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Current Oncology

Current Oncology is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that since 1994 represents a multidisciplinary medium for clinical oncologists to report and review progress in the management of this disease, and published monthly online by MDPI (from Volume 28, Issue 1 - 2021). The Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists (CAMO), Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO), Canadian Association of General Practitioners in Oncology (CAGPO), Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC) and others are affiliated with Current Oncology and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Embase, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Oncology)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 22.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Journal Clusters of Oncology: Cancers, Current Oncology, Onco and Targets.

Impact Factor: 3.4 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.3 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 1718-7729

Latest Articles

11 pages, 376 KB

Open AccessArticle

Brain Tumor Care in Relation to Patient Age—An Observational Study Between Years 2016 and 2022 in a Nationwide Cohort in Germany

by Frederic Bold, Gerardo Rico Gonzalez, Rüdiger Gerlach, Oliver Heese, Steffen K. Rosahl, Michael Stoffel, Juraj Kukolja, Frederick Palm, Emilia Machado Musri, Ali Allam, Ralf Kuhlen, Julius Dengler, Sven Hohenstein, Andreas Bollmann and Nora F. Dengler

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020104 - 5 Feb 2026

As societies continue to age, brain tumors increasingly affect older patients. Still, large-scale evidence on whether the relationship between age and brain tumor has been evolving over time is scarce. We examined longitudinal trends among different age groups of patients with brain tumors [...] Read more.

As societies continue to age, brain tumors increasingly affect older patients. Still, large-scale evidence on whether the relationship between age and brain tumor has been evolving over time is scarce. We examined longitudinal trends among different age groups of patients with brain tumors at 78 German hospitals. Two time periods were compared as follows: phase 1 (1 January 2016–31 December 2019; pre-pandemic) and phase 2 (1 January 2020–31 December 2022; pandemic). Patients were categorized as non-elderly (<65 years) or elderly (≥65 years), and according to 10-year age brackets. The clinical condition was quantified using the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) and the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS). Among the 20,005 patients included, changes in characteristics of non-elderly/elderly patients over time behaved similarly, with improvements in ECI (19.3 to 18.4/15.2 to 14.3; each p < 0.01) and HFRS (2.1 to 1.6/4.7 to 4.1; each p < 0.01), and increases in rates of brain tumor resection (26.1% to 31.8%/22.7% to 27.8%; each p < 0.01). Only patients aged 75–84 years did not follow any of those trends. Over the examined 7-year period, general trends in brain tumor care in elderly subjects resembled those observed in non-elderly patients, except for those aged 75–84 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geriatric Oncology: Toward Optimized Cancer Care)

19 pages, 565 KB

Open AccessReview

Predictors of Response and Mechanisms of Resistance to Antibody Drug Conjugates in Urothelial Carcinoma

by Jing Huang, Ademola Ojo and Bobby Liaw

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020103 - 5 Feb 2026

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have reshaped the treatment landscape of urothelial carcinoma (UC) by enabling selective delivery of highly potent cytotoxic agents to tumor cells. Enfortumab vedotin, sacituzumab govitecan, and HER2-directed ADCs have demonstrated meaningful clinical activity across metastatic and earlier disease settings, with [...] Read more.

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have reshaped the treatment landscape of urothelial carcinoma (UC) by enabling selective delivery of highly potent cytotoxic agents to tumor cells. Enfortumab vedotin, sacituzumab govitecan, and HER2-directed ADCs have demonstrated meaningful clinical activity across metastatic and earlier disease settings, with enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab now established as a first-line standard of care. Despite these advances, therapeutic responses remain heterogeneous, and resistance frequently limits durability. This review summarizes current knowledge on predictors of response and mechanisms of resistance to ADCs in UC, highlighting the roles of target antigen expression and heterogeneity, genomic alterations, payload sensitivity, drug efflux transporters, and tumor microenvironmental factors. We discuss emerging biomarkers beyond antigen abundance, patterns of cross-resistance and treatment sequencing, and evolving strategies to overcome resistance, including next-generation ADC design and rational combination therapies. Advancing biomarker-driven patient selection and addressing mechanisms of resistance will be critical to maximizing the durability and clinical impact of ADCs in urothelial carcinoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Immune Checkpoint Inhibition and Antibody Drug Conjugates in Urothelial Carcinoma)

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12 pages, 528 KB

Open AccessArticle

People Living with HIV Eligibility in Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials

by Maria F. Comelles, Santiago Perez-Patrigeon, Tessa Senneker, Anna Johnson, Lisa K. Hicks, Lynda Balneaves, Bingshu E. Chen and Annette E. Hay

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020102 - 5 Feb 2026

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) have historically been excluded from cancer clinical trials, prompting the 2017 ASCO–Friends of Cancer Research recommendations to limit unjustified exclusions and promote equitable access. This study evaluated how Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) protocols align with these [...] Read more.

