Onco

Pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of death by 2030 in Western countries. There is a need to pinpoint high-risk populations since extensive screening would be economically impractical. Methods: This study, conducted on liquid biopsies of patients affected by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), sequenced, by NGS, the main genes involved in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Results: The study was discontinued due to a low recruitment rate. NGS analysis, conducted on included patients, revealed the TP53 variant rs1042522 in 30 out of 35 patients, with a cytosine (C) replaced by a guanine (G), hence inserting an Arginine in the final protein instead of a Proline. The presence of the rs1042522 variant confers an odds ratio of 6.11 for PaC and an OR of 20 for homozygosity G/G when comparing our cohort of PaC patients to a healthy population from the 1000GenomeProject. Conclusion: These findings could identify a very-high-risk population deserving of being screened for PDAC, even though a wider validation of rs1042522 as a risk factor is needed. Impact: These preliminary data may open the way for identification of a population more prone to developing pancreatic cancer. Full article

Background: Despite advances in gene-targeted and immunotherapies, many aggressive cancers—including glioblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer—remain refractory to treatment. Mounting evidence implicates metabolic reprogramming, especially dysregulation of glucose and glutamine metabolism, as a core hallmark of tumor progression. Natural compounds with metabolic-modulatory effects have emerged as promising adjuncts in oncology. Research Question and Objectives: This review investigates the following question: How can metabolic-targeted therapies—particularly those modulating the Warburg effect and glutamine metabolism—improve cancer treatment outcomes, and what role do natural compounds play in this strategy? The objectives were to (1) evaluate the therapeutic potential of metabolic interventions targeting glucose and glutamine metabolism, (2) assess natural compounds with metabolic regulatory activity, (3) examine integration of metabolic-targeted therapies with conventional treatments, and (4) identify metabolic vulnerabilities in resistant malignancies. Methods: A qualitative systematic review (QualSR) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 87 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 were included. Inclusion criteria required clearly defined mechanistic or clinical endpoints and, for clinical trials, sample sizes ≥ 30. Data extraction focused on tumor response, survival, metabolic modulation, and safety profiles. Results: Curcumin significantly reduced serum TNF-α and IL-6 (both p = 0.001) and improved antioxidant capacity (p = 0.001). EGCG downregulated ERα (p = 0.002) and upregulated tumor suppressors p53 and p21 (p = 0.001, p = 0.02). High-dose intravenous vitamin C combined with chemoradiotherapy yielded a 44.4% pathologic complete response rate in rectal cancer. Berberine suppressed Akt/mTOR signaling and glutamine transporter SLC1A5 across tumor types (q < 10⁻¹⁰). However, poor bioavailability (e.g., EGCG t½ = 3.4 ± 0.3 h) and systemic toxicity limit their standalone clinical application. Conclusions: Metabolic-targeted therapies—particularly natural compounds acting on glucose and glutamine pathways—offer a viable adjunct to standard cancer therapies. Clinical translation will require biomarker-driven patient stratification, improved delivery systems, and combination trials to optimize the therapeutic impact in treatment-resistant cancers. Full article

The development of molecular profiling approaches for AML patients such as whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing and transcriptomic sequencing have greatly contributed to better understanding of leukemia development, progression and treatment responsiveness/resistance. These studies have generated a new knowledge about driver events operating in AML that can be translated into clinics, thus favoring the mutations; using this approach, more than 50% of older AML patients display molecular alterations, such as IDH1, IDH2, FLT3 (FLT3-TKD and FLT3-ITD), NPM1 and KMT2A rearrangements that can be targeted by specific drugs. Preclinical and clinical studies have supported the use of drugs targeting these molecular alterations as first-line therapy in association with induction chemotherapy in chemotherapy-fit patients or with a hypomethylating agent in association with a Bcl-2 inhibitor (Venetoclax) in chemotherapy-unfit patients. These studies have shown promising results that need to be confirmed through randomized clinical studies specifically involving the enrollment of older AML patients. Full article

Cancer is a public health concern due to the incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality associated with it. While chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy are common treatments, there is still ongoing research to find targeted and innovative therapies that are more efficacious. The effect of probiotics on cancer progression and treatment has been actively investigated using different in vitro and in vivo models. Similarly, the role of prebiotics alone or in combination with probiotics, referred to as synbiotics, has also been evaluated in the context of cancers. Recently, the therapeutical potential of postbiotics is also being determined. Many studies have demonstrated that these agents can have onco-suppressive effects and can also prevent cancer in some instances. In this review, we summarize the different studies that have utilized these therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of a variety of cancers. We also discuss the different molecular mechanisms that enable these agents to be effective against cancers. Finally, we address safety and the need for more robust clinical trials that will aid in designing strategies involving these biotics in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Full article

