Topic Editors

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
1. Department II, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
2. Department of Surgery 3, “Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu” Institute of Oncology, 022338 Bucharest, Romania
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 061071 Bucharest, Romania

From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology

Abstract submission deadline
closed (30 September 2024)
Manuscript submission deadline
31 December 2024
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14284

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are happy to open this Topic in cooperation with the OncoHub Conference and share the aim of creating a proper space where interdisciplinary teams of biomedical researchers could share their latest scientific advances and bring together the cancer research medical communities to inspire innovation and build knowledge, networks, and collaborations. Our main focus is on bridging the gap between clinical research, clinicians, and industry by identifying promising tools for drug discovery and targets for novel therapies. For this, we encourage the submission of any original work or review manuscript that could inspire other professionals to gain insight into the clinical relevance of molecular diagnostic advances, circulating markers for liquid biopsy development, disease modeling in bioprinted microfluidic devices, modern endoscopic and/or surgical techniques in different cancer types, etc.

Dr. Bianca Gǎlǎţeanu
Dr. Octav Ginghină
Dr. Ariana Hudita
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • liquid biopsy
  • tumor microenvironment
  • immuno-oncology
  • sentinel lymph node mapping
  • radiofrequency ablation

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Cancers
cancers
4.5 8.0 2009 16.3 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Diagnostics
diagnostics
3.0 4.7 2011 20.5 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine
jcm
3.0 5.7 2012 17.3 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Pharmaceutics
pharmaceutics
4.9 7.9 2009 14.9 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Current Oncology
curroncol
2.8 3.3 1994 17.6 Days CHF 2200 Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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35 pages, 958 KiB  
Review
Impact of Molecular Profiling on Therapy Management in Breast Cancer
by Flavia Ultimescu, Ariana Hudita, Daniela Elena Popa, Maria Olinca, Horatiu Alin Muresean, Mihail Ceausu, Diana Iuliana Stanciu, Octav Ginghina and Bianca Galateanu
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(17), 4995; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13174995 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1224
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The heterogeneity of BC in terms of histopathological features, genetic polymorphisms, and response to therapies necessitates a personalized approach to treatment. This review focuses on [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The heterogeneity of BC in terms of histopathological features, genetic polymorphisms, and response to therapies necessitates a personalized approach to treatment. This review focuses on the impact of molecular profiling on therapy management in breast cancer, emphasizing recent advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsies. These technologies enable the identification of specific molecular subtypes and the detection of blood-based biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and tumor-educated platelets (TEPs). The integration of molecular profiling with traditional clinical and pathological data allows for more tailored and effective treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes. This review also discusses the current challenges and prospects of implementing personalized cancer therapy, highlighting the potential of molecular profiling to revolutionize BC management through more precise prognostic and therapeutic interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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13 pages, 1016 KiB  
Review
Pediatric Diffuse Midline Glioma H3K27-Altered: From Developmental Origins to Therapeutic Challenges
by Manuela Mandorino, Ahana Maitra, Domenico Armenise, Olga Maria Baldelli, Morena Miciaccia, Savina Ferorelli, Maria Grazia Perrone and Antonio Scilimati
Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101814 - 10 May 2024
Viewed by 2412
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), now referred to as diffuse midline glioma (DMG), is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer primarily affecting children aged 4 to 9 years old. Despite the research and clinical trials conducted to identify a possible treatment for DIPG, no [...] Read more.
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), now referred to as diffuse midline glioma (DMG), is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer primarily affecting children aged 4 to 9 years old. Despite the research and clinical trials conducted to identify a possible treatment for DIPG, no effective drug is currently available. These tumors often affect deep midline brain structures in young children, suggesting a connection to early brain development’s epigenetic regulation targets, possibly affecting neural progenitor functions and differentiation. The H3K27M mutation is a known DIPG trigger, but the exact mechanisms beyond epigenetic regulation remain unclear. After thoroughly examining the available literature, we found that over 85% of DIPG tumors contain a somatic missense mutation, K27M, in genes encoding histone H3.3 and H3.1, leading to abnormal gene expression that drives tumor growth and spread. This mutation impacts crucial brain development processes, including the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, and may explain differences between H3K27M and non-K27M pediatric gliomas. Effects on stem cells show increased proliferation and disrupted differentiation. The genomic organization of H3 gene family members in the developing brain has revealed variations in their expression patterns. All these observations suggest a need for global efforts to understand developmental origins and potential treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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16 pages, 837 KiB  
Article
Understanding Elderly Chinese Cancer Patients in a Multicultural Clinical Setting: Embracing Mortality and Addressing Misperceptions of Vulnerability
by Yvonne W. Leung, Enid W. Y. Kwong, Karen Lok Yi Wong, Jeremiah So, Frankie Poon, Terry Cheng, Eric Chen, Alex Molasiotis and Doris Howell
