Jiawei Song , Jun Zhu , Yu Jiang , Yajie Guo , Shuai Liu , Yihuan Qiao , Yongtao Du , Jipeng Li
{"title":"Advancements in immunotherapy for gastric cancer: Unveiling the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors and emerging strategies","authors":"Jiawei Song , Jun Zhu , Yu Jiang , Yajie Guo , Shuai Liu , Yihuan Qiao , Yongtao Du , Jipeng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189277","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189277","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastric cancer (GC) is linked to high morbidity and mortality rates. Approximately two-thirds of GC patients are diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage. Conventional treatments for GC, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, offer limited prognostic improvement. Recently, immunotherapy has gained attention for its promising therapeutic effects in various tumors. Immunotherapy functions by activating and regulating the patient's immune cells to target and eliminate tumor cells, thereby reducing the tumor burden in the body. Among immunotherapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the most advanced. ICIs disrupt the inhibitory protein-small molecule (PD-L1, CTLA4, VISTA, TIM-3 and LAG3) interactions produced by immune cells, reactivating these cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. However, adverse reactions and resistance to ICIs hinder their further clinical and experimental development. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the advancements in ICIs for GC is crucial. This article discusses the latest developments in clinical trials of ICIs for GC and examines combination therapies involving ICIs (targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), alongside ongoing clinical trials. Additionally, the review investigates the tumor immune microenvironment and its role in non-responsiveness to ICIs, highlighting the function of tumor immune cells in ICI efficacy. Finally, the article explores the prospects and limitations of new immunotherapy-related technologies, such as tumor vaccines, nanotechnologies, and emerging therapeutic strategies, aiming to advance research into personalized and optimized immunotherapy for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 2","pages":"Article 189277"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143394658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lu-Hong Wang , Yi Jiang , Chen-Hang Sun , Peng-Tao Chen , Yi-Nan Ding
{"title":"Advancements in the application of ablative therapy and its combination with immunotherapy in anti-cancer therapy","authors":"Lu-Hong Wang , Yi Jiang , Chen-Hang Sun , Peng-Tao Chen , Yi-Nan Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer is a significant health issue impacting humans. Currently, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy have significantly increased the life expectancy of cancer patients. However, some patients are unable to endure systemic treatment due to its significant adverse effects, leading to an increased focus on local therapies including radiation and ablation therapy. Ablation therapy is a precise, low-toxicity, and minimally invasive localized therapy that is increasingly acknowledged by clinicians and cancer patients. Many cancer patients have benefited from it, with some achieving full recovery. Currently, numerous studies have shown that ablation therapy is effective due to its ability to kill cancer cells efficiently and activate the body's anti-cancer immunity. It can also convert “cold cancers” into “hot cancers” and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy when used in combination. In this article, we categorize ablation therapy into thermal ablation, cryoablation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), irreversible electroporation (IRE), etc. Thermal ablation is further divided into Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (WMA), high-frequency focused ultrasound (HIFU), photothermal therapy (PTT), magnetic heat therapy (MHT), etc. We systematically review the most recent advancements in these ablation therapies that are either currently used in clinic or are anticipated to be used in clinic. Then, we also review the latest development of various ablative therapies combined with immunotherapy, and its future development.</div></div><div><h3>Clinical relevance statement</h3><div>Ablation therapy, an invasive localized treatment, offers an alternative to systemic therapies for cancer patients who cannot tolerate their adverse effects. Its ability to kill cancer cells efficiently and activate anti-cancer immunity. This article reviews recent advancements in ablation therapies, including thermal, cryoablation, PDT, and IRE, and their potential clinical applications, both standalone and in combination with immunotherapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 2","pages":"Article 189285"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143394808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Szymon Kaczor , Olga Szewczyk-Roszczenko , Dariusz Pawlak , Adam Hermanowicz , Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
{"title":"GSDM family and glioma","authors":"Szymon Kaczor , Olga Szewczyk-Roszczenko , Dariusz Pawlak , Adam Hermanowicz , Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189283","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189283","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biomarkers play a central role in diagnosing, prognosis, and therapeutic management of gliomas, a diverse group of malignancies arising from glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Among the various emerging biomarkers, the gasdermin protein family has attracted attention for its involvement in pyroptosis. Understanding the expression and function of GSDM in gliomas may provide new insights into tumor behavior and new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review discusses the GSDM family's significance as a glioma biomarker, explores its dual role in tumor suppression, and highlights its potential utility in clinical practice as a novel target for glioma therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 2","pages":"Article 189283"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143376913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Farid Ghorbaninezhad , Mina Afrashteh Nour , Omid Rahbar Farzam , Hossein Saeedi , Ahmad Ghorbani Vanan , Mohammad Bakhshivand , Mahdi Jafarlou , Amirhossein Hatami-sadr , Behzad Baradaran
