Announcements

As part of its continued efforts to support impactful cancer research and foster scientific dialogue, MDPI is spotlighting head and neck cancer in this edition. Encompassing a diverse group of malignancies affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, head and neck cancers collectively account for over 900,000 new cases and more than 400,000 deaths globally each year.

In recent years, shifting epidemiological patterns, particularly the rise of HPV-associated cancers, have introduced new challenges and opportunities in both research and clinical practice. These developments call for deeper insights into disease mechanisms, as well as more precise approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and patient stratification.

By bringing together cutting-edge research, focused Special Issues, and an expert-led webinar, MDPI journals aim to continue to facilitate knowledge exchange and highlight emerging advances in the field. These efforts play an important role in advancing innovation, improving early detection and therapeutic strategies, and ultimately enhancing outcomes for patients worldwide.

Keynote speakers
Dr. Kousik Kumar Kesh, St. Louis University, USA	Prof. Dr. Richard Yuxiong Su, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R	Dr. Jennifer Anderson, The University of Texas, USA
Dr. Jay J. Liao, University of Washington Medical Center, USA	Prof. Dr. Wendell G. Yarbrough, University of North Carolina, USA	Dr. Joshua D. Smith, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, USA

Register for this webinar for free here!

“Enhancing Patient Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy: Integration of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes and Artificial Intelligence-Driven Oncology Care Using Large Language Models”
by ChihYing Liao, ChinNan Chu, TingChun Lin, TzuYao Chou and MengHsiun Tsai
Cancers 2025, 17(14), 2345; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17142345

“Advancing Head and Neck Cancer Therapies: From Conventional Treatments to Emerging Strategies”
by Aleksandra Mordzińska-Rak, Ilona Telejko, Grzegorz Adamczuk, Tomasz Trombik, Andrzej Stepulak and Ewa Błaszczak
Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051046

“The Role of Dysphagia on Head and Neck Cancer Patients’ Quality of Life, Functional Disabilities and Psychological Distress: Outcomes of Cancer Rehabilitation from an Observational Single-Center Study”
by Špela Matko, Christina Knauseder, David Riedl, Vincent Grote, Michael J. Fischer, Samuel Moritz Vorbach, Karin Pfaller-Frank, Wilhelm Frank and Thomas Licht
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32040220

“PDLIM3 Regulates Migration and Invasion of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma via YAP–Mediated Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition”
by Fan Yang, Ying Zhou, You Zhang, Weideng Wei, Fei Huang, Dan Yang, Yixin Zhang, Ruiyang Zhang, Xiaoqiang Xia, Qianming Chen et al.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073147

“Inflammatory Biomarkers and Oral Health Disorders as Predictors of Head and Neck Cancer: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study”
by Amr Sayed Ghanem, Kitti Sipos, Ágnes Tóth and Attila Csaba Nagy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052279

“Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Head and Neck Cancer Subsites Among Elderly Patients: A Population-Based Analysis”
by Małgorzata Wierzbicka, Wioletta Pietruszewska, Adam Maciejczyk and Jarosław Markowski
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030548

“Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer: Mechanisms of Treatment Failure, Treatment Paradigms, and New Horizons”
by William T. Barham, Marshall Patrick Stagg, Rula Mualla, Michael DiLeo and Sagar Kansara
Cancers 2025, 17(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010144

“Identification of Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Head and Neck Cancer: Bioinformatics Approach”
by Alexandra Fernandes and Rui Vitorino
Targets 2024, 2(4), 470-480; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets2040026

“Clinical Evidence of Methods and Timing of Proper Follow-Up for Head and Neck Cancers”
by Riccardo Gili, Simone Caprioli, Paola Lovino Camerino, Gianluca Sacco, Tommaso Ruelle, Daria Maria Filippini, Silvia Pamparino, Stefania Vecchio, Filippo Marchi, Lucia Del Mastro et al.
Onco 2024, 4(4), 275-286; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040020

“Artificial Intelligence in Head and Neck Cancer: Innovations, Applications, and Future Directions”
by Tuan D. Pham, Muy-Teck Teh, Domniki Chatzopoulou, Simon Holmes and Paul Coulthard
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(9), 5255-5290; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31090389

