Shen'er Qian , Guolin Tan , Guang Lei , Xiaowei Zhang , Zuozhong Xie
{"title":"Programmed cell death in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Mechanisms and therapeutic targets","authors":"Shen'er Qian , Guolin Tan , Guang Lei , Xiaowei Zhang , Zuozhong Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Programmed cell death is a type of autonomic and orderly cell death mode controlled by genes that maintain homeostasis and growth. Tumor is a typical manifestation of an imbalance in environmental homeostasis in the human body. Currently, several tumor treatments are designed to trigger the death of tumor cells. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in China. It displays obvious regional and ethnic differences in its incidence, being typically high in the south and low in the north of China. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is currently considered to be a polygenic inherited disease and is often mediated by the interaction between multiple genes or between genes and the environment. Apoptosis has long been considered the key to tumor treatment, while other cell death pathways have often been overlooked. The current study provides an overview of the relationship among apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the regulatory pathways of nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on five cell death modes were synthesized from the view of molecule. We hope this review will help explore additional, novel programmed cell death targets for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and thus promote in-depth research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189265"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142985808","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}
Yuting Wang M.D. , Jing Han M.D./Ph.D. , Yongxue Zhu M.D. , Naisi Huang M.D. , Ning Qu M.D. Ph.D.
{"title":"New advances in the therapeutic strategy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A review of latest therapies and cutting-edge research","authors":"Yuting Wang M.D. , Jing Han M.D./Ph.D. , Yongxue Zhu M.D. , Naisi Huang M.D. , Ning Qu M.D. Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, particularly when diagnosed at advanced stages. Despite progress in surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiotherapeutic interventions, the five-year survival rate remains low due to high rates of recurrence and therapeutic resistance. This review explores recent advances in therapeutic strategies for HNSCC, focusing on targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and innovative drug delivery systems.</div><div>Targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors, offer promising options for overcoming HNSCC, though resistance challenges persist. Emerging treatments, including dual-target inhibitors and personalized therapeutic approaches, show potential in addressing these limitations. Immunotherapy, particularly PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, has achieved positive outcomes in a subset of patients, though overall response rates remain modest. Strategies aimed at enhancing immune responses, such as combination therapies and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, are actively being investigated to improve efficacy. This review also underscores the critical role of the tumor microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HNSCC progression and therapeutic resistance. Novel approaches, including smart drug delivery systems utilizing nanotechnology and immune modulation, are opening new avenues for more personalized and effective treatments. Ongoing interdisciplinary research into molecular targets and advanced drug delivery techniques holds great promise for significantly improving patient outcomes in HNSCC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189230"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142752432","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}
{"title":"A comprehensive review of current therapeutic strategies in cancers targeting DNA damage response mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell cancer","authors":"Takeyuki Kono, Hiroyuki Ozawa","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The DNA damage response (DDR) is an essential mechanism for maintaining genomic stability. Although DDR-targeted therapeutic strategies are being developed in several familial cancers, evaluation of their utility in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is lagging.</div><div>This review briefly summarizes the mechanisms of DDR and the current knowledge on discovering DDR-related predictive biomarkers in HNSCC. This review also presents novel therapeutic strategies targeting DDR pathways for HNSCC based on the synthetic lethal concept. The combination of DDR inhibitors with cytotoxic treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors is being evaluated, and several clinical trials are ongoing in patients with HNSCC. While DDR inhibitors are considered promising treatment options, resistance to these drugs is frequently observed, and their mechanisms are currently active research areas. A better understanding of the correlation between DDR pathways and cancer biology provides new therapeutic strategies for personalized medicine in HNSCC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189255"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142924171","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}