{"title":"The tumor microenvironment and dendritic cells: Developers of pioneering strategies in colorectal cancer immunotherapy?","authors":"Farid Ghorbaninezhad , Mina Afrashteh Nour , Omid Rahbar Farzam , Hossein Saeedi , Ahmad Ghorbani Vanan , Mohammad Bakhshivand , Mahdi Jafarlou , Amirhossein Hatami-sadr , Behzad Baradaran","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189281","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189281","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world's third most frequent cancer, and both its incidence and fatality rates are rising. Despite various therapeutic approaches, neither its mortality rate nor its recurrence frequency has decreased significantly. Additionally, conventional treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have several side effects and risks for patients with CRC. Accordingly, the need for alternative and effective treatments for CRC patients is critical. Immunotherapy that utilizes dendritic cells (DCs) harnesses the patient's immune system to combat cancer cells effectively. DCs are the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which play a vital role in generating anti-cancer T cell responses. A significant barrier to the immune system's ability to eliminate CRC is the establishment of a potent immunosuppressive tumor milieu by malignant cells. Since DCs are frequently defective in this milieu, the tumor setting significantly reduces the effectiveness of DC-based therapy. Determining central mechanisms contributing to tumor growth by unraveling and comprehending the interaction between CRC tumor milieu and DCs may lead to new therapeutic approaches. This study aims to review DC biology and discuss its role in T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, as well as to highlight the immunosuppressive effects of the CRC tumor milieu on the function of DCs. We will also highlight the tumor microenvironment (TME)-related factors that interfere with DC function as a possible therapeutic target to enhance DC-based cell therapy efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 2","pages":"Article 189281"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Helena Branco , Cristina P.R. Xavier , Chiara Riganti , M. Helena Vasconcelos
{"title":"Hypoxia as a critical player in extracellular vesicles-mediated intercellular communication between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment","authors":"Helena Branco , Cristina P.R. Xavier , Chiara Riganti , M. Helena Vasconcelos","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the past years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators of intercellular communication in cancer. These small size particles mediate the intercellular transfer of important bioactive molecules involved in malignant initiation and progression. Hypoxia, or low partial pressure of oxygen, is recognized as a remarkable feature of solid tumors and has been demonstrated to exert a profound impact on tumor prognosis and therapeutic efficacy. Indeed, the high-pitched growth rate and chaotic neovascular architecture that embodies solid tumors results in a profound reduction in oxygen pressure within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In response to oxygen-deprived conditions, tumor cells and their surrounding <em>milieu</em> develop homeostatic adaptation mechanisms that contribute to the establishment of a pro-tumoral phenotype. Latest evidence suggests that the hypoxic microenvironment that surrounds the tumor bulk may be a clincher for the observed elevated levels of circulating EVs in cancer patients. Thus, it is proposed that EVs may play a role in mediating intercellular communication in response to hypoxic conditions. This review focuses on the EVs-mediated crosstalk that is established between tumor cells and their surrounding immune, endothelial, and stromal cell populations, within the hypoxic TME.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189244"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142822986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan , Siddarth Kannan , Ali S. Alzahrani
{"title":"TERT promoter mutations in gliomas: Molecular roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic targeting, and drug resistance","authors":"Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan , Siddarth Kannan , Ali S. Alzahrani","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a critical player in cellular immortalization, has emerged as a focal point of investigation due to its frequent promoter mutations in various human malignancies. <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations exhibit a significant role in tumorigenesis, fostering unbridled cellular proliferation and survival. This comprehensive review delves into the landscape of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations and their profound implications in cancer, particularly within the context of gliomas. This article meticulously examines the intricate interplay between <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations and the metastatic cascade, shedding light on their capacity to orchestrate invasive behavior in gliomas. Moreover, this review describes the recent trends in therapeutic targeting of the TERT and dissects the evolving landscape of drug resistance associated with <em>TERT</em> mutations, providing insights into potential therapeutic challenges. In addition, the diagnostic and prognostic implications of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations in gliomas are scrutinized, unraveling their potential as robust biomarkers. It also discusses the recent advancements in molecular diagnostics, illustrating the promise of <em>TERT</em> mutations as diagnostic tools and prognostic indicators. This review collectively aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations in gliomas, offering a foundation for future research endeavors and paving the way for innovative strategies in glioma management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189243"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142824905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuan Ren , Xiaodan Mao , Wenyu Lin , Yi Chen , Rongfeng Chen , Pengming Sun