“The Advances in Proton Therapy in Head-and-Neck Cancers” Guest Editors: Dr. Nancy Lee and Dr. Edward Christopher Dee Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026	“Decoding and Remodeling the Suppressive Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Head and Neck Cancer” Guest Editors: Dr. Andrew G. Sikora and Dr. Jennifer L. Anderson Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026
“The Role of Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers” Guest Editor: Dr. Rikki A.M. Brown Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026	“Molecular Targets for HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer” Guest Editor: Dr. Joshua D. Smith Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026
“Head and Neck Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches—Advances and Challenges” Guest Editors: Dr. Barbara Verro, Dr. Carmelo Saraniti and Dr. Daniela Carlisi Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026	“Targeting Head and Neck Cancer: From Tumor Microenvironment to Therapy Resistance” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Ratna B. Ray and Dr. Subhayan Sur Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 November 2026

Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694, IF 4.4) is proud to announce its role as a media partner for the World Pediatrics Conference 2026. This sponsorship highlights the journal’s commitment to supporting the scholarly community and engaging in critical industry discussions with the public.

Conference: 2026 World Pediatrics Conference (2026WPC)
Date & Venue: 5–6 October 2026 | Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai, Osaka, Japan
Website: https://pediatrics.episirus.org/

Theme: “Advancing Pediatric Innovation for a Healthier Tomorrow”

The 2026 World Pediatrics Conference (2026WPC) is a premier international platform that brings together pediatricians, clinicians, researchers, academicians, and healthcare professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in pediatric medicine and child healthcare. The conference will be held in Osaka, Japan, and aims to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of pediatrics.

The scientific program is designed to cover a comprehensive range of pediatric disciplines, with a focus on both clinical practice and research innovations. It will highlight emerging trends, novel diagnostic techniques, and advancements in treatment strategies that contribute to improving pediatric healthcare outcomes.

Key areas of discussion will include pediatric critical care, neonatology, pediatric neurology, cardiology, oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, genetics, gastroenterology, hepatology, allergy, dermatology, and related specialties. The conference will also emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and translational research that bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications.

The event will feature keynote lectures, plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, and interactive discussions, offering participants valuable opportunities to present their research, gain insights from leading experts, and expand their professional networks.

2026WPC welcomes participation from pediatricians, physicians, nurses, researchers, PhD scholars, and industry professionals who are committed to advancing pediatric healthcare and contributing to a healthier future for children globally.

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time when organizations and individuals around the world come together to raise awareness and show support for research into head and neck cancers. On this occasion, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the researchers who are working tirelessly to combat this disease. We also want to highlight some of the high‑quality, innovative research on head and neck cancer that has been published across MDPI’s oncology journal cluster, including Cancers, Current Oncology, Onco, Targets and Precision Oncology. We hope that sharing these findings will provide valuable insights for everyone interested in this important field.

“Petosemtamab, a Bispecific Antibody Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Leucine-Rich G Repeat-Containing Protein-Coupled Receptor (LGR5) Designed for Broad Clinical Applications”
by Ante S. Lundberg, Cecile A. W. Geuijen, Sally Hill, Jeroen J. Lammerts van Bueren, Arianna Fumagalli, John de Kruif, Peter B. Silverman and Josep Tabernero
Cancers 2025, 17(10), 1665; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17101665

“The Role of Macrophages in Various Types of Tumors and the Possibility of Their Use as Targets for Antitumor Therapy”
by Enar Jumaniyazova, Anastasiya Lokhonina, Dzhuliia Dzhalilova, Ekaterina Miroshnichenko, Anna Kosyreva and Timur Fatkhudinov
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030342

“Enhanced Lung Cancer Survival Prediction Using Semi-Supervised Pseudo-Labeling and Learning from Diverse PET/CT Datasets”
by Mohammad R. Salmanpour, Arman Gorji, Amin Mousavi, Ali Fathi Jouzdani, Nima Sanati, Mehdi Maghsudi, Bonnie Leung, Cheryl Ho, Ren Yuan and Arman Rahmim
Cancers 2025, 17(2), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17020285

“Current Evidence on the Relation Between Microbiota and Oral Cancer—The Role of Fusobacterium nucleatum—A Narrative Review”
by Federica Chiscuzzu, Claudia Crescio, Simona Varrucciu, Davide Rizzo, Michela Sali, Giovanni Delogu and Francesco Bussu
Cancers 2025, 17(2), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17020171

