Home / Journals / OR / Online First
Special Issues
Table of Content
  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Immunomodulatory behavior of CircRNAs in tumor microenvironment

    HAISU LIANG1,2,#, WEI YAN3,#, ZHI LIU1,4, YUNBO HE1,2,5, JIAO HU1, ZHIWEI SHU1, HUIHUANG LI1, BELAYDI OTHMANE1, WENBIAO REN1,6, CHAO QUAN1, DONGXU QIU1, MINFENG CHEN1, WEI XIONG5, BINGNAN ZHANG1,*, PEIHUA LIU1,2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054623
    Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non coding RNA that possess unique single stranded circular structures formed through reverse splicing mechanisms. Due to the lack of a free end that is typically susceptible to degradation by nucleases, circular RNAs exhibit resistance to ribonuclease R, making them highly stable in eukaryotic cells. The complex relationship between circRNA dysregulation and various pathophysiological conditions, especially cancer. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a collective term for various components surrounding tumors and is an important factor affecting tumor development. Simultaneous infiltration of TME by different types of immune cells; These… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Metal-based molecules in the treatment of cancer: From bench to bedside

    GIULIANO BERNAL*, GISELA AQUEA, SEBASTIÁN RAMÍREZ-RIVERA
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.057019
    Abstract Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the world, with more than 9 million deaths in 2022, a number that continues to rise. This highlights the urgent need for the development of new drugs, with enhanced antitumor capabilities and fewer side effects. Metal-based drugs have been used in clinical practice since the late 1970s, beginning with the introduction of cisplatin. Later, two additional platinum-based molecules, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, were introduced, and all three continue to be widely used in the treatment of various cancers. However, despite their significant anticancer activity, the undesirable… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Metal-based molecules in the treatment of cancer: From bench to bedside

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Biomarkers for predicting bladder cancer therapy response

    IOANA MARIA MIHAI1, GANG WANG1,2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.055155
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract The advent of precision medicine has underscored the importance of biomarkers in predicting therapy response for bladder cancer, a malignancy marked by considerable heterogeneity. This review critically examines the current landscape of biomarkers to forecast treatment outcomes in bladder cancer patients. We explore a range of biomarkers, including genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, and transcriptomic indicators, from multiple sample sources, including urine, tumor tissue and blood, assessing their efficacy in predicting responses to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Despite promising developments, the translation of these biomarkers into clinical practice faces significant challenges, such as variability in biomarker More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Microglia and brain macrophages are differentially associated with tumor necrosis in glioblastoma: A link to tumor progression

    CHRISTINA LOH1, YUQI ZHENG1, ISLAM ALZOUBI2, KIMBERLEY L. ALEXANDER3,4, MAGGIE LEE4, WEI-DONG CAI2, YANG SONG5, KERRIE MCDONALD6, ANNA K. NOWAK7, RICHARD B. BANATI8,9, MANUEL B. GRAEBER1,4,10,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056436
    Abstract Background: Microglia and brain macrophages contribute significantly to the tumor microenvironment in highly malignant glioblastoma where they are considered important drivers of tumor progression. A better understanding of the role of the brain macrophages present in glioblastoma appears crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes, especially in the context of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Methods: We investigated the regulation of two well-established markers for microglia and brain macrophages, IBA1 and CD163, in relation to glioblastoma tumor necrosis using immunohistochemistry and modality fusion heatmaps of whole slide images obtained from adjacent tissue sections. Results: IBA1 and CD163 showed remarkable differences… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Research advancements in nanoparticles and cell-based drug delivery systems for the targeted killing of cancer cells

    MERYEM A. ABDESSALEM, SIRIN A. ADHAM*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056955
    Abstract Nanotechnology in cancer therapy has significantly advanced treatment precision, effectiveness, and safety, improving patient outcomes and personalized care. Engineered smart nanoparticles and cell-based therapies are designed to target tumor cells, precisely sensing the tumor microenvironment (TME) and sparing normal cells. These nanoparticles enhance drug accumulation in tumors by solubilizing insoluble compounds or preventing their degradation, and they can also overcome therapy resistance and deliver multiple drugs simultaneously. Despite these benefits, challenges remain in patient-specific responses and regulatory approvals for cell-based or nanoparticle therapies. Cell-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) that primarily utilize the immune-recognition principle between… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Research advancements in nanoparticles and cell-based drug delivery systems for the targeted killing of cancer cells

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Oncolytic adenovirus H101 enhances the anti-tumor effects of PD-1 blockade via CD47 downregulation in tumor cells

    CHENXIAO QIAO1, YIPENG XU2, YEDIE HE2, ZHIJIAN CAI1,*, HUA WANG2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.055746
    Abstract Objective: To investigate the anti-tumor effects of an E1B55KD-deleted oncolytic adenovirus, H101, in combination with a humanized anti-PD-1 (Programmed cell death protein 1) monoclonal antibody, Camrelizumab. Methods: Anti-tumor efficacy of intratumoral injection of H101 or/and intraperitoneal injection of Camrelizumab were evaluated in an immune system humanized NOD Prkdcscid Il2rg-/- mice subcutaneous (S.C.) tumor model, established with human glioblastoma of unknown origin cell line U87-MG, and human bladder cancer cell line T24 and YTS-1. The mechanism by which H101 induced anti-tumor immunity were also investigated. Results: Combining H101 with Camrelizumab demonstrated more potent anti-tumor effects than monotherapy in… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    HNRNPC as a pan-cancer biomarker and therapeutic target involved in tumor progression and immune regulation

    YUEZHOU ZHANG1,#, ZHAO ZHANG2,#, JINXIN DONG1, CHANGAN LIU1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.055866
    Abstract Background: Aberrant expression of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has been linked to a variety of diseases, including hematological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and multiple types of cancer. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), a member belonging to the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family, plays a pivotal role in nucleic acid metabolism. Previous studies have underscored the significance of HNRNPC in tumorigenesis; however, its specific role in malignant tumor progression remains inadequately characterized. Methods: We leveraged publicly available databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), to explore the potential involvement of HNRNPC across various cancers. Additionally, we performed experimental validation… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    HNRNPC as a pan-cancer biomarker and therapeutic target involved in tumor progression and immune regulation

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Deep learning identification of novel autophagic protein-protein interactions and experimental validation of Beclin 2-Ubiquilin 1 axis in triple-negative breast cancer