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) have historically been excluded from cancer clinical trials, prompting the 2017 ASCO–Friends of Cancer Research recommendations to limit unjustified exclusions and promote equitable access. This study evaluated how Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) protocols align with these recommendations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional review of CCTG active trial protocols, abstracting HIV eligibility language and trial characteristics, and assessing associations using Chi-square tests. Results: Of 136 trials activated between 1999 and 2025, 81.6% involved solid tumors, 63.2% systemic therapy interventions, and 61.5% phase III designs. PLWH were included, not mentioned or excluded in 49/136 (36%), 55/136 (40.4%) and 32/136 (23.5%) respectively, with justification in 7/32 (21.9%). In multivariable analyses, exclusion was more likely in trials of immune checkpoint blockade therapy (p = 0.039) and those with industry support (p = 0.014). Adjusted models showed that both industry sponsorship and immune checkpoint blockade independently reduced HIV trial inclusion. Conclusions: Most CCTG-associated trials were inclusive or neutral toward PLWH; however, a proportion still excluded them, often without justification. This first national assessment evaluating adoption of ASCO Friends of Cancer Research–HIV guidance establishes a Canadian benchmark for equitable trial design and future research as both cancer and HIV therapies continue to evolve. Full article

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12 pages, 727 KB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Esophagus and Esophagogastric Junction in Germany, 2009–2023

by Andreas Stang, Ina Wellmann, Bernd Holleczek, Alice Nennecke, Guido Schumacher and Hiltraud Kajüter

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020101 - 4 Feb 2026

According to the WHO classification of tumors, neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the esophagus are esophageal “epithelial neoplasms with neuroendocrine differentiation, including well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), and mixed neuroendocrine–non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs)—an umbrella category including mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC)” [...] [...] Read more.

According to the WHO classification of tumors, neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the esophagus are esophageal “epithelial neoplasms with neuroendocrine differentiation, including well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), and mixed neuroendocrine–non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs)—an umbrella category including mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC)” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gastrointestinal Oncology)

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17 pages, 637 KB

Open AccessArticle

Age and Colorectal Cancer Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis Between Patients Younger and Older than 70 Years

by Oswaldo Moraes Filho, Bruno Augusto Alves Martins, André Araújo de Medeiros Silva, Romulo Medeiros de Almeida, Antonio Carlos Nobrega dos Santos, Camila Oliveira Barbosa, Flávia Berford Leão dos Santos Gonçalves de Oliveira, Tuane Colles, Wilmar Junio Pereira Araújo and João Batista de Sousa

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020100 - 4 Feb 2026

Colorectal cancer is predominantly a disease of older adults, yet age-related treatment decisions remain controversial. While chronological age is often used as a criterion for surgical eligibility, it remains unclear whether age alone is an independent predictor of surgical and oncological outcomes. This [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer is predominantly a disease of older adults, yet age-related treatment decisions remain controversial. While chronological age is often used as a criterion for surgical eligibility, it remains unclear whether age alone is an independent predictor of surgical and oncological outcomes. This study evaluated whether age is a significant determinant of outcomes in colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical resection. This retrospective comparative study analyzed 262 patients (193 younger than 70 years, 69 aged ≥ 70 years) diagnosed with colorectal cancer stages I–IV between 2014 and 2021 at a tertiary single center. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. Elderly patients had higher ASA classification (p = 0.0270), higher hypertension prevalence (p < 0.0001), higher ICU admission rates (50.7% vs. 21.2%, p < 0.0001), and longer hospital stays (12.6 vs. 7.5 days, p = 0.0016). However, elderly patients presented with earlier-stage disease (Stage I + II: 64.2% vs. 46.1%, p = 0.0108). After adjustment for confounding factors, age did not significantly impact overall survival (HR = 1.33; 95%CI: 0.54–3.26; p = 0.5375) or disease-free survival (HR = 1.61; 95%CI: 0.79–3.29; p = 0.1939). Despite differences in clinical presentation and pathological findings, age itself was not an independent predictor of survival outcomes. These findings suggest that treatment decisions in elderly colorectal cancer patients should be informed by individual patient physiology and disease stage rather than chronological age alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Tumors: Prevention, Screening and Predictive Analytics)

