From Molecular Insights to Cancer Treatments: Progress in Translational Science

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Therapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 746

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Interests: chemical biology; medicinal chemistry; translational cancer biology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Interests: radiation biology; cancer biology; translational cancer biology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Interests: cancer immunology; cancer biology; translational cancer biology; microbiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in cancer biology continue to drive the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies, yet significant challenges remain in translating these insights into effective treatments. This Special Issue explores the intersection of cancer biology, early discovery, and translational research, highlighting innovative approaches in translational sciences. We welcome original research and review articles covering key aspects of basic scientific discoveries, from identifying new molecular targets to preclinical- and early-clinical-stage investigations. Topics of interest include mechanisms of cancer progression, novel drug candidates, resistance pathways, and strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy. By synthesizing cutting-edge research, this issue aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate the development of next-generation cancer therapies.

Prof. Dr. Sanjay V. Malhotra
Dr. Dhanir Tailor
Dr. Annah Rolig
Guest Editors

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 communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2900 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

  • cancer biology
  • therapeutics
  • molecular targets
  • translational research

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

23 pages, 1642 KB  
Review
The Multifaceted Role of Autophagy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Translational Perspectives on Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, Treatment Resistance, and Emerging Therapies
by Abdul L. Shakerdi, Emma Finnegan, Yin-Yin Sheng and Graham P. Pidgeon
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2577; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152577 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 564
Abstract
Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Despite treatment advances such as the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, resistance remains a significant clinical challenge. Many tumours are also diagnosed at an advanced stage associated [...] Read more.
Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Despite treatment advances such as the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, resistance remains a significant clinical challenge. Many tumours are also diagnosed at an advanced stage associated with poor prognosis. Objective: This review aims to explore the biological roles of autophagy in NPC, primarily highlighting its involvement in disease pathogenesis and treatment resistance. Methods: We performed a review of the recent literature examining the role of autophagy-related pathways in NPC pathogenesis, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic targeting. Results: Autophagy plays a dual role in NPC as it contributes to both tumour suppression and progression. It is involved in tumour initiation, metastasis, immune modulation, and treatment resistance. Autophagy-related genes such as SQSTM1, Beclin-1, and AURKA may serve as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Various strategies are being investigated for their role to modulate autophagy using pharmacologic inhibitors, RNA interventions, and natural compounds. Conclusions: Further research into autophagy’s context-dependent roles in NPC may inform the development of personalised therapies and allow progress in translational and precision oncology. Full article
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