Special Issues
Table of Content

Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors

Submission Deadline: 31 December 2025 View: 1463 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Qun Zhao, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China. Email: zhaoqun@hebmu.edu.cn

Huang Lei, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, US. Email: lei.huang@umassmed.edu

Renjun Gu, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China. Email: renjungu@hotmail.com


Summary

In the current landscape of targeted therapies, the exploration of novel targets and biomarkers holds paramount importance in advancing drug development and treatment modalities. A concerted effort is underway to comprehend the intricacies of cancer development, with the ultimate goal of expediting the discovery of groundbreaking pharmaceuticals. While some pioneering drug targets and biomarkers have already been pinpointed, the inherent heterogeneity of cancers underscores the imperative to broaden the spectrum of drugs and biomarkers. Achieving personalized treatment options hinges on this diversity. Thanks to recent strides in biological and medical technologies, there exists a newfound capability to swiftly unravel the mechanisms underpinning cancer initiation and progression, thereby unveiling novel targets. This presents a significant opportunity for the development of clinically effective anticancer drugs and biomarkers.


Beyond the identification of novel targets and biomarkers, a pivotal facet of drug development lies in comprehending how these targets interact with cancer cells, influencing their growth and survival. Such insights are instrumental in crafting drugs that can adeptly target these interactions and impede cancer progression. Furthermore, the trajectory of novel drug and biomarker development extends beyond target identification, encompassing pre-clinical and clinical trials. These trials rigorously evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of these agents, seeking to establish optimal doses, treatment schedules, and combination therapies that maximize therapeutic benefits while mitigating side effects.


This special issue serves as a forum for disseminating the latest research findings, deliberating challenges, and charting future research directions in this domain. We encourage submissions from a range of disciplines, including reviews, basic and translational research. All clinical trials, bioinformatics research, machine learning, meta-analysis must be validated with animal experiments. By fostering a collaborative community of researchers and clinicians, our aim is to expedite the development of innovative drugs and biomarkers for the treatment of solid tumors.


Keywords

Solid tumor; Biomarkers; Targets

Published Papers


  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis and Experiments Validation Identify COX5B as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Lung Adenocarcinoma

    Lv Ling, Minying Lu, Ling Ye, Yuanhang Chen, Sheng Lin, Jun Yang, Yu Rong, Guixiong Wu
    Oncology Research, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069889
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Background: A significant proportion of patients still cannot benefit from existing targeted therapies and immunotherapies, making the search for new treatment strategies extremely urgent. In this study, we combined integrate public data analysis with experimental validation to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: We analyzed RNA and protein databases to assess the expression levels of cytochrome C oxidase 5B (COX5B) in LUAD. Several computational algorithms were employed to investigate the relationship between COX5B and immune infiltration in LUAD. To further elucidate the role of COX5B in LUAD, we utilized… More >

    Graphic Abstract

    Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis and Experiments Validation Identify COX5B as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Lung Adenocarcinoma

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Mast Cells in the Solid Tumor Microenvironment: Multiple Roles and Targeted Therapeutic Potential

    Chenglu Lu, Huiting Zhang, Ujjal K. Bhawal, Lei Wang, Jingwu Li, Pangzhou Chen, Lewei Zhu
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3657-3678, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069703
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network composed of non-tumor cells, extracellular matrix, blood vessels, and various molecular signals that surround and profoundly influence tumor progression. As one of the key immune effector cells within the TME, mast cells (MCs) exhibit functional complexity, and their specific roles remain widely debated. Depending on the cancer type, spatial distribution, and interactions with other TME components, MCs can demonstrate dual regulatory capabilities—either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. This characteristic has made them an important focus in current tumor immunology research. This review aims to systematically review the More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    RAD23B Promotes Colorectal Cancer Metastasis via the Talin1/Integrin/PI3K/AKT/MMP9 Axis

    Jun Li, Yang Chen, Zhijiao Hao, Zhiyong Zhang, Jingyi Fan, Xiao Liu, Xueli Zhao, Hongyan Zhang, Chenpeng Wu
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3523-3541, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067535
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Background: Radiation sensitive 23 homolog B (RAD23B), a DNA repair-related protein, plays a contributory role in the development of multiple malignancies. This study aimed to explore the role of RAD23B in promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: RAD23B was overexpressed in CRC cell lines SW480 and HCT-8, with empty vectors serving as controls. Invasion, cell proliferation, and migration were assessed using CCK-8 and Transwell assays. A xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate metastatic potential in vivo. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Competitive Sequestration of miR-1183 by lncRNA DDX11-AS1 Drives Gliomagenesis through E2F7 Activation

    Jianwei Wang, Xinzhi Yang, Lvbiao Lin, Jianbo Yu, Jie Mao
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.10, pp. 3023-3040, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.065380
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Objectives: Glioma, as the most lethal primary brain malignancy with poor prognosis, requires further elucidation on the functional role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DDX11 antisense RNA 1 (DDX11-AS1) in its pathogenesis, despite its established oncogenic functions in other cancers. Therefore, this study sought to characterize the oncogenic role and molecular mechanism of DDX11-AS1 in glioma. Methods: DDX11-AS1 expression levels were analyzed in clinical surgical glioma specimens and publicly available datasets. The functional roles of DDX11-AS1 on glioma cell proliferation and migration were investigated using in vitro knockdown and overexpression assays. In vivo tumor growth was assessed… More >

    Graphic Abstract

    Competitive Sequestration of miR-1183 by lncRNA DDX11-AS1 Drives Gliomagenesis through E2F7 Activation

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    TIMM8A-TIMM13 Complex Exerts Oncogenic Functions in Lung Cancer

