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Cancers
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Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy
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Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Therapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2022) | Viewed by 39891

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Alexandre Escargueil

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, F-75012 Paris, France
Interests: cancer cell pharmacology; anticancer drugs; drug resistance; predictive biomarkers; DNA damage response; cell signaling; tumor microenvironment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Special Issue entitled "Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy". This is a collection of important high-quality review papers related to all aspects of cancer therapy: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, combination therapy, target discovery, precision medicine, systems medicine, dynamic risk and relapse assessment, etc., published in open access form. This collection aims to discuss new knowledge or new cutting-edge developments in cancer therapy through selected works, which will make a great contribution to the community.

We welcome warmly all colleagues active in this field to contribute. Additionally, we also encourage authors to send their abstracts for pre-evaluation to avoid overlaps in the reviewed subjects. Please note that selected full papers will still be subjected to a thorough and rigorous peer review.

Prof. Dr. Alexandre Escargueil
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Review

34 pages, 36333 KiB  
Review
A Recent Review on Cancer Nanomedicine
by Paras Mani Giri, Anurag Banerjee and Buddhadev Layek
Cancers 2023, 15(8), 2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15082256 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3773
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases globally and is the second major cause of death in the United States. Despite the continuous efforts to understand tumor mechanisms and various approaches taken for treatment over decades, no significant improvements have been observed [...] Read more.
Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases globally and is the second major cause of death in the United States. Despite the continuous efforts to understand tumor mechanisms and various approaches taken for treatment over decades, no significant improvements have been observed in cancer therapy. Lack of tumor specificity, dose-related toxicity, low bioavailability, and lack of stability of chemotherapeutics are major hindrances to cancer treatment. Nanomedicine has drawn the attention of many researchers due to its potential for tumor-specific delivery while minimizing unwanted side effects. The application of these nanoparticles is not limited to just therapeutic uses; some of them have shown to have extremely promising diagnostic potential. In this review, we describe and compare various types of nanoparticles and their role in advancing cancer treatment. We further highlight various nanoformulations currently approved for cancer therapy as well as under different phases of clinical trials. Finally, we discuss the prospect of nanomedicine in cancer management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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15 pages, 1150 KiB  
Review
The Potential Revolution of Cancer Treatment with CRISPR Technology
by Dimitrios Stefanoudakis, Nikhita Kathuria-Prakash, Alexander W. Sun, Melissa Abel, Claire E. Drolen, Camille Ashbaugh, Shiliang Zhang, Gavin Hui, Yeganeh A. Tabatabaei, Yuliya Zektser, Lidia P. Lopez, Allan Pantuck and Alexandra Drakaki
Cancers 2023, 15(6), 1813; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15061813 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4471
Abstract
Immuno-oncology (IO) and targeted therapies, such as small molecule inhibitors, have changed the landscape of cancer treatment and prognosis; however, durable responses have been difficult to achieve due to tumor heterogeneity, development of drug resistance, and adverse effects that limit dosing and prolonged [...] Read more.
