Cancer statistics, 2024

Coping strategies and psychological distress in postoperative recovery: A repeated-measures study in women undergoing breast-conserving surgery

Objective

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is the standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer, yet patients often experience significant psychological distress and physical symptoms during recovery. This study aimed to explore the relationships between antecedents, physical symptoms (pain and nausea), psychological distress, and coping strategies utilized by women recovering from BCS to improve management of postoperative challenges.

Methods

This repeated-measures descriptive study involved 75 women who underwent BCS with sentinel lymph node biopsy at a National Cancer Institute-designated center. Participants completed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer and Ways of Coping Instrument on Postoperative Day 1 (POD1) and POD14. Bivariate analyses, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling were conducted to evaluate associations between antecedents, coping strategies, and distress. Open-ended responses were qualitatively analyzed for thematic content.

Results

Seeking social support (POD1 mean ​= ​1.25; POD14 mean ​= ​1.20) and planful problem-solving (POD1 mean ​= ​1.19; POD14 mean ​= ​1.04) were the most frequently used coping strategies, while accepting responsibility and confrontive coping were least utilized. Overall coping strategy use decreased between POD1 and POD14, likely reflecting recovery adaptation. Significant predictors of distress included escape-avoidance coping (β ​= ​0.415, P ​< ​0.001), social support (β ​= ​0.270, P ​= ​0.02), history of nausea (β ​= ​0.517, P ​< ​0.001), and age (β ​= ​0.293, P ​= ​0.007). Coping strategies did not mediate the relationship between antecedents and distress.

Conclusions

Adaptive coping strategies such as social support and planful problem-solving play a critical role in mitigating distress during BCS recovery. Interventions should emphasize fostering these strategies and addressing high-risk groups, such as younger patients and those with a history of nausea. Despite limitations, this study underscores the importance of supporting adaptive coping to improve postoperative outcomes and provides a basis for future research.

Real-world perioperative treatment patterns and economic burden of recurrence in early-stage HER2-negative breast cancer: a SEER-Medicare study

AIM

This study aimed to describe treatment patterns and quantify the economic impact of recurrence in early-stage human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer (BC).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Medicare beneficiaries with stages I-III HER2-negative BC and lumpectomy or partial/total mastectomy were identified from SEER-Medicare data (2010-2019). Perioperative therapies were reported in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting. Locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis were identified using a claims-based algorithm developed with clinical input and consisting of a diagnosis-based and treatment-based indicator. All-cause and BC-related healthcare resource utilization (HRU) per-patient-month and monthly healthcare costs were estimated from the recurrence date for patients with recurrence and from an imputed index date for patients without recurrence using frequency matching. HRU and costs were compared between groups stratified by hormone receptor-positive (HR+) or triple negative BC (TNBC) using multivariable regression models.

RESULTS

Of 28,655 patients, 8.5% experienced recurrence, 90.4% had HR+ disease, and 5.6% received neoadjuvant therapy. Relative to patients without recurrence, patients with recurrence had more advanced disease (stage II/III: 73.7% vs. 34.0%) and higher-grade tumors (Grade 3/4: 40.6% vs. 18.0%) at diagnosis. Recurrence in HR+/HER2-negative BC and TNBC was associated with higher rates of all-cause hospitalizations (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 2.84 and 3.65), emergency department (ED) visits (IRR: 1.75 and 2.00), and outpatient visits (IRR: 1.46 and 1.55; all p < 0.001). Similarly, recurrence was associated with higher rates of BC-related HRU, particularly for ED visits in HR+/HER2-negative BC (IRR: 4.24; p < 0.001) and hospitalizations in TNBC (IRR: 11.71; p < 0.001). Patients with HR+/HER2-negative BC and TNBC recurrence incurred higher monthly all-cause (cost difference [CD]: $3988 and $4651) and BC-related healthcare costs (CD: $3743 and $5819).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the considerable economic burden of recurrence in early-stage HER2-negative BC and underscore the unmet need for optimization of therapies that reduce recurrence in this population.

Upregulation of Lactobacillus spp. in gut microbiota as a novel mechanism for environmental eustress-induced anti-pancreatic cancer effects

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Emerging evidence links enriched environment (EE)-induced eustress to PDAC inhibition. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the role of gut microbiota in PDAC-suppressive effects of EE. We demonstrated that depletion of gut microbiota with antibiotics abolished EE-induced tumor suppression, while fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EE mice significantly inhibited tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC models housed in standard environment. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that EE enhanced gut microbiota diversity and selectively enriched probiotic Lactobacillus, particularly L. reuteri. Treatment with L. reuteri significantly suppressed PDAC tumor growth and increased natural killer (NK) cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment. Depletion of NK cells alleviated the anti-tumor effects of L. reuteri, underscoring the essential role of NK cell-mediated immunity in anti-tumor response. Clinical analysis of PDAC patients showed that higher fecal Lactobacillus abundance correlated with improved progression-free and overall survival, further supporting the therapeutic potential of L. reuteri in PDAC. Overall, this study identifies gut microbiota as a systemic regulator of PDAC under psychological stress. Supplementation of psychobiotic Lactobacillus may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for PDAC.

A score prediction model for predicting the heterogeneity symptom trajectories among lung cancer patients during perioperative period: a longitudinal observational study

INTRODUCTION

Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATs) for lung cancer (LC) frequently experience prolonged symptoms that can significantly affect their quality of life (QoL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study employed a longitudinal observational design. The MDASI and QLQ-C30 were utilized to evaluate symptoms and QoL one day before surgery, as well as at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 1, 2, and 3 months post-surgery. Latent class growth modeling (LCGM) was employed to identify heterogeneous trajectories. By Logistic regression analysis, a score prediction model was developed based on predictive factors, which was internally validated utilizing 1000 bootstrap samples. The SHaply Additive Explanations (SHAP) was used to calculating the contribution of each factor.

RESULTS

205 participants participated in this study. The predominant postoperative complaints included fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, and coughing. Two distinct classes of symptom trajectories were identified: 'severe group' and 'mild group'. Four independent predictors of heterogeneous symptom trajectories were used to develop a scoring model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this model was 0.742 (95% CI: 0.651-0.832). And the calibration curves demonstrated strong concordance between anticipated probability and actual data (mean absolute error: 0.033). Furthermore, the decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated higher net benefit than other four single factors. SHAP highlighted WBC and surgical duration time as the most influential features.

CONCLUSIONS

We established a score model to predict the occurrence of severe symptom trajectories 3 months postoperatively, promoting recovery by advancing rehabilitation plan based on preoperative and surgical situation.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (ChiCTR2100044776).

The regulatory roles of RNA-binding proteins in the tumour immune microenvironment of gastrointestinal malignancies

The crosstalk between the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and tumour cells promote immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal (GI) tumours. Post-transcriptional regulation of genes is pivotal to GI tumours progression, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) serve as key regulators via their RNA-binding domains. RBPs may exhibit either anti-tumour or pro-tumour functions by influencing the TIME through the modulation of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs expression, as well as post-transcriptional modifications, primarily N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Aberrant regulation of RBPs, such as HuR and YBX1, typically enhances tumour immune escape and impacts prognosis of GI tumour patients. Further, while targeting RBPs offers a promising strategy for improving immunotherapy in GI cancers, the mechanisms by which RBPs regulate the TIME in these tumours remain poorly understood, and the therapeutic application is still in its early stages. This review summarizes current advances in exploring the roles of RBPs in regulating genes expression and their effect on the TIME of GI tumours, then providing theoretical insights for RBP-targeted cancer therapies.

Reporting and representation of participant race and ethnicity in phase III clinical trials for solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Including racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials is essential for advancing health equity. Despite progress, trials often do not mirror patient population demographics.

METHODS

The National Library of Medicine's Clinical Trials database was queried for phase III trials of lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. A reference population was identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database, covering 48% of the US population.

