Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Psychological Safety In Health Care: A Prerequisite For High Reliability, Sonali Thosani

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

This paper presents a viewpoint on how psychological safety contributes to patient safety, teamwork, and high reliability.

Kobayashi Maru, Daniel Mahoney

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

This poem invites the reader to consider the uncertainty of facing an unwinnable situation. Kobayashi Maru is a reference to a fictional leadership test from Star Trek, designed to confront participants with a no-win scenario. While the test is famously “beaten” by the show’s hero, this piece aspires to depict the often unwinnable circumstance of caring for a child with incurable illness. The reader is provided space to consider how the balance of emotions and values may shift when read through the eyes of a parent, clinician, or observer.

The Weight Of The White Coat, Jonathan Cunningham

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

This is a poem reflecting on the mission of the medical provider through the image of the white coat.

Beyond Boundaries: A Model For Boosting Staff Retention And Morale Through Career Mobility, Tiffany Hughes, Abigail Caudle, Robert Ghafar, Brandon Freudensprung, Paloma Vasquez

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Retention and morale in health care are strategic imperatives that directly influence patient care, quality outcomes and operational stability. At The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, we found a significant gap in the career advancement opportunities for our clinical and administrative staff. Employees lacked visibility into career growth pathways, leaving them disengaged and increasing the overall turnover rate. In response, our division launched a structured, transparent Career Mobility Model to provide employees with the clarity and tools needed for advancement. This model integrates career mapping, shadowing programs, and leader-led career conversations, all of which led to measurable gains …

Clinical Medical Emergency Team Training Simulation (Cmetts): An Interprofessional Simulation For Medical Students And Nursing Residents, Allan John R. Barcena, Marvin R. Bernardino, Dominic Karl M. Bolinas, Kitz Paul D. Marco, Toni Edwards, Shelita Kimble, James Cavalier, Marites P. Melancon, Jillian R. Gunther

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Effective teamwork and communication are critical during medical emergencies, particularly in oncology, yet health care professionals are often trained separately, creating challenges for interprofessional collaboration. Evidence-based frameworks like Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) offer structured tools to optimize team performance. This study describes a simulation-based program, the Clinical Medical Emergency Team Training Simulation (CMETTS), designed to instill foundational teamwork skills in early-stage learners. First-year medical students and newly graduated nursing residents participated in an interprofessional simulation involving medical emergency scenarios followed by structured debriefing sessions guided by TeamSTEPPS principles. We evaluated the program’s effectiveness …

Lessons Learned For Improving Trainee Engagement And Utilization Of Education And Training Materials For Cancer Research, Katerina M. Santiago, Tania Galindo, Michaela A. Dinan

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: A core component of the National Cancer Institute Cancer (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant requires cancer centers to coordinate research career enhancement and related activities. The Yale Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, established the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) component in 2016. In response to the needs of trainees, CRTEC has developed several initiatives that we have identified and described here as best practices to engage and support trainees.

Methods: We had 2 aims to improve engagement: 1) increasing our visibility and trainee awareness of CRTEC and nurturing bidirectional communication and 2) offering …

Centralizing Communication Intake To Improve Workflow Visibility And Engagement: A Quality Improvement Project In A Cancer Center's Education Division, Menatalla El-Sharkawi, Mohamed Ait Aiss

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: In large or complex organizations, multiple teams may be charged with managing different components of a project, initiative, or administrative assignment. When these teams have overlapping needs for information, the absence of a structured intake and tracking process can limit transparency, reduce efficiency, and hinder coordination across communication channels.

