Pub Date : 2025-11-02DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152436
Rafi Aibani , Jennifer Collins , Amir-Kabirian Borna , Amir Kamran
Brain metastases are common in patients with EGFR-mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet optimal management remains under investigation. Osimertinib has demonstrated central nervous system (CNS) activity, but the added benefit of combining it with upfront local therapy is unclear. This study evaluated the comparative efficacy of osimertinib alone versus in combination with radiation therapy (RT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and brain metastases. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Research Network, identifying adult patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2024 with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and brain metastases who received osimertinib. Patients were grouped into those who received RT or SRS within 6 months of starting osimertinib (cohort 1) and those who received osimertinib alone (cohort 2). Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was 3-year survival; secondary outcomes included CNS complications, healthcare utilization, and second-line therapy initiation. Among 743 eligible patients, 217 in each cohort were matched. Three-year survival was significantly higher in cohort 1 (43% v 29%; HR 0.67, P = .003). Median survival was 25 months v 16 months, respectively. CNS complication rates were not significantly different overall, though sensitivity analysis excluding prior CNS history showed increased complications with osimertinib alone (HR 2.0, P = .007). SRS was independently associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.49, P = .003). Upfront local therapy with osimertinib may improve survival in EGFR-mutant NSCLC with brain metastases, though careful patient selection is warranted.
脑转移在egfr突变的非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者中很常见,但最佳治疗方法仍在研究中。奥西替尼已经显示出中枢神经系统(CNS)的活性,但将其与前期局部治疗联合使用的额外益处尚不清楚。本研究评估了奥西替尼单独与联合放疗(RT)或立体定向放射手术(SRS)治疗egfr突变的非小细胞肺癌和脑转移患者的比较疗效。我们使用TriNetX研究网络进行了一项回顾性队列研究,确定了2010年至2024年间诊断为egfr突变型NSCLC和脑转移的成年患者,这些患者接受了奥西替尼。患者被分为在开始使用奥西替尼后6个月内接受RT或SRS的患者(队列1)和单独使用奥西替尼的患者(队列2)。倾向评分匹配(1:1)用于平衡基线特征。主要终点为3年生存率;次要结局包括中枢神经系统并发症、医疗保健利用和二线治疗开始。在743例符合条件的患者中,每个队列匹配217例。队列1的3年生存率显著提高(43% vs 29%; HR 0.67, P = 0.003)。中位生存期分别为25个月和16个月。CNS并发症发生率总体上无显著差异,但排除既往CNS病史的敏感性分析显示,单独使用奥西替尼会增加并发症(HR 2.0, P = .007)。SRS与死亡率降低独立相关(HR 0.49, P = 0.003)。奥西替尼的前期局部治疗可能提高egfr突变NSCLC脑转移患者的生存率,但需要谨慎选择患者。
{"title":"Comparative efficacy of osimertinib with and without radiation therapy in EGFR-mutated nonsmall cell lung cancer with brain metastases","authors":"Rafi Aibani , Jennifer Collins , Amir-Kabirian Borna , Amir Kamran","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brain metastases are common in patients with EGFR-mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet optimal management remains under investigation. Osimertinib has demonstrated central nervous system (CNS) activity, but the added benefit of combining it with upfront local therapy is unclear. This study evaluated the comparative efficacy of osimertinib alone versus in combination with radiation therapy (RT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and brain metastases. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Research Network, identifying adult patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2024 with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and brain metastases who received osimertinib. Patients were grouped into those who received RT or SRS within 6 months of starting osimertinib (cohort 1) and those who received osimertinib alone (cohort 2). Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was 3-year survival; secondary outcomes included CNS complications, healthcare utilization, and second-line therapy initiation. Among 743 eligible patients, 217 in each cohort were matched. Three-year survival was significantly higher in cohort 1 (43% v 29%; HR 0.67, <em>P</em> = .003). Median survival was 25 months v 16 months, respectively. CNS complication rates were not significantly different overall, though sensitivity analysis excluding prior CNS history showed increased complications with osimertinib alone (HR 2.0, <em>P</em> = .007). SRS was independently associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.49, <em>P</em> = .003). Upfront local therapy with osimertinib may improve survival in EGFR-mutant NSCLC with brain metastases, though careful patient selection is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"53 1","pages":"Article 152436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145597169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152435
Hamza Abu Owida , Raed Obaid Saleh , Suleiman Ibrahim Mohammad , Asokan Vasudevan , Roopashree R , Aditya Kashyap , Anima Nanda , Subhashree Ray , Ahmed Hussein , Hatif Abdulrazaq Yasin
