Laryngeal dysplasia is a pre-cancerous lesion within the larynx. This study aims to identify factors influencing progression to cancer by analysing long-term follow-up data.

Data from 221 patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics, treatment strategies and follow-up results were compared.

Progression to cancer occurred in 26 patients (11.7 per cent). A significant association was found between cancer progression and initial biopsies obtained from the anterior commissure (34.6 per cent in progressing cases vs. 6.2 per cent in non-progressing; p < 0.001). Carcinoma in situ cases showed a higher progression rate (21.7%) compared to mild dysplasia (3.4 per cent) (p = 0.007). The group with cancer progression also had higher rates of other cancers (15.4 per cent vs. 2.1 per cent; p = 0.008), including lung cancer (11.5 per cent vs. 0 per cent; p = 0.001).

The study determined an 11.7 per cent progression rate of laryngeal dysplasia to cancer. Lesions involving the anterior commissure carried an approximately 8.1-fold increased risk of progression.

Expressive writing interventions (EWIs) are associated with important psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. However, EWIs have not been widely integrated into routine psychosocial care of cancer populations. A review of the current literature on EWIs’ impact on the cancer patient experience, including qualitative analyses of patient perspectives, will increase our understanding of barriers and facilitators to adoption in clinical settings.

To bridge existing gaps in the literature by examining quantitative and qualitative studies on EWIs for patients with cancer. To present recent data examining the benefits of EWI’s for patients with cancer.To provide strategies for clinicians engaging in EWI’s for their patients.

Informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we completed a scoping review of relevant quantitative and qualitative articles published from 2015 to 2025 to assess the impact of EWIs on health-related outcomes (e.g., physical symptoms and quality of life [QOL]) as well as approaches to improve their use in patients with cancer.

Of the 28 studies with 3527 patients that we analyzed, 24 were quantitative and 4 were qualitative. Most studies were conducted in the USA (42.8%) or China (28.6%) and included patients with breast cancer (71.4%) or only included women (71.4%). Of the patients in the studies, 46.8% identified as White, 42.8% as Asian, 5.5% as Black, and 4.5% as Latino. Twenty-one of the quantitative studies found that EWIs were positively associated with cancer patients’ QOL and/or physical health outcomes. Of the 4 qualitative studies, themes of narrative reconstruction, cultural disclosure norms, and intervention delivery format emerged. The characteristics of EWI methods can be tailored to maximize therapeutic benefits through cultural adaptation, timing, and privacy.

Despite promising associations between EWIs and health-related outcomes in patients with cancer, EWIs for cancer populations are heterogeneous and randomized clinical trials are limited. Larger trials that establish the efficacy of EWIs in diverse cancer populations are warranted.

As cancer incidence and survival rates rise, caregivers responsible for providing diverse support face increased burden and reduced quality of life (QoL). Although research on web-based interventions for this group is expanding, the impact of these interventions on caregiver burden and QoL remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of web-based interventions on the caregiver burden and QoL of caregivers of patients with cancer.

Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO from database inception to 10 June 2024. Two reviewers independently assessed each study and extracted data. The risk-of-bias in the studies was evaluated using Cochrane’s Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized controlled trials. The intervention effects were calculated using R package Meta version 4.0.3, utilizing standardized mean differences (SMD; Hedge’s ĝ) to calculate pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Publication bias assessment and sensitivity analysis were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.

We reviewed 13 randomized controlled trials; our analysis indicated a small effect size of web-based interventions on caregiver burden (SMD = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.36 to −0.01). However, sensitivity analysis concluded that the effect was very small or nearly absent. Additionally, there was no statistically significant effect on QoL (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.05 to 0.36).

Web-based interventions did not significantly reduce caregiver burden or improve caregivers’ QoL. To improve caregiver burden and QoL in the future, comprehensive and tailored web-based interventions for this population are needed.

The aim of this article is to develop and pilot test a new supportive care intervention, Empower GBM, designed for patients with glioblastoma and their family caregivers to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life.

Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients diagnosed with glioblastoma and their caregivers to obtain information about their experiences and needs in coping with glioblastoma. We also gathered their feedback about the supportive care intervention we were proposing (Phase I). Following Phase I, we conducted a single-arm pilot to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the 6-session intervention (Phase II).

During interviews (N = 14), patients and caregivers reported having the most difficulty and distress surrounding disease progression and management, maintaining dignity and autonomy, negotiation of roles and responsibilities, and maintaining connection with one another. Participants endorsed that an intervention like Empower GBM with skills focused on managing symptoms to increase independence, increasing caregiving efficacy and support, and coping with dyadic challenges would be of potential benefit. Preliminary results from the pilot study (N = 11) suggested the intervention is both feasible (e.g., 82% completed all 6 sessions and post-treatment surveys) and acceptable (88.9% reported a mean satisfaction score of 3 or higher; mean score of 3.57/4.0). Improvements in psychological outcomes, functional well-being, and caregiving efficacy from pre- to post-treatment survey results suggested the potential benefits of the intervention.

We developed a novel supportive care intervention informed by the dyadic illness model that is designed to meet the individual and interpersonal needs of patients with glioblastoma and their caregivers. Unique features include its flexibility to be delivered to patients and/or their family caregivers individually or jointly, while providing skills and strategies to meet the needs of both individuals and the dyad as the unit of care in coping with glioblastoma.

Patients with cancer frequently experience insomnia that significantly impacts their quality of life, worsens existing symptoms, and potentially hinders treatment outcomes and recovery. Here, we report on 3 cancer patients whose insomnia was improved with low-dose olanzapine.

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for 3 cancer patients experiencing insomnia treated with olanzapine at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The data collection included the type of cancer diagnosis, the level of insomnia severity experienced by individuals, and treatment results and outcome.

Olanzapine improved sleep in all 3 patients and decreased nausea/vomiting and anxiety in patients 2 and 3.

A low dose of olanzapine has potential to treat insomnia in cancer patients. The ideal dosing regimens and potential risks are unclear, especially for long-term use. More research and clinical trials are needed to evaluate off-label use of olanzapine for insomnia, including its efficacy and risks, and to optimize the dosage to reduce its side effects in cancer patients. Oncology providers should consider olanzapine as a potential treatment for insomnia, especially given its off-label uses and potential benefits.

The risk of cancers associated with psychiatric disorders is understudied.

To investigate whether cancer risk varies with the presence of psychiatric disorders.

Patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in South Korea between 1 January and 31 December 2017 were included in the study and referred to as the psychiatric disorder group. The non-psychiatric-disorder group, selected using a stratified random sampling technique based on age and gender, comprised individuals who had never been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. The primary outcome was a new cancer diagnosis, assessed over a 5-year period (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022).

Following 1:1 propensity score matching, the final analysis included data for 686 570 adults (343 285 in each group). The cancer incidence in the psychiatric disorder group from 2018 to 2022 was 15.4% (52 948/343 285), whereas in the non-psychiatric-disorder group, it was 12.8% (43 989/343 285). Cox regression analysis revealed that the psychiatric disorder group had a 23% higher occurrence of cancer compared with non-psychiatric-disorder controls (hazard ratio: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.24; P < 0.001). Significant associations between cancer incidence and specific psychiatric disorders were observed in individuals with alcohol-related disorders (hazard ratio: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.32; P < 0.001), anxiety disorders (hazard ratio: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.17; P < 0.001) and major depressive disorder (hazard ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.18; P < 0.001).

Individuals with psychiatric disorders were more likely to develop cancer than those without. We identified associations of alcohol-related disorders, anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder with cancer risk.

This study explores the perspectives of cancer lay health providers and civil society on the barriers and facilitators to cancer detection and treatment among women.

