Dongchi Cai^1,2,#, Jialin Ji^3,#, Chunhui Yang^1,*, Hong Cai^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071152 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression, metastasis, and immune modulation. This review comprehensively explores how cancer cells rewire BCAA metabolism to enhance proliferation, survival, and therapy resistance. Tumors manipulate BCAA uptake and catabolism via high expression of transporters like L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and enzymes including branched chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1), branched chain amino acid transaminase 2 (BCAT2), branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), and branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK). These alterations sustain energy production, biosynthesis, redox homeostasis, and oncogenic… More >

Shenghui Su, Yu Zeng, Jiaxin Chen, Xieping Dong^*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070558 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Background: Recent studies have shown glycerolipid metabolism played an essential role in multiple tumors, however, its function in osteosarcoma is unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of glycerolipid metabolism in osteosarcoma. Methods: We conducted bioinformatics analysis using data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database and single-cell RNA sequencing. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify the Glycerolipid metabolism-related genes associated with the clinical outcome of osteosarcoma. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their interactions with immune cells were examined through single-cell analysis and co-culture experiments.… More >

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

Tao Zhu¹, Taofeng Wei¹, Mingdong Yang¹, Junjun Xu¹, Huifang Jiang¹, Wei He¹, Juyan Zheng^2,*, Haibin Dai^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070180 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Background: Aberrant expression of transcription factors (TFs) is a key mechanism mediating tumor immune escape and therapeutic resistance. The involvement of E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family of TFs in immune regulation is not fully understood. The study aimed to elucidate the function of E-twenty-six variant 4 (ETV4) in tumor immune evasion and its potential as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in melanoma. Methods: The expression patterns of ETS family TFs were analyzed in melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to dissect the cellular expression and function of ETV4 in the tumor… More >

Zhujiang Dai^1,2,#, Xiaoyong Ge^1,2,#, Wenbo Tang^1,2, Chen-Ying Liu^1,2, Yun Liu^1,2,*, Zhongchuan Wang^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 4113-4143, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.068473 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Objective: The plastic role of regulatory factor X1 (RFX1) in colon cancer progression and its impact on the tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood. The study aimed to clarify the molecular and clinical role of RFX1 in colon cancer. Methods: We classified colon cancers into subgroups with high and low RFX1 expression and characterized their immune profiles, mutational profiles, cancer immunotherapy and drug sensitivity. By combining RFX1 expression with persistent tumor mutational burden, we proposed a novel nomogram clinical prediction model and validated its predictive performance, and the correlation between high expression and poor prognosis. Results: Compared… 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 >

Lihao Zhang^1,2, Lin Cao^1,2, Lige Huang^1,2, Jie Wang^1,2, Jiabing Li^2,3,*

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.32, No.5, pp. 457-468, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cju.2025.067364 - 30 October 2025

Abstract Background: Studies have indicated an association between inflammatory factors (IFs) in the blood and the development of bladder cancer (BC). This study aimed to explore the correlation and clinical significance of IFs with the pathological grading of BC. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the preoperative blood routine results, postoperative pathological findings, and baseline information of 163 patients. Patients were divided into high-grade and low-grade groups based on pathological grading. Group comparisons and logistic regression analyses were performed using R software version 4.1.3 to explore the relationships between IFs and BC pathological grading. Results: The… More >

Xuejun Guo^1,2, Yilin Fu³, Natalia Baran^4,5, Wenxue Ma^6,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3375-3385, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071708 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), an immune checkpoint commonly referred to as the “don’t eat me” signal, plays a pivotal role in tumor immune evasion by inhibiting phagocytosis through interaction with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Although early enthusiasm drove broad clinical development, recent discontinuations of major CD47-targeted programs have prompted re-evaluation of its therapeutic potential. The purpose of this commentary is to contextualize the setbacks observed with first-generation CD47 inhibitors and to highlight strategies aimed at overcoming their limitations. Clinical challenges, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, suboptimal pharmacokinetics, and limited… More >

Xingchao Song^1,#, Qiuyu Song^2,#, Xiao Ma¹, Anzhi Xu¹, Chunyan Tian^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3583-3603, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067638 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Background: Motif interacting with ubiquitin-containing novel DUB family-1 (MINDY1) could enhance the stability of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The study aimed to investigate whether MINDY1 regulates the immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mediated by PD-L1. Methods: MINDY1 and PD-L1 levels were detected through Western blot. The link between MINDY1 and PD-L1 was validated using the co-immunoprecipitation assay. The malignant biology of HCC cells was assessed through Cell Counting Kit-8, Carboxyfluorescein Succinimidyl Ester staining, transwell, and wound healing assay. CD8⁺ T cells were isolated and then co-cultured with HCC cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay kits detected CD8⁺… More > Graphic Abstract