{"title":"Integrated Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals β-Elemene's Immune and Metabolic Modulation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer","authors":"Zhiqiang Luo, Guohua Yu, Huixia Fan, Ruofan Guo, Jingqi Zheng, Chen Wang, Ruyi Jin, Junhui Zhou, Jian Yang","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70079","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a major challenge in women's health due to its aggressive nature and lack of targeted therapies. <i>β</i>-Elemene, a sesquiterpene derived from <i>Curcuma wenyujin</i>, has shown clinical benefits in TNBC, but its mechanisms of action, particularly regarding the immune and metabolic tumor microenvironment, are still poorly defined. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to investigate how <i>β</i>-elemene reshapes the cellular and metabolic landscape of TNBC in a 4T1 orthotopic mouse model. Our results revealed that <i>β</i>-elemene inhibited both primary tumor development and pulmonary metastasis in TNBC. Single-cell analysis identified 11 distinct cell subpopulations, with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) showing the most pronounced reduction upon <i>β</i>-elemene treatment. Further mechanistic studies indicated that <i>β</i>-elemene enhanced antigen presentation in tumor cells while suppressing CAF-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling and focal adhesion, thereby disrupting their pro-tumorigenic cellular communication. Additionally, metabolomic profiling revealed a significant downregulation of prostaglandins, including PGH2, PGF2α, PGD2, and PGE2 in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, which was critically implicated in immune regulation. The above findings would provide the first comprehensive elucidation of <i>β</i>-elemene's dual immunomodulatory and metabolic effects in TNBC, underscoring the potential of natural compounds to augment antitumor immunity.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70079","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi Yi, Xi Liu, Xi Zhang, Yongsheng Li, Huakan Zhao
{"title":"Dysregulated Lipid Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies","authors":"Yi Yi, Xi Liu, Xi Zhang, Yongsheng Li, Huakan Zhao","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70081","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy with rising incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that dysregulated lipid metabolism is crucial in HCC development, progression, and treatment resistance, making it a promising target for prevention and intervention against HCC. However, a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of lipid metabolism in HCC driven by distinct etiologies, its role in HCC progression and immunosuppression, and the relevant molecular mechanisms remains limited, which impedes advances in strategies targeting lipid metabolism. This review introduces the primary pathways of hepatic lipid metabolism, encompassing intake, synthesis, storage, catabolism, and excretion of lipids. It also summarizes the mechanisms underlying aberrant lipid metabolism in HCC and the molecular drivers of lipid dysregulation during hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, this review delineates the hallmarks of lipid metabolic reprogramming in HCC cells, and highlights the impact of disordered lipid metabolism on malignant potential of HCC cells and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, the strategies for harnessing lipid metabolism to prevent and treat HCC are emphatically discussed. By integrating these insights, this review deepens the understanding of the relationship between lipid metabolism and HCC, laying a foundation for optimizing preventive and therapeutic strategies against this malignancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70081","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi Yi, Xi Liu, Xi Zhang, Yongsheng Li, Huakan Zhao
{"title":"Dysregulated Lipid Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies","authors":"Yi Yi, Xi Liu, Xi Zhang, Yongsheng Li, Huakan Zhao","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70081","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy with rising incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that dysregulated lipid metabolism is crucial in HCC development, progression, and treatment resistance, making it a promising target for prevention and intervention against HCC. However, a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of lipid metabolism in HCC driven by distinct etiologies, its role in HCC progression and immunosuppression, and the relevant molecular mechanisms remains limited, which impedes advances in strategies targeting lipid metabolism. This review introduces the primary pathways of hepatic lipid metabolism, encompassing intake, synthesis, storage, catabolism, and excretion of lipids. It also summarizes the mechanisms underlying aberrant lipid metabolism in HCC and the molecular drivers of lipid dysregulation during hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, this review delineates the hallmarks of lipid metabolic reprogramming in HCC cells, and highlights the impact of disordered lipid metabolism on malignant potential of HCC cells and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, the strategies for harnessing lipid metabolism to prevent and treat HCC are emphatically discussed. By integrating these insights, this review deepens the understanding of the relationship between lipid metabolism and HCC, laying a foundation for optimizing preventive and therapeutic strategies against this malignancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70081","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148324034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Theranostic Advancements in Brain Cancer: Promising Approaches for Emerging Therapy","authors":"Bipraban Khanra, Manoj Kumar Sarangi","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Brain cancer, particularly malignant gliomas, poses a formidable clinical challenge due to its high