Based on the latest scientific evidence available, ECICC seeks to offer to healthcare providers and individuals clear and independent guidance on screening and care.
Cancer Media News Report October-November-December 2022 Edition no. 8
English
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Policy section
2023 EU4Health Work Programme
Commission Implementing Decision of 21.11.2022 on the financing of the Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health (‘EU4Health Programme’) and the adoption of the work programme for 2023.
https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2023-eu4health-work-programme_en.
Adoption of Horizon Europe budget 2023 by the European Parliament
European Parliament legislative resolution of 23 November 2022 on the joint text on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023 approved by the Conciliation Committee.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2022-0403_EN (pdf).
Opening Remarks by Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at the World Health Summit 2022 - Europe's Beating Cancer Plan – 16.10.2022
We have put in place a Knowledge Centre on Cancer, which allows us to coordinate EU research and innovation efforts. Research and innovation have also been instrumental in our new guidelines on cancer screening. Our new approach is based on solid scientific evidence, and reflects the latest developments in cancer screening technologies. This update, the first since 20 years, is a major achievement and an excellent example of cooperation with Member States, the scientific community and experts.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/SPEECH_22_6205.
World Cancer Congress: Keynote speech by EU Commissioner Kyriakides – 19.10.2022
Ladies and gentlemen, Cancer affects the entire breadth of our societies – and that means that every section of society needs to be part of our answer to it. So I am delighted to join today’s World Cancer Congress – which gathers cancer and public health experts, political and business leaders…
Answer to a written question - Cancer risk linked to exposure to nitrates and nitrates in processed meats - EN E-002969/2022 – 11.11.2022
Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission (11.11.2022). The recent French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) report, similarly to the conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), confirms the link between...
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-002969-ASW_EN.pdf (pdf).
Kyriakidou: Cyprus should take advantage of the Plan to Fight Cancer - 12.11.2022
It is unacceptable, in the year 2022, that the way of diagnosis, treatment and survival of a cancer patient depends on the country he lives in Europe, said the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission, Stella Kyriakidou, noting that Cyprus should take full advantage what...
Commissioner Kyriakides on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan at Cyprus Oncology Conference – 13.11.2022
A couple of media outlets report on Commissioner Kyriakides' address at the Fourth Cyprus Oncology Conference held in Limmassol. Politis writes that in her speech, the Commissioner stated that cancer continues to be the first cause of death for EU citizens below the age of 65 and emphasised that “this needs to change”. She moved on to applaud Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and highlighted a number of initiatives under its umbrella that aim to lower cancer rates among Europe “for the benefit of all member states’ citizens”.
According to sigmalive.com, Commissioner Kyriakides also referred to three innovative flagship initiatives launched under the aforementioned plan, namely the Knowledge Centre on Cancer, the Cancer Inequalities Registry and the European Cancer Imaging Initiative. She underlined their respective contributions to the EU’s attempt at combating cancer. She also referred to the new EU approach on cancer detection, clarifying that “it will ensure coverage for 90% of the population that is qualifiable for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings”. Speaking about the EU4Health programme, she specified that “the programme’s budget for the 2021-2027 period is €5.2 billion”, adding that “some €30 million will be invested on the development and monitoring of innovative screening technology for prostate, lung and stomach cancer”. As regards Cyprus, Commissioner Kyriakides underlined that “Cyprus' death rate figures attributed to cancer remain lower than the respective EU ones” while “Cyprus’ cancer plan remains aligned with EU policies”.
Keynote speech by Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at the ECL's 42nd Annual Conference for Cancer Leagues – 14.11.2022
Today, in an unpredictable, fast-changing world – where health and security threats can emerge at any time – we need innovative solutions more than ever. When it comes to cancer prevention and care, huge inequalities still exist between, and within Member States, and between different vulnerable groups. And this is but one example.
With this in mind, we've established the Cancer Inequalities Registry to monitor trends, and provide guidance to prioritise investments and interventions that could deliver the most benefit for patients.
Next year, on World Cancer Day, we'll publish the Cancer Country Profiles for the 27 EU Member States, plus Iceland and Norway. These will further highlight where inequalities lie and what we need to do to support and bridge the gaps.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/SPEECH_22_6897.
Burden of cancer
Incidence and mortality of non-AIDS-defining cancers among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) are now becoming a rising cause of morbidity among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the summary risk of incidence and mortality of a wide range of NADCs among PLHIV compared with the general population.
Findings: Among the 40 types of NADCs investigated, all of the 20 infection-related NADCs, cancers related with human papillomavirus infection in particular, and half of the 20 non-infection-related NADCs occurred in excess in PLHIV compared with the general population. This risk pattern was consistent in most WHO regions and more evident among PLHIV with advanced immunodeficiency. PLHIV had increased mortality for anal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, liver cancer, lung cancer, and skin melanoma. Primary prevention and effective treatment for NADCs in this population is urgently needed.
