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Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 35387

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Dr. Letizia Polito

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Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences -DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Interests: immunotoxin; immunoconjugate; immunotargeting; plant toxins; ribosome-inactivating proteins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Federica Falà

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences -DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Interests: cell signalling; immunotargeting; plant toxins

Dr. Riuko Ohashi

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Guest Editor

Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
Interests: renal cell carcinoma; pathology; molecular pathology; biomarkers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue entitled “Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition)” to celebrate and highlight the achievements of women in the development of new molecules and therapies for cancer research area.

For this Special Issue, we are seeking the submission of original research articles and comprehensive review papers from oncology-related fields, in particular regarding new therapeutic targets, therapeutic strategies, and research of biomedicines and biopharmaceutical products.

Dr. Letizia Polito
Dr. Federica Falà
Dr. Riuko Ohashi
Guest Editors

Women’s Special Issue Series

This Special Issue is part of Biomedicines's Women’s Special Issue Series, hosted by women editors for women researchers. The Series advocates the advancement of women in science. We invite contributions to the Special Issue whose lead authors identify as women. The submission of articles with all-women authorship is especially encouraged. However, we do welcome articles from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

antibody
biomedicines
biopharmaceutical products
cancer therapy
drug delivery
immunoconjugates
immunotoxins
immunotherapy
immunotargeting
nanodelivery
toxins

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Related Special Issue

Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines in Biomedicines (10 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4184 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins from Salsola soda L. and Saponaria officinalis L. Are Promising Candidates for Targeted Therapy of Colon Cancer

by Francesco Biscotti, Sara Ragucci, Massimo Bortolotti, Federica Falà, Chiara Perrone, Nicola Landi, Andrea Bolognesi, Antimo Di Maro and Letizia Polito

Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14050981 - 24 Apr 2026

Viewed by 955

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are plant-derived enzymes with potent cytotoxic activity, widely studied as anticancer agents, particularly as toxic payloads in immunoconjugates. Despite numerous encouraging results reported, their clinical application has been limited by their immunogenicity. RIPs from edible plants have been proposed as potentially more suitable candidates due to their possible improved tolerability. However, this aspect still requires validation in vivo in animal models. This study investigated the cytotoxic activity, mechanisms of action and translational potential of sodin 5 (a recently characterized type 1 RIP derived from the edible plant Salsola soda L.) in human colon cancer models, comparing it to the well-known type 1 RIP saporin-S6. Methods: The effects of sodin 5 and saporin-S6 on cell viability, cell death mechanisms and epithelial barrier integrity were assessed on HT29 and Caco-2 cell lines. Sodin 5 cross-reactivity with other anti-type 1 RIP sera was evaluated by ELISA. Finally, its structural characteristics were analyzed. Results: Sodin 5 showed a cytotoxic effect comparable to that of saporin-S6 in HT29 and Caco-2 colon cancer cells, with time- and concentration-dependent reductions in viability. Both type 1 RIPs disrupted the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier in mono- and co-culture models and predominantly activated the apoptotic pathway, without inducing necrosis. Sodin 5 exhibited limited immunological cross-reactivity and a conserved catalytic core, supporting its potential relevance as a therapeutic payload for intestinal cancer therapy. Conclusions: Our results indicate that sodin 5 possesses promising characteristics for anticancer applications, particularly in the treatment of intestinal malignancies, where local exposure and repeated administration are often required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 847 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Inflammatory Footprint of Anti-Breast Cancer Treatments and Psychosocial Factors in Women Undergoing Chemotherapy

by Magda A. Oliveira, Susana S. Almeida, Gabriela Martins, Inês Godinho, Carlos Palmeira, Maria Emília Sousa, Lia Fernandes, Rui Medeiros and Marina Prista Guerra

Biomedicines 2025, 13(10), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13102563 - 21 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1246

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Despite the well-recognized role of inflammation in breast cancer course, the biological mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology are complex, heterogeneous, and still unclear. However, evidence shows that cancer treatments and stress system responses impact the patient’s inflammatory status. We aim to analyze the inflammatory footprint of anti-breast cancer treatments and psychosocial factors by observing the evolution of inflammatory and psychosocial markers pre- and post-chemotherapy; to examine the associations between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines with psychosocial factors after chemotherapy; and to identify vulnerability/resilience variables that may improve patients’ referral for psycho-oncological interventions before/after chemotherapy. Methods: We performed a well-controlled cohort study of premenopausal women diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Patients were longitudinally evaluated at pre-chemotherapy (post-surgery in the adjuvant cohort) and post-chemotherapy. Both evaluations included clinical, immunological, and psychosocial data. Results: A significant decrease in TNF-α (p = 0.001) was observed in the adjuvant cohort compared to the neoadjuvant cohort. After chemotherapy, we found a significant decline in IL-17a, TNF-α, and IL-10 (p = 0.000, 0.000, 0.020), reinforcing the influence of chemotherapy on immunocompetence. Significant relations (p < 0.01) were found between the inflammatory biomarkers that decreased post-chemotherapy and psychosocial factors. Venting and instrumental/emotional support coping played the greatest role in immunological–psychological interactions. Conclusions: The findings confirm an inflammatory footprint, linking the complex interplay between breast tumors, anti-breast cancer treatments, and psychosocial factors. By supporting the immunoregulatory role of biological and psychosocial factors in immunocompetence, our findings bring potential insights into a biopsychosocial approach that targets both survival and psychological adjustment outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 1009 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Specific Patterns and Predictors of Reverse Left Ventricular Remodeling and Outcomes in STEMI Patients with LVEF ≤ 50% After Successful Primary Angioplasty

by Bogdan-Flaviu Buz, Sergiu-Florin Arnautu, Mirela-Cleopatra Tomescu, Minodora Andor, Simina Crisan, Dan Gaita, Cristina Vacarescu, Constantin-Tudor Luca, Cristian Mornos, Dragos Cozma and Diana-Aurora Arnăutu

Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071782 - 21 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background: Sex-related differences in left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain underexplored. We aimed to investigate predictors of reverse remodeling and its association with clinical outcomes, with a focus on sex-specific differences. Methods: We enrolled 253 STEMI patients (91 women, 28%) and assessed echocardiographic parameters at baseline and six months. LV reverse remodeling was defined as a ≥15% reduction in LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of remodeling. Clinical outcomes were evaluated over a median follow-up of 17 months (IQR 14–22 months), including major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed. Results: Reverse remodeling occurred in 43% of patients and was more frequent in men than women (47% vs. 37%, p = 0.04). Male sex (OR 0.30; 95% CI: 0.14–0.65; p < 0.0001) and baseline global work efficiency (GWE) (OR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.45–1.85; p < 0.0001) were independent predictors. Men exhibited greater reductions in LVEDV, greater improvements in LV ejection fraction, and superior myocardial work indices. Over the follow-up, patients with reverse remodeling had significantly lower MACE rates compared to those without (10% vs. 24%, p < 0.01). Cox regression demonstrated that reverse remodeling was associated with a reduced risk of MACEs (HR 0.318; 95% CI: 0.181–0.557; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: LV reverse remodeling after STEMI is associated with improved clinical outcomes and is influenced by sex-specific differences. Baseline myocardial work indices, particularly GWE, are strong predictors of reverse remodeling. Men demonstrated a more favorable remodeling profile and myocardial recovery compared to women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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14 pages, 1702 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Gender on Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Real-World Study

by Teresa Calleja-Chucla, Patricia Cordeiro González, Alejandro Martínez Pradeda, Sonia Pértega-Díaz, Luis Margusino-Framiñán and Silvia Antolín Novoa

Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020437 - 11 Feb 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2792

