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Search Results (1,517)

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Keywords = small cell carcinoma

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15 pages, 1566 KiB  
Systematic Review
Diagnostic Accuracy of Insulinoma-Associated Protein 1 in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Risa Waki, Saya Haketa, Riona Aburaki and Nobuyuki Horita
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2544; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152544 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 130
Abstract
Background and Objective: Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a novel immunohistochemical marker with potential utility in identifying neuroendocrine differentiation in lung cancer. Unlike conventional neuroendocrine (NE) markers, INSM1 can potentially serve as a standalone diagnostic biomarker. This study presents the first meta-analysis assessing [...] Read more.
Background and Objective: Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a novel immunohistochemical marker with potential utility in identifying neuroendocrine differentiation in lung cancer. Unlike conventional neuroendocrine (NE) markers, INSM1 can potentially serve as a standalone diagnostic biomarker. This study presents the first meta-analysis assessing the diagnostic accuracy of using INSM1 to distinguish LCNEC and SCLC from other lung cancer subtypes, addressing the variability across individual studies. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the diagnostic performance of INSM1 in the pathological classification of lung cancer. The online databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched for data collection. Studies reporting the sensitivity and specificity of INSM1 in diagnosing LCNEC and SCLC were included. Pooled estimates were calculated using two models: the NSCLC model, which distinguishes LCNEC from other non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), and the lung cancer model, which differentiates both LCNEC and SCLC from non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) lung cancer. Results: Fourteen studies comprising 3,218 specimens were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. In the NSCLC model, INSM1 demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61–0.73) and specificity of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96–0.98), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.943. In the lung cancer model, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.84–0.88) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96–0.98), respectively, with an AUC of 0.974. Conclusions: INSM1 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy and consistently high specificity for pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas, supporting its utility as a reliable standalone immunohistochemical marker with the potential to replace conventional NE markers in the pathological diagnosis of LCNEC and SCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systematic Review or Meta-Analysis in Cancer Research)
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21 pages, 14138 KiB  
Case Report
Multi-Level Oncological Management of a Rare, Combined Mediastinal Tumor: A Case Report
by Vasileios Theocharidis, Thomas Rallis, Apostolos Gogakos, Dimitrios Paliouras, Achilleas Lazopoulos, Meropi Koutourini, Myrto Tzinevi, Aikaterini Vildiridi, Prokopios Dimopoulos, Dimitrios Kasarakis, Panagiotis Kousidis, Anastasia Nikolaidou, Paraskevas Vrochidis, Maria Mironidou-Tzouveleki and Nikolaos Barbetakis
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(8), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32080423 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 414
Abstract
Malignant mediastinal tumors are a group representing some of the most demanding oncological challenges for early, multi-level, and successful management. The timely identification of any suspicious clinical symptomatology is urgent in achieving an accurate, staged histological diagnosis, in order to follow up with [...] Read more.
Malignant mediastinal tumors are a group representing some of the most demanding oncological challenges for early, multi-level, and successful management. The timely identification of any suspicious clinical symptomatology is urgent in achieving an accurate, staged histological diagnosis, in order to follow up with an equally detailed medical therapeutic plan (interventional or not) and determine the principal goals regarding efficient overall treatment in these patients. We report a case of a 24-year-old male patient with an incident-free prior medical history. An initial chest X-ray was performed after the patient reported short-term, consistent moderate chest pain symptomatology, early work fatigue, and shortness of breath. The following imaging procedures (chest CT, PET-CT) indicated the presence of an anterior mediastinal mass (meas. ~11 cm × 10 cm × 13 cm, SUV: 8.7), applying additional pressure upon both right heart chambers. The Alpha-Fetoprotein (aFP) blood levels had exceeded at least 50 times their normal range. Two consecutive diagnostic attempts with non-specific histological results, a negative-for-malignancy fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA-biopsy), and an additional tumor biopsy, performed via mini anterior (R) thoracotomy with “suspicious” cellular gatherings, were performed elsewhere. After admission to our department, an (R) Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) was performed, along with multiple tumor biopsies and moderate pleural effusion drainage. The tumor’s measurements had increased to DMax: 16 cm × 9 cm × 13 cm, with a severe