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(5), 2620-2635; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31050197 - 5 May 2024
Viewed by 1327
Abstract
Chinese patients face higher risks of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and greater cancer-related deaths than Canadian-born patients. The older population encounters barriers to quality healthcare, impacting their well-being and survival. Previous studies highlighted Chinese immigrant perceptions of not requiring healthcare support. During the COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Chinese patients face higher risks of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and greater cancer-related deaths than Canadian-born patients. The older population encounters barriers to quality healthcare, impacting their well-being and survival. Previous studies highlighted Chinese immigrant perceptions of not requiring healthcare support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their underutilization of healthcare services garnered attention. The present study explores the experiences of older Chinese cancer patients to improve culturally sensitive cancer care. A total of twenty interviews carried out in Cantonese and Mandarin were conducted with Chinese immigrants, aged 60 or above, diagnosed with Stage 3 or 4 GI cancer. These interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated, and subjected to qualitative descriptive analysis. Among older Chinese immigrant patients, a phenomenon termed “Premature Acceptance: Normalizing Death and Dying” was observed. This involved four key themes: 1. acceptance and letting go, 2. family first, 3. self-sufficiency, and 4. barriers to supportive care. Participants displayed an early acceptance of their own mortality, prioritizing family prosperity over their own quality of life. Older Chinese patients normalize the reality of facing death amidst cancer. They adopt a pragmatic outlook, acknowledging life-saving treatments while willingly sacrificing their own support needs to ease family burdens. Efforts to enhance health literacy require culturally sensitive programs tailored to address language barriers and differing values among this population. A strengths-based approach emphasizing family support and practical aspects of care may help build resilience and improve symptom management, thereby enhancing their engagement with healthcare services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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16 pages, 1047 KiB  
Review
Physical Activity, Insulin Resistance and Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Santiago Navarro-Ledesma, Dina Hamed-Hamed, Ana González-Muñoz and Leo Pruimboom
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030656 - 3 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2368
Abstract
Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR), a key aspect of type 2 diabetes and a defining characteristic of obesity and its associated conditions, emerges as a mechanistic pathway potentially implicated in cancer pathophysiology. This presents an appealing intervention target for cancer patients. The objective of [...] Read more.
Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR), a key aspect of type 2 diabetes and a defining characteristic of obesity and its associated conditions, emerges as a mechanistic pathway potentially implicated in cancer pathophysiology. This presents an appealing intervention target for cancer patients. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review, examining the scientific evidence regarding the impact of physical activity on modifying insulin resistance in individuals with cancer. Methods: The selection criteria were specific: only randomized controlled clinical trials published in the last 13 years and written in English or Spanish were included. The databases utilized for the search included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and WEB OF SCIENCE. The protocol for this review was duly registered in the International Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023435002). The final search was conducted on 14 May 2023. Results: The outcomes were assessed using the tool proposed by the Cochrane Handbook to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. Among the 12 studies incorporated, 8 demonstrated a low risk of bias, two had an unclear risk of bias, and the remaining two showed a high risk of bias. The variety of exercise types used across all studies was extensive, making definitive conclusions challenging. Physical activity was linked to enhanced insulin sensitivity in seven studies, while five studies showed no significant changes in insulin resistance between the intervention and control groups. Importantly, none of the interventions employed in the included studies exhibited adverse effects on the study participants. Conclusions: The role of exercise as a medicine against insulin resistance has been evidenced in many different studies, mostly related to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Engaging in physical activity could be a healthy option to combat the effects of insulin resistance in cancer patients, although evidence is weak and limited, according to the results of our systemic review. We further found that literature is lacking at the level of optimal doses, timing, and type of exercise. More studies are needed with more defined PA programs in type and length. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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18 pages, 9571 KiB  
Article
Point-of-Care Orthopedic Oncology Device Development
by Ioannis I. Mavrodontis, Ioannis G. Trikoupis, Vasileios A. Kontogeorgakos, Olga D. Savvidou and Panayiotis J. Papagelopoulos
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(1), 211-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31010014 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1647
Abstract
Background: The triad of 3D design, 3D printing, and xReality technologies is explored and exploited to collaboratively realize patient-specific products in a timely manner with an emphasis on designs with meta-(bio)materials. Methods: A case study on pelvic reconstruction after oncological resection (osteosarcoma) was [...] Read more.