RESULTS

Among 181 trials, race and ethnicity data were included in 86.7% and 60.2% of trials, respectively, with improving reporting over time. Participants were predominantly White (76.3%), followed by Asian/Pacific Islander (14.1%), Black/African American (4.5%), and American Indian/Alaska Native (0.6%). Hispanic/Latino constituted 6.4% of participants. The proportion of non-White groups increased from 19.4% in trials started before 2011 to 26.2% after 2015. Compared with SEER data, the percentages were lower for Asian/Pacific Islander across all cancers, Black/African American in breast and prostate cancers, American Indian or Alaska Native in colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers in US solely trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Reporting and enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities in trials remain inadequate but improving. To enhance diversity, real-world data are warranted to identify recruitment goals by better assessing the geographic distribution within the patient population.

Prognostic signature based on mitochondria- and angiogenesis-related genes associated with immune microenvironment of multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION

Mitochondria and angiogenesis play key roles in multiple myeloma (MM) development, but their interrelated genes affecting MM prognosis are under-studied.

METHODS

We analyzed TCGA_MMRF and GSE4581 datasets to identify four genes - CCNB1, CDC25C, HSP90AA1, and PARP1 - that significantly correlate with MM prognosis, with high expression indicating poor outcomes.

RESULTS

A prognostic signature based on these genes stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups, with the latter showing better survival. The signature was validated as an independent prognostic factor. Biological function analysis revealed differences in cell cycle processes between risk groups, and immune microenvironment analysis showed distinct immune cell infiltration patterns.

CONCLUSION

This mitochondria- and angiogenesis-related prognostic signature could enhance MM prognosis assessment and offer new therapeutic insights.

Design, synthesis and biological activity of novel Xuetongsu derivatives as potential anticancer agents by inducing apoptosis

Xuetongsu (XTS, Schisanlactone E) is one of the main active compounds and considered as the star molecule isolated from Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib. In order to improve XTS anti-tumour bioactivities, a series of novel XTS derivatives were designed and synthesised by introducing an amide bond at the parent. Anti-proliferative assays on four different human tumour cell lines (BGC-823, HepG-2, HCT-116, and MCF-7) showed that the anti-tumour activities of most derivatives increased greatly compared to the parent XTS, and especially, compounds A-7, A-14, and A-18 exhibited multiple anti-tumour effects. Among them, compound A-7 has the best biological activities on the four tumour cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 13.86 to 20.71 μM, which could significantly increase the fraction of apoptotic cells according to flow cytometry experience. Further study demonstrated that A-7 could induce apoptosis on HepG-2 cells through influencing the key apoptotic related proteins, such as Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved Caspase-3.

Pan-cancer analysis reveals PRRT4 is a potential prognostic factor of AML

BACKGROUND

Proline-rich transmembrane protein 4 (PRRT4) has been infrequently studied, with limited literature suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker for gastric cancer. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of the PRRT4 gene in pan-cancer.

METHODS

We acquired and analyzed data from several platforms, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), cBioPortal, HPA, and TIMER 2.0. In addition, we have further analyzed the data using multivariate analyzes and RT-qPCR. In vitro experiments were performed to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells before and after PRRT4 knockdown.

RESULTS

PRRT4 exhibited low expression in 10 types of cancers and high expression in 3 types, and this expression was significantly correlated with tumor stage, age, and gender across various cancer types. PRRT4, identified as a potential independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in several cancers including LAML, PAAD, SKCM, STAD, THYM, and UVM, and exhibited a high frequency of mutation in UCEC. Moreover, PRRT4 was found to be correlated with DNA methylation and immune infiltration in various cancers. Ultimately, in the multivariate analysis model, PRRT4 was discerned as an independent prognostic biomarker for AML, predicated on the statistics based from our institution. After PRRT4 knockdown, the proliferation ability of THP1 cells was significantly enhanced, and the apoptosis ratio was significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

PRRT4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker for various malignancies.

Fractionated radiotherapy initiated at the early stage of bone metastasis is effective to prolong survival in mouse model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Bone metastasis is common for breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis. Currently, radiotherapy (RT) serves as the standard treatment for patients exhibiting symptoms of bone metastasis to alleviate pain. Whether earlier application of RT will better control bone metastasis remains unclear.

METHODS

We utilized a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastasis by intra-femoral injection of 4T1-luc breast tumor cells. The bone metastasis was treated by RT using various doses, timings, and modalities. Tumor growth was assessed through bioluminescence imaging, and lung metastases was quantified following lung tissue fixation. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze alterations in immune cell populations.

RESULTS

Single high-dose RT suppressed tumor growth of bone metastases, but caused severe side effects. Conversely, fractionated RT mitigated tumor growth in bone metastases with fewer adverse effects. Fractioned RT initiated at the early stage of bone metastasis effectively inhibited tumor growth in the bone, suppressed secondary lung metastases, and prolonged mouse survival. In line with the known pro- and anti-metastatic effects of neutrophils and T cells in breast cancer, respectively, earlier fractioned RT consistently decreased the proportions of neutrophils while increased the proportions of T cells in both the bone and the lung tissues.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that fractionated RT can inhibit the progression of early stage of bone metastasis and reduce secondary lung metastasis, leading to favorable outcomes. Therefore, these findings provide preclinical evidence to support the application of fractionated RT to treat patients with bone metastasis as earlier as possible.

Discovery of a selective and reversible LSD1 inhibitor with potent anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is abnormally overexpressed in various tumour tissues of patients and has been an attractive anticancer target. In this work, a potent LSD1 inhibitor (compound 14) was designed and synthesised by the molecular hybridisation strategy. It displays the potent antiproliferative activity against HepG2, HEP3B, HUH6, and HUH7 cells with IC50 values of 0.93, 2.09, 1.43, and 4.37 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 14 is a selective and reversible LSD1 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.18 μM and increases the methylation levels of H3K4me1/2. Molecular docking studies showed that it formed hydrogen bonds, hydrophilic interactions and hydrophobic interactions with residues of LSD1. Anticancer mechanisms demonstrated that it suppresses migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in HepG2 cells. Importantly, it exhibits potent anti-liver cancer effects in vivo without obvious toxic effects. These interesting findings suggested that compound 14, a novel LSD1 inhibitor, may be a promising therapeutic agent to treat liver cancer.

Identification of TTLL8, POTEE, and PKMYT1 as immunogenic cancer-associated antigens and potential immunotherapy targets in ovarian cancer

Most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (OC) do not respond to current immunotherapies. To identify potential new actionable tumor antigens in OC, we performed immunopeptidomics on a human OC cell line expressing the HLA-A02:01 haplotype, which is commonly expressed across many racial and ethnic groups. From this dataset, we identified TTLL8, POTEE, and PKMYT1 peptides as candidate tumor antigens with low expression in normal tissues and upregulated expression in OC. Using tissue microarrays, we assessed the protein expression of TTLL8 and POTEE and their association with patient outcomes in a large cohort of OC patients. TTLL8 was found to be expressed in 56.7% of OC and was associated with a worse overall prognosis. POTEE was expressed in 97.2% of OC patients and had no significant association with survival. In patient TILs, increases in cytokine production and tetramer-positive populations identified antigen-specific CD8 T cell responses, which were dependent on antigen presentation by HLA class I. Antigen-specific T cells triggered cancer cell killing of antigen-pulsed OC cells. These findings suggest that TTLL8, POTEE, and PKMYT1 are potential targets for the development of antigen-targeted immunotherapy in OC.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunt treatment for glioma and brain metastasis: a literature review

The incidence and mortality rates of malignant tumors are increasing annually, with gliomas and brain metastases linked to a poor prognosis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising treatment modality for both gliomas and brain metastases. It can alleviate tumor hypoxia and enhance radiosensitivity. When combined with other treatments for gliomas, this therapy has the potential to enhance survival rates. This review addresses the progress in research on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with radiotherapy. For brain metastases, the combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery is both feasible and advantagenous. This combination not only offers protection against radiation-induced brain injury but also supports the recovery of neurological and motor functions. The incidence of adverse reactions to hyperbaric oxygen therapy is relatively low, and it is safe and manageable. Future efforts should be made to investigate the mechanisms by which hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with radiotherapy treats gliomas and brain metastases, optimize protection of the combined treatment against brain injury, minimizing adverse reactions, conducting multidisciplinary research and clinical trials, and training healthcare providers to facilitate broader clinical application.