degree of atelectasis of the Right Lower Lobe parenchyma (RLL) and a pressure-displacement effect upon the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) and the (R) heart sinus, based on data from the preoperative chest MRA. The histological report indicated elements of a combined, non-seminomatous germ-cell mediastinal tumor, posthuberal-type teratoma, and embryonal carcinoma. The imminent chemotherapeutic plan included a “BEP” (Bleomycin®/Cisplatin®/Etoposide®) scheme, which needed to be modified to a “VIP” (Cisplatin®/Etoposide®/Ifosfamide®) scheme, due to an acute pulmonary embolism incident. While the aFP blood levels declined, even reaching normal measurements, the tumor’s size continued to increase significantly (DMax: 28 cm × 25 cm × 13 cm), with severe localized pressure effects, rapid weight loss, and a progressively worsening clinical status. Thus, an emergency surgical intervention took place via median sternotomy, extended with a complementary “T-Shaped” mini anterior (R) thoracotomy. A large, approx. 4 Kg mediastinal tumor was extracted, with additional RML and RUL “en-bloc” segmentectomy and partial mediastinal pleura decortication. The following histological results, apart from verifying the already-known posthuberal-type teratoma, indicated additional scattered small lesions of combined high-grade rabdomyosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma, as well as numerous high-grade glioblastoma cellular gatherings. No visible findings of the previously discovered non-seminomatous germ-cell and embryonal carcinoma elements were found. The patient’s postoperative status progressively improved, allowing therapeutic management to continue with six “TIP” (Cisplatin®/Paclitaxel®/Ifosfamide®) sessions, currently under his regular “follow-up” from the oncological team. This report underlines the importance of early, accurate histological identification, combined with any necessary surgical intervention, diagnostic or therapeutic, as well as the appliance of any subsequent multimodality management plan. The diversity of mediastinal tumors, especially for young patients, leaves no place for complacency. Such rare examples may manifest, with equivalent, unpredictable evolution, obliging clinical physicians to stay constantly alert and not take anything for granted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Thoracic Oncology)
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22 pages, 4856 KiB  
Article
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Alectinib-Loaded Dendrimer Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery System for Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
by Mahmood R. Atta, Israa Al-Ani, Ibrahim Aldeeb, Khaldun M. AlAzzam, Tha’er Ata, Mohammad A. Almullah, Enas Daoud and Feras Al-Hajji
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17080974 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 577
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Alectinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), exhibits suboptimal oral bioavailability, primarily attributable to its inherently low aqueous solubility and limited dissolution kinetics. This study aimed to enhance Alectinib’s solubility and therapeutic efficacy [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Alectinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), exhibits suboptimal oral bioavailability, primarily attributable to its inherently low aqueous solubility and limited dissolution kinetics. This study aimed to enhance Alectinib’s solubility and therapeutic efficacy by formulating a G4-NH2-PAMAM dendrimer complex. Methods: The complex was prepared using the organic solvent evaporation method and characterized by DSC, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements. A validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method quantified the Alectinib. In vitro drug release studies compared free Alectinib with the G4-NH2-PAMAM dendrimer complex. Cytotoxicity against NSCLC cell line A549 was assessed using MTT assays, clonogenic assay, and scratch-wound assay. Xenograft effect was investigated in the H460 lung cell line. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in rats using LC–MS/MS. Results: Alectinib exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 59 ± 5%. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained drug release at pH 6.8 and faster degradation at pH 2.5. Anticancer activity in vitro showed comparable efficacy to free Alectinib, with 98% migration inhibition. In vivo tumor suppression studies revealed near-complete tumor regression (~100%) after 17 days of treatment, compared to 75% with free Alectinib. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated enhanced absorption (shorter Tmax), prolonged systemic circulation (longer half-life), and higher bioavailability (increased AUC) for the dendrimer-complexed drug. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the G4-NH2-PAMAM dendrimer system significantly improves Alectinib’s pharmacokinetics and therapeutic potential, making it a promising approach for NSCLC treatment. Full article
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17 pages, 7456 KiB  
Article
Eurycomanone Blocks TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, Migration, and Invasion Pathways in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Targeting Smad and Non-Smad Signaling
