Previous Issue
Volume 4, December
 
 

Onco, Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 11 articles

  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
23 pages, 14287 KiB  
Review
The Role of Therapeutic Vaccines in Cancer Immunotherapy
by Constantin N. Baxevanis, Ourania E. Tsitsilonis, Maria Goulielmaki, Nikolaos Tsakirakis and Angelos D. Gritzapis
Onco 2025, 5(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010011 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 164
Abstract
Cancer vaccines offer an exciting option for active immunotherapy, providing a potentially safe and effective treatment that also prevents or minimizes toxic side effects in vaccinated patients. Clinical results from previous phase III clinical trials have suggested that the efficacy of cancer vaccines [...] Read more.
Cancer vaccines offer an exciting option for active immunotherapy, providing a potentially safe and effective treatment that also prevents or minimizes toxic side effects in vaccinated patients. Clinical results from previous phase III clinical trials have suggested that the efficacy of cancer vaccines largely depends on their potential to trigger robust immunological responses. A preexisting immune response to cancer-specific peptides is crucial for achieving a meaningful clinical outcome during vaccinations. However, various factors may hinder the effectiveness of therapeutic vaccines. By overcoming these challenges, cancer vaccines have the potential to become a cornerstone in immunotherapy. This review aims to share our insights on the major challenges that are encountered when optimizing the potential of cancer vaccines, particularly focusing on important aspects regulating their clinical efficacy, such as vaccine composition, the adjuvant to be used and the HLA-restricting element for the tumor peptides targeted by a particular vaccine. Additionally, we discuss several obstacles which hindered the successful clinical development of therapeutic cancer vaccines, such as the standard of care, the clinical design, and the choice of the antigen(s) to be included in vaccine formulation. The identification of patients that are most likely to respond to vaccinations by developing immunological responses and the desirable clinical efficacy are also crucial, and, therefore, predictive biomarkers are strictly required. Finally, we present our views on future prospects that may lead to an enhancement of the anticancer effects of vaccines, ensuring their pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Evolving Landscape of Contemporary Cancer Therapies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 384 KiB  
Case Report
Debulking Therapy with Obinutuzumab Is Helpful and Safe in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Extreme Hyperleukocytosis: A Case Report
by Dario Leotta, Andrea Duminuco, Marina Silvia Parisi, Laura Caruso, Uros Markovic, Ermelinda Longo, Francesco Di Raimondo, Giuseppe Alberto Palumbo and Annalisa Chiarenza
Onco 2025, 5(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010010 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 137
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) represents the most frequent leukemia in the Western world, with an incidence of 4 [...] Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2241 KiB  
Review
HCC and Immunotherapy: The Potential Predictive Role of Gut Microbiota and Future Therapeutic Strategies
by Carmelo Laface, Eleonora Lauricella, Girolamo Ranieri, Francesca Ambrogio, Felicia Maria Maselli, Elena Parlagreco, Giulia Bernardi, Elena Fea and Gianmauro Numico
Onco 2025, 5(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010009 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 174
Abstract
During the last decade, a new therapeutic revolution has involved the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is made possible thanks to the documented efficacy of immunotherapy for this disease. In addition, new evidence has demonstrated the role of the gut–liver axis and [...] Read more.