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16 pages, 1192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Role of HER2 in Response to Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Luminal Breast Cancer

by Celia del Monte, Covadonga Martí, Elena Rodríguez, Elisa Moreno-Palacios, Laura Frías, Marcos Meléndez, Adolfo Loayza, Laura Yébenes and José Ignacio Sánchez-Méndez

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020099 - 4 Feb 2026

Purpose: Recently, authors have shown increasing interest in the emerging HER2-low subtype in breast cancer. These tumors are currently classified and treated as HER2-negative tumors. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) has been used to achieve tumor downstaging and assess treatment response in postmenopausal [...] Read more.

Purpose: Recently, authors have shown increasing interest in the emerging HER2-low subtype in breast cancer. These tumors are currently classified and treated as HER2-negative tumors. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) has been used to achieve tumor downstaging and assess treatment response in postmenopausal women with low-grade luminal HER2-negative tumors. This study aimed to determine whether the response to NET was affected by low levels of HER2 expression in luminal tumors. Methods: The study was a single-centered retrospective investigation. Data were gathered from the medical records of patients from 2017 to 2023. All patients had luminal HER2-negative tumors and were treated with NET and subsequent surgery. Results: In total, 175 tumors were analyzed; 24.0% of the tumors were HER2-zero, 48.0% were HER2-low 1+, and 28.0% were HER2-low 2+. No significant differences were found when assessing NET response between the three groups, nor when evaluating tumor features. Response to NET was influenced by estrogen receptor levels, histological subtype and histological grade at diagnosis, Ki67 levels at interim biopsy, and NET duration. No differences were found for progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) between HER2 groups. The group with Ki67 ≤ 10% at interim biopsy had longer PFS than the Ki67 > 10% group (p < 0.05). No differences for OS were found between these groups. Conclusions: Response to NET was not influenced by low levels of HER2 expression in luminal tumors when compared to HER2-zero tumors. PFS was longer for patients who had lower Ki67 levels at interim biopsy after NET. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

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15 pages, 1943 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Ultrasound and MRI Assessment in Patients Undergoing Reoperation for Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Oncological Outcomes and Surgical Safety

by Zimei Tang, Jie Liu, Rong Wang, Gang Tian, Anwen Ren, Jiexiao Li, Yiran Wang, Wen Yang, Peng Sun, Tao Huang, Ximeng Zhang and Jie Ming

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020098 - 4 Feb 2026

Reoperation for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) requires precise lymph node metastasis assessment, yet ultrasound (US) alone may be insufficient in complex or high-risk cases. This study evaluated whether supplementing US with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves surgical guidance and outcomes in reoperation. We [...] Read more.

Reoperation for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) requires precise lymph node metastasis assessment, yet ultrasound (US) alone may be insufficient in complex or high-risk cases. This study evaluated whether supplementing US with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves surgical guidance and outcomes in reoperation. We retrospectively analyzed 375 patients who underwent reoperation between 2014 and 2022. Propensity score matching yielded 101 patients in the USUS-only group and 62 in the US+MRI group. Pathological and imaging data were compared to assess diagnostic performance, surgical outcomes, biochemical responses, and recurrence-free survival. The combined approach significantly increased sensitivity for detecting central lymph node metastasis from 52.5% to 90.9% and resulted in higher rates of central neck dissections (65.1% versus 45.5%) with greater lymph node yield (median: 29 versus 20) but lower lymph node ratios. More patients in the combined group achieved excellent biochemical responses (50.0% versus 27.7%). While overall recurrence-free survival (RFS) was not significantly different, the US+MRI group showed improved RFS among patients with ≥2 positive central nodes (HR = 0.24, p = 0.032). Importantly, complication rates were comparable, suggesting that improved outcomes were achieved without added surgical risk. Combined US and MRI assessment enhances diagnostic performance and may improve surgical and oncological outcomes in select high-risk patients undergoing PTC reoperation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Thyroid Cancer Management)

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10 pages, 459 KB

Open AccessArticle

Redefining Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors in MEN1: Prevalence, Clinical Behavior, and Implications for Long-Term Surveillance

by Roberta Modica, Alessia Liccardi, Roberto Minotta, Elio Benevento, Gianfranco Di Iasi, Massimo Di Nola, Michele Coletta and Annamaria Colao

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020097 - 4 Feb 2026

Background: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are a core manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), yet their true prevalence, biological behavior, and optimal management remain debated. Earlier reports suggested increased aggressiveness compared with sporadic PitNETs, while more recent surveillance-based studies indicate a [...] Read more.

