From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Cancers cancers	4.5	8.0	2009	17.4 Days	CHF 2900
Diagnostics diagnostics	3.0	4.7	2011	20.3 Days	CHF 2600
Journal of Clinical Medicine jcm	3.0	5.7	2012	16 Days	CHF 2600
Pharmaceutics pharmaceutics	4.9	7.9	2009	15.5 Days	CHF 2900
Current Oncology curroncol	2.8	3.3	1994	19.8 Days	CHF 2200

9 pages, 220 KiB

Open AccessReview

Adjuvant Radiotherapy and Breast Cancer in Patients with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: A Critical Review

by Adnan Shrebati, Pierre Loap and Youlia Kirova

Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071206 - 1 Apr 2025

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Background/Objectives: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a disease caused by a germline mutation of the tp53 gene that predisposes the individual to various malignancies, including breast cancer. Its impact on treatment modalities in oncology remains poorly studied. In this critical review, we aimed [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a disease caused by a germline mutation of the tp53 gene that predisposes the individual to various malignancies, including breast cancer. Its impact on treatment modalities in oncology remains poorly studied. In this critical review, we aimed to retrieve and analyze available data concerning adjuvant radiotherapy in early breast cancer for LFS patients, as well as the current guidelines. Methods: We reviewed articles with LFS patient cohorts that reported secondary malignancy rates after breast adjuvant radiotherapy. Rates of recurrence, when available, were also included. Furthermore, we discussed contemporary radiobiological evidence and guidelines on the subject. Results: Six retrospective studies were reviewed. Five reported much higher rates of secondary malignancies compared to the general population. Additionally, there was no clear trend toward increased locoregional control after adjuvant radiotherapy. Radiobiological data suggest increased radioresistance and radiosensitivity within p53-mutated cells. Guidelines recommend avoiding radiotherapy in LFS patients when possible. Conclusions: Currently, there is no standard treatment or cure for LFS or a germline variant of the TP53 gene. With few exceptions, cancers in people with LFS are treated the same way as cancers in other patients, but research continues into the best way to manage cancers involved in LFS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

14 pages, 984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aberrant Expression of CYP2W1 in Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Clinical Significance and Potential as a Therapeutic Target

by Dora Molina-Ortiz, Carmen Torres-Zárate, Rocío Cárdenas-Cardós, Daniel Hernández-Arrazola, Marco R. Aguilar-Ortiz, José Palacios-Acosta, Jaime Shalkow-Klincovstein, Víctor Dorado-González, Rebeca Santes-Palacios, Elizabeth Hernández-Urzúa and Araceli Vences-Mejía

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32030131 - 26 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Pediatric soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are aggressive malignancies with poor prognoses, particularly in recurrent and metastatic cases. Standard therapies, such as cytotoxic chemotherapy, offer limited survival benefits and carry significant toxicities, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. CYP2W1, a tumor-specific monooxygenase enzyme, [...] Read more.

Pediatric soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are aggressive malignancies with poor prognoses, particularly in recurrent and metastatic cases. Standard therapies, such as cytotoxic chemotherapy, offer limited survival benefits and carry significant toxicities, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. CYP2W1, a tumor-specific monooxygenase enzyme, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target due to its aberrant expression in various cancers. However, its role in pediatric STSs remains poorly understood. This study evaluated CYP2W1 expression in 42 pediatric STS samples across seven histological subtypes using qPCR and Western blot analyses. High CYP2W1 expression was detected in 69% of tumor samples at the mRNA level and in 40.5% at the protein level, compared to absent or negligible expression in matched normal tissues (p < 0.001). Synovial sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes exhibited the highest CYP2W1 protein expression, at 70% and 62.5%, respectively. Furthermore, CYP2W1 expression was significantly associated with higher histological grade, advanced tumor stage, and a trend toward reduced overall survival (p = 0.082). These findings indicate that CYP2W1 is aberrantly expressed in a subset of pediatric STSs, contributing to tumor aggressiveness and highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for these challenging malignancies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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16 pages, 1845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CD8⁺CD28⁺PD1⁻ T Cells as a Prognostic Biomarker in Endometrial Cancer

by Yufei Nie, Lin Yang, Yanan Zhang and Hongyan Guo

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(3), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32030121 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 599