During the last decade, a new therapeutic revolution has involved the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is made possible thanks to the documented efficacy of immunotherapy for this disease. In addition, new evidence has demonstrated the role of the gut–liver axis and gut microbiota in host homeostasis, tumor development, and response to therapies. In particular, intestinal dysbiosis can alter the tumor microenvironment, leading to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways that promote carcinogenesis. The composition of gut microbiota proved to influence the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) efficacy and drug toxicities. Therefore, this review aims to deepen knowledge about the immunomodulatory role of gut microbiota and its possible employment as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers in diagnosis and response to HCC immunotherapy, respectively. The research was conducted through the analysis of Pubmed and Web of Science (WoS) databases for literature studies on the relationship between gut microbiota and HCC from 2015 to 2025. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2518 KiB  
Article
Fraction of Genome Altered, Age, Microsatellite Instability Score, Tumor Mutational Burden, Cancer Type, Metastasis Status, and Choice of Cancer Therapy Predict Overall Survival in Multiple Machine Learning Models
by Guillaume Mestrallet
Onco 2025, 5(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010008 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The accurate prediction of overall survival (OS) in cancer patients is crucial for personalized treatment strategies. Methods: In this study, we developed machine learning models to predict OS by integrating clinical and mutational features from a cohort of 25,508 cancer patients. Key [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The accurate prediction of overall survival (OS) in cancer patients is crucial for personalized treatment strategies. Methods: In this study, we developed machine learning models to predict OS by integrating clinical and mutational features from a cohort of 25,508 cancer patients. Key features included tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), fraction of genome altered (FGA), copy number alterations (CNA), age, sex, race, cancer type, and metastasis status. Results: We applied multiple Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Ensemble models, achieving an accuracy of 74% for overall survival status, and a C-Index of 0.76 using the Random Survival Forest model. Importantly, FGA, age, MSI score, TMB, cancer type, and metastasis status were identified as major predictors of OS across all models. We also integrated treatment data from 16,603 patients, demonstrating that therapies like platinum, carboplatin, and taxanes are associated with differences in survival predictions, with some therapeutic regimens showing minimal impact. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential of using machine learning to predict OS by incorporating both clinical and mutational features. These models offer a promising approach for improving patient outcomes and could be further validated in prospective studies for clinical use. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 988 KiB  
Review
Mirtrons in Human Cancers
by Yi-Ling Chen, Nicholas Pascuzzi, Alejandro Ruiz and Kuan-Hui Ethan Chen
Onco 2025, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010007 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Mirtrons represent a new subclass of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are processed through non-canonical biogenesis pathways. Unlike canonical miRNAs, which require Drosha-mediated cleavage, mirtrons are generated via the splicing of short intronic sequences, bypassing Drosha entirely. While mirtrons are found across a variety of [...] Read more.
Mirtrons represent a new subclass of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are processed through non-canonical biogenesis pathways. Unlike canonical miRNAs, which require Drosha-mediated cleavage, mirtrons are generated via the splicing of short intronic sequences, bypassing Drosha entirely. While mirtrons are found across a variety of organisms, their conservation between species is relatively low. This evolutionary divergence has resulted in mirtrons acquiring species-specific regulatory functions. In humans, mirtrons remain an understudied group of regulatory RNAs. However, emerging evidence highlights their critical roles in cancer biology. These small RNAs influence a range of oncogenic processes, including tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. By directly regulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, mirtrons serve as key molecular mediators within cellular signaling pathways. What sets mirtrons apart from canonical miRNAs is their unique mode of biogenesis and structural attributes, which reveal alternative regulatory mechanisms that could be exploited in cancer biology. Recent advances in understanding their functions suggest that mirtrons hold significant potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, their role as modulators of cancer pathways positions them as promising therapeutic targets in precision oncology. This review delves into the growing body of research on mirtrons, focusing on their biogenesis, biological roles, and implications in cancer. By emphasizing their distinct features and clinical relevance, it aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the potential applications of mirtrons in advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 828 KiB  
Article
Disparities in Immunotherapy Use Prior to First-Line Approval for Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States
by Manav Shah, Abdullah Khalid, Oliver Standring, Neda Amini, Lyudmyla Demyan, Shruti Koti, Emma Gazzara, Grace Wu, Nandan Vithlani, Danielle DePeralta, Sepideh Gholami and Matthew Weiss
Onco 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010006 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 821
