Journal Description
Cancers
Cancers
is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of oncology, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR), Spanish Association for Cancer Research (ASEICA), Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), British Neuro-Oncology Society (BNOS) and Spanish Group for Cancer Immuno-Biotherapy (GÉTICA) are affiliated with Cancers and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Embase, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Oncology) / CiteScore - Q1 (Oncology)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Sections: published in 18 topical sections.
- Companion journals for Cancers include: Radiation and Onco.
Impact Factor:
5.2 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
5.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
The Causes and Consequences of DNA Damage and Chromosomal Instability Induced by Human Papillomavirus
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091662 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the main cause of cervical, oropharyngeal, and anogenital cancers, which are all treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy when locally advanced. HPV proteins are known to exploit the host DNA damage response to enable viral replication and the epithelial
[...] Read more.
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the main cause of cervical, oropharyngeal, and anogenital cancers, which are all treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy when locally advanced. HPV proteins are known to exploit the host DNA damage response to enable viral replication and the epithelial differentiation protocol. This has far-reaching consequences for the host genome, as the DNA damage response is critical for the maintenance of genomic stability. HPV+ cells therefore have increased DNA damage, leading to widespread genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer, which can contribute to tumorigenesis. Following transformation, high-risk HPV oncoproteins induce chromosomal instability, or chromosome missegregation during mitosis, which is associated with a further increase in DNA damage, particularly due to micronuclei and double-strand break formation. Thus, HPV induces significant DNA damage and activation of the DNA damage response in multiple contexts, which likely affects radiation sensitivity and efficacy. Here, we review how HPV activates the DNA damage response, how it induces chromosome missegregation and micronuclei formation, and discuss how these factors may affect radiation response. Understanding how HPV affects the DNA damage response in the context of radiation therapy may help determine potential mechanisms to improve therapeutic response.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Perspectives on Mechanisms of Radiation-Mediated DNA Damage Induction and Response in Cancers)
Open AccessArticle
Temporal Muscle Thickness Compared to Functional Scales as a Prognostic Parameter in Patients with Brain Metastases
by
Julia Klingenschmid, Aleksandrs Krigers, Daniel Pinggera, Johannes Kerschbaumer, Nadine Pichler, Victoria Schön, Matthias Demetz, Astrid E. Grams, Claudius Thomé and Christian F. Freyschlag
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091660 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Metastases are the most frequent intracranial malignant tumors in adults. While Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) are known to have significant impact on overall survival (OS), temporal muscle thickness (TMT) has been postulated to be a promising new parameter
[...] Read more.
Metastases are the most frequent intracranial malignant tumors in adults. While Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) are known to have significant impact on overall survival (OS), temporal muscle thickness (TMT) has been postulated to be a promising new parameter to estimate prognosis. Patients who received a resection of one to three brain metastases in our institution were included. Temporal muscle thickness was measured in preoperative MRI scans according to a standardized protocol. In 199 patients, the mean TMT was 7.5 mm (95CI 7.3–7.7) and the mean OS during follow-up was 31.3 months (95CI 24.2–38.3). There was no significant correlation of TMT and preoperative or follow-up CFS and KPS. While CFS and KPS did significantly correlate with OS (p < 0.001 for each), no correlation was demonstrated for TMT. CFS showed a superior prognostic value compared to KPS. TMT failed to show a significant impact on OS or patient performance, whereas the clinical scales (KPS and CFS) demonstrate a good correlation with OS. Due to its superiority over KPS, we strongly recommend the use of CFS to estimate OS in patients with brain metastases.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life)
Open AccessArticle
A Combined Cyto- and Histopathological Diagnostic Approach Reduces Time to Diagnosis and Time to Therapy in First Manifestation of Metastatic Spinal Disease: A Cohort Study
by
Leon-Gordian Leonhardt, Annika Heuer, Martin Stangenberg, Malte Schroeder, Gabriel Schmidt, Lutz Welker, Gunhild von Amsberg, André Strahl, Lara Krüger, Marc Dreimann, Carsten Bokemeyer, Lennart Viezens and Anne Marie Asemissen
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091659 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Malignant spinal lesions (MSLs) are frequently the first manifestation of malignant disease. Spinal care, diagnostic evaluation, and the initiation of systemic therapy are crucial for outcomes in patients (pts) with advanced cancer. However, histopathology (HP) may be time consuming. The additional evaluation of
[...] Read more.
