Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.0
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Translational Oncology: From Molecular Basis to Therapy
ijms-logo
Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Translational Oncology: From Molecular Basis to Therapy

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 7334

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mario Cioce

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: translational oncology; resistance to therapy; secretome signaling; microRNAs; cell transformation; tumor microenvironment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gatti Veronica

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: senescence and cancer; tumor microenvironment; therapy resistance; cancer genomics; epigenomics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

The field of Translational Oncology is rapidly expanding owing to the increasing availability of molecular targets in tumors and targeted compounds. With the merging of multi-omics, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and glycomics, we are gaining a deeper understanding of the adaptive dynamics of tumors, beyond what single genomics can offer. Additionally, novel models such as 3D growing spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic-based cultures are now available, and these are of higher clinical relevance. It is crucial that we obtain a comprehensive understanding of tumor biology that encompasses all of these aspects to fully comprehend the complexity of cancer. This understanding is of the upmost priority and promises to provide novel tools that attenuate cancer progression and resistance to therapy. We kindly invite you to join us in discussing all of these important aspects of this topic.

Dr. Mario Cioce
Dr. Gatti Veronica
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cancer
  • therapy resistance
  • translational oncology
  • cancer stem cells
  • immunotherapy
  • cancer metabolism
  • OMICS
  • patient-derived-organoids
  • drug repositioning
  • TKI