Methods: Drawing on principles of strategic communications and project management, we created a structured and centralized information sharing process for teams within the education division of a comprehensive cancer center. The intervention included workflow redesign, development of a standardized intake system, and use of real-time dashboard analytics to support operation …

Transforming Patient Safety And Care Practices Through Interprofessional Education, Kaleena Ramirez, Claudia C. Tamara, Jennifer Sells, Karen Clatt, Banan Abuharb, Mary Coolbaugh-Murphy, Iris Culwell, Anca Fumurescu, Mary Gust, Lori Simmons, Delores Whiteing, Annie Koenig, Sara Martinez, Wilton Muriithi, Shaun T. Caldwell, Susan Lee, Mary Sizemore, Kimberly Ann H. Krumwiede

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

As healthcare increasingly relies on interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe and effective care, the development of interprofessional collaboration competencies among students in health care professions has become an educational priority. In response, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions integrated a longitudinal interprofessional education curriculum to foster collaborative practice readiness and prepare students for team-based interdisciplinary environments that ensure safe and patient-centered care. The curriculum was guided by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative 2016 and 2023 core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice, reinforced with the Real Colors® Personality Instrument and Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance …

Investigating Sertraline‑Mediated Modulation Of Succinate Dehydrogenase To Sensitize Tmz‑Resistant Glioblastoma Cells, Supraja Mallapuram

Create@State

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest and most common brain tumor which remains highly resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), contributing to poor patient outcomes. Literature suggests that sertraline, a widely used SSRI, disrupts mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells. Because GBM depends heavily on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) for oxidative phosphorylation, sertraline‑mediated SDH inhibition may increase metabolic stress and reduce functional TMZ resistance. This poster presents a literature‑based rationale and proposed experimental design to evaluate sertraline‑induced SDH modulation and its potential to sensitize TMZ‑resistant T98G glioblastoma cells. These findings will guide future experimental work.

Viral Hepatitis Screening In Early Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Cancer Therapy: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Katherine Klein, Jessica Hwang, Vicente Valero, David Ramirez, Jaime Kaushik

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend screening all patients for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) before initiation of cancer therapy. Cancer patients receiving cancer therapy represent a vulnerable population, and reactivation of undetected hepatitis virus can lead to devastating consequences. At MD Anderson Cancer Center, rates of hepatitis screening for all cancer patients have been historically low. The overall aim of this quality improvement (QI) study was to increase rates of HBV and HCV screening to at least 50% in early-stage breast cancer patients before cancer therapy in the Breast Medical Oncology clinic at MD …

Interprofessional Education Development In An Oncology-Focused Healthcare Institution, Mary Sizemore, Michael Morris, Mohamed Ait Aiss, Gregory Botz, Jolyn Taylor, Joshua Kuban, Diane C. Bodurka

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: Despite growing recognition of the value of interprofessional education (IPE), most IPE work has focused on undergraduate learners, leaving a critical gap in postgraduate and clinical environments. This report describes a phase 1, formative, pre-implementation quality improvement (QI) initiative to establish an institution-wide IPE program at an oncology center without a traditional medical school.

Methods: We used a developmental, multiphase mixed methods design integrating 3 inputs: (1) Virtual Interprofessional Teaching and Learning (VITAL) faculty-development feedback, (2) IPE Steering Committee feedback, and (3) simulation evaluation used as an applied context (not the sole focus). Surveys were administered to VITAL participants, …

Spatial Computing With The Apple Vision Pro In Minimally Invasive Procedure Simulation: A Randomized Crossover Feasibility Study, Sydney Cooper, Aaron Kyle Jones, Rahul Anil Sheth, Koustav Pal, Bruno Odisio, Mark Blaylock, Shelita Kimble, Justin Bird, David Rice, Daniel Shoenthal, Emil Patel, Vipin Kamath, Sanjay Gupta, Jeffrey Siewerdsen, Joshua Kuban

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of wearing the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), a mixed-reality headset that integrates augmented and virtual reality, while performing minimally invasive procedures. While studies have demonstrated that spatial computing technology can improve surgical precision and reduce the risks of surgical complications, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically addressed the impact of the AVP on task performance during simulated image-guided procedures.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen diagnostic and interventional radiology residents performed image-guided central venous catheter placement, thoracentesis, and paracentesis on simulation models. Each participant completed a non-timed practice followed by the procedures once …

Utilization Of Hybrid Angiography-Ct Suites In An Interventional Oncology Practice, David Irwin, Kiyoyuki Minamiguchi, Ryosuke Taiji, Aaron Kyle Jones, Gouthami Chintalapani, Roland Bassett, Steven Y. Huang, Sanjay Gupta

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: To evaluate operational trends in an interventional oncology practice at a tertiary academic center before and after the addition of hybrid angiography–computed tomography (Angio-CT) rooms.

