Wei Jiang¹, You Zheng¹, Zhouhong Jing², Xiangling Yu¹, Huiying Fang^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.078278 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Background: Breast cancer treatment is often hampered by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To improve therapeutic efficacy, this study developed a folic acid-chitosan (FA-CS)-modified liposomal formulation co-delivering doxorubicin (DOX) and resiquimod (R848) for combined chemotherapy and immune modulation. Methods: The FA-CS-R848/DOX@Lip liposomes were prepared by rotary evaporation and characterized for morphology, particle size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL) capacity, and drug release profiles. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were determined to assess the biological effects of the formulation. Antitumor efficacy and biosafety were assessed in an EO771 tumor-bearing mouse model. The macrophage phenotype,… More >

Renata Pacholczak-Madej^1,2,*, Mirosława Püsküllüoğlu^3,*, Anna Polakiewicz-Gilowska⁴, Małgorzata Pieniążek⁵, Iveta Kolářová⁶, Miroslava Malejčíková⁷, Lenka Rušinová⁸, Miloš Holánek⁹, Renata Soumarová¹⁰, Karolina Winsko-Szczęsnowicz¹¹, Justyna Żubrowska¹², Aleksandra Konieczna¹³, Agnieszka Młodzińska¹³, Daniel Krejčí¹⁴, Iwona Danielewicz¹⁵, Magdalena Szymanik-Resko¹⁵, Tomasz Ciszewski¹⁶, Maja Lisik-Habib¹⁷, Anika Pękala¹⁷, Hana Študentová¹⁸, Jan Šustr¹⁹, Bogumiła Czartoryska-Arłukowicz¹¹, Aleksandra Łacko⁵, Jolanta Smok-Kalwat¹², Michał Jarząb⁴, Zuzana Bielčiková²⁰, Marcin Kubeczko⁴

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.076384 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Background: Germline breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) variants guide breast cancer treatment, but their clinical relevance in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) treated with sacituzumab govitecan (SG) remains unclear. The study aimed to evaluate the association between BRCA status and outcomes in SG-treated mTNBC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 264 patients with mTNBC and known germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2) status who received SG between August 2021 and May 2025 across multiple oncology centers in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Survival outcomes were compared between patients with gBRCA1/2 mutations (gBRCA1/2m) and those with gBRCA1/2 wild-type (gBRCA1/2wt) using Kaplan–Meier estimates, the log-rank… More >

Guoliang Zhong¹, Tianqing Yang¹, Shuqi Lin¹, Muyi Zhong^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.076300 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Hormone Receptor-positive/Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2−) breast cancer treatment has made a breakthrough due to the introduction of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors. This article mainly reviews the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and current application status of CDK4/6 inhibitors, including Palbociclib, Ribociclib, Abemaciclib, and the emerging Dalpiciclib. The advantages and limitations of different treatment stages are also discussed. CDK4/6 inhibitors have excellent efficacy in prolonging progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and have become a key option for HR+/HER2− breast cancer first-line and adjuvant treatment. The issues of drug More >

Thanh Hoa Vo^1,2, Edel McNeela^1,2, Orla O’Donnovan^1,2, Jai Prakash Mehta³, Van Hoa Nguyen⁴, Sweta Rani^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.075346 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of drug resistance in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, a subtype in which both intrinsic and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies remain major clinical challenges. Although mechanistic studies have begun to reveal how lncRNAs modulate signaling pathways, interact with microRNAs, and influence the tumor microenvironment, dedicated investigations in HER2-positive disease are still limited. This review synthesizes current evidence across epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional mechanisms of resistance, including competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, RNA-binding protein interactions, and exosome-mediated intercellular communication. Particular emphasis is… More >

Mariana Lopes^1,#, Carlos Vila Nova^2,3,#, Rui Caetano Oliveira^3,4, Fernando Schmitt⁵, Fernando Mendes^1,6,7,8,9,*, Diana Martins^1,6,7,8

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.074215 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% of all invasive breast cancers and is characterized by aggressive behavior, limited therapeutic options, and poor clinical outcomes. Due to the absence of hormone receptors and HER2 expression, systemic treatment relies predominantly on chemotherapy, which is associated with high rates of early recurrence and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in the microbiome can contribute to TNBC progression and influence therapeutic response, particularly affecting the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy through immune-mediated mechanisms; however, its role in TNBC remains incompletely understood. This systematic review aims to explore… More >

Teng Zhu^1,#, Siwen Zang^2,#, Bo Chen^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.067876 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Background: Orbital metastases are rare in breast cancer, representing only 3–10% of ocular metastases. This report highlights a case where orbital involvement was the first indicator of systemic metastatic spread. Case Presentation: A 72-year-old woman with a history of Estrogen Receptor (ER)-positive (5%), Progesterone Receptor (PR)-negative, Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer (diagnosed 3 years prior) presented with right orbital pain, diplopia, and periorbital swelling. Imaging revealed multiple myositis of the extraocular muscles, compressive displacement of the optic nerve, and right periorbital edema. Bone scintigraphy identified multifocal skeletal metastases. A navigation-assisted biopsy confirmed metastatic invasive More >

Oncology Research Editorial Office

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.081623 - 22 April 2026

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

Cong Liu¹, Zhenyu Zhang¹, Ronghua Feng¹, Mengsi Zeng¹, Hui Li¹, Mei Zhu¹, Lan Zhuang^2,*, Zongjuan Li^1,*, Tao Wu^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.077059 - 22 April 2026

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, primarily due to distant metastasis. Metabolic reprogramming plays a critical role in tumor growth and spread, but the metabolic mechanisms underlying metastasis in breast cancer remain unclear. The primary objective of this study is to identify molecular targets mediating breast cancer progression and to evaluate whether targeting the metabolic reprogramming represents a potential therapeutic strategy. Methods: To uncover key metabolic regulators involved in breast cancer progression, we analyzed high-throughput RNA sequencing data and identified Paired Like Homeodomain 1 (PITX1) as a frequently upregulated… More >

Nevena Todorovic^1,#, Sara Bertorello^1,#, Giulia Nannini¹, Serena Pillozzi², Simonetta Bianchi³, Maria Raffaella Ambrosio⁴, Elena Niccolai¹, Simone Baldi¹, Amedeo Amedei^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.076380 - 22 April 2026

Abstract Background: Cancer remains one of the leading global health challenges, with lung cancer (LC), breast cancer (BC), and colorectal cancer (CRC) among the most prevalent and deadly malignancies. The intratumoral microbiota (IM), a distinct microbial ecosystem within tumor tissues, has recently emerged as a potential modulator of carcinogenesis, immune responses, and metastatic progression. However, comparative cross-cancer analyses remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the IM across these cancer types, with particular emphasis on distinguishing metastatic from non-metastatic malignancies, to identify tumor-specific microbial signatures with potential relevance for biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and microbiota-informed… More >

Yu-Hao Huang¹, Yu-Ci Tu¹, Peng-Ju Chien^1,2, An-Jie Lee¹, Chia-Liang Lin³, Shao-Ti Li⁴, Yueh-Chun Lee^4,5,*, Wen-Wei Chang^1,6,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.075190 - 22 April 2026

Abstract Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies, including radiotherapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance in TNBC. Identifying pathways sustaining CSCs in radioresistant TNBC is key for targeted therapies. This study examines SRC proto-oncogene (SRC) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation in radioresistance and CSC maintenance. Methods: A radioresistant MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line (231RR) was developed and compared to the parental line for CSC activity and self-renewal. Western blotting assessed molecular changes; functional assays followed… More >