Oncology Patients Archives

World AIDS Day — December 1

World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite remarkable progress in recent decades, millions of people worldwide are still living with the virus. At the same time, inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment continue to cost lives.

Established in 1988 as the first international health-related awareness day, World AIDS Day has since served as a global call for informed action, early diagnosis, destigmatization and equitable care.

What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS

According to recent UNAIDS data, more than 39 million people are living with HIV globally — and thanks to modern treatments, they can live full and healthy lives.

The science is encouraging. Antiretroviral therapy (ART/ARVs) allows people on treatment to reach undetectable viral loads, which means they cannot transmit the virus (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”).

Yet despite this progress, new infections still occur — mainly in communities facing social exclusion, economic hardship, or limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, lack of information and persistent stigma remain major barriers that delay testing and treatment.

HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection

The link between HIV and several forms of cancer isn’t widely known, yet it is significant:

People living with HIV have a higher risk of cervical cancer due to the more persistent presence of HPV.
Increased risk is also observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and several cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
Early diagnosis, continuous treatment and regular screening significantly reduce these risks.

At Kapa3, we have published articles on the importance of screening and patient empowerment, which you can find here: Article1, Article2, Article3, Article4, Article5.

The Situation in Greece

Greece has made important progress in recent years, thanks to the operation of Checkpoints, the support of NGOs and prevention structures, the spread of PrEP, and improved access to treatment.

In 2024, Greece recorded a small decrease (4%) in new HIV diagnoses compared to 2023, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY). However, underdiagnosis remains a real concern. Many people avoid timely testing due to stigma and fear of discrimination.

Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do

Testing: a simple test can save lives.
Condom use & comprehensive sexual education.
PrEP & PEP: modern and effective prevention tools.
Eliminating stigma: information and open dialogue remain our strongest forms of protection.
Supporting facilities that provide access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

A Human Rights Issue

At Kapa3, we believe World AIDS Day concerns all of us. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. No one should be afraid to get tested, speak openly or seek support.

According to International Human Rights Law, discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status (including substance use), or sex work constitutes a violation of human rights.

World AIDS Day reminds us that knowledge, prevention and solidarity save lives — and that a world without new HIV infections is possible.

Sources

UNAIDS
HIV.gov
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
EODY (Hellenic National Public Health Organization)

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

In the five years since our establishment, thirty young people have had the opportunity to learn and grow through the Kapa3 Internship Programme.

International scientific literature highlights that internships are far more than a first work experience. They serve as a fundamental mechanism of experiential learning, enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world professional contexts.

Through their involvement in a civil society organisation like Kapa3, interns developed reflective and critical thinking skills—core elements of modern professional education. By engaging with real needs and challenges, students strengthened their professional identity and gained a deeper understanding of their role as future practitioners in health and social services. In many cases, the internship at Kapa3 played a significant role in supporting their transition from university to the labour market, enhancing their confidence, social skills, and clarity of professional direction.

Furthermore, the structured field experiences offered opportunities to build professional networks, a key factor in long-term career development.

At Kapa3, the value of internships is evident across all aspects of our work. We strive to create an environment where students can deepen their academic knowledge, apply their skills to real cases, and map out the next steps of their careers with realism and self-awareness.

The result is a community of young professionals who are both socially conscious and scientifically equipped to contribute meaningfully to health and social care. We are proud to be at the forefront of education and warmly thank our partner universities for their trust and collaboration.

Biomarkers Open New Paths in Cancer Treatment in Greece

Good news for cancer patients in Greece — access to personalized treatments is now becoming a reality.

A recent decision by the Ministry of Health (ΦΕΚ Β’ 5627/20-10-2025, Απόφαση Δ3(α) 41081/2025) approves and reimburses a wider range of biomarker tests, marking an important step forward for modern oncology care.

Read the Government Gazette here

But what are biomarkers?
They are special indicators detected through molecular tests that help doctors understand the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer. In simple terms, biomarkers act like a “compass,” guiding doctors to choose the most effective and safest treatment for every individual.

