Journal of Current Oncology and Medical Sciences

The co-administration of quercetin and gallic acid nanocapsules exhibits a protective effect against aluminium chloride in the brain of animal model

Reza Taghizadeh-Tabarsi — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Aluminum (Al) is associated with the development of various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), highlighting the need for materials with protective effects. This study investigated the protective effect of quercetin and gallic acid nanocapsules on brain damage caused by aluminum chloride.

Materials and methods: Adult rats were chronically treated with aluminum chloride to generate a disease model. Gallic acid and quercetin were administered orally, both in free forms and as nanocapsules, to evaluate their protective effects. To assess oxidative stress, the levels of lipid peroxidation, total antioxidants, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase activity were measured. Brain tissue was also examined for structural abnormalities using hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results: Aluminum chloride treatment significantly increased oxidative stress and brain damage. However, treatment with a combination of gallic acid and quercetin, both in free (20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively) and nanocapsule forms, effectively reduced these effects. Histological evaluation showed that co-treatment with quercetin and gallic acid nanocapsules significantly reduced aluminum-induced toxicity and preserved normal brain structure. The nanocapsule forms were more effective at lower doses (10 mg/kg) compared to the free forms.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that quercetin and gallic acid nanocapsules can reduce the required therapeutic dose and limit the adverse effects of the free drugs. Nanocapsule formulations may enhance brain delivery and act as neuroprotective agents against aluminum-induced damage and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The encapsulated form of quercetin and gallic acid appears to be a promising protective agent in preclinical evaluations.

Distribution and outcomes of solid organ cancers in adolescents and young adults: experience from a tertiary cancer centre in South India

Shuchita Pathak — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Although breakthroughs in therapy, there has been an epidemiological shift in solid organ malignancies among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Also, fewer studies in India that have evaluated the outcomes of solid tumours in AYAs. So, this study investigated cancer trends as well as the outcomes of solid tumours in AYAs.

Materials & methods: This retrospective analysis encompasses all individuals diagnosed with non-haematological malignancies aged 10 to 39 years. Demographic parameters, disease and therapy-related details, the applicability of genetic testing, and completion of planned therapy were all documented and analysed. Patient and tumour characteristics were summarised using descriptive statistics, while survival analysis was depicted by Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results: During the study period, 100 patients aged 10 to 39 years were diagnosed with non-haematological malignancies. There was a 61% female population, and the most common decade distribution was 31-39 years (84%). The three most common malignancies were breast (32%), gastrointestinal (20%), and head and neck (19%). In general, 82 patients were treated with curative intent, and 73% were adherent and completed the prescribed therapy. The median duration of follow-up was 18 months, with a median overall survival of 20 months. 96% of patients survived two years after treatment.

Conclusion: This study found breast, colorectal and head and neck cancers to be most frequent in the AYA population. A subgroup of these people benefits, with many long-term effects lasting more than two years, and this could influence the choice of novel therapy options.

Incidence and management of chemotherapy-related local complications in cancer patients in Conakry, Guinea

Ibrahima Kalil Condé — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Chemotherapy-related local complications (CRLC), such as phlebitis and extravasation, can significantly affect patient quality of life and disrupt treatment continuity. These complications are poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa, where structural and organizational constraints may contribute to increased incidence and severity. This study aimed to determine the incidence, characteristics, and associated factors of CRLC in an oncology unit in Guinea.