    XIANG LI1,#, WENKE JIN2,#, LIFENG WU2, HUAN WANG1, XIN XIE1, WEI HUANG1,*, BO LIU2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.055921
    Abstract Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by its lack of traditional hormone receptors and HER2, presents a significant challenge in oncology due to its poor response to conventional therapies. Autophagy is an important process for maintaining cellular homeostasis, and there are currently autophagy biomarkers that play an effective role in the clinical treatment of tumors. In contrast to targeting protein activity, intervention with protein-protein interaction (PPI) can avoid unrelated crosstalk and regulate the autophagy process with minimal interference pathways. Methods: Here, we employed Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, and k-Nearest Neighbors to elucidate the complex PPI… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Comprehensive molecular characterization to predict immunotherapy response in advanced biliary tract cancer: a phase II trial of pembrolizumab

    RYUL KIM1,#, JOO KYUNG PARK2,#, MINSUK KWON3, MINAE AN4, JUNG YONG HONG1, JOON OH PARK1, SUNG HEE LIM1,*, SEUNG TAE KIM1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.049054
    Abstract Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors. However, the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer (BTC) are still controversial. Materials and methods: We molecularly characterized tissues and blood from 32 patients with metastatic BTC treated with the ICI pembrolizumab as second-line therapy. Results: All patients had microsatellite stable (MSS) type tumors. Three of the 32 patients achieved partial response (PR), with an objective response rate (ORR) of 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0–25.2) and nine showed stable disease (SD), exhibiting a disease… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment: potential therapeutic approaches for osteosarcoma

    HYE IN KA#, SE HWAN MUN#, SORA HAN#, YOUNG YANG*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056860
    Abstract Osteosarcoma is a bone malignancy characterized by strong invasiveness and rapid disease progression. The tumor microenvironment of osteosarcoma contains various types of immune cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Imbalances of these immune cells can promote the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Recent studies have indicated a substantial increase in the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, an immune cell associated with immunosuppressive and pro-cancer effects, in the peripheral blood of patients with osteosarcoma. Moreover, the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 18 are positively correlated with those of myeloid-derived suppressor More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Magnetic melamine cross-linked polystyrene-alt-malic anhydride copolymer: Synthesis, characterization, paclitaxel delivery, cytotoxic effects on human ovarian and breast cancer cells

    RAZIEH MOMEN-MESGIN1, JAFAR REZAIE2,*, VAHID NEJATI1, PEYMAN NAJAFI MOGHADAM3
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054487
    Abstract Objectives: Due to systematic side effects, there is a growing interest in nanoparticle formulation of anticancer drugs. Here, we aimed to synthesize poly (styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) cross-linked by melamine (PSMA/Me) and coated with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) PSMA/Me/Fe3O4. In addition, we aimed to load paclitaxel (PTX) into PSMA/Me/Fe3O4 for drug delivery and anticancer investigations. Methods: Novel PSMA/Me was synthesized via free radical copolymerization, coated with Fe3O4, and then used as a transporter for PTX delivery. Fabricated copolymer was characterized using SEM, TGA, and XRD techniques. Drug release rate and loading efficiency were investigated. Human ovarian cancer cells (Skov-3) and… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Exploring the utility of a NGS multigene panel to predict BCG response in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

    BELARDINILLI FRANCESCA1,#, MICHELA DE MEO1,#, FRANCESCO DEL GIUDICE2, CARLO MARIA SCORNAJENGHI2, PAOLA GAZZANIGA1, ETTORE DE BERARDINIS2, LUCA MARINO3, FABIO MASSIMO MAGLIOCCA4, BENJAMIN INBEH CHUNG5, JAN ŁASZKIEWICZ6, VALENTINA MAGRI4, GIUSEPPE GIANNINI1,7, CHIARA NICOLAZZO1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056282
    Abstract Objectives: Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy is a gold standard for patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Although a long-lasting therapeutic response is observed in most patients, BCG failure occurs in 30%–50% of patients and a progression to muscle-invasive disease is found in 10%–15%. Therefore, predicting high-risk patients who might not benefit from BCG treatment is critical. The purpose of this study was to identify, whether the presence of specific oncogenic mutations might be indicative of BCG treatment response. Methods: Nineteen high-grade NMIBC patients who received intravesical BCG were retrospectively enrolled and divided… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Exploring the utility of a NGS multigene panel to predict BCG response in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    EGR1 inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis via the MAPK15 pathway

    NAIXIONG PENG, YUEFENG CAI, DONG CHEN, LING DENG, ZEJIAN ZHANG, WEI LI*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056039
    Abstract Background: Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC), the leading histological subtype of RCC, lacks any targeted therapy options. Although some studies have shown that early growth response factor 1 (EGR1) has a significant role in cancer development and progression, its role and underlying mechanisms in ccRCC remain poorly understood. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to examine the expression of EGR1 in ccRCC. The expression of EGR1 in 55 ccRCC tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The link between EGR1 expression and clinicopathological variables was examined through an analysis. Gain-of-function assays were employed to… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Death domain-associated protein (Daxx) impairs colon cancer chemotherapy by inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway

    XI ZHU1,2,#, KAI HUANG3,#, XIAOMING KAO2, ZHAOHUI TANG3, WENJIE GUO3, TIANCONG WU4,*, QIURONG LI1,2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054930
    Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) holds the third position in global cancer prevalence mortality. Although chemotherapy is a conventional treatment, recent investigations have shed light on the therapeutic potential of the cGAS cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway in CRC management. Despite the primary role of the death domain-associated protein (Daxx) in cellular apoptosis, its influence on the regulation of cGAS-STING activation remains elusive. Methods: The Daxx degradation and speck formation were conducted using immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The Daxx knock-down and over-expression in CRC cells were performed to detect in vivo and in vitroMore >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Dibenzo [a, c] phenazin-11-yl(phenyl) methanone (SBLJ23), a novel selective inhibitor targeting JAK2V617F mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms

    MOHAMMAD ABOHASSAN, MESFER MOHAMMAD AL SHAHRANI, SARAH KHALED ALOUDA, PRASANNA RAJAGOPALAN*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056256
    Abstract Background: The JAK2V617F mutation plays a crucial part in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), which includes polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) leading to aberrant proliferation and survival of hematopoietic cells. Alongside the challenges of drug resistance and side effects, identifying novel compounds that selectively target JAK2V617F could provide more effective and safer therapeutic options for patients with MPNs. Materials and Methods: We employed computational approaches like high-throughput virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), and binding free energy calculations to identify inhibitors targeting wild and mutant JAK2 kinases. JAK2V617F positive HEL, wild… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Ultrasound genomics related mitochondrial gene signature for prognosis and neoadjuvant chemotherapy resistance in triple negative breast cancer

