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28 pages, 12828 KB  
Article
Structural Optimisation of an Amphibian BBI-Type Peptide Enhances Endothelial Protection Against Methylglyoxal-Induced Injury Through Coordinated Regulation of Glyoxalase-Mediated Detoxification and Redox Homeostasis
by Ying Wang, Wenyu Wu, Wudi Wang, Weichang Li, Zhenggang Yue, Chengbang Ma, Lei Wang, Mei Zhou, James F. Burrows, Tianbao Chen and Fanxing Xu
Biomolecules 2026, 16(8), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16081157 - 9 Aug 2026
Viewed by 227
Abstract
Impaired endothelial function, excessive oxidative stress, and persistent bacterial infection collectively contribute to delayed healing of diabetic chronic wounds. Methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced metabolic stress is a critical driver of endothelial injury; however, effective multifunctional strategies capable of restoring vascular function and maintaining cellular homeostasis [...] Read more.
Impaired endothelial function, excessive oxidative stress, and persistent bacterial infection collectively contribute to delayed healing of diabetic chronic wounds. Methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced metabolic stress is a critical driver of endothelial injury; however, effective multifunctional strategies capable of restoring vascular function and maintaining cellular homeostasis remain limited. In this study, the endothelial protective potential of an amphibian-derived Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI)-type peptide, OSTI-1872, and its rationally designed structural analogues were investigated using an MGO-induced injury model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Among the tested peptides, the optimised analogue OSTI-2337 exhibited superior protective activity. OSTI-2337 markedly attenuated MGO-induced oxidative stress, restored nitric oxide bioavailability, enhanced VEGF expression, promoted endothelial migration and tube formation, and reduced oxidative DNA damage. Mechanistically, these effects were associated with coordinated regulation of MGO detoxification and redox homeostasis, as evidenced by enhanced GLO1 expression and modulation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Nrf2 axis, accompanied by increased expression of downstream antioxidant proteins HO-1 and NQO1. In addition, OSTI-1872 and OSTI-2337 displayed antibacterial activity against representative bacterial strains, suggesting their potential advantages for complex diabetic wound environments. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that structural optimisation significantly enhances the biological activity of amphibian BBI-type peptides and identify OSTI-2337 as a multifunctional peptide candidate capable of integrating endothelial protection, MGO detoxification, redox regulation, and antibacterial activity for the management of diabetes-associated vascular injury and chronic wound complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates)
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13 pages, 299 KB  
Perspective
A Perspective on a Possible New Role for Bevacizumab Combined with Paclitaxel in Hormone-Resistant Metastatic Breast-Cancer Patients
by Giacomo Allegrini, Giulia Acconci, Gianna Musettini, Luigi Coltelli, Chiara Finale, Samanta Cupini, Linda Bartalini, Paola Orlandi and Guido Bocci
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(16), 6172; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15166172 - 9 Aug 2026
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK 4/6i) represented a paradigm shift in the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer patients. When disease progression occurs and further hormonal manipulations or target therapies fail, chemotherapy remains a therapeutic choice. For these [...] Read more.
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK 4/6i) represented a paradigm shift in the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer patients. When disease progression occurs and further hormonal manipulations or target therapies fail, chemotherapy remains a therapeutic choice. For these reasons, resources should be invested in redesigning the best treatment strategy with the current chemotherapy drugs available. Nevertheless, the preferred strategy typically remains a planned sequence of single chemotherapeutic agents. This approach endeavors to extend overall survival and maintain quality of life. Within this complex and evolving therapeutic scenario, where the necessity for effective and treatment options is crucial, we explore in the present paper a perspective for a hypothetical new role of bevacizumab combined with paclitaxel for patients with metastatic HR+, HER2- breast cancer patients resistant to hormone therapy. Recent findings from our preliminary published pharmacogenetic studies, could suggest the efficacy of bevacizumab as linked to a well-defined genomic profile of genes implicated in the process of neoangiogenesis (e.g., favorable profile: VEGF-A rs833061/VEGFR-2 rs1870377: CT/AT, CT/AA, TT/AA, TT/TT, CC/TT), concluding the present perspective underlying the fact that bevacizumab combined with paclitaxel will be reconsidered with this new potential use only if well-designed prospective trials confirm what has been observed from our retrospective data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: Advances in Clinical and Personalized Practices)
28 pages, 535 KB  
Review
Predictive Biomarkers of Metronomic Chemotherapy Response in Solid Tumors: Chasing an Elusive Signal
by Piotr Jan Wysocki, Łukasz Kwinta and Ewa Wysocka
Cancers 2026, 18(15), 2488; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18152488 - 3 Aug 2026
Viewed by 291
Abstract
Background: Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT), understood as continuous, low-dose cytotoxic administration without prolonged drug-free intervals, has become an established strategy in several solid tumors, acting primarily through antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory, and direct cytostatic mechanisms rather than replication-dependent cytotoxicity. Despite an expanding evidence base, including positive [...] Read more.
