Current Oncology

3 pages, 139 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Surgical Oncology in 2025: Challenges, Innovations, and the Road Ahead for Young Surgical Oncologists

by Jörg Kleeff and Artur Rebelo

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(9), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32090478 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

As cancer care becomes increasingly complex and multidisciplinary, the role of surgical oncology continues to evolve at the forefront of innovation [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surgical Oncology)

11 pages, 275 KB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Insulin Resistance in Cancer

by Bal Krishna Subedi, Charishma Bhimineni, Shivani Modi, Atousa Jahanshahi, Katherine Quiza and Daniel Bitetto

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(9), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32090477 - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is a prevalent metabolic condition characterized by reduced cellular responsiveness to insulin and consequent hyperinsulinemia, and it is a key component of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A growing body of evidence suggests IR is a critical accomplice in the pathogenesis of various cancers. This review synthesizes evidence on underlying molecular mechanisms, including the integrated roles of the insulin/IGF system, chronic inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review proposes that metabolic dysregulation should be viewed as a modifiable oncogenic force. This perspective illuminates new pathways for understanding cancer development and offers promising avenues for prevention and therapeutic intervention. Full article

14 pages, 390 KB

Open AccessArticle

Focal Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: A Case Series with Cost Analysis

by Maxwell Sandberg, David Thole, Jackson Nowatzke, Gavin Underwood, Emily Ye, Soroush Rais-Bahrami, Ronald Davis and Alejandro Rodriguez

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(9), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32090476 - 23 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Focal therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) provides approaches to treat PCa patients in a less invasive manner than traditional whole-gland surgical or radiation modalities. This manuscript provides a case series of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation (IRE) for PCa at a single institution and cost analysis with a review of the literature. All patients who underwent HIFU, cryoablation, or IRE for localized PCa were retrospectively reviewed, excluding patients who received whole-gland therapy. Functional outcomes were erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. Cost data were collected. A total of 45 patients were included in the study with focal therapy ranging from 2023 to 2025 (4 HIFU, 20 cryoablation, 21 IRE). A total of 30 patients had focally treated lesions, and 15 patients had hemi-gland treatment. The mean preoperative PSA was 7.7 ng/mL. On the paired sample t-test, there was no significant difference between pre-focal and post-focal therapy PSA. Three patients experienced biochemical recurrence requiring prostate biopsy after focal treatment. Mean cost was USD 3804.50 and not significantly different by focal treatment. No metastatic events occurred nor deaths at a median follow-up of 6 months. Patients in this series had largely unaltered functional outcomes. Cost analysis in contemporary publications is lacking. Although follow-up was short, cancer control was adequate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution of Treatments of Prostate Cancer: From Biology to Current Advanced Technologies)

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14 pages, 236 KB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

by Reanna George, Geoff Eaton, Pam Crotty, Cheryl Heykoop, Norma D’Agostino, Sapna Oberoi, Joshua A. Rash and Sheila N. Garland

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(9), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32090475 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 292

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39 years face unique challenges that impact their long-term quality of life (QoL). Physical functioning, relationship status, social support, anxiety, and depression have been associated with QoL in AYAs with cancer. This study explored factors associated with increased QoL in a sample of 392 AYAs with cancer in Canada who participated in the initial Young Adult Cancer Canada RECOVER survey. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was used to measure QoL. Adjusting for relevant demographic, cancer, and clinical variables, the only factors significantly associated with QoL in multivariable analysis were symptoms of depression [Mild (β = −0.420, p < 0.001); Moderate (β = −0.937, p < 0.001); Moderately Severe (β = −1.188, p < 0.001); Severe (β = −2.182, p < 0.001)] and generalized anxiety [Mild (β = −0.244, p = 0.012); Moderate (β = −0.420, p = 0.002); Moderately severe (β = −0.400, p = 0.012); Severe (β = −0.697, p = 0.010)], as well as having completed treatment (β = −0.347, p < 0.001). Age, gender, time since diagnosis, having children, education, income, fear of recurrence, and social support were not significantly associated with QoL. These results support the need for age-appropriate resources to help AYAs manage the long-term psychological impacts of cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality of Life and Follow-Up Care Among AYA Cancer Survivors)

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Curr. Oncol., Volume 32, Issue 9 (September 2025) – 4 articles

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