Until now, only a few biomarkers were covered by the public health system — for example, molecular signatures that determine whether a woman with early-stage breast cancer needs chemotherapy (approved in 2018), or BRCA1/2 gene tests that reveal inherited risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

The new decision significantly expands this list, adding additional biomarkers for 39 indications. This allows oncologists to tailor treatments to the specific profile of each patient’s tumor, bringing Greece closer to international standards of personalized medicine.

KAPA3, which consistently supports patient education and empowerment, welcomes this development as a vital step toward more human-centred, targeted care.

This progress brings hope, better quality of life, and greater trust in the healthcare system. It is only the beginning, but it lays strong foundations for a future where every patient has access to the right treatment, at the right time.

Learn about patient rights via KAPA3’s extensive library here

Learn more about cancer biomarkers here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Free and Reduced Transportation for People with Disabilities and Large Families – What Changes in 2025

The Greek state is implementing significant changes regarding transportation for people with disabilities and large families in 2025. The new regulations simplify procedures, expand rights, and make public transport more accessible for all eligible individuals.

People with Disabilities (PwD)
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals include people with disabilities with a disability rate of 67% or higher, or those receiving disability benefits from OPEKA. Totally blind individuals and holders of a digital Disability Card marked with levels II or III are exempt from income limits.

What changes:

Residency criteria are removed.
The right to free or reduced transportation now extends to one accompanying person, if needed.
Using the Disability Card for OASA, OSETH, KTEL, and Thessaloniki Metro is now simple with electronic or personalized card validation, without additional documents.

Practical use:

Free travel on OASA, OSETH, urban KTEL, and the municipalities of Kos and Rhodes.
50% discount on intercity KTEL routes.
Thessaloniki Metro requires topping up the ThessCard with zero fare.
Accompanying persons can travel without separate validation when accompanying the eligible individual.

Large Families
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals are large families and their members, according to existing legislation protecting large families.

What changes:

Travel with OASA, OSETH, and KTEL becomes more flexible.
Free or discounted tickets are supported depending on the policy of each transport service.

Practical use:

Simple procedure for issuing travel passes through Citizens’ Service Centers (KEP) and relevant regional authorities.
Tickets are valid for urban and intercity transport services.

These new regulations simplify the daily lives of people with disabilities and large families, reduce bureaucracy, and make access to all public transport easier.

See the Official Government Gazette (FEK) here

Gut Microbiota: A Hidden Ally in Cancer Treatment

Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively called the gut microbiota, which play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Excitingly, research is revealing that these tiny residents can also influence the effectiveness of cancer treatments—from immunotherapy to chemotherapy and beyond. Understanding this connection opens new possibilities for more personalized and effective cancer care.

Boosting Immunotherapy through Gut Microbes

Innovative therapies like CAR-T cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), oncolytic viruses (OVs), and CpG-oligonucleotide immunotherapy have transformed cancer treatment in recent years. Studies show that the composition of gut microbiota can affect how well patients respond to these therapies.

For instance, certain bacteria—such as Ruminococcus, Faecalibacterium, and Akkermansia—are linked to better CAR-T outcomes, while broad-spectrum antibiotics may reduce therapy effectiveness. Similarly, gut microbes can enhance responses to ICIs by stimulating immune cells that attack tumors. OVs, which work by killing cancer cells and activating the immune system, also benefit from a healthy gut microbiota. Even CpG-based therapies are more effective when gut microbes activate immune pathways.

In short, a balanced gut microbiota can help “turn cold tumors into hot tumors,” making them more responsive to modern immunotherapies.

Gut Microbes and Traditional Treatments

Gut microbiota also affects chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some microbes can influence drug metabolism, improving efficacy or reducing side effects. For example, bacteria like Enterococcus hirae and Barnesiella intestinihominis enhance the response to cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapy drug, by activating immune cells.

