Tag: pubmed

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 20;56(Supplement_1):i34-i43. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyaf091.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess 15-year trends in the 5-year net survival for patients with colon or rectal cancer from 2000 to 2014 and registered in the 16 Japanese regional population-based cancer registries included in the CONCORD-3 study.

METHODS: Data were included for adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with a cancer of the colon or rectum from 2000 to 2014 and followed up until 31 December 2014. We estimated the 5-year net survival by anatomic site, age, and stage using the Pohar Perme estimator. Age-standardized net survival was estimated using the International Cancer Survival Standard weights.

RESULTS: We analyzed data on 247 682 and 102 776 patients with colon and rectal cancer, respectively. Age-standardized 5-year net survival increased from 63.4% (95% CI: 62.7%-64.0%) in 2000-2004 to 67.8% (67.3%-68.4%) in 2010-2014 for colon cancer and from 58.6% (57.6%-59.5%) to 64.8% (64.0%-65.7%) for rectal cancer over the same period. For both cancers, survival was lower for older patients (75-99 years) than other age groups. Five-year net survival was lower for right-sided than left-sided colon cancer. Five-year net survival was higher than 90% for localized cancers of both the colon and rectum throughout 2000-2014. Survival for regional and distant disease for both cancers improved.

CONCLUSIONS: For both colon and rectal cancers, the 5-year net survival improved from 2000 to 2014. However, no improvement was noted for older patients. These results may serve as evidence for developing new cancer control measures and treatment strategies, with a focus on older patients.

PMID:41859884 | DOI:10.1093/jjco/hyaf091

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 20;56(Supplement_1):i56-i63. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyaf141.

ABSTRACT

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. To aid the development of lung cancer control strategies, we analyzed trends in lung cancer survival using data from 16 population-based cancer registries in Japan that participated in the CONCORD-3 study. We included patients aged 15-99 years diagnosed with lung cancer between 2000 and 2014 and followed up until 31 December 2014. A total of 5-year net survival was estimated using the Pohar Perme estimator, stratified by calendar period, age group, sex, histological subtype, and stage. All-ages estimates were standardized with the International Cancer Survival Standard weights. Age-standardized 5-year net survival in 339 277 patients with lung cancer increased slightly over time, from 29.3% (95% confidence intervals 28.1%-30.5%) for patients diagnosed during 2000-2004 to 32.9% (32.3%-33.4%) in 2010-2014. Five-year net survival improved particularly for young patients (15-44 years), for women diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and with localized disease. We observed limited or no survival improvement for patients diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer or with distant disease. In Japan, 5-year net survival for patients with lung cancer improved slightly over the 15 years 2000-2014, but no improvement was observed for patients with small-cell lung cancer or with distant disease. Continued surveillance of cancer survival is essential to guide cancer control efforts and further improve treatment outcomes.

PMID:41859883 | DOI:10.1093/jjco/hyaf141

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 20;56(Supplement_1):i25-i33. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyaf130.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We estimated net survival trends for patients with stomach cancer registered in 16 regional population-based cancer registries in Japan that participated in the CONCORD-3 study.

METHODS: We included data on adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with stomach cancer between 2000 and 2014 and followed-up for their vital status until 31 December 2014. We grouped cancer patients into three anatomic groups (proximal, distal, and overlapping regions and stomach cancer, not otherwise specified) with the International Classification of Disease for Oncology, Third edition topography codes. We estimated 5-year net survival with the Pohar Perme estimator for three calendar periods (2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014), by age group (15-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and 75-99 years), anatomic group, and stage at diagnosis. All-ages survival estimates were age-standardized using the International Cancer Survival Standard weights.

