RESUMO
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are used in diabetes management and can have a potential application in cancer therapy. While their involvement in cancer treatment is still being studied, recent research suggests they may have benefits in cancer therapy. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using search engines like Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed to explore the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in tumor suppression and regression. Mostly in-vitro studies on GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown promising effects in inhibiting cancer cell growth, inducing apoptosis, and modulating angiogenesis and have been reported to be beneficial in colon, prostate, gall bladder, ovarian, and endometrial carcinomas. However, concerns have been raised about potential tumorigeneses, as liraglutide has been reported to be associated with increased incidence of breast, thyroid, and pancreatic carcinomas. Whereas combination therapy of exendin-4 with gemcitabine may be beneficial in pancreatic cancer. GLP-1 receptor agonists may have significant potential in oncology, due to their various mechanisms of action and favorable safety profiles. Limited clinical application, lack of awareness, and the need for further research are current barriers. Future studies should focus on optimal dosage, patient selection, and interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate GLP-1 receptor agonists into routine oncological practice for improved outcomes, warranting large randomized clinical trials in this field.
RESUMO
Inevitably, along with other healthcare specializations, pediatric surgery was affected by the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Children were reported to manifest mild to moderate symptoms and mortality was primarily observed in patients aged <1 year and having underlying comorbidities. Most of the cases were asymptomatic in children, hence, posing a challenge for pediatric surgery centers to take drastic measures to reduce the virus transmission. Telemedicine was introduced and out-patient consultations were conducted online as out-patient clinics were closed. Elective surgeries were postponed with delayed appointments while the healthcare sector was diverted towards tackling COVID-19. Case urgency was classified and triaged, leading to limited surgeries being performed only in COVID-19 negative patients following an extensive screening process. The screening process consisted of online history taking and RT-PCR tests. Newer practices such as mouth rinse, video laryngoscopy, and anesthesia were introduced to restrict patients from crying, coughing, and sneezing, as an attempt to avoid aerosolization of viral particles and safely conduct pediatric surgeries during the pandemic. Surgical trainees were also affected as the smaller number of surgeries conducted reduced the clinical experience available to medical enthusiasts. There is still room for advanced practices to be introduced in pediatric surgery and restore all kinds of surgeries to improve the quality of life of the patient.