Background: Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT), understood as continuous, low-dose cytotoxic administration without prolonged drug-free intervals, has become an established strategy in several solid tumors, acting primarily through antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory, and direct cytostatic mechanisms rather than replication-dependent cytotoxicity. Despite an expanding evidence base, including positive randomized trials, validated predictive biomarkers of response remain unavailable. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov (January 2000 to July 2026) for phase II/III randomized trials, prospective cohorts, and selected retrospective analyses of MCT in breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, NSCLC, and mCRC, and extracted biomarker data from embedded translational substudies of eligible trials. Results: In breast cancer, phase III SYSUCC-001 (adjuvant metronomic capecitabine, improved DFS in TNBC) and MECCA (metronomic capecitabine plus aromatase inhibitor in HR+/HER2− disease) provide the strongest evidence, supported by randomized phase II data for the VEX regimen (METEORA-II) and MCT-anti-PD-1 combinations. TEMPO LUNG established metronomic vinorelbine as effective in platinum-unfit NSCLC, while CAIRO3 confirmed metronomic capecitabine–bevacizumab as an effective mCRC maintenance therapy. Most recently, the phase III TMC-I trial extended positive randomized evidence to head and neck cancer. Candidate biomarkers span angiogenic, immune, tumor proliferative, molecular, pharmacodynamic cytokine, on-treatment clinical (adverse-event-based), and gut–microbiome domains, with FOXC1, circulating endothelial cell kinetics, VEGF pathway markers, and regulatory T-cell dynamics among the most promising; however, none has been prospectively validated in a dedicated confirmatory trial. Conclusions: MCT has moved from empirical use to an evidence-based strategy across multiple tumor types, but the lack of validated predictive biomarkers limits informed patient selection. Future trials should incorporate biomarker-driven designs, particularly FOXC1, endothelial cell kinetics, and immune profiling as co-primary objectives. Defining an MCT-sensitive biological phenotype remains the key translational challenge for the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Metronomic Chemotherapy to Time-Optimized Cancer Treatments)
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27 pages, 860 KB  
Review
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Features, Mechanisms, and Lessons from Lung Cancer
by Kristian Shtembari, Martina Catalano, Ismaela Anna Vascotto, Chiara Calandrelli, Silvia Mancini, Luca Pratesi, Martina Izzi, Marinella Micol Mela, Virginia Rossi, Serena Pillozzi, Alejo Rodriguez-Vida, Mohamed Aseafan, Maria Tereza Nieto-Coronel, Matteo Santoni, Lorenzo Antonuzzo and Giandomenico Roviello
Biomolecules 2026, 16(8), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16081117 - 30 Jul 2026
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) is an uncommon but clinically relevant toxicity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), where immune checkpoint inhibitors are frequently used either as dual immunotherapy or in combination with VEGF-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In RCC, CIP poses specific diagnostic challenges [...] Read more.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) is an uncommon but clinically relevant toxicity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), where immune checkpoint inhibitors are frequently used either as dual immunotherapy or in combination with VEGF-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In RCC, CIP poses specific diagnostic challenges because respiratory symptoms and computed tomography findings may overlap with pulmonary metastases, infections, thromboembolic events, heart failure, and TKI-related lung toxicity. This review summarizes the incidence of CIP across pivotal RCC trials and real-world cohorts, compares its epidemiology with non-small cell lung