1. The role of volunteers in supporting the psychosocial well-being of hospitalised children with cancer : a narrative review and recommendations for clinical practiceIvana Kreft, Janez Jazbec, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Children undergoing cancer treatment face repeated, prolonged hospitalisations carrying substantial risks of psychological distress, social isolation, and impaired development. Volunteers offering structured non-medical activities are widely employed to complement professional psychosocial care in paediatric oncology settings, yet empirical evidence examining their role specifically—as distinct from professionally delivered psychosocial interventions—remains sparse. This narrative review, conducted in accordance with SANRA criteria and drawing on a structured search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar (2000–2025), supplemented by a targeted verification search in July 2026, synthesises the theoretical and preliminary empirical basis for volunteer involvement, critically evaluates associated clinical risks, and proposes evidence-informed recommendations for paediatric oncology clinical practice. Three theoretical frameworks provide the conceptual grounding for volunteer activities: developmental psychological models (Piaget; Erikson), stress and coping theory (Lazarus and Folkman), and the biopsychosocial model (Engel). Indirect empirical evidence—derived predominantly from professionally delivered interventions—supports short-term benefits of structured distraction, play, and social activities on procedural anxiety, pain experience, and sense of social inclusion; the sole study examining volunteer-facilitated activities specifically in paediatric oncology reported meaningful reductions in distress and high family satisfaction. Eight categories of clinical risk are identified, including physical and psychological overload, erosion of child autonomy, suppression of authentic emotional expression, and inadequate coordination with healthcare staff. Six practice recommendations are proposed, centred on a working definition of the volunteer role, mandatory pre-access training, genuine individualisation including cultural adaptation, multidisciplinary-team-led coordination, and structured programme evaluation. Volunteer involvement can meaningfully complement professional psychosocial care when delivered within a structured, supervised, and multidisciplinary-team-coordinated framework. The paediatric oncology team occupies a pivotal role in realising the potential benefits while safeguarding children from associated risks. Prospective research employing standardised volunteer programme definitions and validated child-reported outcome measures is urgently needed to build an evidence base commensurate with the clinical importance of this practice. Ključne besede: paediatric oncology, hospitalised children, volunteers, psychosocial support, cancer nursing, play interventions, distraction, clinical recommendations Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2026; Ogledov: 220; Prenosov: 146
Celotno besedilo (204,05 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. New candidate reference measurement procedure for NRAS p.Q61R quantification by digital PCRJessica Petiti, Sabrina Caria, Laura Revel, Alexandra Bogožalec Košir, Mojca Milavec, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Accurate and comparable quantification of somatic mutations is essential for precision oncology, as clinical decision-making increasingly relies on the quantification of molecular biomarkers. Despite major technological advances, inter-laboratory variability and the lack of metrological traceability remain significant barriers to harmonization and confidence in mutation testing results. Reference Measurement Procedures (RMPs) represent a critical framework to address these challenges by anchoring molecular measurements to common quantitative standards. Here, we describe the development and validation of a candidate RMP for the detection and quantification of the clinically relevant NRAS p.Q61R mutation using digital PCR (dPCR). The assay was systematically optimized to maximize specificity and minimize cross-reactivity between wild-type and mutant alleles. Analytical characterization demonstrated excellent linearity across a broad range of variant allele frequencies (vAF), with a limit of detection of 0.1 %. Precision studies performed on commercially available circulating tumour DNA reference materials (RM) showed good repeatability and intermediate precision, while a full measurement uncertainty budget confirmed the robustness of the approach. Comparison with a commercial dPCR assay provided independent support for assay comparability and consistent vAF estimates across the investigated range. Preliminary inter-laboratory assessment supported transferability of the candidate RMP and comparability of the resulting measurements. Overall, this work establishes a metrologically characterized and transferable dPCR-based RMP for NRAS p.Q61R quantification. Its implementation can support the harmonization of molecular measurements, the value assignment of RM, and the alignment of routine and secondary methods, thereby strengthening the reliability of quantitative biomarker assessment in precision oncology. Ključne besede: NRAS p.Q61R, digital PCR (dPCR), Reference Measurement Procedure (RMP), precision oncology, molecular testing Objavljeno v DiRROS: 22.07.2026; Ogledov: 330; Prenosov: 232
Celotno besedilo (7,57 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques for structural and functional assessment of salivary glandsJernej Vidmar, Andrej Vovk, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: 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. Ključne besede: salivary glands, xerostomia, MRI, perfusion imaging, difusion imaging, hyperbaric oxygen, radiology, oncology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.06.2026; Ogledov: 304; Prenosov: 200