    HUAFANG HUANG1,2,#, GUILIN WANG3,#, DONGYUN ZENG4,5, LUZ ANGELA TORRES-DE LA ROCHE2, RUI ZHUO1,2, RUDY LEON DE WILDE2, WANWAN WANG6, ULF D. KAHLERT7,*, WENJIE SHI7,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054642
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: New Insights in Drug Resistance of Cancer Therapy: A New Wine in an Old Bottle)
    Abstract Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) significantly enhances clinical outcomes in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, chemoresistance frequently results in treatment failure. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms underlying resistance and accurately predicting this phenomenon are crucial for improving treatment efficacy. Methods: Ultrasound images from 62 patients, taken before and after neoadjuvant therapy, were collected. Mitochondrial-related genes were extracted from a public database. Ultrasound features associated with NAC resistance were identified and correlated with significant mitochondrial-related genes. Subsequently, a prognostic model was developed and evaluated using the GSE58812 dataset. We also assessed this model alongside clinical factors… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Melanoma-derived extracellular vesicles transfer proangiogenic factors

    MAGDALENA WILCZAK1,2,#, MAGDALENA SURMAN1,#,*, MAłGORZATA PRZYBYłO1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.055449
    Abstract Angiogenesis, the expansion of pre-existing vascular networks, is crucial for normal organ growth and tissue repair, but is also involved in various pathologies, including inflammation, ischemia, diabetes, and cancer. In solid tumors, angiogenesis supports growth, nutrient delivery, waste removal, and metastasis. Tumors can induce angiogenesis through proangiogenic factors including VEGF, FGF-2, PDGF, angiopoietins, HGF, TNF, IL-6, SCF, tryptase, and chymase. This balance is disrupted in tumors, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to this by transferring proangiogenic factors and increasing their expression in endothelial cells (ECs). Malignant melanoma, a particular type of skin cancer, accounts for More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    TMEM33, an oncogene regulated by miR-214-3p, promotes the progression of lung adenocarcinoma through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

    GUANGXIAN YOU1, QIAO YANG2, XIN LI2, LILI CHEN2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052089
    Abstract Background: Lung cancer remains a major factor causing cancer-associated mortality globally. While there have been advancements in treatment options, advanced lung cancer patients still have poor outcomes. This study aims to investigate the potential role of Transmembrane protein 33 (TMEM33) in the development of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We leveraged The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the connection between TMEM33 expression to the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Cell proliferation, invasiveness, and sphere formation were analyzed by various experiments. The association of miR-214-3p with TMEM33 was explored using luciferase reporter assay, immunoblotting, and real-time… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    The role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in the progression, drug resistance, and targeted therapy of non-small cell lung cancer

    JIAHENG WEI1, LIANGMING ZHU2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054201
    Abstract Lung cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most prevalent histological subtype of lung cancer. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a crucial antioxidant enzyme that plays a role in regulating ferroptosis. It is also involved in a wide variety of biological processes, such as tumor cell growth invasion, migration, and resistance to drugs. This study comprehensively examined the role of GPX4 in NSCLC and investigated the clinical feasibility of targeting GPX4 for NSCLC treatment. We discovered that GPX4 influences the progression of NSCLC More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Three-dimensional models: from cell culture to Patient-Derived Organoid and its application to future liposarcoma research

    SAYUMI TAHARA1, SYDNEY RENTSCH1, FERNANDA COSTAS CASAL DE FARIA1, PATRICIA SARCHET1, ROMA KARNA1, FEDERICA CALORE2,*, RAPHAEL E. POLLOCK1
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053635
    Abstract Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas, however, its occurrence rate is still rare compared to other cancers. Due to its rarity, in vitro experiments are an essential approach to elucidate liposarcoma pathobiology. Conventional cell culture-based research (2D cell culture) is still playing a pivotal role, while several shortcomings have been recently under discussion. In vivo, mouse models are usually adopted for pre-clinical analyses with expectations to overcome the issues of 2D cell culture. However, they do not fully recapitulate human dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) characteristics. Therefore, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been the recent… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Engendered nanoparticles for treatment of brain tumors

    SOROUSH SOLEYMANI1, MOHAMMAD DOROUDIAN2,*, MAHDIEH SOEZI3,4, ALI BELADI5, KIARASH ASGARI2, ASO MOBARAKSHAHI2, ARYANA AGHAEIPOUR2, RONAN MACLOUGHLIN6,7,8,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053069
    Abstract Brain metastasis and primary glioblastoma multiforme represent the most common and lethal malignant brain tumors. Its median survival time is typically less than a year after diagnosis. One of the major challenges in treating these cancers is the efficiency of the transport of drugs to the central nervous system. The blood-brain barrier is cooperating with advanced stages of malignancy. The blood-brain barrier poses a significant challenge to delivering systemic medications to brain tumors. Nanodrug delivery systems have emerged as promising tools for effectively crossing this barrier. Additionally, the development of smart nanoparticles brings new hope More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Research progress on cancer-associated fibroblasts in osteosarcoma

    LIWEN FENG1,2,#,*, YUTING CHEN3,#, WENYI JIN4
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054207
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Biomarkers and Treatment Strategies in Solid Tumor Diagnosis, Progression, and Prognosis)
    Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are markedly abundant in tumor stromal cells and are essentially involved in the modulation of tumor occurrence and development. In recent years, CAFs have become a hotspot as researchers aim to elucidate CAF mechanisms that regulate tumor progression. However, most studies on CAFs are limited to a few common cancers, and their association with OS remains elusive. This review describes the role and current knowledge of CAFs More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    FOXR2 in cancer development: emerging player and therapeutic opportunities

    PIAO YANG1, MOHSEN SHEYKHHASAN2,*, REZA HEIDARI3, MOHSEN CHAMANARA4,5, PAOLA DAMA6, AMIRHOSSEIN AHMADIEH-YAZDI7, HAMED MANOOCHEHRI8, HAMID TANZADEHPANAH9, HANIE MAHAKI10, NASER KALHOR11, ASHKAN DIRBAZIYAN12, SHARAFALDIN AL-MUSAWI13
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052939
    Abstract Cancer, a leading cause of global mortality, remains a significant challenge to increasing life expectancy worldwide. Forkhead Box R2 (FOXR2), identified as an oncogene within the FOX gene family, plays a crucial role in developing various endoderm-derived organs. Recent studies have elucidated FOXR2-related pathways and their involvement in both tumor and non-tumor diseases. Dysregulation of FOXR2 has been linked to numerous malignant tumors, spanning the brain, nervous system, thyroid, osteosarcoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, female genital tract, endometrial, and uterine cancers. Despite extensive research on FOXR2 dysregulation, its practical applications More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    CAF-derived exosome-miR-3124-5p promotes malignant biological processes in NSCLC via the TOLLIP/TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway

    TAO SUN1,2, QINGHUA SONG3, HUA LIU1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054141
    Abstract Background: Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that occurs worldwide, but is especially common in China. The crucial role of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has attracted recent attention. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main factors that contribute to the TME function, and CAF exosomes are closely linked to NSCLC. Methods: The expression levels of miR-3124-5p and Toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP) were analysed by bioinformatics prediction combined with RT-qPCR/Western Blot detection. Fibroblasts were isolated and identified from clinical NSCLC tissues. Transmission electron microscopy and Western Blot were used to identify exosomes… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    A Nomogram for Predicting Survival for Patients with Brain Metastatic and EGFR Mutation Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    JIYUN PANG1,2,#, WEIGANG XIU1,#, YUEYUN CHEN4, WENJING LIAO1,2, QIN ZHANG3,*, HUASHAN SHI4,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053363
    Abstract Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is often accompanied by brain metastasis (BM), and the prognosis of patients with BM is poor. This study assesses the prognostic impact of BM in NSCLC patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 692 advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) at West China Hospital from 2015 to 2019. The overall survival rate (OS), progression-free survival rate (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and clinical parameters of the BM and non-BM groups were compared. Univariable and multivariable… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    The regulatory role of lncRNA in tumor drug resistance: refracting light through a narrow aperture

    HENG ZHANG1,#, XIAO YANG2,#, YUJIN GUO3, HAIBO ZHAO4, PEI JIANG5,*, QING-QING YU3,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053882
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: New Insights in Drug Resistance of Cancer Therapy: A New Wine in an Old Bottle)
    Abstract As living conditions improve and diagnostic capabilities advance, the incidence of tumors has increased, with cancer becoming a leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the most common treatments. Despite advances in treatment options, chemotherapy remains a routine first-line treatment for most tumors. Due to the continuous and extensive use of chemotherapy drugs, tumor resistance often develops, becoming a significant cause of treatment failure and poor prognosis. Recent research has increasingly focused on how long stranded non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) influence the development of malignant tumors and drug resistance by regulating gene expression More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Loss of Arhgap39 facilitates cell migration and invasion in murine hepatocellular cancer cells

    HUNG-WEI LIN1, PEI YU LEE1, YU-SHIUAN CHANG1, MAU-SUN CHANG1,2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053791
    Abstract Background: Rho GTPases are essential regulators for cellular movement and intracellular membrane trafficking. Their enzymatic activities fluctuate between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states regulated by GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Arhgap39/Vilse/Porf-2 is a newly identified GAP. The role of Arhgap39 in migration and invasion has not been addressed thoroughly. Methods: The Arhgap39 gene was knocked out by Crispr-Cas9 gene editing in mouse Hepa1-6 and Hepa-1c1c7 cells to analyze the impact of Arhgap39 depletion on migration and invasion. Results: Loss of Arhgap39 noticeably increased the migration and invasive potential. Purified Arhgap39… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Omics sciences for cervical cancer precision medicine from the perspective of the tumor immune microenvironment

    GUANTING PANG1,4,#, YAOHAN LI2,4,#, QIWEN SHI3, JINGKUI TIAN4, HANMEI LOU4,5,*, YUE FENG4,5,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053772
    Abstract Immunotherapies have demonstrated notable clinical benefits in the treatment of cervical cancer (CC). However, the development of therapeutic resistance and diverse adverse effects in immunotherapy stem from complex interactions among biological processes and factors within the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Advanced omic technologies offer novel insights into a more expansive and thorough layer of the TIME. Furthermore, integrating multidimensional omics within the frameworks of systems biology and computational methodologies facilitates the generation of interpretable data outputs to characterize the clinical and biological trajectories of tumor behavior. In this review, we present advanced omics technologies that More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    The impact of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), child-turcotte-pugh (CTP) score and disease staging on the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients: a retrospective cohort from single oncology center

    NASSER MULLA1,*, YOUSEF KATIB2, ASIM M. ALMUGHAMSI3, DUAA S. ALKHAYAT1, MOHAMED MOSAAD1,4, SAMIR T. ALFOTIH5, RAWAN ALAOFI6
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050903
    Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death in Saudi Arabia. Our study aimed to investigate the patterns of HCC and the effect of TNM staging, Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), and Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) on patients’ overall survival (OS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 HCC patients at a single oncology center in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2020. All patients had to fulfill one of the following criteria: (a) a liver lesion reported as definitive HCC on dynamic imaging and/or (b) a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis. Results: The mean patient age of all… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Cancer stem cell specificity as new targets in breast tumor treatment

    ZHIZHENG ZHANG1,#, TAO LI2,#, YUAN LI3, XI WANG4, HAO LIU5, XINYU SHEN5, ANN XU6, TIANSONG XIA1,*, BO XU7,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050505
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Background: Breast cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor affecting females, with treatment options including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Methods: This review synthesizes existing literature on breast cancer stem cells and their applications in breast cancer treatment. PubMed, Web of Science, and other relevant databases were systematically searched using keywords such as “breast cancer stem cells,” “immunotherapy,” “gene therapy,” and “cell therapy.” Studies published in English were included, and their findings were analyzed to provide insights into the characteristics and therapeutic potential of breast cancer stem cells. Results: Breast cancer stem cells exhibit unique properties More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Loss of TNFRSF21 induces cisplatin sensitivity in lung adenocarcinoma

    DAIEN ZHOU1,#, HAOYANG YUAN2,#, YIWEI HU3, CHUXU WANG1, SA GE1, KOUFENG SHAO4, HONGYING WANG1, XIAOFENG TIAN1,*, HAIBO HU1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050182
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: New Insights in Drug Resistance of Cancer Therapy: A New Wine in an Old Bottle)
    Abstract Background: Despite the identification of numerous therapeutic targets in lung cancer, achieving significant efficacy has been challenging. TNFRSF21 plays an important role in various cancers. We investigated the function of TNFRSF21 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: The prognostic value of TNFRSF21 expression in lung cancer was evaluated by the GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases. Lung cancer cell viability was assessed by the CCK8 assay. TNFRSF21 expression patterns in lung cancer tissues and cells were examined using RT-PCR assay. Tumor sphere growth was evaluated through tumor sphere formation assays. MtROS contents in lung cancer cells were… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Terpinen-4-ol suppresses proliferation and motility of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells by enhancing calpain-2 expression

    DONGYUN RONG1,2,#, YUSHEN SU1,#, ZHIRUI ZENG3, YAN YANG4, HONGUAN LU1,*, YU CAO1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050661
    Abstract Background: Terpinen-4-ol (T4O), a key constituent of tea tree essential oil and various aromatic plants, has shown promising antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in melanoma and other cancer types. However, its efficacy against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of T4O on cSCC cell lines and preliminarily explored its impacting pathways. Methods: Using CCK8 and assay colony formation, we assessed the viability of cSCC A431, SCL-1, and COLO-16 cells treated with T40 at varying concentrations (0, 1, 2, and 4 μM). Flow cytometry was… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    The regulatory role of ZFAS1/miRNAs/mRNAs axis in cancer: a systematic review

    RAHUL KUMAR SINGH1,#, SUROJIT MANDAL1,#, ADRIJA MOHANTA1, RITU YADAV1, RAJIV RANJAN KUMAR1, RINKU KHATKAR1, VIVEK UTTAM1, UTTAM SHARMA1, MANJIT KAUR RANA2, MANJU JAIN3, HARDEEP SINGH TULI4, AKLANK JAIN1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050548
    Abstract Objectives: Recently, we and others have demonstrated the involvement of Zinc Finger Antisense 1 (ZFAS1) in cancer development. However, the intricate interplay of ZFAS1 with miRNAs and mRNAs remains to be fully understood. Materials and methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines to retrieve and assess the available literature on the topic “ZFAS1/miRNA/mRNA axis” and “Cancer” from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. We also used bioinformatic webtools for analyzing the potential miRNA targets of ZFAS1 and its role in survival of cancer patients along with their role in various biological functions and pathways. Results: Our literature search… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Insights on Bmi-1 therapeutic targeting in head and neck cancers

    JESSIE REYES-CARMONA*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053764
    Abstract The B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (Bmi-1) protein of the polycomb complex is an essential mediator of the epigenetic transcriptional silencing by the chromatin structure. It has been reported to be crucial for homeostasis of the stem cells and tumorigenesis. Though years of investigation have clarified Bmi-1’s transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications, and functions in controlling cellular bioenergetics, pathologies, and DNA damage response, the full potential of this protein with so many diverse roles are still unfulfilled. Bmi-1 is overexpressed in many human malignancies. Unraveling the Bmi-1’s precise functional role in head and neck… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Chitosan capped-NLCs enhanced codelivery of gefitinib and simvastatin into MDR HCC: impact of compositions on cell death, JNK3, and Telomerase

    GAMALELDIN I. HARISA1,*, RIYAD F. ALZHRANI1, ABDULRAHMAN A. ALLUHAIDAN1, SULTAN M. ALAMRI1, AHMED H. BAKHEIT2, HANADI H. ASIRI2, SABRY M. ATTIA3
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053337
    Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a health problem due to multi-drug resistance (MDR). Codelivery of multiple oncotherapy in one cargo as chimeric cancer therapy (CCT) is suggested as a solution for MDR. This study aims to engineer chitosan-coated nanostructure lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with gefitinib (GF) and simvastatin (SV) as CCT for HCC. Methods: Both GF and SV-loaded nanostructure lipids carriers (GFSVNLC) and chitosan-capped GF and SV-loaded nanostructure lipids carriers (CGFSVNLC) formulations were assembled by top-down techniques. Moreover, particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and polydispersity index (PDI) were measured by Zetasizer. The biosafety of… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Chitosan capped-NLCs enhanced codelivery of gefitinib and simvastatin into MDR HCC: impact of compositions on cell death, JNK3, and Telomerase

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    MCU-i4, a mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter modulator, induces breast cancer BT474 cell death by enhancing glycolysis, ATP production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst

    EDMUND CHEUNG SO1,2,#, LOUIS W. C. CHOW3,#, CHIN-MIN CHUANG4, CING YU CHEN5,6, CHENG-HSUN WU7, LIAN-RU SHIAO8, TING-TSZ OU9, KAR-LOK WONG10, YUK-MAN LEUNG8,*, YI-PING HUANG8,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052743
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Recent Advances in Cancer Pharmacology)
    Abstract Objectives: Mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) provides a Ca2+ influx pathway from the cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix and a moderate mitochondrial Ca2+ rise stimulates ATP production and cell growth. MCU is highly expressed in various cancer cells including breast cancer cells, thereby increasing the capacity of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, ATP production, and cancer cell proliferation. The objective of this study was to examine MCU inhibition as an anti-cancer mechanism. Methods: The effects of MCU-i4, a newly developed MCU inhibitor, on cell viability, apoptosis, cytosolic Ca2+, mitochondrial Ca2+ and potential, glycolytic rate, generation of ATP, and reactive oxygen species,… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Evaluating the efficacy and safety of Anlotinib in conjunction with stereotactic radiosurgery for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

    LIZHI WANG1, HUILIN SUN2, GUIZHI YU1, ZEJING QU1, YING JI1, YANPING CUI1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.051586
    Abstract Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by its aggressive nature and high propensity for brain metastases. This study investigates the clinical efficacy and safety profile of Anlotinib in combination with Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) for treating brain metastases in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods: This research included 98 SCLC brain metastasis patients treated at Chengde Central Hospital from October 2020 to January 2024. The patients were categorized into a combined treatment group (CTG) (n = 45) and a Simple SRT group (SSG)(n = 53). The CTG (58 lesions) received Anlotinib with… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Melanoma cell line-derived exosomal miR-424-5p: a key promoter of angiogenesis through LATS2 interaction

    JUNWEI DU, QIANG ZHANG, JING ZHANG, MAIERDANJIANG MAIHEMUTI, HAIYANG HE, RENBING JIANG*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050878
    Abstract Objectives: Melanoma is a highly aggressive and metastatic form of cancer, and the role of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in its progression remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of melanoma cell-derived exosomal miR-424-5p on angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from melanoma cell lines A375 and A2058, and their effects on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were examined. The interaction between miR-424-5p and its target gene, large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2), was analyzed using luciferase reporter assays and functional experiments. In vivo,… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) in tumor progression

    BAOXING HUANG1,#, ZICHANG JIA1,#, CHENCHEN FU2, MOXIAN CHEN2, ZEZHUO SU3,*, YUNSHENG CHEN1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.051672
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: New Insights in Drug Resistance of Cancer Therapy: A New Wine in an Old Bottle)
    Abstract Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a member of the lipocalin superfamily with multiple functions and can participate in the transport of a variety of small lipophilic ligands in vivo. LCN2 is significantly expressed in various tumors and plays an important role in regulating tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The specific actions of LCN2 in tumors may vary depending on the particular type of cancer involved. In this review, we provide an extensive overview of the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of LCN2 in health and disease. Furthermore, we summarize the impact of LCN2 dysregulation in a broad range More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Biological roles and molecular mechanism of circular RNAs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastrointestinal malignancies