Oxygen shortage, or hypoxia, is a unifying feature of solid tumors that broadly characterizes cancer biology and therapeutic outcome. In expanding tumors, cells adapt to low oxygen tensions by undergoing extensive metabolic reorganization, which is mainly orchestrated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The adaptive response initiates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), promotes metastatic dissemination, and facilitates the formation of cancer stem-like states that drive therapy resistance. Apart from such cellular reorganization, hypoxia also affects circular RNA (circRNA) biogenesis and function, a unique category of non-coding RNAs. CircRNAs are deposited into the tumor microenvironment to function as gene-expression regulators and signaling cascade modulators that are critical for survival, invasion, and drug resistance. Their unique hypoxia-associated expression patterns render them the first choice for diagnosis and prognosis. In this work, we examine the intricate relationship between circRNAs and hypoxia as well as associated molecular mechanisms. We also emphasize their role as ceRNAs, about microRNA binding and RNA-binding proteins, and their oncogenic role. Finally, we underscore the potential of targeting hypoxia-responsive circRNAs as novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.
{"title":"The role of circular RNAs in driving cancer advancement in low-oxygen conditions","authors":"Hamza Abu Owida , Raed Obaid Saleh , Suleiman Ibrahim Mohammad , Asokan Vasudevan , Roopashree R , Aditya Kashyap , Anima Nanda , Subhashree Ray , Ahmed Hussein , Hatif Abdulrazaq Yasin","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxygen shortage, or hypoxia, is a unifying feature of solid tumors that broadly characterizes cancer biology and therapeutic outcome. In expanding tumors, cells adapt to low oxygen tensions by undergoing extensive metabolic reorganization, which is mainly orchestrated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The adaptive response initiates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), promotes metastatic dissemination, and facilitates the formation of cancer stem-like states that drive therapy resistance. Apart from such cellular reorganization, hypoxia also affects circular RNA (circRNA) biogenesis and function, a unique category of non-coding RNAs. CircRNAs are deposited into the tumor microenvironment to function as gene-expression regulators and signaling cascade modulators that are critical for survival, invasion, and drug resistance. Their unique hypoxia-associated expression patterns render them the first choice for diagnosis and prognosis. In this work, we examine the intricate relationship between circRNAs and hypoxia as well as associated molecular mechanisms. We also emphasize their role as ceRNAs, about microRNA binding and RNA-binding proteins, and their oncogenic role. Finally, we underscore the potential of targeting hypoxia-responsive circRNAs as novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"53 1","pages":"Article 152435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152434
Ali G. Alkhathami , Abdulrahman T. Ahmed , Ahmed Hussn , S. RenukaJyothi , Rajashree Panigrahi , Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty , Hansi Negi , Pushkar Jassal , Fathi Jihad Hammady , Salah Abdulhadi Salih
Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death, but HCC treatment with the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin is limited because of acquired drug resistance. In this review, we examined current knowledge on the specific molecular mechanisms of doxorubicin resistance in HCC, including overexpression of drug efflux (ABC family) transporters, aberrations of the drug target topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A), impairments in apoptosis (p53, FOXO3, Bcl-2 family members), oncogenic activation of pro-survival signaling pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPKs), instances of tumor heterogeneity with sirtuins, and cancer stem cells. Additionally, we investigate the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in modulating sensitivity to and resistance to doxorubicin in HCC. In conclusion, nanomedicine will become crucial in overcoming the limitations of significant doxorubicin resistance in HCC, utilizing advanced mechanisms to modulate treatment with doxorubicin in this context. This review details various nanotechnology-based approaches to the delivery of doxorubicin, including passive targeting using the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, active targeting with specific ligands, and stimulus-responsive drug release in the tumor microenvironment (e.g., pH, redox potential). We focus on preclinical studies that utilized a variety of nanoparticle formulations for palliative care to patients with HCC, have investigated the use of liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (e.g., PCL, chitosan), metallic particles (e.g., gold, silver, iron oxide), dendrimers, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been loaded with doxorubicin or combined with other agents (e.g., cantharidin, berberine, isoginkgetin, ginger extract). The nanoparticle formulations enhanced drug delivery, increased drug accumulation per cell, reduced systemic toxicity, and overcame drug resistance mechanisms in HCC models.
