Nisreen Amayiri, Naureen Mushtaq, Mithra Ghalibafian, Eric Bouffet
{"title":"Management of pediatric brain tumors in low- and middle-income countries.","authors":"Nisreen Amayiri, Naureen Mushtaq, Mithra Ghalibafian, Eric Bouffet","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Five-year survival rates exceed 70 % for the 10-20 % children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors in high-income countries (HICs) but are less than 30 % for the 80 % children in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). The management of CNS tumors is complex and multidisciplinary. It requires a minimum of infrastructure and interactive collaboration between the different actors involved in the care of these patients. This chapter addresses the main challenges associated with the management of pediatric CNS tumors in LMIC, and describes examples of successful development, particularly in the context of twinning programs between institutions in HIC and institutions in LMIC.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"167 ","pages":"427-453"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145461248","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":"Supramaximal resection in primary brain tumors.","authors":"Vardhaan S Ambati, Shawn L Hervey-Jumper","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, supramaximal resection has emerged as a critical surgical principle in the management of primary brain tumors, particularly gliomas. This approach goes beyond traditional gross total resection, typically limited to contrast-enhancing tumor margins on T1-weighted MRI in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma and the T2/FLAIR region in IDH-mutant glioma, while aiming to preserve neurological function. Growing evidence suggests that this more extensive resection, if performed safely, may confer survival benefits without compromising quality of life. In this chapter, we review the historical development, conceptual underpinnings, and clinical data supporting supramaximal resection. We also describe modern techniques-including intraoperative mapping and functional preservation strategies-that enable safe and effective implementation of this approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"137-152"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661506","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":"Advanced imaging of IDH-mutant gliomas: Precision in diagnosis and management.","authors":"Onur Yildirim, Robert J Young","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advancements in imaging techniques and analyses have evolved in parallel with advancements in precision oncology and the transformative changes in glioma diagnosis and management. This chapter explores the pivotal roles of modern qualitative and quantitative imaging in characterizing gliomas, particularly low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Key topics include the integration of standard imaging biomarkers (e.g., T2-FLAIR mismatch sign) and advanced imaging modalities (e.g., 2-hydroxyglutarate [2HG] spectroscopy, diffusion and perfusion imaging) into routine clinical practice. These approaches enhance diagnostic accuracy, facilitate treatment planning, and enable longitudinal monitoring of disease progression. Practical challenges, such as the logistical demands to implement tumor segmentation, variability in imaging acquisition and interpretation, and integration of imaging into decision-making discussions between physicians and patients, are also discussed. Additionally, the role of radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) in refining tumor characterization and predicting treatment response is explored. The inclusion of emerging therapeutic strategies, including IDH inhibitors and AI-driven imaging tools, underscores this chapter's emphasis on precision-driven innovations. By synthesizing current research and clinical practices, this chapter provides a comprehensive framework for leveraging advanced imaging in glioma care. Improved imaging methodologies not only allow for earlier detection of disease progression but also offer insight into treatment response and resistance mechanisms. As imaging continues to evolve, its integration with molecular and computational tools will further refine personalized approaches in glioma management, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"59-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661434","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 advances in the management of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT).","authors":"Michael Angelo Huang, Ashley Margol","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) are rare, often lethal embryonal tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that primarily affect very young children. Intensive multimodal approaches have resulted in improvements in survival albeit with significant associated toxicity. Recent molecular studies have led to the discovery of SMARCB1 inactivation and resultant BAF47/INI1 loss as the near-universal key genetic event that leads to widespread epigenetic dysregulation. Rarely, SMARCA4 encoding BRG1 is impacted. SMARCB1 and SMARCA4 are core subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, which is a fundamental epigenetic regulator of gene transcription. Up to a third of patients diagnosed with ATRT have Rhabdoid Tumor Predisposition Syndrome (RTPS) characterized by germline SMARCB1 (or SMARCA4) alterations. Patients with RTPS are at increased risk of developing synchronous or metachronous rhabdoid tumors outside the CNS. At least three molecular subgroups of ATRT (ATRT-TYR, ATRT-SHH, ATRT-MYC) have been identified through large-scale DNA methylation and transcriptomic studies, with each subgroup having distinct transcriptional, epigenomic and clinicopathologic features. In this book chapter, we will summarize key epidemiological and clinical features of ATRT, review current conventional multimodal regimens, summarize key findings from conducted prospective trials and recently concluded (2020 to present) meta-analyses, as well as discuss emerging targeted treatment approaches that exploit potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of this epigenetically influenced tumor.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"167 ","pages":"185-241"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145461262","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}