Immuno-oncology (IO) and targeted therapies, such as small molecule inhibitors, have changed the landscape of cancer treatment and prognosis; however, durable responses have been difficult to achieve due to tumor heterogeneity, development of drug resistance, and adverse effects that limit dosing and prolonged drug use. To improve upon the current medicinal armamentarium, there is an urgent need for new ways to understand, reverse, and treat carcinogenesis. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 9 is a powerful and efficient tool for genome editing that has shown significant promise for developing new therapeutics. While CRISPR/Cas9 has been successfully used for pre-clinical cancer research, its use in the clinical setting is still in an early stage of development. The purpose of this review is to describe the CRISPR technology and to provide an overview of its current applications and future potential as cancer therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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19 pages, 2702 KiB  
Review
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: Latest Concepts in Disease Pathogenesis and Clinical Management
by Chengjun Yao, Haiying Zhou, Yanzhao Dong, Ahmad Alhaskawi, Sohaib Hasan Abdullah Ezzi, Zewei Wang, Jingtian Lai, Vishnu Goutham Kota, Mohamed Hasan Abdulla Hasan Abdulla and Hui Lu
Cancers 2023, 15(4), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15041077 - 08 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7396
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Although neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and radiation exposure have been identified as risk factors for MPNST, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying MPNST [...] Read more.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Although neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and radiation exposure have been identified as risk factors for MPNST, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying MPNST pathogenesis have only lately been roughly elucidated. Plexiform neurofibroma (PN) and atypical neurofibromatous neoplasm of unknown biological potential (ANNUBP) are novel concepts of MPNST precancerous lesions, which revealed sequential mutations in MPNST development. This review summarized the current understanding of MPNST and the latest consensus from its diagnosis to treatment, with highlights on molecular biomarkers and targeted therapies. Additionally, we discussed the current challenges and prospects for MPNST management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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14 pages, 1605 KiB  
Review
The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Role of snoRNA and lincRNA in Bladder Cancer
by Hao Wang, Yanfei Feng, Xiangyi Zheng and Xin Xu
Cancers 2023, 15(4), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15041007 - 04 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1654
Abstract
Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary tract and can be divided into non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Although the means of diagnosis and treatment have continually improved in recent years, the recurrence rate [...] Read more.
Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary tract and can be divided into non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Although the means of diagnosis and treatment have continually improved in recent years, the recurrence rate of bladder cancer remains high, and patients with MIBC typically have an unfavourable prognosis and a low quality of life. Emerging evidence demonstrates that long noncoding RNAs play a crucial role in the carcinogenesis and progression of bladder cancer. Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are a subgroup of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that do not overlap protein-coding genes. The potential role of lincRNAs in the regulation of gene expression has been explored in depth in recent years. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that mainly exist in the nucleolus, are approximately 60–300 nucleotides in length, and are hosted inside the introns of genes. Small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) have been associated with the origin and development of bladder cancer. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the biological functions of these molecules in bladder cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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11 pages, 1365 KiB  
Review
Dysfunctional Lipid Metabolism—The Basis for How Genetic Abnormalities Express the Phenotype of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
by Matthew Alberto, Arthur Yim, Nathan Lawrentschuk and Damien Bolton
Cancers 2023, 15(2), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15020341 - 04 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1373
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer in men, with increasing prevalence due to an ageing population. Advanced prostate cancer is diagnosed in up to 20% of patients, and, therefore, it is important to understand evolving mechanisms of progression. Significant morbidity and [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer in men, with increasing prevalence due to an ageing population. Advanced prostate cancer is diagnosed in up to 20% of patients, and, therefore, it is important to understand evolving mechanisms of progression. Significant morbidity and mortality can occur in advanced prostate cancer where treatment options are intrinsically related to lipid metabolism. Dysfunctional lipid metabolism has long been known to have a relationship to prostate cancer development; however, only recently have studies attempted to elucidate the exact mechanism relating genetic abnormalities and lipid metabolic pathways. Contemporary research has established the pathways leading to prostate cancer development, including dysregulated lipid metabolism-associated de novo lipogenesis through steroid hormone biogenesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids. These pathways, in relation to treatment, have formed potential novel targets for management of advanced prostate cancer via androgen deprivation. We review basic lipid metabolism pathways and their relation to hypogonadism, and further explore prostate cancer development with a cellular emphasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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17 pages, 4391 KiB  
Review
Implementation of Non-Invasive Quantitative Ultrasound in Clinical Cancer Imaging
by Deepa Sharma, Laurentius Oscar Osapoetra and Gregory J. Czarnota
Cancers 2022, 14(24), 6217; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14246217 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a non-invasive novel technique that allows treatment response monitoring. Studies have shown that QUS backscatter variables strongly correlate with changes observed microscopically. Increases in cell death result in significant alterations in ultrasound backscatter parameters. In particular, the parameters related [...] Read more.