by Pratchayanon Soddaen, Kongthawat Chairatvit, Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Tanongsak Laowanitwattana, Arisa Imsumran and Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157120 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a predominant form of lung cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced metastatic stage. The processes of cancer cell migration and invasion involve epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is crucial for metastasis. Targeting cancer aggressiveness with effective [...] Read more.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a predominant form of lung cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced metastatic stage. The processes of cancer cell migration and invasion involve epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is crucial for metastasis. Targeting cancer aggressiveness with effective plant compounds has gained attention as a potential adjuvant therapy. Eurycomanone (ECN), a bioactive quassinoid found in the root of Eurycoma longifolia Jack, has demonstrated anti-cancer activity against various carcinoma cell lines, including human NSCLC cells. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of ECN on the migration and invasion of human NSCLC cells and to elucidate the mechanisms by which ECN modulates the EMT in these cells. Non-toxic doses (≤IC20) of ECN were determined using the MTT assay on two human NSCLC cell lines: A549 and Calu-1. The results from wound healing and transwell migration assays indicated that ECN significantly suppressed the migration of both TGF-β1-induced A549 and Calu-1 cells. ECN exhibited a strong anti-invasive effect, as its non-toxic doses significantly suppressed the TGF-β1-induced invasion of NSCLC cells through Matrigel and decreased the secretion of MMP-2 from these cancer cells. Furthermore, ECN could affect the TGF-β1-induced EMT process in various ways in NSCLC cells. In TGF-β1-induced A549 cells, ECN significantly restored the expression of E-cadherin by inhibiting the Akt signaling pathway. Conversely, in Calu-1, ECN reduced the aggressive phenotype by decreasing the expression of the mesenchymal protein N-cadherin and inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the anti-invasive activity of eurycomanone from E. longifolia Jack in human NSCLC cells and provided insights into its mechanism of action by suppressing the effects of TGF-β1 signaling on the EMT program. These findings offer scientific evidence to support the potential of ECN as an alternative therapy for metastatic NSCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products with Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activity)
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10 pages, 1053 KiB  
Review
Huriez Syndrome and SCC Risk: A Narrative Review Highlighting Surgical Challenges and Oncologic Considerations
by Alessia Pagnotta, Luca Patanè, Carmine Zoccali, Francesco Saverio Loria, Federico Lo Torto and Diego Ribuffo
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5214; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155214 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
Background: Huriez syndrome is a rare hereditary skin disorder marked by early-onset sclerodactyly, hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, and nail dysplasia. A key concern is the early and aggressive development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), typically affecting the dorsal aspects [...] Read more.
Background: Huriez syndrome is a rare hereditary skin disorder marked by early-onset sclerodactyly, hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, and nail dysplasia. A key concern is the early and aggressive development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), typically affecting the dorsal aspects of the hands. Methods: This narrative review summarizes clinical features, genetic aspects, and oncologic implications of Huriez syndrome. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, including English-language articles published up to May 2025. Relevant case reports and small case series were analyzed. Results: Seven patients (58.3%) underwent multiple surgeries due to recurrent or bilateral disease. Six patients (50%) required amputations, including finger, hand, and arm amputations, with no foot amputations reported. Reconstruction after oncological resection was performed in six patients (50%) using skin grafts (3), pedicled flaps (2), or free flaps (1). Amputation was mainly for advanced disease, with radial forearm flaps used for reconstruction. All flaps remained disease-free. Five cases (41.6%) had a history of local recurrence. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of Huriez syndrome is crucial to enable the surveillance and timely treatment of SCC. A multidisciplinary team including dermatologists, oncologists, plastic surgeons, and geneticists is recommended. Further research is needed to clarify genetic mechanisms and develop early detection strategies to improve outcomes. Full article
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15 pages, 3151 KiB  
Article
L1CAM Reliably Distinguishes Low-Grade Oncocytic Tumor from Other Eosinophilic Renal Neoplasms: A Multicenter Immunohistochemical Study with Diagnostic Implications
by Luciana Scuccimarri, Antonio d’Amati, Francesco Pierconti, Angela Santoro, Luigia Ciampi, Tiziana Montrone, Francesco Alfredo Zito, Giuseppe Lucarelli, Guido Rindi, Gian Franco Zannoni and Mauro Giuseppe Mastropasqua
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152440 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Introduction: Low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT) is a recently described renal neoplasm characterized by indolent clinical behavior, a small nested architecture, and distinctive immunophenotypic features. Its distinction from other eosinophilic renal tumors, such as oncocytoma, eosinophilic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (E-chRCC), and eosinophilic vacuolated [...] Read more.
