The present review demonstrates the major tumor suppressor genes, including TP53, CDKN2A and SMAD4, associated with pancreatic cancer. Each gene’s role, prevalence and impact on tumor development and progression are analyzed, focusing on the intricate molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer. In addition, this review underscores the prognostic significance of specific mutations, such as loss of TP53, and explores some potential targeted therapies tailored to these molecular signatures. The findings highlight the importance of genomic analyses for risk assessment, early detection and the design of personalized treatment approaches in pancreatic cancer. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular intricacies of pancreatic tumors, paving the way for more effective and tailored therapeutic interventions.

The electronic diagnostic tools of acute appendicitis present serious disadvantages, thus some clinical scores have been formed in order to reach the diagnosis easily and safely. Alvarado and RIPASA scores are the most commonly used and the purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of these two scoring systems. We searched MEDLINE (1966-2017), Scopus (2004-2017), ClinicalTrials.gov (2008-2017), Google Scholar (2004-2017) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2017) databases. We selected all observational cohort studies that reported diagnostic parameters of Alvarado and RIPASA diagnostic scores on patients with clinical status of acute appendicitis. Statistical meta-analysis was performed with Meta Disc 1.4 software. Twelve studies were included in our meta-analysis which enrolled 2161 patients. The sensitivity of RIPASA score was 94% (95% CI, 92%-95%) and the specificity was 55% (95% CI, 51%-55%). In addition, the area under the Roc Curve (AUC) was 0.9431 and the diagnostic Odds Ratio was 24.66 (95% CI, 8.06 to 75.43). The sensitivity of Alvarado score was 69% (95% CI, 67%-71%) and the specificity was 77% (95% CI, 74%-80%). Moreover, the AUC was 0.7944 and the diagnostic Odds Ratio was 7.99 (95% CI, 4.75 to 13.43). RIPASA scoring system is more sensitive than Alvarado one, but the low specificity forms the need of a supplementary mean to provide the accurate diagnosis. Nevertheless, the wide and safe use of both tests is recommended in health systems that lack electronic diagnostic tests, such us developing countries or rural hospitals.

Objective: Malnutrition is common in patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Our goal was to explore postoperative compliance with oral nutritional supplementation and define barriers to consumption in patients with esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric cancer. Methods: Participants were prospectively recruited from September 2015 to November 2018. Preoperative nutritional status was assessed using the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Malnourished patients and patients at risk for malnutrition were offered oral nutritional supplementation at the time of hospital discharge. Compliance was evaluated 1 month after hospital discharge. Results: A total of 78 patients were analyzed. Mean patient age was 62.8 ± 10.7 years and 83.3% were males. Εsophagectomy and gastrectomy were performed in 60.3% and 39.7% of the patients respectively. Twenty-eight (35.9%) participants reported consuming all prescribed supplements, whereas 50 (64.1%) patients were noncompliant with their prescribed oral nutritional supplementation regimen. The main barriers to oral nutritional supplementation compliance were bloating (compliant vs. noncompliant patients: 17.9% vs. 58%, p < 0.001), early satiety (compliant vs. noncompliant patients: 25% vs. 52.32%, p < 0.001), flavor or texture dislike (compliant vs. noncompliant patients: 7.1% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), and diarrhea (compliant vs. noncompliant patients: 10.7% vs. 24%, p < 0.001). No other statistically significant differences were identified between the two groups. Conclusions: Postoperative compliance to oral nutritional supplementation is low in patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Patient education and support as well as providing a range of oral nutrition supplement flavors, texture, and compositions may be useful in increasing adherence to oral nutritional supplementation regimens.