Recent Advances in Anticancer Strategies, 2nd Edition

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31 March 2026

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Dear Colleagues,

The topic "Recent Advances in Anticancer Strategies, 2nd Edition" aims to provide an overview of the latest developments in the field of cancer treatment. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and researchers have been working to develop more effective and targeted treatments to improve outcomes for patients. The existing cancer therapies suffer from severe side-effects and drug resistance, leading to an increase in cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop and discover novel therapeutic strategies that can offer more effective and less-toxic treatment options for cancer patients. Novel anticancer approaches are being developed which can selectively identify and eliminate cancerous cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues, unlike traditional therapies.

For this topic, we welcome original articles and comprehensive reviews that showcase the latest advances in novel anticancer strategies with reduced toxicity and improved therapeutic indices. These articles can suggest potential prospects for optimizing cancer therapies with significant clinical value in the near future. We encourage submissions that focus on the development and validation of various anticancer approaches, including ligand-/receptor-based targeting, controlled drug delivery, gene therapy, gene delivery, immunotherapy, targeted anticancer prodrugs and conjugates (such as photoactivatable caged prodrugs, ADEPT, ADAPT, and ADCs), magnetic- and ultrasound-mediated drug targeting, and cancer stem cell therapy, as well as strategies that explore the targeting of signaling cascades and the tumor microenvironment.

Overall, this topic aims at providing recent advances in anticancer strategies, highlighting the potential impact of these new approaches on cancer treatment and patient outcomes. We eagerly anticipate your valuable contribution to this exciting topic.

Dr. Hassan Bousbaa
Dr. Zhiwei Hu
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Cancers cancers	4.4	8.8	2009	20.3 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	9.0	2000	20.5 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals	4.8	7.7	2004	14 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Pharmaceutics pharmaceutics	5.5	10.0	2009	14.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Scientia Pharmaceutica scipharm	2.5	4.6	1930	38.1 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Current Oncology curroncol	3.4	4.9	1994	21.5 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	16.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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All Cancers IJMS Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceutics Sci. Pharm. Current Oncology Molecules

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40 pages, 2078 KB  

Open AccessReview

Kinesin Spindle Protein (KIF11) in Mitosis and Cancer

by João P. N. Silva, Patrícia M. A. Silva and Hassan Bousbaa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(18), 8975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26188975 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

Kinesin spindle protein (KSP), also known as KIF11, is a member of the kinesin superfamily of motor proteins that plays a pivotal role in mitosis by regulating spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, and segregation. Its motor activity, which is essential for the proper organization [...] Read more.

Kinesin spindle protein (KSP), also known as KIF11, is a member of the kinesin superfamily of motor proteins that plays a pivotal role in mitosis by regulating spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, and segregation. Its motor activity, which is essential for the proper organization of microtubules during mitosis, is crucial for maintaining genomic stability. KSP overexpression has been observed in several cancer types, where it promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation, making it a promising target for cancer therapy. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying KSP function, including its structural features, ATPase activity, and interactions with other mitotic proteins. Additionally, we review the regulation of KSP through post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, as well as the therapeutic strategies currently being explored to inhibit its activity in cancer treatment. Full article

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

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107 pages, 4728 KB  

Open AccessReview

Molecular and Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Statins in Inflammation and Cancer Therapeutics with Emphasis on the NF-κB, NLRP3 Inflammasome, and Cytokine Regulatory Axes

by Sara Khan, Bintul Huda, Farida Bhurka, Rajashree Patnaik and Yajnavalka Banerjee

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178429 - 29 Aug 2025

Viewed by 972

Abstract

Statins, primarily prescribed for their lipid-lowering effects, have garnered significant attention for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. This review explores the underlying molecular pathways and clinical relevance of statins’ anti-inflammatory actions, extending beyond cardiovascular disease management to chronic inflammatory conditions and oncological applications. The [...] Read more.

