Giacomo Iovane^1,*, Luca Traman², Michele Maffezzoli^1,3, Giuseppe Fornarini², Domenico Corradi⁴, Debora Guareschi⁴, Matteo Santoni^5,#, Sebastiano Buti^1,#

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070523 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Background: While the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is evolving due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), optimal strategies for later lines of therapy have yet to be defined. The combination of lenvatinib and everolimus represents a viable option, and the present review aimed to summarize its activity, effectiveness, and safety. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, targeting studies published between 2018 and 2025. Eligible studies included English-language prospective and retrospective trials reporting survival outcomes in mRCC patients treated with lenvatinib and everolimus after at least one ICI-containing regimen. Results:… More > Graphic Abstract

Yi Feng^1,#, Haoxin Yang², Guicai Liang¹, Jun Chen³, Tao Li¹, Yingjuan Wang⁴, Jilin Chang¹, Yan Li³, Meng Yang¹, Xilong Zhou¹, Zhiqiang Wang^5,*, Chunlei Ge^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3801-3836, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067824 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has limited efficacy in the treatment of immune “cold” tumors. Due to insufficient T cell infiltration and heterogeneous programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, the ORR is only 5%–8% compared with 30%–40% of “hot” tumors. This article reviews the synergistic mechanism, clinical efficacy and optimization strategy of oncolytic virus (OVs) combined with ICIs in the treatment of refractory malignant tumors. Systematic analysis of mechanistic interactions across tumor types and clinical trial data demonstrates that OVs transform the immunosuppressive microenvironment by inducing immunogenic cell death and activating innate immunity. Concurrently, ICIs enhance… More >

Huan Wang^1,#, Jindong Xie^1,#, Na Li¹, Qianwen Liu¹, Wenqi Song¹, Wenkuan Chen¹, Cheng Peng^2,*, Hailin Tang^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3789-3800, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067592 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Solid tumors comprise the majority of the global cancer burden, with their incidence and associated mortality posing considerable challenges to public health systems. With population growth and aging, the burden of these tumors is anticipated to increase further in the coming decades. The progression of solid tumors depends on dynamic interactions between malignantly transformed cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy improves T cell-mediated antitumor activity by suppressing regulatory pathways, such as programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1. Nonetheless, its widespread application is constrained by drug resistance. In this comprehensive review, More >

Takeshi Toyozumi^1,*, Hideaki Shimada², Hisahiro Matsubara¹

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3185-3206, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.065818 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Cancer immunotherapy has long been established as an important treatment option for cancers. In particular, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) has been reported to be effective against various gastrointestinal cancers (esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer); however, the treatment phase in which ICI should be used and how it should be incorporated into the treatment strategy vary depending on the cancer type being treated. Multiple clinical trials and basic research on ICIs are currently underway, and new insights from these results will continue to change the clinical treatment strategy of gastrointestinal cancers. While it is desirable… More >

Xinyao Huang^1,#, Renjun Gu^2,3,#, Ziyun Li^4,*, Fangyu Wang^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.10, pp. 2857-2902, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.066805 - 26 September 2025

Abstract Cold tumors, defined by insufficient immune cell infiltration and a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), exhibit limited responsiveness to conventional immunotherapies. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of immune evasion and the therapeutic strategies for cold tumors as revealed by multi-omics technologies. By integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and spatial multi-omics data, the review elucidates key immune evasion mechanisms, including activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)–mediated immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming (e.g., lactate accumulation), and aberrant expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Furthermore, this review proposes multi-dimensional therapeutic strategies, such as targeting immunosuppressive pathways (e.g.,… More > Graphic Abstract

Jiao Li^1,2, Nurhayu Ab Rahman^1,3, Suharni Mohamad¹, Guang Yang⁴, Caixia Zhao^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2263-2278, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.065911 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Objectives: Checkpoint inhibitors have significantly improved outcomes in a number of malignancies. To determine the most effective course of treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), this systematic review evaluated the efficacy of several therapeutic approaches based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: A comprehensive evaluation of the literature was conducted, looking at randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials since database establishment. The risk of bias of the enrolled studies was analyzed using The Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4. Using network meta-analyses… More >

Jiahao Xue^1,#, Jingchang Zhang^2,#, Gang Chen³, Liucui Chen^4,*, Xinjun Lu^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2309-2329, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063719 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, largely driven by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates tumor growth, immune escape, and resistance to therapy. Although immunotherapy—particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—has transformed the therapeutic landscape by restoring T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses, their clinical benefit as monotherapy remains suboptimal. This limitation is primarily attributed to immunosuppressive components within the TME, including tumor-associated macrophages, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). To address these challenges, combination strategies have been explored, such as dual checkpoint blockade targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand More >

Filomena Emanuela Laddaga¹, Pamela Pinto², Bruna Daraia², Antonio D’amato^3,4, Stella D’oronzo^3,5, Stefano Martinotti^3,6,*, Francesco Gaudio^2,3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.7, pp. 1185-1206, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.063572 - 25 July 2025

Abstract Checkpoint inhibitors, particularly programmed cell death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors, have significantly advanced the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), especially in relapsed or refractory cases. However, challenges such as resistance, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and the need for effective patient selection remain. This review aims to explore the mechanisms of resistance to checkpoint inhibitors, including alterations in the tumor microenvironment, loss of antigen presentation, and T-cell exhaustion. Overcoming resistance may involve combination therapies, such as pairing PD-1 inhibitors with other immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted therapies like Brentuximab vedotin. Additionally, next-generation inhibitors targeting molecules like More >

MICHELE MAFFEZZOLI^1,2,#, GIULIA CLAIRE GIUDICE^1,2,#,*, GIACOMO IOVANE^1,2, MARTINA MANINI^1,2, ELENA RAPACCHI¹, GIUSEPPE CARUSO¹, NICOLA SIMONI³, STEFANIA FERRETTI⁴, STEFANO PULIATTI⁴, DAVIDE CAMPOBASSO⁵, SEBASTIANO BUTI^1,2

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 741-757, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.057278 - 19 March 2025

Abstract Background: immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC), significantly improving survival outcomes. However, a subset of patients do not respond to ICIs, prompting research into potential predictive factors. Commonly prescribed medications such as corticosteroids, proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics (Abs), antihypertensives, and analgesics may influence ICI effectiveness. Methods: we conducted a literature search on PubMed to investigate the impact of concomitant medications on the outcomes of patients with mUC, treated with ICIs. We selected the most relevant studies and performed a narrative review. Results: corticosteroids, PPIs and Abs have been associated More >

SHUANG CHEN^1,2,#, XUEMEI DENG^2,#, XINGTING HE², KEWEI XIANG², GUIHONG CHEN², HONGRU YANG^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 687-694, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052133 - 28 February 2025

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 >