Advances in cancer research最新文献

{"title":"Exosomes as architects of cancer metastasis: Molecular conversations driving metastatic fate.","authors":"Narsimha Mamidi, Swadesh K Das, Paul B Fisher","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.07.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Formation of distant tumors from initial primary sites, metastasis, is a principal cause of cancer-related mortality from solid cancers and is associated with poor clinical and surgical outcomes. The development of a pre-metastatic niche precedes organ-specific metastatic colonization and serves as a central determinant of metastatic progression. The evolution of pre-metastatic niche research has expanded our understanding of how primary tumors prime distant organs for metastatic colonization. Progress from descriptive observations to mechanistic insights has clarified the cellular and molecular factors that create permissive secondary microenvironments. These findings have identified critical pathways that regulate pre-metastatic niche formation and support the development of strategies to prevent metastatic progression. A critical element in reprogramming the tumor microenvironment involves exosomes, cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched in proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. These vesicles mediate intercellular communication and actively remodel local and systemic microenvironments. Exosomes play essential roles in tumor metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality from advancing solid cancers. Circulating tumor-derived exosomes promote metastatic initiation and progression and contribute to organotropism by directing metastatic spread to specific distant sites. Advances in exosome biology and engineering have enabled the development of novel strategies for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we summarize recent progress in comprehending exosome-mediated regulation of metastasis, with an emphasis on fundamental mechanisms and emerging approaches for therapeutic targeting in advanced cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"172 ","pages":"163-201"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148984160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microsomal glutathione transferase 1: A master regulator of ferroptosis in cancer and beyond.","authors":"Xuhong Zhang, Zhi-Wei Ye, Danyelle M Townsend, Kenneth D Tew, Jie Zhang","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.06.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microsomal glutathione transferase 1 (MGST1), a membrane-associated enzyme of the MAPEG family, has emerged as a central regulator of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death driven by lipid peroxide accumulation. Traditionally recognized for its roles in detoxification and oxidative stress responses, MGST1 has recently been identified as a key suppressor of ferroptosis through multiple mechanisms, including glutathione-dependent reduction of lipid hydroperoxides, inhibition of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase activity, modulation of iron availability through melanin-associated sequestration, and integration with transcriptional, epigenetic, post-translational, and signaling networks. This review summarizes the structural and enzymatic properties of MGST1, its subcellular localization at the endoplasmic reticulum and outer mitochondrial membrane, and its diverse regulatory mechanisms in ferroptosis control. In cancer, elevated MGST1 promotes tumor cell survival, proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy by buffering lipid peroxidation and limiting ferroptotic death. Conversely, in non-malignant diseases, including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, neurotoxicity, acute pancreatitis, intervertebral disc degeneration, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and inflammatory disorders, MGST1 may protect vulnerable tissues from ferroptosis-associated injury. These context-dependent functions create a therapeutic paradox: MGST1 inhibition may enhance cancer treatment efficacy, whereas MGST1 activation may preserve normal tissue integrity in degenerative or ischemic conditions. Emerging strategies include small-molecule inhibitors, gene interference, epigenetic modulation, NRF2-mediated activation, and combination approaches with existing therapies. MGST1 also holds promise as a diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment-stratification biomarker. Overall, MGST1 represents a pivotal ferroptosis regulator with broad translational relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"172 ","pages":"235-255"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148984395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic and Healthcare Implications of Nanotechnology in Skin Cancer.","authors":"Gaurav Mude, Dr Mohammad Tauqeer Sheikh, Shweta Awatade, Shantilal Singune, Sanjay Nagdev","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nanotechnology has transformed oncology, providing novel approaches for the detection, treatment, and management of skin cancer. This chapter examines the economic and healthcare ramifications of nanotechnology in skin cancer, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and the possible strain on healthcare systems. The incorporation of nanotechnology-driven therapeutics, including nanoparticle drug carriers, targeted treatments, and diagnostic nanodevices, has shown greater patient outcomes, less side effects, and increased drug bioavailability. Nonetheless, the substantial expenses associated with research, development, and regulatory approval provide obstacles to wider use. The chapter assesses the cost-benefit analysis of nanomedicine relative to traditional therapies from an economic standpoint, taking into account manufacturing expenses, reimbursement regulations, and market accessibility. Although early expenditures in nanotechnology are substantial, the long-term advantages-such as decreased hospitalizations, tailored treatment approaches, and improved therapeutic efficacy-could result in total cost reductions for healthcare systems. From a healthcare standpoint, nanotechnology offers prospects for enhancing early diagnosis, tailored medication delivery, and less invasive therapies, hence diminishing treatment-related problems. Nonetheless, issues like nanoparticle toxicity, prolonged safety concerns, and regulatory obstacles must be resolved. This chapter emphasizes the capability of nanotechnology to transform the economic and healthcare framework of skin cancer therapy. By harmonizing innovation with cost-effectiveness and accessibility, nanomedicine might enhance sustainable and efficient healthcare solutions, facilitating future progress in cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"485-518"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"AAV vectors for cancer gene therapy.","authors":"Myungeun Lee, Jinhyun Park, Ji Hoon Park, David T Curiel","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Current cancer therapies, including cytotoxic agents, molecularly targeted drugs, and immune-based treatments, are often constrained by therapeutic resistance, systemic toxicity, and inconsistent clinical efficacy. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based therapy emerges as a promising strategy to address these limitations, owing to its favorable safety profile and high degree of engineerability. AAV-based gene therapy development is expanding beyond the treatment of rare monogenic disorders to encompass chronic diseases and cancer conditions associated with a high disease burden, driven not only by advances in vector technology but also by strategic considerations such as development costs, clinical needs, and commercial viability. Although challenges such as pre-existing host immunity and limited transgene packaging capacity remain, recent advances in biotechnology are actively mitigating these barriers. This review highlights recent progress in AAV-based gene therapy for cancer challenges and discusses future directions for the implementation of AAV vectors as a next-generation therapeutic modality in oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"171 ","pages":"219-265"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oncolytic viruses in cutaneous oncology: Mechanisms, clinical applications, and future directions.","authors":"Goranit Sakunchotpanit, Mihir K Patil, Ruhi Kanwar, Thomas Z Rohan, Vinod E Nambudiri","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a rapidly expanding class of anti-neoplastic management options that utilize the innate infectivity of either native or modified viruses to preferentially lyse malignant cells while sparing healthy ones. Some OVs naturally target antigens within a tumor micro-environment, while others are re-oriented to identify specific targets via deletion of or addition to their existing genetic makeup. This chapter focuses on OVs in cutaneous oncology, providing an overview of their molecular mechanisms, clinical applications across a variety of disease states, and future directions for the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"171 ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic nanoparticles and targeted therapy.","authors":"Vihaa Sriee Maambulikavil Ganesan, Meethu Gunasekaran, Janani Jayakumar, Ajit Prakash, Saravanan Periasamy","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer is considered one of the most significant malignancies worldwide, arising primarily from epidermal keratinocytes or melanocytes and influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Conventional therapies, including chemical treatments, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and antibody immunotherapy, though most effective in the early stages, often present significant limitations including such as systemic toxicity, recurrence, drug resistance, and cosmetic or psychological impacts. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges by enabling targeted, efficient, and minimally invasive therapeutic approaches. Nanoparticles, with their tunable size, surface properties, and biocompatibility, facilitate site-specific drug delivery, improve solubility of poorly soluble agents, and prolong drug circulation time while minimizing off-target effects. Diverse nanocarrier systems-liposomes, niosomes, dendrimers, micelles, nanospheres, nanoemulsions, and metallic nanoparticles-have been investigated for skin cancer therapy, offering improved penetration across the stratum corneum, controlled release, and enhanced drug retention. Functional modifications such as PEGylation and ligand attachment further optimize stability, immune evasion, and receptor-mediated targeting. Moreover, nanotechnology integrates diagnostic and therapeutic potential through theranostic applications, enabling simultaneous imaging, monitoring, and treatment of skin malignancies. Despite regulatory and translational challenges, advancements in nanoparticle-based therapeutics represent a paradigm shift in precision dermatologic oncology, offering safer, more effective, and patient-friendly interventions. This chapter highlights recent progress, clinical perspectives, and future directions in nanotechnology-enabled skin cancer therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"173-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current challenges in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.","authors":"Tejal Bele, Jineetkumar Gawad, Sushil Dagadu Patil, Manojkumar Jadhao, Saurabh Maru, Vishal Gokul Beldar","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer comprises a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by escalating ultraviolet radiation exposure, inherent genetic predispositions, and inequities in access to early diagnostic interventions. This chapter integrates contemporary insights concerning both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, elucidating their epidemiological patterns, biological determinants, and the diagnostic complexities related with early or atypical manifestations. Traditional diagnostic modalities-such as clinical assessment, dermoscopy, and self-evaluation of the skin are crucial yet constrained by subjectivity, variability in practitioner expertise, and challenges in recognizing subtle lesions. These constraints have catalyzed the progression of sophisticated non-invasive technologies, including reflectance confocal microscopy, total body photography, teledermatology, electrical impedance spectroscopy, and genomic adhesive-patch testing, each of which promises improved diagnostic accuracy and the capability to mitigate unnecessary biopsies. Current treatment approaches emphasize surgery for localized disease, supplemented by radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and laser techniques when surgery is impractical. Targeted therapies like BRAF and MEK inhibitors provide precision for specific tumors, while combination strategies aim to overcome resistance and improve treatment durability. Swift advancements in nanotechnology, microneedle delivery systems, and topical or patch-based formulations present promising strategies for improved and enhanced dermal penetration, and minimized systemic toxicity. The chapter emphasizes the persistent evolution towards previous detection, minimally