Yuan, Tanwei et al., eClinicalMedicine, Volume 52, October 2022, Article number 101613
Standardized incidence ratios and risk factors for cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis: Data from the Spanish Scleroderma Registry (RESCLE)
Introduction: We analyzed whether Spanish Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) had an increased cancer risk, a growing cause of non–SSc-related death among these patients.
Results: Patients with SSc had increased risks of overall cancer, and of lung, breast, and hematological cancers. Cancer was associated with older age at SSc onset, the presence of primary biliary cholangitis and forced vital capacity <70%.The presence of anticentromere antibodies lowered the risk of cancer.
Conclusions: Spanish patients with SSc had an increased cancer risk compared with the general population. © 2022 The Authors
Carbonell C. et al., Autoimmunity Reviews, Volume 21, Issue 10, October 2022, Article number 103167
Cancer prevention
Association of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level and Cancer-Related Mortality in Patients without Diabetes
Introduction: High levels of Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) have been reported to be associated with poor cancer outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study of 589,457 participants without diabetes or cancer, the relationship between nondiabetic HbA1c levels and cancer-related mortality has been investigated during 6.99 years.
Results: The risk of cancer-related mortality was significantly increased in the higher HbA1c levels. HbA1c level and colorectal, stomach, and lung cancer mortality exhibited a positive relationship, whereas liver cancer-related mortality showed an inverse relationship with HbA1c level.
Yoo, T. K. et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, Volume 11, October 2022, Article number 5933
Dietary acid load and oesophageal cancer risk: A case-control study
Introduction: A high dietary acid load (DAL) can produce metabolic acidosis, which is linked to cancer development through mechanisms of inflammation and cell transformation. There is limited epidemiological evidence linking DAL and cancer risk; however, none of the published studies focused on DAL and oesophageal cancer (OC) risk in particular. Therefore, this association has been explored in the present case-control study through a multitopic inquiry, including a food frequency questionnaire, in 1295 male patients (185 squamous cell OC cases and 1110 matched controls).
Results: Direct, significant associations were found between dietary acid load and OC risk. raising the possibility that a high DAL may contribute to OC development. Acid load scores were directly associated with meat intake and inversely associated with the intake of plant-based foods.
Conclusion: This is the first epidemiological case–control study analyzing associations of DAL and squamous cell OC risk. Further research is warranted to confirm our findings. © 2022 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
Ronco, A. L. et al., Thoracic Cancer, Volume 13, Issue 19, Pages 2759 – 2766, October 2022
Coffee consumption and cancer risk: a Mendelian randomisation study
Background: Coffee contains many bioactive chemicals and associations with cancer have been reported in observational studies. This study investigated the causal associations of coffee consumption with a broad range of cancers.
Conclusions: There was no strong evidence supporting a causal relationship between coffee consumption and the majority of cancers studied. However coffee consumption was associated with a reduced ovarian cancer risk and increased risk of multiple myeloma and digestive system cancer, especially oesophageal cancer.
Carter, P. et al., Clinical Nutrition, Volume 41, Issue 10, Pages 2113 - 2123, October 2022
Thyroidal and Extrathyroidal Requirements for Iodine and Selenium: A Combined Evolutionary and (Patho)Physiological Approach
Iodide and Selenoproteins are needed to produce thyroid hormone. Disbalanced iodine-selenium explains relations between thyroid autoimmune disease (TAD) and cancer of thyroid and exocrine organs, notably stomach, breast, and prostate. Seafood is iodine unconstrained, but selenium constrained. Terrestrial food contains little iodine while selenium ranges from highly deficient to highly toxic. Iodine vs. TAD is U-shaped, but only low selenium relates to TAD. Oxidative stress from low selenium, and infection from disbalanced iodine-selenium, may generate cancer of thyroid and exocrine glands.
Traditional Japanese diet resembles our ancient seashore-based diet and relates to aforementioned diseases. Adequate iodine might be in the milligram range but is toxic at low selenium. Optimal selenoprotein-P at 105 µg selenium/day agrees with Japanese intakes. Selenium upper limit may remain at 300–400 µg/day. Seafood combines iodine, selenium and other critical nutrients. © 2022 by the authors.
Dijck-Brouwer, D. A. Janneke et al., JOURNAL, Volume 14, Issue 19, October 2022, Article number 3886
Time trends in mobile phone use and glioma incidence among males in the Nordic Countries, 1979–2016
Introduction: In the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden), the use of mobile phones increased sharply in the mid-1990s especially among middle-aged men (40–69 years). Using data from national cancer registries during 1979–2016, we investigated time trends in glioma incidence rates (IR) to assess the plausibility of brain tumour risks from mobile phone use reported in some case-control studies.