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a non-invasive novel technique that allows treatment response monitoring. Studies have shown that QUS backscatter variables strongly correlate with changes observed microscopically. Increases in cell death result in significant alterations in ultrasound backscatter parameters. In particular, the parameters related to scatterer size and scatterer concentration tend to increase in relation to cell death. The use of QUS in monitoring tumor response has been discussed in several preclinical and clinical studies. Most of the preclinical studies have utilized QUS for evaluating cell death response by differentiating between viable cells and dead cells. In addition, clinical studies have incorporated QUS mostly for tissue characterization, including classifying benign versus malignant breast lesions, as well as responder versus non-responder patients. In this review, we highlight some of the important findings of previous preclinical and clinical studies and expand the applicability and therapeutic benefits of QUS in clinical settings. We summarized some recent clinical research advances in ultrasound-based radiomics analysis for monitoring and predicting treatment response and characterizing benign and malignant breast lesions. We also discuss current challenges, limitations, and future prospects of QUS-radiomics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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27 pages, 1037 KiB  
Review
The Role of Radiomics and AI Technologies in the Segmentation, Detection, and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Dalia Fahmy, Ahmed Alksas, Ahmed Elnakib, Ali Mahmoud, Heba Kandil, Ashraf Khalil, Mohammed Ghazal, Eric van Bogaert, Sohail Contractor and Ayman El-Baz
Cancers 2022, 14(24), 6123; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14246123 - 12 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1922
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic neoplasm. Thanks to recent advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is potential to improve detection, segmentation, discrimination from HCC mimics, and monitoring of therapeutic response. Radiomics, artificial intelligence (AI), [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic neoplasm. Thanks to recent advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is potential to improve detection, segmentation, discrimination from HCC mimics, and monitoring of therapeutic response. Radiomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and derived tools have already been applied in other areas of diagnostic imaging with promising results. In this review, we briefly discuss the current clinical applications of radiomics and AI in the detection, segmentation, and management of HCC. Moreover, we investigate their potential to reach a more accurate diagnosis of HCC and to guide proper treatment planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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9 pages, 18008 KiB  
Review
Undifferentiated Pancreatic Carcinomas, Clinical Features and Therapeutic Options: What We Know
by Joseph Mugaanyi, Changjiang Lu, Jing Huang and Caide Lu
Cancers 2022, 14(24), 6102; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14246102 - 12 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1334
Abstract
Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinomas are rare malignant tumors of the pancreas that are very aggressive and challenging to diagnose. The WHO categorizes them into undifferentiated osteoclast-like giant cell, sarcomatoid, and rhabdoid pancreatic carcinomas. Patients present with nonspecific symptoms such as jaundice, vague abdominal or [...] Read more.
Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinomas are rare malignant tumors of the pancreas that are very aggressive and challenging to diagnose. The WHO categorizes them into undifferentiated osteoclast-like giant cell, sarcomatoid, and rhabdoid pancreatic carcinomas. Patients present with nonspecific symptoms such as jaundice, vague abdominal or back pain and itchy skin. Their histological characteristics include positive pan-cytokeratin mononuclear pleomorphic cells, osteoclast-like giant cells and CD68. Patients may have KRAS, TP53 and SMAD4 alterations, homozygous deletions of CDKN2A and CDKN2B, as well as INI1 deficiency. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment. Patients may benefit from postoperative adjuvant therapy. There are no widely accepted guidelines specific to this type of tumor; however, some chemotherapy regimens may be promising. The patient prognosis is mostly poor, especially in patients with unresectable tumors. However, several studies have shown patients achieving long-term survival with adjuvant therapy. In conclusion, although undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma is rare and very aggressive, there is still potential for improved patient survival with proper diagnosis and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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23 pages, 569 KiB  
Review
Exercise and Bone Health in Cancer: Enemy or Ally?
by Alice Avancini, Giulia Benato, Anita Borsati, Luca Oliviero, Lorenzo Belluomini, Marco Sposito, Daniela Tregnago, Ilaria Trestini, Jessica Insolda, Francesca Zacchi, Elena Fiorio, Federico Schena, Michele Milella and Sara Pilotto
Cancers 2022, 14(24), 6078; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14246078 - 10 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1995
Abstract
Bone health is often threatened in cancer patients. Bone metastasis and osteoporosis frequently occur in patients with cancer and may lead to different skeletal-related events, which may negatively affect patients’ quality of life and are associated with high mortality risk. Physical exercise has [...] Read more.
