Announcements

Ms. Abigayle (Abbey) Vito, a third-year graduate student in Dr. Bret Freudenthal’s lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center, won the poster award at the 7th DNA Repair/Replication Structures & Cancer Conference, sponsored by the Journal Cluster of Oncology, and we had the privilege of speaking with her. Below, she shares insights into her academic journey, research focus, and the motivation behind her landmark study.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your main research focus within the broad area of DNA repair, replication structures, or cancer biology?
My name is Abigayle (Abbey) Vito, and I am a third-year graduate student in Dr. Bret Freudenthal’s lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center. My research focuses on understanding how DNA repair occurs within the complex chromatin environment of human cells. Much of the biochemical work that has laid the foundation for our knowledge of DNA repair has been performed on short DNA oligonucleotides. However, DNA in human cells is much more complex and is condensed into chromatin through the fundamental unit known as the nucleosome. My research goal is to understand how DNA repair, specifically base excision repair (BER), operates within chromatin. To address this goal, I utilize the nucleosome as a model system and use structural biology to elucidate the molecular mechanism that BER enzymes use to engage their substrates. This work fundamentally enhances our understanding of how DNA repair is carried out within human cells. 
 
2. What do you think made your poster stand out—the scientific novelty, the clarity of the story, the visual presentation, or something else?
It was an incredible experience to attend a conference with so many structural biologists, from trainees to experts in the field. Based on the feedback I received during the poster session, I believe that my poster stood out for its clarity and the number of novel structures presented. I think, as structural biologists, we get very excited to see new structures from other researchers in the field because they can provide a lot of new insight into proteins that we are invested in understanding.
 
3. Any advice for early career researchers preparing their first poster?
The most important piece of advice that I have received about making a poster is that it is not necessary to present every piece of data that you have collected. It is much more impactful to have a visually appealing poster with a logical flow and only share the most important aspects of your story. Getting to the central point of your story quickly allows time for more meaningful conversations with audience members, which can lead to new perspectives on your research or experiments you may be struggling with.
 
4. Looking beyond the poster, what are the next steps for this research? Are you planning to follow up with a full paper?
This poster was only the beginning of a very exciting project! Along with structural data showing how BER enzymes engage their substrates, I am very interested in understanding how these enzymes locate their substrates to begin with. The nucleus of human cells contains over 3 billion base pairs of DNA, and these proteins face the extraordinarily difficult task of finding the specific lesion that they need to process. We are excited to use a single-molecule approach to investigate the mechanisms used by BER proteins to search for DNA damage. Looking further ahead, we hope to translate this into human cells to better understand how these enzymes protect against DNA-damaging agents that drive cancer. 
 
5. Our journal has always been committed to promoting high-quality research in DNA repair/replication and cancer biology. Would you be interested in working with us? What kind of support would be most helpful for you in that process?
I would absolutely be interested in working with the journal! As my project develops, I hope to submit a research article encompassing both the structural and single-molecule findings from this work. Having a journal with a strong commitment to DNA repair and cancer biology would be a great fit for this story. As for support, having guidance through the submission and revision process would be most helpful. In particular, workshops that address the technical aspects of manuscript submission and the editorial/peer review process would be very beneficial for early-career researchers like myself.

On 8 May 2026, MDPI Canada & USA welcomed over 40 researchers, clinicians, and oncology professionals to our Subject Workshop, “Cutting-Edge Advances in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy: From Basic Science to Clinical Impact”, held at the HSC Conference Center in Los Angeles, California.

	Our workshop host, Bob Vrooman, Head of Business Development at MDPI USA, opened the event and emphasized the importance of advancing cancer care. He introduced the workshop chair, Dr. W. Martin Kast, highlighting his achievements in immunology and cancer research.
	Dr. W. Martin Kast welcomed attendees, emphasizing the transformative impact of cancer immunotherapy and the challenges that remain.
	Then, MDPI Canada & USA’s Operating Director, Elvis Wang, emphasized the company's core values of transparency, service, and integrity. Furthermore, he explained the importance of collaboration in scientific research.

