A bibliometric analysis of immune-related adverse events in cancer patients and a meta-analysis of immune-related adverse events in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Cardiopulmonary complications in cancer: from tumour pathogenesis to treatment-induced toxicity and clinical management

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of cardiopulmonary events associated with the occurrence, development, and treatment of tumours, serving as a valuable resource for the clinical management of cancer patients. It explores the complex relationship between the heart and lungs, collectively discussing the cardiopulmonary implications linked to tumours. Common risk factors that connect tumours with cardiac and pulmonary conditions are delineated, highlighting their direct and indirect correlations. Additionally, the paper addresses the cardiopulmonary disorders and symptoms resulting from tumour progression and their subsequent manifestations. The final section focuses on the cardiopulmonary repercussions of various tumour treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, elaborating on their associated cardiopulmonary effects. Effective management of aggressive proliferative diseases, such as tumours, requires selecting appropriate treatment modalities that balance therapeutic efficacy with vigilant monitoring of cardiopulmonary function and thorough assessment of treatment outcomes and related side effects.

Lactic acid metabolism: gynecological cancer's Achilles' heel

Lactic acid is significantly expressed in many cancers, including gynecological cancer, and has become a key regulator of the proliferation, development, metastasis and invasion of these cancers. In clinical and experimental studies, the level of lactic acid in gynecological cancer is closely related to metastasis and invasion, tumor recurrence and poor prognosis. Lactic acid can regulate the internal metabolic pathway of gynecological cancer cells and drive the autonomous role of non-cancer cells in gynecological cancer. In addition to being used as a source of energy metabolism by gynecological cancer cells, lactic acid can also be transported from cancer cells to neighboring cancer cells, stroma and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to further guide metabolic reprogramming. Lactic acid is also involved in promoting inflammation and angiogenesis in gynecologic tumors. Therefore, we reviewed the mechanisms and recent advances in the production and transport of lactic acid in gynecological cancer. These advances and evidence suggest that targeted lactic acid metabolism is a promising cancer treatment.

Integrative multi-omics and Mendelian randomization analysis reveal SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophage-driven prognostic signature for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been implicated in tumor metastasis and immune evasion. However, the prognostic significance of SPP1+ TAMs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify SPP1+ TAMs-related genes and construct a model to predict overall survival (OS) in HCC patients.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets from HCC patients were analyzed to identify SPP1+ TAMs. SPP1+ TAMs-related risk score (STRS) was developed using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. HCC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohorts were stratified into high- and low-STRS groups based on STRS. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and functional enrichment analysis were performed to assess the prognostic value of STRS.

Results

SPP1+ TAMs exhibited strong associations with immunosuppressive functions. 16 SPP1+ TAMs-related genes were used to construct STRS. Patients in the high-STRS group had significantly worse OS than those in the low-STRS group (p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated robust predictive power, with AUC values ranging from 0.685 to 0.748 for 1-year OS, 0.717 to 0.739 for 2-year OS, and 0.719 to 0.738 for 3-year OS. The STRS model also exhibited strong predictive capability for the distinction of drug resistance.

Conclusion

This study identified SPP1+ TAMs-related genes as key prognostic indicators in HCC. The STRS model provides an effective tool for predicting patient survival and may facilitate personalized treatment strategies for HCC. These findings enhance the understanding of TAMs-driven immune modulation in HCC and highlight potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.

Bioinformatics analysis across pan-cancer and experimental validation in hepatocellular carcinoma revealed the oncogenic role of SF3B6

Background

Splicing factor 3b subunit 6(SF3B6), a subunit of the SF3B complex, regulates the process of RNA splicing by recognizing the branch point adenosine in pre-mRNA and facilitating the interaction between U2 snRNA and the branch point sequence. Currently, there is no systematic multi-omics study exploring the diagnostic, prognostic, and immunotherapy predictive value of SF3B6 in pan-cancer, nor is its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clear.