A novel photosensitive nanoprobe combined with CRISPR/Cas12a for dual signal amplification detection of ANGPTL2

The detection of specific protein biomarkers holds significant potential for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the accurate quantification of low-abundance proteins in serum presents a major challenge due to factors such as limited sensitivity and the complexity of the required methodologies. In this work, we established a universal CRISPR/Cas biosensing platform by integrating novel photosensitive nanoprobes (DA/PL@Cu NPs) and CRISPR/Cas12 system (DPC-Cas) for the highly sensitive, specific and user-friendly detection of angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2). The DA/PL@Cu NPs serve as a critical component in the transduction of protein recognition information into nucleic acid amplification events to produce Cas12a activators. The DPC-Cas biosensor integrates DA/PL@Cu NPs-assisted amplification with Cas12a self-amplification, enabling ultrasensitive detection of ANGPTL2 at concentrations as low as 20.00 pg/mL. The proposed DPC-Cas biosensor successfully detected ANGPTL2 in serum, demonstrating significant potential for the early diagnosis of CRC.

Harnessing prazosin for tumors: Liposome hybrid nanovesicles activate tumor immunotherapy via autophagy inhibition

Prazosin (Prz), an antagonist of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, is conventionally employed in the treatment of hypertension. Our study pioneers the exploration of Prz in oncology, examining its impact on cellular autophagy and its potential to trigger antitumor immune responses. We have developed a novel Prz-loaded liposome hybrid nanovesicle (Prz@LINV) system, integrating tumor-derived nanovesicles (TNV) with liposomes (LIP) to facilitate targeted Prz delivery to tumor sites. This formulation enhances Prz bioavailability and markedly inhibits tumor cell autophagy, leading to immunogenic cell death (ICD) and the activation of antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, Prz@LINV modulates dendritic cells (DCs), augmenting their antigen cross-presentation capacity and thereby potentiating antitumor immunity. These effects were validated in a colorectal cancer mouse model, demonstrating the good biocompatibility of Prz@LINV and its significant inhibition in tumor growth, along with the enhancement of antitumor immune responses. Our findings elucidate a novel mechanism by which Prz inhibits autophagy and enhances the antitumor immune response, providing a foundation for the development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. The efficacy of Prz@LINV suggests that Prz may emerge as a pivotal component in future immunotherapeutic regimens, offering patients more potent therapeutic options.

Notch signaling and cancer: Insights into chemoresistance, immune evasion, and immunotherapy

The Notch signaling pathway is a fundamental and highly conserved cell-to-cell communication system vital for embryonic development and tissue maintenance. However, its dysregulation has been associated with the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of various cancers. In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at the multiple roles of the Notch family in cancer pathogenesis, immune response, and resistance to chemotherapy. We delve into the complicated mechanisms by which Notch signaling promotes tumor growth and development, including its influence on TME remodeling and immune evasion strategies. We will also be discussing recent studies that shed light on the connection between cancer stemness and chemoresistance mediated through the activation of Notch signaling pathways. Elucidation of the interplay between the Notch pathway and major constituents of the TME, including immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, is necessary for the development of targeted therapies against Notch-driven tumors. We further discuss the potential of targeting Notch signaling alone or in combination with standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy as a potent strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes. We conclude by discussing the challenges and future prospects of using Notch signaling as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment, focusing on how precision medicine and combination approaches are important.

Gut microbiota in melanoma: Effects and pathogeneses

The gut microbiota exhibits intricate connections with the body's immune system and holds significant implications for various diseases and cancers. Currently, accumulating evidence suggests a correlation between the composition of the gut microbiota and the development, treatment, and prognosis of melanoma. However, the underlying pathogenesis remains incompletely elucidated. In this comprehensive review, we present an in-depth review of the role played by gut microbiota in melanoma tumorigenesis, growth, metastasis, treatment response, and prognosis. Furthermore, we discuss the potential utility of gut microbiota as a promising prognostic marker. Lastly, we summarize three routes through which gut microbiota influences melanoma: immunity, aging, and the endocrine system. By modulating innate and adaptive immunity in patients with melanoma across different age groups and genders, the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in anti-tumor immune regulation from tumorigenesis to prognosis management, thereby impacting tumor growth and metastasis. This review also addresses current study limitations while highlighting future research prospects.

Effects of carvedilol on the prevention of cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines: Design and rationale of the CARDIOTOX trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy with an anthracycline-based regimen are at increased risk of cardiotoxicity, predisposing to heart failure, arrhythmias and death. Whether carvedilol may confer benefit to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity remains to be determined.

DESIGN

CARDIOTOX is a double-blind, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial that plan to enroll 1,018 patients across 25 study sites in Brazil. Patients with active cancer scheduled to undergo an anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen are eligible. Patients with prior HF or cardiomyopathy are excluded. Patients are randomized in 1:1 ratio to carvedilol (starting dose 6.25mg BID up titrated to 25mg BID or maximum tolerated dose) or placebo, stratified by site and use of renin-angiotensin blockers at baseline. Study drug is administered through the duration of chemotherapy and up to 30 days after the last dose of anthracycline. Patients are scheduled to undergo echocardiographic evaluations at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. The study primary endpoint is the composite of new left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction by at least 10% leading to an LVEF <50%, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, urgent care visit or hospitalization for heart failure, or clinically significant arrhythmias at 12 months. Echocardiographic images will be analyzed by a central core lab, clinical outcomes will be adjudicated, and safety endpoints include serious adverse events and adverse events of special interest (symptomatic bradycardia, hypotension, syncope and bronchospasm).

SUMMARY

The CARDIOTOX trial is the largest trial to date analyzing the potential role of beta-blockers as prophylactic therapy to prevent cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Effects of Carvedilol on Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Patients Submitted to Anthracycline Therapy (CardioTox).

CLINICALTRIALS

gov ID NCT04939883. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04939883.

TAK-901, a novel EPHA2 inhibitor as a therapeutic strategy against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. Androgen deprivation therapy continues to be the cornerstone of treatment for prostate cancer. However, the efficacy of this treatments is often limited, leading to the emergence of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. TAK-901, an inhibitor of Aurora kinase B, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo models. To date, the effect of TAK-901 on prostate cancer and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. In this study, we found that TAK-901 could inhibit proliferation, colony formation and migration, while also inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. We further demonstrated that TAK-901 activates the CHK1 signaling pathway, leading to G2/M-phase arrest in these cells. Additionally, we identified EPHA2 as a novel therapeutic target of TAK-901. By mutating the binding sites between EPHA2 and TAK-901, we discovered that these mutations could reverse the anti-proliferative effects of TAK-901 in prostate cancer models. Our study is the first to reveal that TAK-901 induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and inhibits cell growth by targeting EPHA2. These findings provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of TAK-901 and may develop its therapeutic applications in prostate cancer.

