Journal of Cancer Biology

Mini Review Open Access

Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease 

Wint Yan Aung, MD , Margaret Locke , Adit Singhal, MD , Nagashree Seetharamu, MD

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].

Commentary Open Access

Advances in glyconanotechnology based biomedical applications

Divya Kamath , Stefan H. Bossmann

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.

Review Article Open Access

Mechanisms of cancer cell rescue against pancreatic cancer therapeutics: Intrinsic and acquired resistance

Jeevan Ghosalkar , Vinay Sonawane , Kalpana Joshi

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.

Mini Review Open Access

Cancer stem cells as a biomarker – A mini review

Urja Joshi , Dhara Jani , Linz-Buoy George , Hyacinth Highland

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. 

Review Article Open Access

Nuclear mTORC2 and its emerging role in gene regulation

Moinuddin , Narayan Kumar , Smrati Bhadauria

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.

Original Research Open Access

Effectiveness of comprehensive nursing intervention on alleviating postoperative fatigue and anxiety in patients with oral cancer

Sukanta Nath , Khemchand Falwaria , Shiromani Debbarma , Matrujyoti Pattnaik , Ankita Debnath

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.

Mini Review Open Access

Targeting m6A in cancer – new prospective

Grossmann L.D , Moshitch-Moshkovitz S

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.

Commentary Open Access

Oncogenic specificity in nevus and melanoma formation

Konrad Kaminiow , Stephen M Ostrowski , David E Fisher

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.

Commentary Open Access

Advances in the understanding of health disparities in the United States Hispanic population

Asma Pinkey , Masuma Anzuman , Mrudang Desai , Anna M. Eiring

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.