“Impact of Oncological Treatment on Quality of Life in Patients with Head and Neck Malignancies: A Systematic Literature Review (2020–2025)”
by Raluca Grigore, Paula Luiza Bejenaru, Gloria Simona Berteșteanu, Ruxandra Ioana Nedelcu-Stancalie, Teodora Elena Schipor-Diaconu, Simona Andreea Rujan, Bianca Petra Taher, Șerban Vifor Gabriel Berteșteanu, Bogdan Popescu, Irina Doinița Popescu et al.
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(7), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32070379

“Tegafur–Uracil Maintenance Therapy in Non-Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer: An Exploratory Systematic Review”
by Hsu-Lin Lee, Po-Huang Chen, Tzu-Chuan Huang, Ren-Hua Ye, Yueng-Hsiang Chu, Jih-Chin Lee, Hong-Jie Jhou and Jia-Hong Chen
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(5), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32050286

“The Role of Dysphagia on Head and Neck Cancer Patients’ Quality of Life, Functional Disabilities and Psychological Distress: Outcomes of Cancer Rehabilitation from an Observational Single-Center Study”
by Špela Matko, Christina Knauseder, David Riedl, Vincent Grote, Michael J. Fischer, Samuel Moritz Vorbach, Karin Pfaller-Frank, Wilhelm Frank and Thomas Licht
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32040220

“Clinical Evidence of Methods and Timing of Proper Follow-Up for Head and Neck Cancers”
by Riccardo Gili, Simone Caprioli, Paola Lovino Camerino, Gianluca Sacco, Tommaso Ruelle, Daria Maria Filippini, Silvia Pamparino, Stefania Vecchio, Filippo Marchi, Lucia Del Mastro et al.
Onco 2024, 4(4), 275-286; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco4040020

“Identification of Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Head and Neck Cancer: Bioinformatics Approach”
by Alexandra Fernandes and Rui Vitorino
Targets 2024, 2(4), 470-480; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets2040026

“The Role of Imaging in Cervical Cancer Staging: ESGO/ESTRO/ESP Guidelines (Update 2023)”
by Daniela Fischerova, Filip Frühauf, Andrea Burgetova, Ingfrid S. Haldorsen, Elena Gatti and David Cibula
Cancers 2024, 16(4), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040775

“A Mechanistic Dynamic Surrogate Framework for Personalized Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Metastatic Thyroid Cancer”
by Marie Fusella Giuntini, Cyril Voyant, David Taieb and Dominique Barbolosi
Precis. Oncol. 2026, 1(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/precisoncol1010002

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Daniela Amicizia, the first and corresponding author of the Editor’s Choice Article in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694). Here, she shares insights into her paper, research focus, area of expertise and daily life.

“Organizational Determinants, Outcomes Related to Participation and Adherence to Cancer Public Health Screening: A Systematic Review”
by Daniela Amicizia, Maria Francesca Piazza, Federico Grammatico, Rosa Lavieri, Francesca Marchini, Matteo Astengo, Irene Schenone, Gabriella Paoli and Filippo Ansaldi
Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111775
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/11/1775

The following is an interview with Dr. Daniela Amicizia:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your main research focus?
I am a physician and an Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (University of Genoa, Italy), with extensive experience in the field of disease prevention and population health.
My professional activity integrates academic, research and applied public health practice, with a strong focus on translating scientific evidence into effective health policies and interventions.
In my daily work, I am actively involved in healthcare planning and organization, as well as epidemiological surveillance. I contribute to the design and evaluation of preventive programs aimed at improving population health outcomes and optimizing the use of healthcare resources.
My current research focuses on the epidemiology and prevention of infectious diseases, with particular attention to vaccination policies and their impact on public health. I am also engaged in health technology assessments, which evaluate the clinical, economic and organizational implications of healthcare interventions, as well as in health promotion initiatives aimed at fostering healthy behaviors and reducing disease burden.

2. What inspired you to pursue this particular area of cancer research?
My interest in this area of cancer research stems from the recognition that public health screening programs are among the most effective tools we have to reduce mortality, yet their impact is often limited by suboptimal participation. As a public health physician, I have seen how preventable disparities persist not because of a lack of medical knowledge, but due to organizational, social and behavioral barriers that prevent individuals from accessing these services.
This motivated me to focus on the organizational determinants of screening uptake. The evidence shows that participation is not simply an individual choice, but the result of how programs are designed and implemented. Coordinated management, personalized invitation systems and strong community engagement can substantially improve adherence. At the same time, digital tools such as reminders, along with culturally tailored communication strategies, are essential to reach underserved populations.
Ultimately, my work is driven by the goal of making prevention more equitable and effective. By identifying and promoting integrated, evidence-based strategies, I aim to support policymakers and healthcare systems in strengthening screening programs, increasing participation and reducing health disparities at the population level.

