Hang Zhang^1,#, Meng-Yuan Chu^1,#, Guohui Lv¹, You-Jie Li¹, Xuhang Liu², Fei Jiao^1,*, Yun-Fei Yan^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.068322 - 23 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited understanding of lncRNA-driven mechanisms in tumor progression. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in NSCLC tissues and elucidate the functional role of the significantly upregulated RP3-340N1.2 in promoting malignancy. Methods: RNA sequencing was used to screen dysregulated lncRNAs. RP3-340N1.2 was functionally characterized via gain/loss-of-function assays in NSCLC cells, assessing proliferation, migration, and macrophage polarization. Mechanisms of interleukin 6 (IL-6) regulation were explored using cytokine profiling, Actinomycin D assays, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays to study RP3-340N1.2 interactions with… More >

Yang Wu^1,#,*, Dong Xu^1,#, Run Shi¹, Mingwei Zhan², Shaohui Xu³, Xin Wang⁴, Jianpeng Zhang⁵, Zhaokai Zhou⁶, Weizhuo Wang⁷, Yongjie Wang⁸, Minglun Li⁹, Zihao Xu^10,*, Kaifeng Su^11,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073265 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men, largely due to therapy resistance and metastatic progression. Increasing evidence highlights the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as a critical determinant of disease behavior. CAFs constitute a heterogeneous population originating from fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and adipose tissue. Through dynamic crosstalk with tumor, immune, endothelial, and adipocyte compartments, CAFs orchestrate oncogenic processes including tumor proliferation, invasion, immune evasion, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and metabolic reprogramming. This review comprehensively summarizes the cellular origins, phenotypic More >

Xinyang Li^1,2,3,#, Luyuan Ma^1,2,3,#, Chuan Shen^1,2,3, Ruolan Gu^1,2,3, Shilong Dong^1,2,3, Mingjie Liu^1,2,3, Ying Xiao^1,2,3, Wenpeng Liu^1,2,3, Yuexia Liu^1,2,3, Caiyan Zhao^1,2,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073179 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy. Metabolic reprogramming dynamically remodels the tumor microenvironment (TME) and drives HCC progression. This study investigated the mechanism through which metabolic reprogramming remodels the TME in HCC. Methods: HCC patient transcriptome data were subjected to bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes and immune infiltration status. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA) expression and M2 macrophage infiltration. SDHA-knockdown or SDHA-overexpressing HCC cells were used for in vitro experiments, including co-culturing, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting… More >

Ke Liu^1,2,3,#, Xia Xue^1,2,3,#, Haiming Qin^4,5,#, Jiaying Zhu^6,#, Meng Jin^1,6, Die Dai⁶, Youcai Tang¹, Ihtisham Bukhari¹, Hangfan Liu¹, Chunjing Qiu¹, Feifei Ren¹, Pengyuan Zheng^1,2,3, Yang Mi^1,2,3,*, Weihua Chen^6,7,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.072661 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Background: The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical modulator of cancer immunotherapy response. However, the mechanisms by which gut-associated metabolites influence checkpoint blockade efficacy in prostate cancer (PC) remain not fully explored. The study aimed to explore how gut metabolites regulate death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade via exosomes and boost immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in PC. Methods: We recruited 70 PC patients to set up into five subgroups. The integrated multi-omics analysis was performed. In parallel, we validated the function of gut microbiome-associated metabolites on PD-L1 production and immunotherapy treatment efficacy in PC cell lines… 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 >

Min Hee Kim¹, Boyoon Huh¹, Joo-Won Park^1,*, Woo-Jae Park^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071523 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women and comprises a heterogeneous spectrum of molecular subtypes with distinct biological behaviors. Among various regulatory molecules, sphingolipids play pivotal roles in dynamically modulating fundamental cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis through metabolic interconversions, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, and the generation of sphingosine-1-phosphate. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which sphingolipid metabolism orchestrates cancer cell fate and drives breast cancer progression. Particular emphasis is placed on the balance between proapoptotic ceramides and pro-survival metabolites, such as sphingosine-1-phosphate, which collectively influence tumor growth More >

Marco Siringo^1,2,#,*, Michela De Meo^1,#, Alain Jonathan Gelibter³, Chiara Nicolazzo^4,5,§, Paola Gazzaniga^5,§

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069832 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Objectives: Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapies have reshaped treatment non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) paradigms, prognosis remains poor for many patients due to delayed diagnosis and resistance mechanisms. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive approach to monitoring tumor evolution. Among circulating biomarkers, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAM-Ls) may provide complementary prognostic insights. The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of CTC and CAM-Ls dynamic in metastatic NSCLC patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 77 patients with metastatic NSCLC who underwent CTC and CAM-L evaluation via the CellSearch® system… More >

Oncology Research Editorial Office

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.077270 - 30 December 2025

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

Oncology Research Editorial Office

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.077268 - 30 December 2025

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

Abdulrahman K. Sinno¹, Aisha Mustapha¹, Navya Nair¹, Simona Zaami², Lina De Paola², Valentina Billone³, Eleonora Conti³, Giuseppe Gullo^3,*, Pasquale Patrizio⁴

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.072176 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Cervical cancer related to human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Cancer cells release fragments of their DNA, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which can be detected in bodily fluids. A PubMed search using the terms “ctHPV” or “circulating tumor DNA” and “cervical cancer”, limited to the past ten years, identified 104 articles, complemented by hand-searching for literature addressing medico-legal implications. Studies were evaluated for relevance and methodological quality. Detection and characterization of circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPV DNA) have emerged as promising tools for assessing prognosis and More >