invasive diagnostic techniques, and personalized therapeutic approaches. Ongoing progressions in imaging technologies, molecular profiling, immunotherapeutic strategies, and nanomedicine are anticipated to redefine future therapeutic standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"69-117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Operation oncolysis: Reoviruses in the theater of cancer war.","authors":"Kenny Voon, Zhen Yun Siew","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reoviruses have emerged as promising oncolytic agents, exploiting their natural tropism for transformed cells with aberrant Ras signaling to enable selective replication and tumor cell lysis. The most clinically advanced candidate, Mammalian orthoreovirus Pelareorep (Reolysin), has demonstrated efficacy across multiple malignancies, including breast cancer, glioma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with generally manageable safety profiles. Beyond Pelareorep, novel orthoreoviruses such as Avian orthoreovirus and Pteropine orthoreovirus have shown potent oncolytic activity and favorable tolerability in preclinical models, broadening the therapeutic landscape. Reovirus-based virotherapy exerts dual anti-tumor effects by inducing direct oncolysis and activating innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby enhancing outcomes when combined with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite these advances, several barriers remain. Tumor heterogeneity and variable receptor expression affect viral infectivity and dissemination, while host immune responses, though critical for anti-tumor immunity, can also limit viral persistence and efficacy. Key mechanistic gaps persist in understanding reovirus-host interactions, particularly in immune modulation and cell death pathways. Furthermore, the optimal integration of reoviruses into combination regimens and clinical protocols requires further validation. Future efforts should emphasize biomarker-driven patient stratification, rational immunotherapeutic combinations to overcome tumor immunosuppression, and engineering of reovirus vectors to improve specificity and safety. Exploration of emerging orthoreoviruses with distinct biological properties also presents new opportunities for therapeutic innovation. Collectively, reoviruses represent a compelling platform at the forefront of precision oncolytic virotherapy, with translational potential hinging on the resolution of critical mechanistic and clinical challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"171 ","pages":"23-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cancer immunotherapy with oncolytic myxoma virus.","authors":"Jacqueline Carmona, Deon Nguyen, Masmudur M Rahman","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Viruses have been developed as oncolytic immunotherapy agents due to their ability to target and kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Additionally, engineered oncolytic viruses (OVs) can alter the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, making other cancer therapies more favorable. Many candidate OVs are currently in clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with other cancer therapeutics. Oncolytic myxoma virus (MYXV), a member of the Poxviridae family that infects only leporids in nature and causes no infection to humans or other animals, has been developed as an oncolytic immunotherapy agent. MYXV selectively infects cancer cells due to the accumulation of mutations and the absence of functional antiviral responses within these cells. The large dsDNA genome of MYXV is amenable to the deletion of non-essential immunomodulatory genes and to the insertion of multiple immunostimulatory transgenes with antitumor properties. The systemic and local administration of engineered MYXV promotes changes within the tumor microenvironment that reverse immunosuppression and improve immune activation and infiltration. These cancer tropism and immune activation properties, combined with the absence of preexisting antibodies, led to the testing of MYXV in various types of preclinical cancer models, including pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, melanoma, small cell lung cancer, and hematological malignancies. This review highlights the current progress with the development of MYXV as an immunotherapeutic agent.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"171 ","pages":"91-127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing clinical translation of oncolytic adenoviruses.","authors":"Margarita Romanenko, Julia Davydova","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Viruses are extraordinary products of evolution that can be harnessed as versatile platforms for cancer therapy. They replicate in tumor cells, induce lysis, and stimulate antitumor immunity. Among viral platforms, oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) have emerged as leading candidates. They are well-characterized, amenable to genetic modification, capable of accommodating large payloads, and can be produced at high titers. Nonetheless, natural adenoviruses require precise engineering to maximize therapeutic benefit. Clinical translation has also been constrained by several barriers, including the absence of murine models permissive for adenovirus replication, immune neutralization during systemic delivery, and insufficient tumor penetration. This chapter explores strategies to overcome these challenges, beginning with an overview of the adenovirus replication cycle and its interaction with host cells and systemic factors. We discuss the intrinsic properties of the adenoviral life cycle that make these vectors effective oncolytic agents, as well as genetic modifications designed to further enhance antitumor efficacy. These include receptor retargeting, replication control, insertion of therapeutic payloads, and capsid protein engineering to ablate unwanted interactions with host factors. We also highlight clinically advanced OAds to illustrate which modifications have successfully moved beyond laboratory development into clinical application. In addition, the potential of alternative adenovirus types with distinct seroprevalence, replication machinery, and blood interactions is reviewed. Finally, we discuss advances in preclinical modeling, emphasizing the limitations of murine models and highlighting the development of immunocompetent hamster and porcine models that better reproduce adenovirus-host interactions and provide critical insights for clinical translation of OAds.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"171 ","pages":"267-319"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}