Articles

Effectiveness of Structured Communication Tools for Discussing Goals of Care in Cancer Care Settings: A Systematic Review

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Background and aim: Structured communication tools have been increasingly adopted in cancer care to support discussions on goals of care (GOC), symptom management, and psychosocial needs. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness across outcomes remains fragmented. The study aims to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of structured communication tools used in cancer care settings for discussing goals of care, with a focus on patient, caregiver, and system-level outcomes.

Method: A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Clinical Key, and Cochrane Library from January 2000 to July 2025. Eligible studies included quasi-experimental trials, Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster randomized trials, and cohort studies evaluating structured communication interventions. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the Risk of bias using the ROB-I, ROB-I (Cluster), ROBINS-I V2, and ROBINS-E tools. Outcomes of interest were broadly encompassed, including quality of life(QoL), psychological status, patient satisfaction, decisional conflict, hospice utilization, and advance care planning. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results: From an initial pool of 310 articles, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. SCTs varied widely and included FLEX Care, end-of-life (EOL) care planning, communication training, Loop intervention, Serious Illness Care Program, PCAD pathway, GOC conversation, and an adapted end-of-life care module, etc. Studies reported improved QoL (n=10), psychological status (n=3), patient/staff/caregiver satisfaction (n=3), decisional conflict (n=2), hospice utilization, and advance care planning (n=7). Mean scores for psychological distress participants receiving FLEX Care®-enhanced psychosocial intervention experienced a significant reduction in psychological distress compared to participants in the control setting (p<0.001). EOL discussions were associated with lower rates of ventilation (AOR=0.26, 95%CI=0.08-0.83), resuscitation (AOR=0.16, 95%CI=0.03-0.80), ICU admission (AOR=0.35, 95%CI=0.14-0.90), and earlier hospice enrolment (AOR=1.58, 95% CI=1.04-2.63). while longer hospice stays were associated with better patient QoL (p=0.01)

Conclusion: SCTs appear effective in improving the goals-of-care discussions in cancer settings, with benefits in care alignment and patient satisfaction. Implementation strategies and clinician training remain critical components for success.

 

Spatial Transcriptomics in Cancer Research: Methods and Applications

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Spatial transcriptomics, which deals with tissue architecture in genetic investigation, is an innovative technique for examining cell heterogeneity and tissue organization. This review emphasizes major approaches, include spatially resolved transcriptome methods, immunohistochemistry as well as in situ hybridization, all of which permit the mapping of RNA molecules in their native tissue environment. These methods have proven essential in achieving our understanding of biological events such as tumor evolution, progression of cancer, and cancer tumor stem cell detection. Spatial transcriptomics, the study of patterns of gene expression in space, reveals the intricate nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its effect on cancer biology. Although it delivers insight on the cellular connections that underlie disease, the significance of spatial transcriptomics in multiple organs has expanded.

Although its immense potential, there are still difficulties to be conquered, particularly within the areas of analysis of data, spatial resolution, and integration with other omics data. To be able to fully comprehend the complexities of tissues biology and ailments, this review additionally tackles future potential avenues, including the necessity for greater multiplexing, enhanced resolution, and the combination of functional genomics. With this synthesis, we intend provide an extensive summary of the state of spatial transcriptomics currently and demonstrate that it possesses the potential to improve precision medicine, cancer research, and our understanding of broader biology.

Effect of Chemotherapy on Protein Level of Under Treatment Cancer Sufferers

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Introduction: Cancer staging is an important aspect of cancer management and directly affects the treatment plan of the patient.  There are several protein tumour markers that helps in the diagnosis as well as prognosis of cancer patients.

Aim:  The current study aims to evaluate the total protein value from the serum samples of selected cancer patients and see any pattern with different stages of patients.

Materials & Method:  Total proteins were measured by IR-VS spectroscopy method and compared in different patients.

Result:  The spectrophotometric analysis of the collected serum samples showed that chemotherapy induced total protein loss is associated with dysregulation in serum proteins and electrolytes. Total protein is a significant marker that can help determine the tumour staging in cancer patients and thus can act as a prognostic marker also.  It is a simple, non-invasive and cost effective method of analysis.

A Review on the Prevalence and Management of Colorectal Cancer

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Cancer had become a common disease worldwide and cancer related death is also increasing in various parts of the world in spite of increased screening and diagnostic facilities available for early detection of cancer and availability of advanced care system. Changes in the diet and life style had led to alteration in the microenvironment of the cells leading to genetic changes and mutation. In this review, Colorectal cancer prevalence, risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer, pathogenesis, diagnosis and various treatment modalities available are discussed here.

Investigation of Momordica charantia phytochemicals against PIM1 Kinase: A Computational Approach

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Prostate cancer is a significant contributor to male cancer-related mortality. PIM1 kinase has implications in the development and progression of various cancers, particularly prostate cancer. PIM1, a serine/threonine protein kinase plays a crucial role in cellular processes including survival, growth and differentiation. In prostate cancer increased PIM1 expression is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and poorer patient outcomes. It has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer treatment. The development of PIM1 kinase inhibitors has greatly enhanced and progressed significantly. Different stages of clinical trials demonstrating their potential as therapeutic agents. Momordica charantia, or bitter melon has a long history in traditional medicine for various health conditions, it is very rich in secondary metabolites like triterpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Bitter melon is considered to have medicinal properties including potential anticancer phytochemicals. This study employs virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulation and ADME/T analysis to explore bitter melon’s phytochemicals and their interaction with PIM1 kinase. The goal is to understand the molecular details and pharmacokinetics of bitter melon compounds evaluating their potential as therapeutic agents against prostate cancer. In our present study, it was found that out of all investigated phytochemicals catechin and gallic acid shows satisfactory result depending upon various parameters taken into consideration for conducting the study.

History of Issue, Epidemiological and Surgical Aspects of Acute Large Bowel Obstruction of Tumoral Genesis

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The authors in this literature review consider and reveal the history of the issue, epidemiological and surgical aspects of acute obstruction of the colon of tumor genesis. It is noted that patients with colostomy are permanently disabled in acute large bowel obstruction of tumor origin. The presence of a colostomy in these patients often exacerbates the course of comorbidities, thereby making it difficult or excluding the possibility of performing the recovery phase of the operation.

They conclude that today there is still a need for further research and a comprehensive in–depth study of the issues of surgical tactics. The solution of these issues will reduce the frequency of postoperative complications, mortality, improve the performance of labor and social rehabilitation of this contingent of seriously ill patients.