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Journal of Cancer Biology
ISSN: 2692-7896
Volume 6, Issue 1, p1-75
Articles published in this issue are Open Access and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY NC) where the readers can reuse, download, distribute the article in whole or part by mentioning proper credits to the authors.
Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease
The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways has revolutionized cancer treatment with significantly improved outcomes across a spectrum of cancers [1,2]. Although ICI therapy offers significant clinical benefits, these treatments can also lead to various immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that may negatively impact patient outcomes. Although the precise mechanism of irAE is not fully understood, they demonstrate many clinical features similar to autoimmune diseases. IRAEs are thought to result from bystander effects of activated T-cells, cross-reactivity between tumor and host tissues, and the role of the gut microbiome in immune activation [3].
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p1-3 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.068
Advances in glyconanotechnology based biomedical applications
There is an emerging awareness in cancer biology that glycobiology plays a significant, if not decisive role in oncogenesis, tumor survival, and proliferation. The human glycome is even more complex than the human genome, because glycans are synthesized as secondary gene products by sequentially acting glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. Glycans act as a communication system within the organism and between different organisms.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p4-9 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.069
Mechanisms of cancer cell rescue against pancreatic cancer therapeutics: Intrinsic and acquired resistance
Pancreatic Cancer (PC) with dismal prognosis poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. PC is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally and is projected to surpass lung cancer as the second foremost cause by 2030. The poor prognosis associated with PC is primarily due to the low rate of early detection, rapid progression, and limited treatment options. Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for PC in all stages of disease.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p10-22 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.070
Cancer stem cells as a biomarker – A mini review
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) also known as tumor stem cells (TSCs), are pivotal in cancer development and progression. They can be identified through specific markers and surface proteins (e.g., CD44, CD133) that differ from those on non-CSC tumor cells. As well high CSC levels often correlate with poor prognosis, aggressive disease, and resistance to conventional therapies. CSCs are more resistant to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, leading to relapse and metastasis.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p23-33 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.071
Nuclear mTORC2 and its emerging role in gene regulation
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a critical regulator of cell growth, metabolism, survival, and actin-cytoskeletal organization, is primarily recognized for its cytoplasmic functions. However, emerging evidence suggests that the mTOR and its constituent partners also localize to the nucleus, where it may play distinct roles in gene expression regulation, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional control. This review highlights the evolving understanding of nmTORC2 (nuclear mTORC2), with a particular focus on its composition, functional implications, and relevance in cancer biology.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p34-46 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.072
Effectiveness of comprehensive nursing intervention on alleviating postoperative fatigue and anxiety in patients with oral cancer
Postoperative functional impairments are common in patients with oral cancer following surgery. Furthermore, these patients frequently experience fatigue and anxiety, which are strongly linked to a lower quality of life (QOL). The goal of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of comprehensive nursing intervention on alleviating postoperative fatigue and anxiety in patients with oral cancer.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p47-54 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.073
Targeting m6A in cancer – new prospective
The field of mRNA modifications has rapidly developed over the last years, outlining a new realm of gene expression regulation that appears to play a major role in health and disease states including cancer. Considering the information regarding chemical modifications of DNA and proteins, decades of research proved beyond any doubt that chemical modifications affect chromatin structure as well as enzymatic activity.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p55-63 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.074
Oncogenic specificity in nevus and melanoma formation
There is striking clinical, histological, and molecular diversity observed across melanocytic tumors. Activating mutations in BRAF and NRAS are well-established initiators of benign melanocytic nevi and melanoma. However, accumulating evidence reveals that the biological outcome after oncogene activation is dependent on cellular state differences that vary by anatomic site, developmental timing, and cell of origin.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p64-70 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.075
Advances in the understanding of health disparities in the United States Hispanic population
Health disparities have become a major concern for global public health, disproportionately affecting minority and underserved populations throughout the United States (U.S.). Hispanics make up the fastest-growing minority group in the U.S., and they often experience significant health disparities when it comes to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. These disparities are likely driven by a confluence of socioeconomic disadvantages, structural inequities, environmental exposures, and cultural barriers.