Malignant spinal lesions (MSLs) are frequently the first manifestation of malignant disease. Spinal care, diagnostic evaluation, and the initiation of systemic therapy are crucial for outcomes in patients (pts) with advanced cancer. However, histopathology (HP) may be time consuming. The additional evaluation of spinal lesions using cytopathology (CP) has the potential to reduce the time to diagnosis (TTD) and time to therapy (TTT). CP and HP specimens from spinal lesions were evaluated in parallel in 61 pts (CP/HP group). Furthermore, 139 pts in whom only HP was performed were analyzed (HP group). We analyzed the TTD of CP and HP within the CP/HP group. Furthermore, we compared the TTD and TTT between the groups. The mean TTD in CP was 1.7 ± 1.7 days (d) and 8.4 ± 3.6 d in HP (p < 0.001). In 13 pts in the CP/HP group (24.1%), specific therapy was initiated based on the CP findings in combination with imaging and biomarker results before completion of HP. The mean TTT in the CP/HP group was 21.0 ± 15.8 d and was significantly shorter compared to the HP group (28.6 ± 23.3 d) (p = 0.034). Concurrent CP for MSLs significantly reduces the TTD and TTT. As a result, incorporating concurrent CP for analyzing spinal lesions suspected of malignancy might have the potential to enhance pts’ quality of life and prognosis in advanced cancer. Therefore, we recommend implementing CP as a standard procedure for the evaluation of MSLs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgical Treatment of Spinal Tumors)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Endoscopic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Fine-Needle Aspiration or Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Solid Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by
Giorgio Esposto, Giuseppe Massimiani, Linda Galasso, Paolo Santini, Raffaele Borriello, Irene Mignini, Maria Elena Ainora, Alberto Nicoletti, Lorenzo Zileri Dal Verme, Antonio Gasbarrini, Sergio Alfieri, Giuseppe Quero and Maria Assunta Zocco
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091658 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) are currently recommended for the pathologic diagnosis of pancreatic solid lesions (PSLs). The application of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (ECEUS) could aid the endoscopist during an FNA and/or FNB procedure. CEUS is
[...] Read more.
Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) are currently recommended for the pathologic diagnosis of pancreatic solid lesions (PSLs). The application of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (ECEUS) could aid the endoscopist during an FNA and/or FNB procedure. CEUS is indeed able to better differentiate the pathologic tissue from the surrounding healthy pancreatic parenchyma and to detect necrotic areas and vessels. Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate if ECEUS could reduce the number of needle passes and side effects and increase the diagnostic efficacy of FNA and/or FNB. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of clinical studies was performed to explore if ECEUS-FNA or FNB could increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of needle passes and adverse effects compared to standard EUS-FNA or FNB. In accordance with the study protocol, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evidence was planned. Results: The proportion of established diagnoses of ECEUS was 90.9% compared to 88.3% of EUS, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.14). The diagnosis was made through a single step in 70.9% of ECEUS patients and in 65.3% of EUS patients, without statistical significance (p = 0.24). The incidence of adverse reactions was substantially comparable across both groups (p = 0.89). Conclusion: ECEUS-FNA and FNB do not appear superior to standard EUS-FNA and FNB for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endoscopic Ultrasound in Cancer Research)
Open AccessReview
Deregulation of New Cell Death Mechanisms in Leukemia
by
Gregorio Favale, Federica Donnarumma, Vincenza Capone, Laura Della Torre, Antonio Beato, Daniela Carannante, Giulia Verrilli, Asmat Nawaz, Francesco Grimaldi, Maria Carla De Simone, Nunzio Del Gaudio, Wouter Leonard Megchelenbrink, Michele Caraglia, Rosaria Benedetti, Lucia Altucci and Vincenzo Carafa
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091657 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Hematological malignancies are among the top five most frequent forms of cancer in developed countries worldwide. Although the new therapeutic approaches have improved the quality and the life expectancy of patients, the high rate of recurrence and drug resistance are the main issues
[...] Read more.
Hematological malignancies are among the top five most frequent forms of cancer in developed countries worldwide. Although the new therapeutic approaches have improved the quality and the life expectancy of patients, the high rate of recurrence and drug resistance are the main issues for counteracting blood disorders. Chemotherapy-resistant leukemic clones activate molecular processes for biological survival, preventing the activation of regulated cell death pathways, leading to cancer progression. In the past decade, leukemia research has predominantly centered around modulating the well-established processes of apoptosis (type I cell death) and autophagy (type II cell death). However, the development of therapy resistance and the adaptive nature of leukemic clones have rendered targeting these cell death pathways ineffective. The identification of novel cell death mechanisms, as categorized by the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD), has provided researchers with new tools to overcome survival mechanisms and activate alternative molecular pathways. This review aims to synthesize information on these recently discovered RCD mechanisms in the major types of leukemia, providing researchers with a comprehensive overview of cell death and its modulation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights into Cell Death in Cancer)
Open AccessArticle
Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide Receptor (GIPR) Overexpression Reduces the Tumorigenic Potential of Retinoblastoma Cells
by
André Haase, Emily Alefeld, Fatma Yalinci, Dario Van Meenen, Maike Anna Busch and Nicole Dünker
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1656; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091656 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common malignant intraocular tumor in early childhood. Gene expression profiling revealed that the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) is upregulated following trefoil factor family peptide 1 (TFF1) overexpression in RB cells. In the study presented, we found this
[...] Read more.
Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common malignant intraocular tumor in early childhood. Gene expression profiling revealed that the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) is upregulated following trefoil factor family peptide 1 (TFF1) overexpression in RB cells. In the study presented, we found this G protein-coupled transmembrane receptor to be co-expressed with TFF1, a new diagnostic and prognostic RB biomarker for advanced subtype 2 RBs. Functional analyses in two RB cell lines revealed a significant reduction in cell viability and growth and a concomitant increase in apoptosis following stable, lentiviral GIPR overexpression, matching the effects seen after TFF1 overexpression. In chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays, GIPR-overexpressing RB cells developed significantly smaller CAM tumors. The effect of GIPR overexpression in RB cells was reversed by the GIPR inhibitor MK0893. The administration of recombinant TFF1 did not augment GIPR overexpression effects, suggesting that GIPR does not serve as a TFF1 receptor. Investigations of potential GIPR up- and downstream mediators suggest the involvement of miR-542-5p and p53 in GIPR signaling. Our results indicate a tumor suppressor role of GIPR in RB, suggesting its pathway as a new potential target for future retinoblastoma therapy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress and Research Trends in Ocular Oncology)
Open AccessArticle
Real-World Treatment Patterns and Survival Outcomes for Patients with Non-Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Sweden: A Nationwide Registry Analysis from the I-O Optimise Initiative
by
Gudrun N. Oskarsdottir, Erik Lampa, Anders Berglund, Linda Rosengren, Maria Ulvestad, Miklos Boros, Melinda J. Daumont, Caroline Rault, Gabrielle Emanuel, Cátia Leal, Minouk J. Schoemaker and Gunnar Wagenius
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091655 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with ~40–50% of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic disease (stages IA–IIIC). The treatment landscape is evolving rapidly as immunotherapies and targeted therapy are introduced in the non-metastatic setting, creating a need to
[...] Read more.
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with ~40–50% of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic disease (stages IA–IIIC). The treatment landscape is evolving rapidly as immunotherapies and targeted therapy are introduced in the non-metastatic setting, creating a need to assess patient outcomes prior to their introduction. This real-world study using Swedish National Lung Cancer Registry data examined outcomes (overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment or death (TTNTD)) and treatment patterns for adults diagnosed with non-metastatic NSCLC. Baseline characteristics and OS from diagnosis were described for all patients; OS, treatment patterns, and TTNTD from treatment start were described for the treatment subgroup (patients diagnosed from 2014 onwards), stratified by disease stage and initial treatment. OS and TTNTD were described using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. The overall population (2008–2019) included 17,433 patients; the treatment subgroup included 5147 patients. Median OS (interquartile range) overall ranged from 83.3 (31.6–165.3) months (stage I patients) to 10.4 (4.3–24.2) months (stage IIIB patients). Among the treatment subgroup, median OS and TTNTD were longest among patients receiving surgery versus other anticancer treatments. These findings provide a baseline upon which to evaluate the epidemiology of non-metastatic NSCLC as newer treatments are introduced.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention)
Open AccessSystematic Review
A Systematic Review of Prognostic Factors in Patients with Cancer Receiving Palliative Radiotherapy: Evidence-Based Recommendations
by
Alexander Tam, Emanuela Scarpi, Marco Cesare Maltoni, Romina Rossi, Alysa Fairchild, Kristopher Dennis, Marcus Vaska and Marc Kerba
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1654; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091654 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Prognostication in patients with cancer receiving palliative radiotherapy remains a challenge. To improve the process, we aim to identify prognostic factors in this population from the literature and offer evidence-based recommendations on prognostication in patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy for non-curable or
[...] Read more.