RESULTS: Five-year net survival improved over time, from 50.5% in 2000-2004 to 57.6% and 60.3% in 2005-2009 and 2010-2014, respectively. Survival for patients with proximal stomach cancer improved from 49.7% in 2000-2004 to 53.5% 2005-2009 and plateaued to 53.1% in 2010-2014. Survival for distal stomach cancer increased from 64.8% in 2000-2004 to 67.6% and 68.2% in 2005-2009 and 2010-2014, respectively. In 2010-2014, 5-year net survival for patients with localized disease (94.8%) was much higher than survival for regional (53.7%) and distant (6.4%) disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Five-year net survival for stomach cancer improved noticeably during 2000-2014. This improvement might be due to advances in systemic chemotherapy. Although survival in distal stomach cancer had improved, no such improvement was seen in proximal stomach cancer. Standardizing esophagogastric junction cancer treatment may improve its outcomes and contribute to better survival in proximal stomach cancer overall. Scientific evaluation of screening programs is also needed to enhance the efficacy of stomach cancer control initiatives in Japan.

PMID:41859881 | DOI:10.1093/jjco/hyaf130

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 20;56(Supplement_1):i3-i16. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyaf203.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In 2018, CONCORD-3 updated long-term surveillance of cancer survival trends worldwide. In this monograph, we conducted further analyses and examined trends in net survival using the Japanese data during 2000-14.

METHODS: Sixteen population-based cancer registries in Japan contributed data to CONCORD-3 with anonymized individual records on 2 237 861 patients diagnosed with one of 15 adult cancers (15-99 years), and brain tumors and hematological malignancies in children (0-14 years). Five-year net survival was estimated with the Pohar Perme estimator and age-standardized with International Cancer Survival Standard weights. We estimated survival for three calendar periods, by age group, sex, anatomic site or morphology, and by stage at diagnosis.

RESULTS: Five-year net survival improved between 2000-04 and 2010-14 for several cancers, including brain tumors (27.9%-46.3%), ovarian cancer (35.5%-46.3%), stomach cancer (50.5%-60.3%), lymphoid malignancies (47.5%-57.3%), myeloid malignancies (24.8%-33.3%), and esophageal cancer (27.7%-36.0%). Breast cancer, childhood lymphoma, and prostate cancer showed consistently high or improving survival (85.9%-93.0%). In contrast, survival for melanoma remained unchanged. Net survival was low for pancreatic cancer (6.9%-8.3%). Among selected countries, survival was higher in Japan for esophageal (36.0%), liver (30.1%), and lung cancers (32.9%). Survival for melanoma, hematologic malignancies, and childhood cancers was lower in Japan than in Western countries.

CONCLUSIONS: Net survival in Japan improved substantially for several cancers, but survival for pancreatic cancer remained low. International collaboration is crucial to accelerate the development of effective cancer control strategies.

PMID:41859880 | DOI:10.1093/jjco/hyaf203

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 20;56(Supplement_1):i64-i72. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyaf019.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We assessed survival trends and international comparisons of patients with cutaneous melanoma from Japanese regional population-based cancer registries participating in the CONCORD-3 study.

METHODS: Subjects were patients aged 15-99 years diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma during 2000-2014, with follow-up completed either 5 years after diagnosis or through 31 December 2014. Five-year net survival was estimated by morphological type and calendar period of diagnosis, using the Pohar Perme estimator, and age-standardized using the International Cancer Survival Standard weights.

RESULTS: Age-standardized 5-year net survival for cutaneous melanoma remained stable among 4018 eligible subjects as follows: 68.9% during 2000-2004 (862 patients), 68.3% during 2005-2009 (1819 patients), and 69.0% during 2010-2014 (1337 patients). Five-year net survival in 2010-2014 was highest for lentigo maligna melanoma (89.0%, 64 patients, not age-standardized), followed by superficial spreading melanoma (88.4%, 91 patients) and acral lentiginous melanoma (83.7%, 163 patients, not age-standardized). However, survival for malignant melanoma not otherwise specified (68.0%, 1120 patients) and nodular melanoma was lower (56.5%, 58 patients). Five-year net survival for all types of cutaneous melanoma combined during 2010-2014 was lower in Japan (69.0%) and South Korea (59.9%) than in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Canada and the US (>85.7%).