J Cancer Biol, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p71-75 | DOI: 10.46439/cancerbiology.6.076
How many mutations does it take to make a uveal melanoma?
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare cancer that affects the choroid and, less frequently, the ciliary body or the iris (for recent reviews see [1-3]). Despite a profound knowledge of the oncogenic mechanisms behind UM tumorigenesis and despite an accurate cytogenetic and molecular prognosis, only limited advances have been made in UM therapy.
Fight tumor heterogeneity
Intratumor heterogeneity has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Heterogeneity is the driving force of tumor clone evolution. Chromosomal instability, somatic mutation, epigenetic modification and extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) contribute to tumor heterogeneity. The degree of such heterogeneity is extremely high.
Modulating the immunotolerant tumor microenvironment to enhance irreversible electroporation ablation therapy
Over the years, several ablation techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, and cryoablation, have been developed and implemented in the treatment of different cancers. Of these ablation technologies, RFA is the most widely used. RFA is a form of thermal ablation that relies on radio waves to produce an electrical current at the tip of an inserted electrode, thus allowing for heat production at the site of the tumor.
Harnessing innovation for the future of breast cancer management
Background: Breast cancer remains a major global health burden despite therapeutic advances, necessitating further innovations to address persistent challenges like therapeutic resistance, adverse effects, and mortality in subgroups. Emerging technologies offer promising opportunities in this regard through data-driven, precise, and personalized approaches.
Commentary on “Discussing diabetes, palliative care and end of life care: choosing the right language”
Our paper entitled “Discussing diabetes, palliative care and end of life care: choosing the right language” reports a core aspect of our research program, which focuses on older people with diabetes, palliative and end of life care for people with diabetes, and the effect of language on clear communication, that commenced in 2009 [1].
A scoping review of outcome measures in ovarian cancer clinical trials
The incorporation of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is essential for assessing whether a cancer treatment enhances overall patient well-being, beyond merely extending survival. This scoping review aimed to identify and analyze the use of PROs in ovarian cancer clinical trials.
Current understanding of gender dimorphism regarding type 2 diabetes
Today, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus affect 33.3 million people in the United States and nearly 500 million adults worldwide, and there is concern that this number may increase steadily in the future. Previous studies have linked the development of type 2 diabetes to multiple lifestyle factors, including physical activity level and diet, and biological characteristics, such as body composition, age, and race; however, current research suggests that gender may also have an impact on one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Variations in type 2 diabetes diagnosis, prevalence, and progression have been found between males and females.
Drosophila male germline stem cells and their transit amplifying daughters depend on G-protein signaling for increasing their mitotic indices in response to mating
In many metazoan tissues, highly specialized cells are constantly lost and need to be replaced by tissue homeostasis from adult stem cells. When adult stem cells divide by mitosis their daughter cells either become new stem cells, or enter a proliferation and differentiation path. Recent studies in Drosophila males showed that germline stem cells (GSCs) can increase their mitotic activity in response to repeated mating.
Potential enhanced association between obstructive lung disease and history of depression in patients with diabetes
Depression is one of the most common comorbidities of chronic diseases including diabetes and obstructive lung diseases (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma). Obstructive lung diseases and depression have few symptoms in common. However, they are both common in adults and associated with chronic inflammation. It is not clear if their coappearance in diabetic patients is coincidental or associated beyond that expected by chance.
Significance of BRCA genetic testing for preoperative breast cancer patients
Examining BRCA mutations in preoperative breast cancer patients is very important when selecting a surgical procedure. Although there are advantages and disadvantages associated with knowing about the presence of genetic mutations, including for the patient’s family, there are many benefits for the patient. BRCA genetic testing should be recommended for patients who are strongly suspected of being positive for a BRCA mutation.