3. Was there a personal or professional turning point in your research career?
A key turning point in my research career was the shift from a predominantly epidemiological perspective to a broader population-based and systems-oriented approach. Early in my career, I was mainly focused on studying disease patterns and risk factors. However, through my involvement in large-scale research projects and real-world public health programs, I began to recognize that generating evidence alone is not sufficient to improve health outcomes.
Working directly on vaccination strategies and cancer screening programs made it clear that the effectiveness of preventive interventions depends heavily on how they are organized, communicated and implemented within healthcare systems. I observed that even well-established, evidence-based interventions can fail if barriers such as limited access, low health literacy or lack of trust are not adequately addressed.
This realization led me to focus more on health technology assessments, health service organization and strategies to improve participation in preventive programs. It marked a transition toward research that not only produces knowledge but also actively contributes to shaping policies and practices, with the ultimate goal of improving equity and effectiveness in public health.

4. What current developments in your area of expertise are most exciting to you?
The most exciting developments in preventive medicine include the growing use of digital health, artificial intelligence and big data to improve surveillance, risk prediction and the planning of vaccination and screening programs. These tools enable real-time monitoring and more targeted, personalized preventive strategies.
At the same time, there is increasing attention to equity, highlighting the importance of organizational and social factors in ensuring access to prevention. Finally, renewed focus on infectious disease preparedness and vaccination strategies is strengthening integrated surveillance systems and improving public health responses.

5. What are your views on the scientific publishing landscape and the open access model?
Open access publishing has a significant impact on authors, primarily by increasing the reach and influence of their work. By removing paywalls, research findings become immediately accessible to clinicians, researchers, policymakers and the public worldwide. In the medical field, this is particularly important, as new evidence can more rapidly inform clinical practice, public health strategies and future research.
For authors, this wider accessibility translates into greater visibility, higher potential for citations and more opportunities for international collaboration. Open access also supports equity in knowledge dissemination, allowing researchers from low-resource settings to both access and build upon published work.
At the same time, this model places responsibility on journals and the scientific community to maintain rigorous peer review and high editorial standards. Thus, ensuring quality, transparency and credibility is essential to preserve trust in published research.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Prof. Whi-An Kwon, the first and corresponding author of the Editor’s Choice Article in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694). Here, he shares insights into his paper, research focus, area of expertise and daily life.

“T-Cell Engager Therapy in Prostate Cancer: Molecular Insights into a New Frontier in Immunotherapy”
by Whi-An Kwon and Jae Young Joung
Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111820
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/11/1820

The following is an interview with Prof. Whi-An Kwon.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your main research focus?
I am Whi-An Kwon, a professor in the Department of Urology at Hanyang University College of Medicine and Myongji Hospital in South Korea. I serve as the Director of the Research Institute of Precision Medicine and Geroscience and as the Academic Chair of the Exercise Subcommittee for the Korean Society of Cancer Prevention (KSCP). My core research focus is dynamic precision oncology, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of cancer and geroscience. I am deeply interested in how conventional cancer treatments—such as chemotherapy and radiation—influence the “biologic aging clock” (e.g., epigenetic clocks). My goal is to quantify treatment-induced aging and develop strategies, including exercise oncology, to mitigate these effects. To maintain this focus, I systematically review core insights from Nature and Nature Reviews regarding cancer and aging, while actively tracking breakthroughs at ASCO, ASCO GU, ESMO, and AACR.

2. In your own words, what are the key findings or main messages of your Editor’s Choice Article?
Our paper synthesizes the rapidly evolving landscape of T-cell engager (TCE) therapy in advanced prostate cancer. The main message is that while prostate cancer has historically been an “immune-cold” malignancy, TCEs offer a potent, MHC-independent mechanism to redirect the patient's own T-cells. We highlight that while agents targeting PSMA, STEAP1, and DLL3 show remarkable responses, realizing their full potential requires continuous molecular engineering to mitigate toxicities like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and the development of rational combination strategies to prevent antigen escape.