mortality, intratumoral heterogeneity, and resistance to conventional therapies, accounting for substantial global cancer fatalities. Despite decades of research, therapeutic progress remains modest, largely hindered by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–tumor barrier (BTB), which impede drug delivery and contribute to dismal prognoses. This review addresses the critical gap in integrating diagnostic and therapeutic strategies within a unified theranostic framework for brain cancer management. It systematically examines BBB structural/functional complexities and drug delivery implications, alongside advanced magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI)/positron-emission tomography (PET) for tumor characterization, treatment planning, and response assessment. Emphasis is placed on BBB-crossing strategies, including receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), adsorptive-mediated transcytosis (AMT), focused ultrasound (FUS), convection-enhanced delivery (CED), and intra-arterial administration, highlighting mechanistic principles and translational potential. Nanoparticles (NPs)-based systems (polymeric, lipidic, and metallic) are discussed for enhancing bioavailability, overcoming efflux resistance, and enabling multimodal therapies like photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immunotherapy. This review highlights the translational potential of nanotechnology, immuno-oncology, and computational methods in closed-loop theranostic models for real-time monitoring, adaptive therapy, and improved brain cancer survival and quality of life, offering insights to advance clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70080","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Theranostic Advancements in Brain Cancer: Promising Approaches for Emerging Therapy","authors":"Bipraban Khanra, Manoj Kumar Sarangi","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Brain cancer, particularly malignant gliomas, poses a formidable clinical challenge due to its high mortality, intratumoral heterogeneity, and resistance to conventional therapies, accounting for substantial global cancer fatalities. Despite decades of research, therapeutic progress remains modest, largely hindered by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–tumor barrier (BTB), which impede drug delivery and contribute to dismal prognoses. This review addresses the critical gap in integrating diagnostic and therapeutic strategies within a unified theranostic framework for brain cancer management. It systematically examines BBB structural/functional complexities and drug delivery implications, alongside advanced magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI)/positron-emission tomography (PET) for tumor characterization, treatment planning, and response assessment. Emphasis is placed on BBB-crossing strategies, including receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), adsorptive-mediated transcytosis (AMT), focused ultrasound (FUS), convection-enhanced delivery (CED), and intra-arterial administration, highlighting mechanistic principles and translational potential. Nanoparticles (NPs)-based systems (polymeric, lipidic, and metallic) are discussed for enhancing bioavailability, overcoming efflux resistance, and enabling multimodal therapies like photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immunotherapy. This review highlights the translational potential of nanotechnology, immuno-oncology, and computational methods in closed-loop theranostic models for real-time monitoring, adaptive therapy, and improved brain cancer survival and quality of life, offering insights to advance clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70080","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jingxuan Ye, Yashi Shi, Alexander Mustea, Xiaodan Mao, Pengming Sun
{"title":"The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Endometrial Cancer: Composition, Molecular Subtypes, and Therapeutic Implications","authors":"Jingxuan Ye, Yashi Shi, Alexander Mustea, Xiaodan Mao, Pengming Sun","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide. Classified as an immunologically “cold” tumor, EC exhibits a tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) that critically influences tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. This review systematically examines the composition and functional characteristics of the TIME in EC, including the distribution and phenotypic states of major immune cell populations—such as tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and T lymphocytes—as well as key non-immune components, including cancer-associated fibroblasts and cytokines. We further elucidate mechanisms of immune suppression, primarily mediated by the programmed cell death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway and the consequent immune evasion processes. Integrating molecular classifications of EC, we analyze the immunogenicity of distinct TIME subtypes and their differential responses to immunotherapy. Recent advances in immune-based therapeutic approaches are also highlighted, encompassing immune checkpoint blockades, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and combination regimens with chemotherapy or molecularly targeted agents. Collectively, this review emphasizes the intricate complexity of TIME in EC, evaluates the strengths and limitations of current immunotherapies, and offers forward-looking perspectives to guide future research and clinical translation, particularly in the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the advancement of precision oncology strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70078","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jingxuan Ye, Yashi Shi, Alexander Mustea, Xiaodan Mao, Pengming Sun