The day’s presentations were full of exciting discussion as ten speakers discussed their research findings. These presenters included Dr. Abhinava Mishra, Dr. Alan L. Epstein, Dr. De-Chen Lin, Dr. Casey O’Connell, Dr. Henry K. Wong, Dr. Hossein Jadvar, Dr. Kawaljit Kaur, Dr. Lili Yang, Dr. W. Martin Kast, and Dr. Sonia Sharma.

The presentations included topics such as immune checkpoint blockade therapy, CAR-T and CAR-macrophage therapies, and the role of NK cells in cancer therapy. Furthermore, presentations focused on how epigenetic mutations reshape T-cell behavior.

The second half of the day included presentations covering imaging treatment response criteria and multimodal single-cell analysis. Further presentations focused on the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) and the development of therapeutic vaccines to treat HPV-associated cancers.

Dr. Sheridan Baker, a representative of MDPI, covered MDPI's role in supporting open science and MDPI’s publishing trends in oncology. His presentation allowed audience members to further understand how MDPI can support researchers working within a variety of research areas.

During the day’s proceedings, multiple Q&A sessions were held, allowing valuable engagement between speakers and attendees. These sessions were a highlight of the event and helped build a platform for meaningful scientific exchange.

Looking Ahead

The MDPI 2026 LA Subject Workshop “Cutting-Edge Advances in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy: From Basic Science to Clinical Impact” was a successful collaboration between MDPI and local academics. We are thankful to all attendees for their part in making this event possible and for contributing to its success.

We have received positive feedback regarding this event and look forward to continuing to host these Subject Workshops. For more updates regarding this event and other upcoming workshops, follow MDPI Canada on LinkedIn.

Current Oncology (ISSN: 1718-7729) is a peer-reviewed international journal dedicated to clinical oncology research. We recently held an online Editorial Board Group meeting. The meeting was hosted by the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Shahid Ahmed. Four Editorial Board Members were in attendance.

At the opening of the meeting, the Editor-in-Chief extended a warm welcome to attending Editorial Board Members (EBMs) and invited attendees to engage in in-depth exchanges. Together with the EBMs, the Editor-in-Chief affirmed the shared commitment to pursuing excellence in the development of Current Oncology.

Maintaining the high-quality peer review process, improving publication standards and author services, enhancing scholar experience, and advancing the quality, visibility, and impact of Current Oncology were emphasized to remain the goals of our collective efforts and formed the central focus of the meeting. The following key priorities were discussed and received broad consensus among the Board Members:

• Improving journal quality, visibility, and impact;
• Enhancing scholar experience for both authors and reviewers;
• Encouraging Guest Editors to support the journal by promoting high-quality submissions;
• Engaging early-career researchers through academic conferences and author support initiatives;
• Expanding social media and digital outreach to increase scientific visibility and community engagement.

These initiatives reflect the forward-looking strategy of Current Oncology and the active role of its Editorial Board in shaping a sustainable, high-impact publishing future.

Attendee list (ordered by role):

We sincerely thank everyone for joining and providing valuable insights, and we look forward to welcoming more Editorial Board Members to future Online Editorial Board Group Meetings.

Current Oncology is currently recruiting Early Career Editorial Board Members. We are looking forward to applications from all over the world, and your recommendations are also appreciated.

More information about recruitment: https://www.mdpi.com/about/announcements/13673.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Silvia Belloni, who is the winner of the Current Oncology Outstanding Reviewer award in 2026. Here, she will share her peer review experience, research interests, and academic journey.