Introduction: Low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT) is a recently described renal neoplasm characterized by indolent clinical behavior, a small nested architecture, and distinctive immunophenotypic features. Its distinction from other eosinophilic renal tumors, such as oncocytoma, eosinophilic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (E-chRCC), and eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT), can be challenging due to overlapping features. The L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is being increasingly recognized as a potential diagnostic marker for LOT. Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of L1CAM in distinguishing LOT from morphologically and immunophenotypically similar eosinophilic renal neoplasms. Methods: A total of 54 eosinophilic renal tumors (10 LOTs, 22 oncocytomas, 18 E-chRCCs, and 4 EVTs) were retrospectively collected from five academic institutions and reclassified according to the 2022 WHO criteria. All cases underwent histopathologic review and immunohistochemical analysis for CK7, CD117, GATA3, cathepsin K, and L1CAM. Results: L1CAM showed strong membranous expression in all LOTs (100%) and was negative in oncocytoma, E-chRCC, and EVT, yielding 100% sensitivity and specificity. Traditional markers exhibited overlapping patterns among tumor types. Conclusions: Our findings confirm L1CAM as a highly sensitive and specific marker for LOT, effectively distinguishing it from other eosinophilic renal neoplasms. Incorporating L1CAM into diagnostic panels may enhance accuracy, particularly in challenging cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Causes, Screening and Diagnosis)
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16 pages, 2201 KiB  
Article
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Exosomes Upregulate PIK3/AKT, PTEN, and NOTCH Signaling Pathways in Normal Fibroblasts
by Dijana Mitic, Milica Jaksic Karisik, Milos Lazarevic, Jelena Carkic, Emilia Zivkovic, Olivera Mitrovic Ajtic and Jelena Milasin
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070568 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 334
Abstract
Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, have gained significant attention in cancer investigations. Isolation and characterization of exosomes derived from DOK (dysplastic oral keratinocyte), SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) and HaCaT (normal skin keratinocyte) cell lines and microRNA profiling were conducted. [...] Read more.
Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, have gained significant attention in cancer investigations. Isolation and characterization of exosomes derived from DOK (dysplastic oral keratinocyte), SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) and HaCaT (normal skin keratinocyte) cell lines and microRNA profiling were conducted. Magnetic sorting was applied to obtain pure exosomes. Morphology and size were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Validation of membrane exosomal markers (CD9, CD63) was performed via Western blotting. MiR-21, miR-31, and miR-133 levels were analyzed in exosomes and parent cells by qPCR. Biological effects of the exosomes were tested by adding them to fibroblast cultures and determining the expression of relevant carcinogenesis markers by qPCR. Exosomes appeared as cup-shaped nano-sized particles, and there was no difference regarding particle diameter and concentration between the three types of exosomes. The oncogenic miR-21 was significantly upregulated both in SCC and SCC-derived exosomes compared to DOK and HaCaT cells and their respective exosomes. However, miR-31 unexpectedly showed the highest expression in normal cells and the lowest in HaCaT exosomes. MiR-133, the tumor suppressor miRNA, was downregulated in both SCC and DOK cells compared to normal (HaCaT) cells, while the opposite situation was observed in exosomes, with HaCaT cells showing the lowest levels of miR-133. The differences in exosome content were reflected in signaling pathway activation in exosome-treated fibroblasts, with SCC exosomes exerting the most potent effect on several cancer-related pathways, notably PIK3/AKT, PTEN, and NOTCH signaling cascades. Full article
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24 pages, 5625 KiB  
Article
Ultrastructural Changes of the Peri-Tumoral Collagen Fibers and Fibrils Array in Different Stages of Mammary Cancer Progression
by Marco Franchi, Valentina Masola, Maurizio Onisto, Leonardo Franchi, Sylvia Mangani, Vasiliki Zolota, Zoi Piperigkou and Nikos K. Karamanos
Cells 2025, 14(13), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14131037 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1134
Abstract
Breast cancer invasion and subsequent metastasis to distant tissues occur when cancer cells lose cell–cell contact, develop a migrating phenotype, and invade the basement membrane (BM) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) to penetrate blood and lymphatic vessels. The identification of the mechanisms which [...] Read more.
