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Topic Review
Zinc and Breast Cancer Survival
Zinc is an essential mineral incorporated into at least 300 enzymes, and is involved in numerous signaling pathways important for, e.g., cell proliferation and differentiation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and redox regulation. Zinc has been reported in preclinical studies to trigger an interplay of G protein estrogen receptor with insulin-like growth factor receptor I (IGF-IR) and epidermal growth factor receptor, which results in the activation of important transduction pathways and biological responses such as proliferation and migration in breast cancer cells.
  • 1.0K
  • 04 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Locoregional Therapies in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed primary liver malignancy. Its efficient management depends on early detection, the stage of progression of the disease and underlying liver function. Available curative treatments include liver transplantation, resection and ablation. These are in addition to cryoablation, microwave ablation and percutaneous alcohol injection. In cases of the late detection of HCC, many patients with locally advanced disease and are offered locoregional therapies, including transarterial chemoembolization and selective internal radiation therapy, plus external beam radiation.
  • 1.0K
  • 28 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Sentinel Node in Oral Cancer
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a diagnostic staging procedure that aims to identify the first draining lymph node(s) from the primary tumor, the sentinel lymph nodes (SLN), as their histopathological status reflects the histopathological status of the rest of the nodal basin. The routine SLNB procedure consists of peritumoral injections with a technetium-99m [99mTc]-labelled radiotracer followed by lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT-CT imaging. Based on these imaging results, the identified SLNs are marked for surgical extirpation and are subjected to histopathological assessment. The routine SLNB procedure has proven to reliably stage the clinically negative neck in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, an infamous limitation arises in situations where SLNs are located in close vicinity of the tracer injection site. In these cases, the hotspot of the injection site can hide adjacent SLNs and hamper the discrimination between tracer injection site and SLNs (shine-through phenomenon). Therefore, technical developments are needed to bring the diagnostic accuracy of SLNB for early-stage OSCC to a higher level. 
  • 1.0K
  • 09 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Structure Dynamics and Signaling of the Neurokinin-1 Receptor
Substance P (SP), the first isolated neuropeptide, belongs to the family of tachykinin peptides and is the natural ligand of neurokinin-1 receptors (NK-1R), also named SP receptors. The undecapeptide activates the receptor after specifically binding to the protein and triggers intracellular signals leading to different biochemical events and subsequent physiological responses. 
  • 1.0K
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Domestic Animal Models of Central Nervous System Tumors
Intracranial primary tumors (IPTs) are aggressive forms of malignancies that cause high mortality in both humans and domestic animals. Meningiomas are frequent adult IPTs in humans, dogs, and cats, and both benign and malignant forms cause a decrease in life quality and survival. Surgery is the primary therapeutic approach to treat meningiomas, but, in many cases, it is not resolutive. The chemotherapy and targeted therapy used to treat meningiomas also display low efficacy and many side effects. Therefore, it is essential to find novel pharmacological approaches to increase the spectrum of therapeutic options for meningiomas.
  • 1.0K
  • 18 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Androgen Signaling in Prostate Cancer
Key preclinical studies over decades suggest prostate cancer cells titrate androgen signaling to optimize growth. Such laboratory-based studies argue that adaptations that allow growth in a low-androgen environment render prostate cancer sensitive to restoration of androgens, especially at supraphysiologic doses. Based on preclinical data, as well as clinical observations, trials employing high-dose testosterone (HDT) therapy have now been conducted. These trials suggest a clinical benefit in cancer response and quality of life in a subset of castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.