{"title":"Targeting estrogen-related receptors to mitigate tumor resistance: A comprehensive approach to bridging cellular energy metabolism","authors":"Yuan Ren , Xiaodan Mao , Wenyu Lin , Yi Chen , Rongfeng Chen , Pengming Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The war between humanity and malignant tumors has been ongoing, with continuous advancements in classic chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens, targeted drugs, endocrine therapy, and immunotherapy. However, tumor cells can develop primary or secondary resistance to these treatment options, making the issue of tumor resistance a major factor affecting patient prognosis and leading to recurrence. Estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, primarily involved in regulating glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, serving as a central hub for intracellular energy metabolism. ERRs not only mediate insulin resistance but also participate in the mechanisms of drug resistance in various tumors, including breast cancer, osteosarcoma, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer, and even mediate resistance to radiation and immunotherapy. They mainly resist tumor treatment methods through metabolic reprogramming within cells, affecting mitochondrial energy metabolism, regulating metabolites such as cholesterol, glutamine, and lactate, or other signaling pathways, or by influencing the immune microenvironment. ERRs are promising targets for addressing the dilemma of tumor resistance. Currently, electrochemical luminescence biosensors for detecting ERRα in bodily fluids have been developed, making large-scale, low-cost detection of ERRα possible. Additionally, targeted inhibitors of ERRs have shown significant effects in suppressing cancer cell proliferation and reversing tumor resistance. This article reviews the research progress of ERRs in tumor resistance, providing important references for developing more effective anti-tumor treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189256"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chenshuang Dong , Yan Zhao , Yecheng Han , Ming Li , Guiling Wang
{"title":"Targeting glutamine metabolism crosstalk with tumor immune response","authors":"Chenshuang Dong , Yan Zhao , Yecheng Han , Ming Li , Guiling Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glutamine, akin to glucose, is a fundamental nutrient for human physiology. Tumor progression is often accompanied by elevated glutamine consumption, resulting in a disrupted nutritional balance and metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, immune cells, which depend on glutamine for metabolic support, may experience functional impairments and dysregulation. Although the role of glutamine in tumors has been extensively studied, the specific impact of glutamine competition on immune responses, as well as the precise cellular alterations within immune cells, remains incompletely understood. In this review, we summarize the consequences of glutamine deprivation induced by tumor-driven glutamine uptake on immune cells, assessing the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of various components of the immune microenvironment. Additionally, we discuss the potential synergistic effects of glutamine supplementation and immunotherapy, offering insights into future research directions. This review provides compelling evidence for the integration of glutamine metabolism and immunotherapy as a promising strategy in cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189257"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142924182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhengguang Zhang , Haitao Wu , Min Li , Fuqiong Zhou , Yan Huang
{"title":"From natural herbal wisdom to nano innovation: Revolutionizing tumor treatment through intervening in metabolic reprogramming","authors":"Zhengguang Zhang , Haitao Wu , Min Li , Fuqiong Zhou , Yan Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, with the deepening understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a pivotal process in cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance, gradually paving the way for new avenues in precision oncology. Natural herbal ingredients, characterized by their multi-target engagement, low toxicity, and wide-ranging biological activities, exhibit unique advantages in anti-cancer therapy. Nonetheless, the clinical application of these components has been constrained by issues such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and inadequate stability when administered through traditional delivery methods. The advent of multifunctional nanoformulations has offered solutions to these challenges, substantially advancing the utilization of natural herbal components in precision therapy targeting tumor metabolic reprogramming. This article provides a comprehensive review of the multidimensional features of cancer metabolic reprogramming and its intricate regulatory network, highlighting the latest advancements in metabolic regulation, targeted delivery, and precision therapy achieved through natural herbs and their multifunctional nanomedicines. It also offers insights into future directions in this field. We are justified in believing that continued breakthroughs in this area will usher in safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients, heralding a new chapter in cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189263"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142973791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rui Tao , Yichuan Li , Song Gong , Qi Zhang , Zhanyong Zhu
{"title":"Unveiling intricating roles and mechanisms of ferroptosis in melanoma","authors":"Rui Tao , Yichuan Li , Song Gong , Qi Zhang , Zhanyong Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189234","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189234","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Melanoma is a highly invasive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes, with increasing incidence in recent years. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent and non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species. Morphologically, ferroptosis exhibits the alteration in cells, such as reduced mitochondrial volume, increased density of bilayer membrane, and a decrease or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae. Ferroptosis has shown tremendous potential and applicability in regulating the development of melanoma. As melanoma progresses, certain biomarkers associated with ferroptosis display characteristic patterns of expression. These changes not only reveal the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis but also provide potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. Besides, inducing ferroptosis has been well-documented to inhibit the growth of melanoma and enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Hence, this review emphasizes the roles and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis in melanoma development, the involved immune regulation, as well as the potential for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The continuous explorations will endow novel strategies for developing ferroptosis-based therapies for melanoma.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189234"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142792990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}