{"title":"Biomolecular condensates: A new lens on cancer biology","authors":"Lifei Jiang , Yibin Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cells are compartmentalized into different organelles to ensure precise spatial temporal control and efficient operation of cellular processes. Membraneless organelles, also known as biomolecular condensates, are emerging as previously underappreciated ways of organizing cellular functions. Condensates allow local concentration of protein, RNA, or DNA molecules with shared functions, thus facilitating spatiotemporal control of biochemical reactions spanning a range of cellular processes. Studies discussed herein have shown that aberrant formation of condensates is associated with various diseases such as cancers. Here, we summarize how condensates mechanistically contribute to malignancy-related cellular processes, including genomic instability, epigenetic rewiring, oncogenic transcriptional activation, and signaling. An improved understanding of condensate formation and dissolution will enable development of new cancer therapies. Finally, we address the remaining challenges in the field and suggest future efforts to better integrate condensates into cancer research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189245"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142831174","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}
Xin-Pan Chen , Zi-Tao Yang , Shang-Xin Yang , En-Min Li , Lei Xie
{"title":"PAK2 as a therapeutic target in cancer: Mechanisms, challenges, and future perspectives","authors":"Xin-Pan Chen , Zi-Tao Yang , Shang-Xin Yang , En-Min Li , Lei Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are crucial regulators within cellular signaling pathways and have been implicated in a range of human diseases, including cancer. Among the PAK family, PAK2 is widely expressed across various tissues and has emerged as a significant driver of cancer progression. However, systematic studies on PAK2 remain limited. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PAK2's role in cancer, focusing on its involvement in processes such as angiogenesis, metastasis, cell survival, metabolism, immune response, and drug resistance. We also explore its function in key cancer signaling pathways and the potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting PAK2 for therapeutic purposes. Despite promising preclinical data, no PAK2 inhibitors have reached clinical practice, underscoring challenges related to their specificity and therapeutic application. This review highlights the biological significance of PAK2 in cancer and its interactions with critical signaling pathways, offering valuable insights for future research. We also discuss the major obstacles in developing PAK inhibitors and propose strategies to overcome these barriers, paving the way for their clinical translation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189246"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142856993","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}
Szilárd-Krisztián Belényesi , Sean Patmore , Lorraine O'Driscoll
{"title":"Extracellular vesicles and the tumour microenvironment","authors":"Szilárd-Krisztián Belényesi , Sean Patmore , Lorraine O'Driscoll","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny packages of information released by cells, are well established as being involved in unwanted cell-to-cell communication in cancer. EVs from cancer cells have been associated with the spread of drug resistance, immune suppression, and metastasis. Additional to cancer cells, the tumour microenvironment (TME) involves many cell types -including immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, each of which has a potential role in how tumours grow, spread, and respond (or otherwise) to therapy. This review collates and distils research developments regarding the role of EVs in multi-way communication between cells in the TME. Further research including tailored clinical studies are now warranted to determine how best to prevent this extensive adverse communication occurring and/or how best to exploit it for biomarker discovery and as a therapeutic approach, in the interest of patients and also for economic benefit.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 2","pages":"Article 189275"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143124159","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}
{"title":"Organoids in lung cancer brain metastasis: Foundational research, clinical translation, and prospective outlooks","authors":"Mei Zheng , Jialin Qu , Dongxi Xiang , Ligang Xing","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189235","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189235","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brain metastasis stands as a leading contributor to mortality in lung cancer patients, yet the intricate mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains elusive. This underscores the need for robust preclinical models and effective treatment strategies. Emerging as viable in vitro models that closely replicate actual tumors, three-dimensional culture systems, particularly organoids derived from non-malignant cells or cancer organoids, have emerged as promising avenues. This review delves into the forefronts of fundamental research and clinical applications focused on lung cancer brain metastasis-derived organoids, highlighting current challenges and delineating prospects. These studies offer tremendous potential for clinical application despite being in nascent status.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189235"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142796466","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}