A self-accelerating 'copper bomb' strategy activated innate and adaptive immune response against triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents therapeutic challenges due to its aggressive, drug-resistance, and low immunological reactivity. Cuproptosis, an emerging therapeutic modality, is a promising strategic intervention for treating TNBC. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of cuproptosis is compromised by tumor adaptations, including the Warburg effect, increased intracellular glutathione (GSH), and copper efflux, thus breaking the barrier of cuproptosis is the basis for developing cuproptosis-based clinical therapies. Herein, a self-accelerating strategy utilizing a pH-responsive copper framework encapsulating glucose oxidase (GOx), modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and tumor-penetrating peptide (tLyp1) has been developed. Upon reaching the acidic tumor microenvironment, the released GOx increases intracellular acidity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The elevated intracellular GSH and H2O2 serve as "fuel" to amplify the copper-based catalytic within tumor cells. Concurrently, the reduction of copper efflux proteins (ATP7B) and the depletion of GSH lead to copper overload in tumor cells, leading to cuproptosis via copper overload, mitochondrial disruption, and Fe-S protein instability. This constellation of interrelated events constitutes a potent "Copper Bomb," which concurrently triggers the immune system and effectively kills the tumor. It robustly engages innate and adaptive immunity via the release of mitochondrial DNA, facilitating the cGAS-STING pathway and precipitating immunogenic cell death. This process reverses the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, eliminates tumor cells, and suppresses metastasis, thus offering a novel therapeutic modality for the comprehensive treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Nuclear pore complex protein RANBP2 and related SUMOylation in solid malignancies

The growing interest in post-translational protein modification, particularly in SUMOylation, is driven by its crucial role in cell cycle regulation. SUMOylation affects various cell cycle regulators, including oncogenes, suggesting its relevance in cancer. SUMO E3 ligases are pivotal in this process, exhibiting diverse functionalities through structural domains and subcellular localizations. A less-explored SUMO E3 ligase, RANBP2, a component of the vertebrate nuclear pore complex, emerges as a central player in cellular cycle processes, as well as in tumorigenesis. The current studies illuminate the importance of RANBP2 and underscore the need for more extensive studies to validate its clinical applicability in neoplastic interventions. Our review elucidates the significance of RANBP2 across various types of malignancies. Additionally, it delves into exploring RANBP2 as a prospective therapeutic target for cancer treatment, offering insights into the avenues that scholars should pursue in their subsequent research endeavors. Thus, further investigation into RANBP2's role in solid tumorigenesis is eagerly awaited.

Anticancer therapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in solid tumors: diagnosis, mechanisms, and treatment strategies

Anticancer therapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common adverse event during the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors. The drug class, cumulative dose, and individual susceptibility affect the incidence and severity of PN. Owing to the lack of specific biomarkers and imaging tests, the diagnostic criteria for PN remain unclear. Moreover, the available and effective clinical treatment strategies are very limited, and most of the current drugs focus on symptom management rather than fundamental reversal of the disease course. The morbidity mechanisms of PN are diverse, including direct neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of axonal transport. Here, we summarize the diagnosis, mechanisms, and neuroprotective strategies of PN and discuss potential intervention treatments.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential role of neural factor EN1 for long-terms survival in estrogen receptor-independent breast cancer

Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor-negative (ERneg) status, encompassing triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer, are confronted with a heightened risk of drug resistance, often leading to early recurrence; the biomarkers and biological processes associated with recurrence is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from 285 cancer and paracancerous samples from 155 TNBC patients, along with transcriptome data from 11 independent public cohorts comprising 7,449 breast cancer patients and 26 single-cell RNA-seq datasets. Our results revealed differential enrichment of nerve-related pathways between TNBC patients with and without 10-year recurrence-free survival. We developed an early recurrence index (ERI) using a machine learning model and constructed a nomogram that accurately predicts the 10-year survival of ERneg patients (area under the curve [AUC]Training = 0.79; AUCTest = 0.796). Further analysis linked ERI to enhanced neural function and immunosuppression. Additionally, we identified EN1, the most significant ERI gene, as a potential biomarker that may regulate the tumor microenvironment and sensitize patients to immunotherapy.

Carbonic anhydrase-9-targeted near-infrared photoimmunotherapy as a theranostic modality for clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Carbonic anhydrase-9 (CA9) is highly expressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells despite no expression in normal kidney tissues. Thus, CA9 has been proposed as a theranostic target for radioligand therapy (RLT). However, ccRCC tends to be radioresistant and may not effectively respond to RLT. Alternatively, CA9 can be targeted for near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) of ccRCC. Here, we sought to test NIR-PIT using CA9 in a preclinical model of ccRCC to determine its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Tissue microarray analysis showed that membrane CA9 was expressed in the majority of ccRCC cases. In vitro, CA9-targeted NIR-PIT induced cell membrane damage and cell killing in all CA9-expressing ccRCC cell lines specifically, UOK154, UOK220, and UOK122. In vivo, CA9-targeted NIR-PIT significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in UOK154 and UOK220 subcutaneous xenograft models. Notably, 70%-80% of mice achieved complete remission after a single treatment of NIR-PIT. Additionally, remaining tumors after the first NIR-PIT persistently expressed CA9, suggesting that remaining tumors can be treated with repeated NIR-PIT. Furthermore, CA9-targeted NIR-PIT induced significant cytoplasmic damages on ccRCC cells in UOK154 orthotopic xenograft models. In conclusion, CA9-targeted NIR-PIT, which allow for safe and repeated application on the same lesion, is a promising treatment for ccRCC, especially in the management of multiple primary ccRCC (e.g., von Hippel-Lindau syndrome) and oligometastatic ccRCC.

Hydrogen peroxide regulated split-type electrochemiluminescence sensing platform for non-invasive detection of gastric cancer-associated D-amino acids

Monitoring D-amino acids concentrations has essential implications for gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially in the non-invasive detection of gastric cancer. However, it remains a challenge to establish a high-performance detection method for D-amino acids. Here, a highly sensitive and selective d-alanine (D-Ala) ECL assay strategy via a turn-off-on split-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform has been proposed. We found that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) could be used as an efficient etching agent to turn on the MnO2/gold nanocluster (AuNC)-based ECL nanoswitch platform. Based on abovementioned characteristics, we extended it to the D-amino acids assay since the enzymatic reaction between D-Ala and D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) generates H2O2. Based on the abovementioned characteristics, this ECL sensing platform achieved a preferable linear-dependent curve in the detection range of 1.0 × 10 -10∼1.0 × 10-3 mol L-1, and realized the detection of D-Ala as low as 2.2 × 10-11 mol L-1 (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the proposed ECL biosensor showed excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. Together with its powerful performance, this strategy could test D-Ala in saliva samples, which suggested that this ECL assay platform shows great prospect in disease diagnosis. We ascribe the high sensitivity and good anti-interference capability of the sensor to the combination of specific enzyme catalysis reaction, high-efficiency split-type AuNC probe-based ECL technique and the highly etching efficiency of H2O2 to MnO2 nanomaterials on electrode surface. In our perception, this H2O2 mediated split-type ECL sensing platform provides a viable tool in ECL based bioananlysis. Therefore, our proposed approach not only provides a strategy for developing a high-performance platform for D-Ala detection, but also establishes a framework for the detailed design and development of ECL platform for other biological assays.

Advances in the use of nanoparticles for specific cell-target delivery of anti-cancer agents

In recent decades, cancer has emerged as one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. To revert this progression, scientists have focused on the design of new strategies for early detection of this disease and the development of more effective treatments for its eradication. Regarding the latter, one of the main research efforts has been directed toward designing more specific delivery systems for the administration of anti-tumoral agents. In this sense, the efficacy of conventional therapies used for cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiation therapy, are often limited by their lack of specificity and their potential to cause adverse secondary effects on healthy tissues. Therefore, designing specific cell-targeted delivery systems for anti-tumoral agents presents a promising approach to overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer therapies. In this review we summarize the advances in the use of nanoparticles for Specific Cell-Target Delivery of anti-tumoral agents from in vitro to clinical studies.