Results: This study confirms that no changes in glioma incidence in the Nordic countries have occurred that are consistent with a substantial risk attributable to mobile phone use. This particularly applies to virtually all reported risk increases reported by previous case-control studies with positive findings. © 2022
Deltour, I. et al., Environment International, Volume 168, October 2022, Article number 107487
Screening / Early detection
Autoantibody Markers of Increased Risk of Malignancy in Patients with Dermatomyositis
The aim of this review is to summarize the current data regarding the link between malignancy and the presence of specific antibodies in patients with dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the skin and muscles. It most commonly occurs in adults with preponderance in females.
The risk of malignancy in adult patients with dermatomyositis was reported to be 4.66-fold higher compared to that in the general population. One of the characteristic findings is the presence of circulating autoantibodies, which might be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Current literature data indicate that the strongest correlation with malignant diseases was reported in anti-TIF1-γ-positive patients who were at a 9.37-fold higher risk of cancer. A 3.68-fold increase in the risk of cancer was also reported among patients with anti-NXP2 antibodies. Malignant diseases were reported in 14–57% of patients with anti-SAE antibodies. These data indicate that patients with circulating anti-TIF1-γ, anti-NXP2, and anti-SAE should be very closely monitored for dermatomyositis-associated malignant comorbidities. © 2022, The Author(s).
Marzęcka, M. et al., Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology, Volume 63, Issue 2, Pages 289 - 296, October 2022
Cancer diagnosis and treatment
Types of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques for cancer diagnosis: a review
With the current diagnostic methods, it is hard to determine cancer at an early stage, due to its versatile nature and lack of genomic biomarkers. The rapid development of biophotonics has emerged as a potential tool in cancer early detection and diagnosis. The diagnostic techniques addressed in this review are highly sensitive to the chemical and morphological changes in the cell and tissue during disease progression.
This review addresses the applications of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques for cancer detection based on the optical properties of the tissue. The discussed state-of-the-art techniques successfully determines malignancy to its rapid diagnosis. © 2022, The Author(s).
Kaniyala Melanthota, S. et al., Lasers in Medical Science, Volume 37, Issue 8, Pages 3067 - 3084, October 2022
Royal Jelly: Beneficial Properties and Synergistic Effects with Chemotherapeutic Drugs with Particular Emphasis in Anticancer Strategies
Currently, various methods are used to treat cancer, including radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, all of which have serious adverse effects. A healthy lifestyle, especially a nutritional diet, plays a critical role in the treatment and prevention of many disorders, including cancer. The above notion, plus the trend in going back to nature, encourages consumers and the food industry to invest more in food products and to find potential candidates that can maintain human health.
One of these agents, and a very notable food agent, is royal jelly (RJ), known to be produced by the honeybees. RJ contains bioactive substances, such as carbohydrates, protein, lipids, peptides, mineral salts and polyphenols which contribute to the appreciated biological and pharmacological activities. Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antibacterial impacts are among the well-recognized benefits. The combination of RJ or its constituents with anticancer drugs has synergistic effects on cancer disorders, enhancing the drug’s effectiveness or reducing its side effects. The purpose of the present review is to emphasize the possible interactions between chemotherapy and RJ, or its components, in treating cancer illnesses. © 2022 by the authors.
Salama,S. et al., Nutrients, Volume 14, Issue 19, October 2022, Article number 4166
Microbiota-driven mechanisms at different stages of cancer development
A myriad of microbes living together with the host constitutes the microbiota, which exerts very diverse functions in the regulation of host physiology. Microbiota regulates cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and responses to therapy. Here we review known pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions of microbiota, and mechanisms of how microbes can shape tumor microenvironment and affect cancer cells as well as activation and functionality of immune and stromal cells within the tumor. While some of these mechanisms are distal, often distinct members of microbiota travel with and establish colonization with the tumors in the distant organs. We further briefly describe recent findings regarding microbiota composition in metastasis and highlight important future directions and considerations for the manipulation of microbiota for cancer treatment. © 2022
Ivleva, E. A. et al., Neoplasia, Volume 32, October 2022, Article number 100829
A global bibliometric and visualized analysis of bacteria-mediated cancer therapy
Bacteriotherapy has proved to be a powerful tool to fight against cancer. Herein, we used VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Python to perform the first global bibliometric analysis of the literature from 2012 to 2021 on bacteria-mediated cancer therapy. Additionally, the keyword analysis indicated that immunotherapy and nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems have long been popular topics in cancer bacteriotherapy, whereas the gut microbiota and probiotics are emerging research hotspots. This study provides crucial insights into the historical development of bacteria-mediated cancer therapy from 2012 to 2021, which will be helpful for scientists to conduct further investigation into this promising field. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
Wang, J. et al., Drug Discovery Today, Volume 27, Issue 10, October 2022, Article number 103297
Metallo-Drugs in Cancer Therapy: Past, Present and Future
Cancer treatments which include conventional chemotherapy have not proven very successful in curing human malignancies. The failures of these treatment modalities include inherent resistance, systemic toxicity and severe side effects. Out of 50% patients administrated to chemotherapy, only 5% survive. For these reasons, the identification of new drug designs and therapeutic strategies that could target cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected still continues to be a challenge.