Methods

We utilized various databases to systematically examine the expression and genetic variation of SF3B6 across multiple cancer types, assessing its relationship with diagnosis, prognosis, immune infiltration, immunotherapy response, and associated signaling pathways. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between SF3B6 and prognosis, clinicopathological features, and treatment responses in HCC, as well as the roles of its related alternative splicing isoforms. Finally, we conducted in vitro experiments to validate the effects of SF3B6 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression of liver cancer cells.

Results

Results indicate that SF3B6 was highly expressed in various cancers and regulated by copy number variations and DNA methylation. The elevated expression of SF3B6 demonstrated predictive value for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and responses to immunotherapy. Functional enrichment analysis suggests that SF3B6 was closely associated with pathways related to tumor immunity, tumor metabolism, and cell cycle. Additionally, high SF3B6 expression was an independent risk factor for overall survival and correlated with poor alpha-fetoprotein levels, pathological grading, clinical staging, and reduced responses to sorafenib and transarterial chemoembolization treatment in HCC. Interestingly, SF3B6 was associated with variant splicing isotypes of genes involved in the G2M checkpoint and DNA repair pathways, including NEIL3, NEK2, KIF4A, TROAP, and FANCD2. Moreover, SF3B6 was highly expressed in liver cancer cells, promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells, inhibiting apoptosis, and regulating the transition from the S phase to the G2M phase of the cell cycle.

Conclusion

We emphasize that SF3B6 has the potential to serve as a biomarker for predicting cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapy responses, especially in HCC. SF3B6 and its related alternative splicing isoforms promote the occurrence and progression of HCC and may serve as potential therapeutic targets.

Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of CHRDL1 and experimental validation of its role in lung adenocarcinoma

Chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1) is a secreted antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins, and has been implicated in various biological processes and cancer prognosis. This study offered a detailed examination of CHRDL1 expression across 33 diverse cancer types, leveraging data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and supplementary public datasets. We demonstrated that, for the majority of cancer types, CHRDL1 expression was reduced in tumor tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues. Notably, lower CHRDL1 expression led to negative prognosis in malignancies such as lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), melanoma (SKCM), and mesothelioma (MESO). Furthermore, CHRDL1 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, B cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells in most tumors. Higher CHRDL1 expression correlated with more favorable immune profiles and a reduction in tumor stemness. To assess the effect of CHRDL1 overexpression on LUAD progression, we conducted CCK-8, wound healing, and invasion assays in vitro, along with subcutaneous tumor formation experiments in nude mice. The results showed that the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of A549 and H1299 cells with high CHRDL1 expression were reduced, and the growth of A549 cells was also significantly inhibited in nude mice. These findings underscored CHRDL1's potential as a prognostic biomarker and its influence on tumor immunology and cellular dynamics.

Decoding tumor angiogenesis: pathways, mechanisms, and future directions in anti-cancer strategies

Angiogenesis, a crucial process in tumor growth and metastasis, necessitates targeted therapeutic intervention. This review reviews the latest knowledge of anti-angiogenesis targets in tumors, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate this process. We emphasize the tumor microenvironment's role in angiogenesis, examine endothelial cell metabolic changes, and evaluated potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor vascular system. At the same time, we analyzed the signaling pathway and molecular mechanism of tumor angiogenesis in detail. In addition, this paper also looks at the development trend of tumor anti-angiogenesis drugs, including their future development direction and challenges, aiming to provide prospective insight into the development of this field. Despite their potential, anti-angiogenic therapies encounter challenges like drug resistance and side effects, necessitating ongoing research to enhance cancer treatment strategies and the efficacy of these therapies.

Global research trends in biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and drugs for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Background

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons, marked by complex pathological mechanisms and a lack of effective treatments. Despite substantial global research efforts, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis has systematically mapped the evolution of ALS biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and pharmacological advancements.

Methods

This study, based on 4,250 publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (2005-2025), employs bibliometric tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer to conduct the first multidimensional analysis of global trends in ALS biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and drug research.