Development and validation of a transcription factor regulatory network-based signature for individualized prognostic risk in lung adenocarcinoma

Despite significant progress in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) still exhibits a high recurrence risk and a low 5-year survival rate. Reliable prognostic signatures are imperative for risk stratification in LUAD patients. This study encompassed 2740 patients from 23 LUAD cohorts, including one single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, five bulk RNA-seq datasets, and 17 microarray datasets. Using scRNA-seq dataset, we defined a group of epithelial-specific transcription factors significantly over-represented in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene set (enrichment ratio [ER] = 5.80, Fisher's exact test p < .001), and the corresponding target genes were significantly enriched in the cancer driver gene set (ER = 2.74, p < .001), indicating of their crucial roles in the EMT process and tumor progression. We constructed a single-cell gene pairs (scGPS) signature, composed of 3521 gene pairs derived from the epithelial cell-specific transcription factor regulatory network, to predict overall survival (OS) of LUAD. High-risk patients identified by scGPS in the discovery cohort exhibited significantly worse OS compared to low-risk patients (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.29-2.46, log-rank p = 1.80 × 10-4). The scGPS outperformed other established gene signatures and demonstrated robust prognostic stratification across various independent datasets, including microarray data and even early-stage LUAD patients. It remained an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for clinical and pathologic factors. In addition, combining scGPS with tumor stage further enhanced prognostic accuracy compared to using stage alone. The scGPS signature offers individualized prognosis estimations, showing significant potential for practical application in clinical settings.

The role of oxytocin in mediating the relationships between social factors and chemotherapy-associated cognitive decline in female patients with breast cancer

While chemotherapy can cause debilitating side effects, social support, particularly that of an intimate partner, can be protective. This study examined the relationships between couple satisfaction and chemotherapy-associated subjective and objective cognitive decline in a cohort of breast cancer patients, in addition to the roles of other social factors. Because of oxytocin's role in social bonding and cognition, circulating oxytocin and oxytocin receptor gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were investigated as potential mediators. Partnered breast cancer patients (n = 48) completed cognitive assessments and provided blood samples at 3 timepoints: pre-chemotherapy, during chemotherapy, and post-chemotherapy. Participants completed a retrospective couple satisfaction questionnaire, provided information about partner duration as well as other social factors (e.g., number of people in the household, number of dependents under 18), and completed a retrospective perceived general social support questionnaire. Analyses were completed using linear mixed effects and regression models. More satisfaction in an intimate relationship related to both less subjective and objective cognitive decline over chemotherapy. Similarly, higher perceived social support related to less overall objective cognitive decline over chemotherapy, though this relationship was less robust than that observed with high couple satisfaction. Remarkably, circulating oxytocin decreased over chemotherapy but was only associated with partner duration and not with cognitive measures. This study suggests a potential benefit of social-directed interventions for the treatment of cognitive side effects of chemotherapy, either from an intimate partner or more generally. Furthermore, understanding biological mechanisms is important to develop novel preventative and interventional therapies to mitigate the adverse side effects of chemotherapy.

Genetic variants of FER and SULF1 in the fibroblast-related genes are associated with non-small-cell lung cancer survival

Fibroblasts are important components in the tumor microenvironment and can affect tumor progression and metastasis. However, the roles of genetic variants of the fibroblast-related genes (FRGs) in the prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have not been reported. Therefore, we investigated the associations between 26,544 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 291 FRGs and survival of NSCLC patients from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. In Cox regression multivariable analysis, we found that 661 SNPs were associated with NSCLC overall survival (OS). Then we validated these SNPs in another independent replication dataset of 984 patients from the Harvard Lung Cancer Susceptibility (HLCS) Study. Finally, we identified two independent SNPs (i.e., FER rs7716388 A>G and SULF1 rs11785839 G>C) that remained significantly associated with NSCLC survival with hazards ratios (HRs) of 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77-0.98, p = 0.018) and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.79-0.99, p = 0.033), respectively. Combined analysis for these two SNPs showed that the number of protective alleles was associated with better OS and disease-specific survival. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis indicated that the FER rs7716388 G allele was associated with the up-regulation of FER mRNA expression levels in lung tissue. Our results indicated that these two functional SNPs in the FRGs may be prognostic biomarkers for the prognosis of NSCLC patients, and the possible mechanism may be through modulating the expression of their corresponding genes.

Therapeutic targets in the Wnt signaling pathway: Treating cancer with specificity

The Wnt signaling pathway is a critical regulatory mechanism that governs cell cycle progression, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, stemness, and the tumor immune microenvironment, while also maintaining tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated activation of this pathway is implicated in various cancers, closely linked to tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The Wnt/β-catenin axis plays a central role in the pathogenesis of common cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer (BC), liver cancer, and lung cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy offers a more precise approach to cancer treatment. As a key regulator of oncogenesis, the Wnt pathway represents a promising target for clinical interventions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the Wnt signaling pathway, exploring its roles in tumor biology and its implications in human malignancies. It further examines the molecular mechanisms and modes of action across different cancers, detailing how the Wnt pathway contributes to tumor progression through mechanisms such as metastasis promotion, immune modulation, drug resistance, and enhanced cellular proliferation. Finally, therapeutic strategies targeting Wnt pathway components are discussed, including inhibitors targeting extracellular members, as well as those within the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. The potential of these targets in the development of novel therapeutic agents underscores the critical importance of intervening in the Wnt signaling pathway for effective cancer treatment.

Genetic counseling referral rates and genetic testing outcomes in women with young breast cancer: a 20-year Canadian review

PURPOSE

Despite guidelines recommending genetic testing for all cases of very young breast cancer (VYBC), poor uptake has been reported. This study aimed to examine genetic testing referral rates and outcomes over a 20-year period within the Canadian context.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all incident VYBC cases (at or below 35 years of age) between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic factors and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors associated with referral for genetic counseling and positive genetic test results.

RESULTS

628 women were identified with VYBC. Most women presented with stage 2 (42%), hormone receptor-positive (HR +) and HER2-negative (54%) invasive ductal carcinoma (94%). Over the study period, referral rates increased from 44 to 84%. Of women initially tested for BRCA1/BRCA2, only 21% were referred for updated panel testing. Among those tested, 19% had a pathogenic variant, 21% of whom reported no family history of cancer. Predictors of referral included stage 0-2 disease while predictors of positive test results included a second breast cancer diagnosis and positive family history.

CONCLUSION

Despite guidelines based on age alone, barriers to referral persist. Results of this study suggest the need for new models of care that ensure equitable access to genetic testing for all women diagnosed with VYBC regardless of family history, ethnicity, or disease stage. As genetic testing criteria evolve, protocols must address these barriers to prevent missed opportunities for testing.

5-Year survival rate over 20 % in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study from a Chinese high-volume center

Standardized clinical management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains challenging and high-volume centers provide essential insights for establishing effective multimodal treatment approaches. This retrospective observational study evaluated the impact of standardized, multimodal clinical management on survival outcomes in patients with PDAC across all stages, based on NCCN guidelines resectability criteria, at a high-volume center. From 2019, 4143 patients were diagnosed with PDAC, with 3268 patients receiving further treatment, including surgical resection and/or systemic therapy. The median overall survival (OS) was 18.5 (95 %CI 17.5-19.4) months for the treated cohort and the 5-year survival rate reached 23.3 %. Patients who underwent surgical resection had significantly improved median OS compared to those who received non-surgical treatments (28.4 months vs. 13.0 months, P < 0.001), with corresponding 5-year survival rates of 31.6 % vs. 15.0 %. Moreover, the patients who received NAT followed by surgical resection had improved survival outcomes compared to those who underwent upfront surgical resection in both resectable (median OS: 37.5 months vs. 28.9 months, P < 0.01) and borderline resectable group (median OS: 31.8 months vs. 18.4 months, P < 0.001). This study demonstrated a 5-year survival rate exceeding 20 % for PDAC across all stages at our center. The application of evidence-based treatment strategies through the multidisciplinary team, accompanying with standardized and comprehensive therapeutic managements, high patient adherence, have been considered as critical determinants in enhancing therapeutic efficacy and improving long-term prognosis for patients with PDAC.

Establishing a comprehensive panel of patient-derived xenograft models for high-grade endometrial carcinoma: molecular subtypes, genetic alterations, and therapeutic target profiling

BACKGROUND

High-grade endometrial cancer (EC) has a poor prognosis, but molecular classification-based treatments present new therapeutic opportunities. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) emerge as promising tools, yet a deeper understanding of antigen dynamics, optimal therapeutic sequencing, and resistance mechanisms is essential. This study investigates the utility of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models for EC as preclinical platforms, evaluating molecular subtypes and the ADC targets expression of patient and PDX tumors.

