One of the most significant breakthroughs in cancer research has been the identification of persistent infection with certain human papillomaviruses (HPV) genotypes as the cause of cervical cancer. Since then, a range of diagnostic and therapeutic methods has been developed based on this discovery. This article aims to describe the latest updates in the biology, prevention, and treatment of HPV-related cervical cancer. The current state of knowledge regarding vaccinations, diagnostic tests, and cervical cancer therapies is presented. The latest WHO guidelines on vaccinations are presented, as well as announcements of upcoming changes. The final part of the article summarizes promising new diagnostic and treatment methods, as well as perspectives and the latest research findings on self-administered diagnostic tests, the use of therapeutic vaccines, and circulating cell-free DNA in diagnosis. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, the strategy based on vaccination and testing remains the cornerstone in the fight against HPV-related cervical cancer.
The most common tumour of the pancreas is ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It remains one of the most lethal non-neuroendocrine solid tumours despite the use of a multi-approach strategy. Other, less-common neoplasms, which are responsible for 15% of pancreatic lesions, differ in treatment and prognosis. Due to the low incidence rate, there is a lack of information about the rarest pancreatic tumours. In this review, we described six rare pancreatic tumours: intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), mucinous cystadenoma (MCN), serous cystic neoplasm (SCN), acinar cell carcinoma (ACC), solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) and pancreatoblastoma (PB). We distinguished their epidemiology, clinical and gross features, covered the newest reports about courses of treatment and systematised differential diagnoses. Although the most common pancreatic tumour, PDAC, has the highest malignant potential, it is still essential to properly classify and differentiate less-common lesions. It is vital to continue the search for new biomarkers, genetic mutations and the development of more specific biochemical tests for determining malignancy in rare pancreatic neoplasms.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents a malignancy characterized by one of the lowest survival rates; furthermore, at the time of diagnosis, the majority of tumors are deemed unresectable. Consequently, there exists a pressing need to investigate early signs and symptoms, as well as to implement screening protocols for patients at risk of developing PDAC. By doing so, we may enhance the potential for improved treatment outcomes in light of the typically poor prognosis associated with PDAC. A review of recent literature focused on symptoms that manifest prior to the diagnosis of PDAC has been conducted, emphasizing the underlying biological mechanisms and potential screening applications, alongside data pertaining to the influence of these symptoms on prognosis and treatment. Additionally, the roles of pre-existing pain, depression, diabetes mellitus, and paraneoplastic syndromes in treatment and outcomes were scrutinized to ascertain the feasibility of integrating these factors into clinical practice.