Materials and methods: A prospective descriptive and analytical study was conducted at the Oncology Department of Donka University Hospital, Guinea, from November 2020 to February 2021. Patients with histologically confirmed cancers receiving intravenous chemotherapy were included. Two groups were compared: patients with and without CRLC. Sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: Among 88 patients (84.1% female; mean age 45.8 ± 16.7 years), 31 (35.2%) developed at least one CRLC. Out of 193 chemotherapy cycles, 51 CRLC episodes (26.4%) were recorded, including phlebitis (15.0%) and extravasation (11.4%). Most frequent protocols were doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide (AC) and epirubicin + cyclophosphamide (EC), accounting for 33.0% of cases, followed by docetaxel monotherapy (25%). CRLCs occurred during the first four cycles (45.2%), predominantly grade 2 (82.4%), with favorable outcomes within 10 days (96.1%). Peripheral venous access was used almost exclusively (100% with CRLC vs. 96.5% without CRLC, p = 0.291). No statistically significant predictive factor was identified. In 9.1% of cases, delayed consultation caused extensive lesions requiring surgical excision, leading to a temporary chemotherapy interruption without permanent functional sequelae.

Conclusion: CRLCs are frequent in our resource-limited setting, affecting more than one-third of patients and one-quarter of chemotherapy cycles. Phlebitis and extravasation occurred mainly during the first cycles, with most events being moderate but some requiring surgical management. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies, staff training, and access to appropriate vascular devices in order to reduce their incidence and ensure treatment continuity.

Clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of thymic malignancies: a tertiary centre experience in India

Lokesh KN — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Thymic malignancies are uncommon and very few studies are available, especially related to systemic combination therapy. Thus, the unmet needs in the standardisation of treatment approaches.

Materials and methods: This descriptive study retrospectively examined patients with thymic malignancies presented between January 2022 and May 2025. All patient, irrespective of stage or histotypes, were included in the study. Among 52 patients, data for analysis were available for 42 patients.

Results: Most patients had thymoma with B2 and B3 histology. 1/3^rd of patients presented with Masoka stage IV. Stages III, II, and I were 23.8%, 21.4% and 23.8%. Patients with upfront resectable disease underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy if high risk features were present. The commonly used regimens in potentially operable and inoperable tumours were combination adriamycin, cisplatin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide (ADOC) and combination Cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cisplatin (CAP) and paclitaxel-carboplatin. Disease control rate was 68.4 % with an overall response rate (ORR) of 52.6%. ORR were 55.5%, 50% and 40% with ADOC, CAP and paclitaxel-carboplatin, respectively. Neutropenia was seen in 42% the patients with grade ¾ in 15.7% of the patients. Two-year survival rates were 84%. Survival was shorter in patients with advanced disease thymic carcinoma. Stage-wise Survival rates for stage I, II, III, and IV were 100%, 89%, 79% and 71% (p value-0.04), respectively.

Conclusion: Modified Masoka staging is an important prognostic marker in Thymoma. Three or four drugs combination chemotherapy can be considered in potentially operable or inoperable tumours with good response rates and manageable toxicity profile.

Effect of Satureja mutica extract on serum nitric oxide levels in rats: potential role of quercetin

Armin Alinejad Feshposhteh — 2025-09-30

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the hydroalcoholic extract of Satureja mutica (S.mutica), a commonly used plant for cardiovascular diseases in Northern Iran, on nitric oxide levels in the blood.

Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, each consisting of 5 rats. The groups included a control group, a group that administered normal saline, and a group that received an extract at a dosage of 100 mg/kg. The normal saline and extract were administered through intraperitoneal injection (IP) once a day for a week. Blood samples were gathered from the heart in order to analyze the serum level of nitric oxide using spectrophotometric analysis.

Results: The serum level of nitric oxide in the groups receiving normal saline did not change significantly compared to the control group, but the serum level of Nitric oxide decreased significantly only in the rats receiving the Satureja mutica extract compared to the control group (P<0.001). HPLC-PDA results show that the most phenolic compounds present in the extract are Gallic acid, 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid, Cinnamic Acid, Quercetin and Apigenin. The highest content and percentage of phenolic compounds is Quercetin.

Conclusions: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. mutica reduces serum NO levels in rats. Quercetin may contribute to this effect; however, confirmatory studies using isolated compounds are required. Although these findings are promising, more human studies are needed to determine whether this compound could be an alternative or complementary treatment.