Celotno besedilo (608,94 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Laser speckle contrast imaging of perfusion in oncological clinical applications : a literature reviewRok Hren, Simona Kranjc Brezar, Urban Marhl, Gregor Serša, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background. Laser speckle coherence imaging (LSCI) is an emerging imaging modality that enables noninvasive visualization and assessment of tissue perfusion and microcirculation. In this article, we evaluated LSCI in imaging perfusion in clinical oncology through a systematic review of the literature. Methods. The inclusion criterion for the literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases was the use of LSCI in clinical oncology, meaning that all animal, phantom, ex vivo, experimental, research and development, and purely methodological studies were excluded. Results. Thirty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. The anatomic locations of the neoplasms in the selected articles were brain (5 articles), breasts (2 articles), endocrine glands (4 articles), skin (12 articles), and the gastrointestinal tract (13 articles). Conclusions. While LSCI is emerging as an appealing imaging modality, it is crucial for more clinical sites to initiate clinical trials. A lack of standardized protocols and interpretation guidelines are posing the most significant challenge. Ključne besede: laser speckle contrast imaging, oncology, perfusion Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.06.2026; Ogledov: 322; Prenosov: 109
Celotno besedilo (913,96 KB) |
5. National cancer control programmes in Europe in 2024 : state of play and alignment with the European guide for quality NCCP'sMarjeta Kuhar, Tit Albreht, Polona Kastelic, Ana Molina-Barceló, Oscar García Sauret, Marjetka Jelenc, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: 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. Ključne besede: cancer control, oriON joint, action, national cancer control programmes, oncology, cancer, Europe Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.06.2026; Ogledov: 289; Prenosov: 324
Celotno besedilo (577,64 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. From biomarker discovery to clinical applications of metabolomics in glioblastomaNeja Šamec, Gloria Krapež, Cene Skubic, Ivana Jovchevska, Alja Videtič Paska, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: 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. Ključne besede: Omics, metabolome, multiomic integration, tumor metabolic reprogramming, biomarker, diagnosis, therapy, precision oncology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 22.04.2026; Ogledov: 343; Prenosov: 314
Celotno besedilo (2,23 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. The safety of percutaneous renal biopsy for acute kidney injury in metastatic renal cell cancer patients with reduced nephron massTomaž Milanez, Vinay Srinivasan, Vladimir Premru, Miha Arnol, Janja Ocvirk, Edgar A. Jaimes, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: 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. Ključne besede: percutaneous renal biopsy, renal cell cancer, internal oncology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 13.04.2026; Ogledov: 397; Prenosov: 233
Celotno besedilo (452,76 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors in children and adolescents : the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) diagnostic and therapeutic recommendationsCalogero Virgone, Jelena Roganović, Guido Rindi, Michaela Kuhlen, Jan Jamšek, Paraskevi Panagopoulou, Viera Bajčiová, Tal Ben-Ami, Martine F. Raphael, Guido Seitz, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix, formerly known as carcinoid tumors, represent a rare entity. They are slow-growing tumors, characterized by an indolent clinical course. In pediatric patients, the 5-year overall survival is estimated to be 100% and the event-free survival slightly less than 100%, with only one reported case of local relapse to date. Nevertheless, a proportion of these patients still undergo a second surgery, mostly represented by right hemicolectomy with mesenteric lymphadenectomy, in consideration of the presence of certain risk factors (size >1.5 or 2 cm; tumors of the appendiceal base with or without suspicious residuals, mesoappendiceal invasion, lymphovascular invasion, serosal breach). This approach represents an overtreatment of patients with a benign clinical course regardless of the presence of risk factors and/or whether a second surgery is performed. National recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix in pediatric age are available in France, Italy, and Germany, but international consensus is lacking. This review presents the internationally harmonized recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix in children and adolescents, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors group. Ključne besede: appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors, pediatric oncology, diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.04.2026; Ogledov: 420; Prenosov: 441
Celotno besedilo (682,66 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Innovative exercise in routine cancer care : insights from eight years of integrated oncological exercise therapy (OTT)Timo Sonntag, Ariana Safi, Vera Coutellier, Anna Lorenz, Philipp Zimmer, Eva M. Zopf, Fiona Streckmann, Lars Gerland, Petra Wirtz-Derksen, Anja Grossek, Damir Zubac, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: 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. Ključne besede: neoplasms, clinical care, exercise program, exercise oncology, cancer patients, physical activity Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.03.2026; Ogledov: 412; Prenosov: 382
Celotno besedilo (1,60 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. MAGEA3/6 tumour antigens regulate glycolytic protein hexokinase to enhance pancreatic cancer cell survival under metabolic stressVesna Jurjevič, Jerneja Koren, Sima Tozandehjani, Sara Uhan, Lara Snoj, Barbara Breznik Vittori, Juan Solano, Klementina Fon Tacer, 2024, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Ključne besede: pancreatic cancer, metabolism, MAGE, oncology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.02.2026; Ogledov: 641; Prenosov: 164
Celotno besedilo (85,16 KB) |