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 1545 KB  
Article
Acetate Metabolism in Thyroid Cancer Progression
by Enke Baldini, Silvia Cardarelli, Eleonora Lori, Poupak Fallahi, Camilla Virili, Marco Centanni, Vito D’Andrea, Alessandro Antonelli, Salvatore Sorrenti and Salvatore Ulisse
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27042013 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 377
Abstract
In recent years, several studies have highlighted the ability of malignant cells to use acetate as an alternative energy and biosynthetic source to glucose. In this context, the present study aimed at characterizing the expression profile of genes involved in acetate metabolism in [...] Read more.
In recent years, several studies have highlighted the ability of malignant cells to use acetate as an alternative energy and biosynthetic source to glucose. In this context, the present study aimed at characterizing the expression profile of genes involved in acetate metabolism in thyroid carcinomas. To this end, we analyzed molecular and clinical data from 496 papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) and 59 normal thyroid tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA). In addition, we examined 57 PTCs and matched normal tissues, and six anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) collected in our institutions, using real time RT-PCR. The results show a downregulation of ACSS1, ACSS2, ACACB, PDHA1, SLC16A3 and SLC16A7 genes in PTCs compared with normal tissues, some of which were significantly lower in BRAF-mutated tumors, the more aggressive tall cell variant, and larger and/or metastatic PTCs. Overall, these findings point to a reduction in mitochondrial oxidative pathways that was more evident in advanced or aggressive disease forms. In ATCs, ACSS2 was the only upregulated gene, suggesting further tumor adaptation to the metabolic stress of rapidly growing cancers. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a dysregulated expression pattern of multiple genes involved in acetate metabolism, which could be exploited for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Oncology: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 1453 KB  
Review
Non-Coding RNA-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Giovana Prado Scaratti, Inaiê Maiala de Almeida Miranda, Emanuelle Nunes-Souza, Mayara Oliveira Ruthes, Daiane Rosolen, Aline Simoneti Fonseca and Luciane Regina Cavalli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041882 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by marked clinical and molecular heterogeneity, which underlies the limited success of currently available targeted therapies and results in most patients relying on cytotoxic chemotherapy. This therapeutic gap underscores the pressing need for novel therapeutic approaches, in [...] Read more.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by marked clinical and molecular heterogeneity, which underlies the limited success of currently available targeted therapies and results in most patients relying on cytotoxic chemotherapy. This therapeutic gap underscores the pressing need for novel therapeutic approaches, in which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as promising candidates. In this systematic review, 35 pre-clinical studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting ncRNAs in TNBC, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. The original articles employed in vivo tumor models to assess the therapeutic response of ncRNA expression modulation, using miRNA mimics, antagomiRs, ASOs, shRNAs, and siRNAs integrated into advanced targeted delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and exosomes. According to the selected studies, 28 specific ncRNAs were identified as actionable molecular targets. Modulation of these molecules consistently resulted in tumor growth suppression, metastasis inhibition, and restoration of sensitivity to standard chemotherapeutic agents. Collectively, the pre-clinical evidence presented in these studies positions ncRNA-based therapies as innovative, promising, and potentially effective strategies for advancing TNBC treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Oncology: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 1816 KB  
Review
Redundancy in Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Adult Astrocytoma Resistance to Small-Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
by Roxana Radu, Anica Dricu, Ligia Gabriela Tataranu and Oana Alexandru
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031196 - 24 Jan 2026
Viewed by 580
Abstract
Adult astrocytomas, particularly IDH1/IDH2-wildtype infiltrating astrocytic gliomas, represent a significant challenge for medical professionals. Despite recent progress in understanding tumor biology and the use of molecular biomarkers, therapeutic options have not significantly improved patient outcomes. Although targeted therapies, such as small-molecule tyrosine kinase [...] Read more.
Adult astrocytomas, particularly IDH1/IDH2-wildtype infiltrating astrocytic gliomas, represent a significant challenge for medical professionals. Despite recent progress in understanding tumor biology and the use of molecular biomarkers, therapeutic options have not significantly improved patient outcomes. Although targeted therapies, such as small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have shown benefits in other solid tumors, they have largely failed to improve survival in adult astrocytoma patients. Characterized by remarkable heterogeneity, these tumors develop robust drug resistance mechanisms. The molecular processes driving this resistance are complex and not yet fully understood. In this review, we briefly present the growth factor receptors (GFRs) and their signaling pathways in adult astrocytomas and discuss the known mechanisms of resistance to small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Oncology: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 1317 KB  
Review
Therapeutic Frontiers in Gastroesophageal Cancer: Contemporary Concepts in Management and Therapy
by Supriya Peshin, Ehab Takrori, Naga Anvesh Kodali, Faizan Bashir, Michael Gibson and Sakshi Singal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311424 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1283
Abstract
Gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) represents a global health burden, with rising incidence and high mortality. Despite advancements in early detection and systemic therapies, outcomes remain poor, especially in advanced stages. Management requires a multidisciplinary, multimodal approach that integrates surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted agents, and [...] Read more.
Gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) represents a global health burden, with rising incidence and high mortality. Despite advancements in early detection and systemic therapies, outcomes remain poor, especially in advanced stages. Management requires a multidisciplinary, multimodal approach that integrates surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted agents, and immunotherapy, tailored by tumor histology, location, and molecular profile. For localized disease, perioperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is standard, with adjuvant immunotherapy now emerging in selected high-risk cases. In metastatic or unresectable settings, systemic therapy forms the backbone of treatment, with biomarker-driven regimens targeting HER2, PD-L1, MSI-H/dMMR, and CLDN18.2, offering improved outcomes. Novel agents and combinations, including bispecific antibodies, FGFR2 inhibitors, and immunotherapy-based strategies, are actively being explored in clinical trials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving therapeutic landscape of GEC. It emphasizes the growing role of precision medicine and the integration of emerging clinical data into practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Oncology: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1590 KB  
Review
Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Progression and Novel Therapeutic and Diagnostic Strategies in Mesothelioma
by Taketo Kato, Ichidai Tanaka, Heng Huang, Shoji Okado, Yoshito Imamura, Yuji Nomata, Hirofumi Takenaka, Hiroki Watanabe, Yuta Kawasumi, Keita Nakanishi, Yuka Kadomatsu, Harushi Ueno, Shota Nakamura, Tetsuya Mizuno and Toyofumi Fengshi Chen-Yoshikawa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094299 - 1 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3423
Abstract
Mesothelioma is characterized by the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, with frequent mutations in neurofibromin 2 (NF2), BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A). These mutations lead to disruptions in the Hippo signaling pathway [...] Read more.
Mesothelioma is characterized by the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, with frequent mutations in neurofibromin 2 (NF2), BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A). These mutations lead to disruptions in the Hippo signaling pathway and histone methylation, thereby promoting tumor growth. NF2 mutations result in Merlin deficiency, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation, whereas BAP1 mutations impair chromatin remodeling and hinder DNA damage repair. Emerging molecular targets in mesothelioma include mesothelin (MSLN), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT5), and carbohydrate sulfotransferase 4 (CHST4). MSLN-based therapies, such as antibody–drug conjugates and immunotoxins, have shown efficacy in clinical trials. OXTR, upregulated in mesothelioma, is correlated with poor prognosis and represents a novel therapeutic target. PRMT5 inhibition is being explored in tumors with MTAP deletions, commonly co-occurring with CDKN2A loss. CHST4 expression is associated with improved prognosis, potentially influencing tumor immunity. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have shown promise in some cases; however, resistance mechanisms remain a challenge. Advances in multi-omics approaches have improved our understanding of mesothelioma pathogenesis. Future research will aim to identify novel therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies, particularly in the context of epigenetic therapy and combination immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Oncology: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop