Latest Research
All publications from the Cancer3.AI database, newest first.
Superiority of high-dose cytarabine-based mobilisation over cyclophosphamide or plerixafor in primary CNS lymphoma.
Li Q, et al
A new study published in the Annals of Hematology examined the best method for mobilizing blood stem cells in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) before autologous stem cell transplantation, a critical treatment step for this aggressive brain cancer. Researchers retrospectively analyzed 142 patients who received one of three mobilization strategies: high-dose cytarabine (HD-Ara-C), the drug plerixafor combined with G-CSF, or cyclophosphamide. HD-Ara-C achieved a 100% mobilization success rate and delivered nearly twice the stem cell yield compared to the other approaches, with almost 80% of patients in this group classified as 'very good' mobilizers. The study also identified a practical clinical tool: measuring CD34-positive cells in peripheral blood on the first day of collection can reliably predict whether enough stem cells will be harvested, with a threshold above 31 cells per microliter providing over 98% specificity. Although HD-Ara-C caused more severe short-term reductions in platelet counts, these side effects were manageable with standard supportive care. These findings support HD-Ara-C as the preferred stem cell mobilization regimen for fit PCNSL patients, potentially improving transplant outcomes and reducing costly mobilization failures.
Annals of hematology
Source →Atypical Parkinsonism as a Manifestation of Central Nervous System Lymphoma.
Gomes S, et al
Researchers from the journal Cureus report a case study examining how primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, a rare brain cancer, can masquerade as a neurodegenerative movement disorder known as parkinsonism. A 74-year-old man presented with seven months of progressive cognitive decline, abnormal eye movements, and right-sided parkinsonism, initially leading clinicians to suspect progressive supranuclear palsy, a degenerative brain disease. Standard initial tests, including brain imaging and spinal fluid analysis, returned no significant findings, but a repeat MRI eventually revealed abnormalities consistent with lymphoma, which was confirmed by biopsy. Treatment with corticosteroids was promptly initiated and the patient was referred to a hematology specialist for further cancer management. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by CNS lymphoma, which can closely mimic incurable neurodegenerative conditions, and underscores the importance of repeat imaging and persistent investigation when a patient's condition continues to deteriorate. Clinicians are reminded that timely diagnosis is critical because, unlike progressive supranuclear palsy, primary CNS lymphoma is a potentially curable malignancy if identified and treated early.
Cureus
Source →Artificial Intelligence for Diagnostic Guidance in Ocular Surface Disorders.
Almobayed A, et al
A new review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine examines how artificial intelligence is being applied to diagnose diseases of the ocular surface, ranging from common conditions like dry eye disease to rare but serious cancers such as ocular surface squamous neoplasia and conjunctival melanoma. Researchers surveyed AI applications across multiple imaging technologies used in eye care, including slit-lamp examination, optical coherence tomography, and in vivo confocal microscopy, as well as tools that analyze tear film and meibomian gland function. The review found that AI models consistently matched or outperformed trained ophthalmologists in diagnostic accuracy, offering reproducible and objective analysis across these diverse conditions. However, the authors caution that most existing studies rely on small, device-specific datasets with limited external validation, which restricts how broadly these tools can be applied in real clinical settings. The review calls for large multicenter datasets, standardized diagnostic criteria, and prospective trials that evaluate human-AI collaboration before these tools can be considered clinically reliable. If these gaps are addressed, AI has the potential to meaningfully improve access to accurate diagnosis and early detection of both benign and malignant ocular surface conditions worldwide.
Journal of clinical medicine
Source →Diagnosis and Management of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome in a Female Ghanaian.
Fiawoo D, et al
Researchers from Ghana present a rare case of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome (PVS) in a 26-year-old Ghanaian woman, a demographic seldom associated with this condition, which typically affects middle-aged to older white women. The patient experienced five years of progressive swallowing difficulties alongside an 18-year history of iron deficiency anemia managed only intermittently with iron supplements. Diagnosis was confirmed via barium swallow imaging, which revealed narrowing in the upper esophagus, and treatment involved serial dilation of the esophageal web combined with iron therapy, resulting in significant improvement. Notably, the patient was found to be pregnant just three months after her PVS diagnosis, underscoring the importance of prompt treatment in women of reproductive age. This case highlights that PVS can affect younger individuals and people of African descent, and that clinicians worldwide should maintain awareness of this condition when evaluating patients with chronic iron deficiency and dysphagia.
Case reports in hematology
Source →Perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted vs. conventional laparoscopy for colorectal cancer resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Al-Ihribat AR, et al
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Surgery compared robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) to conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for colorectal cancer resection, analyzing 21 studies encompassing over 70,000 patients from 2018 to December 2024. Researchers found that RAS significantly reduced the risk of conversion to open surgery and lowered re-operation rates compared to CLS, while also decreasing complication rates in the combined colorectal group. However, RAS was associated with notably longer operative times, and hospital stays were shorter following conventional laparoscopic procedures in several analyses. These findings suggest that robotic-assisted surgery offers meaningful clinical advantages in reducing surgical complications and avoiding the need for open conversion, making it a valuable option for selected patients and specific surgical scenarios involving colorectal cancer.
Frontiers in surgery
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