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between men and women with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in second-line and later treatments. Methods: A retrospective, single-center observational study was conducted on patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab) from January 2015 to December 2019 (with follow-up until December 2021). Demographic, clinical, and treatment-related variables were collected. OSand PFSwere analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between genders using the log-rank test.A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounders. Results: A total of 189 patients were included, and 47 (25%) were women. The most common histology was adenocarcinoma (61%). Women began treatment at a younger age (59.8 vs. 66 years, p < 0.001) and had higher rates of active smoking (46.8% vs. 38%, p = 0.001). The median OS was similar between men (9.5 months, 95% CI: 7.1–11.8) and women (9.2 months, 95% CI: 3.3–15.2; p = 0.382) while PFS was significantly higher in males (3.2 months, 95% CI: 2.5–4.0) than in females (2.1 months; 95% CI = 1.6–2.5) (p = 0.002).Women had higher rates of tumor cachexia (BMI < 20).Worse PFS was observed for women both in the <20 kg/m² (median PFS: 1.8 vs. 2.7 months, p = 0.016) and 20–24.9 kg/m² groups (median PFS: 2.2 vs. 3.3 months, p = 0.077), while in patients with a BMI >= 25 kg/m², median OS was higher in women than in men (14.7 months vs. 10.1 months). Women had also a significantly worse PFS than men among those with a cumulative tobacco consumption of <30 packs-year (median PFS: 2.2 vs. 3.2, p = 0.038. In the multivariate analysis, the male sex was significantly associated with a better PFS(HR = 0.59; p = 0.009), without significant differences between sexes in OS (HR = 0.90; p = 0.618). Among the other variables analyzed, only an ECOG >= 2 was significantly associated with both worse OS (HR = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.93–6.47) and PFS (HR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.23–3.89). Women who discontinued due to toxicity (n = 7) had a median OS of 41.4 months (95% CI: 14.7–68.1) after discontinuation, whereas men (n = 15) had a median OS of 8.8 months (95% CI: 6.9–10.8), (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Sex-based differences were observed in the ICI outcomes. Women had worse PFS, particularly with lower BMI and lower tobacco exposure, despite similar OS between sexes. Women discontinued ICIs due to toxicity earlier but showed longer OS after discontinuation. Poor ECOG status was linked to worse outcomes across all the patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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Review

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21 pages, 1505 KB

Open AccessReview

Role of the AIM2 Inflammasome in Cancer: Potential Therapeutic Strategies

by Chiara Colarusso, Michela Terlizzi, Simone Di Caprio, Anna Falanga, Emmanuel D’Andria, Roberta d’Emmanuele di Villa Bianca and Rosalinda Sorrentino

Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020395 - 6 Feb 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3745 | Correction

Abstract

Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a member of the innate immune sensors that recognizes cytosolic nucleic acids, leading to inflammasome assembly. In recent years, several studies in the oncology field have highlighted the presence of cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) following necrosis and/or genomic instability, which is typical of malignant transformation. The recognition of dsDNA by the AIM2 inflammasome either in cancer cells or in immune cells can further exacerbate inflammatory processes on the basis of cancer progression. In this context, the role of AIM2 in cancer is still controversial in that some authors assume that AIM2 activation has pro-tumor activities, while others define it as anti-tumor. This discrepancy may be due to the nature of the cells where AIM2 is expressed or the histology of the tumor. This review aims to provide an overview of the controversial role of AIM2 in cancer, taking into consideration the pharmacological tools currently available to modulate AIM2 activity in cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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23 pages, 2274 KB

Open AccessReview

Anti-Drug Antibody Response to Therapeutic Antibodies and Potential Mitigation Strategies

by Erin L. Howard, Melanie M. Goens, Leonardo Susta, Ami Patel and Sarah K. Wootton

Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020299 - 26 Jan 2025

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 17445

Abstract

The development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) against therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) poses significant challenges in the efficacy and safety of these treatments. ADAs can lead to adverse immune reactions, reduced drug efficacy, and increased clearance of therapeutic antibodies. This paper reviews the formation and mechanisms of ADAs, explores factors contributing to their development, and discusses potential strategies to mitigate ADA responses. Current and emerging strategies to reduce ADA formation include in silico and in vitro prediction tools, deimmunization techniques, antibody engineering, and various drug delivery methods. Additionally, novel approaches such as tolerogenic nanoparticles, oral tolerance, and in vivo delivery of therapeutic proteins via viral vectors and synthetic mRNA or DNA are explored. These strategies have the potential to enhance clinical outcomes of mAb therapies by minimizing immunogenicity and improving patient safety. Further research and innovation in this field are critical to overcoming the ongoing challenges of ADA responses in therapeutic antibody development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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13 pages, 796 KB

