Trends in cancer最新文献

Tumoroids are cultures of patient-derived tumor cells, which are grown in 3D in the presence of an extracellular matrix extract and specific growth factors. Tumoroids can be generated from adult as well as pediatric cancers, including epithelial cancers, sarcomas, and brain cancers. Tumoroids retain multi-omic characteristics of their corresponding tumor and recapitulate interpatient and intratumor heterogeneity. Retrospective and prospective studies have demonstrated that tumoroids predict patient responses to anticancer therapies, making them a promising tool for precision oncology. However, several challenges remain before tumoroids can be fully integrated into clinical decision-making, including success rates of tumoroid establishment and turnaround times. This review discusses the current advances, challenges, and future directions of tumoroid-based models in cancer research and precision therapy.

Unconventional T cells, such as invariant natural killer T (iNKT), γδ T, and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, play a pivotal role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Their capacity for rapid tumor targeting and effective modulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) makes them promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy. Advances in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering have further highlighted their therapeutic potential, particularly for treating challenging cancers. Notably, these cells exhibit favorable safety profiles, enhancing their viability as off-the-shelf therapeutic options. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical applications of CAR-engineered unconventional T cells, focusing on genetic modifications, manufacturing processes, preconditioning regimens, and dosing strategies. We discuss successful examples from recent clinical trials and explore future directions for utilizing these cells in cancer therapy and beyond.

Clinically approved treatments for advanced liver cancer often lack potency because of the heterogeneous characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This complexity is largely driven by context-dependent inflammatory responses brought on by diverse etiologies, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the genetic makeup of cancer cells, and the versatile adaptability of immune cells, such as myeloid cells. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary dynamics of the immune landscape, particularly that of liver-resident Kupffer cells (KCs), TREM2⁺, and SPP1⁺ macrophages with an active role during liver disease progression, which eventually fuels hepatocarcinogenesis. We highlight exploitable immunomodulatory avenues amenable to mitigate both the inherent pathological characteristics of liver cancers and the associated external factors that favor malignancy, paving a roadmap toward improving the management and therapeutic outcome for patients with HCC.

The global incidence of endometrial cancer is on the rise, marked by a notable surge in early-onset endometrial cancer (EOEC; age at diagnosis <50 years). By contrast to late-onset cases, EOEC displays distinct clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics. The enhanced understanding of the disease's pathophysiology, enabling a more precise differentiation between low-risk and high-risk patients, could facilitate the establishment of risk-stratified treatments that preserve ovarian function and fertility in low-risk EOEC cases. In this review, we delve into the distinctive epidemiological, molecular, and clinical characteristics of EOEC, as well as early noninvasive screening and fertility preservation treatments.

The B7-H family of immune checkpoint molecules is a crucial component of the immune regulatory network for tumors, offering new opportunities to modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). The B7-H family - which includes B7-H2 (inducible T cell costimulatory ligand, ICOSL), B7-H3, B7-H4, B7-H5 (V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation, VISTA), B7-H6, and B7-H7 (HHLA2) - is known for its diverse roles in regulating innate and adaptive immunity. These molecules can exhibit co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory effects on T cells, influencing processes such as T cell activation, differentiation, and effector functions, and they are involved in the recruitment and polarization of various immune cells. This review explores the structural characteristics, receptor-ligand interactions, and signaling pathways associated with each B7-H family member. We also discuss the family's impact on tumor immunity and potential therapeutic strategies.

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are associated with anticancer immunity, but the mechanisms underpinning their formation remain poorly understood. Amisaki et al. have recently shown that IL-33 mediates ILC2 gut-tumoral migration and promotes TLS formation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by inducing group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) Ltb expression. This study highlights new potential therapeutic avenues to enhance immunotherapy.

Space science is reshaping oncology by providing novel insights into cancer biology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The unique space environment - characterized by microgravity and cosmic radiation - induces profound alterations in cancer cell behavior, immune responses, and tumor microenvironment (TME) interactions. These conditions offer a platform for studying cancer progression, enhancing drug discovery, and refining treatment strategies. This opinion article explores microgravity-induced changes in tumor biology, space-driven advancements in imaging and radiation research, and extraterrestrial contributions to cancer therapeutics. By leveraging these innovations, space research holds transformative potential for improving cancer diagnostics and treatment on Earth.