Sinapsos Podcast | Oncology

E23   |  16 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Rotolo, N.; Cerretani, G.; Casagrande, S.; Nardecchia, E.; Asteggiano, E.; Colombo, A.; Filipponi, L.; Piacentino, F.; Ilaria, S.; Fontana, F. Surgical Approaches and Perioperative Outcomes in Mediastinal Paragangliomas: A 20-Year Comprehensive Systematic Review. Cancers 2026, 18, 486. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030486 Type: Systematic Review  |  Publication date: 01 February 2026 Summary: This study reviews the surgical management of a mediastinal paraganglioma, a rare type of tumor that is often located in the posterior mediastinum and can surround or involve the heart and major blood vessels. Often asymptomatic or with symptoms related to catecholamine secretion, the surgical approach is the treatment of choice, achieving local disease control and long-term outcomes. However, surgical removal poses a high risk of severe bleeding and perioperative complications. By analyzing literature from the last twenty years, we aim to establish a clearer and safer approach for diagnosis and surgery. The findings will help surgeons better plan these complex operations, potentially reducing complications and improving patient care for this uncommon but dangerous condition. Keywords: mediastinal paraganglioma; surgical resection; cardiopulmonary by-pass; post-operative complications; systematic review   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E22   |  11 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Rosini, D.; Cosi, I.; De Iaco, P.; Sebastianelli, A.; Di Stefano, G.; Serni, S.; Nesi, G.; Notaro, R.; De Angioletti, M. SLPI in Prostate Cancer. Cancers 2026, 18, 487. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030487 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 01 February 2026 Summary: SLPI is a protein that usually acts as a protective shield for our body’s internal surfaces. Its main jobs are to prevent tissue damage, fight germs, and control inflammation. However, in the context of cancer, SLPI acts like a double-edged sword. While it normally keeps us healthy, many cancers—including lung and breast cancer—hijack this protein to grow and spread more easily. In these cases, high levels of SLPI often signal a more aggressive disease. Interestingly, the opposite happens in some cases, like liver cancer, where more SLPI can be a positive sign. Prostate cancer shows a unique pattern: SLPI protein levels are low in the early stages but rise sharply as the cancer becomes advanced and resistant to treatments. By studying these shifts, scientists can better understand how a tumor behaves, helping doctors predict the disease’s path and develop more effective, personalized treatments for patients. Keywords: androgen; androgen receptor; biomarker; ETS transcription factors; ETV1; ETV4; transgenic mouse model; prostate cancer; secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor; SLPI   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E21   |  12 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Sawaguchi, H.; Uehara, T.; Iwaya, M.; Asaka, S.; Nakajima, T.; Komamura, S.; Imamura, S.; Iwaya, Y.; Sugenoya, S.; Kitazawa, M.; Soejima, Y.; Ota, H.; Nagaya, T. The Correlation of PBK Expression with an Immune-Activated Tumor Microenvironment and Outcome in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers 2026, 18, 482. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030482 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 31 January 2026 Summary: Colorectal cancer shows large differences in patient outcomes, partly because tumors vary in their biological and immune characteristics. Identifying markers that reflect these differences is important for improving prognosis and treatment strategies. PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) is a protein involved in cell division and has been linked to cancer progression, but its clinical significance in colorectal cancer remains unclear. In this study, we examined PBK expression in tumor tissues from patients with colorectal cancer and analyzed its relationship with tumor features, immune cell infiltration, and patient survival. We found that tumors with high PBK expression were associated with a more active immune environment and better clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that PBK expression may help identify colorectal cancer patients with a favorable immune response and prognosis, providing useful information for future research and potential treatment stratification. Keywords: colorectal cancer; tumor microenvironment; prognosis; immune microenvironment   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E20   |  11 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Michelon, I.; do Rêgo Castro, C.E.; Querino Belluco, A.P.; Dacoregio, M.I.; Priantti, J.; Witt, R.G.; Attia, S.; Vilbert, M.; Cavalcante, L. Multi-Targeted TKIs in Patients with Advanced Ewing Sarcoma: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis. Cancers 2026, 18, 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030465 Type: Systematic Review  |  Publication date: 30 January 2026 Summary: Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that often relapses after treatment. There is no clear standard therapy for patients whose disease progresses. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have recently shown promising results. We reviewed and pooled data from published clinical trials and real-world studies to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in relapsed Ewing sarcoma patients. In our pooled analyses of 14 studies, we found an objective response rate of 23% and a disease control rate of 61.1%. Cabozantinib and regorafenib showed the most consistent benefits among drugs available in Western countries. These findings suggest the potential of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of such a challenging population. Keywords: tyrosine kinase inhibitor; Ewing sarcoma; multiply refractory disease; TKI   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E19   |  13 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Bhardwaj, S.; Saleh, M.; Kinoshita, Y.; Brody, R.; Lukatskaya, O.; Blank, S.V.; Baskovich, B.; Kalir, T. Endometrial Mixed and Mixed-Feature Carcinomas: Small Cohort Clinicopathologic and Molecular Studies. Cancers 2026, 18, 440. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030440 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 29 January 2026 Summary: Endometrial cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide. There are different kinds of endometrial cancers and their treatment is based on the specific type of cancer—termed the histologic type, and the extent of disease spread—termed stage. The pathology diagnosis of the specific type of endometrial cancer is improving because of our ability to identify specific gene mutations that are unique to the different histologic groups of endometrial cancer. Discovering more about these gene mutations will enable us to design better, more personalized treatment, and avoid having patients try medicines that may not be effective at eliminating their tumor cells. In this current research investigation, we studied a rare sub group of endometrial cancers called mixed carcinomas. There are currently no treatment guidelines for this particular group, and we wanted to learn more about their gene mutations in order to better guide future therapy. Keywords: mixed endometrial cancer; mixed-feature endometrial cancer; molecular genetics; endometrial cancer   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E18   |  12 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Sang, Y.; Dang, J.; Wu, J.; Wu, Y.; Quan, E.; Dai, J. Generalization of the Conformity Index for Multi-Target Radiotherapy Plans. Cancers 2026, 18, 426. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030426 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 28 January 2026 Summary: This study proposes a generalized method to calculate the Conformity Index (CI) for multi-target radiotherapy plans (e.g., breast or nasopharyngeal cancer). Standard CI formulas are often distorted in these complex scenarios because they erroneously include dose spillover from adjacent targets. To address this, we redefined the Target Volume (VTV) parameter to mathematically isolate the prescription dose region of each specific target. Validation on clinical plans demonstrated that the new formula effectively eliminates interference from neighboring targets, providing CI values that accurately reflect the true dose conformity. This improved calculation is recommended for the objective evaluation of multi-target radiotherapy plans. Keywords: radiotherapy planning; generalized conformity index; evaluation; multi-target plans   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E17   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Schärer, M.; Heesen, P.; Studer, G.; Vogel, B.; Fuchs, B. Organizing Care Matters: Fragmented Pathways Double Early Local Recurrence Risk in Sarcoma. Cancers 2026, 18, 387. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030387 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 27 January 2026 Summary: Sarcomas are rare malignancies in which outcomes strongly depend on early management according to established guidelines in specialized centers. Nevertheless, many patients receive initial treatment outside structured sarcoma care pathways, where diagnostic and surgical standards are often not fully met. In this study, we analyzed patients with local recurrence within the Swiss Sarcoma Network to assess how the initial care pathway influences the risk of early recurrence. We found that fragmented initial management was independently associated with a higher risk of early local recurrence, mainly due to unplanned surgery and incomplete tumor removal. This increased risk was not compensated for by adjuvant treatments. Our findings highlight the importance of early referral and coordinated, center-based care to improve outcomes in patients with musculoskeletal sarcoma. Keywords: sarcoma; local recurrence; care pathway; fragmented care; unplanned “whoops” excision; surgical margins; multidisciplinary care; real-world data   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E16   |  12 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Sandhu, K.; Lophatananon, A.; Gnanapragasam, V.J. The Impact of Endpoint Definitions on Predictors of Progression in Active Surveillance for Early Prostate Cancer. Cancers 2026, 18, 292. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020292 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 17 January 2026 Summary: Active surveillance (AS) is a critically important management strategy for men with favourable-prognosis prostate cancer. However, there is no standardised or internationally agreed-upon definition of a disease progression endpoint for when AS should stop. This has led to uncertainty regarding which baseline variables reliably predict progression. In the literature, there has also been a multitude of proposed biopsy and imaging metrics that are purported to predict AS progression. We utilised the STRATified CANcer Surveillance (STRATCANs) prospective AS database to assess the utility of different clinicopathological variables in predicting progression and against different contemporary AS endpoint definitions. In this study, we found that the AS endpoint definition appears to determine which variables predict progression. Neither the addition of biopsy nor imaging metrics added consistent incremental value in better predicting progression events. PSA density, in contrast, consistently predicted progression events across different endpoint definitions. Keywords: prostate cancer; active surveillance; STRATCANs; Cambridge prognostic group   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E15   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Kwan, D.; Kwan, W.; Badwal, A.; Puol, T.; Deng, J.Z.; Wang, R.; Ahmed, S.; Mansfield, A.; Fazelzad, R.; Jones, J. Prehabilitation in Adult Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy: A Scoping Review. Cancers 2026, 18, 286. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020286 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 16 January 2026 Summary: Individuals undergoing cancer treatment often experience side effects like fatigue, muscle loss, and mood changes that can reduce their ability to carry out daily activities. In surgical settings, giving patients a prehabilitation program involving exercise, nutrition, and psychological support prior to treatment helps preserve their strength and quality of life, yet its use for non-surgical treatments remains largely unexamined. Our review therefore examines research on prehabilitation before non-surgical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to see what kinds of programs exist, how feasible they are, and which patient groups benefit. By mapping the evidence and identifying gaps, we aim to guide clinicians and researchers toward designing better pre-treatment support programs and highlight the need for longer-term trials in diverse and older populations. Keywords: prehabilitation; cancer; chemotherapy; radiotherapy; non-surgical treatment   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E14   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Szalai, K.; Tóth, K.; Hársing, J.; Gyöngy, M.; Holló, P. High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: Correlations Between Histopathological Subtype, Vascularity, and Age/Sex Distribution. Cancers 2026, 18, 274. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020274 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 15 January 2026 Summary: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and usually grows slowly, but some forms can behave more aggressively. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is a non-invasive imaging method that supports the preoperative evaluation of basal cell carcinoma. In this study, ultrasound contour and vascularity patterns showed a strong association with histological subtype, enabling reliable differentiation between solid and infiltrative tumours. Solid lesions were typically well-defined and hypervascular, whereas infiltrative tumours more often showed irregular margins and reduced vascularity. HFUS therefore represents a valuable adjunct to dermatoscopy for treatment planning and postoperative follow-up. Keywords: ultrasound; BCC; HFUS; oncology   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E13   |  11 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Tykocki, T.; Rakasz, Ł. Intraoperative Spectroscopic and Mass Spectrometric Assessment of Glioma Margins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers 2026, 18, 263. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020263 Type: Systematic Review  |  Publication date: 14 January 2026 Summary: Maximal safe removal of gliomas is crucial for improving patient survival, yet surgeons often face difficulty distinguishing tumor tissue from normal brain tissue during surgery. Traditional frozen-section analysis is accurate but slow and disrupts operative workflow. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated three emerging, label-free intraoperative technologies—Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and optical coherence tomography—that provide real-time biochemical or structural information to guide tumor resection. By analyzing 24 human studies involving nearly 1800 patients, we found that these techniques achieve high diagnostic accuracy in identifying tumor tissue, infiltrated margins, and key molecular features such as IDH mutation status. Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry showed the strongest overall performance, outperforming optical coherence tomography. Importantly, these methods offer rapid, objective feedback without interrupting surgery, supporting more precise glioma resection. Our findings indicate that real-time spectroscopic and molecular diagnostics are ready for broader clinical integration and may enhance surgical decision-making in modern neuro-oncology. Keywords: glioma; Raman spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; optical coherence tomography; intraoperative diagnostics; IDH mutation   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E12   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Restaino, S.; Pellecchia, G.; Arcieri, M.; Mariuzzi, L.; Orsaria, M.; Tulisso, A.; Cesselli, D.; Bulfoni, M.; Poli, A.; Paparcura, F.; Bogani, G.; Mariani, A.; Zannoni, G.; Scambia, G.; Vizzielli, G. Alignment of Molecular Classification Between Diagnosis and Recurrence in Endometrial Cancer: Lessons from a Single-Institution Experience to Inform Future Pathways. Cancers 2026, 18, 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020247 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 13 January 2026 Summary: Endometrial cancer treatment and prognosis have greatly improved thanks to advances in understanding its molecular profile. However, it is still unclear whether these molecular characteristics remain stable over time, particularly when the disease returns after initial treatment. This study explores the concordance and potential evolution of molecular classification between primary diagnosis and recurrence in endometrial cancer, building upon emerging evidence that has begun to address this question. This study explores the concordance and potential evolution of molecular classification between primary diagnosis and recurrence in endometrial cancer, building upon emerging evidence that has begun to address this question. By examining this relationship, our research provides valuable preliminary data that could guide future studies on the biological behavior of recurrent disease. These insights may ultimately contribute to more precise and personalized treatment strategies for patients with endometrial cancer. Keywords: molecular biology; endometrial cancer; recurrence   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E11   |  12 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Rupert, J.; Cai, L.; Daquinag, A.C.; Anastassiou, D.; Kolonin, M.G. Adipose Stromal Cell-Derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Progression Through SFRP4 Signaling. Cancers 2026, 18, 233. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020233 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 12 January 2026 Summary: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by remodeling the microenvironment toward tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. A sub-population of CAFs originates from adipose stromal cells in adjacent fat tissue through mechanisms that are not well understood. Using co-cultures of human adipose stromal cells with pancreatic cancer cells and a mouse model of pancreatic cancer, we found that tumor cells induce Wnt and TGFβ signaling and extracellular matrix gene expression in adipose stromal cells. We discovered that two important genes, the long non-coding RNA LINC01614 and the Wnt signaling modulator SFRP4, are required for this transition. Loss of SFRP4 reduced cancer cell migration, growth, and metastasis, suggesting that SFRP4 is a promising therapeutic target inhibiting the transition. Keywords: cancer; tumor microenvironment; metastasis; pancreas; fibroblast; stromal; adipose; LINC01614; SFRP4; Wnt; TGF; SMAD   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E10   |  11 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Masilamani, A.P.; Hooper, J.K.; Rahman, M.H.; Philip, R.; Kaushik, P.; Graham, G.; Yockell-Lelievre, H.; Khomami Abadi, M.; Meterissian, S.H. Breathprints for Breast Cancer: Evaluating a Non-Invasive Approach to BI-RADS 4 Risk Stratification in a Preliminary Study. Cancers 2026, 18, 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020226 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 11 January 2026 Summary: Breast cancer screening often identifies findings that are suspicious but uncertain, especially those labeled as BI-RADS 4. While doctors usually recommend a biopsy for these cases, most turn out to be benign, meaning many women go through an invasive procedure unnecessarily. This study explored whether a simple breath test could help better identify high-risk patients. By analyzing patterns of natural chemicals in exhaled breath, we trained a computer model to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous findings. The model was able to correctly identify most cancers while also giving strong reassurance when no cancer was present. These results suggest that a breath test could be used alongside mammography to provide patients and doctors with clearer information. If confirmed in larger studies, this approach could spare many women from unnecessary biopsies, lower healthcare costs, and improve trust in breast cancer screening. Keywords: breast cancer; BI-RADS 4; breath analysis; volatile organic compounds (VOCs); digital olfaction (electronic nose); chemiresistive sensor array; machine learning; multi-modal fusion; autoencoder; risk stratification; rule-out diagnostics   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E9   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Fujita, N.; Fujita, K.; Osumi, H.; Takefuji, Y. The Diagnostic Trap in Radiation-Induced Mesothelioma: Kinetic-Morphological Decoupling Masks Molecular Aggression. Cancers 2026, 18, 221. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020221 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 09 January 2026 Summary: Typically, the microscopic appearance of a tumor predicts its biological aggression. However, in malignant pleural mesothelioma caused by radiation, our analysis of 20 rare cases without asbestos exposure suggests that this rule can be clinically deceptive. In this cohort, the intensity of radiotherapy doses appears to shape how the cancer evolves: moderate doses were associated with gradual, age-dependent latent periods, while high doses were associated with rapid, aggressive onset. Paradoxically, these aggressive high-dose tumors retained an indolent-appearing morphology, presenting a potential diagnostic trap that masks their true nature. We propose that reviewing a patient’s radiotherapy history could help expose this discrepancy, potentially guiding risk-stratified precision therapy. Keywords: malignant pleural mesothelioma; radiation-induced cancer; kinetic-morphological decoupling; diagnostic trap; CDK4/6 inhibitors; ; chromothripsis; tumor suppressor genes; precision medicine; therapeutic stratification; CSU Beagle Study   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E8   |  14 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Matsushita, M.; Moriwaki, M. Autophagy Modulates Immunogenic Cell Death in Cancer. Cancers 2026, 18, 205. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020205 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 08 January 2026 Summary: Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a form of regulated cell death that could change a “cold” tumor into an immune-inflamed “hot” tumor by exposing and releasing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Recent works indicate that autophagy can either facilitate or inhibit ICD, depending on the context and which step of the pathway is targeted. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the autophagy–ICD axis in various kinds of cancer, and we then focus on hematological malignancies, especially multiple myeloma, in which autophagy and ICD play important roles. We propose how the phase-specific modulation of autophagy could be exploited to design novel immunogenic chemotherapy combinations and improve cellular immunotherapies. Keywords: autophagy; immunogenic cell death; damage-associated molecular patterns; tumor microenvironment; multiple myeloma   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E7   |  12 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Choi, M.; Kang, C.M. Minimally Invasive Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer: Current Perspectives and Future Directions. Cancers 2026, 18, 197. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020197 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 07 January 2026 Summary: Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy has emerged as a feasible option for pancreatic cancer in expert centers. Current evidence shows comparable safety and oncologic adequacy to open surgery in selected patients, while long-term PDAC-specific data and standardization remain needed. Keywords: minimally invasive surgery; pancreatoduodenectomy; pancreatic cancer; laparoscopy; robotic surgery   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E6   |  12 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Joffe, E.; Epstein-Peterson, Z.; Falchi, L.; Noy, A.; Zelenetz, A.D.; Owens, C.; Gilbert, L.; Salles, G.; Soff, G.A. Romiplostim for Prevention of Severe Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Lymphoma Patients—Phase I Study. Cancers 2026, 18, 188. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020188 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 06 January 2026 Summary: Lymphoma patients receiving intensive chemotherapy frequently develop severe chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, characterized by critically low platelets that increase bleeding risk, necessitate platelet transfusions, and often force treatment delays or dose reductions. While pharmacologic growth factors are routinely used to manage chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, thrombopoietic agents remain inadequately studied. This phase I study investigated whether secondary prophylaxis with weekly romiplostim administration could prevent recurrent severe thrombocytopenia in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy who had already experienced profound platelet drops requiring transfusions in prior cycles. Nine patients were enrolled across three dose schedules to establish a recommended phase 2 dose schedule. Romiplostim effectively prevented grade 4 thrombocytopenia in nearly half of the chemotherapy cycles and substantially reduced platelet transfusion requirements in this high-risk population. The agent was well-tolerated without thromboembolic complications, enabling most patients to maintain their planned chemotherapy schedule at full dose intensity. These findings establish a dosing framework and suggest that secondary prophylaxis with romiplostim may represent a viable strategy to optimize chemotherapy delivery in lymphoma patients. Keywords: severe chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia; lymphoma; romiplostim   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E5   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Ali, A.M.S.; Parmar, V.; Hannan, C.J.; Farah, J.O. Predictors of Survival in Patients Aged ≥70 with Glioblastoma: A Time-Dependent Multivariable Analysis. Cancers 2026, 18, 178. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010178 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 05 January 2026 Summary: Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumour with a very poor outlook, particularly in older patients, and its incidence is expected to rise as the population ages. This study reviewed the outcomes of 124 patients aged 70 years or older who underwent surgery for glioblastoma at a single specialist neurosurgical centre between 2021 and 2025, with the aim of identifying factors linked to survival. Overall survival remained limited, with a median survival of around 8 months. Two factors were clearly associated with longer survival. Patients who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery lived longer than those who did not, with the benefit being strongest in the early months following surgery and gradually reducing over time. In addition, patients in whom all visible tumour could be removed during surgery tended to live longer than those who had only partial tumour removal. In contrast, age within this older group, general fitness before surgery, the presence of other medical conditions, tumour size, and molecular tumour features did not show a clear link with survival. Notably, a history of smoking was associated with poorer survival, even after accounting for other factors. Taken together, these findings suggest that selected patients aged 70 and over can still benefit from active, combined treatment approaches, and that early, coordinated decision-making around surgery and post-operative therapy is important to maximise potential survival benefits in this growing patient group. Keywords: glioblastoma; older patients; surgical resection; adjuvant chemoradiotherapy   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.  

E4   |  14 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: D’Amario, A.; Ambrosini, R.; Gullino, A.; Grazioli, L. Role of Imaging Techniques in Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis: Current Approaches and Future Directions. Cancers 2026, 18, 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010173 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 04 January 2026 Summary: Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Standard ultrasound scans may not be conclusive, especially when ovarian masses are difficult to classify. This review highlights recent advances aimed at reducing diagnostic uncertainty. Contrast-enhanced MRI has demonstrated high accuracy in differentiating benign from malignant lesions, and the O-RADS MRI scoring system provides structured risk assessment with strong sensitivity and specificity. New classification methods are also being developed to further support clinical decision-making. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, including machine learning and deep learning, are being tested to improve diagnostic precision by analyzing complex imaging data. Overall, the integration of advanced imaging with AI has the potential to substantially improve the evaluation and management of women with suspected ovarian cancer. Keywords: ovarian cancer; Ultrasound (US); Computed Tomography (CT); Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); O-RADS MRI Score; Artificial Intelligence (AI); radiomics   Disclaimer: This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.