The implications of hormone treatment for cancer risk, screening and treatment in transgender individuals

Gender and sex interactions are intrinsic components of cancer phenotypes

Sex is a significant determinant of cancer incidence and outcome. The effects of sexual differentiation on normal and cancer biology underly this epidemiology. The resultant sex differences in therapeutic target pathways and processes provide a foundation for developing more personalized cancer treatments. However, our efforts at personalization cannot stop there. Humans also have gender, and sex and gender are highly interactive in individuation. Thus, we will also need to consider how gender-sex interactions (GSI) affect cancer biology and clinical parameters such as the timing of diagnoses, clinical trial enrolment, and the completeness of efficacy and toxicity data. Ignoring the effects of GSI can compromise the quality of basic biological and clinical data and the conclusions drawn from them. This is not to say that GSI will always have a significant effect or any effect at all in every cancer study. Rather, it is to say that we know enough about GSI and human cancer to anticipate measurable differences when GSI are considered in research, enabling us to experimentally determine whether their effects are significant. Here, I delve deeply into GSI and cancer, as this approach to treatment personalization holds great promise to benefit all patients with cancer.

Body Image and Self-Identity in Transgender Patients: A Comprehensive Review from a Psycho-Oncological Perspective

As the number of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals seeking gender-affirming care continues to increase, it is crucial for healthcare providers to acknowledge the distinct challenges that this community faces and to offer personalized care. This article proposes a comprehensive review aimed at synthesizing current knowledge on the psycho-oncological challenges faced by TGD individuals. By exploring existing literature, it seeks to identify research gaps and provide a framework for addressing the intersection of gender identity, body image, and cancer-related healthcare needs. We aim to explore the complex relationship between being transgender and an oncologic patient, focusing primarily on the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and the implications of anatomical structures that remain after gender-affirming surgeries. The complex interplay between GAHT and cancer risks is highlighted, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and tailored healthcare strategies. Psychological aspects of body image and self-identity among transgender individuals, particularly in the context of cancer treatment, are explored, as these treatments may involve significant bodily changes. For TGD individuals, these changes are intricately linked to their sense of identity and self-worth, leading to heightened distress and impaired quality of life. The disruption of sexual function due to cancer treatments can profoundly impact sexual identity and relationships, areas already vulnerable in the TGD population due to societal stigma. The role of social factors in shaping the experiences of TGD individuals in healthcare settings is also discussed, noting how these stressors can influence both the accessibility and quality of care. Research and clinical practice currently face gaps, and more comprehensive studies and guidelines that address the specific healthcare needs of TGD patients are warranted. The importance of an interdisciplinary approach, combining oncological care with gender-affirming practices, is underscored as essential for improving the overall health outcomes and quality of life for TGD individuals facing cancer.

Cheminformatics-based design and biomedical applications of a new Hydroxyphenylcalix[4] resorcinarene as anti-cancer agent

The distinct conformational characteristics, functionality, affordability, low toxicity, and usefulness make calixarene-based compounds a promising treatment option for cancer. The aim of the present study is to synthesize a new calixarene-based compound and assess of its anticancer potential on some human cancer cells. The synthesized C-4-Hydroxyphenylcalix[4] resorcinarene (HPCR) was characterized by several spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and X-ray crystallographic analysis to confirm its purity and identity. IC50 values were identified for cancer cell lines (U-87, MCF-7, A549) and human dermal fibroblasts cell line (HDF) after treatment with HPCR and the standard drug Cisplatin. A significant selective growth inhibitory activity against U-87 and A549 cell lines was obtained at an HPCR concentration of 100 μM. The MOE docking module (version 2015) was utilized to assess the extent of inhibition for HPCR compound against four cancer-related proteins (3RJ3, 7AXD, 6DUK, and 1CGL).