Yuerou Feng, Panpan Tong, Shuwen Fu, Xiaofan Lu, Liquan Zheng, Jielan Lai^*, Renchun Lai^*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.072563 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Background: The efficacy of standard 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is limited by drug resistance and adverse effects, prompting research into esketamine, a potent ketamine variant with analgesic, antidepressant, and recently discovered anti-tumor properties, to determine if it can enhance 5-FU’s chemosensitivity. This study investigates whether esketamine synergizes with 5-FU to enhance therapeutic efficacy in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell models. Methods: We performed functional assays to evaluate proliferation (CCK-8), migration (wound healing), invasion (Transwell), and apoptosis (flow cytometry) in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines treated with 5-FU alone or in combination with esketamine. Transcriptomic profiling was… More >

Ping Wang^1,2,#, Yan-Han Chen^1,2,#, Ze-Tao Zhan^1,2, Jun-Xiang Zeng^1,2, Yu Chen^3,4, Yuan Lin^1,2, Tao Chen^1,5,*, Wei-Jie Zhou^1,2,5,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071902 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Background: Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative widely used in vaccines. This study aimed to investigate its potential antitumor effects and mechanisms in solid malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC) and melanoma. Methods: A combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches was employed. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, ATP viability, Western blotting, flow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell assays. Subcutaneous, lung metastases, and Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated CRC models were established to examine antitumor efficacy and safety. The functional role of mercury ions was validated using structural… More >

Mariana Francisco¹, Fernando Mendes^1,2,3,4,5,*, Diana Martins^1,2,3,4, Joana Liberal^1,2

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070276 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health burden, and Urolithin A (Uro-A) has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. This systematic review aims to synthesize current in vitro evidence on the anticancer effects of Uro-A in CRC, highlighting effective concentration ranges, exposure times, relevant outcomes, and underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the following strategy: (colorectal cancer) AND (urolithin a) OR (3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo(b,d)pyran-6-one). Eligibility criteria were defined by the PICO framework: (P) in vitro CRC cell models; (I) Uro-A alone or… More > Graphic Abstract

Katerina Ondraskova^1,2, Matous Cwik³, Ondrej Horky⁴, Jitka Berkovcova⁴, Jitka Holcakova¹, Martin Bartosik¹, Tomas Kazda⁵, Klara Mrazova^1,6, Michal Uher⁷, Igor Kiss³, Roman Hrstka^1,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070116 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Cancer treatment relies heavily on accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring of the disease. These processes often involve invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy, to detect malignant tissues, followed by molecular analyses to determine relevant biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for detecting Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Proto-Oncogene (KRAS), Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog (NRAS), and B-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from colorectal cancer patients using liquid biopsy. Methods: ctDNA was isolated from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n = 110) and analyzed for KRAS, BRAF,… More >

Urszula Częścik^1,2,#, Martyna Gryglas³, Arkadiusz Szterk⁴, Sylwia Flis^3,#,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067449 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases. By 2050, CRC incidence is expected to rise substantially, driven by population aging and greater exposure to risk factors in developing countries. Despite advances in medicine and pharmacy, the effectiveness of available treatments remains limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes and critically evaluates currently available CRC therapies and explores new emerging directions. Particular attention is given to the role of immunotherapy, targeted therapies,… More >

Kai Gui^1,#, Tianyi Yang^1,#, Chengying Xiong¹, Yue Wang¹, Zhiqiang He¹, Wuxian Li^2,3,*, Min Tang^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070143 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Objectives: The mechanism by which specific tumor subsets in colorectal cancer (CRC) use alternative metabolic pathways, particularly those modulated by hypoxia and fructose, to alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. This study aimed to identify these malignant subpopulations and characterize their intercellular signaling networks and spatial organization through an integrative multi-omics approach. Methods: Leveraging bulk datasets, single-cell RNA sequencing, and integrative spatial transcriptomics, we developed a prognostic model based on hypoxia-and fructose metabolism-related genes (HFGs) to delineate tumor cell subpopulations and their intercellular signaling networks. Results: We identified a specific subset of stanniocalcin-2 positive (STC2+)… More > Graphic Abstract

Wenxiang Zhang^1,2, Wenning Cui¹, Juan Huang³, Zhangen Lu¹, Kuijing Liang¹, Lingbao Wang^1,2, Shanshan Wei^1,2, Liran Shi¹, Huifen Li¹, Xiaoli Guo^1,2,*, Jianhui Ma^4,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.12, pp. 3893-3912, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.073736 - 29 December 2025

Abstract UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play essential roles in plant secondary metabolism and stress responses, yet their composition and functions in Sorghum bicolor, a model C4 plant, remain inadequately characterized. This study identified 196 SbUGT genes distributed across all 10 chromosomes and classified them into 16 subfamilies (A–P) through phylogenetic analysis. Among these, 61.2% were intronless, and 10 conserved motifs, including the UGT-specific PSPG box, were identified. Synteny analysis using MCScanX revealed 12 segmental duplication events and conserved syntenic relationships with other Poaceae species (rice, maize, and barley). Promoter analysis uncovered 125 distinct cis-acting elements, predominantly associated with stress and… More >

Helen Fenske¹, Ingrid R. Niesman^2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.12, pp. 2433-2455, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071078 - 24 December 2025

Abstract Objective: Tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the generation of melanin. The feline tyrosinase mutation, G302R, confers temperature-sensitive loss of function, resulting in the familiar Siamese cat phenotype. Crystal or cryoEM structures are elusive for any mammalian tyrosinase to date. Protein misfolding is suggested as a basis for phenotypes resulting from mutant tyrosinases, but this hypothesis needs structural confirmation. Our objective for this study is to confirm misfolding of mutant tyrosinase as a basis for temperature-sensitive phenotypes compared to catalytic dysfunction that may be responsible for other tyrosinase mutant breed phenotypes. Methods: We have employed… More >

Jiunn-Wei Wang^1,2,3, Wen-Hung Hsu^2,3,4, Fang-Jung Yu^2,3, Fu-Chen Kuo⁵, Chung-Jung Liu^3,6, Chao-Hung Kuo^1,2,3, Jaw-Yuan Wang^7,8, Ming-Hong Lin^9,*, Deng-Chyang Wu^1,2,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3907-3922, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070432 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Objectives: Colorectal adenomatous polyps frequently recur after removal and are precursors to colorectal cancer, highlighting the need for effective preventive strategies. This study evaluated the efficacy of probiotic Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588 (CBM588) in preventing colorectal adenoma recurrence in high-risk patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized, single-blind, two-year crossover trial in patients with a history of adenomatous polyps. Participants received CBM588 in either the first or second year, with the alternate year as observation, and underwent annual surveillance colonoscopies. Outcomes (adenoma recurrence and polyp counts) were analyzed by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) approaches. Results: A total… More >

Ranran Yang^1,2,3,#, Dan Yuan^2,#, Chaohan Liang^4,#, Siying Zhu⁴, Jie Huang², Yingqi Zhang⁴, Weiling He⁵, Qinghai Li^1,*, Hong Zhang^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3945-3971, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.064463 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a predominant contributor to global cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Oxaliplatin (OXP), a foundational chemotherapeutic agent for CRC, often exhibits limited efficacy due to the emergence of drug resistance. Although endothelin-1 (EDN1) has been implicated in tumor drug resistance, its role in oxaliplatin resistance in CRC remains poorly defined. This work aimed to define how EDN1 contributes to oxaliplatin resistance and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: Public genomic datasets were analyzed to confirm EDN1 upregulation in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its association with poor prognosis. EDN1 expression was… More >