    ZIYI FANG1,2, YONGFU SHAO1,2,*, MENG HU1, JIANING YAN2, GUOLIANG YE2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.051589
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Biomarkers and Treatment Strategies in Solid Tumor Diagnosis, Progression, and Prognosis)
    Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are formed by splicing of precursor RNAs and covalently linked at the 5′ and 3′ ends. Dysregulated circRNAs are closely related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastrointestinal malignancies. CircRNAs, including circRNA_0008717, circGOT1, circ-DOCK5, circVPS33B, circPVT1, circMET, circ-OXCT1, circ_67835, circRTN4, circ_0087502, circFNDC38, circ_PTEN1, circPGPEP1, and circ-E-Cad are involved in the EMT process of gastrointestinal malignancies through a variety of mechanisms, such as regulating EMT-inducing transcription factors, signaling pathways, and tumor microenvironments. Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are common malignant tumors worldwide, and the heterogeneity and easy metastasis of gastrointestinal malignancies limit the effectiveness of More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Biological roles and molecular mechanism of circular RNAs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastrointestinal malignancies

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    CYB5D2 inhibits the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting TGF-β expression and epithelialmesenchymal transition

    DONG JIANG1, ZHI QI3, ZHIYING XU2,*, YIRAN LI1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050125
    Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent liver malignancy. This study examined the roles of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and cytochrome b5 domain containing 2 (CYB5D2) in HCC etiology and their prognostic biomarker potential. Methods: Key modules and prognostic genes were identified by analyzing the GSE101685 dataset by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. The expression levels of CYB5D2 and TGF-β in HCC cell lines were quantified using Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB) assays. Effects of CYB5D2 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration,… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Preventive effects of low-dose radiation and hypofractionated radiation plus anti-programmed cell death protein 1 on lung metastasis in breast cancer

    SHUANG CHEN1,2,#, XUEMEI DENG2,#, XINGTING HE2, KEWEI XIANG2, GUIHONG CHEN2, HONGRU YANG2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052133
    Abstract Background: Previous experiments have demonstrated that hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT), low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT), and combined anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (αPD-1) can enhance the abscopal effect. Combined with the phenomenon of low prognosis in patients with breast cancer lung metastasis, our study establishes a mouse model and changes the irradiation regimen of LDRT to explore its preventive effect on breast cancer lung metastasis. Methods: The breast cancer subcutaneous graft tumor model was developed. Two-lung prophylactic LDRT was performed prior to the onset of lung metastases, in combination with HFRT (8 Gy, 3f), and αPD-1… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Chitosan oligosaccharide enhances the anti-cancer effects of 5-fluorouracil on SNU-C5 colorectal cancer cells by activating ERK

    JI-SU HAN1, HYE-JIN BOO1, JIN WON HYUN1, HEESANG SONG2, IN-YOUB CHANG3, SANG-PIL YOON1,4,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052003
    Abstract Background: Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is the major degradation product of chitosan by enzymatic processes. COS, with complete water solubility, exerts significant biological effects, including anti-cancer activity. We investigated the anti-tumor effects of COS on colorectal cancer as effective therapeutic methods with low side effects are lacking. Methods: COS was obtained from low molecular weight chitosan by an enzymatic method and the anti-cancer effects were measured by cell viability assay, flow cytometry analysis, Western blotting, and xenograft. Results: COS suppressed the proliferation of SNU-C5 cells compared to other colorectal cancer cells, but higher concentrations were required in… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Chitosan oligosaccharide enhances the anti-cancer effects of 5-fluorouracil on SNU-C5 colorectal cancer cells by activating ERK

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Research progress on the role of decorin in the development of oral mucosal carcinogenesis

    YONG RAO1,3,4, XIAO CHEN5,6, KAIYU LI1,3,4, MINHAI NIE1,3,4, XUQIAN LIU2,3,4,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053119
    Abstract Decorin (DCN) is primarily found in the connective tissues of various parts of the body, including the lungs, kidneys, bone tissue, aorta, and tendons. It is an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and belongs to the class I small leucine-rich proteoglycans family. DCN is increasingly attracting attention due to its significant role in tumors, fibrotic diseases, and the regulation of vascular formation. Moreover, its anti-tumor properties have positioned it as a promising biomarker in the fight against cancer. Numerous studies have confirmed that DCN can exert inhibitory effects in various solid tumors, particularly… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    ICAT mediates the inhibition of stemness and tumorigenesis in acute myeloid leukemia cells induced by 1,25-(OH)D

    YULIAN WANG1, LIANLI ZHU1, RONGHAO ZENG2, YUNPING PU3, BAIJIAN CHEN3, YUWEI TAN3, MING HONG2,*, WEIJIA WANG1,2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.051746
    Abstract Background: The role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)D) in cancer prevention and treatment is an emerging topic of interest. However, its effects on the stemness of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are poorly understood. Methods: The proliferation and differentiation of AML cells (HL60 and NB4) were investigated by the CCK-8 assay, immunocytochemical staining, and flow cytometry. The abilities of HL60 and NB4 cells to form spheres were examined by the cell sphere formation assay. In addition, the levels of stemness-associated markers (SOX2, Nanog, OCT4, and c-Myc) in HL60 and NB4 cells were measured by western blotting… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Astragalus polysaccharide enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in triple-negative breast cancer through multiple mechanisms

    LI SUN1,#, SHICHAO ZHUO2,#, XIAOXIN LI2, HUSHENG KONG3, WEIWEI DU3, CHONG ZHOU4, JUNXING HUANG1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050057
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: New Insights in Drug Resistance of Cancer Therapy: A New Wine in an Old Bottle)
    Abstract Background: Cisplatin (DDP) has been used in the treatment of various human cancers. However, DDP alone lacks efficacy in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and its clinical application is often hampered by side effects. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is one of the active components extracted from Astragalus membranaceus and has gained attention for its various biological properties. This research is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of APS and DDP on TNBC and explore the potential mechanisms. Methods: The efficacy and mechanisms of single or combined treatment were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, Annexin… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Ketogenic diet with oxyresveratrol and zinc inhibits glioblastoma and restores memory function and motor coordination

    TANVI VIJAY GUJARAN1,#, VIGNESH BALAJI EASWARAN1,#, RUNALI SANKHE1, PUGAZHANDHI BAKTHAVATCHALAM2,3, HERMAN SUNIL DSOUZA4, K. SREEDHARA RANGANATH PAI1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.049538
    Abstract Background: To date, there is no effective cure for the highly malignant brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is the most common, aggressive central nervous system tumor (CNS). It commonly originates in glial cells such as microglia, oligodendroglia, astrocytes, or subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Glucose plays an important role in the, which energy metabolism of normal and cancer cells, but cancer cells exhibit an increased demand for glucose is required for their differentiation and proliferation. The main aim of this study is to explore the anti-cancer efficacy of the ketogenic diet against GBM. Also,… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Genetic signatures of ERCC1 and ERCC2 expression, along with SNPs variants, unveil favorable prognosis in SCLC patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy

    ENRICO CALIMAN1,2, SARA FANCELLI1,2, FEDERICO SCOLARI3, ADRIANO PASQUI4, CLARA MANNESCHI4, DANIELE LAVACCHI1, FRANCESCA MAZZONI4, FRANCESCA GENSINI5, VALERIA PASINI6, CAMILLA EVA COMIN2,7, LUCA VOLTOLINI2,8, SERENA PILLOZZI1,2,*, LORENZO ANTONUZZO1,2,4
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050161
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: New Insights in Drug Resistance of Cancer Therapy: A New Wine in an Old Bottle)
    Abstract Background: Platinum chemotherapy (CT) remains the backbone of systemic therapy for patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway plays a central role in the repair of the DNA damage exerted by platinum agents. Alteration in this repair mechanism may affect patients’ survival. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 38 patients with extensive disease (ED)-SCLC who underwent platinum-CT at the Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (Italy), from 2015 to 2020. mRNA expression analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) characterization of three NER pathway genes—namely ERCC1, ERCC2,… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    A novel prognostic scoring model based on cuproptosis identifies COMMD1 as a novel therapy target for liver hepatocellular carcinoma

    KE TIAN1, ZHIPENG LI2, XIANGYU ZHAI2,3, HUAXIN ZHOU2, HUI YAO1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.049772
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Biomarkers and Treatment Strategies in Solid Tumor Diagnosis, Progression, and Prognosis)
    Abstract Background: Primary liver cancer poses a significant global health burden, with projections indicating a surpassing of one million cases by 2025. Cuproptosis, a copper-dependent mechanism of cell death, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Purpose: This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for HCC based on cuproptosis-related genes, utilizing clinical data and gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Materials and Methods: Clinical features and gene expression data of HCC patients were collected from publicly available More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    CircRNA circ_0015278 induces ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma through the miR-1228/P53 axis

    LIANGJIANG XIA1, GUANGBIN LI2, QINGWU ZHOU3, YU FENG2,*, HAITAO MA2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050835
    Abstract Background: Circular RNAs play an important role in regulating lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Bioinformatics analysis identified circ_0015278 as differentially expressed in LUAD. However, the biological mechanism of circ_0015278 in LUAD has not been fully clarified, especially in ferroptosis. Materials and Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was employed to explore the downstream mechanisms of Circ_0015278, subsequently confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. The impact of Circ_0015278 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and ferroptosis was investigated through a loss-of-function experiment. A xenotransplantation mouse model elucidated the effect of Circ_0015278 on tumour growth. Results: Circ_0015278 exhibited downregulation in LUAD. It inhibited cell proliferation, More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Exosomal miR-224-3p promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis by targeting GSK3B in gastric cancer

    ZHENGYANG ZHOU1,#, LEI QIAO1,#, TONGTONG WANG1, WEN PAN1, JINGJING DUAN1, HAIYANG ZHANG2, TING DENG1, YI BA1,*, YI HE1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050431
    Abstract Background: Patients with gastric cancer (GC) are prone to lymph node metastasis (LNM), which is an important factor for recurrence and poor prognosis of GC. Nowadays, more and more studies have confirmed that exosomes can participate in tumor lymphangiogenesis. An in-depth exploration of the pathological mechanism in the process of LNM in GC may provide effective targets and improve the diagnosis and treatment effect. Materials and Methods: We used sequencing analysis of collected serum to screen out exo-miRNA related to LNM in GC. ELISA, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, RNA pull-down assay, Transwell assay, animal experiments, and other… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Exosomal miR-224-3p promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis by targeting GSK3B in gastric cancer

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Comprehensive analysis reveals PLK3 as a promising immune target and prognostic indicator in glioma

    TIANYUN ZHU1,2,#, CUNYAN ZHAO1,2,#, RUI GONG1,2, AO QIAN1, XIAOSHU WANG1, FANGHUI LU2, GANG HUO1, LIANGJUN QIAO3, SONG CHEN1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050794
    Abstract Background: PLK3, which played an important role in cell cycle progression and stress response, was identified as highly expressed in various carcinomas. However, the functions, molecular characteristics, and prognostic value of PLK3 in glioma remained unexplored. Methods: We analyzed PLK3 expression in glioma samples from multiple databases. Both overexpression and knockdown of Plk3 were performed to investigate tumor cell growth in glioma, and the transplanted glioma mouse model demonstrated the role of Plk3 on tumor progression. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect PLK3 expression and immune cell infiltration. The trans-well assay for PLK3 on the immune… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Circ-PAN3 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma growth via sponging miR-153 and upregulating cyclin D1

    SHUO YU, MIN WANG, XU LI, XINGJUN GUO, RENYI QIN*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.046774
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Cancer Therapeutics)
    Abstract Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a pivotal role in the development and advancement of various cancer types. However, the involvement of circ-PAN3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well understood. To shed light on this, we conducted a comprehensive study through biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics techniques to investigate the role of circ-PAN3 and its associated pathway in the progression of HCC. Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay were utilized to evaluate cell proliferation; Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were adopted for assessing mRNA and protein expression;… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    EMP2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and invasion by activating cellular autophagy

    HAIYING PANG1,#, FENGBO WU1,#, YU ZHANG1, NAN ZHANG2, CHUNTING WANG1, QIU LI1, GU HE1,*, PENG ZHANG3,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.043948
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Signaling Pathway Crosstalk in Malignant Tumors: Molecular Targets and Combinatorial Therapeutics)
    Abstract Background: EMP2 is a tumor-associated membrane protein belonging to the GAS-3/PMP22 gene family. EMP2 expression demonstrates significant tissue specificity and heterogeneity in various human tissues and tumor tissues, where it may play a role in either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. This study aimed to investigate the expression level, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of EMP2 in liver cancer. Methods: we analyzed the mRNA expression levels of EMPs family genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and normal liver tissues based on the TCGA database and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. Subsequently, we constructed HCC cell… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    EMP2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and invasion by activating cellular autophagy

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Circular RNA circAGAP1 promotes sunitinib sensitivity in renal cell carcinoma via sponging multiple PDGFR-targeted miRNAs

    QI LV1,#, GANGMIN WANG2,#, YI HONG1, TIANYI ZHU1, SHUANG QIN1, SAIFEI SUN1, YUTING WANG1, YAOHUA LIU1, QING ZHANG1, CHUNHUI MA3,*, PEIJUN WANG1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.047698
    Abstract Background: Sunitinib resistance is a major challenge in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Clinically, elucidating the underlying mechanisms and developing practical countermeasures for sunitinib resistance in RCC is desirable. In previous studies, we found that circAGAP1 expression was significantly upregulated in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and was strongly associated with poor prognosis. However, the role of circAGAP1 in sunitinib resistance in ccRCC remains unclear. Methods: We used public databases for bioinformatics analysis to identify the binding targets of circAGAP1. Additionally, the effects of circAGAP1 on the proliferation, clonogenesis, apoptosis, and migration of ccRCC cells were… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Circular RNA circAGAP1 promotes sunitinib sensitivity in renal cell carcinoma via sponging multiple PDGFR-targeted miRNAs