A case of ectopic decidual reaction of omentum masquerading as peritoneal carcinomatosis: a rare case report

Geet Bhuyan — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Omental deciduosis is a rare form of ectopic decidua characterized by the presence of decidual tissue outside the uterus. Although benign and self-limiting, its gross appearance may closely mimic intra-abdominal malignancy or infectious pathology, posing a diagnostic challenge.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 29-year-old woman who underwent caesarean section, during which multiple nodular deposits were incidentally observed on the omentum. These lesions were initially suspected to represent metastatic disease. The patient was otherwise asymptomatic, with no significant medical or surgical history. Histopathological examination revealed sheets of large polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and no evidence of atypia or mitotic activity, confirming the diagnosis of omental deciduosis.

Discussion: Omental deciduosis, though uncommon, is most often associated with pregnancy and usually regresses spontaneously in the postpartum period. Its clinical importance lies in its close resemblance to conditions such as peritoneal carcinomatosis, tuberculous peritonitis, or deciduoid mesothelioma. Frozen section and immunohistochemistry may aid in difficult cases, but in most instances, routine histopathology is sufficient for diagnosis. Awareness of this entity among both surgeons and pathologists is crucial to prevent misinterpretation and avoid unnecessary aggressive interventions.

Conclusion: Omental deciduosis is a rare but benign condition that can mimic serious intra-abdominal pathology. Recognition of its characteristic histopathological features ensures accurate diagnosis and helps prevent overtreatment.

Metastatic carcinoma-ex pleomorphic adenoma of the pharynx with carotid space invasion: a rare case report

Siddharth Arora — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is a rare, aggressive malignancy of the salivary glands that arises from a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma. Although pleomorphic adenomas are benign, their potential for malignant transformation necessitates timely diagnosis and management. Pathological assessment remains the gold standard for diagnosis, with surgery followed by radiotherapy being the standard of care.

Case Presentation: A 38-year-old male presented with a metastatic carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the pharynx, with invasion into the carotid space. Diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. The patient underwent palliative radiotherapy.

Discussion: CXPA is often difficult to diagnose due to its overlapping features with benign tumors, especially in atypical locations such as the pharynx. Malignant transformation typically indicates a more aggressive clinical course, including local invasion and distant spread. In this case, carotid space involvement further complicated management, highlighting the importance of early detection and comprehensive treatment.

Conclusion: Early recognition of pleomorphic adenomas and their potential for malignant transformation is critical. This case emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing rare presentations of CXPA to improve patient outcomes.

The Association between oral antihypertensive drug use and lung cancer risk in adults: a systematic review

Shadman Newaz — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Hypertension is a widespread cardiovascular condition often managed with antihypertensive medications, including ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and others. Emerging evidence suggests these medications may influence cancer risk, particularly in lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This systematic review aims to evaluate the relationship between antihypertensive drugs and lung cancer risk, focusing on both protective and risk-increasing effects of these drugs.

Materials and methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases for studies published between January 2015 and February 2025. Eligible studies included cohort studies, case-control studies, clinical trials, and observational studies. The review followed PRISMA guidelines for transparency and comprehensive reporting.

Results: A total of 14 studies—including cohort and case-control designs—met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that ACEIs were associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, especially with prolonged use, while ARBs seem to offer protective effects, particularly in certain populations such as heavy drinkers and males. CCBs, when used in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, may increase cancer risk, while α-blockers combined with aspirin show promise in reducing cancer risk, particularly in older adults. Doxazosin and felodipine have potential in reducing cancer aggression and improving outcomes through modulation of tumor microenvironments and immune responses.

Conclusion: The relationship between antihypertensive medications and lung cancer risk is complex, with ACEIs potentially increasing the risk and ARBs offering protective effects. Future research should focus on larger prospective studies, exploring molecular mechanisms and developing personalized treatment strategies to minimize cancer risk in hypertensive patients. Regular screenings and careful management of drug interactions are essential for improving clinical outcomes.