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a fast-growing malignant bone tumor that occurs most often in children and teenagers. Development of pulmonary metastasis is the primary cause of treatment failure and mortality. Our previous studies demonstrated that cytoplasmic p27 interacts with PAK1, enhancing PAK1 phosphorylation and promoting OS pulmonary metastasis. However, the cellular functions of p27 and PAK1 are primarily regulated by phosphorylation, and the roles of specific phosphorylation residues in modulating OS metastatic potential remain unclear. Methods: To study tumor invasiveness and lung metastasis, we employed a CRISPR-based knock-in method to introduce specific mutations—p27-T157A, p27-T157D, PAK1-T423E, and PAK1-K299R—into the 143B OS cell line, followed by in vitro invasion and orthotopic xenograft mouse experiments. These residues were selected for their therapeutic potential, as T157 regulates p27 nuclear–cytoplasmic shuttling, while T423 and K299 modulate PAK1 kinase activity. Results: No significant differences in pulmonary metastasis were observed across p27 mutants compared to parental controls. However, the p27-T157D mutant exhibited increased cytoplasmic mislocalization, elevated PAK1-S144 phosphorylation, and enhanced in vitro invasiveness compared to the p27-T157A mutant and parental 143B cells. The PAK1-K299R mutant, designed to be kinase-dead, showed negligible S144 phosphorylation, consistent with loss of kinase activity. Unexpectedly, this mutant displayed increased T423 phosphorylation and in vitro invasiveness, and significantly enhanced pulmonary metastasis in vivo compared to the PAK1-T423E mutant and parental controls. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complexity of targeting specific p27 and PAK1 phosphorylation sites as an anti-metastatic strategy for OS. While p27-T157 phosphorylation influences cytoplasmic localization and invasiveness, it does not significantly alter metastatic outcomes. Conversely, PAK1-T423 phosphorylation is critical in driving OS metastatic potential, and the kinase-dead K299R mutant’s unexpected pro-metastatic effect suggests that kinase-independent mechanisms or compensatory pathways may contribute to metastasis. Our findings suggest the necessity for a more comprehensive understanding of the phosphorylation dynamics of p27 and PAK1 in metastatic OS. They also indicate that conventional kinase inhibition may be insufficient and underscore the potential benefits of alternative or combinatorial therapeutic strategies, such as targeting kinase-independent functions or other upstream kinases involved in these regulatory pathways. Full article

Adenoma-like adenocarcinoma (ALAC) of the colon is a recently recognized histological subtype of colorectal adenocarcinoma, characterized by a villous architecture, low-grade cytologic atypia, and deceptive bland morphology despite its invasive potential, which can mimic non-invasive adenomas, leading to underdiagnosis in limited biopsy samples. Herein, we report the case of an 81-year-old male presenting with right-upper-quadrant pain that was found to have a hepatic abscess and a 4 cm villous lesion in the ascending colon. Histopathological examination of the right hemicolectomy specimen revealed a villous adenocarcinoma with invasion of the muscularis propria, consistent with adenoma-like adenocarcinoma. Isolated loss of PMS2 indicated a mismatch repair deficiency. However, adjuvant therapy was not indicated. The patient remained recurrence-free for three years, until he died from unrelated causes in the context of progressive frailty and comorbidities, with no evidence of cancer progression. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by ALAC and underscores the importance of recognizing its distinct morphological features. Awareness of this entity is essential to avoid misclassification and ensure adequate treatment, especially given its typically favorable prognosis with low metastatic potential. Full article

Prostate cancer exhibits highly variable behavior, from slow-growing localized tumors to aggressive metastatic disease, yet early prognostic indicators remain limited. In this study, we examined B7-H3 (CD276) expression, a molecule linked to immune suppression and cancer progression in diagnostic biopsy specimens from 248 patients with localized or metastatic prostate cancer. We found that elevated B7-H3 levels were significantly more common in metastatic cases and independently associated with reduced overall and disease-specific survival. Moreover, high B7-H3 expression correlated with increased PSA values and higher Gleason grades. These findings endorse B7-H3 as a robust prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in advanced prostate cancer management. Full article

Prompt and accurate identification of liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors, arising from the gastrointestinal system and from the pancreas, through the means of both anatomical and functional diagnostic imaging techniques is mandatory. A patient’s prognosis and treatment planning are dependent on these diagnostic procedures. The aim of this narrative review is to depict the common appearance of liver metastases, as well as to depict atypical imaging patterns. Moreover, this review will cover the differential diagnosis between liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors and other primary and secondary malignant liver lesions, as well as benign liver lesions. Full article