METHODS

We developed a comprehensive panel of molecularly characterized PDX models from patients with EC representing various histological types. Molecular subtypes and gene alterations were analyzed using sequencing and immunohistochemistry. ADC targets, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2, B7-H4, folate receptor alpha, and cadherin-6, were profiled.

RESULTS

Thirty-one EC-PDX models were successfully established, maintaining histological fidelity and 93.1 % molecular subtype consistency with the patient tumors. Notably, 80.6 % of the PDX models exhibited high expression (2+/3+) of at least one ADC target, and 54.8 % displayed high expression of multiple targets. Remarkably, 9.7 % showed high expression of all targets, with gene mutations also characterized. Meanwhile, patient tumors, 78.8 % showed high expression (2+/3+) of at least one ADC target, and 63.6 % showed high expression of multiple targets.

CONCLUSION

The molecularly classified EC-PDX panel, enriched with detailed antigen profiles and genetic data, provides a robust platform for investigating novel ADC therapies and precision treatment strategies for high-grade EC.

Astragalin inhibits the proliferation of high-risk HPV-positive cervical epithelial cells and attenuates malignant cervical lesions

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV16 and HPV18, are closely linked to the onset of cervical cancer (CC). Astragalin (AST), a bioactive flavonoid, has been reported to impede CC HeLa cell proliferation. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which AST exerts its tumor-suppressive role in CC remains unclear. HeLa (HPV18-positive) and CaSki (HPV16-positive) cells were exposed to various concentrations of AST. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing, and Transwell assays were employed to examine the AST functions on CC cell aggressiveness. Protein levels were assessed by western blotting. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect E6, E7, p53, and p-pRb expression. Animal experiments were performed to validate the anti-CC role in vivo. The results showed that AST dose-dependently impaired HeLa and CaSki cell viability and elicited G1 cell cycle arrest. AST restrained CC cell migration and invasiveness. AST inhibited the growth of HeLa-derived xenograft tumors in mice and repressed E6/E7 oncoprotein expression in CC cells and mouse tumor tissues. In conclusion, AST suppresses CC progression by downregulating E6/E7 oncoprotein expression to attenuate CC cell aggressiveness.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-025-00742-6.

Molecularly manipulating pyrazinoquinoxaline derivatives to construct NIR-II AIEgens for multimodal phototheranostics of breast cancer bone metastases

Multimodal phototheranostics on the basis of single molecular species shows inexhaustible and vigorous vitality, particularly those emit fluorescence in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II), the construction of such exceptional molecules nonetheless retains formidably challenging. In view of the undiversified molecular skeletons and insufficient phototheranostic outputs of previously reported NIR-II fluorophores, herein, electron acceptor engineering based on heteroatom-inserted rigid-planar pyrazinoquinoxaline was manipulated to fabricate aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-featured NIR-II counterparts with donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) architecture. Systematical investigations substantiated that one of those synthesized AIE molecules, namely 4TPQ, incorporating a fused thiophene acceptor, synchronously exhibited high molar absorptivity (ε), NIR-II emission, typical AIE tendency, significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and high photothermal conversion efficiency. These extraordinary behaviors endowed 4TPQ nanoparticles with unprecedented performance on NIR-II fluorescence/photothermal imaging-navigated synergistic photodynamic/photothermal inhibition of tumors, as confirmed by the mice model of breast cancer bone metastases. This study thus brings significant insights into developing phototheranostic systems for clinical trials.

Loss of aryl hydrocarbon receptor reduces pancreatic tumor growth by increasing immune cell infiltration

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease which remains poorly understood. Increasing evidence suggests that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays a role in the pathogenesis of several cancers; however, its role in PDAC is unclear because AHR exhibits both pro- and anti-tumor activities. Here we evaluated the role of AHR in CR705 and K8484 murine PDAC cells in vitro and CR705 cells in vivo. Loss of Ahr did not affect cell proliferation compared with Cas9 control cells and no differences in tumor development between CR705Cas9 and CR705AhrKO cells were observed in immunocompromised mice. Conversely, tumors from CR705AhrKO cells grew more slowly than tumors from CR705Cas9 cells in immune competent mice. RNA sequencing identified 1279 genes upregulated and 586 genes downregulated in CR705AhrKO tumors compared with CR705Cas9 tumors. Pathway analysis identified immunoregulatory interactions, interferon signaling, and chemokine signaling among the top upregulated pathways. Increased infiltration of CD45+ cells and higher numbers of CD8+ T cells and F4/80+ cells were observed in CR705AhrKO tumors. Ahr deficiency in macrophages (LysMCre) or lymphocytes (RorcCre) did not alter tumor development of CR705Cas9 cells compared with Ahrfl/fl mice. CR705AhrKO tumors in RorcCre mice, but not in LysMCre mice had significantly lower tumor weights normalized to body weights compared with CR705AhrKO tumors in WT mice. These findings show that Ahr loss in CR705 pancreatic cancer cells is sufficient to induce proinflammatory gene responses that contribute to increased immune cell infiltration and reduced tumor growth.

Emerging roles of EGFL family members in neoplastic diseases: Molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies

Epidermal growth factor-like proteins (EGFLs) contain more than a single EGF/EGF-like domain within their protein structure. To date, ten EGFL family members (EGFL1-10) have been characterized across diverse tissues and developmental stages under different conditions. In this review, we conclude that EGFLs are instrumental in regulating biological activities and pathological processes. Under physiological conditions, EGFLs participate in angiogenesis, neurogenesis, osteogenesis, and other processes. Under pathological conditions, EGFLs are linked with different diseases, particularly cancers. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements in the study of EGFLs in biological conditions and cancers. In addition, the regulatory role and key underlying mechanism of EGFLs in mediating tumorigenesis are discussed. This paper also examines potential antagonists that target EGFL family members in cancer therapeutics. In summary, this comprehensive review elucidates the critical role of EGFLs in neoplastic diseases and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets.

Somatostatin receptor-targeted theranostics in patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer-a prospective exploratory study

PURPOSE

Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression has been reported in estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) by pathology and immunohistochemistry studies. We aimed to investigate whether SSTR could be a viable target for PET imaging and potential theranostics in ER + mBC.

METHODS

Thirty prospectively recruited patients with ER + mBC underwent PET/CT imaging with [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE (within three weeks). Detection rates (per-patient, per-region), number of lesions detected, SUVmax values, Krenning scores, SSTR-FDG visual scores, and PET-based staging with both radiotracers were compared.

RESULTS

[18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT had similar per-patient detection rates (100% vs 96.7%, P = 1.0). Per-region and per-lesion analyses revealed comparable detection of local/breast lesions, nodal, and skeletal metastases. However, [18F]FDG outperformed [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE in detecting visceral/other metastases (235 vs 128 lesions, P = 0.003). [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE resulted in a lower PET-based M-stage compared to [18F]FDG in 10% of patients, although T-/N-stages were concordant in all patients. HER2- patients showed a trend of higher [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE lesional SUVmax values compared to the HER2 + sub-group (median 9.0 vs 3.8, P = 0.078). 3/30 (10%) participants had a patient-level Krenning score ≥ 3 ([68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE uptake higher than liver background in majority of the lesions), potentially making them suitable for SSTR-targeted radionuclide therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

SSTR-targeted theranostics may represent a novel potential alternative in a subset of patients with ER + mBC. Its generalized applicability is limited by poor sensitivity for visceral metastases and significant inter-lesion heterogeneity. Future studies must identify how tumor subtype, proliferation, and prior systemic therapies impact SSTR expression levels in these patients to ensure meaningful clinical translation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials Registry-India: CTRI/2023/03/051025 (prospectively registered on 23.03.2023).

