1. Effectiveness of tramadol or topic lidocaine compared to epidural or opioid analgesia on postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic colorectal tumor resectionAlenka Spindler-Vesel, Matej Jenko, Ajša Repar, Iztok Potočnik, Jasmina Markovič Božič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Chronic postoperative pain is the most common postoperative complication that impairs quality of life. Postoperative pain gradually develops into neuropathic pain. Multimodal analgesia targets multiple points in the pain pathway and influences the mechanisms of pain chronification. Patients and methods. We investigated whether a lidocaine patch at the wound site or an infusion of metamizole and tramadol can reduce opioid consumption during laparoscopic colorectal surgery and whether the results are comparable to those of epidural analgesia. Patients were randomly divided into four groups according to the type of postoperative analgesia. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients who received an infusion of piritramide. Group 2 consisted of 21 patients who received an infusion of metamizole and tramadol. Group 3 consisted of 20 patients who received patient-controlled epidural analgesia. Group 4 consisted of 22 patients who received piritramide together with a 5% lidocaine patch on the wound site. The occurrence of neuropathic pain was also investigated. Results. Piritramide consumption was significantly lowest in group 3 on the day of surgery and on the first and second day after surgery. Group 4 required significantly less piritramide than group 1 on the day of surgery and on the first and second day after surgery. The group with metamizole and tramadol required significantly less piritramide than groups 1 and 4 on the first and second day after surgery. On the day of surgery, this group required the highest amount of piritramide. Conclusions. Weak opioids such as tramadol in combination with non-opioids such as metamizole were as effective as epidural analgesia in terms of postoperative analgesia and opioid consumption. A lidocaine patch in combination with an infusion of piritramide have been able to reduce opioid consumption.
Keywords: laparoscopic surgery, colorectal tumor, postoperative analgesia
Published in DiRROS: 17.06.2026; Views: 123; Downloads: 69
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2. NTRK3-rearranged spindle cell neoplasm of the skin : diagnostic pitfalls of an emerging entity, a case reportAndreia Coutada, Carla Di Loreto, Alenka Matjašič, Boštjan Luzar, 2025, other scientific articles Abstract: Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase-rearranged spindle cell neoplasms (NTRK-RSCNs) are an emerging category of rare soft tissue tumors recently recognized by the World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours. NTRK-RSCNs mostly affect the superficial soft tissues of the extremities and trunk, and they can occur across a broad age range. These tumors exhibit a wide morphologic spectrum, often mimicking other mesenchymal tumors. Recognition of NTRK-RSCNs is crucial for targeted therapy in selected cases, given the recent approval of kinase inhibitors. We describe the case of a 55-year-old male with an NTRK-RSCN located on the arm, harboring the novel fusion partner PPFIBP1::NTRK3, while providing additional clinical and morphological characteristics of this rare entity.
Keywords: kinase fusion neoplasm, NTRK3, cutaneous spindle cell neoplasm, soft tissue tumor, case report
Published in DiRROS: 09.06.2026; Views: 171; Downloads: 130
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3. Development of keratoacanthoma following CO2 laser resurfacing : a case report and literature reviewArtina Pajaziti, Antigona Begolli-Gerqari, Laura Pajaziti, 2025, other scientific articles Abstract: CO2 laser resurfacing is a widely used cosmetic procedure for facial rejuvenation, addressing wrinkles, scars, and other skin imperfections. Although complications are rare, post-laser skin lesions have been reported, particularly in patients with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). This report presents a rare case of a 41-year-old female that developed a solitary keratoacanthoma (KA) 3 weeks after CO2 laser resurfacing. A detailed medical history was taken, and an excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed KA, a rare but documented complication of fractional laser resurfacing. The lesion was excised without recurrence, and healing was uneventful. This case is unique because the patient had no prior NMSC history, making KA an unusual occurrence. Previous studies typically associate KA with known risk factors such as NMSC or immunosuppression. This report highlights the importance of post-laser surveillance, even in patients without recognized risk factors. It contributes to the understanding of potential complications of CO2 laser resurfacing, emphasizing the need for clinical awareness.
