Agnostic Biomarkers and Molecular Signatures in Colorectal Cancer-Guiding Chemotherapy and Predicting Response.

The concept of agnostic biomarkers-molecular modifications that guide therapy irrespective of tumor origin-has gained increasing relevance in oncology, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This review aims to critically evaluate the role of such biomarkers in CRC, highlighting their clinical significance as therapeutic targets and indicators of prognosis. Through a PubMed search using the terms "agnostic treatment AND colorectal cancer," eight key studies were identified and qualitatively analyzed.

Early-onset colorectal cancer in patients younger than 50 years: a systematic review of the literature.

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) refers to CRC diagnosed before the age of 50. Its incidence has risen in recent years, turning researchers' attention to its oncologic behavior and potentially modifiable risk factors. In this review, PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched for all original research articles concerning EO-CRC.

Evaluating the Impact of Mental Disorders on Outcomes Following Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Esophageal cancer, the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, imposes significant physical and psychological burdens on patients. Psychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, are prevalent among esophagectomy patients and may adversely affect postoperative outcomes, quality of life, and survival. However, their clinical impact remains understudied and heterogeneous in existing literature.

Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and New Therapeutic Targets.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that often leads to intestinal fibrosis, an irreversible complication associated with strictures and the need for surgical intervention. Fibrosis occurs due to prolonged inflammation and abnormal wound healing, involving complex interactions between immune cells, mesenchymal cells, cytokines, and the gut microbiota. Key fibrogenic mechanisms include the activation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, cytokine signaling, and disrupted turnover of the extracellular matrix.

Coronary Computed Angiography and Coronary Artery Calcium Score for Preoperative Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery.

Perioperative and long-term postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. In selected high-risk patients, when information about cardiovascular status may influence surgical decisions, preoperative risk stratification is reasonable, with stress imaging being the preferred method. Coronary computed angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) offer direct anatomical assessment of atherosclerotic coronary arteries and help gauge the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

From Lens to Scalpel: A Systematic Literature Review of Intestinal Obstruction after Video Capsule Endoscopy.

Introduction: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a valuable noninvasive diagnostic tool for gastrointestinal disorders, but it carries a risk of capsule retention and subsequent bowel obstruction. The aim of the present study was to examine the manifestations, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and outcome of patients with bowel obstruction due to VCE.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases focusing on intestinal obstruction post-VCE.

Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: A Rare Surgical Entity.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC), while infrequent, is the predominant malignancy of the biliary tract. The absence of clinical symptoms in conjunction with aggressive behavior contributes to delayed diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis. This condition typically remains asymptomatic in its initial stages, making detection challenging.

Gastric Juice Biomarkers in Gastric Cancer: New Trends?

As gastric cancer represents the fifth most common cancer diagnosis and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, it remains a current social and health issue. A variety of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of gastric cancer, although the etiology remains unclear. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment play the most crucial role not only in the containment of morbidity and mortality but also in the prognosis.

What Is the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Anastomotic Leakage After Colorectal Resection? A Scoping Review of Clinical and Experimental Studies.

Anastomotic leakage (AL) still remains a common complication after colorectal anastomosis that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The gut microbiota has been hypothesized as one of the risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage. The aim of the present study was to summarize all existing clinical and experimental studies that evaluate the impact of intestinal microbiota on anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection.

Natural Compounds and Cancer: Current Evidences.

Natural compounds are constantly gaining ground in the treatment of various chronic diseases and in cancer research. Recent efforts have been focusing on them due to their special features consisting of low toxicity and high bioavailability. These compounds have already demonstrated important antitumor activity against several cancers in vitro through several mechanisms, including cell viability reduction, suppression of cell proliferation, cell death induction and cell cycle arrest.

Role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair in T4b esophageal cancer management: a systematic review.

The incidence of T4b esophageal cancer with aortic invasion but without distant metastasis is estimated to be between 3.8% and 4.6% of all esophageal cancer cases.

Treatment of Gastric Cancer Means Surgery, but Not Surgery Alone.

Despite numerous studies, gastric cancer (GC) still presents a high mortality rate in Eastern and Western countries, increasing attention for new therapeutic strategies [...

Multivisceral Resection for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Evidence Quality Assessment.

Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) often require multivisceral resection (MVR) of the involved organs to achieve R0 resection and local disease control. The aim of the present study was to systematically review all available literature on the postoperative and long-term outcomes of MVR for gastric cancer. The PubMed database was systematically searched by two independent investigators for studies concerning MVR for LAGC.

Complete mesogastric excision for gastric cancer: is it the future of gastric cancer surgery?

Gastric cancer remains undoubtedly one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. The global incidence shows wide geographic variation with a high prevalence in Asia. Besides that, there are evident differences in epidemiology, histopathology, tumor location, diagnosis and treatment strategy between east and west countries.

Laparoscopic vs Open Treatment for Gastric and Non-Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: a Two-Center Experience.

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 109 patients who underwent curative laparoscopic or open resection for different types of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Only primary GIST patients who did not receive preoperative chemotherapy or oral imatinib treatment were included in the analysis. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to the surgical approach:a laparoscopic group (LAP) and a laparotomic group (OPEN).

Intraoperative Flow Cytometry for the Characterization of Gynecological Malignancies.

Cell-cycle analysis has shown the presence of aneuploidy to be associated with poor prognosis. We developed an innovative rapid cell-cycle analysis protocol (the Ioannina protocol) that permitted the intraoperative identification of neoplastic cells in a plethora of malignancies. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role of cell-cycle analysis in the intraoperative characterization of gynecological malignancies.

Surgical oncology during the post-COVID-19 era: What is next?

During first outburst of COVID-19, several strategies had been applied for surgical oncology patients to minimize COVID-19 transmission. COVID-19 infection seemed to compromise survival and major complication rates of surgical oncology patients. However, survival, tumor progression and recurrence rates of surgical oncology patients were associated to the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on their management.

Blood biomarkers for predicting coagulopathy occurrence in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review.

The occurrence of coagulopathy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is related to severe complications. The authors performed the first systematic review to investigate whether biomarkers can predict the occurrence of hypocoagulopathy or progressive hemorrhagic injury in patients with TBI. The authors included studies that performed a receiver operating characteristics analysis for the biomarker and provided a clear value along with the respective sensitivity and specificity.

Colour Duplex and/or Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Compared with Computed Tomography Angiography for Endoleak Detection after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aims to assess the role of Color Duplex Ultrasound with or without contrast media for surveillance following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). A systematic search of the literature published until April 2022 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The pooled rates of endoleak detection through Contrast-Enhanced or Color Duplex Ultrasound (CEUS or CDUS) and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effect analysis.

Detection of cancer cells and tumor margins during colorectal cancer surgery by intraoperative flow cytometry.

Background: Flow Cytometry is an analytical technique for the precise quantification of cellular phenotype. Intraoperative Flow Cytometry (iFC) utilizes flow cytometry for DNA content/ploidy and cell cycle distribution analysis during surgery for cancer cell characterization and evaluation of tumor margins. Various types of cancers, including intracranial, head and neck, breast and liver malignancies have been evaluated with iFC.

Medical, Endoscopic and Surgical Management of Stricturing Crohn's Disease: Current Clinical Practice.

The development of fibrostenotic intestinal disease occurs in approximately one-third of patients with Crohn's disease and is associated with increased morbidity. Despite introducing new biologic agents, stricturing Crohn's disease remains a significant clinical challenge. Medical treatment is considered the first-line treatment for inflammatory strictures, and anti-TNF agents appear to provide the most considerable benefit among the available medical treatments.