{"title":"Nanoparticle-based approaches for doxorubicin delivery in hepatocellular carcinoma: Current strategies and emerging innovations","authors":"Ali G. Alkhathami , Abdulrahman T. Ahmed , Ahmed Hussn , S. RenukaJyothi , Rajashree Panigrahi , Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty , Hansi Negi , Pushkar Jassal , Fathi Jihad Hammady , Salah Abdulhadi Salih","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death, but HCC treatment with the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin is limited because of acquired drug resistance. In this review, we examined current knowledge on the specific molecular mechanisms of doxorubicin resistance in HCC, including overexpression of drug efflux (ABC family) transporters, aberrations of the drug target topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A), impairments in apoptosis (p53, FOXO3, Bcl-2 family members), oncogenic activation of pro-survival signaling pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPKs), instances of tumor heterogeneity with sirtuins, and cancer stem cells. Additionally, we investigate the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in modulating sensitivity to and resistance to doxorubicin in HCC. In conclusion, nanomedicine will become crucial in overcoming the limitations of significant doxorubicin resistance in HCC, utilizing advanced mechanisms to modulate treatment with doxorubicin in this context. This review details various nanotechnology-based approaches to the delivery of doxorubicin, including passive targeting using the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, active targeting with specific ligands, and stimulus-responsive drug release in the tumor microenvironment (e.g., pH, redox potential). We focus on preclinical studies that utilized a variety of nanoparticle formulations for palliative care to patients with HCC, have investigated the use of liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (e.g., PCL, chitosan), metallic particles (e.g., gold, silver, iron oxide), dendrimers, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been loaded with doxorubicin or combined with other agents (e.g., cantharidin, berberine, isoginkgetin, ginger extract). The nanoparticle formulations enhanced drug delivery, increased drug accumulation per cell, reduced systemic toxicity, and overcame drug resistance mechanisms in HCC models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"53 1","pages":"Article 152434"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152433
Pengpeng Su , Qianfeng Xu , Yan Wang , Wenjie Xie , Jundong Lin , Yangjia Zhuo , Jianheng Ye , Jianming Lu , Zhaodong Han , Fen Zou , Qishan Dai , Weide Zhong
Micron-sized (1 µm - 100 µm) and submicron-sized (100 nm–1 µm) silica particles are prevalent in both natural environments and areas influenced by human activities. Their environmental forms, origins, and pathways of human exposure differ markedly from those of nanoscale silica. Empirical studies have demonstrated that silica can induce cellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as inhibit the activity of key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase. This inhibition can promote tumor cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, silica may activate the HIF-1α/mTOR signaling axis, leading to the upregulation of glucose transporter GLUT1 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), thereby enhancing glycolytic metabolic flux. Concurrently, it may inhibit fatty acid β-oxidation, resulting in abnormal lipid accumulation and the promotion of pro-inflammatory mediator release. In summary, the accumulation of submicron silica within the bodies of cancer patients has the potential to induce metabolic disorders. Such metabolic reprogramming may influence the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) and adversely impact postoperative quality of life. In this study, we demonstrated that prolonged exposure of the lungs to submicron silica particles can induce alterations in lipid metabolism in PCa and significantly enhance the proliferation and invasive capacity of PCa cells. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms underlying silica-induced metabolic imbalance holds substantial clinical significance for enhancing the prognosis of patients with tumors related to exposure.