Materials and Methods: The procedure volumes and types performed in the hybrid Angio-CT rooms were retrospectively collected from 2016 to 2020. Procedures were divided into categories, including arteriography, endovascular interventional oncology, ablation, venous intervention, non-vascular catheter placement (biliary, nephrostomy, gastrostomy, etc.), and osseous interventions. Procedural trends in the Angio-CT rooms and the frequencies of combination procedures that used both CT and angiography were assessed.

Results: A major shift of catheter-based tumor-directed cases to Angio-CT …

A Performance And Quality Improvement Intervention Integrating Molecular Testing To Support Personalized Cancer Care In Lung And Thyroid Cancers, Suzanne Murray, Monica Augustyniak, John Vu, Elbert Y. Kuo, Manolo G. Pasia Jr., Sheri L. Rivera, Kelly M. Rodriguez, Vivek Subbiah, Patrice Lazure, Ecaterina E. Dumbrava

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Introduction: Molecular testing has been underutilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, despite its potential to significantly impact clinical decision-making and resulting health outcomes.

Objectives: This project aimed to evaluate the process and impact of a performance/quality improvement (PI/QI) intervention to optimize the integration of molecular testing for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or thyroid cancer (TC).

Methods: Physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses were engaged in the PI/QI at 2 cancer centers (Site A and Site B) for up to 18 months following a pre-intervention needs assessment. Gaps identified at baseline informed …

Tom: Treatment Outcome Monitor - A Web-Based Tool Designed Specifically For Clinics With Limited Resources, Saurabh Shashikumar Nair, Alba Kihn Alarcon, Maritza Elodia Cupil Barrios, Milton Estuardo Ixquiac Cabrera, Mynor Villeda, Joseph Steyn, Anneray Richards, Ricardo Ruggeri, Loida Orozco, Angel Velarde, Indranil Mallick, Graeme Lazarus, Christoph Trauernicht, Vicky De Falla, Tim Edwards, Johnny Inthaphone, Adenike Olanrewaju, Laurence E. Court, Joshua Niedzielski

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Background: Although three-fourths of cancer deaths are expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2030, most cancer research still comes from high-income countries. One barrier to cancer research in LMICs is lack of infrastructure for systematic data collection, including electronic medical record systems. We developed Treatment Outcome Monitor (TOM), a cloud-based tool for tracking cancer patient outcomes, designed specifically for resource-limited settings.

Methods: TOM was developed through iterative design cycles with continuous feedback from health care providers from across the world. We focused on creating a simple, web-based solution that addresses real-world challenges in resource-limited …

A Rare Presentation Of Extra-Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Of The Anus, Pincus Joshua, Marianne Estrada, Lance Horner University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

School of Medicine Research Poster Showcase

Introduction: Mucinous neoplasm of the anus is an uncommon malignancy, representing less than 3% of all anal cancers. Even more rare is extra-appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. As a result, limited literature exists to define diagnostic strategies and optimal management. Our case report details the presentation and management of a patient with recurrent mucinous neoplasm of the anus. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed which includes clinic documentation., operative notes, pathology reports. Results: The patient is a 76-year-old male with a history of T3N0M0 anal mucinous carcinoma diagnosed in 2015 and treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation with complete pathological response. In 2024, …

Influence Of Background Music On Proton Dose Monitors, Julia Colangeli, Rachel Felder, Nicole Geer, Favour Ihenwe, Shermineh Roodi, Sandra John Baptiste

Research Methods Poster Session 2026

This study examines the effects of background music, particularly varying bass frequencies, on dose monitor accuracy in proton therapy using the Hitachi PROBEAT-FR proton accelerator.