    Shengmin Li, Kejian Shi, Ying Wang, Yi Zhang
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2435-2449, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063812
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Objectives: Lung cancer represents a major global healthcare challenge, characterized by high annual incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Although targeted therapies for lung cancer have advanced, treatment outcomes for advanced-stage patients remain suboptimal. This investigation examines the role of the translocase of the inner mitochondrial membrane (TIMM)8A-TIMM13 complex in lung cancer and evaluates its potential as a novel therapeutic target. Methods: A co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was conducted to verify the interaction between TIMM8A and TIMM13. Differential gene expression analysis of TIMM8A or TIMM13 was executed using the TNMplot database, with survival estimates derived from the… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    N6-Methyladenosine Promotes the Transcription of c-Src Kinase via IRF1 to Facilitate the Proliferation of Liver Cancer

    Yanxi Peng, Honggen Yuan, Zhanjie Jiang, Xiaoqing Ou, Qian Zhang, Kexin Yi, Yanbin Meng, Qun Xie
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.7, pp. 1679-1693, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.062747
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Background: Expression of mRNA is widely regulated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A). An increasing number of studies have shown that m6A methylation, facilitated by methyltransferase 3 (METTL3), is crucial in the progression of tumors. Previous reports have indicated the involvement of both METTL3 and c-Src kinase in the evolution of liver cancer. However, the potential connection between c-Src and the METTL3-mediated mechanism in liver cancer progression remains elusive. Methods: The correlation expression between c-Src and METTL3 between liver cancer patients and the control group was analyzed using the TCGA database, and was further demonstrated by Western blot and… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals KRAS/TP53-Driven Neutrophil Reprogramming in Luad: A Multi-Gene Prognostic Model and Therapeutic Targeting of RHOV

    Yinghui Ye, Yulou Luo, Yutian Sun, Yujie Zhang, Jiaxin Lin, Ziling Yang, Anping Xu, Bei Xue
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.6, pp. 1383-1404, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.062584
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Objectives: The tumorigenic progression of Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the predominant NSCLC subtype, is predominantly driven by co-occurring mutations in KRAS proto-oncogene (KRAS)/Tumor protein p53 (TP53). However, their impact on tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity, particularly neutrophil dynamics, remains poorly understood. This present study aims to elucidate how KRAS/TP53 mutations reprogram the TME and develop a neutrophil-centric prognostic signature for LUAD. Methods: Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing data and transcriptome data, neutrophil subpopulations were identified using Seurat and CellChat R packages, with trajectory analysis via Monocle2 R package. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), univariate Cox regression,… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Exploring the correlation and mechanism of natural killer cell cytotoxic sensitivity against gastric cancer

    WENZHUO YANG, HAODONG CHEN, ZHILAN ZHANG, ZHIYONG XIA, YUANYUAN JIN, ZHAOYONG YANG
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.6, pp. 1485-1494, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.059426
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Background: Human natural killer (NK) cells have attracted widespread attention as a potential adoptive cell therapy (ACT). However, the therapeutic effects of NK cell infusion in patients with solid tumors are limited. There is an urgent need to explore a suitable new treatment plan to overcome weaknesses and support the superior therapeutic activity of NK cells. Methods: In this study, the mechanisms underlying the susceptibility of gastric cancer (GC) cell lines AGS, HGC-27, and NCI-N87 to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity were explored. Results: Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays showed that all three GC cell lines were susceptible… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Splicing factor PTBP1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis via oncogenic splice-switching of MAPT

    WENYING ZHENG, YANYAN SHANG, KAI DU, AILING LUO, LIJUN PEI, MEIQI LI, GUOPING ZHANG, MIN DENG
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.5, pp. 1121-1133, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.060958
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Background: Alterations in splicing factors contribute to aberrant alternative splicing (AS), which subsequently promotes tumor progression. The splicing factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) has been shown to facilitate cancer progression by modulating oncogenic variants. However, its specific role and underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be elucidated. Methods: PTBP1 expression was evaluated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Subsequently, cells were transfected with vectors designed for PTBP1 overexpression or downregulation. The biological function of PTBP1 was assessed in vitro and in vivo using MTS assays, colony formation assays, transwell assays, xenograft formation, tail… More >

    Graphic Abstract

    Splicing factor PTBP1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis via oncogenic splice-switching of MAPT

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Cancer stem cell specificity as new targets in breast tumor treatment

    ZHIZHENG ZHANG, TAO LI, YUAN LI, XI WANG, HAO LIU, XINYU SHEN, ANN XU, TIANSONG XIA, BO XU
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 811-819, 2025, 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

    REVIEW

    Biomarkers for predicting bladder cancer therapy response

    IOANA MARIA MIHAI, GANG WANG
    Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 533-547, 2025, 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

    REVIEW

    Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor from molecular diagnostics to current treatment

    PAULINA CHMIEL, ALEKSANDRA SłOWIKOWSKA, ŁUKASZ BANASZEK, ANNA SZUMERA-CIEćKIEWICZ, BARTłOMIEJ SZOSTAKOWSKI, MATEUSZ J. SPAłEK, TOMASZ ŚWITAJ, PIOTR RUTKOWSKI, ANNA M. CZARNECKA
    Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.7, pp. 1141-1162, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050350
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
    Abstract Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare neoplasm with intermediate malignancy characterized by a propensity for recurrence but a low metastatic rate. Diagnostic challenges arise from the diverse pathological presentation, variable symptomatology, and lack of different imaging features. However, IMT is identified by the fusion of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, which is present in approximately 70% of cases, with various fusion partners, including ran-binding protein 2 (RANBP2), which allows confirmation of the diagnosis. While surgery is the preferred approach for localized tumors, the optimal long-term treatment for advanced or metastatic disease is difficult… More >

Share Link