On the other hand, disruptions in gut microbiota—often caused by antibiotics or radiation—can increase treatment toxicity, leading to issues like intestinal inflammation or mucositis. Promising strategies like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and certain probiotics have shown potential to restore gut balance, reduce side effects, and improve overall outcomes.

Complementary Approaches: TCM and Probiotics

Traditional medicine can also benefit from gut microbes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds, when processed by gut bacteria, can transform into more potent anti-cancer agents. Certain TCM herbs and formulas can also promote beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful ones.

Similarly, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics—foods or supplements that nourish or contain helpful bacteria—can support cancer treatment by strengthening gut immunity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing drug effectiveness. For example, in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, synbiotics have been shown to reduce treatment-related side effects while boosting therapeutic benefits.

Emerging Strategies: Engineering the Microbiota

Beyond diet and probiotics, scientists are developing targeted microbiota interventions to fight cancer more precisely. These include:

Engineered microbes, designed to deliver anti-cancer agents directly to tumors.
Phage therapy, using viruses that selectively kill harmful bacteria.
Nanomedicine and OMVs (outer membrane vesicles), which can deliver drugs or immune-stimulating molecules to tumors while sparing healthy microbes.

These cutting-edge approaches are still under study, but they demonstrate the incredible potential of harnessing gut microbes to improve therapy effectiveness and reduce toxicity.

Looking Ahead: Precision Medicine and Microbiota

The future of cancer treatment may increasingly involve personalized microbiota strategies. By analyzing an individual’s gut bacteria and metabolites, clinicians could tailor therapies to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects. Combining microbiota profiling with multi-omics analysis, AI, and big data could allow doctors to predict treatment response and guide interventions in a way that was unimaginable just a decade ago.

While challenges remain—including differences in individual microbiotas, safety considerations, and regulatory hurdles—the potential is enormous. Gut microbiota represents a promising frontier in precision oncology, offering hope for more effective, safer, and individualized cancer care.

Read the full article here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Scientific Seminar: Psychosocial Support after Cancer Treatment and Post-Traumatic Growth

The Psychology Laboratory of INEB/CEST (Institute of Applied Biosciences / CERTH), with the support of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, is organizing on Saturday, 1 November 2025 (10:00–15:00), at the “Manolis Anagnostakis” Hall of the Thessaloniki City Hall, the scientific seminar “Psychosocial Support after Cancer Treatment and Post-Traumatic Growth.”

The event, initiated by the Psychology Laboratory as part of the IC-GROWTH research project, focuses on the psychological and social dimensions of life after cancer treatment, highlighting good practices for care, empowerment, and post-traumatic growth.

The program includes expert presentations and an open discussion with the audience, featuring researchers, healthcare professionals, and representatives from patient associations.

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required through the following form:
Registration Form

This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for learning and sharing experiences on psychosocial support and care after cancer treatment.

Kapa3 supports initiatives that strengthen mental health and quality of life for individuals who have experienced cancer.

Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025
Time: 10:00–15:00
Location: “Manolis Anagnostakis” Hall, Thessaloniki City Hall

Depression and Cancer Mortality: A Critical Link Across Major Cancer Types

Depression is a common but often underrecognized condition among cancer patients, affecting up to 20–30% of individuals diagnosed with the disease. Beyond its impact on quality of life, mounting evidence suggests that depression can significantly influence cancer outcomes, including survival. A recent meta-analysis of 65 cohort studies spanning colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, and mixed cancers provides compelling evidence that depression diagnosed after a cancer diagnosis is associated with a substantially increased risk of mortality.

The analysis revealed that patients with depression faced an 83% higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer, a 59% higher risk in lung cancer, a 74% higher risk in prostate cancer, and a 23% higher risk in breast cancer compared to non-depressed patients. Across mixed cancer types, depression increased the risk of cancer mortality by 38%. These findings underscore that the psychological burden of cancer is not merely an emotional challenge but a critical factor affecting survival outcomes.