cancer, and discusses clinical presentation, radiological patterns, differential diagnosis, and current management strategies. Particular attention is given to RCC-specific mechanisms, including immune-mediated alveolar injury, T cell activation, cytokine dysregulation, macrophage activation, GSDME-mediated pyroptosis, and the potential contribution of VEGF pathway inhibition to pulmonary inflammation. We also review risk factors, steroid-refractory disease, second-line immunosuppression, and the unresolved issue of ICI rechallenge after pneumonitis. A better understanding of these mechanisms and clinical features may improve early recognition, guide multidisciplinary management, and support safer use of immunotherapy-based combinations in patients with RCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Immunity in Lung Disease)
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32 pages, 2247 KB  
Review
Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling as Orchestrators of Drug Resistance in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers: Insights from Spatial Multi-Omics and Therapeutic Implications
by Yasamin Mirzabeigi, Joe Youssef, Jeffrey Gonzalez, Thais Martinez, Rima Avellan, Andres Wong, Miguel Perez, Luis Lorenzo Carvajal, Wassim Abou-Kheir and Hisham F. Bahmad
Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2358; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142358 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 994
Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers, remain among the most lethal malignancies worldwide, mainly because they resist nearly every therapeutic modality, from platinum-based chemotherapy, and anti-HER2 and anti-VEGF agents, to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although tumor cell-intrinsic resistance is well [...] Read more.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers, remain among the most lethal malignancies worldwide, mainly because they resist nearly every therapeutic modality, from platinum-based chemotherapy, and anti-HER2 and anti-VEGF agents, to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although tumor cell-intrinsic resistance is well characterized, an increasing share of treatment failure traces to the tumor microenvironment (TME), where cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) act not as passive stroma but as active orchestrators of resistance. Here we argue that the functional heterogeneity of CAFs, spanning myofibroblastic (myCAF), inflammatory (iCAF), and antigen-presenting (apCAF) subtypes, and the desmoplastic ECM they construct converge on a small number of shared resistance programs. Those include paracrine signaling, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular vesicle (EV) transfer, and biomechanical remodeling that together drive chemoresistance, targeted therapy evasion, and immune exclusion. Emerging spatial multi-omics now resolves these programs to define niches within upper GI tumors, reframing resistance as a spatially organized property of the tissue rather than the tumor cell alone. We bring this evidence together and evaluate strategies aimed at CAF reprogramming and ECM normalization, arguing that spatially resolved targeting of the stroma represents a tractable path to overcoming resistance in these refractory cancers. Full article
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35 pages, 1636 KB  
Review
Rewiring Tumor Lifelines: Translating Hypoxia- and Pseudohypoxia-Driven Angiogenesis into Therapeutic Breakthroughs
by Michael Boulis, Fady Tawfik and Anitha Kota Shenoy
Cells 2026, 15(14), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15141295 - 20 Jul 2026
Viewed by 513
Abstract
Hypoxia and the evolving concept of pseudohypoxia are critical in driving tumor angiogenesis, contributing to malignancy progression and therapeutic resistance. Angiogenesis, a common feature of many solid tumors, is promoted by hypoxia-induced overexpression of pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., VEGF, FGF) and genetic mutations (e.g., [...] Read more.