Open AccessReview

Conventional Chemotherapy and Inflammation: What Is the Role of the Inflammasome in the Tumor Microenvironment?

by Chiara Colarusso, Michela Terlizzi, Simone Di Caprio, Anna Falanga, Emmanuel D’Andria, Roberta d’Emmanuele di Villa Bianca and Rosalinda Sorrentino

Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010203 - 15 Jan 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3210

Abstract

The link between inflammation and cancer has been extensively studied over the years. While the inflammatory process can facilitate tumor establishment and progression, on the other hand, current clinical approaches aim to boost the immune system against the tumor mass. In this scenario, the conventional chemotherapy has proven to induce immunogenic cell death in that the release of danger-associated alarmins can foster the cytotoxic immunity following the blockade of immune checkpoints. The release of alarmins can activate the inflammasome pathway. Thus, one of the questions is as follows: can conventional anti-tumor drugs lead to inflammasome activation? And if so, is the resulting effect anti- or pro-tumor? In this review, we provide an overview on the role of the inflammasome in cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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Other

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25 pages, 3229 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Major Advances in Gynecologic Oncology in 2025: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Conference and Published Evidence

by Nabil Ismaili

Biomedicines 2026, 14(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14020295 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 3011

Abstract

Background: The year 2025 witnessed paradigm-shifting advances in gynecologic oncology, with pivotal clinical trial results redefining therapeutic standards across cervical, ovarian, endometrial, and vulvar cancers. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to comprehensively identify, synthesize, and critically evaluate pivotal phase II and III randomized controlled trials and major studies presented at the major annual meetings, alongside significant peer-reviewed publications from 2025 that introduce innovative therapeutic strategies across gynecologic malignancies. Methods: Conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, this review involved exhaustive searches of electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase), conference proceedings (ASCO 2025, ESMO 2025), and major oncology journals for records from January to December 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed: (1) Phase II or III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and (2) Non-randomized studies (including phase I and II trials), reporting on novel therapeutic approaches in gynecologic oncology. All studies were required to report primary survival endpoints (overall survival or progression-free survival) or key efficacy outcomes. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved through consensus or third-party adjudication. Results: From 1842 records, 23 studies met inclusion criteria (17 phase-III RCTs and 6 non-phase III RCTs/early-phase studies), distributed as follows: cervical cancer (9 studies, 39%), ovarian cancer (9 studies, 39%), endometrial cancer (4 studies, 17.5%), and vulvar cancer (1 study, 4.5%). The major advances identified include: (1) In cervical cancer, the KEYNOTE-A18 trial established pembrolizumab combined with chemoradiotherapy as a new standard for high-risk locally advanced disease, while the PHENIX trial validated sentinel lymph node biopsy as a safe surgical de-escalation strategy. (2) In ovarian cancer, the ENGOT-ov65/KEYNOTE-B96 trial demonstrated the first statistically significant overall survival improvement with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in platinum-resistant recurrent disease, establishing pembrolizumab plus weekly paclitaxel as a new standard of care. Novel therapeutic mechanisms, including glucocorticoid receptor modulation (ROSELLA trial) and cadherin-6-targeted antibody-drug conjugates (REJOICE-Ovarian01), showed remarkable efficacy. (3) In endometrial cancer, updated analyses from NRG GY018 and RUBY trials solidified the role of first-line immuno-chemotherapy, with differential benefits according to mismatch repair status. (4) In vulvar cancer, a pivotal phase II study demonstrated meaningful clinical activity of anti-PD-1 therapy in advanced disease. (5) The extensive circulating tumor DNA analysis from the CALLA trial provided crucial insights into biomarker dynamics in cervical cancer. Conclusions: The convergence of high-impact data from 2025 established multiple new standards of care, emphasizing biomarker-driven approaches, immunotherapy integration across disease stages, and novel mechanisms to overcome resistance, while highlighting challenges in treatment sequencing and global access. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition))

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