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 >

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 >

Xiangnan Feng^1,#, Dayong Li^2,#, Pingyu Wang¹, Xinyu Li², Guangyao Li^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3327-3346, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067343 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Lactylation, a post-translational modification process that adds lactate groups to lysine residues, plays a crucial role in cancer biology, especially in drug resistance. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of lactylation in cancer progression and drug resistance are still unclear, and therapeutic strategies targeting the lactylation pathway are expected to overcome metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive description and summary of lactylation modification and tumor drug resistance. Numerous studies have shown that, due to the Warburg effect, there is an abnormally high level of lactate in tumor cells. Elevated levels of… 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

EDUARDO ALVARADO-ORTIZ^1,2, MIGUEL ANGEL SARABIA-SáNCHEZ^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 1803-1818, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.065953 - 18 July 2025

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by a symbiosis between cancer cells and the immune cells. The scarcity of oxygen generates hostility that forces cancer cells to alter their biological features in solid tumors. In response to low oxygen availability, the Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF-1/2/3α) act as metabolic mediators, producing extracellular metabolites in the tumor microenvironment that influence the immune cells. The modulation of lactate and adenosine on immune evasion has been widely described; however, under hypoxic conditions, it has been barely addressed. Evidence has demonstrated an interplay between cancer and the immune cells, and More > Graphic Abstract

HYEON JI KIM^1,#, BO KYUNG JOO^1,#, JIN-SEOK BYUN^2,3,*, DO-YEON KIM^1,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.6, pp. 1271-1282, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.062207 - 29 May 2025

Abstract Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly aggressive and devastating disease arising primarily from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. HNSCC ranks as the sixth most common cancer worldwide, carrying significant morbidity and mortality. HPV-positive HNSCC can be partially prevented with the FDA-approved HPV vaccine and generally exhibits a more favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative cases. However, effective screening and treatment approaches remain elusive for HPV-negative HNSCC. While precancerous lesions may precede invasive cancer in certain situations, most patients present with advanced disease without prior indication of precancerous More >

HYUNG SEOK KIM^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.5, pp. 995-1000, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.060616 - 18 April 2025

Abstract The discovery of glycosylated RNA molecules, known as glycoRNAs, introduces a novel dimension to cellular biology. This commentary explores the transformative findings surrounding glycoRNAs, emphasizing their unique roles in cancer progression and the therapeutic opportunities they present. GlycoRNAs, through interactions with lectins and immune receptors, may contribute to tumor immune evasion. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of this emerging knowledge includes interventions targeting glycoRNA synthesis and modulation of associated signaling pathways. By highlighting these critical insights, this commentary aims to encourage the development of innovative strategies that could improve cancer prognosis and treatment. More >

Qian Yang, Alina Leonie Ruff, Lydia Meder^*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.2, pp. 161-165, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.060227 - 28 February 2025

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

QIUQIANG CHEN^1,*, XUEJUN GUO², WENXUE MA^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.1, pp. 49-60, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2023.042383 - 15 November 2023

Abstract Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer, with the tumor microenvironment (TME) playing a pivotal role in modulating the immune response. CD47, a cell surface protein, has been identified as a crucial regulator of the TME and a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy. However, the precise functions and implications of CD47 in the TME during immunotherapy for cancer patients remain incompletely understood. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of CD47’s multifaced role in TME regulation and immune evasion, elucidating its impact on various types of immunotherapy… More > Graphic Abstract

XIAOFENG LI¹, JINYANG ZHENG², JINFENG ZHU³, XIN HUANG⁴, HUANHUAN ZHU⁵, BINGDI CHEN^6,*

BIOCELL, Vol.47, No.8, pp. 1771-1781, 2023, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2023.028343 - 28 August 2023

Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are neoplastic cells that are detached from primary tumors and enter circulation. Enumeration and characterization of CTCs are of significance in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. CTC survival in the bloodstream is a limiting step for the development of metastases in distant organs. Recent technological advances, especially in single-cell molecular analyses have uncovered heterogeneous CTC survival mechanisms. Undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), increasing stem cell-like properties, and forming cell clusters enable CTCs to adapt to the harsh microenvironment of the circulation. Expressing and releasing several immunosuppressive molecules help CTCs escape from More >