Bone health is often threatened in cancer patients. Bone metastasis and osteoporosis frequently occur in patients with cancer and may lead to different skeletal-related events, which may negatively affect patients’ quality of life and are associated with high mortality risk. Physical exercise has been recognized as a potential adjunctive strategy in the cancer setting to improve physical function as well as treatment-related side effects. Nevertheless, exercise is often not recommended to patients with bone health impairments due to safety concerns. In the current review, we aimed, through a comprehensive review of the evidence, to explore the impact of exercise in terms of safety profile, bone outcomes, and the effects on other outcomes in patients with cancer affected by bone metastasis or at high risk of losing bone. Additionally, we explored the potential mechanisms by which exercise may act on bone, particularly the impact of mechanical load on bone remodeling. Finally, considerations about exercise prescription and programming in these populations are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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19 pages, 1463 KiB  
Review
Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma: From Symptoms Control to Palliative Care
by Elena Ruggiero, Irene Tizianel, Mario Caccese, Giuseppe Lombardi, Ardi Pambuku, Vittorina Zagonel, Carla Scaroni, Fabio Formaglio and Filippo Ceccato
Cancers 2022, 14(23), 5901; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14235901 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1527
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is often poor: in the case of metastatic disease, five-year survival is reduced. Advanced disease is not a non-curable disease and, in referral centers, the multidisciplinary approach is the standard of care: if a [...] Read more.
The prognosis of patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is often poor: in the case of metastatic disease, five-year survival is reduced. Advanced disease is not a non-curable disease and, in referral centers, the multidisciplinary approach is the standard of care: if a shared decision regarding several treatments is available, including the correct timing for the performance of each one, overall survival is increased. However, many patients with advanced ACC experience severe psychological and physical symptoms secondary to the disease and the cancer treatments. These symptoms, combined with existential issues, debase the quality of the remaining life. Recent strong evidence from cancer research supports the early integration of palliative care principles and skills into the advanced cancer patient’s trajectory, even when asymptomatic. A patient with ACC risks quickly suffering from symptoms/effects alongside the disease; therefore, early palliative care, in some cases concurrent with oncological treatment (simultaneous care), is suggested. The aims of this paper are to review current, advanced ACC approaches, highlight appropriate forms of ACC symptom management and suggest when and how palliative care can be incorporated into the ACC standard of care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 665 KiB  
Review
New Challenges Facing Systemic Therapies of Advanced HCC in the Era of Different First-Line Immunotherapy-Based Combinations
by Julien Edeline, Tim Meyer, Jean-Frédéric Blanc and Jean-Luc Raoul
Cancers 2022, 14(23), 5868; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14235868 - 28 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
The standard of care of first-line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently changing with the results of the IMbrave150 trial which are demonstrating superiority of the atezolizumab-bevacizumab combination over sorafenib, modifying this line of treatment for the first time in [...] Read more.
