Hang Zhang^1,#, Meng-Yuan Chu^1,#, Guohui Lv¹, You-Jie Li¹, Xuhang Liu², Fei Jiao^1,*, Yun-Fei Yan^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.068322 - 23 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited understanding of lncRNA-driven mechanisms in tumor progression. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in NSCLC tissues and elucidate the functional role of the significantly upregulated RP3-340N1.2 in promoting malignancy. Methods: RNA sequencing was used to screen dysregulated lncRNAs. RP3-340N1.2 was functionally characterized via gain/loss-of-function assays in NSCLC cells, assessing proliferation, migration, and macrophage polarization. Mechanisms of interleukin 6 (IL-6) regulation were explored using cytokine profiling, Actinomycin D assays, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays to study RP3-340N1.2 interactions with… More >

Xinyang Li^1,2,3,#, Luyuan Ma^1,2,3,#, Chuan Shen^1,2,3, Ruolan Gu^1,2,3, Shilong Dong^1,2,3, Mingjie Liu^1,2,3, Ying Xiao^1,2,3, Wenpeng Liu^1,2,3, Yuexia Liu^1,2,3, Caiyan Zhao^1,2,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073179 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy. Metabolic reprogramming dynamically remodels the tumor microenvironment (TME) and drives HCC progression. This study investigated the mechanism through which metabolic reprogramming remodels the TME in HCC. Methods: HCC patient transcriptome data were subjected to bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes and immune infiltration status. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA) expression and M2 macrophage infiltration. SDHA-knockdown or SDHA-overexpressing HCC cells were used for in vitro experiments, including co-culturing, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting… More >

Marco Siringo^1,2,#,*, Michela De Meo^1,#, Alain Jonathan Gelibter³, Chiara Nicolazzo^4,5,§, Paola Gazzaniga^5,§

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069832 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapies have reshaped treatment non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) paradigms, prognosis remains poor for many patients due to delayed diagnosis and resistance mechanisms. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive approach to monitoring tumor evolution. Among circulating biomarkers, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAM-Ls) may provide complementary prognostic insights. The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of CTC and CAM-Ls dynamic in metastatic NSCLC patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 77 patients with metastatic NSCLC who underwent CTC and CAM-L evaluation via the CellSearch® system… 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 >

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 >

Tatiana M. Astakhova, Nikita S. Karpov, Nataliya O. Dashenkova, Elena V. Alpeeva, Mikhail V. Nesterchuk, Sergey B. Akopov, Arsen S. Mikaelyan, Anfisa S. Ryabchenko, Pavel A. Erokhov, Natalia P. Sharova^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2573-2595, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.066611 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Objectives: Proteasomes, multi-subunit proteases, are key actors of cellular protein catabolism and a number of regulatory processes. The detection of subtle proteasome functioning in tumors may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development. The current study aimed to identify the role of low molecular mass protein 2 (LMP2), a proteasome immune subunit, in the development of mouse colon 26 (C26) adenocarcinoma. Methods: The functions of the LMP2 subunit in tumor development in Balb/c mice were studied using its irreversible inhibitor KZR-504. LMP2 activity was detected by the hydrolysis of the fluorogenic substrate… More >

Yuriy Mayasin¹, Maria Osinnikova¹, Daria Osadchaya¹, Victoria Dmitrienko¹, Anna Gorodilova¹, Chulpan Kharisova¹, Kristina Kitaeva¹, Ivan Filin¹, Valeria Solovyeva¹, Albert Rizvanov^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2221-2242, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.064677 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm with a high propensity to metastasize, arising from melanocytes and contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of many immunotherapy approaches, these methods rely on direct destruction of tumor cells with minimal impact on the aggregate of nearby non-tumor cells, the extracellular matrix, and blood vessels that form the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is known to be heterogeneous and dynamic, exerting both antitumor and pro-tumor effects depending on the specific features and stage of carcinogenesis. TME has been shown in several studies to promote… More >

JIAJIA LV, XIAOYOU ZHONG, LIN WANG, WEIFEI FAN^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.7, pp. 1581-1592, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.060063 - 26 June 2025

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic network comprised of tumor cells, surrounding cellular components, various signaling molecules, and the stroma. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are pivotal players in the immunosuppressive landscape of the TME, effectively hindering antitumor immune responses and facilitating tumor progression. Originating from pathologically activated myeloid precursors and relatively immature myeloid cells, MDSCs retain plasticity to further differentiate into other myeloid cells, such as macrophages or dendritic cells, which underpins their heterogeneity and adaptability in response to the TME. In this review, we delve into the plasticity of MDSCs in More >

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 >

YU HONG^1,#, YUNXIANG TANG^1,#, WENYAN ZHOU¹, HANYUE LUO², LINLIN BU², HUI QIU^3,*, QIUJI WU^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.6, pp. 1347-1361, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.059327 - 29 May 2025

Abstract As a rising immune checkpoint on tumor cells, CD24 is closely related to tumorigenesis and progression. CD24 can directly regulate the malignant behavior of tumor cells and indirectly inhibit the function of immune cells in the meantime, which promotes the immune escape of tumor cells, induces cancer invasion and causes poor prognosis. The basic principle of cancer treatment is to induce cell death and inhibit cell survival. Resistance to chemoradiotherapy is a critical challenge in oncology, which limits the effectiveness of anti-cancer treatments. Many studies have shown a strong association between CD24 and chemoradiotherapy More >