Background: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are a core manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), yet their true prevalence, biological behavior, and optimal management remain debated. Earlier reports suggested increased aggressiveness compared with sporadic PitNETs, while more recent surveillance-based studies indicate a predominantly indolent phenotype. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including all patients with clinical, familial, or genetic MEN1 referred to the Endocrinology Unit of the University of Naples “Federico II”, ENETS Center of Excellence, between January 2004 and June 2025. Demographic, clinical, radiological, hormonal, and therapeutic data were systematically collected. PitNETs were classified by size and hormonal activity. Results: Among 103 MEN1 patients (61 women), 50 (48.5%) were diagnosed with PitNETs at a mean age of 35.1 years. Microadenomas predominated (60%), and tumors were equally distributed between functioning and non-functioning lesions. Prolactin-secreting PitNETs were the most common functioning subtype (42%), followed by rare GH-, ACTH-, or mixed-secreting PitNETs. Dopamine agonists, mainly cabergoline, were prescribed in 38% of cases, while neurosurgical intervention was required in 14%, exclusively for macroadenomas. During follow-up, recurrence occurred in 8% of patients. No significant sex-related differences were observed in prevalence, tumor size, functional status, treatment approach, or outcomes. Conclusions: In our MEN1 cohort, PitNETs were frequent but largely indolent, with a predominance of microadenomas and limited need for surgery. Our findings support individualized, subtype-driven surveillance strategies, with conservative management for clinically non-functioning microadenomas and closer monitoring of prolactin-secreting PitNETs due to variable medical responsiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neuro-Oncology)

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11 pages, 3053 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Prevention and Management of Dermatologic Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib

by Carolyn Szwed, Leszek Blicharz, Magdalena Knetki-Wroblewska, Lidia Rudnicka and Joanna Czuwara

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020096 - 4 Feb 2026

Amivantamab plus lazertinib (amivantamab+lazertinib) is a novel combination therapy used to treat epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although this regimen has demonstrated clinical efficacy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, it is associated with a range of dermatologic [...] Read more.

Amivantamab plus lazertinib (amivantamab+lazertinib) is a novel combination therapy used to treat epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although this regimen has demonstrated clinical efficacy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, it is associated with a range of dermatologic adverse events that may develop rapidly and require prompt intervention. Early management of these side effects is critical for maintaining oncologic treatment, optimizing clinical outcomes, and improving patients’ quality of life. Cases: We present four patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who experienced dermatologic adverse events during amivantamab+lazertinib therapy. Two developed severe facial papulopustular eruptions, and two presented with necrotic folliculitis with sanguineous scalp erosions. Additional dermatologic manifestations included paronychia, pruritus, xerosis, mucositis, and trichomegaly. Notably, one patient experienced milder dermatologic side effects due to early initiation of a dermatologic prophylactic regimen. Conclusions: Dermatologic adverse events during amivantamab+lazertinib therapy are frequent and may be more severe than those typically observed with EGFR inhibitors. Early prophylactic measures and timely intervention are essential for managing these adverse events, supporting treatment adherence, and maximizing the therapeutic efficacy of this combined oncologic regimen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thoracic Oncology)

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25 pages, 695 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transitioning from Cytology to HPV Test-Based Primary Cervical Screening in Canada: A Population-Based Survey of Women’s Screening and Information Preferences

by Ovidiu Tatar, Patricia Zhu, Shannon Salvador, Susie Lau, Jessica Ruel-Laliberté, Samara Perez, Emily McBride and Zeev Rosberger

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020095 - 4 Feb 2026

Background: Canada’s cervical cancer elimination plan is challenged by suboptimal screening participation and rising incidence of cervical cancer over the past decade. Cytology, the primary cervical screening method in Canada, is being replaced with HPV testing, which offers superior sensitivity for detecting [...] Read more.

