Ping Wang^1,2,#, Yan-Han Chen^1,2,#, Ze-Tao Zhan^1,2, Jun-Xiang Zeng^1,2, Yu Chen^3,4, Yuan Lin^1,2, Tao Chen^1,5,*, Wei-Jie Zhou^1,2,5,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071902 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Background: Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative widely used in vaccines. This study aimed to investigate its potential antitumor effects and mechanisms in solid malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC) and melanoma. Methods: A combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches was employed. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, ATP viability, Western blotting, flow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell assays. Subcutaneous, lung metastases, and Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated CRC models were established to examine antitumor efficacy and safety. The functional role of mercury ions was validated using structural… More >

Mariana Francisco¹, Fernando Mendes^1,2,3,4,5,*, Diana Martins^1,2,3,4, Joana Liberal^1,2

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070276 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health burden, and Urolithin A (Uro-A) has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. This systematic review aims to synthesize current in vitro evidence on the anticancer effects of Uro-A in CRC, highlighting effective concentration ranges, exposure times, relevant outcomes, and underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the following strategy: (colorectal cancer) AND (urolithin a) OR (3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo(b,d)pyran-6-one). Eligibility criteria were defined by the PICO framework: (P) in vitro CRC cell models; (I) Uro-A alone or… More > Graphic Abstract

Katerina Ondraskova^1,2, Matous Cwik³, Ondrej Horky⁴, Jitka Berkovcova⁴, Jitka Holcakova¹, Martin Bartosik¹, Tomas Kazda⁵, Klara Mrazova^1,6, Michal Uher⁷, Igor Kiss³, Roman Hrstka^1,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070116 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Cancer treatment relies heavily on accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring of the disease. These processes often involve invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy, to detect malignant tissues, followed by molecular analyses to determine relevant biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for detecting Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Proto-Oncogene (KRAS), Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog (NRAS), and B-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from colorectal cancer patients using liquid biopsy. Methods: ctDNA was isolated from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n = 110) and analyzed for KRAS, BRAF,… More >

Urszula Częścik^1,2,#, Martyna Gryglas³, Arkadiusz Szterk⁴, Sylwia Flis^3,#,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067449 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases. By 2050, CRC incidence is expected to rise substantially, driven by population aging and greater exposure to risk factors in developing countries. Despite advances in medicine and pharmacy, the effectiveness of available treatments remains limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes and critically evaluates currently available CRC therapies and explores new emerging directions. Particular attention is given to the role of immunotherapy, targeted therapies,… More >

Kai Gui^1,#, Tianyi Yang^1,#, Chengying Xiong¹, Yue Wang¹, Zhiqiang He¹, Wuxian Li^2,3,*, Min Tang^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070143 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Objectives: The mechanism by which specific tumor subsets in colorectal cancer (CRC) use alternative metabolic pathways, particularly those modulated by hypoxia and fructose, to alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. This study aimed to identify these malignant subpopulations and characterize their intercellular signaling networks and spatial organization through an integrative multi-omics approach. Methods: Leveraging bulk datasets, single-cell RNA sequencing, and integrative spatial transcriptomics, we developed a prognostic model based on hypoxia-and fructose metabolism-related genes (HFGs) to delineate tumor cell subpopulations and their intercellular signaling networks. Results: We identified a specific subset of stanniocalcin-2 positive (STC2+)… More > Graphic Abstract

Ranran Yang^1,2,3,#, Dan Yuan^2,#, Chaohan Liang^4,#, Siying Zhu⁴, Jie Huang², Yingqi Zhang⁴, Weiling He⁵, Qinghai Li^1,*, Hong Zhang^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3945-3971, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.064463 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a predominant contributor to global cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Oxaliplatin (OXP), a foundational chemotherapeutic agent for CRC, often exhibits limited efficacy due to the emergence of drug resistance. Although endothelin-1 (EDN1) has been implicated in tumor drug resistance, its role in oxaliplatin resistance in CRC remains poorly defined. This work aimed to define how EDN1 contributes to oxaliplatin resistance and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: Public genomic datasets were analyzed to confirm EDN1 upregulation in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its association with poor prognosis. EDN1 expression was… More >

Jun Li^1,#, Yang Chen^1,#, Zhijiao Hao², Zhiyong Zhang³, Jingyi Fan¹, Xiao Liu¹, Xueli Zhao³, Hongyan Zhang⁴, Chenpeng Wu^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3523-3541, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067535 - 22 October 2025

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 >

Jun Li¹, Kangmin Yu¹, Zhiyong Chen¹, Dan Xing², Binshan Zha¹, Wentao Xie¹, Huan Ouyang¹, Changjun Yu^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3469-3492, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.066193 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major contributor to global cancer mortality, ranking second worldwide for cancer-related deaths in 2022, and is characterized by marked heterogeneity in prognosis and therapeutic response. We sought to construct a machine-learning prognostic model based on a complement-related risk signature (CRRS) and to situate this signature within the CRC immune microenvironment. Methods: Transcriptomic profiles with matched clinical annotations from TCGA and GEO CRC cohorts were analyzed. Prognostic CRRS genes were screened using Cox proportional hazards modeling alongside machine-learning procedures. A random survival forest (RSF) predictor was trained and externally validated.… More >

Yuhang Jiang^#, Yijun Xu^#, Qi Zhu, Yingxia Wu, Zhe Wang, Shuang He, Shiyong Yu^*, Honggang Xiang^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2379-2398, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063501 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common and deadly, often leading to metastasis, challenging treatment, and poor outcomes. Understanding its molecular basis is crucial for developing effective therapies. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the role of Myosin Heavy Chain 11 (MYH11) in CRC progression, especially its effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell behavior, and to explore its potential regulation by the EMT transcription factor zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). Methods: Differential expression analysis was performed in the GSE123390 and TCGA-READ datasets, and 317 intersection genes were identified. The hub gene MYH11 was identified… More >

Chuncheng Liu¹, Xiaohan Liu¹, Ziqi Li¹, Yanruoxue Wei¹, Bangdong Liu², Peng Zhu², Yukun Liu^1,2,*, Ran Zhao^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 2085-2105, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.065739 - 18 July 2025

Abstract Background: VPS37A (VPS37A subunit of ESCRT-I), a component of the ESCRT-I (endosomal sorting complex required for transport I) complex, mediates vesicular trafficking through sorting endocytic ubiquitinated cargos into multivesicular bodies (MVBs). Although accumulating evidence indicates that VPS37A deficiency occurs in numerous malignancies and exerts tumor-suppressive effects during cancer progression, its functional significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis remains poorly characterized. Therefore, this study aims to further investigate the functional and molecular mechanisms by which VPS37A downregulation contributes to malignant biological phenotypes in CRC, with a specific focus on how its dysregulation affects cell death pathways.… More > Graphic Abstract