Background: Many patients harbor minimal residual disease (MRD)—small clusters of residual tumor cells that survive therapy and evade conventional detection but drive recurrence. Although advances in molecular and computational methods have improved circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based MRD detection, these approaches face challenges: ctDNA shedding fluctuates widely across tumor types, disease stages, and histological features. Additionally, low levels of driver mutations originating from healthy tissues can create background noise, complicating the accurate identification of bona fide tumor-specific signals. These limitations underscore the need for refined technologies to further enhance MRD detection beyond DNA sequences in solid malignancies. Methods: Profiling circulating cell-free mRNA (cfmRNA), which is hyperactive in tumor and non-tumor microenvironments, could address these limitations to inform postoperative surveillance and treatment strategies. This study reported the development of OncoMRD BREAST, a customized, gene signature-informed cfmRNA assay for residual disease monitoring in breast cancer. OncoMRD BREAST introduces several advanced technologies that distinguish it from the existing ctDNA-MRD tests. It builds on the patient-derived gene signature for capturing tumor activities while introducing significant upgrades to its liquid biopsy transcriptomic profiling, digital scoring systems, and tracking capabilities. Results: The OncoMRD BREAST test processes inputs from multiple cutting-edge biomarkers—tumor and non-tumor microenvironment—to provide enhanced awareness of tumor activities in real time. By fusing data from these diverse intra- and inter-cellular networks, OncoMRD BREAST significantly improves the sensitivity and reliability of MRD detection and prognosis analysis, even under challenging and complex conditions. In a proof-of-concept real-world pilot trial, OncoMRD BREAST’s rapid quantification of potential tumor activity helped reduce the risk of incorrect treatment strategies, while advanced predictive analytics contributed to the overall benefits and improved outcomes of patients. Conclusions: By tailoring the assay to individual tumor profiles, we aimed to enhance early identification of residual disease and optimize therapeutic decision-making. OncoMRD BREAST is the world’s first and only gene signature-powered test for monitoring residual disease in solid tumors. Full article

Background: Clinical imaging is an important part of health care providing physicians with great assistance in patients treatment. In fact, segmentation and grading of tumors can help doctors assess the severity of the cancer at an early stage and increase the chances of cure. Despite that Deep Learning for cancer diagnosis has achieved clinically acceptable accuracy, there still remains challenging tasks, especially in the context of insufficient labeled data and the subsequent need for expensive computational ressources. Objective: This paper presents a lightweight classification and segmentation deep learning model to assist in the identification of cancerous tumors with high accuracy despite the scarcity of medical data. Methods: We propose a multi-task architecture for classification and segmentation of cancerous tumors in the Brain, Skin, Prostate and lungs. The model is based on the UNet architecture with different pre-trained deep learning models (VGG 16 and MobileNetv2) as a backbone. The multi-task model is validated on relatively small datasets (slightly exceed 1200 images) that are diverse in terms of modalities (IRM, X-Ray, Dermoscopic and Digital Histopathology), number of classes, shapes, and sizes of cancer pathologies using the accuracy and dice coefficient as statistical metrics. Results: Experiments show that the multi-task approach improve the learning efficiency and the prediction accuracy for the segmentation and classification tasks, compared to training the individual models separately. The multi-task architecture reached a classification accuracy of 86%, 90%, 88%, and 87% respectively for Skin Lesion, Brain Tumor, Prostate Cancer and Pneumothorax. For the segmentation tasks we were able to achieve high precisions respectively 95%, 98% for the Skin Lesion and Brain Tumor segmentation and a 99% precise segmentation for both Prostate cancer and Pneumothorax. Proving that the multi-task solution is more efficient than single-task networks. Full article

