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Abstract: Background: Diagnostic paradigms for salivary gland disorders have undergone a radical transformation, shifting from purely morphological descriptions toward multi-parametric tissue characterization. This review evaluates the clinical efficacy of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, specifically quantitative T2 mapping and arterial spin labelling (ASL), in order to provide objective biomarkers for glandular pathophysiology. The use of pseudocontinuous ASL (pCASL) for non-invasive perfusion assessment and multi-dynamic multi-echo (MDME) sequences for quantitative mapping was highlighted in a methodical synthesis of recent research. Quantitative T2 mapping demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy in identifying glandular dysfunction; patients with hyposalivation exhibit significantly elevated T2 relaxation times (mean 91.85 ± 8.24 ms) compared to healthy controls (mean 80.69 ± 6.42 ms, p < 0.0001). ASL imaging reveals that parotid glands in Sjögren’s syndrome are hyperemic at rest (59.2 ± 22.8 mL/min/100g) but shows dysfunctional microvascular regulation after stimulation. Furthermore, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values effectively differentiate pleomorphic adenomas (> 1.4 × 10–3 mm2/s) from malignant lesions. Conclusions: Advanced MRI provides robust, non-invasive metrics for monitoring radiation-induced damage and assessing the restorative impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). By facilitating the shift to precision radiology in head and neck medicine, these technologies greatly improve patient quality of life and therapeutic planning.
Keywords: salivary glands, xerostomia, MRI, perfusion imaging, difusion imaging, hyperbaric oxygen, radiology, oncology
Published in DiRROS: 18.06.2026; Views: 135; Downloads: 101
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Abstract: Introduction National Cancer Control Programmes (NCCPs) are essential policy documents guiding national cancer control planning. Their existence and quality are crucial for reducing cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality, and for improving the quality of life of people with cancer and the population. The main aim of the present research, conducted within OriON Joint Action (2024–2025), was to explore and analyse the state of play, type, duration, evaluation, and quality of NCCPs across the European Union (EU) and selected countries, with a focus on the inclusion of key elements outlined in the European Guide for Quality NCCPs (Guide). Methods A structured survey was prepared, validated, and carried out in 2024 across 34 countries, including EU Member States, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, Turkey, and Ukraine. The results were analysed and presented in tables and figures. Descriptive analysis using frequencies and percentages was conducted. Results The response rate was 100%. Of the 34 participating countries, 31 reported having an NCCP or equivalent cancer control document in 2024. Most countries had 1 comprehensive document, while 9 prepared multiple documents. The majority were defined as programmes and/or strategies, followed by plans and policies. In terms of quality, as recommended by the Guide, only 6 countries fully incorporated all suggested elements into their NCCPs. Conclusions Our findings indicate that most European countries recognise the significant challenge posed by cancer as a major public health problem and have developed NCCPs or equivalent cancer control documents. However, in terms of quality, there remains considerable room for improvement.
Keywords: cancer control, oriON joint, action, national cancer control programmes, oncology, cancer, Europe
Published in DiRROS: 06.06.2026; Views: 177; Downloads: 206
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Abstract: Background: Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) provides valuable information to guide treatment decisions in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) after systemic anticancer therapy (SACT). The rising incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the substantial impact of SACT on overall survival suggest a higher prevalence of RCC patients with reduced nephron mass and a solitary kidney (SK) requiring PRB for AKI. However, safety data on SK biopsies are scarce, and the potential for dialysis-requiring complications may deter clinicians. Methods: This retrospective case series reports the safety of 13 PRBs in 12 mRCC patients with reduced nephron mass who developed AKI during SACT as well as six PRBs in six patients with metastatic solid malignancies and AKI, which developed during SACT. Results: Eleven biopsies in mRCC patients and five biopsies in patients with metastatic solid malignancies were uneventful. One patient with mRCC experienced a major bleeding event due to an arteriovenous (AV) fistula seven days post-procedure, while another mRCC patient developed macrohematuria within 24 hours. In the group of patients with metastatic solid malignancies, one patient experienced a small perinephric hematoma during the observational period. Despite the small sample size, individual chart reviews and direct management of adverse events allowed assessment of the association between biopsy and complications.
Keywords: percutaneous renal biopsy, renal cell cancer, internal oncology
Published in DiRROS: 13.04.2026; Views: 274; Downloads: 170
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Abstract: Background The beneficial effects of exercise in cancer patients are increasingly understood, whereas the inclusion of structured oncological exercise as a standard of care remains a challenge. Herein, we evaluate the innovative, supervised Oncological Exercise Therapy (OTT) integrated into the standard of clinical care and report patient characteristics, exercise participation and attendance, and effects on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and physical performance. Methods An observational study was conducted to analyze patient and exercise cohort data collected between 2012 and 2020 on the OTT. Cancer patients were encouraged to attend the personalized OTT intervention for a minimum of three months. Demographic, medical and treatment-related patient data were documented at enrollment. Exercise attendance was measured up to one year after enrollment, and exercise efficacy was evaluated between 6 and 24 weeks of exercise and included strength and endurance assessments and PROs on quality of life, fatigue, and psychosocial distress. Results Most of the n=1660 enrolled patients (median age: 54 years [18–86]) were female (70%), diagnosed with breast cancer (40%), without metastasis (80%) and were receiving anticancer treatment (65%). One-third (32%) exercised for an average of 19±10 sessions in a 19-week (±13 weeks) period. Only 1% of patients reached the recommended average of ≥2 weekly sessions on the OTT. Older age and shorter travel distance were associated with increased exercise attendance. Exercise improved strength and endurance performance and PROs, indicating more pronounced effects in patients with greater exercise attendance. Conclusions Innovative exercise programs can be established as standard of cancer care in hospital settings. These real-world data suggest a beneficial effect of exercise in cancer patients on PROs and physical outcomes, with more pronounced effects in patients with greater exercise attendance. Therefore, strategies to increase exercise attendance appear crucial to maximize benefits derived from real-world exercise interventions in cancer patients.
Keywords: neoplasms, clinical care, exercise program, exercise oncology, cancer patients, physical activity
Published in DiRROS: 04.03.2026; Views: 313; Downloads: 272
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Abstract: Background: Short-term gastric cancer surgery outcomes depend greatly on hospital surgical volume, whereas long-term survival studies show conflicting results. This study evaluated the effect of surgical volume on the long-term survival of patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer in Slovenia. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using the Slovenian Cancer Registry data. Patients diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 who underwent gastric cancer surgery were categorized into high- and low-volume centers. High-volume centers were defined, as the two University Medical Centers (Ljubljana and Maribor), which together treated 76.4 % of all patients during the study period. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier overall survival and Pohar-Perme net survival estimators, with predefined subgroup analysis. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the independent association between center volume and overall survival. Results: Among the 652 patients, 498 (76.4 %) underwent surgery at high-volume centers (44,2-55,4 mean surgeries/year), which demonstrated higher median overall survival (4.9 vs. 3.2 years) and improved overall and net 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates compared with low-volume centers (0,2-6,2 mean surgeries/year). This differences persisted in stratified analyses by stage and neoadjuvant therapy but not by age. In multivariable Cox analysis the hazard ratio remained directionally favorable for high-volume centers but was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Overall, high-volume centers were consistently associated with better long-term survival after gastric cancer surgery in Slovenia, supporting further evaluation of centralization strategies. Future policies should aim to balance the benefits of centralization while maintaining equitable access to timely and high-quality surgical treatment, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
Keywords: gastric cancer, survival, survival analysis, surgical oncology, centralized hospital services
Published in DiRROS: 07.01.2026; Views: 506; Downloads: 373
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