Mechanisms Linking Depression and Cancer Outcomes

Depression may influence cancer progression through multiple biological and behavioral pathways. Biologically, depression is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune suppression, autonomic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired DNA repair. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), can contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. In older patients, depression may exacerbate age-related immune dysfunction, creating an environment more permissive to cancer progression.

Behaviorally, depression affects health-related actions and treatment adherence. Depressed patients are more likely to delay seeking medical care, adhere poorly to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapies, and engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Social isolation and reduced support systems further increase vulnerability, compounding the negative impact on survival.

Clinical Implications and Interventions

The strong association between depression and cancer mortality highlights the urgent need to integrate mental health care into routine oncology practice. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive-expressive therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, have shown promise in reducing distress and improving adherence to cancer treatment. Pharmacological management, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also support mental health and potentially influence cancer outcomes, though more research is needed to understand their role fully. Early identification and treatment of depressive symptoms should be considered a priority for oncologists, mental health professionals, and healthcare policymakers alike.

Limitations and Future Directions

While this meta-analysis provides robust evidence, several limitations should be noted. The observational nature of the studies prevents establishing causality, and differences in study design, depression assessment methods, and patient populations contribute to heterogeneity. Future research should explore longitudinal and randomized studies to clarify causal pathways and identify the most effective interventions to reduce depression-related mortality. Investigating the interactions between depression, inflammation, and cancer biology may also reveal targets for novel supportive therapies.

Depression is not just a psychological burden for cancer patients—it is a significant predictor of mortality across multiple cancer types. These findings call for systematic depression screening and tailored interventions as integral components of oncology care.

Organizations like Kapa3 play a vital role in supporting the mental health of cancer patients, offering resources and guidance that can improve both quality of life and treatment outcomes. Integrating psychological support into cancer care ensures that mental well-being is recognized as an essential part of the healing process.
In line with this mission, Kapa3 participates in MELODIC, a new European initiative dedicated to supporting the mental health of young adults (18–30 years old) living with or beyond cancer.

Read the original article here

KAPA3 at the ESMO Congress: Inspiration and Confirmation That We Are Moving Towards the Future

From October 17 to 20, we attended the ESMO World Congress in Berlin. The event stood out for the active participation of the Greek medical community, which led presentations on clinical data, Real-World Evidence, and up-to-date education in collaboration with the global oncology community. At the same time, Greek teams received awards in various areas (medical, nursing, institutional), inspiring us all with hope for the ongoing developments in oncology care.

Our main goal as KAPA3 was to focus on research addressing the real needs of the population within the framework of the global community. Collaborating with healthcare professionals from around the world allowed us to gather valuable knowledge and experiences. The intensive sessions and discussions broadened our understanding and prompted reflection on the next steps.

Key challenges identified for the patient advocacy community were:

Mandatory multidisciplinary assessment before starting treatment
No patient should begin treatment without undergoing a multidisciplinary assessment, including an oncology nurse, social scientist, and psychologist. This should be considered the minimum standard for all cancer patients.
Certification and quality of multidisciplinary teams
It is our duty to ensure that these teams meet quality standards. Their certification is undoubtedly complex. However, for us at KAPA3, multidisciplinary care is a fundamental criterion for service provision and must be certified. Quality care can significantly improve patient outcomes, as shown by clinical studies and research presented at this year’s congress, with potential improvements in overall survival of up to 10% (Sweden).

We are deeply proud that our work is guided by these standards precisely. In an era of remarkable progress in medicine and new therapies, we continue to strengthen the institution of research and multidisciplinary care, ensuring accessibility and patient-centered approaches aimed at quality of life.

This is the third time we have presented our efforts at an ESMO congress, in collaboration with the International University and the Nursing Department, highlighting our presence at every level. Meanwhile, trainings for other healthcare professionals take place annually within our organization in collaboration with Greek universities.