{"title":"Submicron silica particles drives prostate cancer aggressiveness via lipid-metabolic reprogramming","authors":"Pengpeng Su , Qianfeng Xu , Yan Wang , Wenjie Xie , Jundong Lin , Yangjia Zhuo , Jianheng Ye , Jianming Lu , Zhaodong Han , Fen Zou , Qishan Dai , Weide Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Micron-sized (1 µm - 100 µm) and submicron-sized (100 nm–1 µm) silica particles are prevalent in both natural environments and areas influenced by human activities. Their environmental forms, origins, and pathways of human exposure differ markedly from those of nanoscale silica. Empirical studies have demonstrated that silica can induce cellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as inhibit the activity of key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase. This inhibition can promote tumor cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, silica may activate the HIF-1α/mTOR signaling axis, leading to the upregulation of glucose transporter GLUT1 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), thereby enhancing glycolytic metabolic flux. Concurrently, it may inhibit fatty acid β-oxidation, resulting in abnormal lipid accumulation and the promotion of pro-inflammatory mediator release. In summary, the accumulation of submicron silica within the bodies of cancer patients has the potential to induce metabolic disorders. Such metabolic reprogramming may influence the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) and adversely impact postoperative quality of life. In this study, we demonstrated that prolonged exposure of the lungs to submicron silica particles can induce alterations in lipid metabolism in PCa and significantly enhance the proliferation and invasive capacity of PCa cells. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms underlying silica-induced metabolic imbalance holds substantial clinical significance for enhancing the prognosis of patients with tumors related to exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"53 1","pages":"Article 152433"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145669677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152428
Wan-Li Ge , Chao-Qun Hou , Qing-Qing Zong , Dan-Rui Li , Yun-Peng Peng , Qiang Li
Objectives
Given its high global mortality rate, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a significant area of investigation. However, a robust gene signature linked to lactate metabolism for PDAC patients has not yet been established. Our objective was therefore to construct a novel lactate metabolism related gene signature (LMRGS) capable of predicting patient outcomes and informing therapeutic decisions.
Methods
Genes associated with lactate metabolism were sourced from the Molecular Signatures Database (MsigDB). The LMRGS was constructed using distinct algorithmic combinations and its performance was subsequently verified in 8 separate patient cohorts. Multiomics analyses were employed to evaluate the signature’s impact on biological functions and to investigate its relationship with the immune microenvironment. EdU, colony formation and wound-healing assays were used to demonstrate the effects of lactate on pancreatic cancer cells.
Results
An artificial intelligence framework enabled the creation of an LMRGS that serves as an independent prognostic predictor for individuals with PDAC. This signature demonstrated considerable accuracy in forecasting overall survival. When patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups, the high-risk group showed reduced immune cell infiltration and a poorer response to immunotherapy. Further investigation confirmed a strong correlation between the LMRGS and the immune milieu in PDAC. In vitro experiments demonstrated that lactate promotes the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells.
Conclusion
We have formulated a new LMRGS for PDAC which holds potential for informing personalized treatment plans. Interventions aimed at the lactate metabolic pathway could represent a promising strategy to boost therapeutic effectiveness and extend survival for patients diagnosed with this disease.
{"title":"Machine learning-based integration develops a lactate metabolism related gene signature for improving outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma","authors":"Wan-Li Ge , Chao-Qun Hou , Qing-Qing Zong , Dan-Rui Li , Yun-Peng Peng , Qiang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Given its high global mortality rate, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a significant area of investigation. However, a robust gene signature linked to lactate metabolism for PDAC patients has not yet been established. Our objective was therefore to construct a novel lactate metabolism related gene signature (LMRGS) capable of predicting patient outcomes and informing therapeutic decisions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Genes associated with lactate metabolism were sourced from the Molecular Signatures Database (MsigDB). The LMRGS was constructed using distinct algorithmic combinations and its performance was subsequently verified in 8 separate patient cohorts. Multiomics analyses were employed to evaluate the signature’s impact on biological functions and to investigate its relationship with the immune microenvironment. EdU, colony formation and wound-healing assays were used to demonstrate the effects of lactate on pancreatic cancer cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>An artificial intelligence framework enabled the creation of an LMRGS that serves as an independent prognostic predictor for individuals with PDAC. This signature demonstrated considerable accuracy in forecasting overall survival. When patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups, the high-risk group showed reduced immune cell infiltration and a poorer response to immunotherapy. Further investigation confirmed a strong correlation between the LMRGS and the immune milieu in PDAC. In vitro experiments demonstrated that lactate promotes the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We have formulated a new LMRGS for PDAC which holds potential for informing personalized treatment plans. Interventions aimed at the lactate metabolic pathway could represent a promising strategy to boost therapeutic effectiveness and extend survival for patients diagnosed with this disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"53 1","pages":"Article 152428"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145401775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152425