Results

The results revealed contributions from 20,168 authors across 92 countries, with annual publications growing at an average rate of 16.5%. The United States dominated research output, accounting for 34.07% (n=1,448, TLCS=7,100), while the United Kingdom achieved the highest research impact with an average of 68 citations per article. Leading institutions, including the University of Oxford and the University of Milan, consistently produced high-impact studies. Pioneering scholars such as Turner MR and Kiernan MC made significant contributions to advancing therapeutic targets and drug discovery. The interdisciplinary integration of molecular biology and genetics emerged as a core driver of progress in ALS research. Neurofilament light chain (NfL), antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), oxygen free radicals (oxidative stress), and gene therapy have consistently remained central research focuses in the ALS therapeutic field. Looking ahead, stem cell therapy, blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration technologies, and skeletal muscle targeting are poised to emerge as prominent research directions.

Conclusion

The United States dominates ALS research productivity, whereas the United Kingdom demonstrates superior citation influence. Despite China's substantial publication volume, its limited citation impact underscores the necessity for enhanced methodological rigor and strategic international collaboration. Current research priorities encompass NfL, TMS, and ASO therapies, with emerging innovations in stem cell therapy, BBB penetration technologies and skeletal muscle targeting showing therapeutic promise. Future directions should prioritize biomarker standardization, optimization of drug delivery systems, and Clinical Translation.

A bibliometric and visual analysis based on immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma: 2014 - 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the treatment landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially those with unresectable advanced stages. The field has progressed rapidly, and the research hotspots have significantly changed compared to previous years. The study aims to comprehensively review and analyze the development history, knowledge structure, current research focus, and emerging trends in ICIs for HCC.

Materials and methods

Reviews and articles published in English from The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2014 to 2024 were systemically retrieved. Citespace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix R package were used for further bibliometric analysis and visualization for countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords.

Results

2,941 records were included for analysis. The literature on ICIs for HCC has continued to grow steadily over the past decade. Three major research centers have emerged: North America, Europe, and East Asia. The Chinese institution has the highest publication volume, but Kudo Masatoshi from Japan has the highest number of publications. At the same time, Richard S. Finn from the United States leads in citations and co-citations. The most prolific journal is "Cancers". The clustering and Timeline view of critical literature and keywords indicated that research on ICIs for HCC is rapidly advancing toward a more evidence-based, personalized, and multimodal approach. Immune evasion mechanisms, predictive biomarkers, and high-quality clinical trials focusing on Novel combination, conversion, and perioperative therapies, including ICIs, are emerging hotspots.

Conclusion

This study highlights the groundbreaking advancements of ICIs in treating HCC and shows a trend rapidly advancing towards a more evidence-based, personalized, and multimodal approach. The study updated the current understanding of ICIs in hepatocellular carcinoma and identified vital future directions for research, such as the exploration of mechanisms of immune evasion, developing predictive biomarkers, and combining therapy strategies.

The role of the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC resistance and targeted therapy

The prognosis for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unfavorable, primarily due to significant therapeutic resistance and the absence effective interventions. A major obstacle in cancer treatment is the persistent resistance of cancer cells to a variety of therapeutic modalities. The tumor microenvironment (TME) which includes encompasses all non-malignant components and their metabolites within the tumor tissue, plays a crucial role in this context. The distinct characteristics of the HNSCC TME facilitate tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the HNSCC TME components, with a particular focus on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the extracellular matrix, reprogrammed metabolic processes, and metabolic products. It elucidates their contributions to modulating resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in HNSCC, and explores novel therapeutic strategies targeting the TME for HNSCC management.

The oral-gut microbiome axis in breast cancer: from basic research to therapeutic applications

As a complicated and heterogeneous condition, breast cancer (BC) has posed a tremendous public health challenge across the world. Recent studies have uncovered the crucial effect of human microbiota on various perspectives of health and disease, which include cancer. The oral-gut microbiome axis, particularly, have been implicated in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer through their intricate interactions with host immune system and modulation of systemic inflammation. However, the research concerning the impact of oral-gut microbiome axis on BC remains scarce. This study focused on comprehensively reviewing and summarizing the latest ideas about the potential bidirectional relation of the gut with oral microbiota in BC, emphasizing their potential impact on tumorigenesis, treatment response, and overall patient outcomes. This review can reveal the prospect of tumor microecology and propose a novel viewpoint that the oral-gut microbiome axis can be a breakthrough point in future BC studies.