Simona Raluca Iacoban

Dr. Simona Raluca Iacoban


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 September 2024 in Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RBRobert Botea
Robert Botea
MPMadalina Piron-Dumitrascu
Madalina Piron-Dumitrascu
TGTiberiu Augustin Georgescu
Tiberiu Augustin Georgescu
CBCamil Laurentiu Bohiltea
Camil Laurentiu Bohiltea
SVSilviu Cristian Voinea
Silviu Cristian Voinea
NSNicolae Suciu
Nicolae Suciu
Background and Aims: Lynch Syndrome, a hereditary disorder characterized by germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, is a major contributor to colorectal cancers. It has also been identified in endometrial cancer. Despite the established role of MMR deficiency in tumorigenesis, the specific genomic alterations driving Lynch syndrome-associated endometrial cancer, and their overlap with colorectal cancer, remain incompletely understood. This study aims to fill this gap by performing a detailed comparative analysis of germline and somatic mutations in endometrial cancer within the context of Lynch syndrome. Methods: We conducted whole exome sequencing on matched germline and somatic DNA from 13 patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome-associated endometrial cancer. High-depth sequencing was performed, followed by rigorous bioinformatics analysis to identify and annotate variants, focusing on their potential pathogenicity and relevance to both endometrial and colorectal cancer. Results: Our analysis revealed 1,118 germline and 14,051 somatic variants, with 493 variants common to both. Recurrent pathogenic mutations in MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 were confirmed, highlighting their critical role in Lynch syndrome. Notably, frequent somatic mutations in the PIK3CA and PTEN genes were identified, implicating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as a key oncogenic driver in these cancers. Additionally, novel somatic mutations in genes related to the extracellular matrix such as FBN1 and SPARC were uncovered, suggesting a possible unique role in endometrial tumor progression. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the molecular basis of Lynch syndrome-associated endometrial cancer, emphasizing the overlap in oncogenic pathways with colorectal cancer. The discovery of shared and unique genetic mutations highlights the importance of developing combined treatment strategies and suggests that targeting these specific mutations could improve therapy for patients with Lynch syndrome-associated cancers.

12 November 2025 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Tiberiu Augustin GeorgescuTiberiu Augustin Georgescu
Tiberiu Augustin Georgescu
AGAntonia Carmen Georgescu
Antonia Carmen Georgescu
SISimona Raluca Iacoban
Simona Raluca Iacoban
Dragos CretoiuDragos Cretoiu
Dragos Cretoiu
NCNarcis Copcă
Narcis Copcă
Maria Victoria OlincaMaria Victoria Olinca
Maria Victoria Olinca
Background and Objectives: Low-grade triple-negative breast carcinomas (LG-TNBCs) represent a rare subset of breast cancers that deviate from the aggressive clinical course typically associated with triple-negative tumors. This narrative review aims to consolidate current knowledge on LG-TNBCs, highlighting their diagnostic features, molecular characteristics, and clinical implications to guide appropriate patient management and prevent overtreatment. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive narrative review using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases up to September 2025. Search terms included combinations of “triple-negative breast carcinoma”, “low-grade”, “adenoid cystic carcinoma”, “secretory carcinoma”, “acinic cell carcinoma”, “tall cell carcinoma with reversed polarity”, “low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma”, and “fibromatosis-like metaplastic carcinoma.” Studies reporting clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, or molecular data were included. Results: LG-TNBCs include seven distinct entities: adenoid cystic carcinoma, secretory carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, tall cell carcinoma with reversed polarity, low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma, fibromatosis-like metaplastic carcinoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. These neoplasms are characterized by distinct morphologic patterns, specific immunohistochemical profiles, and recurrent molecular alterations such as ETV6-NTRK3 fusions and MYB rearrangements. Despite their triple-negative immunoprofile, they demonstrate indolent clinical behavior with excellent prognosis and low metastatic potential, although local recurrence is reported in variants exhibiting infiltrative, locally aggressive behavior. Conclusions: Recognition of LG-TNBCs is essential to prevent overtreatment and guide personalized patient management. Molecular characterization provides diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic opportunities, particularly for NTRK-fusion-positive tumors treatable with targeted inhibitors, highlighting the importance of precision medicine in rare breast tumors.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SISimona Raluca Iacoban
Simona Raluca Iacoban
MPMadalina Piron-Dumitrascu
Madalina Piron-Dumitrascu
CBCamil Laurentiu Bohiltea
Camil Laurentiu Bohiltea
ISIoan Dumitru Suciu
Ioan Dumitru Suciu
SVSilviu Cristian Voinea
Silviu Cristian Voinea
NSNicolae Suciu
Nicolae Suciu
Objectives. This study aimed to assess the impact of socio-economic factors on prenatal care accessibility and outcomes and to evaluate the effectiveness of specialized integrative prenatal care in mitigating these disparities. Materials and Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted between 2020 and 2023 in Bucharest, Romania, involving 100 pregnant women. Participants were equally divided into two groups that received standard and specialized prenatal care. Data were collected through structured interviews, medical record reviews, and standardized questionnaires at multiple time points during pregnancy and postpartum. Results. Women receiving integrative care had longer gestation periods (37.8 vs. 37.6 weeks), higher average birth weights (3.3 kg vs. 3.14 kg), and fewer complications during labor (10% vs. 12.5%) compared to the standard care group. Socio-economic status significantly influenced outcomes, with lower income and education levels associated with shorter gestation periods and lower birth weights. Stronger support systems correlated with better mental health and improved pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions. Integrative prenatal care, which addresses both medical and psychosocial needs, significantly improves pregnancy outcomes, particularly for women of lower socio-economic status. Targeted interventions are essential to ensure equitable maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

1 June 2024 in Journal of Medicine and Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SISimona Raluca Iacoban
Simona Raluca Iacoban
RBRobert Botea
Robert Botea
MPMadalina Piron-Dumitrascu
Madalina Piron-Dumitrascu
TGTiberiu Augustin Georgescu
Tiberiu Augustin Georgescu
CBCamil Laurentiu Bohiltea
Camil Laurentiu Bohiltea
NSNicolae Suciu
Nicolae Suciu
Endometrial cancer is a complex disease influenced by both somatic and germline mutations. While individual mutations in genes such as PTEN, PIK3CA, and

1 July 2025 in Journal of Medicine and Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SISimona Raluca Iacoban
Simona Raluca Iacoban
SVSilviu Cristian Voinea
Silviu Cristian Voinea
CCCarmen Elena Condrat
Carmen Elena Condrat
DCDragos Cretoiu
Dragos Cretoiu
NSNicolae Suciu
Nicolae Suciu
Preterm birth (PTB; < 37 weeks) affects 210 % of pregnancies and is the leading cause of neonatal mortality. Whether maternal high-risk human