Background/Objectives: Cutaneous melanoma arises de novo in the majority of cases; 20–30% develop from pre-existing nevi. Differentiating nevus-associated melanoma (NAM) from de novo melanoma (DNM) is important for understanding melanomagenesis, risk stratification, and prognostic assessment. The objective of this study was to compare the demographic, clinical, and histopathological characteristics of NAM and DNM in a large single-institution retrospective cohort. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted at the Department of Pathological Anatomy, Cluj-Napoca County Emergency Clinical Hospital (2015–2025). Of the 729 initially identified cases, 580 patients with histopathologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma and complete clinical records were included. Analyses comprised Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: DNM constituted 78.6% (n = 456) and NAM 21.4% (n = 124) of cases. DNM patients were significantly older (median 66 vs. 56 years; p < 0.001). NAM was predominantly located on the trunk (63.7% vs. 45.2%; p = 0.0006), whereas DNM showed greater involvement of the head/neck and upper extremities. Superficial spreading melanoma was more frequent in NAM (79.8% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.004); nodular melanoma was more common in DNM (22.6% vs. 10.5%), and lentigo maligna was exclusive to DNM. DNM demonstrated greater Breslow thickness (median 2.0 vs. 1.25 mm; p = 0.021), more advanced Clark level (p = 0.040), and higher mitotic rate (median 3 vs. 2/mm²; p = 0.049). On multivariate logistic regression, older age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.05; p < 0.001) and head/neck localisation (OR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.39–5.39; p = 0.004) were independent predictors of DNM; histopathological aggressiveness markers did not retain independent significance after adjustment. Conclusions: Although DNM presents with more aggressive histopathological features, these characteristics are driven primarily by patient age and anatomical location rather than an inherent de novo aggressive phenotype, suggesting that observed differences largely reflect cumulative sun-damage pathways and patient demographics.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors improving outcomes in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) harboring KRAS wild-type tumors. Inflammation has emerged as a potential determinant of treatment efficacy, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) represents an accessible biomarker reflecting the balance between protumoral neutrophils and antitumor lymphocytes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 44 patients with left-sided, KRAS wild-type mCRC treated at the Institute of Oncology “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta” between 2015 and 2024 with first-line FOLFOX/FOLFIRI plus panitumumab. Baseline NLR (bNLR) and NLR after four treatment cycles were assessed, with progression-free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint. Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified an optimal bNLR cutoff of 3.06 (AUC = 0.78, p = 0.004). Patients with low bNLR (≤3.06) had significantly longer PFS than those with high bNLR (>3.06) (14 vs. 7 months, HR = 2.7, p = 0.002). Notably, patients with a positive ΔNLR (increase during therapy) also demonstrated superior PFS compared to those with a negative ΔNLR (18 vs. 11 months, HR = 0.47, p = 0.022). In multivariate analysis, only bNLR remained independently associated with PFS. Conclusions: These results suggest that both baseline and dynamic NLR may serve as low-cost prognostic biomarkers in mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR therapy.

Medical student research conferences are emerging as a critical platform to bridge the accessibility gap in early research training, foster collaboration, and enhance professional development. This editorial draws upon the experience of the International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS) in organizing the World Conference of Medical Student Research (WCMSR), an annual global, student-led virtual event. Research involvement is increasingly expected in residency applications, yet barriers such as perceived complexity, lack of mentorship, and limited opportunities hinder student engagement. The WCMSR offers a model for overcoming these challenges by providing medical students with roles as presenters, reviewers, organizers, and moderators, transforming conferences into experiential learning spaces. The article outlines essential components of planning, including defining conference vision and scope, forming a multidisciplinary organizing team, establishing transparent abstract review processes, and structuring programs that balance academic sessions with networking and wellness. Considerations for in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats are discussed, emphasizing inclusivity, affordability, and the logistical demands of each. Promotion strategies highlight the importance of social media, partnerships, and co-branding to maximize outreach. The editorial also stresses the role of clear evaluation criteria, awards, and post-conference dissemination to ensure fairness, recognition, and visibility of student research. Ultimately, student-led conferences like the WCMSR demonstrate how small-scale, well-structured initiatives can amplify medical student voices, build leadership and teamwork skills, and inspire future physician-scientists. By sharing these insights, the authors aim to provide a practical blueprint for peers worldwide to design similar conferences, advancing research accessibility and fostering a culture of global scholarly exchange.