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Treatment options for advanced HCC are limited. Immunotherapy, a promising new therapeutic, has recently been incorporated as a first-line systemic treatment. This study evaluates immunotherapy uptake and disparities in its adoption prior to first-line approval, which are currently unknown. Methods: Patients diagnosed [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Treatment options for advanced HCC are limited. Immunotherapy, a promising new therapeutic, has recently been incorporated as a first-line systemic treatment. This study evaluates immunotherapy uptake and disparities in its adoption prior to first-line approval, which are currently unknown. Methods: Patients diagnosed with stage IV HCC between 2014 and 2019 were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for demographic and clinical variables to determine their association with the receipt of immunotherapy. Results: A total of 18,248 patients were diagnosed with stage IV HCC, of which 977 (5.35%) received immunotherapy. From 2014 to 2019, the rate of immunotherapy uptake increased each year, with an approximate 25-fold increase overall. On multivariable analysis, patients with a more recent period of diagnosis (OR: 30.19, 95% CI: 16.47–55.33), with private insurance (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.62–4.04), with treatment at an academic or research center (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.37–2.82), or with an income ≥ USD 63,333 (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.59) were more likely to receive immunotherapy. Conclusions: Various demographic factors impact the receipt of immunotherapy in the pre-approval setting, such as income, insurance status, and treatment center. As immunotherapy use will likely further expand and these disparities may potentially persist following first-line approval, strategies to mitigate them are especially important. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 214 KiB  
Editorial
Onco: Covering the Field of Cancer Research and Cancer Therapies in 2024
by Constantin N. Baxevanis, Maria Goulielmaki, Ourania E. Tsitsilonis and Angelos D. Gritzapis
Onco 2025, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010005 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
The year of 2024 was successful regarding the scientific performance of Onco [...] Full article
17 pages, 1083 KiB  
Article
Survival Patterns and Prognostic Factors in Lip Cancer Patients: A 15-Year Single-Center Experience from Northeastern Brazil
by Guilherme Carlos Beiruth Freire, Luiz Eduardo Rodrigues Juliasse, Salomão Israel Monteiro Lourenço Queiroz, Ruthinéia Diógenes Alves Uchôa Lins, Carlos Fernando Mourão and Bruno César de Vasconcelos Gurgel
Onco 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010004 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 556
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lip cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms in the oral cavity worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence, epidemiological profile, and survival rates of lip squamous cell carcinoma cases at the Liga Norte Riograndense Contra o Câncer (LNRCC) through a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lip cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms in the oral cavity worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence, epidemiological profile, and survival rates of lip squamous cell carcinoma cases at the Liga Norte Riograndense Contra o Câncer (LNRCC) through a 15-year retrospective analysis. Methods: Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, tumor features, staging, and treatment modalities from 348 patient records. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 and SPSS 22.0. Results: Results showed a predominance of male patients (70.4%), with a mean age of 65.51 years, mostly brown-skinned, illiterate individuals working in rural areas and residing in the state’s eastern region. Moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (82.8%) affecting the lower lip (89.1%) was most frequent, with a tendency toward advanced staging. The overall survival rate was 88.90%, with lower rates observed among white, illiterate, and substance-using patients, as well as those with advanced-stage disease and chemotherapy treatment. Conclusions: Notably, race emerged as the most significant survival predictor, with white individuals showing consistently lower survival rates regardless of disease characteristics or treatment approach. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 769 KiB  
Review
Dormant Tumor Cells: Current Opportunities and Challenges in Clinical Practice
by Emma Boydell, Maxime Borgeaud and Petros Tsantoulis
Onco 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010003 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 862
Abstract
Tumor dormancy plays a pivotal role in cancer relapse. Dormant tumor cells have been identified in distant sites, even in early-stage tumors, and are associated with worse outcomes. This review explores the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind tumor dormancy, [...] Read more.
Tumor dormancy plays a pivotal role in cancer relapse. Dormant tumor cells have been identified in distant sites, even in early-stage tumors, and are associated with worse outcomes. This review explores the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind tumor dormancy, including the role of the immune system and the microenvironment. Targeting dormant tumor cells could be a therapeutic strategy to offer long-term remission and potentially cure cancer. Unfortunately, the translation of this knowledge in clinical practice is lacking. We assess the feasibility of detecting and measuring dormant tumor cells in clinical practice, and give an overview of potential therapeutic targets, both in terms of maintaining tumor cells in a dormant state, and in terms of eradicating this tumor population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting of Tumor Dormancy Pathway)
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 1562 KiB  
Review
Dual Approaches in Oncology: The Promise of siRNA and Chemotherapy Combinations in Cancer Therapies
by Carolina Sousa and Mafalda Videira
Onco 2025, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010002 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 880
Abstract
The integration of small interfering RNA (siRNA) with traditional cancer therapies represents a promising frontier in oncology aimed at enhancing treatment effectiveness, reducing side effects, and overcoming drug resistance. This review highlights the potential of siRNA to selectively silence genes that are overexpressed [...] Read more.