Background: Canada’s cervical cancer elimination plan is challenged by suboptimal screening participation and rising incidence of cervical cancer over the past decade. Cytology, the primary cervical screening method in Canada, is being replaced with HPV testing, which offers superior sensitivity for detecting pre-cancerous lesions and supports initiating screening at age 25 or older and extending screening intervals to five years. Research has shown that women’s insufficient knowledge and negative attitudes toward HPV screening represent a significant barrier to screening uptake. Methods: We conducted a web-based national survey using Best–Worst Scaling (trade off utilities) to quantify women’s preferences for screening test modality, age of initiation, and screening intervals. We also assessed preferences for information sources, provider type, and communication methods. Underscreened individuals were oversampled. Results: Among adequately screened (N = 1778) and underscreened (N = 1570) individuals, preferences favoured co-testing (cytology plus HPV testing), initiating screening at age 21, and three-year screening intervals. Underscreened participants showed relatively higher preference for HPV self-sampling, and as opposed to adequately screened participants, preferred screening by a gynecologist rather than a family physician. Across groups, participants preferred receiving screening-related information and communication by email over postal mail. Conclusions: The misalignment between women’s preferences and current HPV test-based screening implementation plans requires immediate education interventions and modernized, user-preferred communication channels for cervical screening-eligible individuals in Canada. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gynecologic Oncology)

9 pages, 2234 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Breast Metastasis from Pulmonary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in a Male Patient: A Case Report

by Raquel Diaz, Letizia Cuniolo, Rebecca Allievi, Ilaria Baldelli, Federica Murelli, Chiara Cornacchia, Francesca Depaoli, Cecilia Margarino, Chiara Boccardo, Marco Gipponi, Simonetta Franchelli, Marianna Pesce, Giovanni Rossi, Abdallah Saad, Umberto Meliga, Francesca Maria Scura, Santina Petroccelli, Gabriele Puglisi, Emanuela Barisione and Piero Fregatti

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020094 - 4 Feb 2026

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung is a rare salivary gland-type tumor with heterogeneous clinical behavior and the potential to mimic neoplasms arising in other organs. The purpose of this report is to describe an exceptionally uncommon presentation of pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma manifesting as [...] Read more.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung is a rare salivary gland-type tumor with heterogeneous clinical behavior and the potential to mimic neoplasms arising in other organs. The purpose of this report is to describe an exceptionally uncommon presentation of pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma manifesting as a breast metastasis in a male patient, a scenario that poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and its morphological resemblance to primary breast carcinoma. We evaluated the patient through clinical examination, cross-sectional imaging, endobronchial procedures, ultrasound-guided biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analysis, integrating these data to establish the diagnosis. Imaging revealed a primary lung mass and a second lesion in the left breast infiltrating the pectoralis muscle. Biopsy of the breast mass showed high-grade salivary gland-type mucoepidermoid carcinoma, clinically and radiologically suggestive of pulmonary origin. Because the lesion showed signs of impending ulceration, palliative surgical debulking was performed with good postoperative recovery. The patient subsequently began systemic therapy with gemcitabine. This case underscores the need for careful clinicopathologic correlation when evaluating atypical breast lesions and highlights the diagnostic value of molecular testing in distinguishing primary from metastatic salivary gland-type tumors. Recognizing such rare metastatic patterns is essential for appropriate therapeutic planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

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16 pages, 1407 KB

Open AccessReview

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 - 3 Feb 2026

Immunotherapy has significantly reshaped the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), offering new therapeutic opportunities after decades in which platinum–pemetrexed chemotherapy represented the only systemic option. However, clinical benefit remains markedly heterogeneous, with outcomes strongly influenced by histologic subtype, patient characteristics, and real-world [...] Read more.

Immunotherapy has significantly reshaped the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), offering new therapeutic opportunities after decades in which platinum–pemetrexed chemotherapy represented the only systemic option. However, clinical benefit remains markedly heterogeneous, with outcomes strongly influenced by histologic subtype, patient characteristics, and real-world treatment conditions. Evidence from monotherapy trials has been inconsistent, whereas combination approaches—particularly nivolumab plus ipilimumab—have demonstrated improved survival compared with chemotherapy, mainly in non-epithelioid tumors. Nevertheless, real-world data consistently show lower efficacy and higher toxicity than registrational studies, especially among elderly and unselected populations. Recent translational work has highlighted the relevance of the tumor microenvironment and recurrent genomic alterations such as BAP1, NF2, and CDKN2A in shaping immune activity and potentially modulating response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transcriptomic signatures and circulating biomarkers—including soluble mesothelin-related peptide—have shown prognostic associations but no validated predictive value. Overall, current evidence suggests that sensitivity to immunotherapy in MPM arises from a complex interplay of genomic, immunologic, and clinical factors, and that no biomarker is yet suitable for guiding treatment decisions. Prospective studies integrating molecular and immune profiling will be essential to refine patient selection and advance toward a more rationally personalized use of immunotherapy Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thoracic Malignancies and Immunity: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions of Immunotherapy)