For Greek patients and their environment, we have not yet reached a point where the quality of care is considered a key objective for the entire oncology community. Our aim is to align with efforts across Europe so that, in the future, multidisciplinary assessments from the first day of diagnosis become standard practice within therapeutic protocols.

At KAPA3, we understand that quality care, inherently multidisciplinary, requires collective effort and collaboration between organizations and professionals to determine the best possible standards.

EGFR: An “Old Target” Gaining New Life in Cancer Research

When science moves forward step by step

Progress in oncology does not always come with dramatic announcements. Often, it is found in studies that show small but meaningful steps. One such case is a recent review in JAMA Oncology exploring new targeted therapies for head and neck cancer — a type of cancer often linked to smoking, alcohol consumption, or HPV infection. At Kapa3, we closely follow these developments to keep patients and their families responsibly informed,

Researchers focused on a protein called EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor). Approximately 90% of patients with this type of cancer show overexpression of the protein, making it an attractive target for therapy. In the past, drugs such as cetuximab attempted to “block” EGFR activity, but results were limited. Patients experienced modest improvements without a significant increase in survival.

The new generation of research goes a step further. Combination therapies are being explored, such as targeting EGFR alongside immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab), which strengthens the body’s defense against cancer cells. In early studies, this combination showed response rates around 45% and a median survival of approximately 18 months in patients for whom previous treatments had failed — results that, while not dramatic, are considered encouraging for this disease.

Scientists now understand that the success of targeted therapy depends on multiple factors. In many patients, cancer cells eventually develop resistance, “learning” to bypass the drug’s effect. In addition, cancers linked to HPV appear to behave differently from those that are not, opening new avenues for more personalized approaches.

Research is also focusing on identifying biomarkers — molecular indicators that can show which patients are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy. If these tools prove reliable, they could lead to more targeted, effective, and safer treatments in the future.

At the same time, newer forms of drugs are being tested, such as bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates, which aim to target cancer cells with greater precision. All of these efforts are still in early clinical trial stages, aiming to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

The key message of this research is not that a “new drug that beats cancer” has been found, but that science continues to search, test, and learn. Every small step, every percentage of improvement, every new idea paves the way for future progress.

For people living with cancer — and their families — hope lies not only in major breakthroughs and new treatments but also in the certainty that thousands of researchers around the world are tirelessly working to make each next step a little closer to life. Because in science, as in life, progress is often measured not in leaps but in steady, human steps. At Kapa3, we are committed to sharing this news in a clear and useful way for everyone.

Read the review here

Sources:

Hwang W. et al. “Emerging EGFR-Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review.” JAMA Oncology (2025).
World Health Organization – Cancer Research Updates

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3

New limits on diagnostic tests by EOPYY

What applies to oncology patients

With a new decision by the Ministry of Health (Government Gazette 5325/B/2025), stricter rules are in effect for the repetition of diagnostic tests for EOPYY-insured patients, aiming to reduce costs. However, oncology and hematology patients are exempt in many cases, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted medical monitoring.

What changes

For a series of laboratory and imaging tests (hematology, biochemistry, hormone tests, tumor markers, ultrasounds, CT, MRI, etc.), it is explicitly stated:
“Oncology and hematology patients are exempt”, allowing more frequent repetition when justified by the attending physician.
For tests such as cancer markers, PET/CT scans, and scintigraphy, the exemption is automatic without time restrictions, as these are part of routine disease monitoring.
Oncology patients are also included in the new “Radio-pharmaceutical Reimbursement Procedure”, covering nuclear medicine tests and ensuring full reimbursement.

In summary, for oncology patients, the ability to repeat tests essentially does not change — on the contrary, they are legally protected, as the prescribed exemptions remain.

However, the new framework introduces stricter controls on prescription and reimbursement, which may lead to delays or differences among diagnostic centers and could indirectly affect access and the speed at which tests are carried out.

The full page of the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) can be viewed here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3