Background: The triad of 3D design, 3D printing, and xReality technologies is explored and exploited to collaboratively realize patient-specific products in a timely manner with an emphasis on designs with meta-(bio)materials. Methods: A case study on pelvic reconstruction after oncological resection (osteosarcoma) was selected and conducted to evaluate the applicability and performance of an inter-epistemic workflow and the feasibility and potential of 3D technologies for modeling, optimizing, and materializing individualized orthopedic devices at the point of care (PoC). Results: Image-based diagnosis and treatment at the PoC can be readily deployed to develop orthopedic devices for pre-operative planning, training, intra-operative navigation, and bone substitution. Conclusions: Inter-epistemic symbiosis between orthopedic surgeons and (bio)mechanical engineers at the PoC, fostered by appropriate quality management systems and end-to-end workflows under suitable scientifically amalgamated synergies, could maximize the potential benefits. However, increased awareness is recommended to explore and exploit the full potential of 3D technologies at the PoC to deliver medical devices with greater customization, innovation in design, cost-effectiveness, and high quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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13 pages, 1880 KiB  
Article
Regulatory and Interacting Partners of PDLIM7 in Thyroid Cancer
by Kristiana Rood, Celina Romi Yamauchi, Umang Sharma, Ria T. Laxa, Collin Robins, Gerardo Lanza, Kidianys Sánchez-Ruiz, Aminah Khan, Hae Soo Kim, Andrea Shields, Kari Kennedy, Saied Mirshahidi, Mia C. Perez, Anthony Firek, Iqbal Munir, Alfred A. Simental and Salma Khan
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(12), 10450-10462; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30120761 - 13 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1928
Abstract
Enigma protein, encoded by the PDLIM7 gene, is overexpressed in thyroid cancer in a stage-dependent manner, suggesting a potential involvement in the initiation and progression of thyroid cancer. The Enigma interacts with several cellular pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MDM2, and BMP-1. The Enigma is [...] Read more.
Enigma protein, encoded by the PDLIM7 gene, is overexpressed in thyroid cancer in a stage-dependent manner, suggesting a potential involvement in the initiation and progression of thyroid cancer. The Enigma interacts with several cellular pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MDM2, and BMP-1. The Enigma is regulated by microRNAs. Specifically, we showed that the Enigma protein upregulation corresponds to the downregulation of Let-7 family genes. There is limited research on the interactions and regulation of the Enigma with other proteins/genes in thyroid cancer tissues, indicating a gap in current knowledge. Our aim is to establish the Enigma as a biomarker. We also aim to study the interacting partners of the Enigma signaling pathways and their probable miRNA regulation in thyroid cancer progression. Using Western blotting, densitometric analysis, immunoprecipitation (IP), and reverse IP, we detected the protein expression and protein–protein interactions in the corresponding papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Utilizing real-time qPCR assay and Pearson’s correlation test, we highlighted the correlation between PDLIM7 and Let-7g gene expression in the same tissues. The results showed the differential upregulations of the Enigma protein in different stages of PTCs compared to benign tissues along with AKT, VDR, BMP-1, and MDM2 proteins. Loss of DBP was observed in a subset of PTCs. Strong interactions of the Enigma with PI3K/AKT and MDM2 were noted, along with a weaker BMP-1 interaction. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis between PDLIM7 and let-7g gene expression was significant (p < 0.05); however, there was a weak inverse correlation (r = −0.27). The study suggests the potential utility of the PDLIM7-qPCR assay as a biomarker for thyroid cancer. The Enigma’s interactions with key signaling pathways may provide valuable insights into the development of thyroid cancer. The study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms involving the Enigma protein in thyroid cancer and highlights its potential as a biomarker. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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14 pages, 1549 KiB  
Article
Clinicopathological Features of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma with BRAF Mutation
by Andrea Ambrosini-Spaltro, Claudia Rengucci, Laura Capelli, Elisa Chiadini, Daniele Calistri, Chiara Bennati, Paola Cravero, Francesco Limarzi, Sofia Nosseir, Riccardo Panzacchi, Mirca Valli, Paola Ulivi and Giulio Rossi
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(11), 10019-10032; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30110728 - 19 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1925
Abstract
(1) Background: BRAF mutations affect 4–5% of lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of lung carcinomas with BRAF mutations, focusing on V600E vs. non-V600E and the presence of co-mutations. (2) Methods: All BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved from a [...] Read more.
(1) Background: BRAF mutations affect 4–5% of lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of lung carcinomas with BRAF mutations, focusing on V600E vs. non-V600E and the presence of co-mutations. (2) Methods: All BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved from a molecular diagnostic unit (the reference unit for four different hospitals). The samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Statistical analyses included log-rank tests for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). (3) Results: In total, 60 BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas were retrieved: 24 (40.0%) with V600E and 36 (60.0%) with non-V600E mutations, and 21 (35.0%) with other co-mutations and 39 (65.0%) with only BRAF mutations. Survival data were available for 54/60 (90.0%) cases. Targeted therapy was documented in 11 cases. Patients with V600E mutations exhibited a better prognosis than patients with non-V600E mutations (p = 0.008 for OS, p = 0.018 for PFS); this was confirmed in PFS (p = 0.036) when considering only patients who received no targeted therapy. Patients with co-mutations displayed no prognostic difference compared to patients carrying only BRAF mutations (p = 0.590 for OS, p = 0.938 for PFS). (4) Conclusions: BRAF-mutated lung carcinomas with V600E (40.0%) had a better prognosis than those without V600E. Concomitant co-mutations (35.0%) did not affect the prognosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic From Basic Research to a Clinical Perspective in Oncology)
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