Dongchi Cai^1,2,#, Jialin Ji^3,#, Chunhui Yang^1,*, Hong Cai^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071152 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Metabolic reprogramming involving branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—is increasingly recognized as pivotal in cancer progression, metastasis, and immune modulation. This review comprehensively explores how cancer cells rewire BCAA metabolism to enhance proliferation, survival, and therapy resistance. Tumors manipulate BCAA uptake and catabolism via high expression of transporters like L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and enzymes including branched chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1), branched chain amino acid transaminase 2 (BCAT2), branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), and branched chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK). These alterations sustain energy production, biosynthesis, redox homeostasis, and oncogenic… More >

Shenghui Su, Yu Zeng, Jiaxin Chen, Xieping Dong^*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070558 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Background: Recent studies have shown glycerolipid metabolism played an essential role in multiple tumors, however, its function in osteosarcoma is unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of glycerolipid metabolism in osteosarcoma. Methods: We conducted bioinformatics analysis using data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database and single-cell RNA sequencing. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify the Glycerolipid metabolism-related genes associated with the clinical outcome of osteosarcoma. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their interactions with immune cells were examined through single-cell analysis and co-culture experiments.… 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

Boxuan Han^1,2,#, Shaokun Liu^3,#, Ridhima Das³, Shiqian Liu⁴, Yang Zhang^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3633-3656, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071296 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Organoid technology, characterized by high fidelity in mimicking the in vivo microenvironment, preservation of tumor heterogeneity, and capacity for high-throughput operations, has emerged as a critical tool in head and neck cancer research. To address clinical challenges in head and neck cancer management—including marked tumor heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance, and significant prognostic variability—this review focuses on four key translational applications of organoid technology: In mechanistic studies, organoid models provide a reliable platform for investigating tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance mechanisms. In personalized therapy, organoid-based drug sensitivity testing enables data-driven clinical decision-making. For biomarker discovery, organoids facilitate the More >

Chenglu Lu^1,#, Huiting Zhang^2,#, Ujjal K. Bhawal^3,4, Lei Wang¹, Jingwu Li¹, Pangzhou Chen^5,*, Lewei Zhu^6,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3657-3678, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069703 - 27 November 2025

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network composed of non-tumor cells, extracellular matrix, blood vessels, and various molecular signals that surround and profoundly influence tumor progression. As one of the key immune effector cells within the TME, mast cells (MCs) exhibit functional complexity, and their specific roles remain widely debated. Depending on the cancer type, spatial distribution, and interactions with other TME components, MCs can demonstrate dual regulatory capabilities—either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. This characteristic has made them an important focus in current tumor immunology research. This review aims to systematically review the More >

Zhujiang Dai^1,2,#, Xiaoyong Ge^1,2,#, Wenbo Tang^1,2, Chen-Ying Liu^1,2, Yun Liu^1,2,*, Zhongchuan Wang^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 4113-4143, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.068473 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Objective: The plastic role of regulatory factor X1 (RFX1) in colon cancer progression and its impact on the tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood. The study aimed to clarify the molecular and clinical role of RFX1 in colon cancer. Methods: We classified colon cancers into subgroups with high and low RFX1 expression and characterized their immune profiles, mutational profiles, cancer immunotherapy and drug sensitivity. By combining RFX1 expression with persistent tumor mutational burden, we proposed a novel nomogram clinical prediction model and validated its predictive performance, and the correlation between high expression and poor prognosis. Results: Compared… More > Graphic Abstract

Yi Feng^1,#, Haoxin Yang², Guicai Liang¹, Jun Chen³, Tao Li¹, Yingjuan Wang⁴, Jilin Chang¹, Yan Li³, Meng Yang¹, Xilong Zhou¹, Zhiqiang Wang^5,*, Chunlei Ge^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3801-3836, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067824 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has limited efficacy in the treatment of immune “cold” tumors. Due to insufficient T cell infiltration and heterogeneous programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, the ORR is only 5%–8% compared with 30%–40% of “hot” tumors. This article reviews the synergistic mechanism, clinical efficacy and optimization strategy of oncolytic virus (OVs) combined with ICIs in the treatment of refractory malignant tumors. Systematic analysis of mechanistic interactions across tumor types and clinical trial data demonstrates that OVs transform the immunosuppressive microenvironment by inducing immunogenic cell death and activating innate immunity. Concurrently, ICIs enhance… More >

Huan Wang^1,#, Jindong Xie^1,#, Na Li¹, Qianwen Liu¹, Wenqi Song¹, Wenkuan Chen¹, Cheng Peng^2,*, Hailin Tang^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3789-3800, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067592 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Solid tumors comprise the majority of the global cancer burden, with their incidence and associated mortality posing considerable challenges to public health systems. With population growth and aging, the burden of these tumors is anticipated to increase further in the coming decades. The progression of solid tumors depends on dynamic interactions between malignantly transformed cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy improves T cell-mediated antitumor activity by suppressing regulatory pathways, such as programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1. Nonetheless, its widespread application is constrained by drug resistance. In this comprehensive review, More >

Amber Hassan¹, Badr Hafiz², Taghreed Alsinani³, Rakan Bokhari⁴, Dahlia Mirdad⁵, Awab Tayyib⁵, Alaa Alkhotani⁶, Ahmad Fallata⁷, Iman Mirza⁸, Eyad Faizo^9,10, Saleh Baeesa², Huda Alghefari¹¹, Maher Kurdi^11,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3293-3325, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070031 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive primary brain tumour in adults, marked by pronounced cellular heterogeneity, diffuse infiltration, and resistance to conventional treatment. In recent years, transcriptomic profiling has provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern the progression of glioblastoma. This systematic review aims to synthesise the current literature on dysregulated gene expression in GBM, focusing on gene signatures associated with stemness, immune modulation, extracellular matrix remodelling, metabolic adaptation, and therapeutic resistance. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and the GlioVis… More >

Bruno Špiljak^1,#, Bojan Poposki^2,#, Stjepanka Lešić^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3269-3292, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.068395 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer with high recurrence rates and prevalent resistance to therapeutic interventions. Tumor behavior is largely dependent on the tumor microenvironment (TME) that includes immune cells, stromal components, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the extracellular matrix (ECM), and an associated cytokine network. In this review, we examine principal mechanisms of the tumorigenic transformation, encompassing immune checkpoint disruption, therapy resistance mediated through CAFs, the contribution of hypoxic niches, and several metabolic dependencies that hold potential as future targets. Novel therapeutics developed and/or repurposed, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs),… More >