Latest Research
All publications from the Cancer3.AI database, newest first.
Treatment of extramedullary tumors: morbidity and long-term results.
Klekamp J
A large single-center study from Germany analyzed surgical outcomes in 500 patients who underwent 570 operations for intradural extramedullary spinal tumors between 1991 and 2024, with follow-up extending up to 34 years. The research found that complete tumor resection, achieved in 87.4% of cases, was the strongest predictor of favorable outcomes, yielding recurrence-free survival rates of approximately 77% at 10 years, compared to only 36.4% after partial resection. Permanent surgical morbidity was low at 4.8% for first-time surgeries but rose substantially to 18.4% for operations on recurrent tumors, highlighting the importance of achieving complete removal at the initial procedure. Surgeon experience proved critical: operators with more than 100 such procedures achieved significantly better recurrence-free outcomes than less experienced surgeons at every postoperative time point. Among the main tumor types—schwannomas, meningiomas, filum terminale ependymomas, and hamartomas—schwannomas showed the best overall results, while meningiomas had the lowest 10-year recurrence-free rate at 73.3% despite complete resection. These findings provide important benchmarks for neurosurgeons and patients, underscoring that early referral to high-volume, experienced surgical centers maximizes the chance of cure and minimizes long-term disability.
Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
Source →LNP-Delivered CAR-mRNA Enables in Vivo CAR-Macrophage Production for TYRP1-Targeted Therapy of Choroidal Melanoma.
Chen W, et al
Researchers developed a novel immunotherapy approach for choroidal melanoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer, by engineering lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver cancer-fighting instructions directly to immune cells within the tumor. The LNPs were conjugated with an F4/80 antibody to specifically target macrophages and carried mRNA encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed against TYRP1, a protein abundantly expressed on melanoma cells. In a mouse model of choroidal melanoma, this targeted treatment successfully reprogrammed immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages into an activated, tumor-fighting state, significantly reducing tumor burden and extending animal survival without causing systemic toxicity. The approach is notable because it avoids the costly and complex process of manufacturing CAR cells outside the body, instead generating functional CAR-macrophages directly within the patient's own tumor environment. These findings suggest that in vivo LNP-based CAR-mRNA delivery to macrophages could represent a promising and safer alternative to conventional cell therapies for intraocular melanoma and potentially other solid tumors.
Current eye research
Source →Synchronous Bilateral Retinoblastoma and Precursor B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Treatment-Naive Infant With a De Novo Germline RB1 Variant.
Alqahtani AS, et al
This case report describes an exceptionally rare occurrence in a treatment-naive infant who was simultaneously diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma (a cancer of the retina affecting both eyes) and precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), a type of blood cancer. Genetic analysis revealed a de novo germline variant in the RB1 gene, meaning the mutation arose spontaneously rather than being inherited, and was present in every cell of the child's body from birth. The RB1 gene normally acts as a tumor suppressor, and its loss of function is well established as the primary driver of hereditary retinoblastoma, but its concurrent role in leukemia development in this context is a striking and poorly understood finding. This case raises important questions about whether germline RB1 mutations may predispose patients to hematologic malignancies beyond retinal tumors, with implications for genetic counseling and cancer surveillance in affected families. Clinicians managing children with germline RB1 alterations may need to maintain heightened awareness for secondary or concurrent malignancies, including leukemia, even at very young ages.
Pediatric blood & cancer
Source →Oculoplastic Surgery Knowledge among Ophthalmology Residents. A Saudi Survey-based Study.
Alnaim MF, et al
A cross-sectional survey conducted in Saudi Arabia assessed the oculoplastic surgery knowledge, training exposure, and perceived value of this subspecialty among 102 ophthalmology residents enrolled in the Saudi Board of Ophthalmology program. The study found that the majority of residents (87.3%) demonstrated a good overall level of knowledge, with a mean score of 13.55 out of 20, and showed particular strength in understanding core procedures such as orbital fracture repair and eyelid removal for skin cancer. However, notable knowledge gaps were identified in areas such as thyroid eye disease management and surgical prioritization, and training exposure varied dramatically across participants, ranging from just 1 to 156 weeks. Knowledge scores differed significantly based on region of residence and training level, and while 80.4% of residents were satisfied with their training, many cited limited access to consultants and cases as barriers. The findings suggest that standardizing and expanding oculoplastic surgery training within Saudi ophthalmology residency programs could better prepare physicians for the multidisciplinary care demands of this growing subspecialty.
Annals of African medicine
Source →Tumor Destructive Mechanical Impulse (TMI) Treatment of Solid Tumors. Part III: Transcranial Application, Immune Profile, Blood-Brain Barrier, Neuroprotection, Neuromodulation and Neurostimulation.
Theuer AE, et al
Researchers investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of a non-invasive treatment called Tumor Destructive Mechanical Impulse (TMI), which uses targeted shock waves to destroy solid tumors, specifically exploring its application through the skull to treat brain tumors. The study defined optimal treatment parameters including energy levels, energy flux density, and shock wave frequency needed to penetrate the skull and reach brain tissue safely. In two patients with brain metastases originating from malignant melanoma, transcranial TMI treatment produced measurable tumor regression, and one patient achieved a complete tumor-free recovery. Importantly, no damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue was detected in either case, and the authors noted signs consistent with neuro-regenerative effects reported in experimental literature. These early clinical findings suggest that transcranial TMI may represent a promising new approach for treating brain tumors and warrants further systematic investigation as a potentially safe and effective option for patients with limited treatment alternatives.
Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology
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