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18 pages, 1173 KB

Open AccessReview

Trop2-Based Antibody–Drug Conjugates: Emerging Strategy and Progress in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy

by Tong Li, Tao Zhang, Yongxia Dang, Yilin Lin, Xiaotong Li and Xiaoling Ling

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020092 - 3 Feb 2026

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15–20% of invasive breast cancers and represents a highly heterogeneous, aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and limited treatment options, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets to improve clinical outcomes. Trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop2), a calcium [...] Read more.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15–20% of invasive breast cancers and represents a highly heterogeneous, aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and limited treatment options, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets to improve clinical outcomes. Trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop2), a calcium signal transducer, is frequently overexpressed in TNBC (approximately 88% of cases) while exhibiting minimal expression in normal tissues. Its overexpression is significantly associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, and unfavorable prognosis. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting Trop2 have demonstrated significant clinical potential. This article systematically reviews the clinical research progress of Trop2-targeted ADCs, aiming to provide evidence-based insights for improving the prognosis of TNBC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

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8 pages, 217 KB

Open AccessCommentary

Historical Perspective of HER2 Testing and Treatment in Prostate Cancer

by Natalia Zamalloa, Jacqueline Rose, Coen J. Lap, Rithika Rajendran, Fayez Estephan, Karan Jatwani, Aarati Poudel, Ramesh Subrahmanyam, Paula J. Hurley, Victor E. Nava and Maneesh Jain

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020091 - 2 Feb 2026

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a molecular target of interest in prostate cancer due to its association with poor prognosis and its potential role in androgen receptor signaling. However, earlier clinical trials investigating HER2-targeted therapies, including antibodies and small molecules, [...] Read more.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a molecular target of interest in prostate cancer due to its association with poor prognosis and its potential role in androgen receptor signaling. However, earlier clinical trials investigating HER2-targeted therapies, including antibodies and small molecules, have shown limited efficacy. More recent studies using the HER2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) suggest potential therapeutic benefit in prostate cancer. However, its effective utilization requires a HER2 IHC scoring system that accurately represents HER2 expression patterns unique to prostate cancer, which is currently not established. We have developed a modified HER2 IHC scoring system that, unlike the breast and gastrointestinal tumor HER2 IHC grading scales, considers the distinct spatiotemporal expression of HER2 in prostate tumors. In this commentary, we discussed two patients with metastatic prostate cancer who were classified as HER2 IHC 3+ using our prostate cancer-specific scoring system and who demonstrated meaningful clinical responses and responded to treatment with T-DXd. We further review the historical evolution of HER2 testing in prostate cancer, as well as factors that may have contributed to the failure of previous clinical trials targeting HER2 in prostate tumors. Our aim is to highlight the need for developing a standardized HER2 IHC grading model in prostate cancer, which could improve the predictive value of HER2 IHC expression, enabling a more accurate identification of patients likely to benefit from HER2-targeted ADCs. Full article

9 pages, 207 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Vascular Management on Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma

by Neha Malik, Seokhun Kim, Christopher P. Scally, Emily Z. Keung, Heather Lillemoe, Keila E. Torres, Kelly K. Hunt, Sophia Khan, Christina L. Roland and Heather G. Lyu

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020090 - 2 Feb 2026

Background: Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas are aggressive malignancies. Complete surgical resection with negative margins is crucial to decrease the risk of recurrence but can be risky due to vascular involvement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the different approaches to IVC and renal [...] Read more.

Background: Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas are aggressive malignancies. Complete surgical resection with negative margins is crucial to decrease the risk of recurrence but can be risky due to vascular involvement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the different approaches to IVC and renal vein management and their impact on postoperative complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma with IVC and/or renal vein involvement at our institution from 2016 to 2024. Patients were stratified by intraoperative vascular management, including ligation only versus varying forms of vascular reconstruction. Postoperative complications, including bleeding, transfusions, the need for acute and chronic hemodialysis, and thromboembolic events, were recorded. Chi-squared tests were used to compare rates of postoperative complications by vascular management. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We identified 60 patients at our institution who underwent surgery for leiomyosarcoma with IVC and/or renal vein involvement. Ten patients underwent IVC ligation alone due to thrombosis, thirty-six had IVC replacement, and fourteen had patch angioplasty. In the entire cohort, twenty-six patients (43.3%) experienced an adverse event after surgery. When looking at postoperative adverse events by IVC management, we did not find any statistically significant differences among rates of adverse events by group. There were also no statistically significant differences in complications following renal vein ligation versus renal vein reconstruction. Conclusions: Patients with leiomyosarcoma with IVC and/or renal vein involvement have several options for intraoperative vascular management. Our data demonstrates that there are no statistically significant differences in rates of complications among the different groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sarcoma Surgeries: Oncological Outcomes and Prognostic Factors)

