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

Fang Xu^1,2,#, Wan Li^1,#, Xiang-Jin Zheng^1,2, Yue Hao^1,2, Yi-Hui Yang^1,2, Hong Yang^1,2, Sen Zhang^1,2, Wan-Xin Cao^1,2, Xiao-Xue Li^1,2, Xu Zhang^1,2, Guan-Hua Du^1,2, Teng-Fei Ji^1,*, Jin-Hua Wang^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 1969-1989, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.062386 - 18 July 2025

Abstract Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers all over the world. The progression of CRC is associated with inflammation and disruptions in intestinal flora. 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) has been noted for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of AKBA on colon cancer caused by inflammation and its mechanism are not unclear. The study is to explore the effect of AKBA on CRC and its mechanism. Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation, (5-ethynyl-2^′-deoxyuridine, EdU)-DNA synthesis assay and colony formation were used to assess the effect of AKBA on the proliferation of CRC cells.… More >

Guo-Zhi Xu^1,2, Han-Yang Guan¹, Yan-Guan Guo¹, Yi-Ran Zhang¹, Jing-Hua Pan¹, Simin Luo³, Hui Ding¹, Yunlong Pan^1,*, Qi Yao^4,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 1947-1967, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.060440 - 18 July 2025

Abstract Background: Tumor angiogenesis is related to solid tumor occurrence. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 13 (USP13) is a deubiquitinating enzyme with a pivotal effect on tumor proliferation, metastasis, and tumorigenesis. Nonetheless, its effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) angiogenesis remains poorly understood. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and CRC cells were cultivated, followed by USP13 knockdown/overexpression using shRNA lentiviral vectors or plasmids. Conditioned media (CM) from treated CRC cells were collected to assess HUVEC migration, invasion, and tube formation. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) overexpression and recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) rescue experiments were performed.… More >

RAQUEL GÓMEZ-MOLINA^1,*, RAQUEL MARTÍNEZ^2,3,4, MIGUEL SUÁREZ^2,3,4,*, ANA PEÑA-CABIA¹, MARíA CONCEPCIóN CALDERÓN¹, JORGE MATEO^3,4

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.7, pp. 1531-1545, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063951 - 26 June 2025

Abstract Lynch syndrome (LS), also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited condition associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and other cancers. It is caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. These mutations lead to microsatellite instability (MSI) and defective DNA repair mechanisms, resulting in increased cancer risk. Early detection of LS is crucial for effective management and cancer prevention. Endoscopic surveillance, particularly regular colonoscopy, is recommended for individuals with LS to detect CRC at early stages. Additionally, universal screening of CRC for More > Graphic Abstract

XI ZHU^1,2,#, KAI HUANG^3,#, XIAOMING KAO², ZHAOHUI TANG³, WENJIE GUO³, TIANCONG WU^4,*, QIURONG LI^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.5, pp. 1149-1159, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054930 - 18 April 2025

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 vitro… More >