Dr. Silvia Belloni graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (RN) and in 2019 with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSc/MSN). She developed advanced knowledge and competencies in cancer care through a postgraduate oncology program at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan (Italy) in 2015. She worked for several years as an oncology nurse and clinical research nurse at Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan (Italy). In 2016, she worked as a breast care nurse at the Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London (UK). She obtained a PhD in nursing and public health in 2022 and has worked in the Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Hygiene, in Pavia (Italy), as a researcher and Director of Nursing Educational Activities for the Nursing Bachelor’s degree. She has been the regional (Lombardy) coordinator of the Italian Association of Oncology Nurses since 2019. She has the National Scientific Qualification (ASN 2023-2025) for Sector 06/M1 – MED/45 - General, Clinical and Pediatric Nursing Sciences (Associate Professor).

The following is an interview with Dr. Silvia Belloni:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a passionate nurse with about 15 years of experience in oncology, having worked in clinical and scientific settings, both nationally and internationally, as well as in academic contexts. I have worked in dynamic, innovation-oriented environments, maturing over time in clinical and scientific research, as well as in strong organizational and collaboration skills focused on achieving objectives and results. Having worked in various contexts (clinical and academic) has enabled me to become a well-rounded professional. My research area focuses on symptom science in cancer care with a specific expertise in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. I actually have extensive experience serving as an article reviewer for numerous international journals.

2. What motivates you to serve as a reviewer for Current Oncology, and what do you find most rewarding about the peer-review process?
Current Oncology is a highly respected journal encompassing a wide range of scopes in the field of oncology. Reviewing for Current Oncology keeps me constantly updated and, at the same time, allows me to learn from colleagues and professionals around the world. The most rewarding thing is that the reviewers’ work is partly recognized through vouchers and awards. This aspect is motivating for the professional and, at the same time, allows the journal to meet review and publication deadlines, which represent the best way to feed a complex system that requires increasingly up-to-date evidence. I believe this is a successful system because, on the one hand, it directly rewards the professional, and, on the other, in a university system where researchers spend part of their time reviewing, the university benefits from publishing at no cost. This approach certainly supports a complex financing and structural system and promotes the dissemination of scientific knowledge, especially in open-access journals.

3. When reviewing manuscripts, what aspects do you typically focus on (e.g., originality, methodological rigor, logical structure, ethical compliance, etc.)?
The manuscript’s layout and logical structure are the first things I look at; they are like a "business card" of the professional. A chaotic manuscript and an altered structure are frequently indicators of the author’s misunderstanding of basic criteria that must be observed in scientific research. Similarly, methodological rigor is the other most relevant aspect, as it affects the reliability of the results. Originality, on the other hand, is a quality that, while essential in publishing in terms of study novelty, is sometimes dependent on the intrinsic professional skill. Considering originality as an essential criterion would preclude many authors from publishing, even if the study was conducted rigorously and competently. Sometimes, redundant literature helps to select and benefit from the most representative, appropriate and reliable results.

4. For young scholars who are just beginning to participate in peer review, what specific advice would you offer?
Reviewing is an act of professional responsibility that requires scientific writing and methodological competencies, clinical expertise in the field of study, and knowledge regarding the editorial process. In some cases, I recommend declaring the expert view that was given or not given (i.e., clinical, methodological, statistical), especially at the beginning of the reviewer’s career.

5. Based on your experience reviewing manuscripts, what suggestions do you have for authors to make their manuscripts more readable and engaging?
I suggest that authors draft their papers as the research progresses. This approach helps ensure that all study-related information is preserved and not forgotten, even after the study has been planned and conducted. I am almost certain that many submitted works with poor reporting lose numerous details concerning planning and procedures over time, especially in long experimental studies. Writing while conducting your research saves time and ensures proper reporting.

6. How do you see the role of reviewers evolving with advancements in artificial intelligence and automated tools in research publishing?
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool for supporting authors, reviewers, and editors in facilitating some technical aspects and procedures. However, critical thinking and skills cannot be replaced by AI, as each scientist can make a unique contribution to a project in terms of professional identity and “fingerprint”. If artificial intelligence produces different results depending on the user, it means that human contribution remains essential!