Hypoxia and the evolving concept of pseudohypoxia are critical in driving tumor angiogenesis, contributing to malignancy progression and therapeutic resistance. Angiogenesis, a common feature of many solid tumors, is promoted by hypoxia-induced overexpression of pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., VEGF, FGF) and genetic mutations (e.g., VHL, SDH) that stabilize hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) even in normal oxygen conditions, a phenomenon known as pseudohypoxia. Recent experimental studies challenge the view that hypoxia universally enhances vessel growth. In certain models, severe oxygen deprivation impairs angiogenesis. Furthermore, tumor-mediated metabolic reprogramming can drive immune evasion via HIF stabilization in immune cells. These paradoxes, together with persistent therapy resistance and the limited effectiveness of current anti-angiogenic treatments, reveal critical gaps in our understanding of how hypoxic signaling modulates vascular and immune dynamics within the tumor microenvironment. These complexities demand more detailed exploration of underlying processes and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we review recent mechanistic studies on tumor angiogenesis, summarizing therapeutic and diagnostic advances from both preclinical and clinical studies. We further discuss strategies to exploit hypoxic vulnerabilities, including HIF inhibitors, hypoxia-activated prodrugs, vascular normalization, combination regimens to restore immunity, biomarker-guided patient selection, and advanced hypoxia-targeted imaging to improve outcomes in angiogenesis-driven cancers. Full article
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21 pages, 10930 KB  
Review
Beyond Acute EGFR Blockade: Biological Basis and Clinical Evidence for Long-Term Nimotuzumab Therapy
by Tania Crombet Ramos, Arlhee Díaz Miqueli and Rolando Pérez Rodríguez
Biomedicines 2026, 14(7), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14071570 - 14 Jul 2026
Viewed by 614
Abstract
Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody with a unique pharmacodynamic profile characterized by intermediate affinity and bivalent binding dependence, enabling density-selective tumor targeting while sparing normal tissues from the severe skin rash and other toxicities common to EGFR inhibitors. Since its first [...] Read more.
Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody with a unique pharmacodynamic profile characterized by intermediate affinity and bivalent binding dependence, enabling density-selective tumor targeting while sparing normal tissues from the severe skin rash and other toxicities common to EGFR inhibitors. Since its first approval in 2002, nimotuzumab has been registered for eight cancer indications. Unlike conventional fixed-dose schedules, emerging evidence supports prolonged administration beyond initial combination therapy. This review summarizes clinical data from pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, high-grade glioma, pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal cancer and other solid tumors, showing that extended nimotuzumab exposure, often as maintenance monotherapy, may prolong overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease control compared to limited cycles. Despite heterogeneity in tumor types and treatment regimens, maintenance nimotuzumab was consistently associated with better results, particularly in terms of overall survival. Notably, significant survival benefits were observed in locally advanced SCCHN (24.9 vs. 12.5 months) and esophageal cancer (15.9 vs. 8.1 months) across independent clinical trials. Mechanistically, nimotuzumab exerts direct cytostatic effects via G1 arrest, potent anti-angiogenic activity through VEGF downregulation, indirect pro-apoptotic effects, and broad immunomodulation including ADCC, NK-DC cross-talk, EGFR-specific CD8+ T cell priming, upregulation of HLA class I, and favorable regulation of regulatory T cells. Its density-selective binding reduces selective pressure for acquired resistance. Future research priorities should include prospective randomized trials specifically evaluating maintenance strategies, biomarker-driven patient selection, the molecular characterization of resistance mechanisms, integration with immunotherapy and modern combination regimens, and the development of next-generation platforms, including antibody–drug conjugates and multi-specific constructs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biology and Oncology)
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26 pages, 2025 KB  
Article
Integrated Cytokine, Metabolic, and Proliferative Profiling Reveals Divergent Metabolic and Proliferative Responses in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells
by Angelika Buczyńska-Backiel, Julia Redlińska, Julia Zając, Maria Kościuszko, Agnieszka Adamska, Katarzyna Siewko, Anna Popławska-Kita and Adam Jacek Krętowski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146131 - 9 Jul 2026
Viewed by 298
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) exhibits Warburg-type metabolic reprogramming with enhanced glycolysis and dependence on glucose-driven pathways. This study evaluated the effects of antihyperglycemic interventions on cytokine secretion, angiogenic signaling, metabolic activity, and proliferation in thyroid-derived cell models. Two PTC cell lines (MDA-T32 and [...] Read more.
