ONCOLOGY

The RAS-regulated RAF–MEK1/2–ERK1/2 (RAS/MAPK) signaling pathway is a major driver in oncogenesis and is frequently dysregulated in human cancers, primarily by mutations in BRAF or RAS genes. The clinical benefit of inhibitors of this pathway as single agents has only been realized in BRAF-mutant melanoma, with limited effect of single-agent pathway inhibitors in KRAS-mutant tumors.

Understanding the Role of RAS/MAPK Signaling Pathway in Oncogenesis: Clinical Insights for BRAF and RAS Mutant Cancers

DENTISTRY

A systematic review of 65 squamous odontogenic tumor lesions found generally favorable outcomes, with conservative surgery commonly used and recurrence uncommon.

Squamous Odontogenic Tumors: Clinical Features and Prognosis

A systematic review of 65 squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) lesions, including 59 intraosseous and 6 peripheral cases, evaluated their clinical, radiographic, and histopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes. Intraosseous lesions occurred across a wide age range, with a slight male predominance, and were commonly solitary. Most were treated conservatively, particularly through surgical excision, with recurrence reported in a minority of intraosseous cases. Peripheral lesions showed a benign course without recurrence. Overall, SOT demonstrated a favorable prognosis, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical management.

A systematic review suggests that oral bacteriophages may influence periodontal dysbiosis, bacterial virulence, and biofilm behavior, although a causal role in periodontitis remains unproven.

Oral Phageome and Periodontitis: Emerging Research Insights

A systematic review of 17 studies involving 623 patients examined the role of bacteriophages in periodontitis. Clinical studies suggested that lytic bacteriophages were more abundant and active in periodontal disease, whereas temperate phages appeared more prevalent in periodontal health. Ex vivo studies showed that bacteriophages could influence periodontal bacteria, bacterial virulence, biofilm behavior, and horizontal gene transfer. However, current evidence does not establish a causal relationship between bacteriophages and periodontitis. Further longitudinal and multi-omics research is needed to clarify their role in periodontal disease.

A network meta-analysis suggests that melatonin, resveratrol, green tea, and curcumin may improve selected periodontal outcomes when added to conventional therapy, although evidence certainty remains limited.

Antioxidant Supplements for Periodontitis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A network meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials involving 810 patients evaluated seven antioxidants as adjuncts to conventional periodontal therapy. Melatonin showed potential benefits in reducing probing depth and improving clinical attachment, while green tea and resveratrol may reduce probing depth and curcumin may improve clinical attachment. No significant improvements were observed in plaque or gingival indices. However, some evidence was of low or very low certainty, highlighting the need for further high-quality trials.

A review of 21 studies suggests that spirituality may support quality of life, coping, and psychological well-being in patients with head and neck cancer.

Spirituality and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

A review of 21 studies examined the role of spirituality in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Key dimensions included meaning in life, inner peace, religious faith, and a positive outlook. Several studies associated spirituality with improved quality of life, better coping, and greater emotional resilience. Religious faith was also linked to better pain management and lower existential distress in some studies. The findings support considering spiritual care as part of holistic oncology practice, although the reported associations do not establish causation.

A systematic review found an 88.54% success rate for fluorescence-guided surgery in treated MRONJ lesions, suggesting potential benefits for surgical management.

Fluorescence-Guided Surgery for MRONJ: Systematic Review Findings

A systematic review of nine studies involving 285 patients evaluated fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Among 314 treated lesions, 285 achieved complete healing, resulting in an overall success rate of 88.54% over a mean follow-up of 13 months. Techniques included autofluorescence, tetracycline-induced fluorescence, and indocyanine green near-infrared imaging. FGS appears promising for identifying surgical resection margins, although further high-quality evidence is needed.

A survey in Australia and New Zealand found gaps in specialized team access and standardized protocols for head and neck lymphoedema management.

Head and Neck Lymphoedema Management: Survey Reveals Care Gaps

An online survey of healthcare professionals in Australia and New Zealand identified gaps in the management of head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) among head and neck cancer survivors. Among 73 healthcare professionals, 45% reported lacking access to a specialized multidisciplinary team. Additionally, 55% of 40 HNL therapists reported the absence of standardized institutional management protocols. The findings highlight the need for clearer clinical pathways, professional education, standardized guidelines, and coordinated multidisciplinary care.

A retrospective study found that upfront G-tube placement was associated with fewer chemotherapy modifications and infusion clinic visits in patients receiving chemoradiation for head and neck cancer.

Upfront vs As-Needed G-Tube Placement During Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

A retrospective study of 144 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving definitive chemoradiation evaluated upfront versus as-needed gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement. Upfront placement was associated with 73% lower odds of chemotherapy modification and an average of three fewer infusion clinic visits. However, treatment duration, weight loss, emergency visits, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and survival did not differ significantly between strategies. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

A study identified distinct mast cell phenotypes and gene expression signatures associated with melanoma progression, metastatic disease, and survival outcomes.