CONCLUSIONS: International disparities in net survival for cutaneous melanoma may be attributable to differences in the distribution of histological sub-types of melanoma and to variation in the availability and utilization of treatment modalities. Continuous monitoring of cancer survival is crucial for developing effective cancer control strategies.

PMID:41859879 | DOI:10.1093/jjco/hyaf019

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2026 Mar 20;56(Supplement_1):i94-i102. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyaf165.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Brain tumors are a serious health issue, and survival is an effective indicator of how the healthcare system manages them. We examined net survival trends for patients diagnosed with a primary brain tumor during 2000-2014 in Japan, using data from 16 regional population-based cancer registries participating in the CONCORD-3 study.

METHODS: We included patients aged 15-99 years, with follow-up completed either 5 years after diagnosis or up to 31 December, 2014. We estimated 5-year net survival by age group and morphological subtype using the Pohar Perme estimator, and age-standardized with International Cancer Survival Standard weights.

RESULTS: Five-year net survival for brain tumors increased from 27.9% for patients diagnosed during 2000-2004 to 46.3% in 2010-2014. During 2010-2014, 5-year net survival for astrocytic tumors was 22.3%, but ~90% for neuronal and mixed neuro-glial tumors, germ cell tumors, and other specified tumors. Five-year net survival reached 62.1% for oligodendroglial and oligoastrocytic tumors.

CONCLUSIONS: Five-year net survival for brain tumors in Japan improved during 2000-2014, with remarkable variations by morphologic type. Survival improved for all age groups, and particularly for younger patients, highlighting the need for enhanced survivorship care. Japan’s focus on comprehensive data collection and supportive care for longer-term survivors remains key for further progress. When comparedinternationally, Japan’s gains sit at the higher end of reported survival ranges, underscoring how robust registry infrastructure and equitable access to care could inform strategies for brain tumor care.

PMID:41859878 | DOI:10.1093/jjco/hyaf165

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2026 Mar 20. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.70978. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity increases the risk of obstetric and neonatal complications, and adherence to lifestyle interventions during pregnancy presents a challenge. Patient and public involvement (PPI) in trials may foster a more patient-centered approach, potentially improving compliance with intervention and follow up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of PPI in systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) focused on lifestyle interventions for pregnant women with obesity and its impact on compliance and follow-up rates of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

SEARCH STRATEGY: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase using terms related to “lifestyle”, “obesity”, and “pregnancy”, along with filters for SRs and MAs.

SELECTION CRITERIA: SRs of RCTs, with or without MAs, published from 2013 to 2024, focusing on lifestyle interventions for pregnant women with obesity (BMI ≥30 [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters]).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: SR quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2. PPI reporting was evaluated using the GRIPP2 checklist and the ACTIVE framework. Compliance and follow-up rates were compared between RCTs with and without PPI.

MAIN RESULTS: Eleven SRs, 10 with MAs (including 94 RCTs) were included. They were of low quality in 3/11 (27%) and critically low in 8/11 (73%). No SRs reported implementing PPI. Only 6/94 (10%) RCTs reported PPI, 2/29 (7%) directly after the introduction of GRIPP2 (2018) and 4/65 (6%) indirectly before its introduction (P = 0.79). PPI occurred during RCT methodology planning in 2/6 (33%), knowledge translation in 2/6 (33%), or both in 2/6 (33%). Compared with RCTs not reporting PPI (n = 94), the median intervention compliance rate in RCTs reporting PPI (n = 6) was higher (74% versus 68%, P = 0.637), and the follow-up rate was lower (78% versus 89%, P = 0.138), but the difference was not statistically significant. These findings warrant cautious interpretation given the limited number of RCTs reporting PPI.

CONCLUSIONS: PPI remains scarce in both SRs and RCTs evaluating lifestyle interventions in pregnant women with obesity. Future research should integrate and clearly report PPI to strengthen the evaluation of lifestyle interventions in this population.

