Journal of Current Oncology and Medical Sciences

Quercetin enhances radiosensitivity in T47D breast cancer cells: impact on DNA damage, clonogenic survival, and antioxidant defenses

Mona Haddad Zahmatkesh — 2026-03-31

Introduction: Radiotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, has emerged as a potential radiosensitizer. This study examined its effects on hormone receptor-positive T47D breast cancer cells.

Materials and methods: T47D cells were treated with quercetin (20, 40, 60 μM) alone or combined with ionizing radiation (2, 3 Gy). DNA damage (micronucleus assay), clonogenic survival, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase) were evaluated.

Results: Radiation alone significantly increased micronucleus formation (4.3-9.5 fold vs control, p<0.0001) and reduced clonogenic survival (44-62% reduction vs control, p<0.0001), while decreasing SOD (16-24.5%) and catalase (18-22%) activities (p<0.0001). Quercetin pretreatment enhanced these effects in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of 60 μM quercetin with 3 Gy radiation resulted in: a 10% greater micronucleus formation than radiation alone (p<0.01), further reduction in clonogenic survival to 17% of control values (83% reduction vs radiation alone, p<0.001), and up to 48% greater suppression of antioxidant enzyme activity compared to radiation-only groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Quercetin demonstrates significant radiosensitizing effects in T47D cells through the enhancement of DNA damage and oxidative stress. The substantial reduction in clonogenic survival suggests potential clinical relevance, warranting further investigation in advanced models.

Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors versus chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Moontasir Ahmed — 2026-03-31

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment landscape for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This systematic review synthesizes the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ICI-based therapies compared to chemotherapy.

Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed for RCTs published between January 2015 and January 2025 that compared ICI monotherapy or combinations to chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Data on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results: 96 RCTs were included. ICI-based regimens demonstrated a consistent and significant improvement in OS (Hazard Ratio [HR] range: ~0.40 - 0.79) and PFS (HR range: ~0.37 - 0.70) compared to chemotherapy. Benefit was observed across lines of therapy, from first-line metastatic to perioperative settings. High PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were key predictive biomarkers for greater efficacy. While ICIs were associated with a distinct profile of immune-related AEs, they generally showed a favorable safety profile compared to chemotherapy, with lower rates of severe hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities.

Conclusion: ICI-based therapies represent a superior standard of care for advanced NSCLC, offering significant and durable survival benefits over chemotherapy. Treatment decisions should be guided by biomarker status and clinical scenario. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, optimal combination strategies, and managing immune-related toxicity.

Stem cells and cancer: recent updates in tumor biology, cancer stem cells, and targeted therapies

Faizan-E Mustaffa — 2026-03-31

Cancer remains a significant health concern all over the world. Regardless of advancements in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, tumor recurrence and resistance against therapies remain significant challenges. There is increasing evidence suggesting a central role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, as well as relapses. CSCs resistance to conventional treatments makes them a major target in cancer research. Advances in stem cell biology and cancer research have increased our understanding of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. The use of technologies, including induced pluripotent stem cells, single-cell sequencing, organoid models, and genome editing, has demonstrated the major molecular processes that regulate stemness and tumor growth. The maintenance of cancer stem cells and disease progression are caused by dysregulation of signaling pathways. Cancer is nowadays seen as a dynamic and complex ecosystem, influenced by the changes of genetic and epigenetic regulation, changes in metabolic regulation, immune evasion and the interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Despite the promising prospects of emerging therapeutic strategies against cancer stem cells (CSCs), numerous challenges still exist, and one of them is the heterogeneity of tumors and the plasticity of CSCs.

Pola-R-CHP versus R-CHOP in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a systematic review of efficacy, safety, and patient selection

Moontasir Ahmed — 2026-03-31

Introduction: The combination of polatuzumab vedotin with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (Pola-R-CHP) has emerged as a potential frontline therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This systematic review synthesizes the current evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of Pola-R-CHP versus the standard rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) regimen.

Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Science Direct from inception to September, 2025 for studies reporting on Pola-R-CHP versus R-CHOP in previously untreated DLBCL. Data on study characteristics, efficacy outcomes, safety, and biomarker analyses were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized trials.

Results: 23 studies were included, comprising the pivotal phase 3 POLARIX trial, its subgroup and long-term follow-up analyses, real-world evidence, and biomarker studies. Pola-R-CHP demonstrated a consistent and significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to R-CHOP (hazard ratio (HR) range: 0.64-0.77), with a 5.8% absolute PFS benefit at 5 years. Overall survival (OS) data showed a positive but non-significant trend (5-year HR: 0.85). The benefit was most pronounced in higher-risk patients, including those aged ≥70, with International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores 3-5, and those with activated B-cell (ABC) subtype DLBCL (PFS HR: 0.34). The safety profile was manageable but distinct, with a higher incidence of febrile neutropenia requiring granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis but fewer dose reductions. Patient-reported outcomes indicated no detriment in quality of life.

