Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has increased rates of breast-conserving procedures and enabled the identification of patients with a particularly poor prognosis. Achieving a pathological complete response (pCR), an indicator of NACT efficacy, contrasts with residual disease (RD), which identifies patients at higher risk of recurrence. This review provides an overview of current evidence on the clinical and prognostic significance of pCR and RD in patients receiving NACT for breast cancer. The analysis is based on data from randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and current clinical guidelines for contemporary systemic treatment. Pathological complete response varies according to tumor subtype, with the highest rates observed in triple-negative and non-luminal HER2-positive breast cancer. In HER2-positive disease, the combination of chemotherapy with HER2-targeted therapies increases pCR rates, while the presence of RD supports escalation of postoperative treatment with antibody–drug conjugates. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the inclusion of platinum agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors improves treatment efficacy. In HER2-negative breast cancer and germline BRCA1/2 mutations, adjuvant PARP inhibitors improve survival independently of pCR, highlighting the complex relationship between pathological response and prognosis. Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are used alongside standard chemotherapy and hormone therapy in perioperative treatment. Further research is required to refine response assessment, integrate new biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and optimize treatment selection, while clarifying the significance of reassessing hormone receptor and HER2 status in residual disease and its impact on subsequent treatment decisions.

Introduction and purposePlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy represents a technology designed to enhance tissue repair by locally administering one's own bioactive agents, aiming to influence physiological processes like inflammation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix synthesis. Recently, the use of PRP therapy has become a subject of discussion in the orthopedic field. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms, contemporary applications, clinical evidence, safety aspects, and potential future advancements of PRP in orthopedic treatment. Research has documented the efficacy of PRP injections in achieving full regeneration and enabling a comeback to competitive sports. PRP injections could serve as a viable alternative treatment for individuals with lateral tendonitis when compared to surgery. Further research investigating the impact of PRP on the bone healing process following a fracture is warranted. Materials and methods The methodology for conducting literature search involved utilizing medical subject headings terms to explore PubMed. Search terms included: "plasma-rich therapy", "tendinopathy", "injury" " articular cartilage ", "bone fracture " ConclusionsResearch at different evidence levels has shown that PRP is safe and has beneficial effects in above uses. Due to the autologous nature of the therapy, side effects are minimal. In the majority of cases, PRP therapy alleviates pain sensations in both short- and long-term observations, facilitating a faster return to daily functionality. However, additional randomized, controlled clinical trials are anticipated to be conducted in the future. Progressing further necessitates the standardization of methods for preparing plasma and procedures for its application.

Introduction and purpose The skin and subcutaneous tissue constitute the body's protective barrier. It also fulfills important physiological functions. It protects internal organs against the harmful effects of environmental factors and maintains the balance between the human body and the environment. Athlete's dermatoses are a wide group of skin diseases that may occur as a result of specific conditions to which people who practise sports are exposed. Some skin diseases are characteristic of specific sports, while others may occur regardless of the type of physical activity performed. Mechanical damage to the epidermis, excessive humidity, contact with pathogens and exposure to various environmental factors play a key role in the development of these diseases. Regular dermatological check-ups are crucial for identifying and treating skin lesions and preventing mass infections caused by infectious agents. The study discusses the most common dermatoses in athletes, including fungal, bacterial and viral infections, contact dermatitis and dermatoses caused by mechanical and environmental factors. Materials and methods The literature included in the PubMed, BioMed Central and Polish Medical Platform databases is searched by means of the words such as dermatosis, sport, skin, fungal, bacterial, viral infection, contact dermatitis. Quoted sources in selected works were also used. ConclusionsMany factors can have a harmful effect on the skin, negatively affect its function as an integral barrier of the body and, consequently, cause the development of dermatoses, which are quite common among athletes due to frequent contact with sweat, clothing, sports equipment and the environments in which they train. Prevention is an important element in minimizing the risk of skin problems and this is key to maintaining health and continuing physical activity.