Dawid Sigorski , Anna Kasprzyk-Pawelec , Maciej Michalak , Roman Sosnowski , Michał M. Hryciuk , Aleksandra Sejda , Jacek Gulczyński , Joanna Kitlinska , Sergiusz Nawrocki , Ewa Iżycka-Świeszewska
Prostate cancer (PCa) constitutes an important health challenge worldwide. The nervous system, in a complex and multimodal manner, regulates prostate physiology and PCa development and affects the course of the disease. The phenomena of axonogenesis and neurogenesis, first described in PCa, were a breakthrough discovery that changed our understanding of cancer-nerve crosstalk. Different nerve types within the cancer stroma and tumor surroundings create complex interactions between the cancer microenvironment elements based on neurotransmission, affecting the hallmarks of cancer. The most common form of PCa and nerve interaction is the perineural invasion (PNI), which recently has been suggested as a driver of metastases. Additionally, many preclinical discoveries depict the molecular mechanisms of altered nerve activity, showing the pivotal role of sympathetic and parasympathetic signaling systems in localized and advanced PCa, axon-guidance molecules and neurotrophin. The neuroendocrine switch in advanced PCa is one of reasons of lethal, castration-resistant phase of the disease. Knowledge about the infiltration status of the periprostatic nerves present in radiological imaging is important for urologists in planning the treatment. Although some studies suggest that PNI and nerve density may be prognostic factors in PCa, it is necessary to evaluate these indicators better and apply them to practice. The neural-based therapeutic application in PCa is limited currently. Some studies showed that β blockers reduce PCa-specific mortality and neuroendocrine differentiation potential. This review provides a comprehensive, up-to date synthesis of PCa neurobiology, uniquely integrating both preclinial and clinical perspectives.
{"title":"The nervous system in prostate cancer: A basic science and clinical perspective","authors":"Dawid Sigorski , Anna Kasprzyk-Pawelec , Maciej Michalak , Roman Sosnowski , Michał M. Hryciuk , Aleksandra Sejda , Jacek Gulczyński , Joanna Kitlinska , Sergiusz Nawrocki , Ewa Iżycka-Świeszewska","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152425","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152425","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer (PCa) constitutes an important health challenge worldwide. The nervous system, in a complex and multimodal manner, regulates prostate physiology and PCa development and affects the course of the disease. The phenomena of axonogenesis and neurogenesis, first described in PCa, were a breakthrough discovery that changed our understanding of cancer-nerve crosstalk. Different nerve types within the cancer stroma and tumor surroundings create complex interactions between the cancer microenvironment elements based on neurotransmission, affecting the hallmarks of cancer. The most common form of PCa and nerve interaction is the perineural invasion (PNI), which recently has been suggested as a driver of metastases. Additionally, many preclinical discoveries depict the molecular mechanisms of altered nerve activity, showing the pivotal role of sympathetic and parasympathetic signaling systems in localized and advanced PCa, axon-guidance molecules and neurotrophin. The neuroendocrine switch in advanced PCa is one of reasons of lethal, castration-resistant phase of the disease. Knowledge about the infiltration status of the periprostatic nerves present in radiological imaging is important for urologists in planning the treatment. Although some studies suggest that PNI and nerve density may be prognostic factors in PCa, it is necessary to evaluate these indicators better and apply them to practice. The neural-based therapeutic application in PCa is limited currently. Some studies showed that β blockers reduce PCa-specific mortality and neuroendocrine differentiation potential. This review provides a comprehensive, up-to date synthesis of PCa neurobiology, uniquely integrating both preclinial and clinical perspectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"53 1","pages":"Article 152425"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145365665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152427
Abbas Rahdar , Vahideh Mhammadzadeh , Sobia Razzaq , Maryam Shirzad , Sonia Fathi-karkan , Ali Bakhshi , Razieh Behzadmehr , Zelal Kharaba , Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira
Pancreatic disease affects over 10% of the world population, and the most dangerous is pancreatic cancer (PC). The disease is mostly of late age of onset, especially in developed countries, and is associated with poor prognosis due to late presentation. Present screening tests like imaging and biomarkers are insensitive for the high-risk group. Invasive and noninvasive imaging modalities are other diagnostic tests with variable accuracy and accompanying risks. Chemotherapy and surgery are the first lines of treatment, but only 15%–20% of patients are eligible for surgery and the rate of recurrence is very high. Emerging technologies, including physics-informed deep learning (PIDL) and artificial intelligence (AI), are improving early detection techniques by evaluating images and synthesizing data more efficiently. Nanomedicine and AI-driven radiomics are individualizing diagnoses, enhancing drug delivery, and tackling tumor microenvironment issues. Hybrid model methodologies are improving prediction precision in oncology research, while computational drug development and liquid biopsy technologies enable early diagnosis and personalized treatment. The amalgamation of AI, imaging, nanomedicine, and physics-informed models has the potential to transform PC diagnostics, enhancing early detection and patient prognoses.
