Libo Li

Global burden of uterine cancer in 204 countries and territories and its predicted level in 15 years, from 1990 to 2021

Uterine cancer (UC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among women. This study assesses the global burden of UC from 1990 to 2021. Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study were used to analyze UC incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across 204 countries. Age-standardized rates were evaluated by age and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), with trends forecasted to 2036 using Bayesian models. In 2021, the global incidence of UC reached 473,614 cases (95% uncertainty interval [UI]=4,29916-5,13667), with an age-standardized incidence rate of 5.41 per 100,000 (95% UI=4.90-5.87), showing an upward trend since 1990, particularly in high-SDI regions. However, the mortality rate in high SDI regions exhibited a declining trend, with an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of -0.25 (95% confidence interval=-0.42 to -0.08). Although the number of deaths globally has increased, the age-standardized mortality rate has decreased compared to 1990 (EAPC: -0.85). The global age-standardized DALYs also show a downward trend, except in high SDI and low-middle SDI regions. The highest incidence was observed among individuals aged 70-74 in 2021. By 2036, new cases are projected to rise, though incidence, mortality, and DALYs are expected to decline. Regional disparities in the global UC burden highlight the need for tailored strategies, especially in low-income countries, to reduce its impact.

The application of liquid biopsy techniques in cervical cancer diagnosis, prediction and therapeutic surveillance

Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths in women and ranks as the fourth most common malignant tumor worldwide. Cervical histopathology is currently the primary diagnostic method for confirming the presence of CC. Tumor markers and imaging techniques play crucial roles in monitoring treatment effectiveness and prognostic follow-up. Unfortunately, these traditional examination methods are invasive and often lack sensitivity and accuracy. Therefore, there is a need for a less invasive and more sensitive test to facilitate early diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, and prognostic monitoring of CC. In recent years, liquid biopsy has been developed as a new detection method. It involves analyzing tumor components released into the peripheral circulation, such as cell-free RNA, circulating tumor DNA, circulating tumor cells, tumor-educated platelets, and exosomes. Liquid biopsy offers advantages such as being less invasive, highly reproducible, and capable of real-time monitoring. Moreover, liquid biopsy can play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of CC, guiding targeted therapy, assessing prognosis, and evaluating treatment effectiveness. This review focuses on the value of liquid biopsy application in CC, detection markers, and detection methods. It also explores how liquid biopsy can be used in the detection, prognosis, and monitoring the progression of CC. The advantages and limitations of liquid biopsy in CC are analyzed to promote its application and improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.