Antihypertensive medications and hepatocellular carcinoma risk: a systematic review

Shadman Newaz — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that antihypertensive medications may influence the risk, progression, and survival outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, findings across studies remain inconsistent. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current data on the associations between different classes of antihypertensive drugs and liver cancer outcomes.

Materials and methods: A systematic review was conducted, incorporating randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, retrospective analyses, and in vitro studies that investigated the relationship between antihypertensive medications and HCC. Extracted data included study design, population characteristics, drug categories, primary outcomes, and study limitations.

Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse study designs and patient populations. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors—including ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)—were most consistently associated with reduced HCC incidence and improved survival. Thiazide diuretics demonstrated potential protective effects in genetic studies, though results were mixed in larger population-based analyses. Beta-blockers yielded inconclusive evidence: while some studies linked them to increased HCC risk, others found neutral or beneficial effects, particularly for non-selective Beta-blockers in patients with established HCC. Additionally, one preclinical study highlighted possible anti-cancer activity of agents like chlorpromazine and prazosin.

Conclusion: RAS inhibitors show the strongest and most consistent evidence for a protective effect against HCC development and progression among antihypertensive drug classes. Certain non-selective Beta-blockers may also offer survival benefits in specific patient populations. However, conflicting findings and methodological limitations across studies underscore the need for high-quality prospective research to confirm these associations and inform clinical practice.

Alzheimer’s disease and glioblastoma: a comprehensive review of epidemiological and translational medicine

Ali Najafizadeh — 2025-09-30

Alzheimer's disease (AD), neuropsychiatric disorders, and glioblastoma represent distinct yet interconnected conditions characterized by overlapping molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms. Epidemiological studies reveal an inverse comorbidity between AD and glioblastoma, while psychiatric disorders may influence glioblastoma susceptibility through genetic, cellular, and pharmacological factors. Consequently, numerous critical signaling pathways, such as protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT/mTOR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase / mitogen-activated protein Kinase (ERK/MAPK), wingless-related integration Site/glycogen synthase kinase 3 (Wnt/GSK3), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), exhibit dysregulation across these conditions, affecting apoptosis, proliferation, and synaptic function. In addition, genetic risk factors, including apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ε4) in AD and tumor protein 53 (TP53), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) in glioblastoma, play a role in shaping divergent disease trajectories. Neuroinflammatory processes, epigenetic changes, and interactions between neurons and glia further clarify susceptibility patterns. From a therapeutic perspective, repurposing psychiatric medications that target common molecular pathways and implementing epigenetic or gene-based interventions offer promising avenues for integrated treatment strategies. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of the epidemiological, molecular, cellular, and genetic intersections among AD, psychiatric disorders, and glioblastoma.

Practical application of stem cell therapy in retinoblastoma

Elahe Bakhshalipour — 2025-09-30

Retinoblastoma (RB), recognized as the most prevalent intraocular malignancy in pediatric populations, continues to pose considerable therapeutic challenges due to its genetic etiology, tumor heterogeneity, and resistance to standard treatment modalities. Recent progress in stem cell biology has introduced innovative approaches for both disease modeling and therapeutic intervention. The utilization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and retinal organoids has enabled the in vitro recapitulation of retinal development and RB pathogenesis, thereby facilitating precision drug screening and elucidation of underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within RB has redirected therapeutic strategies toward targeting pathways involved in self-renewal, mechanisms of drug resistance, and tumor propagating cells, to prevent relapse and metastasis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising vectors for tumor-targeted therapy, leveraging paracrine effects and exosome-mediated delivery of therapeutic agents, thus offering minimally invasive and systemic approaches to overcoming drug resistance and modulating tumor behavior. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) rescue has improved the safety profile of high-dose chemotherapy regimens by mitigating treatment-associated toxicities. Collectively, these stem cell-based strategies underscore the multifaceted role of cellular therapies in RB, heralding a future characterized by integrated, personalized, and less invasive therapeutic modalities.