Statins, primarily prescribed for their lipid-lowering effects, have garnered significant attention for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. This review explores the underlying molecular pathways and clinical relevance of statins’ anti-inflammatory actions, extending beyond cardiovascular disease management to chronic inflammatory conditions and oncological applications. The lipid-lowering effect of statins stems from their ability to suppress HMG-CoA reductase, a crucial enzyme in cholesterol synthesis; however, their pleiotropic effects include modulation of critical inflammatory pathways such as the inhibition of NF-κB signalling, a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and enhancement of endothelial function. We delve into the molecular pathways influenced by statins, including their effects on inflammatory mediators like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of statins in managing chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis, is critically reviewed. Additionally, we investigate the emerging role of statins in oncology, examining their impact on inflammation-driven carcinogenesis, tumour microenvironment modulation, and cancer progression. Despite their broad therapeutic potential, the safety profile of statins, particularly concerning adverse effects such as myopathy, hepatotoxicity, and potential diabetes risk, is discussed. Controversies surrounding the extent of their anti-inflammatory benefits and the variability in patient responses are also addressed. This review consolidates the current literature, elucidating the biochemical mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of statins and evaluating their clinical applications and associated controversies. Future research directions are identified, including the development of novel statin analogues with enhanced anti-inflammatory effects and the investigation of new therapeutic indications in inflammatory diseases and cancer. By providing an in-depth analysis, this review underscores the expanding therapeutic scope of statins and advocates for their integration into broader clinical strategies for the management of inflammation and cancer. Full article

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

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13 pages, 2991 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Age-Stratified Clinicopathological Features and Efficacy of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Resectable Gastric Cancer: An East-West Population-Based Study

by Zijian Deng, Jianping Guo, Zhizhong Xiong, Bin Zhong, Dayin Huang, Haoyang Xu, Shi Chen and Lei Lian

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(9), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32090480 - 26 Aug 2025

Viewed by 471

Abstract

Background: The incidence of early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) has been steadily increasing in recent years. However, the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in this population remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, survival outcomes, and efficacy of AC between EOGC [...] Read more.

Background: The incidence of early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) has been steadily increasing in recent years. However, the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in this population remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, survival outcomes, and efficacy of AC between EOGC and average-onset gastric cancer (AOGC) patients. Methods: Patients with stage II–III gastric adenocarcinomas who underwent curative D2 gastrectomy at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2014 to December 2021 were enrolled and classified into two groups: EOGC (≤45 years) and AOGC (>45 years) groups. Clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), and efficacy of AC were compared between the two groups. Western and East Asian cohorts were included as external validation sets to compare the efficacy of AC between different age groups. Results: Compared to AOGC, EOGC patients exhibited a higher proportion of females, poor differentiation, diffuse Lauren type, middle-third GC, perineural invasion (PNI), and receipt of AC. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified that T stage, N stage, PNI, and AC were independent prognostic factors for OS. After balancing the baseline characteristics between patients who received AC and those who did not, the Kaplan–Meier survival curves indicated that AC significantly improved OS across all patients. Further subgroup analysis revealed a survival benefit of AC in AOGC patients, whereas no significant survival difference was observed in the EOGC subgroup. Consistently, external validation in both Western and East Asian cohorts confirmed that AC did not confer a survival advantage in EOGC patients. Conclusions: EOGC exhibits aggressive pathological characteristics, and chemotherapy does not consistently improve survival in EOGC patients. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1306 KB  

Open AccessReview

Gold Nanoparticles as Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Liver Cancer: A Systematic Review of Tumor Targeting Efficiency and Toxicity Profiles

by Meda Cosma, Teodora Mocan, Cristian Delcea, Teodora Pop, Ofelia Mosteanu and Lucian Mocan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167917 - 16 Aug 2025

Viewed by 990

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) ranks as the fifth most prevalent form of cancer among humans and is a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths. During the latest year, an interesting scientific fascination arose around gold nanoparticles (AUNPs) following the recovery of their remarkable properties. Some [...] Read more.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) ranks as the fifth most prevalent form of cancer among humans and is a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths. During the latest year, an interesting scientific fascination arose around gold nanoparticles (AUNPs) following the recovery of their remarkable properties. Some studies suggest that AUNPs can enhance drug targeting in cancer treatment and reduce its toxicity. The major purpose of this paper is to systematically review the effectiveness, safety, and prospective mechanism of gold nanoparticles in delivering drugs for liver cancer treatment. Comprehensive research was conducted using major scientific databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) to identify studies focusing on AUNPs in drug delivery systems. We mainly focused on studies that specifically analyzed liver cancer. The current results of the systematic review show that the application of gold nanoparticles (AUNPs) in liver cancer drug delivery enhances drug targeting to liver tumors. This efficient factor improves the bioavailability and elevates the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents in treatment. This systematic review highlights the significant potential of AUNPs to increase the delivery of drugs for liver cancer treatment effectively. The major findings indicate that AUNPs improve the targeting and bioavailability of chemotherapeutic agents, enhancing therapeutic outcomes such as tumor suppression and improved survival rates. While the results of this review are encouraging; however, further research is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of AUNPs in clinical settings. Human trials must address concerns regarding long-term toxicity and regulatory approval. Full article

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

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28 pages, 732 KB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Preclinical Trials of Cancer Stem Cells Targeted by Metal-Based Coordination Complexes: A Systematic Review

by Ana Caroline Mafra Bezerra, Lucas Elohim Cardoso Viana Baptista, Maria Núbia Alencar Couto and Milton Masahiko Kanashiro

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070931 - 18 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objective: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a self-renewing subpopulation within tumors that contribute to heterogeneity and resistance to conventional cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite growing interest in CSCs as therapeutic targets, effective compounds against these cells remain limited. This systematic [...] Read more.

