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1. “Machine Learning in Biomarker-Driven Precision Oncology: Automated Immunohistochemistry Scoring and Emerging Directions in Genitourinary Cancers”
by Matthew Yap, Ioana-Maria Mihai and Gang Wang
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33010031
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/33/1/31
Cover Story: Immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based biomarker studies remain central to oncology, yet their interpretation is subject to multiple sources of variability. This review examines how machine learning (ML)-enabled digital pathology is transforming IHC scoring by enabling reproducible, quantitative, and spatially resolved biomarker assessments. Using clinically validated markers as exemplars, we outline the evolutionary trajectory of automated IHC analysis toward prognostic and predictive applications. With a particular focus on genitourinary (GU) malignancies, we discuss emerging biomarkers and the translational pathway toward clinical implementation. |
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2. “Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Efficacy, Real-World Outcomes, and the Search for Predictive Biomarkers”
by Giusi Bondì, Serafina Martella, Dimitrios Stylianakis, Alberto Terminella, Filippo Lococo, Alessia Ciarrocchi, Alfonso Fiorelli and Giacomo Cusumano
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020093
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/33/2/93
Cover Story: Malignant pleural mesothelioma remains a highly aggressive malignancy with limited systemic options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have changed first-line management, particularly with nivolumab–ipilimumab, showing survival benefit mainly in non-epithelioid disease. However, real-world outcomes are consistently inferior to trial results, especially in elderly and unselected populations, with higher toxicity rates. This review critically summarizes evidence from randomized trials and routine practice, highlighting the impact of histology, patient fitness, and treatment setting on clinical benefit. We also examine emerging biomarkers, including BAP1, NF2, and CDKN2A alterations and tumor immune microenvironment features, which may help explain response heterogeneity. Integrated molecular and clinical profiling is essential to guide more personalized immunotherapy strategies. |
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3. “Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Antibody–Drug Conjugate Approaches in the Perioperative Management of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer”
by Joseph Vento, Tian Zhang, Yair Lotan, Solomon Woldu and Qian Qin
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33030162
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/33/3/162
Cover Story: Immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody–drug conjugates have revolutionized the perioperative management of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, yielding remarkable improvements in clinical outcomes. In this review, we examine the pivotal trials that shaped modern perioperative treatment paradigms incorporating these classes of systemic therapies. |
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4. “Controlled Ovarian Stimulation After Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Borderline Ovarian Tumors: An Exploratory Cohort Study on Recurrence and Reproductive Outcomes”
by Sofia Thiella, Giacomo Corrado, Paola Villa, Inge Peters, Diana Giannarelli, Rossella Letizia Mancusi, Tina Pasciuto, Lucrezia Massaro, Maria Luisa Di Pietro, Maria Lucia Specchia et al.
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(4), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33040206
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/33/4/206
Cover Story: Borderline ovarian tumors often affect reproductive-age women, making fertility preservation important. While fertility-sparing surgery is standard, the safety of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for oocyte cryopreservation remains uncertain due to possible recurrence risk. This retrospective single-center cohort study evaluated the association between COS after surgery and recurrence and reproductive outcomes. Patients treated between January 2011 and June 2024 were included. Among 45 patients, 19 underwent COS after a median of 9.9 months. With a median follow-up of 34.4 months, recurrence occurred in 21.1% of stimulated versus 38.5% of non-stimulated patients (p = 0.338). COS was not linked to higher recurrence risk (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.22-4.09; p = 0.944). Eleven patients (24.4%) achieved pregnancy, mostly spontaneous. |
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5. “Factors Associated with Autopsy Consent in Pediatric Oncology: A 10-Year Review”
by Meaghann S. Weaver, Jia Liang, Rachel Jalfon, Yimei Li, Abagail D. Cohen and Liza-Marie Johnson
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(5), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33050297
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/33/5/297
Cover Story: Families of children with cancer consented to autopsy in about one-third of cases, highlighting the rarity yet ongoing importance of this practice in pediatric oncology. This study found that decisions were shaped less by demographic or diagnostic factors and more by circumstances surrounding end-of-life care. Higher consent rates were associated with intensive care involvement, life-sustaining interventions such as ventilation or dialysis, and receipt of CPR at death, whereas the presence of a Do Not Resuscitate order was linked to lower consent. These findings underscore the deeply personal and situational nature of autopsy decisions and emphasize the need for consistent, unbiased approaches to discussing autopsy, as well as greater attention to understanding family perspectives. |
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6. “The Evolving Role of Intralesional Therapy in In-Transit Melanoma”
by Celine Jeun, Mackenzie M. Mayhew, Kate Joshua and Russell G. Witt
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(6), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33060344
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/33/6/344
Cover Story: In-transit melanoma spreads through dermal lymphatic channels, forming clusters of tumors that are often too numerous or widespread for surgery alone. This review traces the evolution of intralesional therapies, which are injected directly into tumors to destroy cancer cells while stimulating systemic antitumor immunity. We follow the field from early immune-stimulating agents to modern oncolytic viruses, targeted immunocytokines, electroporation-based gene delivery, and focused ultrasound. Therefore, a central theme emerges: the most effective therapies induce immunogenic cell death and sustain antigen presentation, particularly when combined with checkpoint blockade. Moreover, these advances support a shift toward mechanism-based, personalized treatment strategies using local therapy to overcome immune resistance and generate durable systemic responses. |