12 pages, 404 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tamoxifen Reduces Breast Cancer Recurrence in Women with DCIS Who Underwent Mastectomy

by Netchanok Sae-sim, Norasate Samarnthai and Warapan Numprasit

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020089 - 2 Feb 2026

Background: Adjuvant tamoxifen reduces recurrence in patients with ER-positive DCIS treated with lumpectomy and radiation, but its benefit after mastectomy remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 287 patients who underwent mastectomy for pure DCIS at Siriraj Hospital between 2008 and 2017. Recurrence risk [...] Read more.

Background: Adjuvant tamoxifen reduces recurrence in patients with ER-positive DCIS treated with lumpectomy and radiation, but its benefit after mastectomy remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 287 patients who underwent mastectomy for pure DCIS at Siriraj Hospital between 2008 and 2017. Recurrence risk factors were assessed using log-rank test, and survival probabilities were estimated with Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Of 180 patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive pure DCIS treated with mastectomy, 120 (66.7%) received tamoxifen, while the remaining 60 (33.3%) did not. The median follow-up was 8.07 years (0.05–13.8 years). Sixteen (8.9%) recurrences were identified, with 5 in the tamoxifen group and 11 in non-endocrine-therapy (ET) group. The 10-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 94.7% in the tamoxifen group compared with 77.9% in the non-ET group. Patients with HR-positive DCIS treated with tamoxifen following mastectomy had significantly less subsequent breast cancer (HR = 0.178; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy for DCIS is rare; however, it carries a high mortality rate for those who relapse. Adjuvant tamoxifen after mastectomy demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of recurrence in ER-positive DCIS. This study supports the decision to prescribe adjuvant ET in patients with DCIS who underwent mastectomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

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14 pages, 1163 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preoperative Soluble AXL in Plasma Predicts Futility of Resecting Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

by Thomas Samson, Maral Aali, Darien McBride, Thomas Arnason, Sharon E. Clarke, Ravi Ramjeesingh, Lisette Gonzalez-Chavez, Yara Azizieh, Mark J. Walsh, Scott M. Livingstone, Stephanie E. Hiebert, Jeanette E. Boudreau and Boris L. Gala-Lopez

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020088 - 1 Feb 2026

Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy offers the best chance of survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but many will experience recurrence and early mortality. We examined soluble AXL (sAXL), a blood protein, for its ability to predict 6-month mortality after resection and compared [...] Read more.

Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy offers the best chance of survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but many will experience recurrence and early mortality. We examined soluble AXL (sAXL), a blood protein, for its ability to predict 6-month mortality after resection and compared it to CA19-9. Fifty-four patients with PDAC who underwent tumour resection were analyzed to assess biomarker performance and identify optimal cut-off levels. The cut-off for sAXL was 40.26 ng/mL (sensitivity 0.729; specificity 0.643), while it 253.3 U/mL for CA19-9 (sensitivity 0.591; specificity 0.621). Patients with sAXL > 40.26 ng/mL had a non-significant trend toward worse survival (log-rank p = 0.088). Univariate Cox regression revealed that high tumour grade (3 + 4) and positive resection margin significantly predicted early mortality. Multivariate Cox regression showed that sAXL > 40.26 ng/mL remained associated with 6-month mortality (hazard ratio 2.42, bootstrap 95% CI 1.15–5.65, p = 0.020), independent of high tumour grade (hazard ratio 4.02, bootstrap 95% CI 1.68–13.2, p = 0.002). These findings suggest that a preoperative blood test (sAXL) has utility for predicting futile surgery beyond the current standard, CA19-9, and can be incorporated into larger models to assist in risk stratification and follow-up planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Advances in the Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers)

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13 pages, 469 KB

Open AccessArticle

Root Cause Analysis of Omissions and Delays in the Initiation of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Eligible Patients with Breast Cancer in British Columbia, Canada

by Jonathan L. H. Chan, Jaimie J. Lee, Hyejee Ohm, Kathryn V. Isaac and Alan Nichol

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020087 - 1 Feb 2026

Patients with high-risk breast cancers may benefit from receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to reduce tumour size and allow for breast conserving surgery. Response to NACT also informs prognosis and broadens adjuvant treatment options. According to international guidelines, NACT should commence within 28 days [...] Read more.