3. What current developments in your area of expertise are most exciting to you?
The most exciting development is the ability to monitor “biological age” in real-time using epigenetic and molecular clocks during cancer treatment. Understanding the relationship between systemic cancer therapies and the acceleration of biological aging opens new doors for “precision geroscience”. I am particularly fascinated by how exercise can act as a biological modulator to slow down these aging clocks and improve the T-cell fitness required for successful immunotherapy. Integrating these molecular aging insights into pan-cancer treatment algorithms is a thrilling frontier.

4. What does a typical day in your lab (or at work) look like? Do you have any personal routines or habits that help you stay creative and productive?
A typical day is a demanding blend of clinical practice, surgical cases, managing the Research Institute, and academic writing. To maintain high productivity, I prioritize structured time management and dedicated “deep work” sessions. By rigorously organizing my schedule and collaborating closely with my research team, I can efficiently navigate daily administrative and clinical duties. This focused routine allows me to preserve my cognitive energy for high-level scientific synthesis and strategic planning for upcoming trials.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Nicoletta Bianchi, the first author of the Editor’s Choice Article in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694). Here, she shares insights into her paper, research focus, area of expertise and daily life.

“Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma”
by Nicoletta Bianchi, Pietro Ancona, and Gianluca Aguiari
Cancers 2025, 17(10), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17101613
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/10/1613

The following is an interview with Dr. Nicoletta Bianchi:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your main research focus?
I am an associate professor and lecturer in biochemistry, and my interest in oncology dates back to my undergraduate studies, although I was initially involved in studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying rare diseases. This experience, however, proved crucial to shaping my scientific mindset. After achieving academic independence, I was able to rediscover my original passion for cancer research, carried out through an integrated experimental approach spanning multiple fields, which has become a defined feature of my work.
My current research lies at the intersection between oncology, RNA biology, and metabolic reprogramming in cancer progression and therapy resistance.

2. What qualities do you believe are most essential for a young researcher today?
I believe that every researcher finds their voice along the path they undertake, a path built over time through diverse experiences and challenges. My advice to young researchers is to work not primarily for personal goals, but to push forward the “boundaries of knowledge”. In this way, even researchers working in laboratories that are not highly visible can make a significant contribution to scientific progress. Excessive competition and the rush can sometimes lead to errors or questionable practices, so maintaining clarity, integrity, and scientific rigor is essential. Research is demanding and often tiring and difficult, requiring constant self-criticism and perseverance.

3. What does a typical day in your lab (or at work) look like? Do you have any personal routines or habits that help you stay creative and productive?
My days are rarely typical or routine. My research group is relatively small, and each day requires navigating a balance between scientific challenges and practical constraints, from overcoming experimental setbacks and delays in obtaining reagents to urgent review requests, so that we can finalize our work moving forward and not miss opportunities to publish our results. At the same time, we share the human side of research, supporting colleagues through difficult personal and family moments, because, of course, the team becomes an expanded family, and the lab is the place where we spend most of our time. All this, combined with the constant striving to secure increasingly limited funding, can be stressful. For this reason, on weekends when I am not working, I feel a strong need to spend time in nature. I enjoy traveling by motorcycle. There’s something about movement and the outdoors that helps me clear my head. It is often in those moments, overlooking the sea or a field in bloom, that solutions begin to take shape, concerns recede, and I gain clarity on what may have gone wrong in an experiment or which molecular strategy could be used to target a metabolic pathway. Ideas stream in, ready to be explored upon coming back on Monday.

4. Why did you choose Cancers for this publication, and how was your experience with the journal?
I chose Cancers because I regard it as a rigorous and reliable journal, supported by a thorough and highly relevant peer-review process. Even in critical evaluations, I see a constructive effort to guide authors. What I particularly appreciate is the feeling that manuscripts are carefully read and evaluated, from the cover letter to the scientific content.
In an increasingly complex publishing landscape, where submitting an article can sometimes seem like an endless cycle of transfers between journals, automatically directing you along impersonal paths... so much so that you feel like you’ve ended up in a “Dantean Circle”, my experience with Cancers was decidedly different. I appreciated the journal’s commitment to recognizing quality scientific work for its intrinsic merit, regardless of the authors’ notoriety, and promoting a fair and respectful environment for scientific communication.

