Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Biology

Accuracy of the Combination of TI-RADS and BETHESDA Regarding Histopathology of Thyroid Malignancy

2025-04-16T05:23:41+00:00

Background and aim of the work: Thyroid carcinoma is a common type of cancer, making up 2.1% of all new cancers. Ultrasonography (USG) is used to check thyroid nodules. TI-RADS is a system that classifies thyroid nodules based on USG. High-risk nodules undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), and the results are reported using the BETHESDA classification. This study aimed to determine how accurate TI-RADS and BETHESDA are together for diagnosing thyroid cancer.

Research design and methods: This observational study examined data from thyroid cancer patients. We assessed characteristic data comprising age, gender, TI-RADS, BETHESDA, and thyroid malignancy histopathology. An independent t-test and Fisher exact test assessed the relationships between TI-RADS, BETHESDA, and thyroid malignancy histopathology. Diagnostic tests were based on ROC curve analysis of FNAB (BETHESDA), USG (TI-RADS), and a combination of both in establishing a diagnosis of malignancy based on the results of histopathological examination.

Results: This study included 47 patients. FNAB (BETHESDA) was more accurate at 80.85% compared to USG (TI-RADS) and their combination. Similarly, FNAB (BETHESDA) had a higher sensitivity at 80.48% compared to USG (TI-RADS) and their combination. However, when FNAB (BETHESDA) and USG (TI-RADS) were combined, they had the highest specificity values, reaching 100.0%, compared to each examination alone.

Conclusions: The study found that while FNAB (BETHESDA) is accurate and sensitive, combining it with USG (TI-RADS) improves specificity, making it a valuable approach for clinical decision-making. This integration could lead to better diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes by providing a more comprehensive assessment of thyroid nodules.

Breast Cancer Awareness, Screening Practices, Barriers, and Educational Interventions in Middle Eastern Countries: Challenges and Successes

2025-04-16T05:34:49+00:00

Objective: This review explores breast cancer awareness, knowledge, and screening practices among women in Gulf andMiddle Eastern countries, highlighting disparities and challenges within the region.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify English-language studies (2015 onward) on breast cancer awareness, knowledge, and screening practices among women in Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. Data from eligible studies were independently extracted by two reviewers, and a weighted average formula was applied to synthesize findings, ensuring greater influence from larger sample sizes while minimizing redundancy across countries.

Results: By synthesizing findings from 25 studies, the review identifies significant variations in breast cancer awareness levels, with 30% of populations exhibiting high awareness, 45% moderate awareness, and 25% low awareness. A weighted average analysis reveals gaps between awareness and practices of screening methods: while 75% of women were aware of breast self-examination (BSE), only 45% practiced it; similarly, awareness of mammography stood at 60%, but practice levels were as low as 35%. Key barriers to timely medical help-seeking include emotional (65%), informational (50%), and financial (40%) factors, underscoring the role of cultural stigmas, logistical challenges, and limited healthcare access. Educational interventions demonstrated success in bridging awareness gaps, increasing awareness by 85% and improving help-seeking behavior by 70%. Effective initiatives include school-based health education, digital platforms, and community outreach. However, challenges persist in addressing cultural and psychological barriers and ensuring equitable healthcare access.

Conclusion: Lessons from developed countries emphasize the value of integrated public health campaigns, proactive healthcare engagement, and advanced technology in improving breast cancer outcomes. The review concludes with actionable recommendations to enhance awareness, screening practices, and healthcare systems across the Gulf and Middle East, paving the way for earlier detection and better survival rates.

Exploring the Immunological and Physiological Effects of Zingiber Officinale on Women with Ovarian Cancer in Iraq

2025-04-16T05:38:46+00:00

Objective: Ovarian cancer is a major global health issue and ranks as the sixth most common cancer among women worldwide. Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment outcomes less favorable. This study examines the role of Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, as a complementary therapy for women in Iraq battling ovarian cancer. It highlights ginger’s potential to improve the effectiveness of treatments and enhance patients’ quality of life.

Methodology: The research used a mixed-methods approach, involving 57 participants over a 42-week period. It focused on the bioactive components of ginger such as gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. These compounds may work in tandem with traditional cancer treatments. Participants, categorized based on the stage of their cancer and their treatment regimens, were given ginger supplements alongside standard chemotherapy. The study carefully tracked and analyzed immune responses, physiological changes, and clinical outcomes.

Results: The findings were notable. Ginger supplementation significantly boosted T-helper cell activity, improved CD4/CD8 ratios, and lowered inflammatory cytokine levels. Physiologically, participants experienced better antioxidant activity, reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea, and better fatigue management. Perhaps most strikingly, those taking ginger required fewer secondary surgeries and additional chemotherapy sessions. Their biochemical markers, including CA-125 levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers, also showed improvement. The research highlights ginger’s potential as a valuable addition to traditional cancer treatments, helping to strengthen the immune system and body while reducing the side effects of therapy. However, the study did face some limitations, such as a relatively small sample size, a lack of diverse participants, and limited resources. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should involve larger and more diverse groups of participants, extend the duration of observation, and explore ginger’s effects on other types of cancer to broaden the scope of its benefits.

Conclusion: Ultimately, this study advocates for incorporating ginger into cancer care protocols due to its affordability, accessibility, and minimal side effects. By integrating ginger into oncology practices, healthcare providers can potentially revolutionize supportive care for ovarian cancer patients, paving the way for holistic well-being and better treatment outcomes.

Niosome-Encapsulated Selenium Nanoparticles: A Novel Paradigm for Cancer Therapy

2025-04-16T05:44:34+00:00

Overview: This study explores a novel therapeutic method for oral squamous cell carcinoma using selenium nanoparticles encapsulated within niosomal carriers, targeting enhanced stability, cellular uptake, and controlled drug release.

Methods: Selenium nanoparticles were encapsulated into niosomes via thin-film hydration and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on CAL27 cells after 24 hours, alongside a drug release study conducted under simulated physiological conditions.

Results: The formulated nanoparticles showed an average size of ~180 nm, zeta potential of –25 mV, and low PDI (~0.15), indicating high stability and uniformity. MTT results indicated a 60% decrease in cell viability compared to controls after 24 hours. The drug release exhibited an initial burst (35% release in 6 hours), followed by sustained release reaching ~90% over 48 hours.

Conclusion: Niosome-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles display promising physicochemical characteristics, significant cytotoxic activity, and a controlled release profile, underscoring their potential as an effective therapeutic approach for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate clinical applicability.