DIMITRA P. VAGELI^1,2,*, PANAGIOTIS G. DOUKAS³, KERASIA GOUPOU², ANTONIOS D. BENOS², KYRIAKI ASTARA^2,4, KONSTANTINA ZACHAROULI², SOTIRIS SOTIRIOU⁵, MARIA IOANNOU²

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1239-1256, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.052130

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by extensive heterogeneity and vascular proliferation. Hypoxic conditions in the tissue microenvironment are considered a pivotal player leading tumor progression. Specifically, hypoxia is known to activate inducible factors, such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α), which in turn can stimulate tumor neo-angiogenesis through activation of various downward mediators, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we aimed to explore the role of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes alone and in combination with other prognostic markers or clinical and image analysis data, as potential biomarkers of GBM prognosis… More >

GERHARD HAMILTON^*, MARIE-THERESE EGGERSTORFER, SANDRA STICKLER

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1257-1264, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.051653

Abstract The Kirsten rat sarcoma virus—son of sevenless 1 (KRAS-SOS1) axis drives tumor growth preferentially in pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer. Now, KRAS G12C mutated tumors can be successfully treated with inhibitors that covalently block the cysteine of the switch II binding pocket of KRAS. However, the range of other KRAS mutations is not amenable to treatment and the G12C-directed agents Sotorasib and Adragrasib show a response rate of only approximately 40%, lasting for a mean period of 8 months. One approach to increase the efficacy of inhibitors is their inclusion into proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which… More > Graphic Abstract

SIDDAVARAM NAGINI¹, PRATHAP REDDY KALLAMADI², KRANTHI KIRAN KISHORE TANAGALA³, GEEREDDY BHANUPRAKASH REDDY^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1287-1308, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.049918

Abstract Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are a superfamily of enzymes that play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including the metabolism of xenobiotics, steroids, and carbohydrates. A growing body of evidence has unveiled the involvement of AKRs in the development and progression of various cancers. AKRs are aberrantly expressed in a wide range of malignant tumors. Dysregulated expression of AKRs enables the acquisition of hallmark traits of cancer by activating oncogenic signaling pathways and contributing to chemoresistance. AKRs have emerged as promising oncotherapeutic targets given their pivotal role in cancer development and progression. Inhibition of aldose reductase… More >

ANA S. CVETANOVIC^1,2,*, MATTEO LAMBERTINI^3,4, KEVIN PUNIE⁵, GORANA G. MATOVINA BRKO⁶, NIKOLA D. ZIVKOVIC^7,8, MAJA J. POPOVIC^6,9, MARIJANA M. MILOVIC KOVACEVIC¹⁰, LAZAR S. POPOVIC^6,9

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1309-1322, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.049743

Abstract Oncofertility is an extremely significant topic that is increasingly being discussed owing to increased evidence indicating that fertility preservation does not affect the treatment outcomes of patients with cancer but significantly contributes to preserving life quality. The effect of chemotherapy can range from minimal effects to complete ovarian atrophy. Limited data are available on the effects of monoclonal antibodies and targeted therapies on the ovaries and fertility. Temporary ovarian suppression by administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) during chemotherapy decreases the gonadotoxic effect of chemotherapy, thereby diminishing the chance of developing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).… More > Graphic Abstract

SNJEŽANA KAŠTELAN^1,2, ANA DIDOVIĆ PAVIČIĆ³, DARIA PAŠALIĆ⁴, TAMARA NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ⁵, SAMIR ČANOVIĆ^3,7, PETRA KOVAČEVIĆ^1,6,*, SUZANA KONJEVODA^3,7

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1265-1285, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.048437

Abstract Uveal and conjunctival melanomas are relatively rare tumors; nonetheless, they pose a significant risk of mortality for a large number of affected individuals. The pathogenesis of melanoma at different sites is very similar, however, the prognosis for patients with ocular melanoma remains unfavourable, primarily due to its distinctive genetic profile and tumor microenvironment. Regardless of considerable advances in understanding the genetic characteristics and biological behaviour, the treatment of uveal and conjunctival melanoma remains a formidable challenge. To enhance the prospect of success, collaborative efforts involving medical professionals and researchers in the fields of ocular biology… More > Graphic Abstract

RUIFANG LI¹, XINRONG NAN^2,*, MING LI^3,*, OMAR RAHHAL³

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1323-1334, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.046965

Abstract Background: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a cell surface serine protease, plays roles in tumor invasion and immune regulation. However, there is currently no pan-cancer analysis of FAP. Objective: We aimed to assess the pan-cancer expression profile of FAP, its molecular function, and its potential role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). Methods: We analyzed gene expression, survival status, immune infiltration, and molecular functional pathways of FAP in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) tumors. Furthermore, to elucidate the role of FAP in HNSC, we performed proliferation, migration, and invasion assays… More >

MING ZHUANG, XUE ZHANG, LU LI, LIMING WEN, JIAMIN QIN^*

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1347-1357, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.046170

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant threat to human health. Resistance to sorafenib in the chemotherapy of HCC is a common and significant issue that profoundly impacts clinical treatment. While several members of the transmembrane (TMEM) protein family have been implicated in the occurrence and progression of HCC, the association between TMEM39b and HCC remains unexplored. This study revealed a significant overexpression of TMEM39b in HCC, which correlated with a poor prognosis. Subsequent investigation revealed that RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3) induced pronounced ferroptosis in HCC, and knocking down the expression of TMEM39b significantly decreased its More >

HAIQING HU^1,#,*, HAO YANG^2,#, SHUAISHUAI FAN³, XUE JIA³, YING ZHAO³, HONGRUI LI³

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1335-1346, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.044174

Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in cancer progression and drug resistance development. Moreover, there is evidence that lncRNA HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. The present study aimed to examine the functional role of lncRNA HOTAIR in conferring radiotherapy resistance in CRC cells, as well as the underlying mechanism. The relative expression levels of HOTAIR were examined in 70 pairs of CRC tumor and para-cancerous tissues, as well as in radiosensitive and radioresistant samples. The correlations between HOTAIR expression levels and clinical features of patients with… More >

WEI JIANG¹, MEI ZHOU^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.8, pp. 1359-1368, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.043423

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy and remains incurable as it lacks effective curative approaches; thus, novel therapeutic strategies are desperately needed. The study aimed to explore the therapeutic role of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in MM and explore its mechanisms. Human MM and normal plasma samples, human MM cell lines, and normal plasma cells were used for in vitro experiments. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and trans-well assays were performed for the assessment of cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess the mRNA expression… More > Graphic Abstract

LISANNE K.A. NEIJENHUIS^1,2,3,#, LEUTA L. NAUMANN^4,#, SONIA A.M. FERKEL¹, SAMUEL J.S. RUBIN¹, STEPHAN ROGALLA^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.32, No.7, pp. 1163-1172, 2024, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.050907

Abstract Background: Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary bone tumor. The prognosis for patients with disseminated disease remains very poor despite recent advancements in chemotherapy. Moreover, current treatment regimens bear a significant risk of serious side effects. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need for effective therapies with improved safety profiles. Taurolidine is an antibacterial agent that has been shown to induce cell death in different types of cancer cell lines. Methods: In this study, we examined both the antineoplastic and antiangiogenic effects of taurolidine in animal models of osteosarcoma. K7M2 murine osteosarcoma cells were… More >