{"title":"Physics-informed deep learning sharpens nano diagnostics for elusive pancreatic cancer","authors":"Abbas Rahdar , Vahideh Mhammadzadeh , Sobia Razzaq , Maryam Shirzad , Sonia Fathi-karkan , Ali Bakhshi , Razieh Behzadmehr , Zelal Kharaba , Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pancreatic disease affects over 10% of the world population, and the most dangerous is pancreatic cancer (PC). The disease is mostly of late age of onset, especially in developed countries, and is associated with poor prognosis due to late presentation. Present screening tests like imaging and biomarkers are insensitive for the high-risk group. Invasive and noninvasive imaging modalities are other diagnostic tests with variable accuracy and accompanying risks. Chemotherapy and surgery are the first lines of treatment, but only 15%–20% of patients are eligible for surgery and the rate of recurrence is very high. Emerging technologies, including physics-informed deep learning (PIDL) and artificial intelligence (AI), are improving early detection techniques by evaluating images and synthesizing data more efficiently. Nanomedicine and AI-driven radiomics are individualizing diagnoses, enhancing drug delivery, and tackling tumor microenvironment issues. Hybrid model methodologies are improving prediction precision in oncology research, while computational drug development and liquid biopsy technologies enable early diagnosis and personalized treatment. The amalgamation of AI, imaging, nanomedicine, and physics-informed models has the potential to transform PC diagnostics, enhancing early detection and patient prognoses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"53 1","pages":"Article 152427"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145335221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-04DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152426
Dana Elkhalifa BSc, MSc , Marjolijn N Lub-de Hooge PharmD, PhD , Frank GA Jansman PharmD, PhD
Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is a common and debilitating condition among oncology patients, driven by tumor burden, treatment toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic inflammation. This review aims to synthesize evidence on the global and geographical prevalence and incidence patterns of CRA. A systematic search of PubMed and Embase identified English-language studies on CRA published was performed between 2000 and November 30, 2024. Observational studies and clinical trials reporting CRA prevalence and/or incidence were included. Extracted data covered country, study design, patient demographics, cancer type, anemia classification, and CRA incidence/prevalence rates. The data were then charted by geographical locations. A total of 42 studies, encompassing 65,179 cancer patients across 5 continents and 40 countries, were included. CRA prevalence ranged from 12.8% to 100%, with the highest rates reported in lung (84.2%), pediatric cancers (80.9%), gynecological (62.99%), and gastrointestinal (57.4%) cancers. The composite prevalence of anemia across multiple cancer types and solid tumors was 64.99% and 25.68%, respectively. However, cancer-type-specific analyses often reported higher prevalence rates than composite outcomes, with variations largely influenced by geographical location. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were consistently associated with increased incidence, with post-treatment anemia prevalence reaching 100% in some cohorts. Regional disparities were noted, particularly in Africa, South America, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. CRA is a globally prevalent condition, with rates influenced by cancer type, geographic region, and the initiation of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Future research should prioritize standardized reporting and address regional data gaps.
