Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms among pregnancy-associated cancers (PACs). Risk factors include excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the presence of benign and dysplastic nevi, and a patient or family history of melanoma. Self-examination and careful inspection of nevi are crucial, especially in the context of their progression over time. Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the darkening and enlargement of the nevi, delay the diagnosis of CMM. In the fetus, metastases are very rare, and if they do occur, they concern the placenta or fetal tissues. The choice of treatment is influenced by the cancer stage, symptoms, the time of termination of pregnancy, and the patient’s decision. Essential procedures which are safe for the fetus are diagnostic biopsy, ultrasound, and the therapeutic excision of the lesion and the affected lymph nodes. Other imaging methods can be used with a safe radiation dose limit of 100 mGy. Immunotherapy and targeted treatments must be carefully considered, because of their possible adverse effects on the fetus. An interdisciplinary approach to the problem of melanoma during pregnancy is necessary, involving doctors of various specialties.

Despite major advances in medicine, cancer treatment remains a considerable challenge. The rising incidence of new cases and the frequent resistance to cytostatics suggest that standard therapies may be insufficient. This highlights the need for novel compounds with potential anticancer activity and minimal side effects. Among natural molecules, soy isoflavones appear particularly promising. Soybeans and red clover are abundant in genistein and daidzein – isoflavones which are currently used as dietary supplements to alleviate menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Reports also suggest potential benefits in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Their mechanisms of action are diverse and extend beyond estrogenic activity, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. In cancer, proposed mechanisms involve modulation of estrogen receptors, copper ion–dependent induction of cell death, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, regulation of epigenetic processes, and effects on platelet function. Owing to their estrogen receptor interactions, isoflavones have been studied particularly in hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies have reported promising results in other malignancies, including gliomas, neuroblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung and bladder cancers, osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. In summary, soy isoflavones require further investigation, particularly in combination with established chemotherapeutics, to evaluate their potential synergy with standard protocols. Their affordability, availability, and favorable safety profile strengthen their relevance as candidates for adjunctive cancer therapy. Graphical

(1) Background: Melanoma, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma have distinct cellular origins, biological characteristics, and clinical behavior. Although these tumors differ in their origins, they exhibit aggressive biological features and may develop treatment resistance. New therapeutic options are constantly being sought. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, and investigate the pharmacodynamic interactions between genistein and temozolomide in human melanoma, neuroblastoma, and glioblastoma cell lines. (2) Methods: Genistein’s potential for inhibiting cell viability, induction of cytotoxicity, and modulating apoptosis-related protein expression was assessed in eight cell lines. The interaction of the genistein + temozolomide combination (in a fixed 1:1 ratio) was assessed using isobolographic analysis. (3) Results: Genistein inhibited cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. IC₅₀ values ranged from approximately 40 to 110 μM in melanoma, 27 to 60 μM in neuroblastoma, and 37 to 83 μM in glioblastoma cell lines. Genistein treatment induced changes in apoptosis-related protein expression, including Bax and Bcl-2. The genistein + temozolomide combination produced additive interactions in the tested melanoma cell lines, whereas strong antagonism was observed in the neuroblastoma and glioblastoma models. These differences may reflect tumor-type-specific biological characteristics. (4) Conclusions: The findings provide comparative insights into genistein–temozolomide interactions across the investigated tumor models. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms and evaluate the potential therapeutic relevance of this combination. Additional preclinical investigations are required to establish its efficacy, safety, and tolerability before clinical implications can be determined.

Introduction and objective: Epilepsy has a significant impact on patients’ psychiatric condition. Epidemiological studies have shown that comorbid psychiatric disorders can occur in about 20–40% of patients with epilepsy. The aim of th study is to raise awareness of how much...

Introduction and Objective: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the third most common solid and extracranial malignant tumour in children. It originates from mesenchymal tissue and is a heterogeneous tumour in terms of location, histology, clinical presentation and prognosis. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on this disease. Description of The State of Knowledge: The total incidence rate of RMS is approximately 4.5 patients per million people under the age of 20. The tumour is most commonly located in the head and neck, less frequently in the urinary tract, limbs and trunk. Histologically, the embryonal type is the most common, accounting for 60-80% of all RMS cases. The symptoms of the disease depend primarily on the location of the primary tumour and may include exophthalmos, visual disturbances, pain and tissue swelling, nosebleeds, haematuria, visible tumours and general symptoms in advanced forms, i.e. weakness, fever and weight loss. One of the key factors influencing the prognosis is the presence of distant cancer metastases. Summary: The diagnosis of RMS is difficult due to the rare occurrence of the disease and non-specific symptoms. Although the cure rate for local disease is generally > 70% of patients, metastatic disease is still associated with low overall survival despite intensive treatment strategies. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease is very important for achieving the best possible treatment outcomes and full recovery.

Background. Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare, genetic neurological disease caused by a mutation of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene that mainly affects girls. There is no currently available causative treatment for this disease; trofinetide is the only drug dedicated to alleviating symptoms. Aim. The aim is to present potential medicines in clinical trials that have been observed to have a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of Rett syndrome. The article contains also descriptions of pathophysiology and symptoms of Rett syndrome, which can be affected by undermentioned pharmaceuticals. Material and methods. The study used Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases as its data sources. Other information was obtained from the Clinicaltrials.gov registry and database, and reports of companies conducting drug research. The literature was filtered by keywords: ‘Rett syndrome‘, ‘clinical trials’ and ‘gene therapies‘. Results. The treatment of Rett syndrome focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life. Trofinetide is the only substance approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which helps to reduce behavioral problems and improve social functioning. Currently, research is underway on genetic therapies, including gene replacement therapy, which may provide more effective treatment options in the future. Additionally, research is being conducted on other drugs that reduce symptoms in patients with RTT. Conclusions. Great hopes are associated with research on gene therapies, which are currently in clinical trial phases. In the future, this could bring significant benefits to patients; their implementation may not only improve aspects of the disease, such as respiratory issues, but also can result in better survival outcomes.