The standard of care of first-line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently changing with the results of the IMbrave150 trial which are demonstrating superiority of the atezolizumab-bevacizumab combination over sorafenib, modifying this line of treatment for the first time in over 10 years. Recently, other immunotherapy-based combinations (durvalumab-tremelimumab, lenvatinib-pembrolizumab, cabozantinib-atezolizumab, and camrelizumab-rivoceranib) reported results in phase III studies, and might challenge this new standard of care. This revolution will lead to a considerable change in practice, and highlight challenges for future drug development. In this review, we will, firstly, describe results of the different combinations, and discuss the difficulties in selecting the first-line treatment. We will then present the different recommendations about second-line treatment following the first-line immunotherapy-based combination, discussing the rationale for the differences in existing recommendations. We will finally discuss the challenges for future drug development in advanced HCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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15 pages, 933 KiB  
Review
Galectins in Esophageal Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives
by Tesfay M. Godefa, Sarah Derks and Victor L. J. L. Thijssen
Cancers 2022, 14(23), 5790; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14235790 - 24 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1243
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a disease with poor overall survival. Despite advancements in therapeutic options, the treatment outcome of esophageal cancer patients remains dismal with an overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 20 percent. To improve treatment efficacy and patient survival, efforts are being [...] Read more.
Esophageal cancer is a disease with poor overall survival. Despite advancements in therapeutic options, the treatment outcome of esophageal cancer patients remains dismal with an overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 20 percent. To improve treatment efficacy and patient survival, efforts are being made to identify the factors that underlie disease progression and that contribute to poor therapeutic responses. It has become clear that some of these factors reside in the tumor micro-environment. In particular, the tumor vasculature and the tumor immune micro-environment have been implicated in esophageal cancer progression and treatment response. Interestingly, galectins represent a family of glycan-binding proteins that has been linked to both tumor angiogenesis and tumor immunosuppression. Indeed, in several cancer types, galectins have been identified as diagnostic and/or prognostic markers. However, the role of galectins in esophageal cancer is still poorly understood. Here, we summarize the current literature with regard to the expression and potential functions of galectins in esophageal cancer. In addition, we highlight the gaps in the current knowledge and we propose directions for future research in order to reveal whether galectins contribute to esophageal cancer progression and provide opportunities to improve the treatment and survival of esophageal cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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23 pages, 1277 KiB  
Review
Chimeric Antigen Receptor Immunotherapy for Solid Tumors: Choosing the Right Ingredients for the Perfect Recipe
by Luciano Castiello, Laura Santodonato, Mariarosaria Napolitano, Davide Carlei, Enrica Montefiore, Domenica Maria Monque, Giuseppina D’Agostino and Eleonora Aricò
Cancers 2022, 14(21), 5351; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14215351 - 30 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1883
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies are revolutionizing the clinical practice of hematological tumors, whereas minimal progresses have been achieved in the solid tumor arena. Multiple reasons have been ascribed to this slower pace: The higher heterogeneity, the hurdles of defining reliable tumor [...] Read more.
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies are revolutionizing the clinical practice of hematological tumors, whereas minimal progresses have been achieved in the solid tumor arena. Multiple reasons have been ascribed to this slower pace: The higher heterogeneity, the hurdles of defining reliable tumor antigens to target, and the broad repertoire of immune escape strategies developed by solid tumors are considered among the major ones. Currently, several CAR therapies are being investigated in preclinical and early clinical trials against solid tumors differing in the type of construct, the cells that are engineered, and the additional signals included with the CAR constructs to overcome solid tumor barriers. Additionally, novel approaches in development aim at overcoming some of the limitations that emerged with the approved therapies, such as large-scale manufacturing, duration of manufacturing, and logistical issues. In this review, we analyze the advantages and challenges of the different approaches under development, balancing the scientific evidences supporting specific choices with the manufacturing and regulatory issues that are essential for their further clinical development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 761 KiB  
Review
Tumor Microenvironment, Clinical Features, and Advances in Therapy for Bone Metastasis in Gastric Cancer
by Pengcheng Sun, Samuel O. Antwi, Kurt Sartorius, Xiao Zheng and Xiaodong Li
Cancers 2022, 14(19), 4888; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14194888 - 06 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant neoplasms worldwide, accounting for about 770,000 deaths in 2020. The incidence of gastric cancer bone metastasis (GC-BM) is low, about 0.9–13.4%, and GC patients develop GC-BM because of a suitable bone microenvironment. Osteoblasts, osteoclasts, [...] Read more.