{"title":"Mapping the epidemiology of cancer-related anemia: A systematic scoping review of global prevalence and incidence","authors":"Dana Elkhalifa BSc, MSc , Marjolijn N Lub-de Hooge PharmD, PhD , Frank GA Jansman PharmD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152426","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152426","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is a common and debilitating condition among oncology patients, driven by tumor burden, treatment toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic inflammation. This review aims to synthesize evidence on the global and geographical prevalence and incidence patterns of CRA. A systematic search of PubMed and Embase identified English-language studies on CRA published was performed between 2000 and November 30, 2024. Observational studies and clinical trials reporting CRA prevalence and/or incidence were included. Extracted data covered country, study design, patient demographics, cancer type, anemia classification, and CRA incidence/prevalence rates. The data were then charted by geographical locations. A total of 42 studies, encompassing 65,179 cancer patients across 5 continents and 40 countries, were included. CRA prevalence ranged from 12.8% to 100%, with the highest rates reported in lung (84.2%), pediatric cancers (80.9%), gynecological (62.99%), and gastrointestinal (57.4%) cancers. The composite prevalence of anemia across multiple cancer types and solid tumors was 64.99% and 25.68%, respectively. However, cancer-type-specific analyses often reported higher prevalence rates than composite outcomes, with variations largely influenced by geographical location. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were consistently associated with increased incidence, with post-treatment anemia prevalence reaching 100% in some cohorts. Regional disparities were noted, particularly in Africa, South America, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. CRA is a globally prevalent condition, with rates influenced by cancer type, geographic region, and the initiation of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Future research should prioritize standardized reporting and address regional data gaps.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"52 6","pages":"Article 152426"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152397
Farag M A Altalbawy, Ehab Yassen Theab, Gaurav Sanghvi, R Roopashree, Aditya Kashyap, Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty, S Gayathri, Rajashree Panigrahi, Yasser Fakri Mustafa, Hatif Abdulrazaq Yasin
The intracellular breakdown process known as autophagy occurs when cells experience adverse conditions, such as organelle damage, the presence of abnormal proteins, hypoxia stress, low energy levels, or nutritional deprivation. The autophagic process begins by forming autophagosomes, which then merge with lysosomes to recycle degraded materials. Autophagy functions in multiple ways to affect cancer development and treatment outcomes. Tumor cells with low autophagy levels may exhibit anti-tumor effects during cancer initiation because their connection to malignant transformation is possible. The promotion of autophagy appears beneficial for cancer prevention in this context. The survival of cancer cells through increased autophagy enables tumor growth in existing tumors by allowing them to overcome metabolic and treatment-related challenges. Research indicates that blocking autophagy through the use of drugs or genetic methods makes cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, suggesting that inhibiting the autophagic system may be a promising approach to enhance treatment. Excessive autophagy activation could be a therapeutic approach to manage cancer cells that resist cell death. The successful treatment of cancer requires an understanding of autophagy's dual nature. This review examines potential therapeutic strategies for tumors by analyzing autophagy-related signaling pathways and the essential factors that influence cancer development.
{"title":"Deciphering autophagy signaling in cancer: A paradigm shift from molecular classifications to clinical innovations.","authors":"Farag M A Altalbawy, Ehab Yassen Theab, Gaurav Sanghvi, R Roopashree, Aditya Kashyap, Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty, S Gayathri, Rajashree Panigrahi, Yasser Fakri Mustafa, Hatif Abdulrazaq Yasin","doi":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.seminoncol.2025.152397","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The intracellular breakdown process known as autophagy occurs when cells experience adverse conditions, such as organelle damage, the presence of abnormal proteins, hypoxia stress, low energy levels, or nutritional deprivation. The autophagic process begins by forming autophagosomes, which then merge with lysosomes to recycle degraded materials. Autophagy functions in multiple ways to affect cancer development and treatment outcomes. Tumor cells with low autophagy levels may exhibit anti-tumor effects during cancer initiation because their connection to malignant transformation is possible. The promotion of autophagy appears beneficial for cancer prevention in this context. The survival of cancer cells through increased autophagy enables tumor growth in existing tumors by allowing them to overcome metabolic and treatment-related challenges. Research indicates that blocking autophagy through the use of drugs or genetic methods makes cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, suggesting that inhibiting the autophagic system may be a promising approach to enhance treatment. Excessive autophagy activation could be a therapeutic approach to manage cancer cells that resist cell death. The successful treatment of cancer requires an understanding of autophagy's dual nature. This review examines potential therapeutic strategies for tumors by analyzing autophagy-related signaling pathways and the essential factors that influence cancer development.</p>","PeriodicalId":21750,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in oncology","volume":"52 5","pages":"152397"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144812290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}