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 In fact, many of these trials were withdrawn early due to a lack of evidence and/or risk of harm.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.

Background: The type of tumor is a huge determinant of survival and treatment outcomes, particularly with immunotherapy, which uses the immune system to target cancer cells. The response to immunotherapy varies depending on tumor types and is influenced by factors such as genetic mutations and the tumor microenvironment. Materials and methods: The present retrospective study analyzed records for 151 patients who underwent immunotherapy at a single center between 2019 and 2023. The cohort included adults diagnosed with solid tumors, primarily NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). Immunotherapy agents included pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and others. Data on age, cancer stage, treatment response, adverse events, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were collected. Statistical analyses, including the Cox proportional hazards model, assessed the impact of tumor types and subtypes on survival outcomes. Results: The median age of the cohort was 69 (SD, 10.3) years, and the majority of the patients were men (64.9%). NSCLC was the predominant tumor type (78.1% of cases). In comparison to adenocarcinoma NSCLC, squamous NSCLC showed a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for OS (HR 1.49) and PFS (HR 1.47). Renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer had lower HRs, suggesting a better prognosis. Conclusions: This study highlights how responses to immunotherapy can differ widely based on tumor type, emphasizing the importance of personalized therapy approaches. These insights underscore the need for further research to tailor immunotherapy more effectively to different cancer types.