Abstract

Endometrial cancer (EC) is an immunogenic tumor, with CD8⁺ T cells playing a pivotal role in antitumor immunity. Overexpression of PD1 suppresses T cell function by inhibiting CD28, a critical co-stimulatory molecule. Classifying CD8⁺ T cells based on PD1 and CD28 [...] Read more.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is an immunogenic tumor, with CD8⁺ T cells playing a pivotal role in antitumor immunity. Overexpression of PD1 suppresses T cell function by inhibiting CD28, a critical co-stimulatory molecule. Classifying CD8⁺ T cells based on PD1 and CD28 expression provides valuable insights into the immune microenvironment of EC. Peripheral blood samples from 120 EC patients and tumor tissue samples from 81 EC patients were analyzed via flow cytometry. CD8⁺ T cells were categorized according to PD1 and CD28 expression, and their associations with clinical characteristics were systematically evaluated. Peripheral CD28⁻/CD8⁺ and PD1⁺/CD8⁺ T cell proportions were significantly associated with several high-risk factors, including deep myometrial invasion, and LVSI, as well as metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia. Peripheral CD28⁺PD1⁻/CD8⁺ T cells were associated with stage, grade, and LVSI, inversely correlated with age, and elevated in patients with hypertension or dyslipidemia. Tumor-infiltrating CD28⁺PD1⁻/CD8⁺ T cells were associated with tumor grade and LVSI, with multivariate analysis identifying low proportions as an independent predictor of relapse. In summary, CD8⁺CD28⁻ and CD8⁺PD1⁺ T cells are linked to high-risk clinical features in EC, while tumor-infiltrating CD8⁺CD28⁺PD1⁻ T cells serve as a key independent prognostic marker for relapse. Additionally, CD8⁺CD28⁻, CD8⁺PD1⁺, and CD8⁺CD28⁺PD1⁻ T cell proportions in PBMC are closely associated with metabolic disorders, emphasizing their potential as biomarkers for immune and metabolic interactions in EC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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35 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Molecular Profiling on Therapy Management in Breast Cancer

by Flavia Ultimescu, Ariana Hudita, Daniela Elena Popa, Maria Olinca, Horatiu Alin Muresean, Mihail Ceausu, Diana Iuliana Stanciu, Octav Ginghina and Bianca Galateanu

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(17), 4995; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13174995 - 23 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2559

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The heterogeneity of BC in terms of histopathological features, genetic polymorphisms, and response to therapies necessitates a personalized approach to treatment. This review focuses on [...] Read more.

Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The heterogeneity of BC in terms of histopathological features, genetic polymorphisms, and response to therapies necessitates a personalized approach to treatment. This review focuses on the impact of molecular profiling on therapy management in breast cancer, emphasizing recent advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsies. These technologies enable the identification of specific molecular subtypes and the detection of blood-based biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and tumor-educated platelets (TEPs). The integration of molecular profiling with traditional clinical and pathological data allows for more tailored and effective treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes. This review also discusses the current challenges and prospects of implementing personalized cancer therapy, highlighting the potential of molecular profiling to revolutionize BC management through more precise prognostic and therapeutic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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13 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pediatric Diffuse Midline Glioma H3K27-Altered: From Developmental Origins to Therapeutic Challenges

by Manuela Mandorino, Ahana Maitra, Domenico Armenise, Olga Maria Baldelli, Morena Miciaccia, Savina Ferorelli, Maria Grazia Perrone and Antonio Scilimati

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101814 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3843

Abstract

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), now referred to as diffuse midline glioma (DMG), is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer primarily affecting children aged 4 to 9 years old. Despite the research and clinical trials conducted to identify a possible treatment for DIPG, no [...] Read more.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), now referred to as diffuse midline glioma (DMG), is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer primarily affecting children aged 4 to 9 years old. Despite the research and clinical trials conducted to identify a possible treatment for DIPG, no effective drug is currently available. These tumors often affect deep midline brain structures in young children, suggesting a connection to early brain development’s epigenetic regulation targets, possibly affecting neural progenitor functions and differentiation. The H3K27M mutation is a known DIPG trigger, but the exact mechanisms beyond epigenetic regulation remain unclear. After thoroughly examining the available literature, we found that over 85% of DIPG tumors contain a somatic missense mutation, K27M, in genes encoding histone H3.3 and H3.1, leading to abnormal gene expression that drives tumor growth and spread. This mutation impacts crucial brain development processes, including the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, and may explain differences between H3K27M and non-K27M pediatric gliomas. Effects on stem cells show increased proliferation and disrupted differentiation. The genomic organization of H3 gene family members in the developing brain has revealed variations in their expression patterns. All these observations suggest a need for global efforts to understand developmental origins and potential treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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16 pages, 837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Elderly Chinese Cancer Patients in a Multicultural Clinical Setting: Embracing Mortality and Addressing Misperceptions of Vulnerability

by Yvonne W. Leung, Enid W. Y. Kwong, Karen Lok Yi Wong, Jeremiah So, Frankie Poon, Terry Cheng, Eric Chen, Alex Molasiotis and Doris Howell

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(5), 2620-2635; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31050197 - 5 May 2024