Keywords: cosmetic dermatology, cosmetics, dermatoscopy, laser, tumor
Published in DiRROS: 09.06.2026; Views: 121; Downloads: 102
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4. The lysosome–cathepsin axis in pancreatic cancer : mechanisms of stromal remodeling, immune evasion, and therapy resistanceNika Mazej Jeram, Emanuela Senjor, Janko Kos, Milica Perišić, 2026, review article Abstract: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma accounting for the vast majority of cases and characterized by extensive desmoplasia, immune exclusion, and resistance to systemic therapies. Increasing evidence implicates lysosomal cathepsins as important regulators of these defining features of pancreatic tumor biology. Cathepsin-dependent proteolysis and lysosome-associated signaling pathways contribute to extracellular matrix remodeling, regulate immune cell trafficking, and influence antigen processing and presentation. Beyond their classical degradative functions, cathepsins participate in stress-adaptive cellular programs linked to autophagy, metabolic regulation, and proteostasis, supporting tumor cell survival under hypoxic, nutrient-limited, and therapy-induced stress conditions. Within the tumor microenvironment, dysregulated cathepsin activity promotes immune evasion by reshaping cytokine networks, impairing effective antigen presentation, and reinforcing physical and functional barriers to cytotoxic T-cell infiltration. Collectively, these mechanisms position the lysosome–cathepsin system as a central regulator of proteolytic remodeling, immune exclusion, and adaptive therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer, highlighting its potential relevance for emerging combinatorial therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: tumor microenvironment, autophagy, therapeutic resistance, immune evasion, extracellular matrix remodelling, cytotoxic cells, antigen presentation, lysosome
Published in DiRROS: 05.06.2026; Views: 170; Downloads: 146
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5. Sex differences in the effectiveness of first-line tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis; results from the EuroSpA Research Collaboration NetworkPasoon Hellamand, Marleen G. H. van de Sande, Lykke M. Ørnbjerg, Thomas Klausch, Mojca Frank Bertoncelj, Kari Eklund, Heikki Relas, Maria Jose Santos, Elsa Vieira-Sousa, Žiga Rotar, Matija Tomšič, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: sex differences, tumor necrosis, psoriatic arthritis, EuroSpA
Published in DiRROS: 03.06.2026; Views: 200; Downloads: 190
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6. Effectiveness of tramadol or topic lidocaine compared to epidural or opioid analgesia on postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic colorectal tumor resectionAlenka Spindler-Vesel, Matej Jenko, Ajša Repar, Iztok Potočnik, Jasmina Markovič Božič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Chronic postoperative pain is the most common postoperative complication that impairs quality of life. Postoperative pain gradually develops into neuropathic pain. Multimodal analgesia targets multiple points in the pain pathway and influences the mechanisms of pain chronification. Patients and methods. We investigated whether a lidocaine patch at the wound site or an infusion of metamizole and tramadol can reduce opioid consumption during laparoscopic colorectal surgery and whether the results are comparable to those of epidural analgesia. Patients were randomly divided into four groups according to the type of postoperative analgesia. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients who received an infusion of piritramide. Group 2 consisted of 21 patients who received an infusion of metamizole and tramadol. Group 3 consisted of 20 patients who received patient-controlled epidural analgesia. Group 4 consisted of 22 patients who received piritramide together with a 5% lidocaine patch on the wound site. The occurrence of neuropathic pain was also investigated. Results. Piritramide consumption was significantly lowest in group 3 on the day of surgery and on the first and second day after surgery. Group 4 required significantly less piritramide than group 1 on the day of surgery and on the first and second day after surgery. The group with metamizole and tramadol required significantly less piritramide than groups 1 and 4 on the first and second day after surgery. On the day of surgery, this group required the highest amount of piritramide. Conclusions. Weak opioids such as tramadol in combination with non-opioids such as metamizole were as effective as epidural analgesia in terms of postoperative analgesia and opioid consumption. A lidocaine patch in combination with an infusion of piritramide have been able to reduce opioid consumption.
Keywords: laparoscopic surgery, colorectal tumor, postoperative analgesia
Published in DiRROS: 18.05.2026; Views: 173; Downloads: 84
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7. Stefin B and cystatin C deficiency suppresses tumor growth and alters tumor microenvironment in a breast cancer modelPetra Matjan-Štefin, Janja Završnik, Miha Butinar, Georgy Mikhaylov, Boris Turk, Olga Vasiljeva, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Background/Objectives: Cysteine cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors have been shown to possess context-dependent functions in cancer progression, including the regulation of tumor metabolic pathways. Stefin B and cystatin C, intracellular and extracellular protease inhibitors, respectively, can modulate tumor biology through protease-dependent and protease-independent mechanisms. This study investigated their combined functions and potential roles as tumor promoters in breast cancer in a spontaneous breast cancer mouse model (PyMT mice). Methods: We generated PyMT transgenic mice lacking both stefin B and cystatin C (double-knockout, DKO) and compared their tumor growth kinetics, proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic burden with those of wild-type control mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize tumor macrophage infiltration and polarization. Results: DKO mice demonstrated delayed tumor onset, significantly slower tumor growth, reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and fewer lung metastases compared to wild-type controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced macrophage infiltration of the tumors, accompanied by a pronounced shift toward antitumorigenic M1 (CD86+) polarization, while M2 (CD206+) populations remained unchanged, indicating an immunological reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment toward a pro-inflammatory, tumor-suppressive state. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated a potential function of stefin B and cystatin C as tumor promoters in breast cancer through complementary mechanisms. Simultaneous depletion of both inhibitors revealed synergistic effects and remodeled the immune microenvironment to favor tumor suppression. These results suggest previously unknown roles for stefin B and cystatin C in tumor development and progression, which encourage further investigation of the cancer metabolic mechanisms underlying tumor behavior and their dynamic interplay with the microenvironment.