5. How do you see this research evolving or influencing future studies in the field?
This study was conducted by several researchers, with Professor Aguiari making a fundamental contribution thanks to his many years of experience in this field. Our analysis highlights the need to shift toward a “multi-target” approach to simultaneously block parallel resistance pathways, rather than inhibiting a single molecular axis, if we aim to counteract the dynamic progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. This should encourage the use of diverse therapeutic strategies, leveraging the complex network involving hypoxia signaling, metabolic remodeling, autophagy, ferroptosis, non-coding RNAs, and the tumor microenvironment. It is also necessary to promote translational efforts to validate emerging targets and to integrate molecular knowledge with clinical data in order to improve patient stratification and overcome resistance. In this sense, our work could provide a useful framework for future studies.

To commemorate World Cancer Day 2026, MDPI is pleased to introduce the “World Cancer Day 2026 Webinar Series”. Reflecting the global theme “United by Unique”, this series highlights how every story, discovery, and voice contributes to strengthening the global fight against cancer.

In our April session, we welcome leading voices in head and neck cancer research to share impactful insights, raise awareness, and highlight recent advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Through this series, we aim to empower the global community with knowledge, inspire collaboration, and support ongoing efforts to address cancer worldwide. Together, we honor every patient’s journey, recognize every researcher’s contribution, and reinforce the power of collective action in the fight against cancer.

Date: 30 April 2026
Time: 17:00 CEST | 11:00 EDT | 23:00 CST Asia
Webinar ID: 824 5069 5488
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/WCD2026-3

Register now for free!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Kousik Kumar Kesh, Department of Pathology, St. Louis University, USA;
• Dr. Richard Yuxiong Su, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R, China;
• Dr. Jennifer Anderson, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, USA;
• Dr. Jay J. Liao, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, USA;
• Dr. Wendell G. Yarbrough, Department of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, USA;
• Dr. Joshua D. Smith, Department of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, USA.

Conference: BOOS Conference 2026
Organizer: British Orthopaedic Oncology Society
Date: 4–5 June 2026
Location: London, UK

A number of MDPI journals will be attending BOOS 2026 as exhibitors. This meeting will be held in London, UK, from 4 to 5 June 2026.

The British Orthopaedic Oncology Society (BOOS) annual conference plays a pivotal role in advancing the field of orthopaedic oncology in the United Kingdom. This prestigious event serves as a platform for leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to come together, exchange knowledge, and discuss the latest developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with musculoskeletal tumours. Through a combination of keynote lectures, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, the conference fosters collaboration, facilitates the dissemination of cutting-edge research, and promotes the highest standards of patient care. It is a cornerstone of BOOS’s commitment to continuous education, innovation, and improving outcomes for individuals affected by orthopaedic oncological conditions.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Cancers;
• Onco;
• Osteology.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://boos.org.uk/services/boos-2026.

We are honored to announce that Prof. Dr. William Gerwick will serve as the Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee.

A world-renowned authority in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology, Professor Gerwick is a Distinguished Professor at both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His pioneering work at the intersection of ocean sciences and drug discovery makes him a fitting leader for an award centered on transformative medicinal breakthroughs.

Under Professor Gerwick’s stewardship, the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee will focus on recognizing innovative and impactful research in natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, particularly work with the potential to drive meaningful advances in both scientific understanding and human health.

To provide further insight into his perspectives, we include below an interview with Professor Gerwick, in which he reflects on his scientific journey, his views on the field, and his vision for the Tu Youyou Award.

A Conversation with the Chair

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your research journey?

My research focuses on the natural products of marine algae and cyanobacteria, their application in medicine, their biosynthesis using genomic approaches, and innovative methods in the structure elucidation of natural products.

I received my BS degree from the University of California at Davis, my PhD from the University of California at San Diego, and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Connecticut. After a couple of years in a junior faculty position at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, I spent 21 years as Professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. In 2005, I returned to my PhD institution at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, where I am currently a Distinguished Professor of Oceanography and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing the field through both leadership and mentorship. I have served as president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, chaired and co-chaired several major research conferences, and served as an associate editor for the Journal of Natural Products. I am a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. I have trained over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral students, and my research group has published nearly 500 papers and more than 25 patents on topics in the natural product sciences and medicinal chemistry.

