Ana Laura Vieira Alves, Bianca Naomi Niitsuma, Fernanda Antunes, Jean Carlos Dos Santos da Luz, Mariana Barbosa, Otavio Augusto Rodrigues, Soraia Barbosa de Oliveira, Bryan E Strauss
{"title":"Non-replicating adenoviral vectors for cancer gene therapy.","authors":"Ana Laura Vieira Alves, Bianca Naomi Niitsuma, Fernanda Antunes, Jean Carlos Dos Santos da Luz, Mariana Barbosa, Otavio Augusto Rodrigues, Soraia Barbosa de Oliveira, Bryan E Strauss","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>While there are many choices among gene transfer vectors for basic or applied research, non-replicating adenoviruses are among the most studied. The virus is well suited for in vivo gene therapy since the vector can be produced with relatively high titers, is an efficient platform for in vivo modification of a variety of target cells and is relatively safe considering that the viral genome remains episomal. The production of adenoviral vectors is scalable and, once virus particles have been recovered, does not depend on the transfection of plasmids, a costly and laborious process to perform on large scale and with pharmaceutical quality. These vectors can be extensively modified to provide targeting at the level of transduction and transgene expression. The use of a non-replicating vector implies that it will not express viral proteins but instead can be modified to carry coding or non-coding sequences, including those that may be prejudicial to the life cycle of replicating viruses. Admittedly, immunogenicity of adenoviral vectors is an issue that requires careful consideration but may be leveraged to act as an adjuvant for vaccines or to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Modifications also allow adenoviral vectors to act as important allies for achieving long-term expression. If viral replication is desired, non-replicating vectors can be paired with conditionally replicating adenovirus, thus providing the best of both approaches. To date, three cancer gene therapy products, Gendicine, Adstiladrin, and Papzimeos, that are based on non-replicating adenovirus have been approved for commercialization. As we will explore here, non-replicating adenoviral vectors continue to be developed for cancer gene therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"171 ","pages":"143-185"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177524","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":"Safety, ethical, and regulatory considerations in nanotechnology for skin cancer.","authors":"Lokesh Badgugar, Saurabh Maru, Neha Sisodiya, Renuka Maru, Sinoy Sugunan","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rising prevalence of skin cancer worldwide emphasizes the critical need for novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches that go beyond conventional methods. Through improved drug delivery, targeted therapy, and sophisticated diagnostic applications, nanotechnology holds revolutionary promise in the field of oncology. The safety, ethical, and regulatory aspects of nanotechnology's multifaceted role in the treatment of skin cancer are highlighted in this chapter. Systemic toxicity is reduced by nanoparticles with enhanced biocompatibility, site-specific drug delivery, and imaging precision, such as liposomes, polymeric carriers, metallic nanostructures, and quantum dots. In spite of these developments, issues with biodistribution, long-term toxicity, and possible genotoxic effects still continue to impact nanomedicine. Informed consent, fair access, environmental sustainability, and data privacy are ethical factors to be taken into account in clinical applications and nanomedical research. ssAdditionally, regulatory frameworks are still evolving as international organizations like the FDA and EMA keep establishing guidelines for post-market surveillance, safety evaluation, and characterization. The chapter emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary cooperation in ensuring the responsible development, moral application, and thorough evaluation of nanotechnology-based interventions. Transforming nanotechnological advancements into safe and efficient treatments for patients with skin cancer requires the integration of safety testing, ethical consideration, and standardized international regulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"381-415"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825459","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":"Nanotechnology in skin cancer diagnosis.","authors":"Sangeeta Dwivedi, Steffy Mary Chandy, Neha Sisodiya, Saurabh Maru, Rakhi Khabiya","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin is very sensitive organ for carcinogen and mutagens. Abnormal growth of skin cells leads to in skin cancer which is notable health concern globally. It can be divided into two types Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Prolonged exposure to UV sunlight and increasing pollution are major causes of skin cancer. A significant number of deaths are associated with this condition. Moreover, the cost related to its diagnosis and treatment is increasing day by day. Various optical technologies like wavelength-based imaging, Fluorescence microscopy (with confocal optics), optical coherence reflectometry, three-dimensional surface mapping, mole mapping, and multiphoton laser imaging are applied for skin lesion diagnosis. The accuracy of the diagnosis of cancer by each of those methods is still debatable. Conventional methods have certain major side effects which impart negative effects on patient health. early identification and treatment of skin cancer can notably improve patient outcomes. From last few years new techniques for diagnosis of skin cancer have gained increased attention. Among them, nanotechnology technology has offered newer molecular diagnostic tools and bio imaging tools that have revolutionized the concept of diagnosis of skin cancer. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in diagnosis of skin cancer will give new and innovative detection in primary health care setting. Therefore, this chapter focuses on recent innovation with advance nanotechnology techniques for early skin cancer detection, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"147-171"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825367","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}