Introduction and purpose Radiosurgery (RS) is an innovative treatment method that involves the precise administration of a large dose of ionizing radiation to the diseased area of ​​the body sparing healthy tissues maximally. The treatment is non-invasive and usually painless for the patient, and its greatest advantage is the immediate destruction of cancer cells. The method enables the treatment of tumors which are located within the brain tissue, but also of extracranial lesions in almost all organs of the human body. The aim of this article is to compare the structure, principles of operation, advantages, disadvantages and the use of Gamma Knife and CyberKnife in neurosurgery. These devices are used to perform radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy procedures. They are an alternative to neurosurgical procedures, especially for cancerous tumors located in hard-to-reach places, and significantly reduce the risk of postoperative complications. Materials and methods The literature included in the PubMed, BioMed Central and Polish Medical Platform databases is searched by means of the words such as Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy. Quoted sources in selected works were also used. Conclusions Stereotactic radiosurgery is an element of radical, palliative or analgesic treatment of well-circumscribed small lesions, less than 5 cm in diameter. Gamma Knife and CyberKnife enable cancerous and non-cancerous treatment lesions. Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and are considered minimally invasive procedures, especially recommended for patients who cannot undergo neurosurgical surgery or require less invasive cancer treatment. Gamma Knife was designed for radiosurgery of lesions located intracranially and covering the upper parts of the cervical spine up to the level of the fourth cervical vertebra, while CyberKnife or modern linear accelerators are used for intracranial and extracranial radiosurgery.

Introduction and Purpose: After cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors are the second most common cause of death, disability, and reduced quality of life. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) encompasses transient or persistent cognitive dysfunction, either subjectively reported by patients or objectively confirmed through neuropsychological testing. The aim of this study is to discuss the current state of knowledge and research on the impact of non-pharmacological interventions, especially the impact of various forms of physical activity (aerobic, strength, mixed) on the cognitive functions of cancer patients during and after treatment. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, BioMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Keywords included: physical activity, cognitive function, cancer survivors, quality of life, chemotherapy, and cancer-related cognitive impairment. References cited within selected articles were also reviewed. Studies from the past 10 years were analyzed, applying carefully defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review presents the latest clinical evidence and current strategies for the management of cancer-related cognitive impairment. Conclusions: CRCI is a prevalent condition among cancer patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and overall well-being. Cognitive dysfunction may arise from various cancer therapies, not solely chemotherapy. The findings underscore the need for systematic monitoring of cognitive function in oncology patients, along with the integration of preventive and rehabilitative measures into comprehensive care plans. Early detection of CRCI and the implementation of cognitive rehabilitation and physical activity interventions are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Introduction and Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and functionally limiting conditions in physically active individuals. Although traditional ACL reconstruction techniques are effective in restoring knee stability, they are associated with prolonged rehabilitation, potential graft failure, and psychological barriers to returning to sport. The Internal Brace Ligament Augmentation (IBLA) technique has emerged as a biomechanically enhanced alternative that may overcome some of these limitations. Materials and Methods: This narrative review is based on a literature search conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the keywords: ACL reconstruction, Internal Brace, rehabilitation, and return to sport. Studies were included if they addressed ACL reconstruction using the IBLA technique, with a focus on rehabilitation protocols, functional outcomes, and comparisons with standard ACL reconstruction methods. Results: Current evidence suggests that the Internal Brace technique provides improved graft stability and reduces elongation during early loading phases. These advantages may support faster mobilization and progression through rehabilitation. Clinical data indicate the potential for earlier return to sport with functional outcomes comparable or superior to traditional techniques. Nonetheless, standardized rehabilitation protocols specific to IBLA remain underdeveloped, and long-term outcome data are still limited. Conclusions: Internal Brace Ligament Augmentation represents a promising innovation in ACL reconstruction, offering mechanical support that may enable accelerated and safer rehabilitation. While preliminary findings are encouraging, further high-quality research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and establish evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines. The integration of biomechanical and clinical insights may improve functional recovery and return-to-sport success in active populations.