Background/Objective: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a self-renewing subpopulation within tumors that contribute to heterogeneity and resistance to conventional cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite growing interest in CSCs as therapeutic targets, effective compounds against these cells remain limited. This systematic review aims to assess the potential of metal-based coordination complexes as anti-CSC agents in preclinical models. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Twenty-seven original in vitro studies were included, all evaluating the cytotoxic effects of metal-based compounds on cancer cell lines enriched with CSC subpopulations. To ensure methodological rigor, all articles underwent a critical appraisal by independent reviewers who resolved discrepancies through consensus, and only studies meeting predefined quality criteria were included. Results: Several metal complexes, particularly copper-based compounds, demonstrated significant cytotoxicity toward CSCs, mainly through the induction of apoptosis. Breast cancer was the most frequently studied tumor type. Many studies reported modulation of CSC-related markers, including EPCAM, CD44, CD133, CD24, SOX2, KLF4, Oct4, NOTCH1, ALDH1, CXCR4, and HES1, suggesting effects on CSC maintenance pathways. Most studies were conducted in the United Kingdom and relied on in vitro models. Conclusions: Metal coordination complexes, especially those containing copper, show promise as therapeutic agents targeting CSCs. However, further in vivo studies and mechanistic investigations are essential to advance their translational potential. Full article

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

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20 pages, 663 KB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Electrochemotherapy in the Management of Keratinocyte Carcinomas: A Systematic Review

by Yue Ting Nichole Tan and Choon Chiat Oh

Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111766 - 24 May 2025

Viewed by 930

Abstract

Background: Keratinocyte carcinomas, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), presents a growing concern. Electrochemotherapy (ECT), an emerging treatment modality, combines chemotherapy and electroporation to enhance drug delivery into cells. However, reviews evaluating ECT in keratinocyte carcinomas are lacking. Objectives: [...] Read more.

Background: Keratinocyte carcinomas, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), presents a growing concern. Electrochemotherapy (ECT), an emerging treatment modality, combines chemotherapy and electroporation to enhance drug delivery into cells. However, reviews evaluating ECT in keratinocyte carcinomas are lacking. Objectives: This study reviews the efficacy and toxicity of ECT in the treatment and palliation of keratinocyte carcinomas. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics, tumor response, long-term disease outcomes, and toxicity data were extracted. Quality of studies was assessed using validated tools. Primary endpoints included tumor response; secondary endpoints included long-term disease outcomes and toxicity. Results: Twenty-one studies were included. Complete response (CR) rates ranged from 50 to 100% and from 10 to 100% for BCC and SCC, respectively. OS rates ranged from 95 (14 months) to 100 (1 year) % and from 64 (1 year) to 85.1 (8.6 months) % for BCC and SCC, respectively. One-year local disease-free survival (LDFS) rates were 89% and 87% for BCC and SCC, respectively. For BCC, local progression-free survival (LPFS) rates were 96% (1 year), 90% (2 year), and 70% (5 year). For SCC, 1-year LPFS rates were 80% on a per-patient basis and 49% on a per-lesion basis. Conclusions: ECT is effective and tolerable in the treatment and palliation of keratinocyte carcinomas. Future studies should focus on improving reporting quality, optimizing treatment protocols, and investigating long-term outcomes. Full article

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

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32 pages, 6286 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of the Anticancer Effect of Novel Phosphonium Vindoline Derivatives

by Mónika Halmai, Viktória Donkó-Tóth, Péter Keglevich, Károly Kánai, Márton Weber, Miklós Dékány, Ejlal A. Abdallah, Noémi Bózsity, István Zupkó, Andrea Nehr-Majoros, Éva Szőke, Zsuzsanna Helyes and László Hazai

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083775 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 911

Abstract

The Vinca alkaloid vindoline was coupled at position 17 with several trisubstituted phosphine derivatives and their in vitro anticancer activities on 60 human tumor cell lines (NCI60) were investigated. This phosphonium-type ionic side chain is beneficial because it allows therapeutic molecules to pass [...] Read more.