{"title":"The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Endometrial Cancer: Composition, Molecular Subtypes, and Therapeutic Implications","authors":"Jingxuan Ye, Yashi Shi, Alexander Mustea, Xiaodan Mao, Pengming Sun","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide. Classified as an immunologically “cold” tumor, EC exhibits a tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) that critically influences tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. This review systematically examines the composition and functional characteristics of the TIME in EC, including the distribution and phenotypic states of major immune cell populations—such as tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and T lymphocytes—as well as key non-immune components, including cancer-associated fibroblasts and cytokines. We further elucidate mechanisms of immune suppression, primarily mediated by the programmed cell death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway and the consequent immune evasion processes. Integrating molecular classifications of EC, we analyze the immunogenicity of distinct TIME subtypes and their differential responses to immunotherapy. Recent advances in immune-based therapeutic approaches are also highlighted, encompassing immune checkpoint blockades, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and combination regimens with chemotherapy or molecularly targeted agents. Collectively, this review emphasizes the intricate complexity of TIME in EC, evaluates the strengths and limitations of current immunotherapies, and offers forward-looking perspectives to guide future research and clinical translation, particularly in the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the advancement of precision oncology strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70078","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ao Zhang, Zeguang Sun, Xinyang Song, Xikun Zhou, Jing Li
{"title":"Ribosomal Proteins in Cell Biology and Cancer","authors":"Ao Zhang, Zeguang Sun, Xinyang Song, Xikun Zhou, Jing Li","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70076","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Ribosomal proteins (RPs), long regarded as essential structural components of the ribosome, are now increasingly appreciated as multifunctional regulators that extend beyond their canonical roles in protein synthesis. They actively modulate key cellular processes, including transcription, DNA damage response, cell cycle progression, and stress signaling, thereby influencing both physiological homeostasis and disease states. Despite substantial advances in structural and functional characterization, the mechanistic underpinnings linking RP dysregulation to human pathogenesis remain incompletely defined, constituting a significant gap in our understanding. This review synthesizes recent evidence illuminating the dual nature of RPs in health and disease, with a particular emphasis on cancer. Under conditions of ribosomal stress, RPs activate tumor-suppressive pathways, whereas their dysregulation can promote oncogenesis. Beyond cancer, RPs' defects contribute to ribosomopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammation, highlighting their broad pathophysiological relevance. We also evaluate the translational potential of RPs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and review emerging therapeutic strategies targeting ribosomal pathways. Finally, we discuss current challenges, such as context-dependent RP functions, ribosome heterogeneity, and therapeutic specificity. By integrating mechanistic insights with translational prospects, this review positions RPs as pivotal nodes bridging fundamental biology and clinical application, offering a conceptual framework to guide precision medicine efforts in RP-associated diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70076","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148174208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jingshu Meng, Qiuhui Li, Fang Zhu, Lu Zhou, Xinxiu Liu, Tao Liu, Chunxia Qin, Huaxiong Pan, Baixin Ye, Liling Zhang
{"title":"Combination of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and Glofitamab for Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL With High Tumor Burden: A Case Series","authors":"Jingshu Meng, Qiuhui Li, Fang Zhu, Lu Zhou, Xinxiu Liu, Tao Liu, Chunxia Qin, Huaxiong Pan, Baixin Ye, Liling Zhang","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70077","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the GLOHRT-01 study, the first four enrolled patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) and high tumor burden achieved complete metabolic response (CMR) following combination therapy with hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and glofitamab. This case series highlights a promising treatment strategy combining HRT with sequential glofitamab for this challenging patient population.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70077","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148174209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jingshu Meng, Qiuhui Li, Fang Zhu, Lu Zhou, Xinxiu Liu, Tao Liu, Chunxia Qin, Huaxiong Pan, Baixin Ye, Liling Zhang
{"title":"Combination of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and Glofitamab for Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL With High Tumor Burden: A Case Series","authors":"Jingshu Meng, Qiuhui Li, Fang Zhu, Lu Zhou, Xinxiu Liu, Tao Liu, Chunxia Qin, Huaxiong Pan, Baixin Ye, Liling Zhang","doi":"10.1002/mog2.70077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mog2.70077","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the GLOHRT-01 study, the first four enrolled patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) and high tumor burden achieved complete metabolic response (CMR) following combination therapy with hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and glofitamab. This case series highlights a promising treatment strategy combining HRT with sequential glofitamab for this challenging patient population.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":100902,"journal":{"name":"MedComm – Oncology","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mog2.70077","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148173962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}