Mapping Burdens And Inequalities Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Young Females Across 953 Locations 1990–2040 With Deep Learning Forecasts, Yaling Wu, Wenxiang Cai, Mao Chen, Susu Luo, Robert J Norman, Mahnaz Bahri Khomami, Lisa Moran, Heping Zhang, Suhaniya N S Samarasinghe, Salman Rawaf, Davd A Ehrmann, Liming Pan, Kexin Ding, Shuxian Ma, Lili Zheng, Xian Shao, You Zuo, Baozhen Huang, Fei Li, Mingyang Xue, Tongrui Shang, Guangyao Cai, Yuanyuan Chen, Ying Wang, Yutong Lu, Dong Wang, Yuanyuan Wan, Ningning Wu, Ciqing Lin, Wei Pan, Rui Zhang, Tingting Yao, Yiming Xiong, Kai Chen, Jianli Zhao, Shunrong Li, Liling Zhu, Luyuan Tan, Yinduo Zeng, You Zeng, Lukasz Szarpak, Nadia M Hamdy, Claire Chenwen Zhong, Fa Yuan, Yihang Chu, Xiao Jia, Peng Wu, Linjiang Wei, Yanfang Ye, João Conde, Zimeng Wu, Jinjin Zhang, Yamei Tang, Pengpeng Ye, Dongzi Yang, Shixuan Wang, Azeem Majeed, Helena Teede, Wenyi Jin, Queran Lin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive endocrine disorder impacting the health of young female populations. Using harmonized estimates from 953 locations, we assessed temporal trends, geographic inequalities, and forecasts of PCOS among individuals aged 10-24 years from 1990 to 2040. Between 1990 and 2021, global prevalence and disability burden increased by more than 30%, with the highest burden observed among those aged 20-24 years. Substantial geographic heterogeneity was identified, with particularly high prevalence in Europe and East Asia. While high-income regions carried the greatest absolute burden, low- and middle-income regions showed the fastest growth, accompanied by widening …

Safety And Efficacy Of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel For Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Cibmtr Study., Doris K Hansen, Danai Dima, Hira Mian, Jakob Devos, Ruta Brazauskas, Temitope Oloyede, Aimaz Afrough, Nausheen Ahmed, Larry Anderson, Rahul Banerjee, Jesus G Berdeja, Aram Bidikian, Binod Dhakal, Ajoy Dias, Yvonne Efebera, Muhammad Salman Faisal, Lohith Gowda, Hamza Hashmi, Abu-Sayeef Mirza, Meera Mohan, Ravi Narra, Ashley E Rosko, Mark Schroeder, Taiga Nishihori, Heather Landau, Saad Usmani, Marcelo C Pasquini, Othman S Akhtar, Surbhi Sidana, Krina K Patel

Oncology Articles

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), an anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, was approved in 2022 for heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in RRMM patients reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research registry between March 2022 and December 2023 who met commercial release specifications. Among 595 patients, median age was 64 years, 57% were male, and 70% had ≥1 comorbidity. Extramedullary disease and marrow plasma cell burden ≥ 50% were present in 13% and 14% of patients, respectively. The median number of prior lines …

A Tv-Bm3d Iterative Algorithm For Vmat-Ct Reconstruction, Chia-Lung Chien, Beibei Guo, Rui Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Volumetric modulated arc therapy-computed tomography (VMAT-CT), which is the CT reconstructed using the portal images collected during VMAT, can potentially be an effective onsite imaging tool. The goal of this study was to propose an iterative reconstruction algorithm that can further improve the image quality of VMAT-CT and reduce the number of failed reconstructions. An iterative algorithm combining total variation (TV) with block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D) was proposed, addressing the L1-L2 regularization problem using the split Bregman method. We collected portal images from 67 VMAT cases including 50 phantom and 17 real-patient cases. Both Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) and TV-BM3D iterative …

A Multidomain Peptide Hydrogel-Liposome Composite For Controlled Release Of A Cyclic Dinucleotide In Oral Cancer, Joseph W R Swain, Andrea H Molina, Gemalene M Sunga, Danielle Chew-Martinez, Neeraja Dharmaraj, Alejandra Cobos Perez, Arghadip Dey, Ephraim J Vázquez-Rosado, Simon Young, Jeffrey D Hartgerink