Breast cancer invasion and subsequent metastasis to distant tissues occur when cancer cells lose cell–cell contact, develop a migrating phenotype, and invade the basement membrane (BM) and the extracellular matrix (ECM) to penetrate blood and lymphatic vessels. The identification of the mechanisms which induce the development from a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to a minimally invasive breast carcinoma (MIBC) is an emerging area of research in understanding tumor invasion and metastatic potential. To investigate the progression from DCIS to MIBC, we analyzed peritumoral collagen architecture using correlative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on histological sections from human biopsies. In DCIS, the peritumoral collagen organizes into concentric lamellae (‘circular fibers’) parallel to the ducts. Within each lamella, type I collagen fibrils align in parallel, while neighboring lamellae show orthogonal fiber orientation. The concentric lamellar arrangement of collagen may physically constrain cancer cell migration, explaining the lack of visible tumor cell invasion into the peritumoral ECM in DCIS. A lamellar dissociation or the development of small inter fiber gaps allowed isolated breast cancer cell invasion and exosomes infiltration in the DCIS microenvironment. The radially arranged fibers observed in the peri-tumoral microenvironment of MIBC biopsies develop from a bending of the circular fibers of DCIS and drive a collective cancer cell invasion associated with an intense immune cell infiltrate. Type I collagen fibrils represent the peri-tumoral nano-environment which can play a mechanical role in regulating the development from DCIS to MIBC. Collectively, it is plausible to suggest that the ECM effectors implicated in breast cancer progression released by the interplay between cancer, stromal, and/or immune cells, and degrading inter fiber/fibril hydrophilic ECM components of the peritumoral ECM, may serve as key players in promoting the dissociation of the concentric collagen lamellae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cell Microenvironment)
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19 pages, 969 KiB  
Article
The Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms at the Arg399Gln Locus of the XRCC1 Gene in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
by Beata Smolarz, Bartosz Cieślik-Wolski, Józef Kozak, Honorata Łukasiewicz, Dariusz Samulak, Dariusz Trzmielak, Hanna Romanowicz and Marianna Makowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6540; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136540 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
In recent years, an increasingly important role in the etiopathogenesis of lung cancer has been attributed to genetic predisposition. Current genetic research suggests that the increased risk of this cancer may be due to gene polymorphism within repair genes. In the case of [...] Read more.
