Dynamic BH3 profiling identifies pro-apoptotic drug combinations for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Full-course NIR-II imaging-navigated fractionated photodynamic therapy of bladder tumours with X-ray-activated nanotransducers

The poor 5-year survival rate for bladder cancers is associated with the lack of efficient diagnostic and treatment techniques. Despite cystoscopy-assisted photomedicine and external radiation being promising modalities to supplement or replace surgery, they remain invasive or fail to provide real-time navigation. Here, we report non-invasive fractionated photodynamic therapy of bladder cancer with full-course real-time near-infrared-II imaging based on engineered X-ray-activated nanotransducers that contain lanthanide-doped nanoscintillators with concurrent emissions in visible and the second near-infrared regions and conjugated photosensitizers. Following intravesical instillation in mice with carcinogen-induced autochthonous bladder tumours, tumour-homing peptide-labelled nanotransducers realize enhanced tumour regression, robust recurrence inhibition, improved survival rates, and restored immune homeostasis under X-ray irradiation with accompanied near-infrared-II imaging. On-demand fractionated photodynamic therapy with customized doses is further achieved based on quantifiable near-infrared-II imaging signal-to-background ratios. Our study presents a promising non-invasive strategy to confront the current bladder cancer dilemma from diagnosis to treatment and prognosis.

Venetoclax Combined with Intensive Chemotherapy: A New Hope for Refractory and/or Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

Background. Primary resistance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to the conventional 3 + 7 intensive chemotherapy and relapses after first-line chemotherapy are two highly challenging clinical scenarios. In these cases, when allogeneic stem cell transplantation is feasible, patients are usually retreated with other chemotherapeutic regimens, as transplantation is still considered, nowadays, the only curative option. Methods. We discuss the mechanisms behind resistance to chemotherapy and offer a comprehensive review on current treatments of refractory/relapsed AML with a focus on novel approaches incorporating the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Results. Alas, complete remission rates after salvage chemotherapy remain relatively low, between 30 and 60% at best. More recently, the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax was combined either with hypomethylating agents or chemotherapy in refractory/relapsed patients. In particular, its combination with chemotherapy offered promising results by achieving higher rates of remission and bridging a substantial number of patients to transplantation. Conclusions. Venetoclax-based approaches might become, in the near future, the new standard of care for refractory/relapsed AML.

Deciphering signaling pathway interplay via miRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive form of lung cancer that adversely affects the pleural and other linings of the lungs. MPM is a very aggressive tumor that often has an advanced stage at diagnosis and a bad prognosis (between 7 and 12 months). When people who have been exposed to asbestos experience pleural effusion and pain that is not explained, MPM should be suspected. After being diagnosed, most MPM patients have a one- to four-year life expectancy. The life expectancy is approximately six months without treatment. Despite the plethora of current molecular investigations, a definitive universal molecular signature has yet to be discovered as the causative factor for the pathogenesis of MPM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The association between the expression of these short, non-coding RNAs and several neoplasms, including MPM, has been observed. Although the incidence of MPM is very low, there has been a significant increase in research focused on miRNAs in the past few years. In addition, miRNAs have been found to have a role in various regulatory signaling pathways associated with MPM, such as the Notch signaling network, Wnt/β-catenin, mutation of KRAS, JAK/STAT signaling circuit, protein kinase B (AKT), and Hedgehog signaling pathway. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the underlying mechanisms of pathogenic symptoms in MPM, highlighting their potential as viable targets for therapeutic interventions.