  • 1.0K
  • 18 Sep 2021
Biography
Silas Palmer Beebe
Silas Palmer Beebe, M.D., PhD (April 22, 1876 – December 6, 1930) an early pioneer in the field of cancer research and the pathology of the disease. Silas Palmer Beebe, also known as S.P. Beebe was born in 1876 in St. Johns, Michigan the son of Aram Beebe, a farmer and justice of the peace and Emma Lucretia (Beebe) Beebe. His father Aram was the son of Paphiras and Lucy (Day) Beebe, of Winh
  • 1.0K
  • 15 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Oncology
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases. Increasing patients’ awareness and providing easier access to public information result in greater interest in alternative anticancer or unproven supportive therapies. Fear of cancer and limited trust in the treating physician are also important reasons leading patients to seek these methods. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as opposed to evidence-based medicine (EBM), is not grounded in well-designed clinical studies, and thus may not be effective or may even harm patients. Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard medicine, whereas alternative medicine is used in lieu of standard methods. Patients diagnosed with cancer are frequently confused due to the unpredictability of the situation, stress, and fear of the future of themselves and their families. The willingness to actively participate in the therapeutic process may prompt them to seek allegedly effective CAM options. Patients attempt these methods to increase treatment efficacy, alleviate treatment side effects, or improve their physical and mental condition.
  • 1.0K
  • 26 Apr 2022
Topic Review
The tumor microenvironment
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and continuously evolving milieu composed of a heterogeneous assemblage of distinct cancer cells and host cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), endothelial cells, pericytes, immune cells, and extracellular matrix components that constitute the tumor parenchyma and tumor stroma (Beury et al., 2014; Hanahan and Weinberg, 2011). These various cell types exhibit an extensive and reciprocal crosstalk that dynamically regulates the phenotype and function of the individual cells within the TME (Haist et al., 2021). Tumor growth and mechanisms of tumor resistance are profoundly influenced by this relationship of cancer cells with their surrounding environment, making the TME an active promotor of cancer progression. 
  • 1.0K
  • 02 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Splice Site Selection Abrogated in Cancer
Splicing and alternative splicing (AS) must be tightly regulated, as they have profound effects on gene expression. Various cis-regulatory elements control the fidelity and efficiency of splicing. These include the 5′ and 3′ splice sites (SSs), splicing enhancers, splicing silencers, branch points, and polypyrimidine tracts. A quality control mechanism of splice site selection termed Suppression of Splicing (SOS), was proposed to protect cells from splicing at the numerous intronic unused, latent 5′ splice sites (LSSs) sequences, which are not used under normal growth condition. However, under stress and in cancer thousands of LSSs are activated in splicing resulting in the expression of thousands of aberrant nonsense mRNAs that may be toxic to cells. 
  • 1.0K
  • 20 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Contribution of Epstein–Barr Virus to Cancer Hallmarks
The concept of ‘hallmarks of cancer’ was first introduced by Hanahan and Weinberg in 2000 and represented the cellular traits through which different cancers acquire the capabilities to survive, proliferate and disseminate. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), the first recognized human oncogenic virus in history, is one of the environmental factors that can drive oncogenesis of several lymphoid and epithelial malignancies through various hallmarks of cancer. This entry summarizes the contribution of EBV lytic proteins to cancer hallmarks and provide a framework to address the complexity of EBV-driven oncogenesis.
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  • 10 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Gamma-Interferon in Cancer Hyperprogression
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve the survival of patients with multiple types of cancer. However, low response rates and atypical responses limit their success in clinical applications. The paradoxical acceleration of tumor growth after treatment, defined as hyperprogressive disease (HPD), is the most difficult problem facing clinicians and patients alike. The mechanisms that underlie hyperprogression (HP) are still unclear and controversial, although a large number of studies have investigated the phenomenon and several associated factors have been reported. Gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) is a key cytokine in antitumor response and its levels increase during ICI therapy. Even though this factor has been widely associated with resistance to ICI therapy, it has not yet been demonstrated to be directly associated with HP. Nevertheless, data suggest that IFN-γ may contribute to HP onset through different mechanisms, including the activation of the inflammasome pathway, the expression of the immunosuppressive enzyme IDO1 and the triggering of activation-induced cell death (AICD) in effector T cells. These findings make IFN-γ worthy of attention in the context of HPD development.
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  • 07 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Two-Dimensional Theranostic Nanomaterials in Cancer
As the combination of therapies enhances the performance of biocompatible materials in cancer treatment, theranostic therapies are attracting increasing attention rather than individual approaches.