(1) Background: Prognostication in patients with cancer receiving palliative radiotherapy remains a challenge. To improve the process, we aim to identify prognostic factors in this population from the literature and offer evidence-based recommendations on prognostication in patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy for non-curable or advanced cancers. (2) Methods: A systematic review was performed on the medical literature from 2005 to 2023 to extract papers on the prognosis of palliative radiotherapy patients with advanced cancer. The initial selection was performed by at least two authors to determine study relevance to the target area. Studies were then classified based on type and evidence quality to determine final recommendations. (3) Results: The literature search returned 57 papers to be evaluated. Clinical and biological prognostic factors were identified from these papers to improve clinical decision making or construct prognostic models. Twenty prognostic models were identified for clinical use. There is moderate evidence supporting (i) evidence-based factors (patient, clinical, disease, and lab) in guiding decision making around palliative radiation; (ii) that certain biological factors are of importance; (iii) prognostication models in patients with advanced cancer; and that (iv) SBRT or re-irradiation use can be guided by predictions of survival by prognostic scores or clinicians. Patients with more favorable prognoses are generally better suited to SBRT or re-irradiation, and the use of prognostic models can aid in this decision making. (4) Conclusions: This evaluation has identified several factors or tools to aid in prognosis and clinical decision making. Future studies should aim to further validate these tools and factors in a clinical setting, including the leveraging of electronic medical records for data availability. To increase our understanding of how causal factors interact with palliative radiotherapy, future studies should also examine and include prediction of response to radiation as an outcome.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Metastatic Cancer Expression Generator (MetGen): A Generative Contrastive Learning Framework for Metastatic Cancer Generation
by
Zhentao Liu, Yu-Chiao Chiu, Yidong Chen and Yufei Huang
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091653 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Despite significant advances in tumor biology and clinical therapeutics, metastasis remains the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. While RNA-seq technology has been used extensively to study metastatic cancer characteristics, challenges persist in acquiring adequate transcriptomic data. To overcome this challenge, we propose MetGen,
[...] Read more.
Despite significant advances in tumor biology and clinical therapeutics, metastasis remains the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. While RNA-seq technology has been used extensively to study metastatic cancer characteristics, challenges persist in acquiring adequate transcriptomic data. To overcome this challenge, we propose MetGen, a generative contrastive learning tool based on a deep learning model. MetGen generates synthetic metastatic cancer expression profiles using primary cancer and normal tissue expression data. Our results demonstrate that MetGen generates comparable samples to actual metastatic cancer samples, and the cancer and tissue classification yields performance rates of 99.8 ± 0.2% and 95.0 ± 2.3%, respectively. A benchmark analysis suggests that the proposed model outperforms traditional generative models such as the variational autoencoder. In metastatic subtype classification, our generated samples show 97.6% predicting power compared to true metastatic samples. Additionally, we demonstrate MetGen’s interpretability using metastatic prostate cancer and metastatic breast cancer. MetGen has learned highly relevant signatures in cancer, tissue, and tumor microenvironments, such as immune responses and the metastasis process, which can potentially foster a more comprehensive understanding of metastatic cancer biology. The development of MetGen represents a significant step toward the study of metastatic cancer biology by providing a generative model that identifies candidate therapeutic targets for the treatment of metastatic cancer.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment (Volume II))
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Exosome-Mediated Paracrine Signaling Unveils miR-1246 as a Driver of Aggressiveness in Fusion-Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma
by
Farah Ramadan, Raya Saab, Farah Ghamloush, Rita Khoueiry, Zdenko Herceg, Ludovic Gomez, Bassam Badran, Philippe Clezardin, Nader Hussein, Pascale A. Cohen and Sandra E. Ghayad
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091652 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric cancer associated with aggressiveness and a tendency to develop metastases. Fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS) is the most commonly occurring subtype of RMS, where metastatic disease can hinder treatment success and decrease survival rates. RMS-derived exosomes were previously demonstrated to be
[...] Read more.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric cancer associated with aggressiveness and a tendency to develop metastases. Fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS) is the most commonly occurring subtype of RMS, where metastatic disease can hinder treatment success and decrease survival rates. RMS-derived exosomes were previously demonstrated to be enriched with miRNAs, including miR-1246, possibly contributing to disease aggressiveness. We aimed to decipher the functional impact of exosomal miR-1246 on recipient cells and its role in promoting aggressiveness. Treatment of normal fibroblasts with FN-RMS-derived exosomes resulted in a significant uptake of miR-1246 paired with an increase in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In turn, delivery of miR-1246-mimic lipoplexes promoted fibroblast proliferation, migration, and invasion in a similar manner. Conversely, when silencing miR-1246 in FN-RMS cells, the resulting derived exosomes demonstrated reversed effects on recipient cells’ phenotype. Delivery of exosomal miR-1246 targets GSK3β and promotes β-catenin nuclear accumulation, suggesting a deregulation of the Wnt pathway, known to be important in tumor progression. Finally, a pilot clinical study highlighted, for the first time, the presence of high exosomal miR-1246 levels in RMS patients’ sera. Altogether, our results demonstrate that exosomal miR-1246 has the potential to alter the tumor microenvironment of FN-RMS cells, suggesting its potential role in promoting oncogenesis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exosomes in Tumor)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Liver X Receptor Ligand GAC0001E5 Downregulates Antioxidant Capacity and ERBB2/HER2 Expression in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells
by
Asitha Premaratne, Shinjini Basu, Abhinav Bagchi, Tianyi Zhou, Qin Feng and Chin-Yo Lin
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091651 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The HER2-positive subtype accounts for approximately one-fifth of all breast cancers. Insensitivity and development of acquired resistance to targeted therapies in some patients contribute to their poor prognosis. HER2 overexpression is associated with metabolic reprogramming, facilitating cancer cell growth and survival. Novel liver
[...] Read more.