In recent years, an increasingly important role in the etiopathogenesis of lung cancer has been attributed to genetic predisposition. Current genetic research suggests that the increased risk of this cancer may be due to gene polymorphism within repair genes. In the case of lung cancer, observations about genes involved in the DNA repair system by cutting bases of nitrogen—base excision repair (BER)—seem to be interesting. Most attention has been devoted to the XRCC1 gene, which coordinates the various stages of BER. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the single nucleotide polymorphism Arg399Gln in the XRCC1 gene as a factor influencing the risk of lung cancer. The study involved 118 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The control group consisted of 60 people who did not have cancer. The study proved that the polymorphism of the XRCC1 gene is characterized by a statistically significant relationship with the onset of cancer. There were no statistically significant differences between the Arg399Gln polymorphism of the XRCC1 gene and risk factors for non-small cell lung cancer, such as age, sex, smoking and its duration, or place of residence, as well as between the histological type of the tumor or its severity. Detailed analysis of three genotypes—Arg/Arg, Arg/Gln, and Gln/Gln—showed that the incidence of particular genotypes in the group of patients was, respectively, 16.10%, 27.12%, and 58.78%. In the case of the Gln/Gln genotype, the most common associated histopathological type was squamous cell carcinoma, and in the case of adenocarcinoma, the most common genotype was Arg/Arg. It was estimated that each Arg allele reduced the chance of tumor occurrence to 0.48 times the reference value, i.e., the Gln/Gln genotype class for the Arg/Gln genotype and the Arg/Gln genotype for the Arg/Arg genotype. The relationship between the male sex and the occurrence of cancer remained insignificant, in contrast to the presence of nicotinism. Studies suggest that the Arg399Gln polymorphism of the XRCC1 gene has limited prognostic significance in non-small cell lung cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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22 pages, 3032 KiB  
Article
MYC Regulates a DNA Repair Gene Expression Program in Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary, Hypercalcemic Type
by James R. Evans, Jing Wang, Cinthia N. Reed, Joy H. Creighton, Kaylee B. Garrison, Abigail N. Robertson, Ashley Lira-Rivera, Diondre’ D. Baisden, William P. Tansey, Rafet Al-Tobasei, Jessica D. Lang, Qi Liu and April M. Weissmiller
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2255; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132255 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 502
Abstract
Background/Objectives: SCCOHT is an aggressive and often fatal cancer that belongs to the ~20% of cancers defined by mutations to subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. In SCCOHT, mutations to the SMARCA4 gene, which encodes the SWI/SNF ATPase BRG1, are sufficient to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: SCCOHT is an aggressive and often fatal cancer that belongs to the ~20% of cancers defined by mutations to subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. In SCCOHT, mutations to the SMARCA4 gene, which encodes the SWI/SNF ATPase BRG1, are sufficient to impair SWI/SNF function. This single genetic lesion leads to a cascade of events that promote tumorigenesis, some of which may involve the intersection of SWI/SNF with oncogenic pathways such as those regulated by the MYC oncogene. In SCCOHT tumors and other cancers marked by SWI/SNF subunit mutation, MYC target genes are recurrently activated, pointing to a relationship between SWI/SNF and MYC that has yet to be fully explored. Methods: In this study, we investigate the contribution of MYC to SCCOHT biology by performing a combination of chromatin binding and transcriptome assays in genetically engineered SCCOHT cell lines, with subsequent validation using patient tumor expression data. Results: We find that MYC binds to thousands of active promoters in the BIN-67 SCCOHT cell line and that the depletion of MYC results in a broad range of gene expression changes with a notable effect on the expression of genes related to DNA repair. We uncover an MYC-regulated DNA repair gene expression program in BIN-67 cells that is antagonized by BRG1 reintroduction. Finally, we identify a DNA repair gene signature that is upregulated in SCCOHT tumors and in tumors defined by loss of the SWI/SNF subunit SNF5. Conclusions: Collectively, these data implicate MYC as a robust regulator of DNA repair gene expression in SCCOHT and lay a foundation for future studies focused on interrogating the relationship between BRG1 and MYC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chromatin-Remodeling Factors in Cancer Cells)
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12 pages, 590 KiB  
Article
Retrospective Study of Malignant Cutaneous Tumors in Dog Populations in Northwest Mexico from 2019 to 2021
by Alfonso De La Mora Valle, Daniel Gómez Gómez, Enrique Trasviña Muñoz, Paulina Haro, Melissa Macias Rioseco, Gerardo Medina Basulto, Alejandra S. Moreno and Gilberto López Valencia
Animals 2025, 15(13), 1979; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131979 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
Cutaneous neoplasia is among the most common illnesses in dogs and can pose significant risks. Accurate morphological diagnosis of these conditions is vital for effective treatment and management. In this retrospective study, a total of 3746 canine skin biopsies were submitted to a [...] Read more.