Harmine hydrochloride induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in oral squamous carcinoma cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the most frequently occurring form of oral cancer. However, despite the availability of advanced treatment modalities, the global 5-year survival rate for patients with advanced OSCC remains at ~50-60%. Devising alternative therapeutic strategies for oral cancer has therefore become an urgent need. Harmine, a β-carboline alkaloid, has recently been shown to exhibit anticancer activity. Compared with harmine, harmine hydrochloride (HH), a derivative of harmine, has improved water solubility and stability, so can absorb into tissues more readily. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity of HH in OSCC cells. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to assess the cytotoxic effects of HH on the OSCC cell lines, SCC-4 and SCC-25. Flow cytometric analysis was subsequently employed to examine both the cell cycle profile and the extent of apoptosis. Western blotting was used to assess the expression levels of the regulatory proteins involved in these biological activities, and treatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK) confirmed the involvement of the apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, western blotting was used to investigate which signaling pathways were affected in the HH-treated cells. Taken together, the findings of the present study demonstrated that HH was cytotoxic in OSCC cells. HH treatment induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Additionally, the MAPK pathway was shown to be involved in HH-induced apoptosis in SCC-4 cells. Therefore, HH exhibited anticancer activity, and may be a putative therapeutic agent for the treatment of OSCC in the future.

Cardiogenic shock in patients with active onco-hematological malignancies: A multicenter retrospective study

PURPOSE

Onco-hematological (OH) patients face significant cardiovascular risks due to malignancy and drug toxicity. Data are limited on the characteristics and outcomes of OH patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) in intensive care units (ICUs).

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included 214 OH patients with CS across 22 ICUs (2010-2021). The objectives were to (i) identify risk factors for 30-day mortality, (ii) describe early and long-term outcomes, and (iii) assess the prognostic impact of malignancy by comparing OH patients to a control group of CS patients.

RESULTS

The 30-day survival rate was 44.8 %. Multivariate analysis identified previous cardiomyopathy (OR = 1.61), acute kidney injury (OR = 1.62), lactate levels (OR = 1.08 per 1 mmol/L), pulmonary embolism (OR = 3.04), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.48), and epinephrine use (OR = 2.09) as factors associated with 30-day mortality. Among ICU survivors, 54 % were alive at 1 year with a median left ventricular ejection fraction of 52 %. OH malignancy was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (HR 2.54).

CONCLUSION

The prognosis for OH patients with CS in the ICU is poor, with epinephrine use associated with worse outcomes. Further research is needed to refine risk stratification and improve treatments for this population.

Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Inhibitors in the Treatment of Breast Cancer (2025 Edition)

Background

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB or AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway (PAM pathway) plays a critical role in breast cancer pathogenesis and progression, and is closely linked with resistance to endocrine therapy in advanced breast cancer. Randomized clinical trials have shown that PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors deliver significant clinical benefits, particularly for patients with advanced hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer.

Methods

In 2022, the Breast Cancer Expert Committee of the National Cancer Quality Control Center convened specialists in related fields to draft the "Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Inhibitors in the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer." This consensus raised awareness of these inhibitors among oncologists in China and improved the precision of clinical decision-making. In recent years, growing evidence has emphasized the importance of targeting the PAM pathway, reflected in the approval of several innovative agents. This consensus is an updated 2025 edition that retains the foundational structure of the 2022 edition while incorporating notable updates.

Results

Updates to the consensus include the introduction of newly approved PAM pathway inhibitors, updated data from recent clinical trials, and expanded therapeutic applications. The revised guidance also offers updated recommendations for genetic testing to detect alterations in relevant pathways. The section on managing drug-related adverse events has been significantly expanded, providing detailed insights into different types of adverse events and their management. These updates aim to enhance the clinical application of PAM pathway inhibitors, promote precision medicine, and ultimately, improve survival outcomes for patients with breast cancer.

Antibody-drug conjugates and radioconjugates targeting carbonic anhydrase IX and XII in hypoxic tumors: Bench to clinical applications

Treating hypoxic tumors is challenging due to their aggressive nature, resistance to standard treatments, often leading to poor outcomes. Hypoxic tumors create a unique environment that reduces the effectiveness of traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Human carbonic anhydrases (hCA IX and hCA XII) are involved in tumors survival and metabolism by regulating pH homeostasis, ferroptosis, metastatization, and other processes. Developing drugs that specifically target these enzymes has been demonstrated to disrupt the tumor survival mechanisms, leading to significant antitumor effects. This review discusses recent developments on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and radioconjugates targeting hCA IX and hCA XII in hypoxic tumors. New approaches based on small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies such as girentuximab provided encouraging results in preclinical research and clinical trials. These advances highlight the potential of hCA-targeted therapies to improve cancer treatment for hypoxic tumors.

Coexistent Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer: An Analysis of Incidence Trends, Financial Burdens and Influencing Factors

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer (LC) are both major global health threats. However, coexistent pulmonary TB and LC (TBLC) is a unique condition for which incidence trends and risk factors have not been fully defined.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with TBLC and LC alone between 2010 and 2022 at Beijing Chest Hospital, the standard authority for the diagnosis and treatment of TB and LC in China. The cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of TBLC was calculated as the number of new TBLC cases/number of LC cases at risk per 100,000 annually. The comparative incidence rate ratio (IRR) was estimated to be the TB incidence in LC patients/TB incidence in the general population. Logistic regression was used to explore risk factors for TBLC.

Results

The CIR of TBLC has rapidly increased each year since 2014 and reached 7027 per 100,000 LC patients in 2022. Patients with LC had a higher risk of developing active TB than the general population (IRR = 25.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.54-29.89). Medical expenditure per patient was 100.60 thousand yuan for those with TBLC and 105.60 thousand yuan for patients with LC (p = 0.687). Patients with TBLC were older (63.61 ± 10.46 vs. 61.08 ± 10.77, p < 0.001) and had a higher male-to-female ratio (2.82 vs. 1.59, p = 0.044) than those with LC alone. A tendency of earlier disease onset was observed in patients with LC rather than TBLC. A majority (44.92%) of TBLC lesions were located in the upper lobes of the lung and had a higher proportion of squamous cell carcinomas than LC alone (32.24% vs. 27.49%, p = 0.002). TBLC also presented more aggressively, with more lymph node involvement and distant metastases. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, the male sex, mediastinal lymph node invasion, lung/bone metastases, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, malnutrition, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were risk factors for active TBLC.

Conclusions

There has been a rise in the incidence of coexistent TBLC and a concomitant increase in its financial burden in China that deserves more awareness and attention.

Precision targeted melanoma therapy via cuproptosis/chemodynamic and chemotherapy: An engineering MCHS-CuMOF nanodelivery system

Melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, continues to challenge current therapeutic modalities due to its resistance and high mortality rates. Recent advancements highlight cuproptosis, a copper-driven form of programmed cell death, as a promising target for melanoma treatment. This study integrated machine learning and large-scale genomic data to identify FDX1 as a pivotal gene in cuproptosis-related pathways for melanoma. We developed a novel nanomedicine, ACM@MCHS-CuMOF@Dox, combining Mesoporous Carbon Hollow Spheres (MCHS) loaded with Copper-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (CuMOFs) and Doxorubicin (Dox), to exploit this discovery. The nanomedicine leverages a biomimetic approach by incorporating A375 cell membranes, enhancing tumor-targeted delivery. Physicochemical characterization confirms optimal drug loading and pH/GSH-responsive release profiles. In vitro studies demonstrate that ACM@MCHS-CuMOF@Dox inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, outperforming other formulations. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ACM@MCHS-CuMOF@Dox induced robust apoptosis and cuproptosis through FDX1 downregulation, thereby enhancing oxidative stress and therapeutic efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of combining machine learning-driven target identification with advanced nanomedicine for precision melanoma therapy. This approach offers a promising strategy for overcoming current treatment limitations and advancing personalized cancer care.