In 2010, the Moroccan Ministry of Health implemented a national plan for cancer care and control. Activities focused on strengthening multisectoral collaboration in cancer care and control, including promoting early detection in primary care. Despite progress in reducing women’s cancer mortality, socio-cultural challenges impede further gains. Elucidating the perspectives of the community-based and civil society allied in cancer control is critical to addressing cancer disparities.

Data were collected through in-depth interviews with cancer lay health advisors (n = 10) and civil society members (n = 10) on topics of challenges and opportunities to improve care-seeking and treatment. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and guided by the socio-ecological model.

Barriers and facilitators to early diagnosis and treatment were identified at levels of the individual, family, community/societal, and the health system. Barriers to early detection include taboo and stigma, fear of death, and gender norms and roles. Financial and geographic barriers, lack of psychosocial support, and poor health system/provider communication were major deterrents related to treatment. Results suggest intervention targets to reduce late-stage presentation for women, including enhancing educational efforts and augmenting community outreach linkages to primary care.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but regulate diverse biological processes. Dysregulation of ncRNAs is implicated in cancer, where chemical modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), and glycosylation critically influence their function. However, these modifications, as precise regulators of ncRNA activity, have been less well-documented and understood in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

This article systematically analyzes the roles of chemically modified ncRNAs – ribosomal RNA (rRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and others – in cancer biology, synthesizingevidence from published studies on their mechanistic involvement in malignancy.

We reveal how specific chemical modifications drive oncogenesis, impact cancer diagnosis, and affect therapeutic responses, while also exploring their prognostic potential. Furthermore, we highlight emerging connections between ncRNA epitranscriptomics and cancer.

This review provides novel insights into ncRNA epitranscriptomics as emerging biomarkers and intervention targets for precision oncology.

To describe the frequency of prognostic awareness (PA) in a population of advanced cancer patients in a Latino community and to explore the relationship between accurate PA with emotional distress and other covariates.

In this cross-sectional study performed in Puente Alto, Chile, advanced cancer patients in palliative care completed a survey that included a single question to assess PA (Do you believe your cancer is curable? yes/no). Patients reporting that their cancer was not curable were considered as having accurate PA. Demographics, emotional distress, quality of life, and patient perception of treatment goals were also assessed. Analyses to explore associations between PA and patient variables were adjusted.

A total of 201 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 65, 50% female. One hundred and three patients (51%) reported an accurate PA. In the univariate analysis, accurate PA was associated with not having a partner (p = 0.012), increased emotional distress (p = 0.013), depression (p = 0.003), and were less likely to report that the goal of the treatment was to get rid of the cancer (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, patients with accurate PA had higher emotional distress or depression, were less likely to have a partner, and to report that the goal of the treatment was to get rid of the cancer.

Half of a population of Latino advanced cancer patients reported an accurate PA. Accurate PA was associated with increased emotional distress, which is similar to what has been reported in other countries. Weaknesses in prognostic disclosure by clinicians, local cultural factors, or higher motivation to seek prognostic information among distressed cancer patients could explain this association. Strategies to emotionally support patients when discussing prognostic information should be implemented.

This study aimed to refine the content of a new patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure via cognitive interviewing techniques to assess the unique presentation of depressive symptoms in older adults with cancer (OACs).

OACs (≥ 70years) with a history of a depressive disorder were administered a draft measure of the Older Adults with Cancer – Depression (OAC-D) Scale, then participated in a semi-structured cognitive interview to provide feedback on the appropriateness, comprehensibility, and overall acceptability of measure. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and qualitative methods guided revision of scale content and structure.

OACs (N = 10) with a range of cancer diagnoses completed cognitive interviews. Participants felt that the draft measure took a reasonable amount of time to answer and was easily understandable. They favored having item prompts and response anchors repeated with each item for ease of completion, and they helped identify phrasing and wording of key terms consistent with the authors’ intended constructs. From this feedback, a revised version of the OAC-D was created.

The OAC-D Scale is the first PRO developed specifically for use with OACs. The use of expert and patient input and rigorous cognitive interviewing methods provides a conceptually accurate means of assessing the unique symptom experience of OACs with depression.