Cutaneous neoplasia is among the most common illnesses in dogs and can pose significant risks. Accurate morphological diagnosis of these conditions is vital for effective treatment and management. In this retrospective study, a total of 3746 canine skin biopsies were submitted to a veterinary reference diagnostic laboratory and evaluated using histopathology. The variables assessed included age, sex, breed, lesion, location, and histopathological diagnosis. Non-neoplastic lesions accounted for 61% of all analyzed samples, while neoplastic tumors accounted for 39%. When looking at age, dogs ranging 3–6 years and 7–9 years had at least six times higher risk of developing malignant neoplasia compared to those aged 0–2 years. Among the malignant neoplasms, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma were the most observed, representing 30%, 18%, and 12% of cases, respectively. The breeds most frequently affected by malignant neoplasms included Pit Bull Terriers, Boxers, and mixed breeds, all of which comprised the majority of mast cell tumor cases at 50.54%. These findings are novel in this field and may assist small animal veterinarians in making preliminary diagnoses, while also helping pet owners understand the importance of skin cancer and its early detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
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14 pages, 1881 KiB  
Case Report
HIV Integration into the PTEN Gene and Its Tumor Microenvironment Implications for Lung Cancer
by Davey M. Smith, Elizabeth F. Rowland, Sara Gianella, Sandip Pravin Patel, Stephanie Solso, Cheryl Dullano, Robert Deiss, Daria Wells, Caroline Ignacio, Gemma Caballero, Magali Porrachia, Collin Kieffer and Antoine Chaillon
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(7), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32070389 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Health outcomes for people with HIV (PWH) have improved significantly with combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet the risk of lung cancer remains elevated. While a single case cannot establish causality, we describe here an investigation of a 74-year-old male PWH with de novo [...] Read more.
Health outcomes for people with HIV (PWH) have improved significantly with combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet the risk of lung cancer remains elevated. While a single case cannot establish causality, we describe here an investigation of a 74-year-old male PWH with de novo high-grade neuroendocrine small cell lung carcinoma. To investigate the potential contribution of HIV to cancer development, we performed HIV integration site sequencing on blood, tumor, and non-tumor tissue samples from the patient. We analyzed integration site distribution, clonal expansion, and associated gene disruption. Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) expression was evaluated using immunofluorescence and microscopy. A total of 174 unique HIV integration sites were identified, with 29.9% (52/174) located in clonally expanded cells. The most frequent integration site in clonally expanded cells was within the PTEN gene, representing 4.2% to 16.7% of all HIV-infected cells across samples. PTEN expression was markedly reduced in tumor regions relative to non-tumor tissue. Areas positive for HIV p24 antigen showed minimal PTEN expression. These findings suggest that HIV integration into the PTEN gene, coupled with clonal expansion of HIV-infected cells, may impair anti-tumor immune responses and promote cancer progression in PWH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Thoracic Oncology)
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10 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
High-Frequency Basal Cell Carcinoma: Demographic, Clinical, and Histopathological Features in a Belgian Cohort
by Katharina Charlotte Wunderlich, Carmen Orte Cano, Mariano Suppa, Olivier Gaide, J. M. White, Hassane Njimi, Euromelanoma Working Group and Véronique Del Marmol
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4678; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134678 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide, with a multifactorial aetiology involving environmental and intrinsic factors. A small subset of patients develops high-frequency BCC (HF-BCC), defined as ≥9 BCCs within 3 years. Objective: To analyse demographic, [...] Read more.
Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide, with a multifactorial aetiology involving environmental and intrinsic factors. A small subset of patients develops high-frequency BCC (HF-BCC), defined as ≥9 BCCs within 3 years. Objective: To analyse demographic, clinical, and histopathological features of non-syndromic HF-BCC in a Belgian cohort, compared with low-burden BCC patients and healthy controls. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Erasme Hospital (Brussels) using data from the EUSCAP platform. Clinical, behavioural, and histopathological data were collected and statistically analysed. Results: Of 783 patients, 16 with HF-BCC were identified. For comparison, 32 patients with 1–2 BCCs and 117 patients without BCC were selected. HF-BCC patients showed distinct characteristics, including a higher proportion of superficial BCCs (68.3% vs. 50%, p = 0.01) and fewer nodular subtypes (43.2% vs. 63.5%, p = 0.01). Their tumours were less frequently located on the nose and ears compared with patients having 1–2 BCCs. HF-BCC was associated with a personal history of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK). Conclusions: HF-BCC patients display distinct anatomical, histopathological and clinical characteristics, with a predominance of superficial BCC and an association with a personal history of SCC and AK. They show a lower frequency of tumours on the nose and ears, with a stronger tendency for localisation on the trunk and extremities. Identifying risk factors and genetic markers may contribute to improved early detection strategies, preventive measures, and the development of targeted therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)
19 pages, 5478 KiB  
Article
The Interaction of DMRTA2 with HSP90β Inhibits p53 Ubiquitination and Activates the p53 Pathway to Suppress the Malignant Progression of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
by Shiyang Deng, Ling Li and Jiang Du
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070497 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer, predominantly NSCLC (80%), has a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and limited treatment efficacy. DMRTA2 (DMRT5), a transcription factor linked to neural/germ cell development, is overexpressed in NSCLC per TCGA data, indicating its potential role in tumorigenesis and [...] Read more.
