Basic & Clinical Cancer Research

Ethics & Cancer

Mamak Tahmasebi — 2025-09-17

The Article Abstract is not Available.

Childhood and Adulthood Risk Factors of Gastric Cancer: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Iran

Maryam Hadji — 2025-09-17

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cancer among Iranian men.This study aimed to investigate the association between early and late lifestyle riskfactors and GC among the Iranian population.

Method: A hospital-based case-control study recruited GC patients from the Can-cer Institute in 2010-2012. Controls were healthy visitors to be frequency-matchedbased on sex, age, and residential place, and were recruited from the non-oncologywards. We collected exposure to various established risk factors before the diagnosisin patients and prior to the interview in controls. Additionally, we obtained infor-mation on socioeconomic factors during childhood. Logistic regression models wereemployed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) forvarious potential risk factors.

Results: The study included a total of 210 GC patients and 210 controls. The averageage of cases was 59.9 years, and controls were 56.7 years. Participants with a familyhistory of GC had a 4-fold higher risk of GC than those without a family history(OR=4.1, 95% CI: 1.7, 9.6). We observed an inverse association between GC witheducation (P-value for trend =0.003). Individuals reported coffee consumption hada lower risk of GC (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.8) as compared to non-coffee users. Thestudy found that individuals with high intake of fruit (OR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.3, 1.3) andmedium (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 1.0) and high (OR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.6) intake ofvegetables had lower odds of GC, while higher consumption of red meat (OR=5.3,95% CI: 2.8, 10.2) had higher odds of GC. Analysis of factors related to the childhoodperiod showed that lack of access to tap water increased odds of GC compared to ac-cess to tap water (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3, 6.7). We did not observe any significant associ-ations between h. pylori infection, opium use, waterpipe smoking, cigarette smoking,alcohol consumption, BMI, and other early life risk factors, and the risk of GC.

Conclusion: The occurrence of GC is influenced by several factors, including familyhistory of GC, dietary habits, and socioeconomic status (SES) during both childhoodand adulthood.

Sensitivity of Self-reported Opium Use in Cancer Patients: Implications for Conducting Epidemiological Studies

Vahideh Mohseni — 2025-09-17

Background: Underreporting bias related to opium use is a significant methodological issue that can threaten the results of epidemiologic studies, particularly when opium use is the exposure of interest. In our current study, we aimed to measure the sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients and identify the contributing factors.

Method: In a cross-sectional study, we examined the sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer cases. In this study, we avoided using urine tests as the gold standard to prevent false-positive results, given that most cancer patients use opioids to alleviate their pain. Instead, we relied on their reports of use to anesthesiologists as the gold standard and compared it with their reports to interviewers to calculate sensitivity.

Results: The sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients was approximately 63.33% (95% CI: 43.86% – 80.07%). Interestingly, this sensitivity was significantly higher among cigarette users, 88.24% (95% CI: 63.56% – 98.54%) compared to non-users, 30.77% (95% CI: 9.09% – 61.43%). Additionally, the sensitivity of self-reported opium use was higher among alcohol users and participants with low socioeconomic status compared to their counterparts, although these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The observed sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients underscores the importance of meticulous and comprehensive approaches for collecting and interpreting self-reported substance use data. Researchers and policymakers should consider contributing factors to the sensitivity of self-reported opium use

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Indian Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA) Gynecological Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis

Parul Singh — 2025-09-17

Background: Cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYA) represent a bridge between childhood and elderly incidence curves of cancers, demanding tailored approaches and management of their distinct presentations. The literature on Indian gynaecological cancer patients aged 15 to 39 years is limited. Thus, our study aims to determine the distribution of gynaecological tumours, modalities of diagnosis, and treatment employed in managing these patients.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients from 15 to 39 years of age who presented with gynaecological tumours was done. The data of all the patients during the study period were recorded and statistically analysed.

Results: The study included 50 patients. The tumours observed were ovarian (78%), cervical (16%), and uterine (6%) in origin. Histopathological diagnosis was benign (46%), malignant (50%), and borderline tumour (4%). CA125 was the most frequently done tumour marker and was raised in 17 cases (34%), of which 13 were malignant. The size of the tumour was greater than 10 cm in 56% of cases. Definitive management strategies included cystectomy/ salpingo-oopherectomy (44%), total hysterectomy and salpingo-oopherectomy (38%), chemoradiation (14%), and conization (2%) in different cancers. The most common benign and malignant ovarian tumours were serous cystadenoma and serous cystadenocarcinoma, respectively. All uterine malignancies were sarcomas.

Conclusion: The burden of gynecological cancers among the AYA population is a matter of emerging concern in India. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive and multidisciplinary management can improve survival and preserve future fertility in young patients with cancer

A Review of the Role of Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Abolfazl Jafari-Sales — 2025-09-17

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) plays a significant role in the developmentand progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the production of Bacteroides fra-gilis toxin (BFT). This toxin activates Wnt, NF-κB, and STAT3 signaling pathways, lead-ing to chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and abnormal cellular proliferation. ETBFin the gut microbiota can increase the risk of CRC by enhancing immune cell infil-tration, triggering inflammatory responses, and disrupting cell cycle regulation. ETBFdetection is performed using molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and immunomagnetic separation-PCR (IMS-PCR), which offer high accuracy inidentifying this bacterium. Immunomagnetic separation enhances the sensitivity andprecision of detection. In addition to precise diagnostic methods, preventive strategiesplay a crucial role in reducing the risk of CRC. A healthy diet, including increased fiberintake, reduced consumption of processed meats and saturated fats, along with main-taining a healthy weight and regular physical activity, are among the effective factorsin preventing this disease. Furthermore, stress reduction and avoidance of alcohol andtobacco can positively impact lowering the risk of CRC. A deeper understanding ofthe role of ETBF in CRC and its effects on molecular pathways can contribute to thedevelopment of novel preventive approaches. Investigating the composition of the gutmicrobiota and implementing preventive strategies based on lifestyle modifications notonly aids in identifying at-risk individuals but also plays a significant role in reducingthe prevalence and progression of this disease.

Case Report: Mesenteric Fibromatosis

Anant Pore — 2025-09-17

A 28-year-old patient reported a lump in the right lower abdominal and pelvic area forthe last 21 days along with pain, anorexia, fever, and nausea. After a thorough inves-tigation, an AP scanogram of the patient showed a clearly defined lump in this area.Histopathological examination showed mesenteric fibromatosis. Resection and anas-tomosis were done.Our case is one of the few known cases of the extremely rare condition fibromatosisof the mesentery. These tumors present a diagnostic and therapeutic difficulty due totheir rarity. These tumors are still asymptomatic; however, they frequently appear as anasymptomatic mass. There aren’t any obvious therapy options. The preferred methodof treatment is surgical excision with a wide margin; we underwent the same tech-nique, and the prognosis was good. Numerous single case reports with various andpeculiar appearances and their difficulties exist. This case report aims to offer a currentunderstanding of mesenteric fibromatosis as well as our clinical experience with thepresented patient. Following surgery, the patient did well, and a three-month follow-uprevealed a typical recovery.