The Vinca alkaloid vindoline was coupled at position 17 with several trisubstituted phosphine derivatives and their in vitro anticancer activities on 60 human tumor cell lines (NCI60) were investigated. This phosphonium-type ionic side chain is beneficial because it allows therapeutic molecules to pass through the cell membrane. Thus, the candidates coupled to it can exert their activities in the mitochondria. The coupling of vindoline with the trisubstituted phosphines was achieved through flexible or rigid linkers. Instead of the ionic phosphonium structural part, a neutral moiety, namely the triphenylmethyl group, was also added to the side chain, being sterically similar but without a charge and phosphorus atom. In addition, the triphenylphosphine element was also built at position 10 of vindoline. Most of the derivatives showed low micromolar growth inhibition (GI₅₀) values against most cell lines. Among them, conjugate 9e was outstanding: it exhibited nanomolar anticancer activity on the RPMI-8226 leukemia cell line (GI₅₀ = 20.0 nM). Compound 9g elicited cell cycle disturbance and apoptosis on A2780 ovary cancer cells and inhibited their migration at subantiproliferative concentrations. The selectivity of the conjugates was determined by their effects on non-tumor Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. Compound 9e showed an estimated half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 1.36 µM, suggesting good selectivity on cancer cells. These results open new perspectives of novel phosphonium-based vindoline derivatives as anticancer compounds. Full article

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

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22 pages, 1121 KB  

Open AccessReview

Advancing Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis: A Review on Photodynamic Therapy Using OLED Technology

by Rajesh Kumar Tiwari, Rajesh Mishra, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Nakshathra Prabhu, Mangey Ram Nagar and Saulius Grigalevicius

Molecules 2025, 30(6), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30061305 - 14 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2645

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative and non-invasive approach to treating apparent tumours with minimal toxicity. PDT has a long-standing application in antitumor treatment utilizing various photosensitizers (PSs) for different tumours. Historically, light has served as a therapeutic tool in many diseases. PDT [...] Read more.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative and non-invasive approach to treating apparent tumours with minimal toxicity. PDT has a long-standing application in antitumor treatment utilizing various photosensitizers (PSs) for different tumours. Historically, light has served as a therapeutic tool in many diseases. PDT involves a dual treatment process in which light energy and PSs are combined to ablate tumour cells following light activation. In general, PDT exhibits reduced side effects and toxicity compared to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as it spares the extracellular matrix, facilitating excellent tissue healing and minimizing scarring. In addition, PSs can serve in diagnostic roles in tumour identification, termed photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). Advancements in flexible light sources that produce uniform illumination could significantly enhance the consistency of light delivery. This review outlines the clinical applications of OLEDs in PDT for cancer, addressing both diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Furthermore, we will explore various tumour cases using PDT with OLEDs. In particular, antimicrobial PDT targets antibiotic-resistant strains in diabetic foot ulcers, while metronomic PDT promotes cancer cell apoptosis through prolonged, low-intensity light exposure. Our emphasis is on PDT employing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Furthermore, the combination of PDT with NIR-OLEDs is examined for its potential to enhance tumour-targeting effectiveness, possibly exceeding the results of standalone treatments. Full article

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

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28 pages, 2851 KB  

Open AccessReview

Targeting c-MYC G-Quadruplexes for Cancer Treatment with Small Molecules

by Prasanth Thumpati, Sachchida Nand Rai, Chandrabhan Prajapati, Kakarla Ramakrishna and Santosh Kumar Singh

Sci. Pharm. 2025, 93(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm93010006 - 22 Jan 2025

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3110

Abstract

Novel therapies are required due to the rising cancer burden. Conventional chemotherapeutics tend to be particularly toxic, but there is a promising alternative for oncogenes, such as c-MYC. Often overexpressed in many cancer types, the potential c-MYC oncogene seems essential to the development [...] Read more.

Novel therapies are required due to the rising cancer burden. Conventional chemotherapeutics tend to be particularly toxic, but there is a promising alternative for oncogenes, such as c-MYC. Often overexpressed in many cancer types, the potential c-MYC oncogene seems essential to the development of cancer. Targeting c-MYC protein directly was limited, but these DNA structures composed of guanine-rich sequences suppress c-MYC transcription. This review discusses recent advances in developing small compounds that selectively bind to and stabilize c-MYC G-quadruplexes (G4). These molecules have also shown promise for the inhibition of c-MYC signaling and inhibition of tumor growth, suggesting that G-quadruplex targeting could be a promising therapeutic for cancer. Full article

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

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