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Molecular Mechanisms and New Markers of Cancer

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 946

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
2. Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University "Giuseppe DeGennaro", 70010 Casamassima, Italy
Interests: pathology; molecular pathology; molecular oncology; neuropathology; CNS tumors; gynecological pathology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue "Molecular Mechanisms and New Markers of Cancer" invites contributions that delve into the complex molecular processes driving cancer development and progression, in addition to the identification of novel molecular markers for early detection, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting. This issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key molecular drivers of cancer, including genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment on tumor behavior and treatment responses. A deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms is essential for uncovering new biomarkers that can guide clinical decision-making and predict treatment outcomes.

We encourage authors to submit research that bridges basic cancer biology with the identification and validation of new molecular markers. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: the molecular characterization of cancer subtypes, the role of specific genetic mutations and alterations in tumorigenesis, and the identification of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, monitoring therapeutic response, and predicting patient prognosis. Contributions that explore the molecular pathways underlying tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance are also highly encouraged.

In addition, we welcome research on the evolving role of the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, stromal components, and non-coding RNAs, in shaping cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes. Studies on how tumor cells interact with their surrounding environment, in addition to the discovery of novel biomarkers within these interactions, will be featured prominently in this issue.

The goal of this Special Issue is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate the translation of molecular insights into clinical applications. We look forward to receiving contributions that push the frontiers of cancer research by providing a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind cancer and the discovery of new biomarkers that can transform diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

Dr. Antonio D’Amati
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • molecular pathology
  • molecular mechanisms
  • immunotherapy
  • cancer
  • oncology
  • pathology
  • biomarkers

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

25 pages, 1059 KiB  
Review
BRAF Targeting Across Solid Tumors: Molecular Aspects and Clinical Applications
by Hiba Mechahougui, James Gutmans, Roumaïssa Gouasmi, Laure Smekens and Alex Friedlaender
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083757 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 571
Abstract
BRAF mutations are critical drivers in cancers such as melanoma, colorectal cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. The most common mutation, BRAF V600E, is a key therapeutic target. Targeted treatments with BRAF and MEK inhibitors have significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in [...] Read more.
BRAF mutations are critical drivers in cancers such as melanoma, colorectal cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. The most common mutation, BRAF V600E, is a key therapeutic target. Targeted treatments with BRAF and MEK inhibitors have significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in melanoma patients. However, in cancers like metastatic colorectal cancer, BRAF mutations are associated with poor outcomes due to aggressive disease behavior and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Despite progress, resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors remains a major challenge, often driven by secondary mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, activation of alternative pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks)/protein kinase B (AKT), or changes in the tumor microenvironment. These challenges have motivated ongoing research into combining BRAF inhibitors with immunotherapies to enhance and prolong treatment effectiveness. Future research must also account for the role of the cancer’s tissue of origin, as the biological context significantly influences response to targeted therapies, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of tumor biology, micro-environment, and genetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and New Markers of Cancer)
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