HDCA6 suppresses GATA6 expression to enhance cellular growth and migration in lung squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) exhibits a significant mortality rate and lacks effective targeted therapies. The GATA-binding factor 6 (GATA6), a pivotal regulator of lung development, undergoes reduced expression in LUSC and correlates with its metastasis and prognosis. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the down-regulation of GATA6 in LUSC remain elusive. HDAC6 emerges as a promising therapeutic target in preclinical cancer models. Nevertheless, its role in LUSC progression remains unexplored. Furthermore, the regulatory impact of HDAC6 on GATA6 expression needs clarification. The purpose of this work is to investigate HDAC6's involvement and regulatory mechanisms on the expression of GATA6 in LUSC.

METHODS

The impacts of HDCA6 on the expression of GATA6 were assessed using qPCR, Western blot and CHIP assays. The tumorigenic capacity of HDAC6 in promoting the growth and migration of LUSC cell were determined through CCK8, EdU incorporation, Transwell, and xenograft tumor models. Immunohistochemistry assays were employed to detected expression of HDAC6 in tissue microarray of LUSC.

RESULTS

A pan-HDACs inhibitor Trichostatin A and an HDAC6-specific inhibitor CAY10603 up-regulate the expression of GATA6, whereas HDAC6 overexpression down-regulates GATA6 level. Overexpression of HDAC6 promotes cell proliferation and migration in LUSC, while inhibition of HDAC6 significantly suppresses LUSC cell growth. And, GATA6 overexpression reverses HDAC6-mediated elevated growth and migration of LUSC cells. Compared to normal tissues, LUSC tissues exhibit elevated levels of HDAC6 expression, which were correlated with poor prognosis of LUSC patients.

CONCLUSION

Targeting HDAC6/GATA6 pathway may offer promising prospects for developing of novel therapeutic strategies against LUSC.

Evaluating PREDICT and developing outcome prediction models in early-onset breast cancer using data from Alberta, Canada

INTRODUCTION

Outcome prediction research in early-onset breast cancer (EoBC) is limited. This study evaluated the predictive performance of NHS PREDICT v2.1 and developed two prediction models for 5-year and 10-year all-cause mortality in a cohort of EoBC patients in Alberta, Canada.

METHODS

Adults < 40 years diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in Alberta, Canada from 2004 to 2020 were included. Patient data were entered into PREDICT v2.1 and mortality estimates at 5 and 10 years were extracted. Two prediction models were developed for all-cause mortality: multivariable Cox regression with LASSO penalization (LASSO Cox) and random survival forests (RSF). Internal validation of the developed models was performed using nested tenfold cross-validation repeated 200 times. Model performance was assessed using receiver operator characteristic and calibration curves for mortality at 5 and 10 years.

RESULTS

In total, 1827 patients with EoBC were eligible for inclusion. At 5 years, PREDICT had an area under the curve of 0.78 (95%CI 0.74-0.82) and overestimated mortality by 2.4% (95%CI 0.70-4.33) in the overall cohort. No differences in observed and predicted mortality by PREDICT were observed at 10 years. The LASSO Cox model showed better discrimination at 5 and 10 years than the RSF model, but both had poor calibration and underestimated mortality.

CONCLUSION

PREDICT v2.1 tended to overestimate 5-year mortality in those with > 30% predicted risks and 10-year mortality in those with > 50% predicted risks for EoBC in Alberta, Canada. We did not identify additional models that would be clinically useful by applying machine learning. More follow-up data and emerging systemic treatment variables are required to study outcome prediction in modern cohorts.

Selective degradation of FGFR1/2 overcomes antiestrogen resistance in ER+ breast cancer with FGFR1/2 alterations

FGFR1 amplification and FGFR1/2 activating mutations have been associated with antiestrogen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, there are no approved FGFR1-targeted therapies for breast cancers harboring these alterations. In this study, we investigated the selective degradation of FGFR1/2 using the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) DGY-09-192 as a novel therapeutic strategy in ER + breast cancers harboring FGFR1/2 somatic alterations. Treatment of ER+/FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cells and patient-derived xenografts with DGY-09-192 resulted in sustained degradation of FGFR1 in a proteasome-dependent manner and suppressed downstream signal transduction. The combination of DGY-09-192 and the ERα degrader fulvestrant resulted in complete cell growth arrest and tumor regression of ER+/FGFR1-amplified patients-derived xenografts. In addition, we tested the effect of DGY-09-192 on breast cancer cells expressing FGFR1N546K and FGFR2K659E hotspot kinase domain mutations as well as ER-negative breast cancer cells harboring FGFR2 gene amplification. Treatment with DGY-09-192 resulted in the degradation of mutant FGFR1/2 and blocked mutant receptor-induced signal transduction and antiestrogen resistance. Collectively, our study suggests that degradation of FGFR1/2, in combination with antiestrogens, can be leveraged as a therapeutic strategy in ER + breast cancers harboring FGFR1/2 driver alterations.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) biosensors

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein mainly produced during fetal development, and elevated levels in adults are frequently associated with liver diseases, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as certain germ cell tumors. Measuring AFP in biological samples is crucial for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment efficacy. While traditional detection methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay are dependable, they often face limitations such as lengthy processes, complexity, and the need for specialized equipment. In recent years, biosensing technologies have emerged as promising alternatives for detecting AFP, offering advantages like increased sensitivity, real-time monitoring, and ease of use. Various biosensing platforms, including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric sensors, have been developed to enable quick and specific detection of AFP. These sensors employ molecular recognition elements, such as antibodies, aptamers, or nanoparticles, to selectively bind AFP, producing a measurable signal. This article explores the structure and mechanisms of action of AFP, the diseases linked to it, and describes several biosensing technologies. It also reviews recent advancements in AFP biosensing, discussing their principles, performance, and potential applications in clinical settings. Furthermore, the article highlights the challenges and future prospects for developing cost-effective, portable, and multiplexed AFP biosensors, underscoring their potential to revolutionize early disease detection and personalized healthcare.

GEF-H1 drives breast cancer cells to tumor progression

Rho GTPases are involved in several biological processes, including cytoskeletal remodeling, gene transcription, cell proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of Rho GTPases activity can lead to enhanced tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEFH1) is a RhoA activator that is associated with microtubules (MT) and its localization and activity are regulated, in part, by MT and fibronectin-binding integrins. Our findings showed that GEF-H1 expression is significantly higher in human breast cancer biopsies than in normal tissues. Moreover, patients with increased GEF-H1 expression had a lower survival rate and a higher incidence of metastasis. We generated a GEF-H1 knockout (KO) breast cancer cell line and observed a significant reduction in the number of focal adhesions, formation of stress fibers, and activation of downstream signaling pathways. Concordantly, cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and invasion were reduced. Furthermore, when GEF-H1 knockout (KO) cells were orthotopically implanted into the mammary fat pads of BALB/c mice, a significant decrease was observed in both tumor formation and lung metastasis compared to control breast cancer cells. These results suggest that GEF-H1/RhoA activation mediates cytoskeletal remodeling and signaling pathways critical for breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo assays and human biopsy studies further support GEF-H1 as a potential biomarker of breast tumor progression.

Treatment of myeloma bone disease: When, how often, and for how long?

The landscape of MM has changed dramatically in recent years. Several new and more effective treatments have been introduced that not only makes patients live longer but also brings them into a deeper remission. This makes the potential total exposure of bone protective treatment much higher but perhaps also less needed. New and more precise imagining techniques have been introduced making detection of bone disease more sensitive, and the introduction of SLiM-CRAB criteria have changed the parameters used in old clinical trials investigating treatment of MM bone disease. New data have also emerged investigating the effect of the RANKL inhibitor denosumab compared to zoledronic acid (ZOL). Randomized trials have investigated longer treatment durations, which becomes more relevant as patients now live longer. In addition in this review, data regarding interval between individual treatment, impact of remission status, new data in relation to rebound after discontinuation and of denosumab, as well as the rational for drug holidays before dental procedures will also be discussed.