Current Oncology Reports

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This work consists in a literature review on the current state of knowledge regarding the oral management of patients with a history of head and neck cancer (HNC), corroborated by clinical cases and illustrated by clear infographic summaries. It aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive overview of the oral health status of HCN patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide, with over 660,000 annual new cases...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mesenchymal sinonasal tract tumors (STTs), a distinct subset of STTs. Despite their rarity, mesenchymal STTs represent a unique clinical challenge, characterized by their rarity, often slow progression, and frequently subtle or overlooked symptoms. The complex anatomy of the sinonasal area, which includes critical structures such as the orbit, brain, and cranial nerves, further complicates surgical treatment options...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of non-cancer mortality in men with prostate cancer. This review summarizes the existing and emerging literature examining the cardiometabolic effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: The evidence behind the metabolic effects of ADT is derived from older studies and has not been validated in modern cohorts. Most of the newer studies focus on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with ADT...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the last 2 decades, integrative oncology (IO) has seen exponential growth within cancer care. It aims to combine evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional treatments to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals dealing with cancer. The proliferation of integrative medicine programs in major cancer centers globally reflects varying approaches shaped by cultural, demographic, and resource-based factors. RECENT FINDINGS: Drawing upon the expertise of leaders in IO from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Clinical Practice Committee, this manuscript serves as a practical guide for establishing an IO practice...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize the most updated treatment recommendations for pediatric CML, and to discuss current areas of investigation. RECENT FINDINGS: There is new phase 1 data to support the safety of the non-ATP competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) asciminib in the pediatric cohort. Ongoing studies are investigating the role of treatment-free remission in children. Chronic phase CML in children is managed with lifelong TKI therapy; however, evidence of deeper remissions sustained with second-generation TKIs may permit shorter treatment courses...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review relevant advances in the past half-decade in the treatment of primary brain tumors via modification of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. RECENT FINDINGS: BBB disruption is becoming increasingly common in the treatment of primary brain tumors. Use of mannitol in BBB disruption for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics via superselective intra-arterial cerebral infusion (SIACI) is the most utilized strategy to modify the BBB. Mannitol is used in conjunction with chemotherapeutics, oligonucleotides, and other active agents...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The 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 FINDINGS: Existing studies emphasize the significant roles played by socio-economic and environmental factors in influencing lung cancer disparities across Canadian provinces...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This 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 FINDINGS: Currently, 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 with dyspareunia causing sexual dysfunction...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cancer 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 FINDINGS: Evidence 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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Treatment 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 FINDINGS: The 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...

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To 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 FINDINGS: Five studies exist describing either low muscle strength or low muscle quantity in patients with NETs...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Prostate 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...

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Microbiome research has provided valuable insights into the associations between microbial communities and bladder cancer. However, this field faces significant challenges that hinder the interpretation, generalization, and translation of findings into clinical practice. This review aims to elucidate these challenges and highlight the importance of addressing them for the advancement of microbiome research in bladder cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings underscore the complexities involved in microbiome research, particularly in the context of bladder cancer...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarises the recent advances in knowledge regarding the biology and treatment of prolymphocytic leukaemias. RECENT FINDINGS: Both 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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: After 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 sleep quality, as well as natural products and supplements as they relate to the cancer recurrence and survival...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In 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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the literature from the last 5 years on treatment of appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms (aNEN). Furthermore, to evaluate the prognostic significance of lymph node metastases, indications for adjuvant treatment, and challenges of the current follow-up regimen. RECENT FINDINGS: Simple appendectomy is sufficient in tumors < 1 cm while extended surgery is indicated in tumors > 2 cm. In a multicenter study of aNENs measuring 1-2 cm, extended surgery offered no significant prognostic advantage and is now limited to incomplete tumor resection or high-grade G2 or G3 aNEN...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The 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 FINDINGS: Beyond 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 many other integrative oncology approaches under study...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pre-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 FINDINGS: Increased 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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the last decade, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have been approved in the treatment of several cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer. This article aims to discuss the current uses, limitations, and future directions for PARP inhibitors (PARPis) in the treatment of breast cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Following the results of the OlympiAD and EMBRACA trials, PARPis were approved in HER2-negative breast cancer with a germline BRCA mutation...