Molecular signatures of aggressive pediatric liver cancer
Liver masses account for 5 to 6% of pediatric cancer, which includes hepatoblastoma (HBL) along with rare cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The most dangerous form of pediatric liver cancer is aggressive HBL, which can be characterized by chemo-resistance and multiple nodules or metastases at diagnosis, all correlating with worse clinical prognosis. Despite intensive studies and a significant improvement in overall outcomes, very little is known about the key molecular pathways which determine the aggressiveness of pediatric liver cancer.
Adiponectin receptor fragmentation in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
The protein hormone adiponectin regulates glucose and fatty acid metabolism by binding to two PAQR-family receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). Both receptors feature a C-terminal segment which is released by proteolysis to form a freely circulating C-terminal fragment (CTF) found in the plasma of normal individuals but not in some undefined diabetes patients.
Deregulation of Slug/Snail2 and TGF-β crosstalk in airway epithelial stem/progenitor cells: A key link between COPD and lung cancer?
This commentary focuses on two recent publications showing deregulation of the transcription factor Slug/Snail2 and TGF-β function in primary bronchial basal/progenitor cells of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the impact on proliferation and the expression of genes involved in stem cell maintenance. We discuss the molecular mechanisms related to the exhaustion of airway basal stem/progenitor cells in tobacco smoke-induced COPD, as well as putative links between COPD and lung cancer at the molecular level.
Cxcl17 and its association with T cells
We recently published an article describing the importance of CXCL17 in T cell responses [1]. In summary, we observed the following:
1) Cxcl17 is necessary to maintain normal ratios of T cell subpopulations in lymph nodes (LN).
2) Cxcl17-/- mice develop more intense inflammatory responses than wild type mice.
Considering Taguchi method as a feature selection method in agent-based models of cancer disease: A mini-review
Cancer biology involves complex dynamics and interactions between cells and the tissue environment. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation can provide a powerful instrument for considering this complexity. Agent-based modeling is a particular discrete hybrid modeling method.
The tumor dose sensitivity matrix and stem cells in head and neck cancer
Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the pillars of locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNSCC) treatment in combination with cisplatin or epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. Despite a very high local tumor control rate, approximately 50% of patients with locally advanced disease will develop a recurrence.
Rheumatic fever: A classical model of a postinfection autoimmune disease and vaccine perspectives
Streptococcus pyogenes infection continues to be a worldwide public health problem causing various diseases in humans, including impetigo and oropharyngeal infections that are responsible for the development of rheumatic fever (RF), a multi-organ inflammatory disorder, Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is its major sequel that leads to heart valves lesions, clinically classified as regurgitation and/or stenosis.
Drought treatment: A new tool for dissecting XA21 signaling in rice
Microbial infection can cause cell damage in both plants and animals, as well as triggering stress responses commonly induced by environmental (abiotic) cues.
High-LET targeted microbeam irradiation induces local chromatin reorganization in living cells showing active basal mechanisms at highly complex DNA damage sites
DNA repair eukaryotic cells have additional protective mechanisms that avoid uncontrolled interaction of different parts of the chromatin and damaged regions. Key factors here are the regulation of chromatin density and mobility. The 4D (temporal and spatial) organization of chromatin is controlling this security barrier by regulating the accessibility of genes, flexibility of DNA, and its ability to move inside the nucleus. How this regulation mechanisms are involved in DNA repair upon radiation damage is until now rarely known but an important part to understand the enhanced effectiveness of high linear energy transfer (LET) particles. The damage recognition via PARP1 and the subsequent chromatin decondensation via PARylation is a crucial step in the DNA damage response (DDR). Upon We used the SNAKE microbeam with a beam spot size of <1 µm to induce highly localized DNA damage in living cells using 55 MeV Carbon ions to investigate the chromatin rearrangements in the early stage of DDR.
Involvement of TGFβ signaling pathway in oxidative stress and diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. However, not much is known of underlying molecular mechanism and how oxidative stress contributes to its development. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of TGFβ signaling pathway on the effect of oxidative stress on VEGF secretion and viability of retinal cells. VEGF is the hallmark that exacerbates DR progression in prolonged diabetes. Some major concerns that have arisen are the underlying effects of antioxidants in elevating VEGF secretion in diabetes.