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) exhibits Warburg-type metabolic reprogramming with enhanced glycolysis and dependence on glucose-driven pathways. This study evaluated the effects of antihyperglycemic interventions on cytokine secretion, angiogenic signaling, metabolic activity, and proliferation in thyroid-derived cell models. Two PTC cell lines (MDA-T32 and SCC147) and a normal thyroid line (Nthy-ori) were analyzed for intracellular and extracellular cytokines, secretion efficiency (index), relative metabolic index (RMI), and marker of proliferation (Ki-67) expression following exposure to vandetanib (VDT), sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), or dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) inhibitors. Baseline analysis revealed distinct cell line-specific profiles. Compared with Nthy-ori cells, MDA-T32 cells exhibited increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in lysates and conditioned medium (p < 0.001, q < 0.001) with enhanced VEGF secretion efficiency (p = 0.002, q = 0.008), elevated intracellular fibroblast growth factor (FGF) (p < 0.001, q < 0.001) with reduced FGF secretion index (p = 0.004, q = 0.01), and lower interleukin 8 (IL-8) concentrations accompanied by increased IL-8 secretion efficiency (p = 0.006, q = 0.02). In contrast, SCC147 cells demonstrated reduced VEGF secretion (p < 0.001, q < 0.001), decreased intracellular IL-8 (p = 0.008, q = 0.02), reduced chemokines of the growth-regulated oncogene GROβ family (GROβ) secretion (p = 0.01, q = 0.04), increased IL-8 secretion efficiency (p = 0.01, q = 0.03), and decreased GROβ secretion efficiency (p = 0.008, q = 0.02). Nthy-ori cells displayed a balanced profile. Among the investigated interventions, VDT produced the most pronounced effects. In MDA-T32 cells, VDT significantly reduced VEGF levels (p < 0.001, q < 0.001) and increased IL-8 and GROβ concentrations in conditioned medium (q < 0.05), whereas no significant effects after FDR correction were observed in SCC147 or Nthy-ori cells. SGLT2 and DPP inhibitors produced only nominal effects (p < 0.05), which did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. VDT reduced RMI by approximately 50% in MDA-T32 cells while Ki-67 expression increased, whereas SCC147 cells remained largely unchanged. In Nthy-ori cells, SGLT2 inhibition increased RMI and decreased Ki-67 expression. These findings demonstrate marked heterogeneity among PTC cell lines and suggest that alterations in metabolic activity were not consistently accompanied by proportional changes in proliferative status under the experimental conditions used. VDT predominantly affected angiogenic and inflammatory signaling in MDA-T32 cells, whereas SGLT2 and DPP inhibition exerted limited measurable effects at clinically achievable concentrations. Full article
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18 pages, 1070 KB  
Review
Selected Chemokines as Prognostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Ovarian Cancer
by Anna Długaszek, Jacek Kabut, Małgorzata Domagała-Haduch, Anita Gorzelak-Magiera, Joanna Sadurska, Maria-Laura Morawiec, Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz and Iwona Gisterek-Grocholska
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(7), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48070673 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 544
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, particularly high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies due to late diagnosis and the development of chemoresistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in disease progression, with chemokines influencing cell recruitment, angiogenesis, metastasis, [...] Read more.
Ovarian cancer, particularly high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies due to late diagnosis and the development of chemoresistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in disease progression, with chemokines influencing cell recruitment, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune modification. This review synthesizes current evidence on key chemokine axes in ovarian cancer, highlighting their dual roles as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The most important axes include CXCL12/CXCR4 (which drives tumor proliferation, angiogenesis and chemoresistance via epithelial–mesenchymal transition), CCL2/CCR2 (promoting immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages and resistance), and CCL5/CCR5 (enhancing pro-oncogenic signaling and Treg/MDSC infiltration). Pro-angiogenic ELR+CXC chemokines like CXCL8 induce vascularization and inflammation. On the contrary, effector chemokines (CXCL9/10/11/13) correlate with “hot” immune subtypes and improved survival in several studies. High expression of immunosuppressive chemokines predicts poorer prognosis and therapy resistance, while immune-attracting profiles associate with better outcomes and chemotherapy responsiveness. Therapeutically, inhibitors like plerixafor (CXCR4), PF-04136309 (CCR2), and maraviroc (CCR5) show preclinical promise, synergizing with chemotherapy, anti-VEGF, and checkpoint inhibitors. Chemokines also represent actionable molecular targets to overcome ovarian cancer’s “cold” immune phenotype. Future research should validate multi-chemokine signatures for patient stratification and advanced clinical trials toward personalized therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
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17 pages, 1445 KB  
Article
Efficacy of Second-Line Lenvatinib After Atezolizumab–Bevacizumab and Durvalumab–Tremelimumab in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Association with Prior Immunotherapy Response
by Teiji Kuzuya, Hisanori Muto, Yoshihiko Tachi, Gakushi Komura, Takuji Nakano, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Kazunori Nakaoka, Kohei Funasaka, Mitsuo Nagasaka, Ryoji Miyahara and Eizaburo Ohno
Cancers 2026, 18(13), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18132095 - 28 Jun 2026