Background: Lung cancer, predominantly NSCLC (80%), has a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and limited treatment efficacy. DMRTA2 (DMRT5), a transcription factor linked to neural/germ cell development, is overexpressed in NSCLC per TCGA data, indicating its potential role in tumorigenesis and as a therapeutic target. Methods: Conduct a comprehensive search of the relevant theoretical foundations. Based on this, differential expression analysis will be performed using the DESeq2 package in R on RNA-seq data from lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma in the TCGA database. The research will then employ various methods, including CRISPR genome editing, MTS assay, flow cytometry, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR. Results: Through experimental validation, we found that DMRTA2 mRNA is highly expressed in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and is negatively correlated with poor prognosis. DMRTA2 binds to HSP90β, inhibiting the interaction between HSP90β and p53, thereby suppressing p53 ubiquitination and nuclear export. This activates the p53 pathway, inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. Conclusions: In NSCLC, DMRTA2 acts as a context-dependent regulator, stabilizing wild-type p53 through competitive HSP90β binding to suppress tumors, while in p53-compromised cells, potentially engaging HSP90β or alternative pathways to promote malignancy. Its dual localization and transport interactions reveal multifunctional, stress-responsive roles beyond transcription. Full article
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14 pages, 1462 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Selected Small Proline-Rich Proteins in Tissue Homogenates from Samples of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Dariusz Nałęcz, Agata Świętek, Dorota Hudy, Zofia Złotopolska, Jakub Opyrchał, David Aebisher and Joanna Katarzyna Strzelczyk
Diagnostics 2025, 15(13), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15131633 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks sixth in the world in terms of incidence. Small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) are precursors of the keratinocyte envelope and act as substrates of transglutaminase. A change in SPRR expression is characteristic in a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks sixth in the world in terms of incidence. Small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) are precursors of the keratinocyte envelope and act as substrates of transglutaminase. A change in SPRR expression is characteristic in a few types of cancer. Our aim was to determine the concentration of SPRR1A and SPRR2A in tumours samples obtained from 61 patients with HNSCC (OSCC, OPSCC, LSCC, HPSCC, NCSCC, and SSCC). Also, we aimed to determine the relationship between protein concentration and other clinical and/or demographic variables. Methods: An ELISA test was used to determine the concentrations of SPRR in the tumour tissue homogenates. Results: In margin samples, we found a statistically significant association between SPRR1A levels and nodal status (N) and between SPRR1A levels in tumours and margins with G2 histological grade. When we analysed the effect of tobacco and alcohol habits, we found a statistically significant difference between the SPRR1A and SPRR2A amount in smokers and non-smokers in margin samples. Also, we found a statistically significant difference between the SPRR1A and SPRR2A levels in tumour and margin samples obtained from patients that either abstain and occasionally or regularly consume alcohol. Furthermore, we found in tumour and margin samples from patients with concomitant diseases an association between SPRR1A and SPRR2A levels. Our results showed altered concentrations of SPRR1A at margins, depending on HPV status. Conclusions: These results suggest that differences in SPRR proteins are determined by disease status and unhealthy behaviours, which, in a wider perspective, can influence carcinogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Head and Neck Disease)
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