{"title":"Precision oncology: Using cancer genomics for targeted therapy advancements","authors":"Cigir Biray Avci , Bakiye Goker Bagca , Behrouz Shademan , Leila Sabour Takanlou , Maryam Sabour Takanlou , Alireza Nourazarian","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer genomics plays a crucial role in oncology by enhancing our understanding of how genes drive cancer and facilitating the development of improved treatments. This field meticulously examines various cancers' genetic makeup through various methodologies, leading to groundbreaking discoveries. Innovative tools such as rapid gene sequencing, single-cell studies, spatial gene mapping, epigenetic analysis, liquid biopsies, and computational modeling have significantly progressed the field. These techniques uncover genetic alterations, tumor heterogeneity, and the evolutionary dynamics of cancers. Genetic abnormalities and molecular markers that initiate and propagate distinct cancer types are classified according to tumor type. The integration of precision medicine with cancer genomics emphasizes the significance of utilizing genetic data in treatment decision-making, enabling personalized care and enhancing patient outcomes. Critical topics in cancer genomics encompass tumor diversity, alterations in non-coding DNA, epigenetic modifications, cancer-specific proteins, metabolic changes, and the impact of inherited genes on cancer risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189250"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866308","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}
Lissa Eggermont , Nicolaas Lumen , Charles Van Praet , Joris Delanghe , Sylvie Rottey , Tijl Vermassen
{"title":"A comprehensive view of N-glycosylation as clinical biomarker in prostate cancer","authors":"Lissa Eggermont , Nicolaas Lumen , Charles Van Praet , Joris Delanghe , Sylvie Rottey , Tijl Vermassen","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alterations in the prostate cancer (PCa) <em>N</em>-glycome have gained attention as a potential biomarker. This comprehensive review explores the diversity of <em>N</em>-glycosylation patterns observed in PCa-related cell lines, tissue, serum and urine, focusing on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and the total pool of glycoproteins. Within the context of PCa, altered <em>N</em>-glycosylation patterns are a mechanism of immune escape and a disruption in normal glycoprotein distribution and trafficking. Glycoproteins with PCa-induced <em>N</em>-glycosylation patterns tend to accumulate in prostate tissue and the bloodstream, thereby diminishing <em>N</em>-glycan proportions in urine. Based on literary observations, aberrations in <em>N</em>-glycan branching are probably a characteristic of metabolic reprogramming and (chronic) inflammation. Changes in (core) fucosylation, specific <em>N</em>-glycosylation structures (such as <em>N,N′</em>-diacetyllactosamine) and high-mannose glycans otherwise are more likely indicators of cancer development and progression. Further investigation into these PCa-specific alterations holds promise in the discovery of new diagnostic, prognostic and response prediction biomarkers in PCa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 1","pages":"Article 189239"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142822982","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}
Jiayi Lyu , Simin Wang , Jingnan Chen , Xia Yang , Guoquan Gao , Ti Zhou
{"title":"The comparison of pathogenic role and mechanism of Kallistatin and PEDF in tumors","authors":"Jiayi Lyu , Simin Wang , Jingnan Chen , Xia Yang , Guoquan Gao , Ti Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tumors are diseases caused by abnormal cell division and growth, which can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Serpin inhibitors play a crucial role in regulating pathophysiological process and are promising drug targets. Kallistatin (SERPINA4) and Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF, SERPINF1) are two serpins that lack protease inhibitory activity but are abundant in blood. They exhibit anti-angiogenic effects and are involved in tumorigenesis. The pathogenic role and mechanism of Kallistatin and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) have been extensively studied for their potential use in cancer therapy. Kallistatin and PEDF play significant roles in controlling tumor growth and progression. While they share some common mechanisms of action, such as promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis, they also have distinct differences in effectiveness and range of anti-tumor activities. This review compares and contrasts the expression patterns, structural features, expression regulation, disease roles, signaling pathways, and potential clinical value of Kallistatin and PEDF, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their biomedical and clinical potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8782,"journal":{"name":"Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer","volume":"1880 2","pages":"Article 189273"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143069570","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}