Wali Ullah, Hail Kim, Sanghee Han, Minseo Oh, Dong-Chul Kang, Seok-Geun Lee
{"title":"AEG-1 on cancer drug resistance: From molecular insights to therapeutic challenges.","authors":"Wali Ullah, Hail Kim, Sanghee Han, Minseo Oh, Dong-Chul Kang, Seok-Geun Lee","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), also known as metadherin (MTDH), has emerged as a multifunctional oncogene implicated in cancer progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and notably, drug resistance across diverse malignancies. AEG-1 exerts its effects by modulating key signaling cascades, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin, and by regulating genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis suppression, cancer stemness, and multidrug resistance. Its interactions with molecular partners such as SND1, USP10, and nucleolin further amplify its oncogenic potential, especially in immune suppression and therapy resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AEG-1-mediated drug resistance mechanisms across tumor types including breast, liver, lung, glioma, and gynecological cancers. Tumor-specific signaling contexts and immune microenvironmental interactions are examined to highlight how they shape AEG-1 function. Therapeutic challenges in targeting AEG-1-such as its non-enzymatic structure and intracellular localization-are critically discussed. We further explore emerging strategies to inhibit AEG-1, including RNA interference, long noncoding RNA modulation, partner interaction disruption, phytochemical inhibitors, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems. AEG-1 is also evaluated as a prognostic and predictive biomarker with translational relevance in precision oncology. Future studies should prioritize its integration into biomarker-guided clinical trials and the development of tumor-specific AEG-1-targeted therapies. This review underscores AEG-1 as a central mediator of drug resistance and a compelling target for next-generation cancer therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"168 ","pages":"99-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145535129","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":"AI-driven parametric FDG brain PET and brain tumor segmentation for multi-modal convolution neural network to differentiate tumor progression from treatment effect in GBM.","authors":"Bijoy Kundu, Zoraiz Qureshi, Rugved Chavan, Afrida Rahman","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for 52 % of all malignant primary brain tumors. The main treatment regimens include surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy. Despite these, the median survival of patients with GBM is only 15 months. To make things worse the neuroimaging characteristics mimic tumor recurrence. Traditional static Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is also unreliable. In this review manuscript we describe advanced PET methods to differentiate tumor progression (TP) from treatment related necrosis (TN) in post treated GBM patients. Dynamic FDG PET (dPET), an advance from traditional static FDG PET, may prove advantageous in clinical staging. Quantifying dPET data is however challenging. In this review we showcase new work for an end-to-end novel AI platform for automated blood input computation to quantify dPET data. Next, we review new work on a large AI model for multimodal brain tumor segmentation from post-treated BraTS2024 MRI datasets and finally a multi-modal AI platform including dPET and MRI for classification of TP vs TN.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"168 ","pages":"131-157"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145535076","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":"Advances in minimally invasive surgery for brain metastases.","authors":"Nicole A Perez, Bryan D Choi, Brian V Nahed","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brain metastases (BMs) affect approximately 10-30 % of cancer patients, and their prevalence is growing as patients live longer with controlled primary disease. Surgical resection remains a cornerstone of treatment for both solitary and multifocal lesions. Since the advent of intracranial tumor surgery, neurosurgery has trended towards less invasive surgical approaches, facilitated by a proliferation of surgical innovations ranging from intraoperative MRI to tubular retractors. Minimally invasive cranial surgery (MICS) incorporates approaches such as keyhole craniotomies and tubular retraction with the goal of maximizing extent of resection and reducing iatrogenic tissue injury. Supramarginal resection builds upon this approach, expanding the boundaries of the resection cavity to ensure removal of microscopic tumor fragments and decrease recurrence. Because MICS is generally performed through craniotomies< 5 cm in diameter with limited ability to change predefined surgical corridors intraoperatively, meticulous attention must be given to the preoperative workup. Imaging modalities, including CT, MRI, DWI, and DTI, may reveal characteristics of the intra-tumoral environment and are important in defining the anatomical relationship of BMs to surrounding functional tissue and neurovascular structures. Intraoperatively, neuronavigation helps maintain alignment within predefined surgical corridors, and adjunctive modalities