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

While immunotherapy is a promising treatment strategy for cancer, the majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients treated with single-agent immunotherapy do not respond. Therefore, researchers are investigating combination treatments with immunostimulatory molecules that can maximize anti-tumor responses. Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are STING agonists that hold promise in combination approaches, but they require frequent intratumoral administration when used in both preclinical models of HNSCC and clinical trials. To reduce administration frequency, we have created a peptide hydrogel–liposome composite system, K2-Lip(CDN), for local and prolonged availability of CDN. We investigated the loading limits of cationic liposomes in both …

Examining The Benefits Of A Standardized Protocol For Hyperglycemia Screening In Adult Oncology Patients: A Pilot Study, Alexa Dashko

Pacific Journal of Health

Many individuals receiving cancer directed therapy are at risk of developing hyperglycemia and new, or worsening of, diabetes due to location of their cancer, treatment regimen, and/or prolonged use of steroids. Research shows that uncontrolled hyperglycemia can have detrimental effects on individuals’ response to cancer therapy, treatment associated toxicities, quality of life and overall mortality. Despite extensive research identifying the need for routine monitoring and management of hyperglycemia in oncology patients, medical societies have yet to establish formal screening guidelines for practitioners. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the outcomes of establishing a protocol for screening and …

Car-T Cell Therapy – A Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment Through Precision Immunotherapy, Mackenzie R. Epperson

ATU Scholars Symposium

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a great advancement in the field of oncology, offering a targeted and adaptable cancer treatment. Traditional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often have limitations, such as relapse and resistance, highlighting the need for more precise therapeutic options. CAR-T therapy addresses many of these challenges through engineering a patient’s own T-cells to recognize and destroy cancerous cells with specificity and long-lasting immune activity. Since being approved by the FDA in 2017, CAR-T therapy has shown success in treating hematologic malignancies, demonstrating high remission rates in patients with previously limited options. Despite …

Harnessing The Gut-Diet Axis To Enhance Chemotherapy And Immunotherapy, Jill Carline

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, represents a critical "gut-diet axis" that significantly influences cancer progression and therapeutic efficacy. While a state of homeostasis supports systemic immunity, dysbiosis is linked to chronic inflammation and can actively promote resistance to standard cytotoxic chemotherapies and modern immune checkpoint inhibitors. Specifically, research indicates that Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) promotes resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer by activating Notch1 receptors to inhibit apoptosis and push cancer cells into a resilient, stem-cell-like state. Conversely, the introduction of fiber-rich and fermented foods can cultivate beneficial bacteria …

A Prolonged Nightly Fasting Plus Telehealth Coaching Intervention (Pnf+) For Men On Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Pca: A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial, Kuang-Yi Wen, Julianne Freedman, Kevin K. Zarrabi, Rachel Slamon, Rita Smith, Jessica Liang, Patrick Mille, William J. Tester, William Kevin Kelly

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 3-month health coaching intervention to promote PNF and healthy diet for men on ADT for PCa.

Methods: The study was carried out via a two-armed randomized controlled trial including 40 patients with PCa at a medical center in Philadelphia. During the 3-month period, the intervention group (PNF+) received health coaching utilizing an interactive text message system, and the control group received healthy eating text messages for the same duration. The outcome variables were feasibility and acceptability.

Results: The PNF+ group (n = 27) had high …

Kelim Score Predicts Recurrence And Survival In Bevacizumab-Treated Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Real-World Pilot Study, Mohammed Elshafey, Pontia Doroudian, Madeline Ruth Evans, Ira Winer

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:
The KELIM score, derived from CA-125 kinetics, reflects intrinsic tumor chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer. This retrospective study evaluated whether KELIM predicts clinical outcomes in patients receiving bevacizumab in a real-world setting.

