1. Quality of life of women with recurrent vulvar cancer treated with electrochemotherapyGregor Vivod, Ines Cilenšek, Nina Kovačević, Gregor Serša, Maja Čemažar, Sebastjan Merlo, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: The quality of life of patients undergoing oncologic treatment has become an important issue in recent years. Owing to potential mutilation following surgery for vulvar cancer, more conservative approaches have evolved with the integration of new local ablative therapies, such as electrochemotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life of women with vulvar cancer recurrence treated with electrochemotherapy for nonpalliative purposes. Patients and methods: Eleven patients with vulvar cancer recurrence were treated with electrochemotherapy from July 2020 to December 2023. Patients completed different questionnaires: the EuroQol - 5 Dimension (EQ-5D), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Vulva Cancer 34 (EORTC QLQ-VU34) and visual analog pain scale (VAS) before and one, three and six months after electrochemotherapy. As a control group, fifteen patients with vulvar cancer recurrence treated with wide local excision completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and VAS questionnaires before surgery and three and six months after surgery. Results: No significant differences in EQ-5D scores were found between quality of life before electrochemotherapy and at each follow-up visit. A comparison of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scores between the electrochemotherapy and surgery groups showed a significant difference in physical functioning, fatigue, insomnia, and global health status three months after the procedure and in role, cognitive, social functioning and appetite loss six months after the procedure, all of which were in favor of the electrochemotherapy group. The EORTC QLQ-VU34 questionnaire showed improvements in urinary symptoms and symptoms related to scarring and mutilation of the external genitalia in the electrochemotherapy group. The VAS score did not differ significantly between the electrochemotherapy and surgical groups. Conclusions: The study showed that the quality of life after treatment with electrochemotherapy is better in some segments than after surgical treatment.
Keywords: bleomycin, electrochemotherapy, quality of life
Published in DiRROS: 16.01.2026; Views: 142; Downloads: 53
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2. Polymorphisms rs1800587 and rs1143634 of the interleukin-1α gene are associated with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes mellitusAleš Pleskovič, Jovana Nikolajević, Sara Mankoč Ramuš, Ines Cilenšek, Marija Šantl-Letonja, Jana Makuc, Andreja Cokan Vujkovac, Danijel Petrovič, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Our study was designed to test the possible association between either polymorphisms T889C (rs1800587) or C3954T (rs1143634) of the interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) gene with subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, the effect of both polymorphisms on progression of carotid atherosclerosis in 3.8-year follow-up was studied. Patients and methods: 595 subjects with T2DM were enrolled in the prospective study. Subclinical markers of carotid atherosclerosis were assessed with ultrasound at the time of recruitment and after 3.8-years. Genotyping of two polymorphisms (rs1800587, rs1143634) was performed with real-time PCR System. Results: The comparison of atherosclerosis parameters was performed with regard to different genotypes of IL-1α rs1800587 and rs1143634 polymorphisms upon enrolment. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the association of IL-1α rs1143634 on total plaque thickness progression in a 3.8 year follow up. Conclusions: An association between either the IL-1α rs1800587 or rs1143634 and total plaque thickness at the time of recruitment was reported. Additionally, we demonstrated the effect of the IL-1α rs1143634 on total plaque thickness progression in the 3.8-year follow-up in patients with T2DM.
Keywords: carotid atherosclerosis, genetic polymorphism, interleukin-1 α, cross-sectional study
Published in DiRROS: 12.01.2026; Views: 143; Downloads: 78
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3. Modern approach to the management of genitourinary syndrome in women with gynecological malignanciesNina Kovačević, Ines Cilenšek, Sebastjan Merlo, Barbara Šegedin, 2023, review article Abstract: The term genitourinary syndrome of menopause was first used in 2014 by the North American Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health to describe conditions previously known as atrophic vaginitis, urogenital atrophy, or vulvovaginal atrophy. It is a complex, chronic, progressive condition characterized by a wide range of signs and symptoms affecting sexual function and the tissues of the urinary and genital tracts. The main cause of genitourinary syndrome of menopause is estrogen deficiency caused by ovarian removal or dysfunction. The most bothersome symptoms are vaginal dryness, decreased vaginal lubrication, and pain during penetration and intercourse. They all have a negative impact on the quality of life. Conclusions: The main goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Treatment modalities are pharmacological or non-pharmacological. The first-line treatment for mild to moderate symptoms is the use of personal lubricants and moisturizers, but the gold standard is estrogen replacement therapy. Hormone therapy may not be an option for women with hormone-dependent cancer.
Keywords: genitourinary syndrome, gynecological malignancies, therapy
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 942; Downloads: 441
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