such as intraoperative ultrasound and brain mapping help compensate for brain shift. Advancements in visual augmentation tools such as fluorescence, endoscopes, and exoscopes further enable intraoperative delineation of tumor boundaries and allow for expanded utilization of MICS in deep-seated, complex BMs. The ever-growing armamentarium of minimally invasive surgical tools has made neurosurgery an increasingly safe and effective option for patients with BMs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"165 ","pages":"165-230"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144304206","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":"Precision medicine approaches to CNS metastatic disease.","authors":"Toni Cao, Meaghan Roy-O'Reilly, Seema Nagpal","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brain metastases (BrM) and leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are increasingly common neurologic complications of cancer. The era of precision oncology has ushered in a deeper understanding of the molecular alterations that drive oncogenesis, subsequently informing and accelerating the drug development process. New systemic treatments, including oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as well as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have substantial intracranial efficacy with meaningful clinical benefit for BrM patients. Our understanding of LM continues to evolve with the development of improved detection methods and an increasing number of brain penetrant therapies. Targeted therapeutics continue to transform the existing treatment landscape and add both choice and complexity to the clinician's calculus when managing patients with BrM and/or LM. Multidisciplinary discussion should ultimately guide all treatment decisions and explore both the benefits and toxicities of various therapy options. Systemic targeted therapies should be considered for patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic small BrM and/or LM. Future studies investigating treatment timing and effective combinatorial strategies are urgently needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"165 ","pages":"57-114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144304247","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}
Stylianos Pikis, Maria Protopapa, Georgios Mantziaris, Mahmoud Osama, Jason Sheehan
{"title":"Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases.","authors":"Stylianos Pikis, Maria Protopapa, Georgios Mantziaris, Mahmoud Osama, Jason Sheehan","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brain metastases are the most common intracranial malignancies in adults, and, depending on primary tumor type, they may affect up to 50 % of cancer patients. Although advances in systemic and local therapies have led to improvements in patient overall survival and progression free survival, there remains substantial opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivers high doses of ionizing radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy to discrete intracranial tumors. It has emerged as the standard of care for patients with limited number of brain metastases, and it serves as a valuable adjuvant after resection. Moreover, SRS is typically seamlessly integrated into systemic therapy treatment regimens. Continued improvement in SRS technology and growing evidence have led to expansion of SRS indications and introduction of new SRS techniques. Frameless SRS technologies have allowed for treatment of larger lesions and even lesions adjacent to critical structures for which single session SRS would not be prudent. Neoadjuvant SRS has recently been proposed as an alternative to adjuvant SRS and appears to help reduce the risk of leptomeningeal dissemination. These novel SRS techniques require further evaluation through prospective clinical trials and registry based studies. In addition, the concurrent combination of systemic therapies with central nervous system (CNS) activity and SRS has yielded promising results with respect to local control and adverse radiation events rates. The concurrent delivery of SRS, precision medicine, and/or immunotherapy requires further refinements to fully optimize patient outcomes. In this review, we detail the current literature on established and forthcoming indications of SRS for brain metastases.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"165 ","pages":"115-143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144304249","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":"The history of LITT for the treatment of active brain metastasis and radiation necrosis.","authors":"Theresa Gammel, Shawn D'Souza, William Broaddus","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Treatment of brain metastasis has traditionally included surgical resection for single lesions in accessible locations. However, multiple lesions, small size, location within deeper structures or need for transgression of eloquent cortex renders surgical resection a less viable option. Stereotactic radiosurgery and whole brain radiation are additional treatment options, however risks of worsening neurocognitive symptoms, post-radiation edema, and most significant, radiation necrosis are apparent. With advances in minimally invasive laser delivery systems and magnetic resonance imaging, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has become an increasingly popular option for brain metastasis and radiation necrosis. This chapter will review the history and physics of LITT, discuss pioneering cases which pushed the boundaries of this therapy, and seminal trials which have explored its efficacy in treating brain metastasis and radiation necrosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"165 ","pages":"145-164"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144304250","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}