Introduction: This study investigates the BRAF mutations as a biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Moroccan population. Given limited data on BRAF, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the study aims to address this lack of epidemiological data by carefully examining its frequency and correlations with clinicopathological features in Moroccan CRC patients. The research contributes to providing insights to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Methods: Archived FFPE tissue samples from Moroccan colorectal cancer patients, collected between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2023, at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, Pathology Department, were analyzed using the Biocartis Idylla™ platform. Real-time PCR was employed for the qualitative detection of BRAF mutations.

Results: 320 tumors were enrolled for this study. BRAF mutations particularly V600E were found in 8.2% of cases, a statistical correlation was found between BRAF mutation and primary tumor site, as well as with the histological type. While no clear associations were found with gender, age, or degree of differentiation.

Conclusion: This work demonstrates that countries with low or middle incomes are capable of performing high-quality testing, significantly contributing to scientific progress in Africa and providing important information to the worldwide cancer research community.

Introduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for non–small cell lung cancer with EGFR gene mutation is associated with a high occurrence of skin disorders, such as dermatitis, dry skin, and paronychia. Moisturizers, steroids, and oral minocycline are used to treat these adverse effects, with limited efficacy. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the usefulness of bicarbonate ion bath salts, which are known to have excellent moisturizing properties, for treating skin disorders caused by EGFR TKI therapy.

Methods: Four female patients (aged 51-73 years) with EGFR mutation–positive lung adenocarcinoma bathed with bicarbonate ion bath salts for 10 minutes once daily as treatment for cutaneous symptoms. Patients were instructed to record values on a visual analog scale to rate dry skin and pruritis for 2 weeks before using the salts (observation phase), during 4 weeks of bathing with the salts (intervention phase), and for 2 weeks after terminating the intervention (washout phase).

Results: All four patients showed significant improvement in dry skin and pruritis during the intervention phase. One patient had a mild re-exacerbation of symptoms during the late intervention phase. During the washout phase as compared to the intervention phase, two patients experienced significantly worsened dryness of the skin, and one patient had worsened pruritis. All patients maintained significant improvement during the washout phase compared to the observation phase.

Conclusions: Bicarbonate ion bath salts may be an effective treatment for EGFR TKI–induced dry skin and pruritis.

Introduction: The molecular basis of sex differences, family history (FH), and their roles in survival remain unclear.

Methods: All participants (n = 2,654) underwent human leukocyte antigen testing to confirm FH among first and second-degree relatives. A total of 2,640 participants were followed up for survival. Based on the Escape from X-Inactivated Tumor Suppressor hypothesis, we classified female and male patients into four FH groups and evaluated their associations with sex, FH, peptides matching the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) genes, and survival.

Results: Female patients were more likely to have an FH than male patients. Additionally, patients with FH had a higher incidence of multiple malignancies than those without FH. In contrast, female patients exhibited better survival than male patients, and patients with FH had better survival outcomes compared to those without FH. When comparing the FH groups between parents and grandparents, we hypothesized that X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), X-chromosome reactivation, and loss of Y chromosome (LOY) occurred in parents and patients. Furthermore, peptides matching the HERV genes exhibited both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on survival. A significant diversity was observed in the correlations between sex differences, FH, peptides matching the HERV genes, and survival. Moreover, survival rates decreased with age, whereas the frequencies of XCI and LOY increased.

Conclusions: A better understanding of the biological association between sex differences and FH is essential for personalized treatment and the identification of new candidates for cancer treatment.