Dumitrel Băiceanu

Mr. Dumitrel Băiceanu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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9 March 2026 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ASAna Maria Scurtu
Ana Maria Scurtu
ELENA TARCAELENA TARCA
ELENA TARCA
LTlaura trandafir
laura trandafir
ABAlina Belu
Alina Belu
AJAlina Jehac
Alina Jehac
ECElena Cojocaru
Elena Cojocaru
Background/Objectives: Hepatoblastoma, the most common pediatric primary liver cancer, is no longer regarded as a conventional malignancy but rather as a tumor emerging from disrupted hepatic developmental processes. Although improvements in chemotherapy, surgical techniques, and liver transplantation have markedly enhanced survival, therapeutic decision-making is still primarily guided by anatomical criteria and insufficiently reflects the biological heterogeneity that contributes to variable treatment response and disease recurrence. This narrative review integrates recent advances in molecular biology, tumor stemness, microenvironmental interactions, and translational research models in pediatric hepatoblastoma. We critically examine how developmental signaling pathways, cellular plasticity, and immune–vascular context shape tumor behavior and therapeutic vulnerability, with a focus on emerging targeted, anti-angiogenic, immune, and epigenetic strategies. Results: Hepatoblastoma is characterized by aberrant activation of key developmental pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo–YAP, IGF, and mTOR signaling, which cooperate to sustain proliferation, stem-like phenotypes, and treatment resistance. Tumor heterogeneity is further reinforced by cancer stem cell populations and a predominantly immune-cold microenvironment. While innovative therapeutic approaches show promise, their clinical impact has been limited by biological complexity and insufficient integration into current treatment algorithms. Liquid biopsy biomarkers, advanced translational models, and multi-omics approaches offer new opportunities for biologically informed risk stratification and therapy adaptation. Conclusions: Future progress in pediatric hepatoblastoma will require a paradigm shift from purely clinicopathological management toward an integrated molecular and surgical framework. Incorporating biological stratification into therapeutic decision-making may enable personalized treatment, rational therapy de-escalation, and improved outcomes for high-risk disease. This review highlights the foundations and future directions for precision medicine in hepatoblastoma.

20 March 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BCBogdan Mihnea Ciuntu
Bogdan Mihnea Ciuntu
IAIrina Mihaela Abdulan
Irina Mihaela Abdulan
DBDumitrel Băiceanu
Dumitrel Băiceanu
MCMihaela Corlade-Andrei
Mihaela Corlade-Andrei
SPSorin Nicolae Peiu
Sorin Nicolae Peiu
DADan Andronic
Dan Andronic
Background: Gossypiboma is an uncommon postoperative complication caused by the retention of surgical materials, most frequently sponges, and is associated with substantial morbidity and medicolegal consequences. Despite a reduction in reported incidence, diagnosis remains challenging due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented with a one-week history of throbbing abdominal pain in the umbilical and left lumbar regions, associated with fetid leukorrhea. Her medical history included an appendectomy, a recent cesarean section performed two months prior, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Initial computed tomography revealed bilateral subcutaneous and intra-abdominal collections with air bubbles and hyperdense linear structures, raising suspicion of abdominal abscesses. Gynecological evaluation excluded pelvic inflammatory pathology. Exploratory laparotomy identified bilateral pseudotumoral masses with complex adhesions involving intestinal loops and omentum, without evidence of gynecologic infection, prompting transfer to a tertiary care center. Repeat imaging confirmed bilateral flank abscesses. Surgical reintervention revealed retained surgical sponges within both abscess cavities, which were successfully removed, followed by evacuation, lavage, and drainage. Postoperative evolution was favorable under broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, with complete clinical and biological recovery. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of gossypiboma, particularly when mimicking intra-abdominal abscesses or adhesion syndromes. A high index of suspicion is required in patients with prior surgical history and atypical postoperative presentations, as early recognition and prompt surgical management are essential to reduce morbidity and medicolegal consequences.