Methods:
Twenty-four patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and bevacizumab at a tertiary center in Detroit, MI, were included. KELIM scores were calculated from CA-125 values during the first 100 treatment days (www.biomarker-kinetics.org) and classified as favorable (≥1.0) or unfavorable (< 1.0). Progression-free survival (PFS) was measured from diagnosis to recurrence, and overall survival (OS) from diagnosis to last contact or death. Surgical outcomes, debulking approach, PARP inhibitor use, and survival status were analyzed descriptively.

Results:
Nineteen patients (79%) had favorable KELIM, and five (21%) had unfavorable KELIM. Compared to the favorable group, the unfavorable group had …

The Use Of Large Language Models In Enhancing Patient Education Materials For Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors, Brendan Dolan, Aniela Crayton, Emerson Woodbury, Miguel Tzita, Eliza Beal Md, Gregory Dyson Phd

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

Incidence and prevalence of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs) has increased in recent years. More than half of American adults endorse utilizing the internet within the past year to search for medical information. This study aims to investigate the use of Large Language Models (LLMs), a popular type of artificial intelligence, to improve the efficacy of online patient education materials (oPEMs) in providing accurate and digestible information to patients with a PNET diagnosis.

Methods: Content from 36 web pages related to PNET was transferred to two popular LLMs, Chat GPT and Google Gemini, with the prompt “rewrite the following text …

Effects Of Photobiomodulation On Oral Mucositis, Oral Pain, Xerostomia, Salivary Flow Rate, And Quality Of Life In Patients With Head And Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mônica N.M. Pedroso, Anderson Rech, Natalia Casagrande, Júlia F. Pissaia, Julia S. Zardo, Vitória L. Borges, Stephanie R. Bombana, Cindranne Torres Muller, Priscila Casara, Janaína Brollo, Claudio P. Júnior, Carin W. Gallon, Pedro Lopez

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: To systematically review and analyze the effects of photobiomodulation on oral mucositis, xerostomia, salivary flow rates, oral pain, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: A systematic search of six databases was conducted up to April 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined the effects of photobiomodulation on the specified outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. Pooled estimates (risk ratio [RR] and standardized mean difference [SMD]) were calculated using a three-level mixed-effects meta-analysis. Results: Thirty-three articles describing 30 RCTs (n = 1748) were included. Photobiomodulation significantly reduced the risk of severe oral …

X-Linked Cancer-Associated Polypeptide (Xcp) From Lncrna1456 Modulates Phf8 Histone Demethylase Activity To Regulate The Epigenome, Gene Expression, And Cellular Pathways In Breast Cancer, Shrikanth S. Gadad, Cristel V. Camacho, Xuan Gong, Micah Thornton, Venkat S. Malladi, Anusha Nagari, Aishwarya Sundaresan, Tulip Nandu, Sneh Koul, Yan Peng, W. Lee Kraus

School of Medicine Publications

Recent studies have demonstrated that a subset of long “noncoding” RNAs (lncRNAs) produce functional polypeptides and proteins. In this study, we discovered a 132 amino acid protein in human breast cancer cells named XCP (X-linked Cancer-associated Polypeptide), which is encoded by lncRNA1456 (a.k.a. RHOXF1P3), a transcript previously thought to be noncoding. lncRNA1456 is a pancreas- and testis-specific RNA whose gene is located on chromosome X. We found that the expression of lncRNA1456 and XCP is highly upregulated in the luminal A, luminal B, and HER2 molecular subtypes of breast cancer. XCP modulates both estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent growth of breast …

Mechanisms Of Synergy Between Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (Nspef) And Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Discharge (Cap) In Pancreatic Cancer: The Role Of Ros-Mediated Oxidative Stress And Apoptosis, Zobia Minhas

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. Novel treatment strategies are needed to overcome this resistance. Non-thermal physical modalities, including nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) and cold atmospheric pressure plasma discharge (CAP), have emerged as potential anticancer approaches; however, the mechanisms underlying their combined effects remain unclear.

This study evaluated whether nsPEF enhances CAP-induced cytotoxicity and investigated the associated molecular mechanisms using the murine Pan02 pancreatic cancer cell line. Cell viability was assessed by WST-1 metabolic activity assays and electric cell–substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were …