7. How has your experience been with Current Oncology as a reviewer? What kind of support would you like to see from the journal?
Despite my initial skepticism, I can say now that it has been a valuable and inspiring experience that has absolutely fostered my professional growth, exceeding my initial expectations. Access to platforms that allow reviewers to rapidly check for plagiarism, artificial intelligence use, outdated or unverified references, grammatical errors, and unverified authors is undoubtedly a valuable support for reviewers.

8. Current Oncology is an open access journal, as you know, so what is your opinion of the open access model of publication?
Although institutional policies and public funds widely support the open-access system, there is ongoing debate over the economic sustainability of publishing costs (APCs), which are certainly high for individual researchers or clinicians not supported by their own institutions. But here, the problem is not open access but the possibility of guaranteeing publication funds to those who produce research. However, I am absolutely in favor of the open access system because it provides equal access to research results for everyone and promotes education and knowledge equality. The presence of results that are not always accessible leads to fragmentation and heterogeneity of knowledge, with important consequences for clinical practice.

Conference: European Hematology Association 2026 Congress
Date: 11–14 June 2026
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be featured in the upcoming European Hematology Association 2026 Congress (EHA 2026). The EHA 2026 is organized by the European Hematology Association, intended for the global hematology community to share the latest clinical and research updates in the subject of hematology. The conference brings together hematologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss advancements in blood disorders and treatments.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advancing innovation and scientific discovery across basic, translational, and clinical hematology;
• Enhancing diagnostics, treatment strategies, and evidence-based hematology practice;
• Strengthening collaboration, education, patient communication, and professional development within the hematology community.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Thalassemia Reports;
• Hematology Reports;
• Hemato;
• Transplantology;
• Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM);
• Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease (JCDD);
• Medicina;
• Current Oncology;
• Lymphatics;
• Clinics and Practice;
• Cancers;
• Children;
• Neurology International;
• Surgical Techniques Development;
• Therapeutics.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth H2.04 and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://ehaweb.org/connect-network/eha2026-congress.

MDPI will be attending the international conference “ncRNA2026: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Impact” in Leuven, Belgium, which will take place from 24 to 26 June 2026. In recent years, non-coding RNA studies have revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation, cellular networks, and disease mechanisms. ncRNA2026 will showcase the latest breakthroughs in ncRNA biology and technology through a program dedicated entirely to this field—from molecular mechanisms and clinical applications to data science and translational insights. The conference will feature distinguished international invited speakers, complemented by a strong selection of oral and poster presentations from submitted abstracts.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Non-Coding RNA;
• Applied Biosciences;
• BioMed;
• BioMedInformatics;
• Biomolecules;
• Cells;
• Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB);
• Current Oncology;
• Diagnostics;
• Epigenomes;
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS);
• Targets.

If you are attending the conference, please feel free to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/ncRNA2026.

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

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Gwynivere Davies, who is the first author and corresponding author of the Editor’s Choice Article published in Current Oncology (ISSN: 1718-7729). Here, she will share insights into their academic journey, research focus, and the motivation behind her recent work.

“Survival Outcomes for US and Canadian Patients Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma before and after Brentuximab Vedotin Approval for Relapsed/Refractory Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study”
by Gwynivere A. Davies, John E. Orav and Kristen D. Brantley
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(7), 3885-3894; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31070287
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/31/7/287

Dr. Gwynivere Davies obtained her BHSc (honors) and MD from the University of Calgary, Canada. She completed Internal Medicine and Hematology training followed by a Lymphoma Fellowship in 2017. From 2017 to 2020, Dr. Davies practiced general hematology with a focus on malignancies in northern Ontario where the witnessed health inequities in this underserviced area prompted her to complete a Master’s of Public Health in Epidemiology from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2020. The topic of her thesis is highlighted in the above article, examining differential outcomes related to the drug approval process in Canada, among other covariates. She decided to focus her practice academically on lymphoid malignancies at McMaster University starting in 2020, where she has become the Division Head for Malignant Hematology (circa 2024) and the Lymphoma Fellowship Director. She has led numerous ICES database and health education studies, in addition to acting as local PI for multiple studies examining bispecific antibodies and immunotherapies for frontline and relapsed disease.