Kaitlyn B Conley, Kathleen C Brown, Javan C Christian, Kushal J Modi, Christopher R Bender, Sarah E McGuffey, Sadia Akter, Sarah L Miles, Todd W Gress, Rebecca S Wolfer, Brian D Antoniano, Gregory H Cummings, Krista L Denning, Monica A Valentovic, Piyali Dasgupta
{"title":"Memantine and its analogs: Potential applications in cancer therapy.","authors":"Kaitlyn B Conley, Kathleen C Brown, Javan C Christian, Kushal J Modi, Christopher R Bender, Sarah E McGuffey, Sadia Akter, Sarah L Miles, Todd W Gress, Rebecca S Wolfer, Brian D Antoniano, Gregory H Cummings, Krista L Denning, Monica A Valentovic, Piyali Dasgupta","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.07.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Drug repurposing refers to the process of using an existing drug or drug candidate for a new treatment or medical condition for which it was not indicated before. The process of \"drug repurposing\" usually involves an FDA-approved entity which has undergone clinical development and have a with well-established safety and toxicity profile in patients. Several convergent studies show that repurposed drugs may present a promising strategy for the management and therapy of several human cancers. Memantine is used to combat dementia in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Several convergent studies show that memantine (and its analogs) may have applications in multiple disease conditions associated with human cancers. Memantine and its related compounds have shown promise as neuroprotective agents, anti-fatigue agents and pain-relieving agents to alleviate the toxic side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Recent publications have revealed that memantine displays anti-cancer activity by exerting direct growth-suppressive activity on the primary tumor as modulating the genomic/cellular landscape of the tumor microenvironment. Currently, clinical trials are in progress, which aim to evaluate the potential applications of memantine in cancer treatment. The adamantane scaffold in memantine has proved to be a versatile tool for the discovery of synthetic memantine analogs with robust anti-cancer activity. The discovery of second-generation memantine analogs may have wider applications in combating cancer recurrence and addressing clinical challenges in the treatment of drug-resistant and metastatic cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"172 ","pages":"1-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148984387","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":"Molecularly driven therapies in the treatment of primary brain tumors.","authors":"Ruham Alshiehk Nasany, Macarena I de la Fuente","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Molecular profiling has revolutionized the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of various cancers, with advances in next-generation sequencing and DNA methylation profiling offering unprecedented insights into tumor biology. This paradigm shift has enhanced the understanding of driver mutations in cancers translating into improved patient outcomes. In primary brain tumors, particularly gliomas, molecular profiling has redefined classification frameworks, yet meaningful improvements in patient survival remain elusive, particularly for glioblastoma. However, recent strides in molecularly targeted therapies have led to landmark FDA approvals, including agents such as vorasidenib for IDH-mutant gliomas, the combination of dabrafenib trametinib for BRAF mutated tumors, and TRK inhibitors for NTRK fusion-positive tumors. While conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy remain the standard of care for gliomas, the integration of molecular-driven therapies is beginning to shape clinical management strategies. This article explores the evolving role of molecularly targeted treatments in adult primary brain tumors, examining their current applications and future potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"183-201"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661503","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":"Liquid biopsy in the diagnosis of primary brain tumors.","authors":"Tejus A Bale, Ingo K Mellinghoff, Maya S Graham","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The diagnosis of primary brain tumors at presentation and with progression presents unique challenges, in part due to the inherent risks and limitations of neurosurgical sampling. Emerging liquid biopsy techniques analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are potentially revolutionary, affording a minimally invasive means of collecting valuable tumor-related information. Here we review the most salient factors contributing to successful detection of CSF ctDNA, the most developed ctDNA assay techniques and the clinical contexts in which CSF liquid biopsy has been applied. Future opportunities for liquid biopsy advancement are also explored. Integration of these techniques into routine clinical care will require rigorous validation through clinical trials and standardization of assay pipelines but holds great promise for the future of neuro-oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"81-102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661437","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":"Cerebrospinal fluid considerations in glioma.","authors":"Shelei Pan, Jennifer M Strahle","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates in the ventricular system and subarachnoid space, and through its interaction with interstitial fluid, facilitates