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Abstract

Chinese patients face higher risks of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and greater cancer-related deaths than Canadian-born patients. The older population encounters barriers to quality healthcare, impacting their well-being and survival. Previous studies highlighted Chinese immigrant perceptions of not requiring healthcare support. During the COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Chinese patients face higher risks of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and greater cancer-related deaths than Canadian-born patients. The older population encounters barriers to quality healthcare, impacting their well-being and survival. Previous studies highlighted Chinese immigrant perceptions of not requiring healthcare support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their underutilization of healthcare services garnered attention. The present study explores the experiences of older Chinese cancer patients to improve culturally sensitive cancer care. A total of twenty interviews carried out in Cantonese and Mandarin were conducted with Chinese immigrants, aged 60 or above, diagnosed with Stage 3 or 4 GI cancer. These interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated, and subjected to qualitative descriptive analysis. Among older Chinese immigrant patients, a phenomenon termed “Premature Acceptance: Normalizing Death and Dying” was observed. This involved four key themes: 1. acceptance and letting go, 2. family first, 3. self-sufficiency, and 4. barriers to supportive care. Participants displayed an early acceptance of their own mortality, prioritizing family prosperity over their own quality of life. Older Chinese patients normalize the reality of facing death amidst cancer. They adopt a pragmatic outlook, acknowledging life-saving treatments while willingly sacrificing their own support needs to ease family burdens. Efforts to enhance health literacy require culturally sensitive programs tailored to address language barriers and differing values among this population. A strengths-based approach emphasizing family support and practical aspects of care may help build resilience and improve symptom management, thereby enhancing their engagement with healthcare services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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16 pages, 1047 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physical Activity, Insulin Resistance and Cancer: A Systematic Review

by Santiago Navarro-Ledesma, Dina Hamed-Hamed, Ana González-Muñoz and Leo Pruimboom

Cancers 2024, 16(3), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030656 - 3 Feb 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3272

Abstract

Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR), a key aspect of type 2 diabetes and a defining characteristic of obesity and its associated conditions, emerges as a mechanistic pathway potentially implicated in cancer pathophysiology. This presents an appealing intervention target for cancer patients. The objective of [...] Read more.

Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR), a key aspect of type 2 diabetes and a defining characteristic of obesity and its associated conditions, emerges as a mechanistic pathway potentially implicated in cancer pathophysiology. This presents an appealing intervention target for cancer patients. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review, examining the scientific evidence regarding the impact of physical activity on modifying insulin resistance in individuals with cancer. Methods: The selection criteria were specific: only randomized controlled clinical trials published in the last 13 years and written in English or Spanish were included. The databases utilized for the search included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and WEB OF SCIENCE. The protocol for this review was duly registered in the International Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023435002). The final search was conducted on 14 May 2023. Results: The outcomes were assessed using the tool proposed by the Cochrane Handbook to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. Among the 12 studies incorporated, 8 demonstrated a low risk of bias, two had an unclear risk of bias, and the remaining two showed a high risk of bias. The variety of exercise types used across all studies was extensive, making definitive conclusions challenging. Physical activity was linked to enhanced insulin sensitivity in seven studies, while five studies showed no significant changes in insulin resistance between the intervention and control groups. Importantly, none of the interventions employed in the included studies exhibited adverse effects on the study participants. Conclusions: The role of exercise as a medicine against insulin resistance has been evidenced in many different studies, mostly related to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Engaging in physical activity could be a healthy option to combat the effects of insulin resistance in cancer patients, although evidence is weak and limited, according to the results of our systemic review. We further found that literature is lacking at the level of optimal doses, timing, and type of exercise. More studies are needed with more defined PA programs in type and length. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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18 pages, 9571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Point-of-Care Orthopedic Oncology Device Development

by Ioannis I. Mavrodontis, Ioannis G. Trikoupis, Vasileios A. Kontogeorgakos, Olga D. Savvidou and Panayiotis J. Papagelopoulos

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 211-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010014 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2237

Abstract

Background: The triad of 3D design, 3D printing, and xReality technologies is explored and exploited to collaboratively realize patient-specific products in a timely manner with an emphasis on designs with meta-(bio)materials. Methods: A case study on pelvic reconstruction after oncological resection (osteosarcoma) was [...] Read more.

