Assessing impact, needs and quality-of-life among informal carers of people with pancreatic cancer, a prospective study: the PAN-CARER study protocol

Comprehensive analysis of LRRC42 as a potential biomarker and key cellular processes in cancer development

This study investigated the role of LRRC42 in tumor development and progression using comprehensive methodologies. Analysis of RNA-seq data from the TCGA database revealed that LRRC42 expression is upregulated in various tumor tissues, including bladder cancer (BLCA), breast cancer (BRCA), cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL), colorectal cancer (COAD), esophageal cancer (ESCA), glioblastoma (GBM), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), compared to normal tissues. Conversely, LRRC42 was significantly downregulated in kidney chromophobe (KICH) and thyroid carcinoma (THCA) tissues. Single-cell analysis using the TISCH2 database highlighted high LRRC42 expression levels in specific subpopulations across different cancers. Correlation analyses indicated associations between LRRC42 expression and prognosis in multiple tumors, linking it to poor overall survival in several cancer types. Investigations into LRRC42's interactions with the tumor immune microenvironment and signaling pathways demonstrated significant correlations with immune cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition molecules, autophagy-related factors, and pyroptosis-related molecules. Focusing on LRRC42's potential role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the study uncovered co-expression relationships with Th2 cells and identified genes enriched in mRNA processing and cell cycle regulation pathways. Functional validation through LRRC42 knockdown experiments revealed its critical involvement in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC cell lines. Collectively, these findings emphasize LRRC42 as a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting HCC progression and suggest its pivotal role in modulating key cellular processes integral to HCC advancement.

A multicentre prospective evaluation of health-related quality of life and patient related outcomes in pancreatic and peripancreatic cancer: PROMCAN study

BACKGROUND

The temporal evolution of HRQoL and the importance of other PROs to patients, following resection for pancreatic and peripancreatic malignancy remains unexplored.

METHODS

Patients undergoing pancreatic resection between 2021 and 2022 were enrolled from 2 UK HPB centres. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-PAN26 tools and rated 56 PROs preoperatively (T1), at discharge (T2), 6-weeks (T3), 3-months (T4) and 6-months (T5) postoperatively. ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis was used to examine patterns in HRQoL through time. Multivariable ANOVA was used to identify impact of clinical factors on HRQoL.

RESULTS

63 patients were recruited [median age, 72 (IQR 41-85); 39/63 male]. Physical functioning declined from 70.4 (26.2) at T1 to 53.5 (20.9) at T2 (p = 0.016). Global QoL score increased significantly from 41.0 (23.0) at T2 to 60.0 (26.1) at T5 (p = 0.007), as did role functioning [21.1 (27.9) at T2 to 59.4 (32.8) at T5, p < 0.001]. Chemotherapy status and the postoperative complications did not significantly change HRQoL. General QoL and health were the only PROs rated as 'very important' (scores 7-9) by more than 80 % of participants at five time-points.

CONCLUSION

Recuperation of HRQoL measures is seen at 6-months postoperative and was not affected by chemotherapy or postoperative complications. Notably, PROs important to patients varied over time.

Evaluating the caregiver experience during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is increasingly recommended for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent research has highlighted the significant treatment burden that patients experience during NT, but caregiver well-being during NT is poorly understood.

METHODS

A cross-sectional mixed-methods analysis of primary caregivers of patients with localized PDAC receiving NT was undertaken. All patients completed the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) survey, while semi-structured interviews were conducted among a convenience sample of participants.

RESULTS

Among 28 caregivers, the mean age was 60.1 years, and most were patient spouses/significant others (71.4%). Patients had resectable (18%), borderline resectable (46%), or locally advanced (36%) PDAC with a mean treatment duration of 2.9 months at the time of their caregiver's enrollment. Most caregivers felt that they received adequate emotional/psychosocial support (80%) and understood the rationale for NT (93%). A majority (60%) reported that caregiving responsibilities impacted their daily lives and required a decrease in their work hours, leading to financial challenges (47%). While overall QOL was moderate (mean 83 ± 21.1, range 0-140), "emotional burden" (47.3 ± 20.9), and "positive adaption" (57.3 ± 13.9) were the lowest ranked CQOLC subsection scores.

DISCUSSION

Caregivers of patients with PDAC undergoing NT experience significant emotional symptoms and impact on their daily lives. Assessing caregiver needs and providing resources during NT should be a priority.

Pancreatic Cancer Health Disparity: Pharmacologic Anthropology

Pancreatic cancer (PCa) remains a formidable global health challenge, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. While advancements in pharmacology have led to improved outcomes for various cancers, PCa continues to exhibit significant health disparities, disproportionately affecting certain populations. This paper explores the intersection of pharmacology and anthropology in understanding the health disparities associated with PCa. By considering the socio-cultural, economic, and behavioral factors that influence the development, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of PCa, pharmacologic anthropology provides a comprehensive framework to address these disparities and improve patient care.