nutrient and waste exchange to support the functional needs of cells in the brain and spinal cord. In the setting of primary brain tumors, CSF has been implicated in tumor pathogenesis by serving as both a reservoir and vehicle for factors which may support tumor progression, therefore contributing to the tumor microenvironment. Pathological manifestations of CSF in the setting of brain tumors include hydrocephalus due to tumor obstruction of CSF pathways, CSF seeding and leptomeningeal metastasis, and transependymal flow. CSF also has roles as a reservoir for biomarkers important in brain tumor detection and as a site for direct delivery of therapeutic agents to bypass the blood brain barrier. Despite the intimate association between CSF and brain tumors, few studies have investigated mechanisms of local and global alterations of fluid flow in the setting of glioma, the most common malignant primary brain tumor in the central nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the roles, implications, regulations, and diagnostic/therapeutic implications of CSF in glioma and how they may be leveraged for research and clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"33-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661435","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}
Chelsea Kotch, Katherine Green, Michael J Fisher, Darren Hargrave
{"title":"Pediatric-Type Diffuse Low Grade Glioma.","authors":"Chelsea Kotch, Katherine Green, Michael J Fisher, Darren Hargrave","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pediatric-type diffuse low grade glioma are a novel subgrouping of pediatric glioma defined in the updated WHO 2021 classification of central nervous system tumors. The newly recognized pediatric-type diffuse low grade glioma family is comprised of four distinct entities, including diffuse astrocytoma MYB or MYBL1-altered, angiocentric glioma, polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young, and diffuse low grade glioma MAPK-altered. Due to significant overlap in histopathology and molecular alterations between pediatric-type diffuse low grade glioma, accurate diagnosis of these tumor subtypes requires integration of both histology and molecular findings. Herein, we describe the epidemiologic, imaging, and molecular features of these pediatric diffuse glioma. In addition, we review current knowledge regarding management approach and treatment outcomes, including potential therapeutic implications of prevalent molecular alterations within this family of tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"167 ","pages":"1-35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145460645","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}
Leilei Zhang, Milagros Junco, Danyelle M Townsend, Eduardo N Maldonado
{"title":"Enzymes of the outer mitochondrial membrane regulating cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in cancer.","authors":"Leilei Zhang, Milagros Junco, Danyelle M Townsend, Eduardo N Maldonado","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mitochondria are major sites of ATP production, also serving as metabolic and biosynthetic hubs. The structure of mitochondria comprises a matrix enclosed by an inner membrane which is separated from the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) by the intermembrane space. The OMM is a lipid bilayer that forms an interphase between mitochondria and the surrounding cytosol. While its primary function is to act as a selective barrier, controlling the exchange of molecules between these two cellular compartments, the OMM also plays a crucial role in various metabolic and regulatory processes. It is home to 114 distinct proteins, including transporters, signaling molecules, and structural components. Among these, approximately 30 are enzymes that actively participate in the regulation of lipid metabolism, amino acid processing, calcium homeostasis, and heme biosynthesis. These enzymatic functions highlight the OMM's significance beyond its structural role, positioning it as a key player in cellular energy balance, apoptosis, and intracellular signaling pathways. Here, we focus on OMM proteins involved in the synthesis and utilization of cholesterol and fatty acids. We describe the mechanisms of action, effects, regulation, association with cancer progression, and their potential as pharmacological targets of the steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR), translocator protein (TSPO), acetyl-CoA carboxylase β (ACCβ), acyl-CoA synthetases long chain family member 1 and 6 (ACSL1 and ACSL6), and carnitine palmitoyl transferases 1A and 1B (CPT1A and CPT1B). Overall, we provide a comprehensive view of these OMM enzymes in non-cancerous and cancer cells as well as their potential as targets for developing novel chemotherapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"168 ","pages":"63-97"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145535119","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}
Anthony Pak-Yin Liu, Hirokazu Takami, Mohamed S Abdelbaki
{"title":"Germinoma: Presentation, Management, and Recent Advances.","authors":"Anthony Pak-Yin Liu, Hirokazu Takami, Mohamed S Abdelbaki","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Central Nervous System (CNS) germinomas are rare, malignant germ cell tumors that predominantly affect children, adolescents and young adults (AYA). These tumors are highly sensitive to irradiation and chemotherapy, making them one of the most curable intracranial malignancies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of germinoma, covering epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes. We also discuss recent advances in molecular biology and their implications on future therapeutic developments.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"167 ","pages":"279-302"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145461263","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}