Background: The triad of 3D design, 3D printing, and xReality technologies is explored and exploited to collaboratively realize patient-specific products in a timely manner with an emphasis on designs with meta-(bio)materials. Methods: A case study on pelvic reconstruction after oncological resection (osteosarcoma) was selected and conducted to evaluate the applicability and performance of an inter-epistemic workflow and the feasibility and potential of 3D technologies for modeling, optimizing, and materializing individualized orthopedic devices at the point of care (PoC). Results: Image-based diagnosis and treatment at the PoC can be readily deployed to develop orthopedic devices for pre-operative planning, training, intra-operative navigation, and bone substitution. Conclusions: Inter-epistemic symbiosis between orthopedic surgeons and (bio)mechanical engineers at the PoC, fostered by appropriate quality management systems and end-to-end workflows under suitable scientifically amalgamated synergies, could maximize the potential benefits. However, increased awareness is recommended to explore and exploit the full potential of 3D technologies at the PoC to deliver medical devices with greater customization, innovation in design, cost-effectiveness, and high quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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13 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulatory and Interacting Partners of PDLIM7 in Thyroid Cancer

by Kristiana Rood, Celina Romi Yamauchi, Umang Sharma, Ria T. Laxa, Collin Robins, Gerardo Lanza, Kidianys Sánchez-Ruiz, Aminah Khan, Hae Soo Kim, Andrea Shields, Kari Kennedy, Saied Mirshahidi, Mia C. Perez, Anthony Firek, Iqbal Munir, Alfred A. Simental and Salma Khan

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(12), 10450-10462; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30120761 - 13 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2410

Abstract

Enigma protein, encoded by the PDLIM7 gene, is overexpressed in thyroid cancer in a stage-dependent manner, suggesting a potential involvement in the initiation and progression of thyroid cancer. The Enigma interacts with several cellular pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MDM2, and BMP-1. The Enigma is [...] Read more.

Enigma protein, encoded by the PDLIM7 gene, is overexpressed in thyroid cancer in a stage-dependent manner, suggesting a potential involvement in the initiation and progression of thyroid cancer. The Enigma interacts with several cellular pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MDM2, and BMP-1. The Enigma is regulated by microRNAs. Specifically, we showed that the Enigma protein upregulation corresponds to the downregulation of Let-7 family genes. There is limited research on the interactions and regulation of the Enigma with other proteins/genes in thyroid cancer tissues, indicating a gap in current knowledge. Our aim is to establish the Enigma as a biomarker. We also aim to study the interacting partners of the Enigma signaling pathways and their probable miRNA regulation in thyroid cancer progression. Using Western blotting, densitometric analysis, immunoprecipitation (IP), and reverse IP, we detected the protein expression and protein–protein interactions in the corresponding papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Utilizing real-time qPCR assay and Pearson’s correlation test, we highlighted the correlation between PDLIM7 and Let-7g gene expression in the same tissues. The results showed the differential upregulations of the Enigma protein in different stages of PTCs compared to benign tissues along with AKT, VDR, BMP-1, and MDM2 proteins. Loss of DBP was observed in a subset of PTCs. Strong interactions of the Enigma with PI3K/AKT and MDM2 were noted, along with a weaker BMP-1 interaction. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis between PDLIM7 and let-7g gene expression was significant (p < 0.05); however, there was a weak inverse correlation (r = −0.27). The study suggests the potential utility of the PDLIM7-qPCR assay as a biomarker for thyroid cancer. The Enigma’s interactions with key signaling pathways may provide valuable insights into the development of thyroid cancer. The study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms involving the Enigma protein in thyroid cancer and highlights its potential as a biomarker. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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14 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinicopathological Features of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma with BRAF Mutation

by Andrea Ambrosini-Spaltro, Claudia Rengucci, Laura Capelli, Elisa Chiadini, Daniele Calistri, Chiara Bennati, Paola Cravero, Francesco Limarzi, Sofia Nosseir, Riccardo Panzacchi, Mirca Valli, Paola Ulivi and Giulio Rossi

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(11), 10019-10032; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30110728 - 19 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2436

Abstract

(1) Background: BRAF mutations affect 4–5% of lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of lung carcinomas with BRAF mutations, focusing on V600E vs. non-V600E and the presence of co-mutations. (2) Methods: All BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved from a [...] Read more.

(1) Background: BRAF mutations affect 4–5% of lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of lung carcinomas with BRAF mutations, focusing on V600E vs. non-V600E and the presence of co-mutations. (2) Methods: All BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved from a molecular diagnostic unit (the reference unit for four different hospitals). The samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Statistical analyses included log-rank tests for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). (3) Results: In total, 60 BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved: 24 (40.0%) with V600E and 36 (60.0%) with non-V600E mutations, and 21 (35.0%) with other co-mutations and 39 (65.0%) with only BRAF mutations. Survival data were available for 54/60 (90.0%) cases. Targeted therapy was documented in 11 cases. Patients with V600E mutations exhibited a better prognosis than patients with non-V600E mutations (p = 0.008 for OS, p = 0.018 for PFS); this was confirmed in PFS (p = 0.036) when considering only patients who received no targeted therapy. Patients with co-mutations displayed no prognostic difference compared to patients carrying only BRAF mutations (p = 0.590 for OS, p = 0.938 for PFS). (4) Conclusions: BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas with V600E (40.0%) had a better prognosis than those without V600E. Concomitant co-mutations (35.0%) did not affect the prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)

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