The following is an interview with Dr. Davies:

1. Could you please briefly introduce the main research content of the published paper?

Our population-based study assessed whether delays in Canadian public funding of novel therapies affect survival in Hodgkin lymphoma, using Brentuximab vedotin as an example. Although BV was approved by the FDA in 2011, it was not publicly funded in Canada until 2014. Comparing outcomes before and after U.S. approval (2007–2010 vs. 2011–2014) in 12,003 U.S. and 4,210 Canadian patients within the SEER and Canadian Cancer Registries, survival improved significantly in the U.S. and similarly, though not significantly, in Canada.

Key findings:

• U.S. patients had better survival improvement over time (aHR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.98);
• Canadian patients had a similar but non-significant improvement (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69–1.03);
• In the U.S., uninsured and Medicaid patients had worse survival than privately insured and Canadian patients.

These findings suggest that while Canadian funding delays may affect timely access, disparities within the U.S. insurance system may have a greater impact on outcomes.

2. Could you tell us a little bit about your current research?

My current research primarily focuses on incorporating novel therapies including bispecific antibodies into the frontline and relapsed/refractory setting for patients with lymphoma. In addition, my colleagues and I have utilized population level data to look at treatment-related morbidity and outcomes for patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma identified within the Ontario Cancer Registry, most recently comparing secondary primary malignancy in patients receiving frontline bendamustine–rituximab vs. historical comparators.

3. How do you evaluate research trends in this field, and what advice would you give to early-career researchers who are interested in this research area?

While many meetings shifted to virtual during the pandemic and now offer hybrid options, making access to emerging evidence easier, there remains significant value in attending select conferences in person. Panel discussions, networking, and direct engagement with experts often highlight gaps in the evidence base and generate new research hypotheses—along with the future directions sections of key articles. Many of these meetings are multidisciplinary, which is critical for developing novel research ideas, particularly as studies increasingly incorporate NGS, MRD testing, and advanced imaging. For early-career researchers, I would emphasize the importance of reading editorials, listening to podcasts, and networking, as these are all essential to developing novel ides.

4. Why did you choose Current Oncology as a platform for publishing your work, and how was your experience? Would you consider publishing your future research in Current Oncology?

Current Oncology is well-known to me from the work of colleagues and frequently publishes articles addressing therapy and challenges within the Canadian landscape. My experience was smooth with valued feedback allowing for improvement of our final article, and I would definitely consider Current Oncology for future scholarly articles.

5. How do you think the open access way of publishing impacts authors?

It is important to recognize that many researchers, especially those not specifically attached to academic institutions or those in low- and middle-income countries, have limited access to journal articles, thus comprehensive literature review, gap analysis, etc., is hindered. Open access publishing allows for significantly improved access to existing literature to allow for evidence informed care and scholarship.

6. In your opinion, which research topics will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

It is always interesting to look at differences in access and the resultant effects on patient outcomes with newly available drug therapies. The progress in malignant hematology has been immense and there are so many more options for our patients, even compared to a decade ago when I started independent practice, but the rising costs for treatment are threatening to overwhelm our universal healthcare system. While some progress has been made, there continue to be substantial delays in review, stakeholder engagement and funding within Canada, unfortunately. I think it will be important to look at impacts of quality-improvement initiatives on capacity and access, such as with subcutaneous delivery of immunotherapy or outpatient CAR-T delivery, along with selection method and impacts of programs like FAST within Ontario, an accelerated drug approval pilot program, to see if we can close the gap with other OECD countries against whom Canada often performs poorly.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emanuele Cencini, the first and corresponding author of an Editor’s Choice Article in Current Oncology (ISSN: 1718-7729). Here, he shares insights into his academic journey, research focus, and the motivation behind his recent work.

“Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Multiple Myeloma: Key Role in Disease Biology and Potential Therapeutic Implications”
by Emanuele Cencini, Anna Sicuranza, Sara Ciofini, Alberto Fabbri, Monica Bocchia and Alessandro Gozzetti
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(7), 6111-6133; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30070455
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/30/7/455

Dr. Emanuele Cencini’s biography:
Dr. Emanuele Cencini graduated from the University of Siena on June 23, 2008, with a degree in medicine and surgery with a grade of 110/110 cum laude (first qualifying session). Thesis: “Identification of prognostic parameters predictive of therapeutic response in hairy cell leukemia after treatment with 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine” (supervisor: Prof. F. Lauria). June 2014: Passed the final exam for the Specialization School in Hematology at the University of Florence on June 27, 2014, with a grade of 70/70 cum laude. Thesis: “Determination of the prognostic role of macrophage infiltration in Hodgkin’s lymphoma at diagnosis and correlation with PET re-evaluation after two cycles of treatment” (supervisor: Prof. Monica Bocchia, co-supervisor: Dr. Alberto Fabbri). April 2018: Obtained a PhD in genetics, oncology, and clinical medicine (Genomec). Coordinator: Professor Alessandra Renieri, tutor: prof. Monica Bocchia. Thesis: “Study of gene polymorphisms as predictors of treatment efficacy and toxicity in patients with indolent non-hodgkin lymphomas and mantle cell lymphoma receiving bendamustine and rituximab”. May 2019: National Scientific Qualification (ASN) as Associate Professor. Member of the “Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL)”. Author of 107 indexed publications on PubMed (h-index 21) and more than 150 abstracts for National and International meetings (more than 30 as first-author). Collaboration with ERN-EuroBloodNet for lymphoid malignancies, delegate for Hematology Unit, University of Siena. Professor at the Hematology School at the University of Siena. Principal investigator and sub-investigator in many National and international clinical trials. Lead and PI of 5 studies within Rete Toscana Linfomi. Lead and PI of 5 studies within “Rete Toscana Linfomi (RTL)”.

The following is an interview with Dr. Emanuele Cencini:

1. Could you please briefly introduce the main research content of the published paper?
Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by multiple relapse and despite the introduction of novel therapies, including proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, carfilzomib), monoclonal antibodies (daratumumab, isatuximab, elotuzumab), bispecific antibodies (talquetamab. Teclistamab, elranatamab) and immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide) the disease becomes ultimately drug-resistant. The tumor microenvironment (TME) within the bone marrow niche includes T-cytotoxic, T-helper, reactive B-lymphoid cells and macrophages, with a complex cross-talk between these cells and the MM cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have an important role in the MM pathogenesis, since they could promote plasma cells proliferation and angiogenesis. Macrophages can release pro-inflammatory cytokines, promote the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation and give a contribution to the tissue reparation and phagocytosis of foreign antigens, such as neoplastic antigens. After phagocytosis, macrophages perform an antigen-presenting cell (APC) function, by the exposure on their surface of tumor antigen together with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II), thus permitting its recognition by T-lymphocytes. However, an elevated macrophage number, as frequently reported in hematologic malignancies, could also contribute to tumor progression by multiple mechanisms, including angiogenesis, the reduction in CD8 T-cell proliferation, the recruitment of T-regulatory cells (T-regs) and the inhibition of apoptosis. The so-called TAM, as “bad guys”, are characterized by a complex interaction with malignant cells. TAM are identifiable by the CD68 marker but are further characterized by remarkable plasticity and were divided in the current classification into M1 (classically activated) and M2 (alternatively activated). The M1 TAM subtype could provoke a Th-1 immune response and play an antitumor effect, while M2 TAM have a low antigen-presenting capacity and could promote tumor progression by inducing immunosuppression and angiogenesis. Many studies demonstrated a correlation between TAM, disease progression, drug-resistance and reduced survival in lymphoproliferative neoplasms, including MM. MM plasma cells in vitro could favor an M2 TAM polarization. Moreover, a possible correlation between the pro-tumor effect of M2 TAM and a reduced sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs was hypothesized. Several clinical studies confirmed CD68/CD163 double-positive M2 TAM were associated with increased microvessel density, chemoresistance and reduced survival, independently of the MM stage. In this review, we have provided an overview of the biology and clinical relevance of TAM in MM, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of a potential TAM-targeted immunotherapy.

2. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your current research?
I am a hematologist involved in clinical management and research for patients with lymphoproliferative disorder. Since 2013, I supported Dr. Alberto Fabbri in the management of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We manage about 200 newly diagnosed patients per year. Moreover, I have collaborated with Prof. Alessandro Gozzetti on some studies about drug resistance in MM. I have collaborated with Professor Cosima Tatiana Baldari's research group within the Hematology Unit, headed by Professor Monica Bocchia, on the molecular aspects of B-cell survival regulation. I am the first author of five full-length papers on clinical trials conducted within the Rete Toscana Linfomi (RTL) network, of which I am a member of the scientific board. I am the first author of a subanalysis of the FIL Elderly Project study published in the journal Hematological Oncology.

3. How do you evaluate research trends in this field, and what advice would you give to early-career researchers who are interested in this research area?
Treatment of lymphoid malignancies, including NHL and MM, has changed dramatically in recent years with the introduction of CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. The current challenge is no longer only which drug to use first, but how to design optimal treatment sequencing, especially for relapsed/refractory cases.
In addition, the importance of real-world data is increasing. Many patients encountered in daily practice differ from those enrolled in clinical trials and real-world data should be carefully considered for clinical decision-making.
For early-career researchers, hematology represents an example of patient management from bench to bedside. Clinical and scientific/translational aspects intersect and are both essential to providing each patient with the best treatment strategy.

4. Why did you choose the Current Oncology journal as a platform for publishing your work, and how was your experience?
Me and my colleagues chose Current Oncology because this journal has a relevant impact factor, is PubMed indexed and is very interested to real-world studies and reviews about lymphoid malignancies, including NHL,m HL and MM. The journal publishes many clinically relevant studies, and we think that it was an appropriate choice for our present and future research. The submission was easy and the peer-review process was rapid. In addition, the reviewers’ comments were helpful in improving the quality of the manuscript. I was involved as a co-author in another published manuscript about cutaneous lymphomas and I am the corresponding author of a recently submitted manuscript focused on new prognostic factors for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

5. How do you think open access way of publishing impacts authors?
Open access publishing could increase the visibility of our paper and allows us to reach a wider audience without barriers. It is particularly relevant for real-world analysis in hematology, since published results can significantly influence clinical practice and could represent the backbone for future studies.
Open access could increase paper visibility and favor collaboration between experts in the field.

6. In your opinion, which research topics will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
Macrophages play a crucial role in the interactions between antineoplastic therapy and the immune system. Immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have been shown to modulate TAM function. In addition, TAM can also contribute to tumor resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy by promoting tumor cell survival and proliferation. Understanding the interactions between macrophages and various cancer therapies is crucial for developing more effective treatment strategies for lymphoproliferative disorders. The study of tumor microenvironment before CAR-T cell therapy could represent an interesting research field for patients with NHL and MM. Finally, CAR-Ms, that represent human primary macrophages armed with transduced chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) could be an important weapon for heavily pre-treated cases, according to their abilities, such as phagocytosis of selective antigen-expressing tumor cells and production of pro-inflammatory factors.