Gynecological malignancies (ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers), including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), often provoke systemic coagulopathy. In recent years, tumor-derived, tissue factor–positive microparticles (TF⁺ MPs) have emerged as potent drivers of cancer-associated thrombosis and possibly DIC. These small (0.1–1 µm) membrane vesicles bud from cancer cell surfaces and carry procoagulant factors (phosphatidylserine and TF) on their surface. We review how TF⁺ MPs are generated by tumor cells and amplify the extrinsic coagulation cascade, potentially triggering DIC in patients with advanced gynecologic cancers. Clinical studies have linked el evated TF⁺ MP levels and activity to venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer, and small case series suggest dramatically high MP–TF activity in cancer-related DIC. We summarize evidence that TF⁺ MPs from ovarian tumors carry exceptionally high TF procoagulant activity (median ~80 pg/mL), and nearly all patients with cancer-associated VTE or DIC have MP–TF levels above normal. This review discusses diagnostic implications (e.g., measuring MP–TF activity as a biomarker) and treatment strategies (through the reduction in tumors, anticoagulation, and experimental TF inhibitors) in this setting. We also identify gaps in knowledge (standardized MP assays, prospective studies) and propose future directions (targeting MP formation or TF signaling). Two summary tables highlight recent studies of TF⁺ MPs in gynecologic cancer and their clinical outcomes. Illustrative figures depict the TF⁺ MP-triggered coagulation cascade and a conceptual framework for clinical management. Understanding TF⁺ MPs in gynecological cancer could improve the prediction and management of DIC and related thromboses. Full article

Conventional wisdom holds that nuclear oncogenes and tumor suppressors initiate malignant transformation. However, mounting research suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction—rooted in the unique evolutionary history and genetic autonomy of mitochondria—may serve as a more fundamental driver of oncogenesis. This paper proposes a “mitochondria-first” hypothesis of cancer, emphasizing the pivotal role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion. By examining the evolutionary conflict between host and mitochondria, evaluating high mtDNA mutation rates, and highlighting the disruptive potential of mitochondrial transfer to immune cells, we outline robust mechanisms through which mitochondria could ignite cancer development. We also discuss emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that target mitochondrial integrity, offering a potential paradigm shift in oncology. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer is a leading malignancy among men globally, with its incidence expected to rise due to aging populations and shifting lifestyles. While established risk factors include age, ethnicity, and genetics, the role of modifiable dietary factors, particularly sugar intake, remains less clear. Emerging evidence suggests that high sugar consumption may promote carcinogenesis through insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and hormonal dysregulation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the association between dietary sugar intake and prostate cancer risk. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across six databases for observational studies published between January 2005 and April 2025. Eligible studies assessed the associations between quantitative sugar intake and prostate cancer outcomes. Screening, data extraction, and a risk of bias assessment (using ROBINS-E) were performed independently by multiple reviewers. Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising four prospective cohorts, one case–control study, and one cross-sectional study, with a combined sample of 11,583 men from the USA, Canada, Sweden, and France. Three studies reported a significant positive association between a high intake of dietary sugars and prostate cancer risk, two found no association, and one showed mixed findings depending on the type of sugar. Heterogeneity in the exposure assessments and confounder control limited the comparability. Conclusions: This review suggests a possible association between high dietary sugar intake and increased prostate cancer risk, especially from added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages. However, inconsistent findings and methodological limitations highlight the need for robust, prospective studies with standardized assessments to understand this relationship better. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health burden, particularly among vulnerable populations. This retrospective study investigates trends in HCC incidence and age at diagnosis within an urban medical center population, focusing on the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment and racial disparities. Methods: The study includes 484 patients diagnosed with HCC between 2000 and 2023. Results: A significant decline in HCC incidence was observed with a peak in incidences between 2015 and 2017 (p < 0.02). The increase and subsequent decline were driven by a decline in HCV-related cases, particularly among the African American (AA) population. This trend was not seen for patients with other risk factors for HCC. An increase in age at diagnosis in HCV patients but not other risk patients was observed in AA (62 vs. 69 years p = 0.001) but not non-AA patients (66 vs. 67 p = 0.16). This increase in age for AA HCV patients could be due to an aging population, changing risk factor profiles, and/or limitations in surveillance and early detection of HCC. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical role of HCV treatment in reducing HCC incidence, particularly within the AA population. These findings emphasize the need for sustained efforts in surveillance, early detection, and targeted prevention strategies to address the evolving epidemiology of HCC and improve outcomes across all populations. Full article

Introduction: This article provides a comprehensive analysis of predictive models for individual cancer risk, examining their development, application, and evaluation. The study covers various cancer types, highlighting the diversity and sophistication of models over time. Methods: Utilizing data from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, the research includes models developed for 22 cancer types, with significant emphasis on breast and colorectal cancers due to their prevalence and early detection benefits. Results: The analysis reveals an uneven distribution of models, often concentrated in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a notable gap in models for rarer cancers. Key methodologies such as logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models dominate the field, reflecting a preference for established statistical techniques. The study underscores the importance of incorporating multiple risk factors, including genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and clinical data, to enhance predictive accuracy. Despite advancements, the article identifies a critical need for external validation and standardization in reporting practices to improve model reliability and generalizability. Conclusions The findings emphasize the potential of these models in personalized cancer prevention and early detection, while also calling for continued research and methodological harmonization to address existing gaps and challenges. Full article

