MicroRNA-98: the multifaceted regulator in human cancer progression and therapy.

MicroRNA-98 (miR-98) stands as an important molecule in the intricate landscape of oncology. As a subset of microRNAs, these small non-coding RNAs have accompanied a new era in cancer research, underpinning their significant roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic interventions. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the biogenesis, molecular properties, and physiological undertakings of miR-98, highlighting its double-edged role in cancer progression-acting both as a tumor promoter and suppressor. Intriguingly, miR-98 has profound implications for various aspects of cancer progression, modulating key cellular functions, including proliferation, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. Given its expression patterns, the potential of miR-98 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, especially in liquid biopsies and tumor tissues, is explored, emphasizing the hurdles in translating these findings clinically. The review concludes by evaluating therapeutic avenues to modulate miR-98 expression, addressing the challenges in therapy resistance, and assessing the efficacy of miR-98 interventions. In conclusion, while miR-98's involvement in cancer showcases promising diagnostic and therapeutic avenues, future research should pivot towards understanding its role in tumor-stroma interactions, immune modulation, and metabolic regulation, thereby unlocking novel strategies for cancer management.

Cancer patients' perspectives on dignity in care.

BACKGROUND: Since "dignity" is one of the fundamental rights of every patient, consideration for patients' dignity is essential. Unfortunately, in many cases, especially in cancer patients, dignity is not fully respected. Dignity is an abstract concept, and there are only a few comprehensive studies on the dignity of cancer patients in Iran. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of Iranian cancer patients on human dignity. RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative research approach was used as the study design. The data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT:  This study was conducted on cancer patients in internal medicine wards in Iran. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews from May 2017 to February 2018. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of medical universities located in Southwest of Iran. The ethical principles were carefully followed throughout the study. FINDINGS: Based on the results of the interviews, 3 main themes and 11 categories were determined. The main themes were identified as the "personal space and privacy," "respect for human values," and "moral support." DISCUSSION: The results of the present study showed the necessity of care for cancer patients in a respectful manner. The key elements in such care were the preservation of their personal space and privacy, respect for their values, and the provision of adequate moral support. These measures will have a positive effect on the perception of such patients on human dignity. CONCLUSION: Considering the special care required by cancer patients, the Iranian healthcare and hygiene managers should design and implement a care plan that includes the ethical principles related to human dignity.

Anorectal melanoma: a 10-year study in the north-East of iran.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal melanoma is one of the rare but significant malignancies of the anorectal area. This malignancy currently accounts for 1% of all types of melanoma and less than 1% of all the anorectal area malignancies. Very rare cases of this disease have been reported worldwide.Anorectal melanoma is mostly diagnosed while treating other benign conditions of this area such as hemorrhoids with conventional modalities. Its treatment of choice has always been a controversial issue. METHODS: In this study, clinical pathology and outcome of 7 cases with anorectal melanoma referred to Omid Oncology Teaching Hospital during 2001-2011 were assessed. RESULTS: Out of seven cases, 2 patients had been diagnosed with hemorrhoids and undergone surgery and 2 other cases had been referred with the primary diagnosis of lymphoma. Initially, only in 3 cases melanoma was diagnosed in clinicopathology setting. Three cases of patients had distant metastases to the liver, lungs, omentum and mesentery, while the other 4 patients had advanced local disease. No patient had been diagnosed in the primary stages of the disease. The mean time duration between symptoms onset to diagnosis of disease had been 8 months. The median survival time was 5 months. CONCLUSION: Rare anorectal melanoma and its similar manifestations to other common anorectal conditions can delay the diagnosis, therefore should be considered as an uncommon differential diagnosis. The disease's outcome is poor and most probably delay in the diagnosis has an important role in the treatment results.