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    STIL enhances the development of lung adenocarcinoma by regulating the glycolysis pathway

    LEI WANG1, XIANJIN XIE2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.048562
    Abstract Background: To investigate STIL centriolar assembly protein (STIL)’s role and prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression, we examined STIL and E2 promoter binding factor 1 (E2F1) expressions and their impacts on LUAD prognosis using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Methods: Functional assays including CCK-8, wound-healing, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), Transwell assays, and flow cytometry, elucidated STIL and E2F1’s effects on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. GSEA identified potential pathways, while metabolic assays assessed glucose metabolism. Results: Our findings reveal that STIL and E2F1 are overexpressed in LUAD, correlating with adverse outcomes. It enhances cell proliferation, migration, and More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Combination of fruquintinib with venetoclax for the treatment of colorectal cancer

    WEI ZHANG1,3,#, WEICHENG WANG1,#, RUI WANG1, XIAO HAN1, LIJUN ZHU1, WENJIE GUO2,*, YANHONG GU1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050047
    Abstract Background: As a novel blocker of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), fruquintinib has been approved for treating colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its dosage and therapeutic efficacy are limited by its widespread adverse reactions. Venetoclax, recognized as the initial inhibitor of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (BCL2), has shown potential in boosting the effectiveness of immunotherapy against CRC. This study investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of fruquintinib combined with venetoclax in treating CRC. Methods and Materials: We developed a colon cancer mouse model with the CT26 cell line to demonstrate fruquintinib and venetoclax’s efficacy against tumors. Then we… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Combination of fruquintinib with venetoclax for the treatment of colorectal cancer

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Apigenin facilitates apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells via AMP-activated protein kinase-mediated ferroptosis

    CANCAN HE1,2,*, TINGTING ZHANG3, WEI XIONG4, SHENGYU WANG5, XIN SUN6
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.049757
    Abstract Background: The outcomes of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain far less than favorable. While apigenin is an anti-cancer agent, studies on the mechanism by which it regulates ALL cell cycle progression are inadequate. Ferroptosis and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling are important processes for ALL patients. However, it remains unclear whether apigenin works by affecting AMPK and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: SUP-B15 and T-cell Jurkat ALL cells were treated with apigenin, and cell viability and apoptosis were measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, respectively. The… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Ubiquitin-specific protease 1 facilitates tumor immune escape from natural killer cells and predicts the prognosis in small cell lung cancer

    SHIQIN JIANG1,#, YICHUN TANG2,#, FENG MA3, YUCHUN NIU4,*, LEI SUN5,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.046895
    Abstract Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is commonly recognized as the most fatal lung cancer type. Despite substantial advances in immune checkpoint blockade therapies for treating solid cancers, their benefits are limited to a minority of patients with SCLC. Objective: In the present study, novel indicators for predicting the outcomes and molecular targets for SCLC treatment were elucidated. Methods: We conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in SCLC. The functional role of the key gene identified in SCLC was determined both in vitro and in vivo. Results: A significant correlation was observed… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Lenalidomide regulates the CCL21/CCR7/ERK1/2 axis to inhibit migration and proliferation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

    WEN YANG, BIN TANG, DAN XU, WENXIU YANG*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050036
    Abstract Background: The prognostic significance of the chemokine receptor CCR7 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been reported previously. However, the detailed mechanisms of CCR7 in DLBCL, particularly regarding its interaction with lenalidomide treatment, are not fully understood. Methods: Our study utilized bioinformatics approaches to identify hub genes in SU-DHL-2 cell lines treated with lenalidomide compared to control groups. Immunohistochemical data and clinical information from 122 patients with DLBCL were analyzed to assess the correlation of CCR7 and p-ERK1/2 expression with the prognosis of DLBCL. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to clarify the… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Lenalidomide regulates the CCL21/CCR7/ERK1/2 axis to inhibit migration and proliferation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    TMED3 promotes prostate cancer via FOXO1a and FOXO3a phosphorylation

    XIUWANG WEI1, JIANBO LIANG1, HUANWEN HUANG1, DAMING YANG1, XINXIN WANG1, XIUJIA WANG1, CHANGSHENG CHEN1, KAIQIANG LI1, TAISEN PANG1, BIN HU1, FENGNING WU2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.048054
    Abstract Background: Transmembrane emp24 trafficking protein 3 (TMED3) is associated with the development of several tumors; however, whether TMED3 regulates the progression of prostate cancer remains unclear. Materials and Methods: Short hairpin RNA was performed to repress TMED3 in prostate cancer cells (DU145 cells) and in a prostate cancer mice model to determine its function in prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Results: In the present study, we found that TMED3 was highly expressed in prostate cancer cells. In vitro, shTMED3 treatment suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration and promoted the apoptosis of DU145 cells. Additionally, the Kyoto Encyclopedia… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Long noncoding RNA LINC01106 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression via upregulation of autophagy

    GENGYUN SUN1,*, YIPING ZHENG1,2, JIANFENG CAI2, JIE GAO2, LIE DONG2, XIANGBIN ZHANG2, YINGHUI HUANG2,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.047626
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Long noncoding RNAs as Tumorigenic Drivers and Therapeutic Targets)
    Abstract Long noncoding RNA, LINC01106 exhibits high expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tumor tissues, but its functional role and regulatory mechanism in LUAD cells remain unclear. LINC01106 expression was analyzed in LUAD tissues and its functional impact on LUAD cells was assessed. LUAD cells were silenced with sh-LINC01106 and injected into nude mice to investigate tumor growth. The downstream transcription factors and molecular mechanism were determined using the Human transcription factor database (TFDB) database and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. Additionally, the impact of linc01106 on autophagy was analyzed by determining the expression of… More >
    Graphic Abstract

    Long noncoding RNA LINC01106 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression via upregulation of autophagy

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    lncRNA SNHG4 enhanced gastric cancer progression by modulating miR-409-3p/CREB1 axis

    ZHOUYANG CHENG1,#, YUCHEN HUA2,#, YANG CAO3, JUN QIN1,*
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.042281
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Signaling Pathway Crosstalk in Malignant Tumors: Molecular Targets and Combinatorial Therapeutics)
    Abstract Gastric cancer (GC) is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide. Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their downstream regulators are regarded to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of malignancies. Studies have shown that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) serves as a tumor promoter in various malignancies, while its function in GC has yet to be characterized. Herein, we discovered that SNHG4 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines,… More >