Otilia Ciobanu

Otilia Ciobanu

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

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

Representative Publications

View All Publications
19 December 2025 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RZRenata Zahu
Renata Zahu
MCMonica Emilia Chirila
Monica Emilia Chirila
OCOtilia Ciobanu
Otilia Ciobanu
DUDaniela Elena Urian
Daniela Elena Urian
ACAndrei Ciobanu
Andrei Ciobanu
GKGabriel KACSO
Gabriel KACSO
Background/Objectives: Financial toxicity (FT) refers to the financial burden directly or indirectly caused by a patient’s medical care. Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are particularly vulnerable to FT due to lower rates of return to work and higher out-of-pocket payments (OOPP). In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the amount and types of OOPP, as well as the prevalence of FT, in HNC patients who had completed curative radiotherapy. Methods: We included HNC patients who underwent curative-intent radiotherapy at four private clinics in Romania, within 12 months of completing treatment. Participants completed a 25-item questionnaire capturing sociodemographic information, insurance status, income, and OOPP. To assess subjective FT, we used the validated nine-item Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT), which measures three FT domains: financial stress, financial strain, and lost productivity. Each domain and the total score range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater financial toxicity. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were used to assess statistical associations, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: Among 113 patients (mean age: 59), the majority were male (74.3%) and married (74.3%), with 40% having completed university or higher education. The most frequent tumor sites were the oropharynx (29 cases), larynx (22), and oral cavity (21). Concurrent chemoradiation was the most common treatment modality (47%). The mean total FT score was 18.8. Overall, 39.8% of patients experienced financial toxicity, and 29.2% scored above the mean in financial stress. Moderate financial strain (score > 21) was reported by 39.8% of participants, and approximately one-third reported loss of productivity. Transportation and nutritional supplements were the most common OOPP categories. Notably, 42% of patients spent at least 400 euros—equivalent to Romania’s monthly minimum income—on transportation during radiotherapy. FT was significantly associated with employment and marital status, but not with tumor site or treatment type. Conclusions: Among Romanian HNC patients treated with curative radiotherapy, we found substantial OOPP, particularly for transportation and nutritional supplements. While overall FT levels were moderate, divorced patients and those retired due to other chronic conditions were the most vulnerable to financial distress. Financial toxicity can directly affect treatment adherence, survival, and quality of life. By integrating financial counseling, social support, and broader coverage of treatment-related expenses, healthcare systems can mitigate FT for these patients.

1 October 2023 in Journal of Medical and Radiation Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
OCOtilia Ciobanu
Otilia Ciobanu
High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive brain tumours associated with poor prognosis and treatment outcomes. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. One approach currently under investigation is targeting the subventricular zone (SVZ), a specialized region of neural stem and progenitor cells in the adult brain. This review explores the role of the SVZ in gliomagenesis and examines preclinical and clinical studies investigating the effects of SVZ irradiation in HGGs. The potential mechanisms underlying the efficacy of SVZ irradiation are discussed, and the clinical relevance of SVZ in HGGs is highlighted. Retrospective studies examining the relationship between SVZ irradiation and survival metrics have yielded mixed results, with some studies favouring targeting the SVZ and others not. Prospective studies have also shown conflicting findings. The debate over whether to irradiate or spare the SVZ continues, considering the potential impact on cognitive function and survival outcomes. This review provides insights into the current understanding of the SVZ as a potential therapeutic target in HGGs and outlines future directions for research and clinical translation.