This article aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics and our experience with the diagnosis and management of laryngocele. We offer our perspectives for cases associated with laryngeal cancer.

A retrospective study of 14 patients with laryngocele was accomplished from June 2014 to June 2024. Clinical data were analyzed through descriptive statistical methods.

A total of 14 laryngocele patients were divided into internal type (n = 11; 78.6 per cent) and combined type (n = 3; 21.4 per cent). Nine laryngocele patients (n = 9; 64.3 per cent) were accompanied by laryngeal cancer. The transoral approach was applied in 11 internal laryngocele patients with no post-operative complications or recurrences.

Laryngoscopy and imaging examination are helpful for diagnosis especially to exclude laryngeal cancer. The transoral approach is effective for the internal type, and the key is to resect the anterior part of the false vocal fold. For patients with concomitant laryngeal cancer, the laryngocele should be promptly managed.

We previously developed a 24-item Terminal Delirium-Related Distress Scale (TDDS) to evaluate patient and family distress due to terminal delirium. However, a scale with fewer evaluation items was needed to reduce the burden on terminally ill patients and their families. Thus, the TDDS Shortform (TDDS-SF) was developed, and the validity and reliability of the scale were evaluated.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of TDDS-SF.

Items with insufficient loading (<0.6) based on factor analysis were removed from the TDDS. Palliative care experts reviewed each item and checked the structure of the scale. Based on their feedback, we developed the TDDS-SF, a 15-item questionnaire consisting of 4 subscales, including “Care for the family,” “Ability to communicate,” “Psychiatric symptoms,” and “Adequate information and discussion about treatment for delirium.” A cross-sectional, self-completed questionnaire survey of bereaved families of cancer patients who were admitted to a hospice/palliative care unit was conducted in August 2018. The survey included the TDDS-SF, Good Death Inventory (GDI), Care Evaluation Scale (CES), and distress score in the Delirium Experience Questionnaire. The validity, including construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and internal consistency, and reliability, including the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for internal consistency, of the TDDS-SF were evaluated.

The study included 366 bereaved family members. Factor analysis revealed good construct validity. Convergent validity was demonstrated based on good correlations with the CES (r = − 0.54, P < 0.001) and the GDI (r = − 0.54, P < 0.001). Discriminant validity was demonstrated by a low correlation (r = 0.23, P < 0.001) with the distress scores of bereaved families. The internal consistency was also good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.70–0.94).

The TDDS-SF is a valid and feasible tool for assessing irreversible terminal delirium-related distress. A study targeting patients and their families with end-of-life delirium is planned for the near future.

Naldemedine is a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist used to treat opioid-induced constipation. As this drug does not cross the blood–brain barrier, it is believed that patients without brain metastases do not experience opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Here, we experienced a case in which a cancer patient without brain metastasis presented with anxiety and restlessness that was severe enough to interfere with daily life. The patient was diagnosed with naldemedine-induced opioid withdrawal syndrome.

The patient was a 66-year-old male with liver cancer metastasizing to the chest wall, but without brain metastasis. Oxycodone was started at 10 mg/day 2 months prior to his visit to our department to treat pain related to the chest wall metastasis, and was increased to 100 mg/day 1 month later and maintained at that dose. Naldemedine was administered as a countermeasure against opioid-induced constipation. The patient developed anxiety and restlessness 10 days prior to his initial visit to our department.

After detailed examination, naldemedine-related opiod withdrawal syndrome was suspected on the basis of anxiety, agitation, and episodes of sudden onset sweating, and these symptoms disappeared within 2 days after the discontinuation of naldemedine, with no recurrence observed thereafter. In addition, head MRI revealed no brain metastasis.

Even in patients without brain metastasis, naldemedine can induce opioid withdrawal symptoms, so caution is required with patients receiving this drug. In addition, when psychiatric symptoms are pronounced, as in this case, withdrawal symptoms may be underdiagnosed.