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The efficacy of lenvatinib after different first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 56 patients with unresectable HCC who received lenvatinib as second-line therapy after atezolizumab plus [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The efficacy of lenvatinib after different first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 56 patients with unresectable HCC who received lenvatinib as second-line therapy after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev; n = 41) or durvalumab plus tremelimumab (Dur/Tre; n = 15). Antitumor response was evaluated using RECIST v1.1 and modified RECIST (mRECIST). Results: Patients in the Dur/Tre group demonstrated significantly lower disease control rates (46.7% vs. 82.9%, p = 0.014) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (median, 56 vs. 210 days; p = 0.015) during prior ICI therapy, indicating more refractory disease. Despite this, lenvatinib demonstrated clinically meaningful antitumor activity after both Atz/Bev and Dur/Tre. Objective response rates were 12.2% vs. 26.7% by RECIST v1.1 and 41.5% vs. 60.0% by mRECIST in the Atz/Bev and Dur/Tre groups, respectively. Similar findings were observed in the Child–Pugh class A subgroup, in which mRECIST response rates were numerically higher in the Dur/Tre group. PFS and overall survival (OS) after lenvatinib initiation were comparable between groups. Objective responses were observed even in patients with progressive disease during prior ICI therapy. Multivariate analysis identified ECOG performance status and mALBI grade, but not prior ICI regimen or antitumor response, as independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: Lenvatinib demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy after both Atz/Bev and Dur/Tre, and no significant association was observed between prior ICI response and subsequent lenvatinib efficacy. These findings suggest that resistance to immunotherapy does not necessarily confer resistance to lenvatinib in patients with unresectable HCC. The observed differences in response patterns according to prior treatment exposure warrant further investigation and may have implications for treatment sequencing in the current ICI era. However, these findings should be considered hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger multicenter studies. Full article
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40 pages, 1527 KB  
Review
Pharmacological Targeting of Angiogenesis in Head and Neck Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies
by Diana Szekely, Antonia Armega-Anghelescu, Alina Cristina Barb, Dorin Novacescu, Catalin Dumitru, Alexia Manole, Radu Gheorghe Dan and Flavia Zara
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(6), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19060950 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous malignancies worldwide, characterized by high rates of locoregional recurrence, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic resistance. Angiogenesis plays a central role in tumor progression by supporting vascular remodeling, hypoxia adaptation, [...] Read more.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous malignancies worldwide, characterized by high rates of locoregional recurrence, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic resistance. Angiogenesis plays a central role in tumor progression by supporting vascular remodeling, hypoxia adaptation, invasion, immune evasion, and metastatic spread. In HNSCC, angiogenic activation is regulated through complex interactions involving hypoxia-inducible factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, stromal remodeling, inflammatory pathways, and epigenetic mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. Recent evidence has also highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, and exosome-mediated communication in modulating angiogenic and immune-related signaling pathways. Although antiangiogenic therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have demonstrated biological activity in HNSCC, their clinical efficacy remains limited by tumor heterogeneity, adaptive resistance mechanisms, toxicity, and the lack of validated predictive biomarkers. Several emerging therapeutic strategies are under preclinical or early clinical investigation in HNSCC, including miRNA-based approaches, nanoparticle-assisted delivery systems, vascular normalization concepts, and combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors; however, robust clinical evidence for most of these strategies remains limited, and their translation to routine practice requires further validation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms regulating angiogenesis in HNSCC and critically discusses current and emerging pharmacological strategies targeting these pathways. Particular emphasis is placed on VEGF/VEGFR signaling, the integration of miRNA and exosome biology, resistance mechanisms, and translational perspectives for biomarker-guided personalized therapy. The novelty of this review lies in the systematic integration of miRNA- and exosome-mediated angiogenic regulation, therapeutic resistance pathways, and precision medicine strategies into a unified pharmacological framework, addressing gaps not fully covered by prior reviews focused primarily on VEGF-targeted agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Inflammation: Molecular Mechanisms and Precision Biomarkers)
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16 pages, 13116 KB  
Article
17-DMAG-Loaded HER2-Targeted Extracellular Vesicles Induce PARP/Caspase3-Mediated Apoptosis in Gastric Carcinoma
by Sin Hye Park, Deok Yong Sim, Do Sang Lee, Chan Mi Lee, Joo Won Moon, Ji Won Choi and Dong Jin Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5377; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125377 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 526
Abstract
Gastric cancer remains a major clinical challenge, underscoring the need for more effective drug delivery strategies. Approximately 10–20% of gastric cancers overexpress HER2, conferring aggressive tumor characteristics and poor survival, yet resistance to trastuzumab-based targeted therapy and limited intratumoral antibody penetration continue to [...] Read more.
