Jiayu Zou^1,2,3, Yajie Lu³, Jiaqi Li³, Zhaokai Zhou^4,5, Fu Peng³, Pu Qiu^2,*, Hailin Tang⁶, Cheng Peng^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071940 - 19 January 2026

Abstract Lung cancer is the most common but fatal malignant tumor worldwide. Patients with lung cancer experienced a relatively low 5-year overall survival rate, and issues such as metastasis and drug resistance remain prominent challenges in its clinical management. Neddylation, a novel type of post-translational modification, was overactivated in lung cancer and was closely associated with its occurrence, development, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review systematically summarizes the biological process of neddylation and deeply explores the latest research progress on how neddylation affects lung cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms, with a focus on 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 >

Harpreet Kaur^1,*, Dhrubalochan Rana², Sowvik Bag², Paramjeet Singh³

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071209 - 19 January 2026

Abstract The prolonged and intricate history of oncological treatments has transitioned significantly since the introduction of chemotherapy. Substantial therapeutic benefits in cancer therapy have been achieved by the integration of conventional treatments with molecular biosciences and omics technologies. Human epidermal growth factor receptor, hormone receptors, and angiogenesis factors are among the established therapies in tumor reduction and managing side effects. Novel targeted therapies like KRAS G12C, Claudin-18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2), Trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), and epigenetic regulators emphasize their promise in advancing precision medicine. However, in many cases, the resistance mechanisms associated with these interventions… More > Graphic Abstract

Sandra Kałużna^1,*, Monika Świerczewska^1,2, Sylwia Ciesiółka¹, Małgorzata Partyka¹, Michał Nowicki¹, Karolina Wojtowicz¹

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070356 - 30 December 2025

Abstract The last research focuses on the role of exosomes in cancer treatment. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles. They can be secreted by cancer cells, and they can modulate chemotherapy sensitivity. Determining exosomal content opens the possibility for guiding treatment strategies for cancer diseases. Exosomal microRNA are considered one of the prime candidates for exosomal biomarkers. Exosomal circular RNAs represent excellent biomarkers for liquid biopsy because of their stability in many types of cancer. Exosomal proteins remain reliable biomarkers also. Exosomes have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates. Their biological properties render them ideal vectors for drug delivery.… More >

Rabindranath Bera^1,#, Yotaro Ochi^2,3, Ying-Jung Huang¹, Ming-Chung Kuo^1,4, Kenichi Yoshida⁵, Seishi Ogawa², Lee-Yung Shih^1,4,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070259 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Background: Breakpoint Cluster Region-Abelson (BCR::ABL1) fusion protein is essential in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); however, the chronic-to-blast phase transformation remains elusive. We identified novel kinesin light chain 2 (KLC2) mutations in CML-myeloid blast phase patients. We aimed to examine the functional role of KLC2 mutations in leukemogenesis. Methods: To evaluate the biological role of KLC2 mutants (MT) in CML cells, we expressed KLC2-MT in different human CML cell lines harboring BCR::ABL1 and performed immunoblot, immunofluorescence, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis; Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-drug activities; and clonogenic assays for in vitro functional analyses. We co-expressed KLC2-MT… More >

Sonexai Kidoikhammouan¹, Charupong Saengboonmee^2,3, Sopit Wongkham^2,3, Wunchana Seubwai^3,4,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3679-3699, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069027 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive cancer originating from bile duct epithelium. Surgical resection remains the primary curative treatment for CCA. However, most CCA patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which limits the applicability of surgical resection. Gemcitabine is widely used as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent for unresectable CCA. Its efficacy is often compromised by the development of drug resistance, which leads to poor clinical outcomes and low survival rates of CCA patients. At present, the mechanisms underlying gemcitabine resistance in CCA remain unclear. This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on the More >

Yizhen Zhang^1,2,#, Juan Li^1,3,#, Huanqing Liu^1,4,#, Hong Xia¹, Jian Su^1,5, Fang Liu¹, Bo Su^6,*, Qi Su^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.12, pp. 3869-3886, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.068689 - 27 November 2025

Abstract Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) is often associated with high invasiveness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), highlighting the need for novel therapeutic targets. This study explored whether diallyl disulfide (DADS) upregulates retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (ROR) to weaken the protein kinase C alpha (PKC)/RORα-mediated RORα/β-catenin pathway, thereby inhibiting GC cell invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and enhancing 5-FU sensitivity. Methods: Human GC cell lines MGC-803 and SGC7901 were treated with DADS, RORα agonist SR1078/antagonist T0901317, and PKCα agonist TPA/antagonist GO6976. Cell proliferation (MTT), migration (scratch assay), invasion (Transwell), protein expression (Western blot), protein… 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 >

Xiangnan Feng^1,#, Dayong Li^2,#, Pingyu Wang¹, Xinyu Li², Guangyao Li^2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.11, pp. 3327-3346, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067343 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Lactylation, a post-translational modification process that adds lactate groups to lysine residues, plays a crucial role in cancer biology, especially in drug resistance. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of lactylation in cancer progression and drug resistance are still unclear, and therapeutic strategies targeting the lactylation pathway are expected to overcome metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive description and summary of lactylation modification and tumor drug resistance. Numerous studies have shown that, due to the Warburg effect, there is an abnormally high level of lactate in tumor cells. Elevated levels of… More >

Sofija Jovanović Stojanov¹, Marija Grozdanić¹, Mila Ljujić², Sandra Dragičević², Miodrag Dragoj¹, Jelena Dinić^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.10, pp. 2741-2785, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067126 - 26 September 2025

Abstract Anticancer drug resistance remains a major challenge in cancer treatment hindering the efficacy of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures cannot replicate the complexity of the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME), limiting their utility for drug resistance research. Therefore, three-dimensional (3D) tumor models have proven to be a promising alternative for investigating chemoresistance mechanisms. In this review, various cancer 3D models, including spheroids, organoids, scaffold-based models, and bioprinted models, are comprehensively evaluated with a focus on their application in drug resistance studies. We discuss the materials, properties, and advantages of each model, highlighting More > Graphic Abstract