Aim: To assess the prognostic role of the CA-125 elimination rate constant K (KELIM) score in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer patients receiving second-line treatment. Methods: A retro... Plain language summary This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of a scoring system called CA-125 elimination rate constant K (KELIM) in predicting the outcomes of ovarian cancer patients who...

Background: Advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer is associated with variable survival outcomes, despite standardized treatments. Identifying reliable and accessible prognostic markers is critical to guide clinical decision-making. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) in patients with FIGO stage III–IV epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 89 patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed. The mGPS was calculated from pre-treatment serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. Results: The median OS was 32.3 months. When stratified by mGPS categories, the 2-year survival rates were 94%, 75%, and 34% in the mGPS 0, 1, and 2 groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, both mGPS (HR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.12–3.07; p = 0.016) and ECOG performance status (HR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.02–2.75; p = 0.043) were identified as independent predictors of overall survival. Conclusions: The mGPS is a simple, low-cost, and independently predictive tool for overall survival in advanced ovarian cancer. By capturing both systemic inflammation and nutritional status, it enhances risk stratification and may support individualized treatment planning. Prospective validation is warranted.

Background: Metastatic bladder cancer (mBC) presents a significant global health challenge with a poor prognosis and considerably limited survival. Despite advancements in therapies, long-term survival remains difficult to predict. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of various pretreatment blood-based biomarkers, including the NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, SII, mGPS, CAR, AGR, PNI, PIV, and Bellmunt score, in mBC patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 133 patients from Hacettepe University Cancer Institute was analyzed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models were used to assess overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: There was a significant association between multiple biomarkers and OS in the univariate analysis, with a higher NLR, PLR, and SII linked to worse outcomes. However, in the multivariate analysis, only the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) maintained independent prognostic significance for OS (HR: 1.984, p = 0.013). This suggests that the mGPS, which reflects systemic inflammation and nutritional status, is a robust predictor of survival in mBC. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of integrating blood-based biomarkers into clinical decision-making to improve personalized treatment strategies. However, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and assess their applicability to newer therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody–drug conjugates.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the habits and knowledge of cancer patients regarding the use of herbal medicines and dietary supplements in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Methods: The data of 181 cancer patients who were over 18 years old and received ICIs were collected. The usage patterns, anticipated benefits and harms, and sources of supply were evaluated by filling researcher-prepared forms. Results: Most patients did not use any kind of herbal medicine (91.2%) or dietary supplements (75.9%) during their immunotherapy. Boosting the immune system is the primary motivation for use among users. Multivitamins are the most frequently used supplements. Family members and TV advertisements were the main sources of information, in addition to limited advice from healthcare professionals. A minority of participants reported gastrointestinal side effects. Herbal medicine and dietary supplement use were more prevalent among patients with stage IV cancer and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Discussion: This study revealed that the limited uptake of herbal medicines and dietary supplements alongside ICI treatment among cancer patients. The lack of adequate information from healthcare professionals poses potential risks to patients. Improved communication with patients, education regarding herbal medicine and dietary supplement use, potential interactions, and associated risks during ICI treatment are essential. Further research is needed to identify the specific needs of patients, anticipated benefits, and potential harms of herbal medicine and dietary supplement use, together with ICIs.

Background: People socialize and receive education and training for the first time outside the home at school, where their teachers act as role models. Teachers play a crucial role in instilling sun-protection habits in children. Avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., staying in the shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, wearing sunglasses, wearing hats, using sunscreen products, and using an umbrella are some of the sun-protection methods described in the literature. This study sought to assess teachers’ skin cancer knowledge and attitudes (SC). Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted between 21 September 2020, and 21 October 2020, 647 teachers from 30 schools in Kahramanmaras were included with their consent. The number of teachers employed at Kahramanmaras was 1863. Accordingly, the sample was found to be 641 with a 5% margin of error and a 99% confidence interval. Schools were selected by a simple random method. Teachers’ knowledge and behaviors were assessed using a 25-point questionnaire designed by the literature data to gauge the level of SC knowledge. Results: Of the 647 teachers included in this study, 230 (35.5%) were male, and 417 (64.5%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 38.44 ± 8.79 (min = 22, max = 65) years. The knowledge level of the teachers about SC was 13.54 ± 4.48 (min = 0, max = 23). The internet (75.9%) was the most preferred source of information. SC knowledge level was significantly higher in those with SC in their families and birthmarks on their bodies. (p < 0.001, p = 0.042, respectively). The rate of precaution taken to protect from the sun was higher in those with higher knowledge (p = 0.032). Women, primary school teachers, those with skin type 1, those with multiple nevi, and those with a high level of SC knowledge used statistically significantly more sunscreen (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.037, p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: It was found that the knowledge level of teachers about skin cancer and sun-protective behaviors was moderate. Correct behaviors increased as knowledge about SC grew. Information and recommendations made on the Internet should be made by experts. Additionally, health policymakers should implement projects aimed at improving teachers’ knowledge and behaviors and, through them, teaching students about SC; as such projects would significantly contribute to both public health and health economics.

Background and Objectives: A high baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a poor prognostic factor in various cancers. However, its predictive role in metastatic bladder cancer (mBC) treated with immunotherapy is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the baseline and change in NLR and overall survival in mBC patients treated with immunotherapy, with the potential to significantly impact patient care. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 56 mBC patients who received second-line immunotherapy after progressing on platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were classified into high and low NLR groups using a cutoff value of 3.3. A further division was made based on NLR changes after two cycles of immunotherapy: whether NLR increased (≥10%) or decreased (≥10%). The endpoint was to estimate the association between clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. Results: The study included 56 patients, with a median age of 66.6 years and a male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1. A low baseline NLR was associated with better OS than a high baseline NLR (p = 0.005). After two immunotherapy cycles, patients with a decreased NLR (≥10%) had significantly longer OS than those with an increased NLR (≥10%), regardless of the baseline NLR (p = 0.003). The overall median survival was 15 months, with 10 months for the NLR-increased group and not reached for the NLR-decreased group. Conclusions: Our study highlights the potential of baseline NLR and early changes in NLR as valuable prognostic markers for mBC patients receiving immunotherapy. Elevated neutrophils and lymphopenia negatively impact prognosis and treatment effectiveness, and NLR shows promise as a prognostic marker, inspiring further research and potential improvements in patient care.