Gliomas are incurable, heterogeneous brain tumors, with rare forms often constituting diagnostic and treatment challenges. Molecular diagnostics, mainly implemented through the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 guidelines, have refined the classification, but highlight difficulties in diagnosing rare gliomas remain. This case series analyzes four patients with rare gliomas treated at the University Hospital, Ulm, between 2002 and 2024. Patients were selected based on unique histopathological features and long-term clinical follow-up. Clinical records, imaging, and histological data were reviewed. Molecular diagnostics followed WHO 2021 guidelines. Quality of life was assessed using standardized tools including the EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, the Distress Thermometer, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). In the first case, a 51-year-old male’s diagnosis evolved from pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma to a high-grade glioma with pleomorphic and pseudopapillary features, later identified as a neuroepithelial tumor with a PATZ1 fusion over 12 years. Despite multiple recurrences, extensive surgical interventions led to excellent outcomes. The second case involved a young female with long-term survival of astroblastoma, demonstrating significant improvements in both longevity and quality of life through personalized care. The third case involved a patient with oligodendroglioma, later transforming into glioblastoma, emphasizing the importance of continuous diagnostic reevaluation and adaptive treatment strategies, contributing to prolonged survival and quality of life improvements. Remarkably, the patient has achieved over 20 years of survival, including 10 years of being both therapy- and progression-free. The fourth case presents a young woman with neurofibromatosis type 1, initially misdiagnosed with glioblastoma based on histopathological findings. Subsequent molecular diagnostics revealed a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma-like astrocytoma, highlighting the critical role of early advanced diagnostic techniques. These cases underscore the importance of precise molecular diagnostics, individualized treatments, and ongoing diagnostic reevaluation to optimize outcomes. They also address the psychological impact of evolving diagnoses, stressing the need for comprehensive patient support. Even in complex cases, extensive surgical interventions can yield favorable results, reinforcing the value of adaptive, multidisciplinary strategies based on evolving tumor characteristics. Full article

Breast cancer is one of the most common and difficult-to-treat cancers affecting women globally. Long-term treatment success is still limited by problems like drug resistance, toxicity, and recurrence, even with advancements in conventional therapies. The application of substances derived from plants for medical purposes, or phytotherapy, has become a viable adjunctive approach to the treatment of breast cancer. An integrative approach to phytotherapy is examined in this review, focusing on how it can alter important molecular pathways implicated in the development, progression, and metastasis of breast cancer. By focusing on important signaling cascades like TGF-β, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, IL-6, Integrins, VEGF, HER2, EGFR, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, and estrogen receptor pathways, a variety of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, demonstrate strong anticancer effects. This review also discusses how they affect immune modulation, angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Moreover, it also emphasizes the challenges with these natural compounds’ bioavailability, standardization, and clinical translation while highlighting preclinical and clinical research that supports their therapeutic potential. This review attempts to give a thorough grasp of how plant-based compounds can support efficient and focused breast cancer treatments by fusing molecular insights with phytotherapeutic approaches. Full article

The applicability of RHT in the treatment and supportive care of tumors has been discussed for years in many publications. There are hundreds of articles that have reported on the good acceptance and feasibility of HT, as well as its value in terms of controlling malignant diseases, enhancing response and, in some randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clear improvements in OS. Despite this, HT has never fully been accepted as a standard treatment among radiation and medical oncologists. The increased activity that HT offers in the context of chemotherapy (CHT), radiotherapy (RT), chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and immunotherapy, thus facilitating programmed cell death (PCD), has been documented in many studies. This aspect has been demonstrated in many tumors, including soft tissue sarcoma, cancers of the cervix, esophagus, stomach, colon/rectum, pancreas, breast, head and neck, and prostate, and bone metastases. HT improves cancer cell death through many modalities, targeting both the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells directly. Targeted HT increases the temperature of the primary tumor and surrounding tissues to 39–43 °C, causing the tumor cells to become more immune-responsive. HT can also activate the immune response of the TME through inducing heat shock proteins (HSPs), which also promote an immunological response and PCD. HT can oxygenate hypoxic tumors, facilitating RT-induced DNA damage in cancer cells. At present, it seems that the combination of HT and RT, CHT, and immunotherapy might lead to immune enhancement effects in the TME, making cancer cells more responsive to immunotherapies. This narrative review presents the novel aspects of HT reported in recent years. Full article