Gastric cancer remains a major clinical challenge, underscoring the need for more effective drug delivery strategies. Approximately 10–20% of gastric cancers overexpress HER2, conferring aggressive tumor characteristics and poor survival, yet resistance to trastuzumab-based targeted therapy and limited intratumoral antibody penetration continue to restrict clinical outcomes. This study evaluated HER2-targeted exosomes as a delivery platform. Exosomes were engineered to express the p51 peptide, a high-affinity HER2-binding ligand, and loaded with 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG), a potent HSP90 inhibitor. The cellular uptake and antitumor efficacy of p51-Exo17-DMAG were assessed in vitro using NCI-N87 and AGS cells and in vivo using a mouse xenograft model. p51-modified exosomes exhibited superior HER2 specific uptake. Treatment with p51-Exo17-DMAG significantly increased apoptosis, as demonstrated by elevated PARP and caspase3 cleavage, and downregulated oncogenic signaling molecules, including p-AKT, CDK2, VEGF, and c-Myc. Furthermore, p51-Exo17-DMAG increased the number of TUNEL-positive cells. In the NCI-N87 xenograft model, systemic administration of p51-Exo17-DMAG significantly inhibited tumor growth without toxicity or histological damage to major organs. Tumor analysis confirmed increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation in vivo. These findings demonstrate that p51-engineered exosomes provide an efficient, selective, and safe platform for HER2-targeted delivery of 17-DMAG, offering a promising precision medicine strategy for HER2-positive gastric cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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25 pages, 1649 KB  
Review
Beyond PD-1/PD-L1: Reprogramming the Gynecologic Tumor Microenvironment by Targeting TIGIT and Myeloid Suppression
by Shanza Waseem, Jun Zhan and Xue Xiao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125373 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 795
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1)/PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) axis have transformed cancer therapeutics, yet their efficacy in gynecologic malignancies particularly high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma remains disappointingly limited. This therapeutic resistance stems from a highly orchestrated, multidimensional immunosuppressive [...] Read more.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1)/PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) axis have transformed cancer therapeutics, yet their efficacy in gynecologic malignancies particularly high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma remains disappointingly limited. This therapeutic resistance stems from a highly orchestrated, multidimensional immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) characterized by the convergent actions of regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and an inhibitory cytokine network (IL-10, TGF-β, VEGF). Emerging evidence positions TIGIT (T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain) as a master checkpoint integrator that coordinately regulates CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, NK-cell dysfunction, and Treg-mediated suppression. Dual blockade of PD-1 and TIGIT represents a mechanistically rational strategy to dismantle this immunosuppressive fortress. This review synthesizes current understanding of the gynecologic TME architecture, delineates the molecular and cellular basis for TIGIT/PD-1 synergy, critically evaluates ongoing clinical translation efforts, and proposes an integrative framework leveraging spatial transcriptomics, single-cell resolution immunoprofiling, and patient-derived experimental models to accelerate biomarker-driven therapeutic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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18 pages, 13389 KB  
Article
Inhibition of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 Signaling by Ponatinib Reduces Growth and Cytokine Production of Multiple Myeloma Cells
by Sascha Kampmann, Sebastian Schlaweck, Benjamin V. Becker, Chrystel Flores, Annkristin Heine, Peter Brossart and Stefanie A. E. Held
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125217 - 9 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Recurrent genetic and chromosomal aberrations drive multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis. Among these, the t(4;14) translocation leads to overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and is associated with poor prognosis. However, therapeutic approaches directly targeting FGFR3-driven myeloma progression remain limited. Here, we [...] Read more.