The HER2-positive subtype accounts for approximately one-fifth of all breast cancers. Insensitivity and development of acquired resistance to targeted therapies in some patients contribute to their poor prognosis. HER2 overexpression is associated with metabolic reprogramming, facilitating cancer cell growth and survival. Novel liver X receptor (LXR) ligand GAC0001E5 (1E5) has been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by disrupting glutaminolysis and inducing oxidative stress. In this study, HER2-positive breast cancer cells were treated with 1E5 to determine their potential inhibitory effects and mechanisms of action in HER2-positive breast cancers. Similar to previous observations in other cancer types, 1E5 treatments inhibited LXR activity, expression, and cancer cell proliferation. Expression of fatty acid synthesis genes, including fatty acid synthase (FASN), was downregulated following 1E5 treatment, and results from co-treatment experiments with an FASN inhibitor suggest that the same pathway is targeted by 1E5. Treatments with 1E5 disrupted glutaminolysis and resulted in increased oxidative stress. Strikingly, HER2 transcript and protein levels were both significantly downregulated by 1E5. Taken together, these findings indicate the therapeutic potential of targeting HER2 overexpression and associated metabolic reprogramming via the modulation of LXR in HER2-positive breast cancers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Drug Development)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Clinical Management of Intraductal Carcinoma of the Prostate
by
Gabriel Wasinger, Olivier Cussenot and Eva Compérat
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091650 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) has emerged as a distinct entity with significant clinical implications in prostate cancer (PCa) management. Despite historically being considered an extension of invasive PCa, IDC-P shows unique biological characteristics that challenge traditional diagnostic and therapeutic settings. This
[...] Read more.
Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) has emerged as a distinct entity with significant clinical implications in prostate cancer (PCa) management. Despite historically being considered an extension of invasive PCa, IDC-P shows unique biological characteristics that challenge traditional diagnostic and therapeutic settings. This review explores the clinical management of IDC-P. While the diagnosis of IDC-P relies on specific morphological criteria, its detection remains challenging due to inter-observer variability. Emerging evidence underscores the association of IDC-P with aggressive disease and poor clinical outcomes across various PCa stages. However, standardized management guidelines for IDC-P are lacking. Recent studies suggest considering adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies in specific patient cohorts to improve outcomes and tailor treatment strategies based on the IDC-P status. However, the current level of evidence regarding this is low. Moving forward, a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of IDC-P and its interaction with conventional PCa subtypes is crucial for refining risk stratification and therapeutic interventions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intraductal Cancer of the Prostate (IDC-P): Diagnosis and Characterization)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of Sacituzumab Govitecan and Palliative Radiotherapy—A Retrospective Multi-Center Cohort Study
by
David Krug, Joke Tio, Ali Abaci, Björn Beurer, Sandra Brügge, Khaled Elsayad, Eva Meixner, Tjoung-Won Park-Simon, Katharina Smetanay, Franziska Winkelmann, Andrea Wittig and Achim Wöckel
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091649 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is a new treatment option for patients with metastatic triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This antibody–drug conjugate is currently approved as monotherapy. Palliative radiotherapy is frequently used to treat symptomatic metastases locally. Concurrent use of SG and irradiation
[...] Read more.
Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is a new treatment option for patients with metastatic triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This antibody–drug conjugate is currently approved as monotherapy. Palliative radiotherapy is frequently used to treat symptomatic metastases locally. Concurrent use of SG and irradiation was excluded in clinical trials of SG, and there are currently limited published data. We report here a systematic review, as well as a retrospective multi-center study of 17 patients with triple-negative breast cancer who received concurrent SG and radiotherapy. In these patients, concurrent use was found to be efficient, safe and well tolerated. There were no apparent differences in moderate or severe acute toxicity according to the timing of SG administration.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Breast Cancer—Therapeutic Challenges, Research Strategies and Novel Diagnostics)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Therapeutic Targeting of DNA Repair Pathways in Pediatric Extracranial Solid Tumors: Current State and Implications for Immunotherapy
by
Sophia J. Zhao, Daniel Prior, Christine M. Heske and Juan C. Vasquez
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091648 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
DNA damage is fundamental to tumorigenesis, and the inability to repair DNA damage is a hallmark of many human cancers. DNA is repaired via the DNA damage repair (DDR) apparatus, which includes five major pathways. DDR deficiencies in cancers give rise to potential
[...] Read more.
