Latest Research
All publications from the Cancer3.AI database, newest first.
Prevalence of men's health history in male breast cancer patients.
Scagliotti MF, et al
Researchers at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires conducted a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence of men's health conditions among 57 male breast cancer patients seen between 2010 and 2018. The study found that over half of the patients had obesity (53%) and nearly a quarter had diabetes (24.5%), consistent with previously reported figures in the literature. Notably, 60.7% of evaluated patients reported sexual dysfunction, 29.2% had gynecomastia, and 63% had laboratory-confirmed androgen deficiency, with testosterone levels lower than typically seen in men of similar age. These findings suggest that hormonal imbalances, particularly testosterone deficiency, may play an important role in the development of male breast cancer. The authors conclude that clinicians should be aware of these risk factors and that further research into the role of endogenous hormones is needed to improve counseling and care for men at elevated risk of this rare disease.
Endocrinologia, diabetes y nutricion
Source →Ependymomas.
Bertero L, et al
This review article examines ependymomas, a diverse group of brain and spinal cord tumors arising from cells that line the ventricular system and spinal canal, focusing on how their classification has been updated in the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors. Researchers summarize significant advances in understanding the molecular and genetic characteristics of these tumors, which have enabled a more precise and clinically meaningful categorization. Key updates include renaming the RELA fusion-positive ependymoma to ZFTA fusion-positive, the addition of a new YAP1 fusion-positive subtype in supratentorial tumors, and a revised classification of posterior fossa ependymomas into Type A and Type B based on molecular profiling. A newly identified spinal ependymoma subtype characterized by MYCN gene amplification has been added due to its poor prognosis, while myxopapillary ependymoma has been upgraded to grade 2 to better reflect its clinical behavior. These changes are highly significant for pathologists and oncologists, as molecular-based classification enables more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and potentially more targeted treatment planning for patients with these tumors.
Pathologica
Source →Rare embryonal and sarcomatous central nervous system tumours: State-of-the art and future directions.
Gojo J, et al
Researchers reviewed the current state of knowledge on rare embryonal and sarcomatous tumours of the central nervous system (CNS), focusing on five newly recognized tumour types introduced in the 2021 WHO 5th edition classification. The study examined distinct tumour entities including embryonal tumour with multi-layered rosettes (ETMR), CNS neuroblastoma with FOXR2 activation, CNS tumour with BCOR internal tandem duplication, DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma, and CIC-rearranged sarcoma. Advances in molecular diagnostics have revealed that these tumours each carry unique genetic and histological features that cannot be identified through conventional pathology alone, making comprehensive molecular testing essential for accurate diagnosis. Because these tumours are extremely rare, clinical evidence is limited to small retrospective cohorts, making standardized treatment guidelines difficult to establish. The authors provide practical guidance for diagnosis and clinical management while stressing the urgent need for international collaborative efforts to collect data on these rare paediatric brain tumours. Wider implementation of molecular diagnostics could meaningfully improve outcomes for affected children by ensuring they receive tumour-type-appropriate therapy.
European journal of medical genetics
Source →Nonlymphoid Hematopoietic Diseases Presenting in Bone, Soft Tissue, and Other Extranodal Sites.
Cassidy DP, et al
Researchers at a major academic medical center reviewed cases of rare hematopoietic (blood-forming) cancers that first appeared not in the blood or lymph nodes, but in unusual locations such as bones, soft tissues, and other extranodal sites, studying cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2021. These tumors, which include myeloid neoplasms and histiocytic or dendritic cell neoplasms, often cause vague, nonspecific symptoms that make early recognition extremely difficult. A key finding was that the microscopic appearance of these cancers can closely mimic benign tumors and non-cancerous inflammatory conditions, creating significant diagnostic pitfalls for surgical pathologists. The review highlights specific morphological and immunophenotypic features that can help distinguish these rare malignancies from look-alike conditions. Because delays in diagnosis can prevent patients from receiving potentially life-saving treatments, the authors emphasize that rapid and accurate identification of these entities is critically important for improving patient outcomes.
Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
Source →Sweat Gland Carcinoma With Neuroendocrine Differentiation of the Areola as a Potential Clinicopathologic Mimicker of Male Breast Carcinoma and Syringocystadenocarcinoma Papilliferum.
Bun S, et al
Researchers in dermatopathology report a rare case of sweat gland carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation (SCAND), a newly recognized type of skin tumor arising from sweat gland tissue, occurring on the areola of a 68-year-old man. The tumor presented diagnostic challenges because its microscopic appearance closely mimicked two other conditions: male breast ductal carcinoma in situ and syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum, a rare malignant sweat gland tumor. Detailed immunohistochemical analysis, including positive staining for neuroendocrine markers such as chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and INSM1, alongside markers like GATA3 and estrogen receptor, was essential in reaching the correct diagnosis of SCAND. The patient remained disease-free nearly two years after surgical removal of the tumor, though he later died from an unrelated cerebral hemorrhage. This case highlights the importance of considering SCAND in the differential diagnosis when evaluating unusual skin tumors near the nipple-areola region, particularly to avoid misdiagnosis as breast cancer or other sweat gland malignancies, which could lead to inappropriate treatment.
The American Journal of dermatopathology
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