toronto
by Mandana Vahabi, Jenna Hynes, Josephine Pui-Hing Wong, Natasha Kithulegoda, Masoomeh Moosapoor, Abdolreza Akbarian and Aisha Lofters
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(12), 7994-8009; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31120590 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Background: Although cervical cancer (CC) is highly preventable through appropriate screening methods like the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which enables early detection of malignant and precancerous lesions, access to such screening has not been equitable across social groups. Sex workers and people with records [...] Read more.
Background: Although cervical cancer (CC) is highly preventable through appropriate screening methods like the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which enables early detection of malignant and precancerous lesions, access to such screening has not been equitable across social groups. Sex workers and people with records of incarceration are among the most under-screened populations in Ontario. Little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of HPV self-sampling (HPV-SS) as an alternative cervical cancer screening method for these groups. This online, community-based mixed-methods pilot study aimed to address this knowledge gap. Methods: Eighty-four under- and never-screened sex workers and ex-prisoners aged 25–69 years and residing in the Greater Toronto Area, were recruited by community peer associates. Participants completed an online survey and viewed short videos about CC and screening with Pap and HPV-SS. Those who opted for HPV-SS conducted the test at one of two collaborating organizations. Results: The median age of participants was 36.5 years. Most had limited knowledge about CC and screening. Approximately 13% identified as non-binary, and 5% as two-spirit or trans men, with the majority having completed secondary education. Of the participants, 88% chose HPV-SS, and one-third tested positive for high-risk HPV types. The ability to self-sample without judgment from healthcare providers was noted as a key advantage. However, there was a need for training on proper HPV-SS techniques. Conclusions: To improve cervical cancer screening among sex workers, increasing awareness through participatory community co-creation of sexual health education is essential. Additionally, offering HPV-SS as a screening option is crucial, given its demonstrated acceptability and feasibility within this population, many of whom lack a primary care provider and face discriminatory attitudes in healthcare settings. Full article
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13 pages, 962 KiB  
Article
Chan Seeds (Hyptis suaveolens L.) Storage Proteins: Isolation, Characterization, and Cytotoxic Effect on Three Cancer Cell Lines
by Elena Toribio-Nava, Yokiushirdhilgilmara Estrada-Girón, Gilberto Velázquez-Juárez, Janneth López-Mercado, Jorge I. Delgado-Saucedo, Paola Beatriz Castro-García, Martha Patricia Gallegos-Arreola, Asbiel Felipe Garibaldi-Ríos, Fabiola Rodríguez-Arevalo and Ana María Puebla-Pérez
Separations 2024, 11(12), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11120350 - 14 Dec 2024
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Since pre-Hispanic times, chan seeds (Hyptis suaveolens L.) have been used as food and in traditional medicine. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effect of their storage proteins on cancer cells. Thus, these were [...] Read more.
Since pre-Hispanic times, chan seeds (Hyptis suaveolens L.) have been used as food and in traditional medicine. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effect of their storage proteins on cancer cells. Thus, these were investigated in this study. The total protein content of the seeds was 19.5% (dry base), and its protein fractions were confirmed via Tris-Tricine-SDS-PAGE electrophoresis as 43.1% glutelins, 30.9% albumins, 23% globulins, and 2.9% prolamins. The antioxidant capacity determined by ABTS showed the highest percentage of inhibition for the prolamins fraction of 23.6% (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50]: 1.38 µg protein/mL) and the lowest percentage for the glutelins fraction of 6.3% (IC50: 4.51 µg protein/mL). The cytotoxic activity against the murine lymphoma L5178Y, human cervical (Hela), and colorectal (Caco-2) cell lines revealed that prolamin exerted superior inhibition on the Hela and Caco-2 cancer cells, with IC50 values of 0.49 and 0.44 mg protein/mL, respectively. This study underscores the potential of chan seed proteins as natural antioxidants and anticancer agents. Full article
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