Chenchen Wang^1,2, Mingzhu Huang^1,2, Wenhua Li^1,2, Xuedan Sheng^1,2, Xiaoying Zhao^1,2, Xiaodong Zhu^1,2, Zhiyu Chen^1,2, Zhe Zhang^1,2, Haiming Li^2,3, Weijian Guo^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.084378 - 13 August 2026

Abstract Background: Patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) face limited treatment options after failure of standard therapies. This single-arm, phase II study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rechallenge strategies using previously effective regimens in late-line mCRC. Methods: Patients who progressed after ≥2 lines of prior chemotherapy, with a prior progression-free survival (PFS) ≥4 months and a ≥4-month treatment-free interval on that regimen were enrolled. Patients received rechallenge chemotherapy (oxaliplatin-, irinotecan-, or raltitrexed-based) with or without targeted agents (bevacizumab or cetuximab). Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed PFS. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease… More >

Jie Wu^1,2, Zhewei Zhang^1,2, Kit Ying Chan^1,2, Tat San Lau^1,2,*, Chi Chiu Wang^1,2,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.083359 - 13 August 2026

Abstract Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, with most patients diagnosed at an advanced stage and eventually relapsed after post-platinum-taxane chemotherapy. High intratumoral heterogeneity, extensive peritoneal dissemination, and acquired chemoresistance continue to restrict the clinical benefits of current therapeutic strategies. Increasing evidence indicates that ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs), a rare but highly plastic subpopulation characterized by self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, quiescence, tumor-initiating capacity, and intrinsic stress tolerance, play pivotal roles in tumor initiation, metastasis, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. In this review, we systematically summarize current knowledge regarding the identification and functional characterization of OCSCs More >

Yanhong Wang^1,#, Junbo Liu^2,#, Qiaoping Xu^3,#, Zhao Ma^4,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.082432 - 13 August 2026

Abstract In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), alterations in cellular metabolism are a defining feature, among which impaired mitochondrial function stands out as a key factor influencing both tumor aggressiveness and patient responses to therapy. The aim of this review is to systematically synthesize current knowledge on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in RCC pathogenesis and to explore emerging therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial vulnerabilities. This comprehensive analysis examines the integrated dysregulation of core mitochondrial processes—bioenergetic metabolism, organelle dynamics, programmed cell death pathways, redox homeostasis, and selective autophagy—in driving RCC pathogenesis. Our synthesis reveals how genetic drivers, molecular… More >

Yongpan Wang^1,#, Weiqiang Huang^1,#, Qizhuan Lin², Helei Cai², Fengjin Dai³, Haiqing Gu¹, Shunyan Yu¹, Libo Jin^2,*, Renyi Peng^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.080113 - 13 August 2026

Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by poor clinical outcomes. Owing to the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) expression, TNBC shows limited responsiveness to conventional endocrine and targeted therapies. This subtype exhibits strong heterogeneity, a high propensity for metastasis, and a tendency to develop acquired drug resistance. Its survival and progression largely rely on non-classical signaling pathways, including Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and Notch, which collectively impose substantial challenges to clinical management. In recent… More >

Cristian Cojocaru, Marcel Costuleanu^*, Ovidiu Rusalim Petriș, Ruxandra Cojocaru, Decebal Vasîncu, Elena Cojocaru

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.8, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.080024 - 16 July 2026

Abstract Lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked (LCINS) represents a clinically and biologically distinct subset of non–small cell lung cancer, driven predominantly by oncogenic alterations rather than tobacco-related mutagenesis. This review aims to summarize current and emerging targeted and immune-based therapeutic strategies in LCINS individuals. These patients present a molecular profile that differs substantially from tobacco-associated disease and has direct consequences for treatment selection. Evidence published over the past five years has clarified how these molecular features shape treatment response and resistance in this setting. Particular attention is given to tumors with alterations in… More >

Ching-Chun Ho¹, Yen-Cheng Chen^1,2, Wei-Liang Lean¹, Wen-Sheng Wu^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.8, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.077693 - 16 July 2026

Abstract Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), as well as protein kinase B (AKT), are potential therapeutic targets for TNBC. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is implicated in TNBC progression and is associated with AKT and ERK signaling pathways. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) act upstream of MAPK/AKT and PD-L1. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of PD-L1 in TNBC progression and to delineate the underlying signaling mechanisms. Methods: Western blotting and reverse… More >

Yuyue Luo^1,#, Yikan Zheng^2,#, Jie Qin^1,#, Jinwei Liu², Yuhan Ma², Jingda Li³, Jun Li⁴, Wenlong Sun^1,*, Qian Zhang^2,*, Mengyao Li^5,6,*

European Cytokine Network, Vol.37, No.2, pp. 97-119, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ecn.2026.082885 - 30 June 2026

Abstract Cytokines, as key signaling molecules, are involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, immunity, and cell growth. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, enable precise control of gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Recent studies have revealed that cytokines interact with epigenetic regulation to form a dynamic and complex “cytokine-epigenetic axis”. Through metabolic reprogramming and regulation of epigenetic enzyme activity, this axis affects gene expression patterns at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of various diseases, including… More >

Ibrahim M. Ibrahim¹, Shadab Md^2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.077548 - 29 June 2026

Abstract Gut microbiota-derived exosomes (MDEs) have emerged as a novel class of drug delivery and are secreted by bacteria, fungi, and archaea in the human microbiota within the human intestinal ecosystem and possess inherent biocompatibility and lower immunogenicity, enabling seamless integration within host intestinal and systemic bioenvironments. This review elucidates the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing MDE function, explaining how their unique lipid bilayer composition facilitates cellular entry via receptor-mediated endocytosis and membrane fusion. This review discusses how gut MDEs traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier and intestinal mucosa, by modulating tight junction proteins… More > Graphic Abstract

Shadi Zerehpoosh¹, Yasuhito Tanaka², Said A. Al-Busafi^3,4, Gulnara Aghayeva⁵, Samir Rouabhia⁶, Qiuwei Pan⁷, Mohammed Eslam^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.076937 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a critical global health challenge, standing as a leading cause of cancer mortality with a significant and projected increasing incidence worldwide. A primary hurdle in HCC management is late diagnosis, often attributable to the absence of early symptoms. Despite considerable advancements in therapeutic strategies over the past decade, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, mortality rates remain high, underscoring the urgent need for more effective novel approaches. The inherent molecular complexity and heterogeneity of HCC, where only a minority of tumors possess readily targetable drivers, contribute to treatment resistance and More >

Yiyang Zhao¹, Changchang Sun¹, Qihan Dong², Jiangyang He¹, Yan Wang^1,3,*, Ling Bi^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2026.076499 - 21 May 2026

Abstract Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is an emerging biophysical principle that governs subcellular organization through the formation of dynamic, membraneless biomolecular condensates. This review aims to elucidate the multifaceted mechanisms by which dysregulated LLPS drives cancer drug resistance and to explore therapeutic strategies targeting oncogenic biomolecular condensates for improved anticancer outcomes. We synthesize evidence demonstrating that dysregulated LLPS drives cancer drug resistance through diverse mechanisms, including sustaining oncogenic transcription despite targeted therapies, creating physical barriers against chemotherapeutics, modulating immune checkpoint activity, enhancing DNA damage repair, promoting cancer stemness and radioresistance. By integrating insights from cell cycle More >