Phytochemicals are a non-nutritive substances that are present in plants and contribute significantly to their flavor and color. These biologically active compounds are classified into five major groups, namely phenolics, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, nitrogen-containing compounds, and alkaloids, and are known for their potential health benefits in the prevention of various diseases, including cancer. The purpose of this review article is to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of the dietary phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, and stilbenes, in cancer treatment and prevention based on the epidemiological studies and clinical trials. Although the majority of epidemiological studies report a significant advantage of the heightened phytochemical consumption and increased serum levels of these compounds, linking increased exposure with a lower cancer risk across most cancer types, these effects could not be replicated in the most available clinical trials. In fact, many of these trials were withdrawn early due to a lack of evidence and/or risk of harm. Despite the strong anticancer effect of phytochemicals, as well as their proven efficacy in multiple epidemiological studies, there is still a great need for human studies and clinical trials, with great caution regarding the safety measures. This review article provides an overview of the epidemiological and clinical evidence supporting the potential chemopreventive and anticancer properties of phytochemicals, with a focus on the need for further research in this area.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most detrimental toxicity to a patient’s quality of life. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved in CIPN pathogenesis are complex, multifactorial, and only partially examined. They are suspected to be associated with oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS-induced apoptosis, myelin sheath and DNA damage, and immunological and inflammatory processes. Unfortunately, medications commonly used for the management of other neuropathic pain syndromes, including gabapentinoids, opioids, and tricyclic antidepressants (such as desipramine and nortriptyline), do not bring satisfactory results in CIPN. The aim of this review is to evaluate the existing literature on the potential use of medical ozone as a treatment for CIPN. This paper would explore the potential therapeutic benefits of medical ozone. The review would evaluate the existing literature on the use of medical ozone in other contexts, as well as its potential application in treating CIPN. The review would also suggest possible research methods, such as randomized controlled trials, to evaluate the efficacy of medical ozone as a treatment for CIPN. Medical ozone has been used to disinfect and treat diseases for over 150 years. The effectiveness of ozone in treating infections, wounds, and a variety of diseases has been well documented. Ozone therapy is also documented to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its ability to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and ischemia/hypoxia, ozone may have a potentially valuable effect on CIPN.

Introduction: Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder in adults, with an estimated incidence of up to 1% of the population and 5% of people older than 65 years of age. ET is manifested primarily by bilateral postural and kinetic tremor of the upper limbs with or without neurological symptoms and cognitive deficits. ET disrupts daily tasks and significantly lowers quality of life. Currently available medications alone are often insufficient to control severe symptoms. Several surgical treatment options are available, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)—a minimally invasive treatment option aimed at relieving and controlling tremors.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature on the use of SRS in the treatment of ET using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.Results: The results obtained confirm the high efficacy and safety of the SRS procedure in treating drug-resistant intention tremor. The study results present high response rate reaching 80% and achievement of manual task improvement, lessening of the tremor and increase in the quality of life of the majority of the operated patients. The method also stands out for its favorable balance between efficiency and cost.Disscusion: Stereotactic radiosurgery is a favourable, safe, efficient and cost-effective method in treatment of the essential tremor. Ongoing research is crucial to refine patient selection criteria for this procedure and further improve the effectiveness of the technique.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy by enhancing T-cell-mediated immune responses against tumors. However, their use can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) impacting patient outcomes. This single-center, observational study investigates the relationship between immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and survival outcomes and, to our knowledge, is the first of this kind in Polish population. Data of the 151 patients treated with ICIs, with or without chemotherapy, at the Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy in the Independent Public Hospital No. 4 in Lublin were collected from electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier estimator, log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard model (p < 0.05). IrAEs were observed in 38% of the patients, with the most common being thyroid dysfunction (11.9%) and dermal toxicity (6.6%). The median OS for patients with irAEs was 18.7 months, compared to 13.6 months for those without irAEs, though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.284). Patients with moderate toxicity had the highest median OS (26 months), while those with severe toxicity had a median OS of 6.41 months. Late-onset irAEs were associated with improved OS and PFS. Pack-years of smoking significantly impacted both OS (HR = 1.01, p = 0.014) and PFS (HR = 1.01, p = 0.011). Despite results not reaching statistical significance, the findings emphasize the clinical relevance of irAEs in treatment optimization and warrant further research to better understand their role in patient outcomes.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy by enhancing T-cell-mediated immune responses against tumors. However, their use can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), impacting patient outcomes.Methods: This single-center, observational study investigates the relationship between immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and survival outcomes in 151 patients treated with ICIs, with or without chemotherapy, at the Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy in the Independent Public Hospital No. 4 in Lublin. Statistical analyses were performed using the log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard model (p < 0.05).Results: IrAEs were observed in 38% of patients, with the most common being thyroid dysfunction (11.9%) and dermal toxicity (6.6%). Individual toxicity groups presented similar median values of “pack-years”, suggesting that smoking did not have a direct impact on the degree of toxicity. No relationship between the number of “pack-years” and the time of occurrence of toxicity symptoms and the number of toxicity sites was found. Smoking status did not have a moderating effect on the toxicity parameter in survival analysis (OS) and progression free survival analysis (PFS). Pack-years of smoking significantly impacted both OS (HR = 1.01, p = 0.014) and PFS (HR = 1.01, p = 0.011).Disscusion: The results suggested that smoking, measured in pack-years, had no appreciable effect on the amount of toxicity experienced by patients and no correlation between smoking status, irAEs and efficiency of the treatment was found. Despite results not reaching statistical significance, other potential mechanisms by which smoking may influence cancer treatment cannot be ruled out.

Metformin, a widely prescribed treatment for type II diabetes, offers promising benefits beyond glycemic control, including improved lipid profiles and cardiovascular outcomes. It inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver by activating AMPK, thereby reducing glucose production and enhancing glucose uptake in muscle. Recent studies highlight its potential anticancer effects, particularly through the suppression of the mTOR pathway via LKB1-dependent AMPK activation, which inhibits cell proliferation. This review explores metformin’s role as an adjunct therapy in pancreatic cancer, summarizing evidence on its molecular mechanisms and potential efficacy. The findings suggest metformin’s broader therapeutic applications, especially in oncology, warrant further investigation. The aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the role of metformin as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, with particular focus on its molecular mechanisms, such as AMPK activation and mTOR pathway inhibition. The study aims to summarize the current scientific evidence regarding its potential effectiveness.