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant neoplasms worldwide, accounting for about 770,000 deaths in 2020. The incidence of gastric cancer bone metastasis (GC-BM) is low, about 0.9–13.4%, and GC patients develop GC-BM because of a suitable bone microenvironment. Osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and tumor cells interact with each other, secreting cytokines such as PTHrP, RANK-L, IL-6, and other growth factors that disrupt the normal bone balance and promote tumor growth. The functions and numbers of immune cells in the bone microenvironment are continuously inhibited, resulting in bone balance disorder due to the cytokines released from destroyed bone and growing tumor cells. Patients with GC-BM are generally younger than 65 years old and they often present with a later stage of the disease, as well as more aggressive tumors. They usually have shorter overall survival (OS) because of the occurrence of skeletal-related events (SREs) and undetected bone destruction due to the untimely bone inspection. Current treatments of GC-BM focus mainly on gastric cancer and SRE-related treatment. This article reviews the clinical features, possible molecular pathogeneses, and the most commonly used diagnostic methods and treatments of bone metastasis in gastric cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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20 pages, 966 KiB  
Review
Overcoming the Impact of Hypoxia in Driving Radiotherapy Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Rhianna M. Hill, Sonia Rocha and Jason L. Parsons
Cancers 2022, 14(17), 4130; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14174130 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2133
Abstract
Hypoxia is very common in most solid tumours and is a driving force for malignant progression as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance. Incidences of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have increased in the last decade and radiotherapy is a major [...] Read more.
Hypoxia is very common in most solid tumours and is a driving force for malignant progression as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance. Incidences of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have increased in the last decade and radiotherapy is a major therapeutic technique utilised in the treatment of the tumours. However, effectiveness of radiotherapy is hindered by resistance mechanisms and most notably by hypoxia, leading to poor patient prognosis of HNSCC patients. The phenomenon of hypoxia-induced radioresistance was identified nearly half a century ago, yet despite this, little progress has been made in overcoming the physical lack of oxygen. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia and the underpinning radiobiological response of tumours to this phenotype is much needed. In this review, we will provide an up-to-date overview of how hypoxia alters molecular and cellular processes contributing to radioresistance, particularly in the context of HNSCC, and what strategies have and could be explored to overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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18 pages, 763 KiB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Present and Future Perspectives
by Giuseppe Quero, Pietro Mascagni, Fiona R. Kolbinger, Claudio Fiorillo, Davide De Sio, Fabio Longo, Carlo Alberto Schena, Vito Laterza, Fausto Rosa, Roberta Menghi, Valerio Papa, Vincenzo Tondolo, Caterina Cina, Marius Distler, Juergen Weitz, Stefanie Speidel, Nicolas Padoy and Sergio Alfieri
Cancers 2022, 14(15), 3803; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14153803 - 04 Aug 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3061
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) are beginning to impact medicine. While evidence on the clinical value of AI-based solutions for the screening and staging of colorectal cancer (CRC) is mounting, CV and AI applications to enhance the surgical treatment of CRC [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) are beginning to impact medicine. While evidence on the clinical value of AI-based solutions for the screening and staging of colorectal cancer (CRC) is mounting, CV and AI applications to enhance the surgical treatment of CRC are still in their early stage. This manuscript introduces key AI concepts to a surgical audience, illustrates fundamental steps to develop CV for surgical applications, and provides a comprehensive overview on the state-of-the-art of AI applications for the treatment of CRC. Notably, studies show that AI can be trained to automatically recognize surgical phases and actions with high accuracy even in complex colorectal procedures such as transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). In addition, AI models were trained to interpret fluorescent signals and recognize correct dissection planes during total mesorectal excision (TME), suggesting CV as a potentially valuable tool for intraoperative decision-making and guidance. Finally, AI could have a role in surgical training, providing automatic surgical skills assessment in the operating room. While promising, these proofs of concept require further development, validation in multi-institutional data, and clinical studies to confirm AI as a valuable tool to enhance CRC treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Cancer Therapy)
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