Conclusion: Pola-R-CHP represents a significant advance in the first-line treatment of DLBCL, offering a superior PFS benefit over R-CHOP with a manageable toxicity profile. Its use is most favorable in higher-risk and biologically defined patient subgroups. Future research should focus on long-term OS and validating predictive biomarkers for precision-based patient selection.

The investigation of the impact of Bipolar Manic Depression (BMD) on the progression of diseases in patients with glioblastoma

Zohreh Teymori — 2026-03-31

Bipolar manic depression (BMD) affects 0.8–1.2% of the global population and is associated with a lifelong burden of mood instability, pro‑inflammatory immune profiles, and dysregulated stress‑hormone axes. Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal primary brain tumour, with a median survival of 12–15 months despite maximal therapy. Emerging clinical observations and preclinical models suggest that a pre‑existing or tumour‑induced BMD may accelerate GBM progression. This review synthesises evidence from clinical, epidemiological, genetic, and mechanistic studies to examine whether BMD acts as a disease accelerator in GBM. We analyse three intersecting pathways: (i) neuroendocrine – chronic HPA‑axis overactivity and glucocorticoid resistance, which impair anti‑tumour immunity; (ii) immuno‑inflammatory – elevated IL‑6, TNF‑α, and CCL3 suppression that fosters an immunosuppressive microenvironment; and (iii) genetic – shared susceptibility loci (e.g., PDE4B, ANKRD55) that simultaneously increase bipolar risk and predict worse glioma survival. Behavioural factors, including treatment non‑adherence and delayed diagnosis, further compound the clinical picture. The review also critically examines the dual role of mood stabilisers and antidepressants, which may exert conflicting direct anti‑tumour effects (e.g., lithium enhances temozolomide cytotoxicity in vitro and in animal models) while risking adverse drug–drug interactions and mood destabilisation. We conclude that bipolar manic depression is a plausible, multi‑factorial accelerator of glioblastoma progression. Future prospective cohort studies and integrated psycho‑oncology trials are urgently needed to establish causality and to develop personalised monitoring and treatment strategies for this exceptionally vulnerable patient population.

Giant benign phyllodes tumor equal to size of patient’s abdomen: a case report

Amandeep Singh — 2026-03-31

Introduction: Phyllodes tumor is a rare form of breast malignancy. Although the Phyllodes tumor rarely metastasizes, they can grow faster than any other breast tumor. Diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and surgery is the first line of action. Large tumors represent a surgical challenge because the excision with free margins is essential to prevent local recurrence and metastatic spread. In this presentation, we report a rare case of a giant Phyllodes tumor measuring 34x36x24 cm in a 58-year-old woman and a review of the literature highlighting some issues surrounding the management of phyllodes tumors.

Case Report A 58-year-old woman, without known relevant precedents, was admitted due to a large, ulcerated and infected mass in the left breast of dimensions 34x36x24 cm. An incisional biopsy report suggested haemorrhage and coagulative type of necrosis in overlying ulcer with FNAC showing inflammatory pathology. No distant metastasis was identified. After infection control, a left mastectomy was performed, with primary closure of the defect by mobilizing the skin flaps. The postoperative period was uneventful. Pathological examination revealed a 34x36x24 cm Phyllodes tumor with free margins. Patient was discharged in stable condition and followed up for six months with no added complaints.

Discussion: Clinically PT is traditionally a well delineated and circumscribed tumor such as fibroadenoma, albeit usually larger. The cut surface shows sliced spaces with interspersed of stromal overgrowth and the dilated ducts. Large tumors may rarely show hemorrhagic and necrotic areas, and malignant PT may have sarcoma-like cut surface. The proliferative activity of the PTs by Ki-67 index is now one of the WHO criteria for PT grading. Surgical therapy is the gold standard for the treatment of PTs but the kind of surgery has been a source of study and debate over the years. Benign PT may also transform into a higher grade and recur as borderline or malignant PT.

Conclusion: Phyllodes tumor is a rare breast tumor, with the malignant phenotype being the rarest of them all. Surgical therapy is the gold standard for the treatment of phyllodes tumors. Phyllodes tumors should be removed with, at least, 1 cm free margins, especially if they’re malignant tumors. The role of adjuvant therapy is still controversial.

Steroid induced exacerbation in kaposi sarcoma, a clinical paradox: a case report

Yaman Patidar — 2026-03-31

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma is uncommonly encountered in clinical practice. It is described as vascular malignancy associated with HHV-8 infection. It most commonly affects skin, but can also affect mucosal surfaces, lymphatics and visceral organs. In recent times, with availability of HAART and newer chemotherapy agents, prognosis has improved. One of the complications associated with KS is exacerbation secondary to immune reconstitution with initiation of ART and Steroid.

Case presentation: Hereby We example case of 17-year-old male presented as Kaposi sarcoma with steroid induced exacerbation. Through this case, we enlighten the epidemiology, clinical features and management of such patients which might help clinicians in further management.

Discussion: One of the complications associated with Kaposi sarcoma is exacerbation associated with initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) which might lead to Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and steroids induced flare, and thus steroids are contraindicated even as management of IRIS.

Conclusion: Use of corticosteroid may cause life threatening exacerbation and prompt initiation of cytotoxic agent may prove to be beneficial.