Despite advances that have led to the development of new therapies, treatment options are still limited for many types of cancers. This review provides an overview of platinum, copper and ruthenium metal based anticancer drugs in clinical trials and in vitro/in vivo studies. Presumably, copper and ruthenium complexes have greater potential than Pt(II) complexes, showing reduced toxicity, a new mechanism of action, a different spectrum of activity and the possibility of non-cross-resistance. We focus the discussion towards past, present and future aspects. © 2022 by the authors.
Lucaciu, R. L. et al., Molecules, Volume 27, Issue 19, October 2022, Article number 6485
The Anticancer Potential of Plant-Derived Nutraceuticals via the Modulation of Gene Expression
Current studies show that approximately one-third of all cancer-related deaths are linked to diet and several cancer forms are preventable with balanced nutrition, due to dietary compounds being able to reverse epigenetic abnormalities. An appropriate diet in cancer patients can lead to changes in gene expression and enhance the efficacy of therapy. It has been demonstrated that nutraceuticals can act as powerful antioxidants at the cellular level as well as anticarcinogenic agents.
This review is focused on the best studies on worldwide-available plant-derived nutraceuticals: curcumin, resveratrol, sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, quercetin, astaxanthin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and lycopene. These compounds are reported to positively modulate the epigenome, reducing cancer incidence. Understanding the mechanisms by which nutraceuticals influence gene expression will allow their incorporation into an “epigenetic diet” that could be further capitalized on in the therapy of cancer. © 2022 by the authors.
Vrânceanu, M. et al., Plants, Volume 11, Issue 19, October 2022, Article number 2524
Quality of life
Impact of physical exercise in advanced-stage cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Health professionals predict that the number of people who will suffer and die from oncological diseases will continue to increase. It is vitally important to provide comprehensive care to these patients and prescribe physical exercise programs as adjuvant therapy.
The objective of this systematic review was to determine the impact of physical exercise on advanced-stage cancer patients. A literature search showed that physical exercise programs by advanced-stage cancer patients have a positive impact on health, and serve as adjuvant therapy, within the comprehensive care of patients. Similarly, aerobic, strength or mixed training programs increase the muscle mass of patients and therefore reduce hypotonia, the main side effect during the advanced-stages of cancer. © 2022 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Rodríguez-Cañamero, S. et al., Cancer Medicine, Volume 11, Issue 19, Pages 3714 - 3727, October 2022
Prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with different types of cancer or haematologic malignancies: a cross-sectional study
AIMS: Cancer patients often present with psychological symptoms that affect their quality of life, physical health outcomes and survival. Two of the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities are anxiety and depression. However, the prevalence of these disorders among cancer patients remains unclear, as studies frequently report varying rates. In the present study, we aimed to provide robust point estimates for the prevalence of anxiety and depression for both a mixed cancer sample and for 13 cancer types separately, considering confounding variables.
METHODS: In a sample of 7509 cancer outpatients, we used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess rates of anxiety and depression.
We compared the prevalence of anxiety and depression between different cancer types, controlling for age and gender. RESULTS: About one third of our sample showed symptoms of anxiety (35.2%) or depression (27.9%), and every sixth patient had a very likely psychiatric condition, with women being more frequently affected. Elderly patients more often showed signs of depression. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was significantly higher in lung and brain cancer patients, than in other cancer patients. Lowest depression rates were found in breast cancer patients.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anxiety and depression is high in cancer patients. Type of cancer is an important predictor for anxiety and depressive symptoms, with lung and brain cancer patients being highly burdened.
Zeilinger E.L. et al., Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences, Volume 31, October 2022
Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Cancer: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies
Background: Cancer treatments may affect the sexual function in women, especially desire, arousal, and orgasm. This study reviewed the risk of women with cancer of developing sexual dysfunctions.
Results: The incidence of sexual dysfunctions ranged from 30% to 80%, while the risk of developing sexual dysfunction increased 2.7- and 3.5-fold in women with cervical and breast cancer, respectively.
Sousa Rodrigues Guedes, T. et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 19, Issue 19, October 2022, Article number 11921
Disclaimer: the views expressed are purely those of the writer and do not under any circumstances reflect the official position of the European Commission. The articles contained in this news report are not selected according to strict criteria but following an editorial choice, which can by no means be exhaustive or comprehensive.
| Originally Published | Last Updated | 29 Nov 2022 | 05 Dec 2022 |
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