Mast Cell Phenotypes and Transcriptomic Signatures in Melanoma Progression

A study investigating mast cells (MCs) in melanoma identified distinct cellular phenotypes associated with disease progression and survival outcomes. Metastatic melanomas were enriched for tryptase-positive, chymase-negative mast cells, including a PD-1-positive phenotype associated with melanoma-related cellular remodeling. Researchers also developed two transcriptomic signatures: the MC-LE signature, associated with favorable survival and interferon-responsive pathways, and the MC-MR signature, associated with poorer survival and tumor-related pathways. These findings may help improve understanding of the tumor microenvironment and support future research into melanoma biomarkers.

A pediatric study found that higher preoperative AHI was associated with lower odds of surgical success after tonsillectomy, particularly in children with very severe OSA.

Pediatric Tonsillectomy Success in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Predictors and Outcomes

A retrospective study of children undergoing tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) found that 70.1% of the 174 children with preoperative and postoperative sleep studies achieved surgical success. Higher preoperative apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was associated with lower odds of success after adjustment for selection bias. Only 41.7% of children with very severe OSA (AHI above 30 events/hour) achieved the study’s success threshold. The findings highlight the importance of postoperative assessment and counseling families that tonsillectomy alone may not resolve very severe OSA.

GYNAECOLOGY - IVF

A cohort study of 1,739 couples found that higher preconception SIRI in women was associated with lower fecundability and a longer time to pregnancy.

Preconception Inflammation and Time to Pregnancy: Role of SIRI

A cohort study involving 1,739 couples in Guangzhou, China, examined the association between pre-pregnancy systemic inflammation and fertility. Women in the highest quartile of the Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) had lower fecundability than those in the second quartile (fecundability ratio 0.79; 95% CI 0.63–0.98), indicating a longer time to pregnancy. The association became more apparent at SIRI levels above approximately 0.89. These findings suggest that SIRI may have potential value in preconception risk assessment, but further studies are needed to confirm its clinical usefulness.

GASTROENTEROLOGY

YAQ001 may improve gut microbiome profiles and reduce inflammation-related markers in patients with cirrhosis.

YAQ001 and Gut Microbiome Changes in Cirrhosis

A randomized, double-blind substudy involving 28 patients with cirrhosis found that YAQ001, a gut-restricted carbon bead adsorbent, increased beneficial bacteria and reduced potentially harmful microbes and antibiotic resistance genes. These changes were associated with lower gut permeability and systemic inflammation markers. YAQ001 also inhibited Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm formation in vitro, supporting further investigation of its microbiome-targeted potential.

ENDO-DIABETOLOGY

GLP-1 agonists may influence obesity-related cancer risk, but long-term benefits and safety concerns require further study.

GLP-1 Agonists and Obesity-Related Cancer Risk

GLP-1 receptor agonists, increasingly used to treat obesity, may help reduce the risk of certain obesity-associated cancers through weight loss, improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation. Current evidence does not indicate an increase in overall cancer risk, but concerns such as medullary thyroid carcinoma warrant attention. Sustained benefits may depend on long-term weight management, lifestyle interventions and preservation of muscle mass.

NEUROLOGY

Higher medial temporal lobe blood flow may indicate cognitive resilience in APOE ε4 carriers without Alzheimer’s pathology.

Brain Blood Flow and Cognitive Resilience in APOE ε4 CarriersBrain Blood Flow and Cognitive Resilience in APOE ε4 Carriers

A study of 148 cognitively unimpaired older adults found higher medial temporal lobe cerebral blood flow in APOE ε4 carriers. Increased blood flow was associated with better executive function only in carriers without elevated plasma pTau217, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. The findings suggest that hyperperfusion may indicate cognitive resilience in the absence of detectable Alzheimer’s-related changes.

UROLOGY

Round-headed sperm proportions may predict sperm function and IVF/ICSI outcomes, supporting individualized fertility care.

Round-Headed Sperm and IVF/ICSI Outcomes

A retrospective case-control study found that men with higher proportions of round-headed sperm had poorer sperm function, increased DNA damage and reduced acrosome integrity. A 7.2% threshold helped distinguish reproductive outcomes, with higher proportions associated with lower fertilization, high-quality embryo, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates following IVF/ICSI. The findings may support individualized fertility assessment and treatment planning.

RAS inhibitors are associated with improved survival in gastroesophageal cancers, but prospective studies are needed to confirm benefits.

RAS Inhibitors and Survival in Gastroesophageal Cancers

A meta-analysis of 12 observational studies involving 15,062 patients found that renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor use was associated with improved overall, cancer-specific and disease-free survival in gastric and esophageal cancers. However, small-study effects and the observational nature of the evidence limit causal conclusions. Prospective studies are needed before considering RAS inhibitors for anticancer purposes beyond established indications.

AZD0364 Is a Potent and S...

AZD0364 Is a Potent and Selective ERK1/2 Inhibitor That Enhances Antitumor Activity in KRAS-Mutant Tumor Models when Combined with the MEK Inhibitor, Selumetinib