2. What motivated you to accept the role of Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee?

Of course, I am a huge supporter of all awards that are given in recognition of excellent scientific research, and especially so in the natural products sciences and medicinal chemistry. However, this award is truly special in that it recognizes scientific excellence as well as impact, and is given in the name of an individual, Tu Youyou, who clearly had many challenges along the path to reach the pinnacle of her success. Not only was she the first Chinese person to win a Nobel prize in this area, but she was also the first Chinese woman to receive a Nobel prize, and this was achieved without graduate education in China or elsewhere. It’s a true testament to what can be achieved by hard work, determination, and vision. To read the history of her extraordinary approach to discovering novel antimalarial compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine is truly inspirational. It is, therefore, the inspiration provided by the extraordinary life and career of Tu Youyou that motivated me to accept the Chair of the Award Committee for 2026.

3. How do you view the role of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry in today’s scientific landscape, and what major advances over the past decade have shaped this field?

A quite remarkable integration of fields is currently transforming natural products science and medicinal chemistry. In natural products, we are seeing integration of different omics methods, from metabolites to proteins to nucleic acids. Sophisticated biological and pharmacological approaches are driving the discovery of exquisitely potent and selective natural products. Advances are being made to integrate molecular-level recognition of natural products with chemical ecological studies, and sophisticated methods of structure determination using Artificial Intelligence or pioneering new tools such as microED are being applied with increasing frequency. High-level synthetic methodologies, such as protecting group-free synthetic routes, are enhancing medicinal chemistry, accelerating the identification of lead molecules with attractive pharmaceutical properties at an increasing pace.

4. How do you consider the balance between fundamental discovery (e.g., new molecules or mechanisms) and practical impact (e.g., therapeutic applications)?

Many individuals are excellent scientists and mentors, and have essential roles in developing our culture that values science and the scientific method. It should also be pointed out that not all scientific discoveries are going to have a broad societal impact, but they are nevertheless critical to the overall body and structure of science. But it is a truly remarkable individual who makes a key scientific discovery, recognizes its potential value to society in general, and then has the skills and determination to bring it forward as a useful product. That was the type of person the Tu Youyou is, and that is the type of person who is honored by the prize in her name.

5. What do you see as the key challenges or opportunities currently facing the field?

We are on the crux of an amazing revolution in many of the sciences, including natural products and medicinal chemistry; the purposeful application of Artificial Intelligence to solving many of the difficulties involved in the search for new pharmaceuticals from Nature. AI is transforming how we select organisms for study, what pharmaceutical targets to go after, rapidly resolving the chemical structures of new compounds, identifying efficient routes to their chemical synthesis, understanding their molecular mechanisms of action, and finally, designing their clinical application. The role of people in these pursuits is changing. Increasingly, the human role will be providing overall vision: what can we do? What should we do? And it is important to remember that AI is providing hypotheses, not truth. Scientists with expert domain knowledge will be critical for discerning the correctness of hypotheses put forth by AI. Altogether, advances in technology, expanding knowledge, and the appropriate use of AI methods are preparing society to be able to address emerging diseases, such as pandemics, as well as conditions that are not effectively treated by currently existing therapeutics.

6. How do you expect the Tu Youyou Award to contribute to the advancement of natural product chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and human health over the coming years?

The Tu Youyou Award is potentially transformative for the broad fields of natural products science and medicinal chemistry as it brings a significantly increased level of visibility to these topics and their contributions to human health. It will be crucial to have excellent communication to news agencies, social media and other communication outlets so that the general public is informed and educated on the high impact of these natural product/medicinal chemistry contributions. This will bring increased funding, attract promising students, and generally enrich the interface of these fields with the health sector.

7. What message would you like to convey to the research community and the public during this open nomination phase?

This prize gives broad societal visibility to the role that natural products have had in shaping a majority of our current medicines, as well as understanding the life forms with whom we share the planet. Further, it recognizes a woman scientist working under sub-optimal conditions who could persevere and make discoveries of global impact. The prize and what it represents, therefore, inspires current and future generations to engage in the study of Nature and its relationship to Human Health, to overcome adversity, and to aspire to making one’s life impactful.

About the Tu Youyou Award

Established in 2016, the Tu Youyou Award seeks to honor those who excel in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This award offers a total prize of CHF 100,000, which will be equally divided among the winners if there is more than one, with each recipient receiving an award medal and a certificate.

The 2026 Tu Youyou Award is open for nominations until 31 October 2026. We encourage all eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious recognition, as this award not only honors individual achievement but also encourages further scientific exchange, exploration and discovery in critical areas of medicine.

If you are interested in participating, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website for more information on the nomination requirements.