DNA damage is fundamental to tumorigenesis, and the inability to repair DNA damage is a hallmark of many human cancers. DNA is repaired via the DNA damage repair (DDR) apparatus, which includes five major pathways. DDR deficiencies in cancers give rise to potential therapeutic targets, as cancers harboring DDR deficiencies become increasingly dependent on alternative DDR pathways for survival. In this review, we summarize the DDR apparatus, and examine the current state of research efforts focused on identifying vulnerabilities in DDR pathways that can be therapeutically exploited in pediatric extracranial solid tumors. We assess the potential for synergistic combinations of different DDR inhibitors as well as combinations of DDR inhibitors with chemotherapy. Lastly, we discuss the immunomodulatory implications of targeting DDR pathways and the potential for using DDR inhibitors to enhance tumor immunogenicity, with the goal of improving the response to immune checkpoint blockade in pediatric solid tumors. We review the ongoing and future research into DDR in pediatric tumors and the subsequent pediatric clinical trials that will be critical to further elucidate the efficacy of the approaches targeting DDR.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Treatment of Pediatric Solid Tumors)
Open AccessArticle
Inter- and Intra-Patient Repeatability of Radiomic Features from Multiparametric Whole-Body MRI in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer
by
Ricardo Donners, Antonio Candito, Mihaela Rata, Adam Sharp, Christina Messiou, Dow-Mu Koh, Nina Tunariu and Matthew D. Blackledge
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091647 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: We assessed the test–re-test repeatability of radiomics in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCPRC) bone disease on whole-body diffusion-weighted (DWI) and T1-weighted Dixon MRI. (2) Methods: In 10 mCRPC patients, 1.5 T MRI, including DWI and T1-weighted gradient-echo Dixon sequences, was performed
[...] Read more.
(1) Background: We assessed the test–re-test repeatability of radiomics in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCPRC) bone disease on whole-body diffusion-weighted (DWI) and T1-weighted Dixon MRI. (2) Methods: In 10 mCRPC patients, 1.5 T MRI, including DWI and T1-weighted gradient-echo Dixon sequences, was performed twice on the same day. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relative fat-fraction-percentage (rFF%) maps were calculated. Per study, up to 10 target bone metastases were manually delineated on DWI and Dixon images. All 106 radiomic features included in the Pyradiomics toolbox were derived for each target volume from the ADC and rFF% maps. To account for inter- and intra-patient measurement repeatability, the log-transformed individual target measurements were fitted to a hierarchical model, represented as a Bayesian network. Repeatability measurements, including the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), were derived. Feature ICCs were compared with mean ADC and rFF ICCs. (3) Results: A total of 65 DWI and 47 rFF% targets were analysed. There was no significant bias for any features. Pairwise correlation revealed fifteen ADC and fourteen rFF% feature sub-groups, without specific patterns between feature classes. The median intra-patient ICC was generally higher than the inter-patient ICC. Features that describe extremes in voxel values (minimum, maximum, range, skewness, and kurtosis) showed generally lower ICCs. Several mostly shape-based texture features were identified, which showed high inter- and intra-patient ICCs when compared with the mean ADC or mean rFF%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Pyradiomics texture features of mCRPC bone metastases varied greatly in inter- and intra-patient repeatability. Several features demonstrated good repeatability, allowing for further exploration as diagnostic parameters in mCRPC bone disease.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biomarkers)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Protective Effects of Melatonin against Carcinogen-Induced Oxidative Damage in the Thyroid
by
Jan Stępniak and Małgorzata Karbownik-Lewińska
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1646; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091646 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Melatonin, primarily synthesized in the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and possesses significant antioxidative properties. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, melatonin emerges as a promising agent for the prevention and therapy of many different disorders,
[...] Read more.
Melatonin, primarily synthesized in the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms and possesses significant antioxidative properties. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, melatonin emerges as a promising agent for the prevention and therapy of many different disorders, including cancer. This paper reviews the relationship between the thyroid gland and melatonin, presenting experimental evidence on the protective effects of this indoleamine against oxidative damage to macromolecules in thyroid tissue caused by documented carcinogens (as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC) or caused by potential carcinogens. Furthermore, the possible influence on cancer therapy in humans and the overall well-being of cancer patients are discussed. The article highlights melatonin’s essential role in maintaining thyroid health and its contribution to management strategies in patients with thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melatonin and Cancer: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Clinical Prediction Models for Prognosis of Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Comprehensive Review of Regression-Based and Machine Learning Models
by
Stamatios Kokkinakis, Ioannis A. Ziogas, Jose D. Llaque Salazar, Dimitrios P. Moris and Georgios Tsoulfas
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091645 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is a disease entity that warrants special attention due to its high frequency and potential curability. Identification of “high-risk” patients is increasingly popular for risk stratification and personalization of the management pathway. Traditional regression-based methods have been used to
[...] Read more.
Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is a disease entity that warrants special attention due to its high frequency and potential curability. Identification of “high-risk” patients is increasingly popular for risk stratification and personalization of the management pathway. Traditional regression-based methods have been used to derive prediction models for these patients, and lately, focus has shifted to artificial intelligence-based models, with employment of variable supervised and unsupervised techniques. Multiple endpoints, like overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and development or recurrence of postoperative complications have all been used as outcomes in these studies. This review provides an extensive overview of available clinical prediction models focusing on the prognosis of CRLM and highlights the different predictor types incorporated in each model. An overview of the modelling strategies and the outcomes chosen is provided. Specific patient and treatment characteristics included in the models are discussed in detail. Model development and validation methods are presented and critically appraised, and model performance is assessed within a proposed framework.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Oncology in 2024)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Diffuse Gliomas with FGFR3::TACC3 Fusion: Morphological and Molecular Features and Classification Challenges
by
Elena Marastoni, Davide Mulone and Valeria Barresi
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091644 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
FGFR3::TACC3 fusion is a driver, potentially targetable, genetic alteration identified in approximately 4% of high-grade diffuse gliomas and rare cases with low-grade histology. Herein, we review the genetic and epigenetic features of these tumors and highlight the challenges in their classification
[...] Read more.
FGFR3::TACC3 fusion is a driver, potentially targetable, genetic alteration identified in approximately 4% of high-grade diffuse gliomas and rare cases with low-grade histology. Herein, we review the genetic and epigenetic features of these tumors and highlight the challenges in their classification and grading. Diffuse gliomas with FGFR3::TACC3 fusion display unique histopathological and molecular features, including an oligodendroglioma-like appearance, calcifications, and CD34 extravascular immunoreactivity. High-grade tumors exhibit molecular alterations and a DNA methylation profile typical of glioblastoma, suggesting that they may represent a subtype clinically characterized by a slightly better prognosis. Tumors with low-grade morphology are genetically and epigenetically heterogeneous. Some, exclusive to adults, have molecular alterations typical of glioblastoma, although most do not match any methylation classes, using version 12.5 of the Heidelberg classifier. Another group, which mostly affects children or adolescents, lacks the molecular features of glioblastoma and has a DNA methylation profile similar to that of low-grade glioneuronal tumors. In conclusion, diffuse gliomas with FGFR3::TACC3 fusion do not constitute a distinct nosological entity, owing to their genetic and epigenetic diversity. Further studies are warranted to clarify the biological aggressiveness of tumors with low-grade histology to refine the grading and determine the optimal treatment strategy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomic, Epigenomic, and Transcriptomic Landscapes of Brain Cancers)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Targeted Therapy in Prostate Cancer: History, Combination Therapies, Trials, and Future Perspective
by
Francesco Mattana, Lorenzo Muraglia, Antonio Barone, Marzia Colandrea, Yasmina Saker Diffalah, Silvia Provera, Alfio Severino Cascio, Emanuela Omodeo Salè and Francesco Ceci
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091643 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the last decades, the development of PET/CT radiopharmaceuticals, targeting the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), changed the management of prostate cancer (PCa) patients thanks to its higher diagnostic accuracy in comparison with conventional imaging both in staging and in recurrence. Alongside molecular imaging,
[...] Read more.
In the last decades, the development of PET/CT radiopharmaceuticals, targeting the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), changed the management of prostate cancer (PCa) patients thanks to its higher diagnostic accuracy in comparison with conventional imaging both in staging and in recurrence. Alongside molecular imaging, PSMA was studied as a therapeutic agent targeted with various isotopes. In 2021, results from the VISION trial led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 as a novel therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and set the basis for a radical change in the future perspectives of PCa treatment and the history of Nuclear Medicine. Despite these promising results, primary resistance in patients treated with single-agent [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 remains a real issue. Emerging trials are investigating the use of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in combination with other PCa therapies in order to cover the multiple oncologic resistance pathways and to overcome tumor heterogeneity. In this review, our aim is to retrace the history of PSMA-targeted therapy from the first preclinical studies to its future applications in PCa.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Innovative Radiopharmaceuticals in Preclinical and Clinical Cancer Research)
Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Effects of Curcumin and 450 nm Photodynamic Therapy on Oxidative Metabolism and Cell Cycle in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An In Vitro Study
by
Silvia Ravera, Claudio Pasquale, Isabella Panfoli, Matteo Bozzo, Dimitrios Agas, Silvia Bruno, Michael R. Hamblin and Andrea Amaroli
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1642; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091642 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Oral cancer is the 16th most common malignant tumor worldwide. The risk of recurrence and mortality is high, and the survival rate is low over the following five years. Recent studies have shown that curcumin causes apoptosis in tumor cells by affecting F
[...] Read more.
