Current Oncology

Oncolytic virotherapy has emerged as a promising and innovative approach to cancer treatment, leveraging viruses that selectively replicate in tumor cells and cause their destruction (oncolysis), while simultaneously stimulating anti-tumor immune responses. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a prototypic rhabdovirus, is among the most versatile oncolytic virus platforms due to its favorable biological characteristics, including rapid replication and cell lysis, lack of pre-existing immunity in humans, and amenability to genetic engineering. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in VSV-based oncolytic virotherapy. This review presents a comprehensive update on developments since our last review, emphasizing improvements in VSV safety, oncoselectivity, tumor-specific replication, direct oncolysis, and induction of antitumor immunity. By integrating recent applied discoveries with foundational knowledge, this review aims to guide ongoing efforts to advance VSV-based oncolytic virotherapy toward broader clinical translation and improved cancer patient outcomes. Additionally, we provide an overview of three closely related rhabdoviruses (Maraba, Morreton, and Jurona viruses) as emerging oncolytic platforms currently under preclinical and clinical investigation.

ROS1 gene rearrangements define a distinct molecular subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), occurring in approximately 2% of cases and frequently associated with younger age, non-smoker status, and a high incidence of brain metastases. The discovery of ROS1 as an oncogenic driver has led to the development of targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Crizotinib first demonstrated substantial clinical benefit, but its limitations, including poor central nervous system (CNS) penetration and acquired resistance, highlighted the need for next-generation inhibitors. Several agents have since been developed, including entrectinib, lorlatinib, repotrectinib, taletrectinib, and zidesamtinib, each offering improved intracranial (IC) activity and efficacy against resistance mutations, notably ROS1^G2032R. Despite these advances, optimal sequencing strategies remain undefined, and resistance ultimately emerges in most patients. This review provides an updated overview of ROS1 biology, diagnostic approaches, clinical outcomes with currently available TKIs, mechanisms of resistance, and ongoing challenges, emphasizing the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape.

Background: There is a need for an assessment tool for clinical rehabilitation staff to evaluate their life-goal-setting practice, especially in oncology rehabilitation. This study aimed to confirm the structural validity and reliability of the 21-item Reengagement life Goal Assessment Tool for Cancer survivors (ReGAT-C) with a five-category response scale. Methods: Participants were clinical rehabilitation staff who worked at designated cancer care hospitals in Japan and had experience in setting life-goals with cancer survivors hospitalized during the non-terminal phase. The ReGAT-C was mailed to participants twice, and Rasch analysis was repeated on the scores of the first ReGAT-C to test structural validity and reliability. The test–retest reliability was also examined using the scores of the first and second ReGAT-Cs after revising it according to the Rasch analysis results. Results: A total of 121 participants completed the first ReGAT-C, and 70 participants completed the second ReGAT-C. Following three Rasch analyses, the ReGAT-C was revised to contain 14 items with a three-category response scale. The revised scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties. Conclusions: The 14-item ReGAT-C with a three-category response scale could help staff to identify elements that are lacking in their practice and adjust their policies based on the items’ difficulty.