Ping Wang^1,2,#, Yan-Han Chen^1,2,#, Ze-Tao Zhan^1,2, Jun-Xiang Zeng^1,2, Yu Chen^3,4, Yuan Lin^1,2, Tao Chen^1,5,*, Wei-Jie Zhou^1,2,5,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071902 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Background: Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative widely used in vaccines. This study aimed to investigate its potential antitumor effects and mechanisms in solid malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC) and melanoma. Methods: A combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches was employed. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, ATP viability, Western blotting, flow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell assays. Subcutaneous, lung metastases, and Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated CRC models were established to examine antitumor efficacy and safety. The functional role of mercury ions was validated using structural… More >

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

Rawabi S. Altuwayjiri, Ibtesam S. Almami^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3923-3943, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070104 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Objective: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most common malignancy among young men aged 20–40 years. Transglutaminase 7 (TG7), encoded by TGM7, is a poorly characterized enzyme whose function in TGCT remains unknown. This study aimed to assess TG7 expression in clinical specimens and investigate its functional role in a testicular germ cell tumor cell line (NT2/D1). Methods: TG7 protein expression was evaluated in clinical testicular tissue samples via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). Functional analysis was conducted in the NT2/D1 human testicular cancer cell line using Dicer-substrate small interfering RNAs (DsiRNAs) targeting TG7. Gene… More >

Sophia Strukel¹, Vikrant Rai^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.10, pp. 1887-1911, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.067207 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and are associated with high morbidity, risk of amputation, and increased mortality. Although DFUs typically remain a chronic, non-healing wound, a small portion of DFUs may undergo malignant transformation. The subsequent malignancies are skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Understanding the pathophysiology of DFUs and the molecular and clinical determinants that contribute to their potential malignant transformation if crucial for clinical management. Chronic inflammation, dysregulation of cytokine signaling, faulty immune surveillance, and impaired wound healing all play… More >

Shiyang Zhang^1,#, Jingchen Li^1,#, Qianxu Jin², Siyu Zhu¹, Hongshan Yan², Yizheng Wang³, Zihan Song¹, Liqiang Liu^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.10, pp. 2961-2979, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.064300 - 26 September 2025

Abstract Background: Glioma is the most common tumor of the central nervous system with a poor prognosis. This study aims to explore the role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIβ (CAMK2B) in regulating the malignant progression of glioma cells, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying these malignant behaviors. Methods: The correlation between CAMK2B expression in gliomas and patient prognosis was analyzed using immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blot. Furthermore, the study explored the role of CAMK2B in glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2^′-deoxyuridine (EdU), wound healing,… More >

Wenfei Luo^1,#, Dingming Song^2,#, Yibo He³, Judong Song^4,*, Yunzhen Ding^5,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 1875-1893, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063843 - 18 July 2025

Abstract Malignant melanoma, characterized by its high metastatic potential and resistance to conventional therapies, presents a major challenge in oncology. This review explores the current status and advancements in tumor vaccines for melanoma, focusing on peptide, DNA/RNA, dendritic cell, tumor cell, and neoantigen-based vaccines. Despite promising results, significant challenges remain, including the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, patient heterogeneity, and the need for more effective antigen presentation. Recent strategies, such as combining vaccines with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), aim to counteract immune evasion and enhance T cell responses. Emerging approaches, including personalized neoantigen vaccines and the use of More > Graphic Abstract

YUFENG WANG¹, HUIFENG DANG¹, QIANQIAN WANG¹, SHUXIAO WU¹, LEI HAN¹, XU LUO¹, YINGXIA TIAN^1,*, HAILIN TANG^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 1861-1874, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063716 - 18 July 2025

Abstract This review focuses on the metabolic issues related to mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDP) in malignant tumors and its potential mechanisms. Recent research on tumor metabolic mechanisms has shown that PDP dysregulation is closely linked to metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells, and potentially promotes tumor. Research has comprehensively explored the structural-functional characteristics of PDP, its metabolic regulatory mechanisms, and its role in various types of malignant tumors. Nevertheless, several questions still exist regarding its potential mechanisms within acetylation, phosphorylation, hypoxia, immune infiltration, mitochondrial metabolism, drug resistance, oxidative phosphorylation, and tumor prognosis. This article intends to More >

MOEKA NAKASHIMA, NAOKO SUGA, AKARI FUKUMOTO, SAYURI YOSHIKAWA, SATORU MATSUDA^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.5, pp. 1007-1017, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.059657 - 18 April 2025

Abstract Malignant tumors are heterogeneous diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and/or recurrence of their malignancies. In particular, cancer stem cells (CSCs) within these tumors might be responsible for the property of invasiveness and/or therapies-resistance. CSCs are a self-renewing, awfully tumorigenic subpopulation of cancer cells, which are notorious for strong chemoresistance and are frequently responsible the aggravated invasion, metastasis, and/or recurrence. Developing targeting therapies against CSCs, therefore, may be deliberated a more encouraging mission for the greater cancer therapy. Innovation for a more potent anti-CSC treatment has been required as soon as possible.… More > Graphic Abstract

GUANGXIAN YOU¹, QIAO YANG², XIN LI², LILI CHEN^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 905-917, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052089 - 19 March 2025

Abstract Background: Lung cancer remains a major factor causing cancer-associated mortality globally. While there have been advancements in treatment options, advanced lung cancer patients still have poor outcomes. This study aims to investigate the potential role of Transmembrane protein 33 (TMEM33) in the development of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We leveraged The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the connection between TMEM33 expression to the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Cell proliferation, invasiveness, and sphere formation were analyzed by various experiments. The association of miR-214-3p with TMEM33 was explored using luciferase reporter assay, immunoblotting, and real-time… More >

YONG RAO^1,3,4, XIAO CHEN^5,6, KAIYU LI^1,3,4, MINHAI NIE^1,3,4, XUQIAN LIU^2,3,4,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 577-590, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.053119 - 28 February 2025

Abstract Decorin (DCN) is primarily found in the connective tissues of various parts of the body, including the lungs, kidneys, bone tissue, aorta, and tendons. It is an important component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and belongs to the class I small leucine-rich proteoglycans family. DCN is increasingly attracting attention due to its significant role in tumors, fibrotic diseases, and the regulation of vascular formation. Moreover, its anti-tumor properties have positioned it as a promising biomarker in the fight against cancer. Numerous studies have confirmed that DCN can exert inhibitory effects in various solid tumors, particularly… More >