Keywords: cystatin C, stefin B, tumor microenvironment, cysteine cathepsins, cancer metabolism, protease inhibitors
Published in DiRROS: 12.05.2026; Views: 281; Downloads: 250
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8. From biomarker discovery to clinical applications of metabolomics in glioblastomaNeja Šamec, Gloria Krapež, Cene Skubic, Ivana Jovchevska, Alja Videtič Paska, 2025, review article Abstract: Background/Objectives: In recent years, interest in studying changes in cancer metabolites has resulted in significant advances in the metabolomics field. Glioblastoma remains the most aggressive and lethal brain malignancy, which presents with notable metabolic reprogramming. Methods: We performed literature research from the PubMed database and considered research articles focused on the key metabolic pathways altered in glioblastoma (e.g., glycolysis, lipid metabolism, TCA cycle), the role of oncometabolites and metabolic plasticity, and the differential expression of metabolites in glioblastoma. Currently used metabolomics approaches can be either targeted, focusing on specific metabolites and pathways, or untargeted, which involves data-driven exploration of the metabolome and also results in the identification of new metabolites. Data processing and analysis is of great importance and can be improved with the integration of machine learning approaches for metabolite identification. Results: Changes in α/β-glucose, lactate, choline, and 2-hydroxyglutarate were detected in glioblastoma compared with non-tumor tissues. Different metabolites such as fumarate, tyrosine, and leucine, as well as citric acid, isocitric acid, shikimate, and GABA were detected in blood and CSF, respectively. Conclusions: Although promising new technological and bioinformatic approaches help us understand glioblastoma better, challenges associated with biomarker availability, tumor heterogeneity, interpatient variability, standardization, and reproducibility still remain. Metabolomics research, either alone or combined with genomics or proteomics (i.e., multiomics) in glioblastoma, can lead to biomarker identification, tracking of metabolic therapy response, discovery of novel metabolites and pathways, and identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Keywords: Omics, metabolome, multiomic integration, tumor metabolic reprogramming, biomarker, diagnosis, therapy, precision oncology
Published in DiRROS: 22.04.2026; Views: 211; Downloads: 190
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9. The diagnostic role of tumor and inflammatory biomarkers in ascitic fluid : a systematic reviewGentiana Ratkoceri Hasi, Joško Osredkar, Aleš Jerin, 2025, review article Abstract: Background and Objectives: Diagnosing the underlying cause of ascites remains complex, especially when cytology results are inconclusive. Measuring biomarkers directly in ascitic fluid may offer better diagnostic insight than serum testing alone. This review evaluated the clinical utility of tumor and inflammatory markers in ascitic fluid. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for studies published from January 2014 to December 2024, with the final search carried out in May 2025. The included studies were observational, comparative or biomarker validation studies evaluating ascitic fluid markers for diagnosing malignant and inflammatory ascites. The extracted outcomes included diagnostic accuracy metrics such as area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity. Risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. Studies were excluded if they were case reports, animal studies, cytology-only analyses, or if they lacked biomarker data in ascitic or peritoneal fluid. Results: Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. CEA showed high diagnostic performance when measured in ascitic fluid. Combining markers or using ascitic-to-serum ratios improved diagnostic reliability. Inflammatory markers in ascitic fluid, such as CRP, IL-6 and VEGF added diagnostic value when cytology was inconclusive. Discussion and Conclusions: Evaluating biomarkers in ascitic fluid improved diagnostic accuracy. However, the included studies showed considerable methodological heterogeneity and moderate risk of bias.
Keywords: ascitic fluid, CA125, CEA, CRP, diagnostic accuracy, IL-6, inflammatory biomarkers, malignant ascites, tumor markers, VEGF
Published in DiRROS: 22.04.2026; Views: 205; Downloads: 180
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