Oral cancer is the 16th most common malignant tumor worldwide. The risk of recurrence and mortality is high, and the survival rate is low over the following five years. Recent studies have shown that curcumin causes apoptosis in tumor cells by affecting FoF1-ATP synthase (ATP synthase) activity, which, in turn, hinders cell energy production, leading to a loss of cell viability. Additionally, irradiation of curcumin within cells can intensify its detrimental effects on cancer cell viability and proliferation (photodynamic therapy). We treated the OHSU-974 cell line, a model for human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and primary human fibroblasts. The treatment involved a 1 h exposure of cells to 0.1, 1.0, and 10 μM curcumin, followed or not by irradiation or the addition of the same concentration of pre-irradiated curcumin. Both instances involved a diode laser with a wavelength of 450 nm (0.25 W, 15 J, 60 s, 1 cm2, continuous wave mode). The treatment with non-irradiated 1 and 10 µM curcumin caused ATP synthase inhibition and a consequent reduction in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and the ATP/AMP ratio, which was associated with a decrement in lipid peroxidation accumulation and a slight increase in glutathione reductase and catalase activity. By contrast, 60 s curcumin irradiation with 0.25 W—450 nm caused a further oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) metabolism impairment that induced an uncoupling between respiration and energy production, leading to increased oxidative damage, a cellular growth and viability reduction, and a cell cycle block in the G1 phase. These effects appeared to be more evident when the curcumin was irradiated after cell incubation. Since cells belonging to the HNSCC microenvironment support tumor development, curcumin’s effects have been analyzed on primary human fibroblasts, and a decrease in cell energy status has been observed with both irradiated and non-irradiated curcumin and an increase in oxidative lipid damage and a slowing of cell growth were observed when the curcumin was irradiated before or after cellular administration. Thus, although curcumin displays an anti-cancer role on OHSU-974 in its native form, photoactivation seems to enhance its effects, making it effective even at low dosages.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenols and Cancer Metabolism)
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Cancers Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections & Collections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Society Collaborations
- Conferences
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Bioengineering, Biomolecules, Cancers, Diseases, Nanomaterials, Pharmaceutics
Dynamic Nano-Biomaterials in Tissue Regeneration and Cancer Therapies
Topic Editors: Ramar Thangam, Heemin Kang, Bibin G. Anand, Ramachandran Vijayan, Venugopal KrishnanDeadline: 15 May 2024
Topic in
Biomedicines, Cancers, JFB, Nanomaterials, Polymers
Advanced Functional Materials for Regenerative Medicine
Topic Editors: Antonino Morabito, Luca ValentiniDeadline: 6 June 2024
Topic in
Biology, Cancers, Current Oncology, Diseases, JCM, Pathogens
Pathogenetic, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives in Head and Neck Cancer
Topic Editors: Shun-Fa Yang, Ming-Hsien ChienDeadline: 20 June 2024
Topic in
Cancers, Cells, JCM, Radiation, Pharmaceutics, Applied Sciences, Nanomaterials, Current Oncology
Innovative Radiation Therapies
Topic Editors: Gérard Baldacchino, Eric Deutsch, Marie Dutreix, Sandrine Lacombe, Erika Porcel, Charlotte Robert, Emmanuelle Bourneuf, João Santos Sousa, Aurélien de la LandeDeadline: 30 June 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Cancers
The Role of Tunneling Nanotubes in Intercellular Communication and Pathophysiology of Cancer
Guest Editor: Emil LouDeadline: 25 April 2024
Special Issue in
Cancers
Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment of Colon and Rectal Cancer: Preoperative Optimisation, Multidisciplinary Management, and Surgical Technology Advancement
Guest Editor: Gianluca PellinoDeadline: 30 April 2024
Special Issue in
Cancers
Molecular and Cellular Heterogeneity in an Evolving Tumor Landscape: When Diversity Gives Rise to Aggressive and Drug Resistant Cells
Guest Editor: Michelle R. DawsonDeadline: 20 May 2024
Special Issue in
Cancers
Innovations in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Guest Editors: Erlinda M. Gordon, Sant P. Chawla, Frederick L. HallDeadline: 30 May 2024
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Cancers
Drug Resistance and Novel Therapies in Cancers
Collection Editor: Zhixiang Wang