Recurrent genetic and chromosomal aberrations drive multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis. Among these, the t(4;14) translocation leads to overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and is associated with poor prognosis. However, therapeutic approaches directly targeting FGFR3-driven myeloma progression remain limited. Here, we investigated the single-agent activity of ponatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, in MM. KMS18 and U266 myeloma cell lines were treated with ponatinib, and apoptosis induction, as well as VEGF and IL-6 secretion, was assessed. RNA sequencing of MM cells revealed pathway alterations induced by ponatinib treatment, which were subsequently validated by Western blot analysis. In vivo, mice inoculated with 5T33 myeloma cells received ponatinib, and survival was monitored. Notably, ponatinib exerted potent single-agent antimyeloma activity in an FGFR3-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis and suppressing VEGF and IL-6 secretion through inhibition of JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK signaling. In vivo administration prolonged survival in myeloma-bearing mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of ponatinib in FGFR3-expressing MM beyond selective FGFR3 inhibition, suggesting that concurrent suppression of multiple signaling pathways is a critical mechanism of action. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of combined FGFR3-targeted strategies in multiple myeloma and provide a rationale for further clinical investigation. Full article
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Article
Single-Cell and Bulk Transcriptomics Uncover the Cellular Ecosystem of Vascular Invasion in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
by Jianing Fan, Meng Tong, Yunkun Lu, Qianqian Wang, Yangyang Xie, Kainan Lin, Junjie Xu, Xiujun Cai and Xiao Liang
Cells 2026, 15(11), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15111016 - 31 May 2026
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Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive liver malignancy with a rising global incidence and limited therapeutic options. Vascular invasion (VI) is a hallmark of advanced disease, correlating with early recurrence and dismal prognosis, yet its tumor microenvironment (TME) drivers remain elusive. We analyzed [...] Read more.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive liver malignancy with a rising global incidence and limited therapeutic options. Vascular invasion (VI) is a hallmark of advanced disease, correlating with early recurrence and dismal prognosis, yet its tumor microenvironment (TME) drivers remain elusive. We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from 25 ICC samples to systematically characterize the cellular composition and molecular features related to VI. By integrating bulk RNA-seq data, spatial transcriptomics, and multiplex immunofluorescence, we identified a distinct subset of tumor-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), termed tCAFs, enriched in VI-positive tumors. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that tCAFs were prominently associated with hypoxia and angiogenesis pathways, findings corroborated by the significant upregulation of tCAF markers (MME and NT5E) in ICC-derived CAFs under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Cell–cell communication analysis and spatial mapping uncovered that tCAFs might promote VI primarily through VEGF signaling interactions with endothelial cells. Integrative bioinformatics and RT-qPCR validation identified three key functional genes in tCAFs: SLC2A1, PTGS2, and PLOD2. In endothelial sprouting assays, pharmacological inhibition of SLC2A1 exerted a pronounced suppressive effect. Consistently, sprouting assays using ICC-derived CAFs with SLC2A1 knockdown confirmed that its downregulation significantly reduced endothelial sprouting capacity. Importantly, administration of the SLC2A1 inhibitor BAY-876 effectively suppressed tumor progression and intrahepatic metastasis in the orthotopic ICC mouse model. Our findings define a VI-associated cellular ecosystem and molecular landscape in ICC, unveiling a novel hypoxia–tCAFs–endothelial cells axis. Furthermore, we identify SLC2A1 as a clinically relevant therapeutic target, offering new insights into tumor VI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omics Technologies for Understanding Cell Pathophysiology)
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