Investigator
National And Kapodistrian University Of Athens
Utilization of miRNAs as Biomarkers for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Metastasis in Gynecological Malignancies
Gynecological cancer is a term referring to malignancies that typically involve ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Combined, these cancers represent major causes of morbidity and mortality in women with a heavy socioeconomic impact. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are intensively studied in the field of cancer and changes in them have been linked to a variety of processes involved in cancer that range from tumorigenesis to prognosis and metastatic potential. This review aims to summarize the existing literature that has linked miRNAs with each of the female malignancies as potential biomarkers in diagnosis (circulating miRNAs), in tumor histology and prognosis (as tissue biomarkers), and for local (lymph node) and distant metastatic disease.
HPV-Driven Cervical Carcinogenesis: Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms and Diagnostic Approaches
Cervical cancer remains a major global public health concern, with persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) types recognized as the primary etiological factor. This review explores the multifactorial nature of the disease, focusing on the complex interplay between host genetic susceptibility and epigenetic alterations that drive cervical carcinogenesis. Evidence from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is discussed, highlighting the contribution of specific genetic loci, predominantly within the HLA region, to susceptibility to HPV infection and disease progression. In parallel, the review examines the molecular mechanisms by which the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 promote genetic instability and epigenetic reprogramming, including histone modifications and dysregulation of non-coding RNAs. Particular emphasis is placed on DNA methylation, affecting both the viral genome and host genes such as FAM19A4, CADM1, PAX1, and MAL, as a promising biomarker for triage and detection of high-grade intraepithelial lesions (CIN2+). Finally, the review evaluates currently available methylation-based assays and self-sampling devices, highlighting their potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and increase participation in cervical cancer screening programs.
Small‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina: A case report
SynopsisManagement of a small‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina presented in a woman on a distant Greek island.
Definitive chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer: A 11‐year population‐based study
To assess the recurrence pattern and survival in women treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer. A retrospective cohort study of women FIGO (2012) stage IB2 to IVA from the Grampian region of Scotland between February 2000 and March 2011. These women were followed up until April 2018. A total of 121 eligible women allocated with mean age at treatment 50.59 years (SD = 13.98, range 22-82). Tumours staged: IB2: n = 24 (19.8%), II: n = 45 (37.2%), III: n = 43 (35.5%) and IVA: n = 7 (5.8%). Two (1.7%) women had no available data. Fifty-five (45.5%) women had recurrence after treatment, and 51 (42.15%) women died from the disease. The sites of recurrence were as follows: central pelvic only (n = 4, 7.27%), pelvic and distant (n = 39, 70.91%) and distant only (n = 12, 21.82%) with median time from end of treatment to first recurrence 44 months (range 2-98), 26 months (range 1-146) and 22 months (range 3-66) respectively. 5-and 8-year overall survival was 76.0% (95% CI: 68.8%-84.0%) and 64.4% (95% CI: 56.4%-73.5%) respectively. Though overall survival is better than with radiotherapy alone, recurrence occurs up to 10 years after treatment. This raises the issues of how to reduce late recurrence and the appropriateness of current follow-up protocols.