PMID:41859876 | DOI:10.1002/ijgo.70978

Zoo Biol. 2026 Mar 20. doi: 10.1002/zoo.70064. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Musth, a hormonally driven state characterized by increased testosterone, aggression, and physiological changes, poses significant management challenges for male Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in zoos. Immunological castration, a nonsurgical method using anti-GnRH immunotherapeutic (Improvest®), offers a promising tool to suppress musth. This case study documents the behavioral and physiological effects of immunological castration in a 54-year-old male Asian elephant at the Oklahoma City Zoo with chronic musth-related welfare concerns. In June 2024, the elephant received a primary dose of Improvest® followed by four monthly boosters. Behavioral observations, animal care records, and fecal androgen metabolite (FAM) concentrations were monitored from January 2024 through the elephant’s humane euthanasia due to unrelated degenerative joint disease in January 2025. Segmented regression analyses revealed that FAM concentrations and visible musth signs declined within 7 weeks of the first dose of Improvest®. Aggression also decreased significantly following an inflection point around this time. Even though changes in stereotypy, feeding, and recumbency were not statistically significant, some trended toward improved welfare. Notably, active spermatogenesis was observed at necropsy, suggesting that the effects of Improvest® may require longer to fully manifest or may be partially reversible. Although limited by its opportunistic, single-subject design and shortened study period, this case contributes valuable insight into the real-world application of immunological castration in geriatric zoo elephants. Immunological castration may serve as a useful strategy for male elephants with musth-associated health risks, especially those no longer intended for breeding. Continued longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate long-term efficacy, reversibility, and animal-specific responses to Improvest.

PMID:41859869 | DOI:10.1002/zoo.70064

Fam Pract. 2026 Feb 7;43(2):cmag011. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmag011.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Long-term treatment with short-acting opioids is not recommended for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain. General practitioners should assess patient’s risk of developing long-term treatment prior to prescribing.

AIM: To identify predictors of long-term opioid treatment among adults with nonmalignant pain initiating treatment with short-acting opioids, focusing on general practice consultations and sociodemographic factors.

METHODS: A national register-based repeated cross-sectional linear probability model was employed. The study population comprises adult, nonmalignant pain patients who initiated short-acting opioid treatment during the first half of 2019, resided continuously in Denmark throughout the study period, and survived 6 months postindex date (N = 133,291).

RESULTS: The risk of developing long-term treatment with short-acting opioids was higher among patients with a higher frequency of remote consultations prior to treatment initiation and among those aged 40-59 or ≥80 years, those residing in the Capital or Zealand Region, those with low income or low educational attainment, those unemployed or retired, and those living alone.

CONCLUSION: Higher frequency of remote consultations prior to treatment initiation and several sociodemographic factors were associated with a higher probability of developing long-term treatment with short-acting opioids. These predictors should be considered when prescribing short-acting opioids to adults with chronic nonmalignant pain.

PMID:41859867 | DOI:10.1093/fampra/cmag011

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2026 Mar 20. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.26.17619-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: One year after the Major League Baseball (MLB) pitch clock was implemented, position players saw decreased injury rates. The aim of this study was to see if injury rates in position players decreased two years after the implementation of the MLB pitch clock.

METHODS: Injury data was collected for the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 MLB seasons for position players using the fangraphs.com injury database. The incidence rate ratio was calculated to compare the injury rate for the 2024 season to each of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons. A z-test for proportions was used to determine significance levels.

RESULTS: Comparison of the 2024 season to both the 2022 and 2021 seasons found a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in the overall total incidence of injuries, upper extremity injuries, head and neck injuries, and lower extremity injuries. Comparison of the 2024 to the 2023 season also found a decrease in the incidence of injuries for the overall number of injuries (P=0.020) and head and neck injuries (P=0.424).

CONCLUSIONS: This study found a continued decrease in the overall incidence of injuries and a decrease in the incidence of injuries in multiple sub-categories at two-year follow-up since the implementation of the pitch clock. This continued decrease in injuries in position players may stem from a decrease in players’ overall workloads over a season.

PMID:41859841 | DOI:10.23736/S0022-4707.26.17619-1