Patients with high-risk breast cancers may benefit from receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to reduce tumour size and allow for breast conserving surgery. Response to NACT also informs prognosis and broadens adjuvant treatment options. According to international guidelines, NACT should commence within 28 days of diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients eligible for NACT at a Canadian provincial cancer centre to determine the incidence and root causes of omission or delay in initiation of NACT. Of 100 patients eligible for NACT, 73 received it, while 7 were not referred to medical oncology for consideration of NACT. Of the 73 patients who received NACT, only 15 (21%) started treatment within 28 days of diagnosis. The median diagnosis-to-NACT wait time was 40 days [IQR 30–53]. Of 54 delayed cases, 39 (72%) were due to patients waiting 21 days or more for a medical oncology consultation. Lack of, or delays in medical oncology consultation are the most prominent causes of both NACT omissions and delays. Improving triage of patients potentially eligible for NACT to medical oncology may be an effective intervention to improve patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

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13 pages, 1434 KB

Open AccessReview

Oral Environment of Esophageal Cancer Patients, the Incidence of Complications, and Long-Term Prognoses

by Yusuke Sato, Hiroki Nikawa, Akiyuki Wakita, Yushi Nagaki, Hiroshi Takano and Kazuhiro Imai

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020086 - 1 Feb 2026

Recent studies have increasingly indicated that postoperative complications after esophagectomy are correlated with poor long-term prognoses, making it crucial to prevent such complications. Based on our studies, we believe that central to this issue is the finding that among esophageal cancer patients who [...] Read more.

Recent studies have increasingly indicated that postoperative complications after esophagectomy are correlated with poor long-term prognoses, making it crucial to prevent such complications. Based on our studies, we believe that central to this issue is the finding that among esophageal cancer patients who experience postoperative complications and have poor long-term prognoses there is a high incidence of poor oral environments. Here we review the results of our basic and clinical research studies, as well as evidence from other institutions, on the oral environment of esophageal cancer patients and its association with the incidence of complications and long-term prognoses. We hope these findings, which suggest “improving the oral environment of esophageal cancer patients can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve long-term prognoses”, will gain consensus and lead to safer esophageal cancer surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Anticancer Strategies, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 1486 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Outcomes of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Canada

by Christopher Lemieux, John Kuruvilla, Mona Shafey, Kelly Davison, Kristjan Paulson, Sue Z. L. Li, Lieven Billen, Francis Nissen, Hai-Lin Wang, Jenny J. Kim, Grace Lee, Zhen-Huan Hu, Brent Logan, Zhongyu Feng, Marcelo C. Pasquini and Kevin Hay

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020085 - 31 Jan 2026

CD19 CAR T-cell therapy has significantly improved the survival of patients with relapsed or refractory large B cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL) and is considered standard of care for eligible patients in Canada. Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous CAR T-cell therapy, initially approved [...] Read more.

CD19 CAR T-cell therapy has significantly improved the survival of patients with relapsed or refractory large B cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL) and is considered standard of care for eligible patients in Canada. Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous CAR T-cell therapy, initially approved by Health Canada for adults with R/R LBCL after 2 or more lines of therapy. This multi-centre analysis, with registry data collected from CIBMTR, aims to present a Canadian perspective on the real-world experience of axi-cel in patients with R/R LBCL. With a median follow-up of 12.4 months, the best objective response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) rate among all patients were 77% and 59%, respectively. At 12 months, estimated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 49% and 59%, respectively. Notably, the incidence and severity of adverse events were lower in this cohort compared to ZUMA-1 and other real-world reports, with CRS occurring in 77% (grade ≥ 3, 3%) and ICANS occurring in 38% (grade ≥ 3, 10%) of patients. Outcomes remained largely consistent across patient and disease characteristics. These findings demonstrate effectiveness and safety profiles comparable to international real-world studies and the ZUMA-1 trial, supporting the use of axi-cel as an effective treatment across broad Canadian populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cell Therapy)

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