The integration of small interfering RNA (siRNA) with traditional cancer therapies represents a promising frontier in oncology aimed at enhancing treatment effectiveness, reducing side effects, and overcoming drug resistance. This review highlights the potential of siRNA to selectively silence genes that are overexpressed or uniquely expressed in cancer cells, thereby disrupting critical pathways that support tumor growth and survival. Key target genes discussed include survivin, VEGF, EGFR, c-MET, HER2, MUC1, and Bcl-2, all of which play vital roles in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and resistance to therapies. Clinical trials investigating various siRNA candidates, such as EZN-3042 and ALN-VSP, indicate that these therapies are generally well-tolerated; however, significant challenges persist, including the effective delivery and stability of siRNA. Recent advancements in nanoparticle-based delivery systems have shown promise in addressing these issues. Future research will focus on optimizing siRNA delivery methods, personalizing therapies based on individual genetic profiles, and establishing clearer regulatory guidelines for approval. As the field evolves, siRNA-based combination therapies are poised to become an integral part of precision oncology, offering new therapeutic options and hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Evolving Landscape of Contemporary Cancer Therapies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 4737 KiB  
Case Report
Intratumoral/Peritumoral Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Mutant HSV1716 in Pediatric Patients with Refractory or Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas: A Report of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium
by Aaron Y. Mochizuki, Trent R. Hummel, Timothy Cripe, Maryam Fouladi, Ian F. Pollack, Duane Mitchell, Tina Young Poussaint, Arzu Onar-Thomas, Natasha Pillay-Smiley, Mariko DeWire-Schottmiller and Charles B. Stevenson
Onco 2025, 5(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5010001 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 485
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Multiple immune-modulatory strategies have been tested in efforts to mitigate the pro-tumor microenvironment in pediatric high-grade glioma. HSV1716 is an oncolytic virus that previously demonstrated evidence of response in adult and pediatric patients. PBTC-037 was a single-center phase I trial developed and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Multiple immune-modulatory strategies have been tested in efforts to mitigate the pro-tumor microenvironment in pediatric high-grade glioma. HSV1716 is an oncolytic virus that previously demonstrated evidence of response in adult and pediatric patients. PBTC-037 was a single-center phase I trial developed and performed by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) to estimate the maximum tolerated dose or recommended phase II dose of HSV1716 administered during surgical resection. Methods: Patients aged 12 to 21 years with recurrent or refractory high-grade glioma for whom surgical resection was clinically indicated were eligible. After maximal tumor resection, patients received one intraoperative dose of HSV1716. Results: Two patients were enrolled; one was later deemed ineligible yet was continued in follow up for safety. Both patients underwent complete tumor resection with the administration of HSV1716. Shortly after the enrollment of the two patients, this study was closed to accrual due to a change in the sponsor’s investment focus. One patient completed the 8-week reporting period without toxicity. The second patient who was later deemed ineligible had no evidence of dose-limiting toxicity. The two patients had progressive disease at 1.9 and 2.9 months after enrollment; both eventually died due to progressive disease at 7.5 months. Conclusion: We describe the administration of HSV1716 to two pediatric patients with recurrent high-grade glioma, without evidence of dose-limiting toxicity. Oncolytic viruses are currently being tested in pediatric patients in larger combinatorial trials. Despite the limited numbers, the data presented here will hopefully provide incremental steps toward improved immunovirotherapy of pediatric brain tumors. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Previous Issue
Back to TopTop