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

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 >

Jiahao Xue^1,#, Jingchang Zhang^2,#, Gang Chen³, Liucui Chen^4,*, Xinjun Lu^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2309-2329, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063719 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, largely driven by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates tumor growth, immune escape, and resistance to therapy. Although immunotherapy—particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—has transformed the therapeutic landscape by restoring T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses, their clinical benefit as monotherapy remains suboptimal. This limitation is primarily attributed to immunosuppressive components within the TME, including tumor-associated macrophages, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). To address these challenges, combination strategies have been explored, such as dual checkpoint blockade targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand More >

EDUARDO ALVARADO-ORTIZ^1,2, MIGUEL ANGEL SARABIA-SáNCHEZ^3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.8, pp. 1803-1818, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.065953 - 18 July 2025

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by a symbiosis between cancer cells and the immune cells. The scarcity of oxygen generates hostility that forces cancer cells to alter their biological features in solid tumors. In response to low oxygen availability, the Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF-1/2/3α) act as metabolic mediators, producing extracellular metabolites in the tumor microenvironment that influence the immune cells. The modulation of lactate and adenosine on immune evasion has been widely described; however, under hypoxic conditions, it has been barely addressed. Evidence has demonstrated an interplay between cancer and the immune cells, and More > Graphic Abstract

JIAJIA LV, XIAOYOU ZHONG, LIN WANG, WEIFEI FAN^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.7, pp. 1581-1592, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.060063 - 26 June 2025

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic network comprised of tumor cells, surrounding cellular components, various signaling molecules, and the stroma. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are pivotal players in the immunosuppressive landscape of the TME, effectively hindering antitumor immune responses and facilitating tumor progression. Originating from pathologically activated myeloid precursors and relatively immature myeloid cells, MDSCs retain plasticity to further differentiate into other myeloid cells, such as macrophages or dendritic cells, which underpins their heterogeneity and adaptability in response to the TME. In this review, we delve into the plasticity of MDSCs in More >

HAISU LIANG^1,2,#, WEI YAN^3,#, ZHI LIU^1,4, YUNBO HE^1,2,5, JIAO HU¹, ZHIWEI SHU¹, HUIHUANG LI¹, BELAYDI OTHMANE¹, WENBIAO REN^1,6, CHAO QUAN¹, DONGXU QIU¹, MINFENG CHEN¹, WEI XIONG⁵, BINGNAN ZHANG^1,*, PEIHUA LIU^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.5, pp. 1105-1119, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054623 - 18 April 2025

Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non coding RNA that possess unique single stranded circular structures formed through reverse splicing mechanisms. Due to the lack of a free end that is typically susceptible to degradation by nucleases, circular RNAs exhibit resistance to ribonuclease R, making them highly stable in eukaryotic cells. The complex relationship between circRNA dysregulation and various pathophysiological conditions, especially cancer. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a collective term for various components surrounding tumors and is an important factor affecting tumor development. Simultaneous infiltration of TME by different types of immune cells; These… More >

LIWEN FENG^1,2,#,*, YUTING CHEN^3,#, WENYI JIN⁴

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.5, pp. 1091-1103, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.054207 - 18 April 2025

Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are markedly abundant in tumor stromal cells and are essentially involved in the modulation of tumor occurrence and development. In recent years, CAFs have become a hotspot as researchers aim to elucidate CAF mechanisms that regulate tumor progression. However, most studies on CAFs are limited to a few common cancers, and their association with OS remains elusive. This review describes the role and current knowledge of CAFs More >

SHUANG ZHAO^1,#, HONGYONG WEN^2,#, BAIQI WANG², QINGLIN XIONG¹, LANXIN LI¹, AILAN CHENG^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 795-810, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.057317 - 19 March 2025

Abstract Approximately half of all cancers have p53 inactivating mutations, in addition to which most malignancies inactivate the p53 pathway by increasing p53 inhibitors, decreasing p53 activators, or inactivating p53 downstream targets. A growing number of researches have demonstrated that p53 can influence tumor progression through the tumor microenvironment (TME). TME is involved in the process of tumor development and metastasis and affects the clinical prognosis of patients. p53 participates in host immunity and engages in the immune landscape of the TME, but the specific mechanisms remain to be investigated. This review briefly explores the More >

HYE IN KA^#, SE HWAN MUN^#, SORA HAN^#, YOUNG YANG^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 519-531, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056860 - 28 February 2025

Abstract Osteosarcoma is a bone malignancy characterized by strong invasiveness and rapid disease progression. The tumor microenvironment of osteosarcoma contains various types of immune cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Imbalances of these immune cells can promote the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Recent studies have indicated a substantial increase in the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, an immune cell associated with immunosuppressive and pro-cancer effects, in the peripheral blood of patients with osteosarcoma. Moreover, the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 18 are positively correlated with those of myeloid-derived suppressor More >

MERYEM A. ABDESSALEM, SIRIN A. ADHAM^*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.1, pp. 27-44, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2024.056955 - 20 December 2024

Abstract Nanotechnology in cancer therapy has significantly advanced treatment precision, effectiveness, and safety, improving patient outcomes and personalized care. Engineered smart nanoparticles and cell-based therapies are designed to target tumor cells, precisely sensing the tumor microenvironment (TME) and sparing normal cells. These nanoparticles enhance drug accumulation in tumors by solubilizing insoluble compounds or preventing their degradation, and they can also overcome therapy resistance and deliver multiple drugs simultaneously. Despite these benefits, challenges remain in patient-specific responses and regulatory approvals for cell-based or nanoparticle therapies. Cell-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) that primarily utilize the immune-recognition principle between… More > Graphic Abstract