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  • 18 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Cyclin-Dependent Kinases Pathway Dysregulation in Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare malignant conditions with more than 70 subtypes that are difficult to treat, especially in advanced or metastatic states. Next-generation sequencing technologies have provided comprehensive information and developed personalized medicine for treating cancer in general and STSs in particular. Growing knowledge of diverse gene alterations and biomolecular targets in various subtypes of STSs raises hope for novel treatment approaches and heralds a paradigm shift in the treatment of STSs. Activated cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) appear to play a critical role in sarcoma development and represent important targets for sarcoma therapy. 
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  • 18 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Adenocarcinoma of the Colon
Adenocarcinoma of the colon is the most common malignant neoplasia of the gastrointestinal tract and is a major contributor to mortality worldwide. Invasiveness and metastatic behavior are typical of malignant tumors and, because of its portal drainage, the liver is the closest capillary bed available in this case, hence the common site of metastatic dissemination. Current therapies forecast total resection of primary tumor when possible and partial liver resection at advanced stages, along with systemic intravenous therapies consisting of chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil. These cures are definitely not exempt from drawbacks and heavy side effects. Biocompatible polymeric networks, both in colloids and bulk forms, able to absorb large quantities of water and load a variety of molecules-belong to the class of innovative drug delivery systems, thus suitable for the purpose and tunable on each patient can represent a promising alternative. Indeed, the implantation of polymeric scaffolds easy to synthesize can substitute chemotherapy and combination therapies scheduling, shortening side effects. Moreover, they do not require a surgical removal thanks to spontaneous degradation and guarantees an extended and regional cargo release, maintaining high drug concentrations.
  • 1.0K
  • 22 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Endometrial Cancer Racial Disparity
In contrast to the decline in incidence and mortality of most other cancers, these rates are rising for endometrial cancer. Black women with endometrial cancer have an earlier diagnosis, more aggressive histology, advanced stage, and worse outcomes compared with their White counterparts. Socioeconomic status, a higher incidence of aggressive histology, and comorbid conditions are known factors leading to racial disparity in patients with endometrial cancer; nevertheless, they do not account for the entire racial disparity, which emphasizes the roles of molecular, histopathological and genetic factors. 
  • 1.0K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Anticancer Phytochemicals and Their Structure
Cancer is a challenging disease and is the main cause of mortality worldwide; however, its impact is not evenly distributed. The cancer burden in developed and underdeveloped countries has increased over time owing to a variety of factors, including aging and growing populations, rapid socioeconomic growth, and changes in the incidence of risk factors. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. 
  • 1.0K
  • 30 May 2022
Topic Review
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among men worldwide. Preventing the progression of cancer after treatments such as radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy is a major concern faced by prostate cancer patients. Inflammation, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, the microbiome, obesity and a high-fat diet, is considered to be the main cause of PC. Inflammatory cells are believed to play a crucial role in tumor progression. Therefore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with their effects on the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, can prevent cancer and its progression by suppressing various inflammatory pathways. Evidence shows that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
  • 1.0K
  • 13 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Dendritic Cell Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy
Dendritic cells (DCs) are a class of bone-marrow-derived cells present in blood, epithelial, interstitial and lymphoid tissues, originated from lympho-myeloid hematopoiesis through a series of differentiation processes. Throughout the last decades, DC-based anti-tumor vaccines have proven to be a safe therapeutic approach, although with inconsistent clinical results. The functional limitations of ex vivo monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) commonly used in these therapies are one of the pointed explanations for their lack of robustness. Among characterized human DC subpopulations, conventional type 1 DCs (cDC1) have emerged as a highly desirable tool for empowering anti-tumor immunity. This DC subset excels in its capacity to prime antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells and to activate natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells, which are critical factors for an effective anti-tumor immune response.
  • 1.0K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Large Language Model-Enabled Medical Chatbots
The trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) development spans decades, with machine learning (ML) emerging as a pivotal force in propelling AI’s evolution. The adoption of AI and ML in the medical field has experienced significant growth, particularly in ML-enabled medical devices. Chatbots, AI-driven conversational agents prevalent in online interactions, have found extensive utility in disseminating healthcare information and enhancing customer services. These features encompass accurate information retrieval, symptom assessment, and diagnosis support to help in understanding and addressing health concerns. 
  • 1.0K
  • 27 Mar 2024
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