Perineural invasion (PNI), a prominent pathological feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is closely associated with poor prognosis. Clarifying its mechanism is therefore critical for developing new therapies. Recent research has focused on the crosstalk between tumors and Schwann cells (SCs), particularly the role of SC dedifferentiation in facilitating PNI. In this study, by integrating RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and single-cell analysis of clinical samples, we identified significant enrichment of dedifferentiated SCs and upregulation of key markers (p75NTR, SOX2, and c-Jun) in PNI regions. Moreover, PTGES was more highly expressed in the central region of the PNI than in the other regions of the PNI. Coculture experiments revealed that PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells enhanced SC dedifferentiation, and this process facilitated pancreatic cancer cell malignancy. Furthermore, PTGES upregulation in the coculture system mediated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. Functional experiments revealed that PGE₂ drove morphological alterations in SCs-characterized by bipolar stretching-and elevated the expression of dedifferentiation markers, including p75NTR, c-Jun, SOX2, and GDNF. In the 3D coculture model, treatment with a PTGES inhibitor (CAY10526), siPTGES or PTGES-KO impaired the directional migration and neurite outgrowth of SCs toward PDAC cells. Mechanistically, PGE₂-stimulated SCs secrete elevated levels of LIF and ADAMTS-1, factors that promote extracellular matrix degradation and neural remodeling to facilitate tumor invasion. In summary, we delineate a novel paracrine axis in which PDAC-derived PGE₂ drives SC dedifferentiation and the production of proinvasive factors (LIF and ADAMTS-1), collectively establishing a microenvironment conducive to PNI. Our findings suggest that the PTGES-SC axis is a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting PNI in PDAC.

Accumulating evidence shows that bacteria influence cancer homeostasis, yet the effects of tumor‑associated microbes and their products remain largely unexplored. We previously reported that P. aeruginosa-cancer crosstalk suppresses tumors via the bacterial cupredoxin azurin, and we developed an azurin‑derived peptide that was tested in clinical trials. Building on our previous studies, we studied tumor-resident bacteria for novel therapeutics and targets. Photosynthetic bacteria from the phylum Chloroflexota, including a member of the class Chloroflexia, identified in tumors, carry the cupredoxin auracyanin gene. Based on the structural and chemical characteristics of auracyanin, we designed a novel cell-penetrating peptide, aurB. Plant chloroplasts are thought to have evolved from a bacterial endosymbiont, and both chloroplasts and mitochondria possess shared proteins essential for ATP-dependent energy production, indicating that these bacterial-derived proteins may influence mitochondrial function. Consistent with this model, we demonstrated that aurB, a peptide from cupredoxin auracyanin B, localized at mitochondria, blocked energy production by targeting ATP synthase in prostate cancer cells, thereby significantly inhibiting tumor growth. More strikingly, combination treatment with aurB and radiation therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth in a tibial bone metastasis model. Moreover, the number of metastatic lesions in the lungs was also significantly lower upon aurB treatment. Multiplex RNA-expression profiling revealed that the inhibition of ATP production by aurB increased the efficacy of radiation therapy by modulating multiple pathways involving HIF-1α. Our findings indicate that electron transfer proteins could represent an important source of promising novel peptide-based agents that target the aberrantly activated mitochondrial energy system in cancer.

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion accounts for 10%-20% of ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome, with ovarian teratomas being an exceptionally rare source. We present a female in her early 40s with severe Cushing syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion from a mature ovarian teratoma. She presented with progressive weight gain, moon facies, dorsocervical fat pad, proximal muscle weakness, hypertension and new-onset diabetes. Biochemical evaluation confirmed ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism with elevated cortisol, plasma ACTH, late-night salivary cortisol, urinary free cortisol and failure of dexamethasone suppression. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) confirmed an ectopic source. After negative pituitary and thoracoabdominal imaging, pelvic imaging identified a large right ovarian mass. Laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, and histopathology confirmed a mature cystic teratoma with ACTH-positive neuroendocrine cells. Postoperatively, the patient achieved complete clinical and biochemical remission with full hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis recovery at 1 year follow-up. This case underscores the systematic diagnostic approach required for ectopic ACTH syndrome-including biochemical confirmation, IPSS to distinguish pituitary from ectopic sources and comprehensive imaging-as well as the importance of considering uncommon tumour sites, including ovarian teratomas, when standard thoracoabdominal imaging is unrevealing.

Gastric synovial sarcoma (GSS) is an exceptionally rare mesenchymal malignancy, with only 51 cases reported. We present a case of a man in his 50s with dyspeptic symptoms and epigastric pain. Gastroscopy revealed an ulcerous tumour below the gastro-oesophageal junction. Histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis confirmed SS18::SSX1 fusion, diagnostic of synovial sarcoma. The patient underwent successful robot-assisted partial gastric resection with negative margins. No recurrence was noted at 6-month follow-up. This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of GSS, the critical role of molecular techniques and the efficacy of minimally invasive surgical management.

Brain cancer can occur as primary or metastatic tumours. Sequencing of resected tissues from primary glioblastoma (GBM) and brain metastases (BrMET) reveals high heterogeneity in neoantigens and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. Analysis of published sequencing data from different spatial regions of tumours in GBM and BrMET patients reveals a heavy right-tailed distribution of T cell clone sizes, spanning several orders of magnitude (1-1000 cells), with a few large clone sizes (less than 10) and many small clones. We developed a mathematical model that incorporates the interaction of T cells and neoantigens, taking into account their stochastic proliferation within the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, to investigate how neoantigens drive T cell expansion in GBM and BrMET. The model trained to describe the emergence of T cell clones in different spatial regions accurately predicts the distribution of observed T cell clone sizes. The model reveals that the strength of interaction between TCR and neoantigen-major histocompatibility complex and stochastic T cell proliferation crucially regulates T cell expansion and suggests a higher rate of T cell proliferation in BrMET compared with GBM. An extension of the model predicts peripheral T cell responses to neoantigen vaccines, potentially aiding optimal peptide selection.

One of the most prevalent oral cancers, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is distinguished by its rapid growth, invasiveness, and high metastatic potential. Green AgNPs are important because they can reduce systemic toxicity by inducing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in cancer cells. The goal of this study was to use saponins as natural stabilizers to create AgNPs, and the detrimental apoptotic effects on cancer cells were examined using high-content screening (HCS) assays such as TNI, CMP, and VCC.

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the risk factors with the greatest impact on the development of CIN2+ in patients with low-grade cytology and either HPV-negative or high-risk HPV-positive (non-16/18) results. The secondary aim was to develop and validate a multiparameter, risk-based prediction system.

HPV types 16 and 18 are associated with 70% of invasive cervical cancers. Between these two types of HPV, HPV type 16 is more commonly found in cervical cancer patients, whereas HPV type 18 is less frequently reported. Currently, the molecular mechanism underlying the increased cancer risk in HPV type 16, compared to HPV type 18, has not yet been fully elucidated.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of CD8⁺ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8⁺ TILs), microvascular density (MVD), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with the TNM (Tumor-Node-Metastasis) stage, as well as to analyze their interrelationships in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

To evaluate oncological outcomes and potential risk factors for local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) after upfront surgery in patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined cT3 rectal cancer, with an uninvolved circumferential resection margin (mrCRM) and no extramural vascular invasion (EMVI), in a Vietnamese cohort.

Populations living near the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan were chronically exposed to low-to-moderate doses of ionizing radiation due to atmospheric nuclear testing (1949-1962). While the effects of acute exposures are well documented, data on long-term endocrine outcomes in chronically exposed adults remain limited.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly applied in the management of liver cancers. Flattening filter-free (FFF) beams, which offer higher dose rates, enable faster delivery and improved patient comfort. This retrospective study compares the dosimetric and delivery characteristics of SBRT using FFF and conventional flattened beams for the treatment of multiple liver targets.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The long non-coding RNA MEG3 functions as a tumor suppressor in several cancers, potentially influencing gene expression through transcriptional, translational, and epigenetic mechanisms. let-7i plays a role in leukemia progression. This study aimed to evaluate MEG3 gene expression in adult ALL patients and investigate its possible regulatory interaction with let-7i-3p and let-7i-5p.

This study aimed to create a genetic and clinical roadmap for the TGF-β pathway in an Iraqi population, focusing on the TGF-β1 (+869 C/T) polymorphism.

Lymphoma is the most common hematologic malignancy in Thailand, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being the predominant subtype. Early prognostic indicators are essential for guiding clinical decisions. Genetic alterations, particularly in regulatory regions, may serve as potential biomarkers. This study investigated sequence alterations upstream of exon 1 of the OSBPL10 gene and their clinical relevance in a Northern Thai DLBCL population.

Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third most common cause of cancer-related death. The five-year overall survival (OS) rate for patients with unresectable HCC is only 12%. Currently, systemic therapies have become the primary treatment options for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies comparing the efficacy of first-line treatments including lenvatinib, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, and sorafenib have shown inconsistent results. There remains a need for updated comparative evidence on cross-mechanism therapy regimens for unresectable disease, as existing findings are still not completely clear. This network meta-analysis aims to provide clearer insights into which treatment offers greater efficacy for patients with unresectable HCC.

To compare the expression of the MAGEB2 antibody in normal oral mucosa (NOM), oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, and to evaluate the association of MAGEB2 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival in OSCC patients.

Despite advancements in multimodal therapies, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) continues to exhibit poor clinical outcomes, particularly in advanced and recurrent cases. Recent studies have identified the calcium-binding protein S100A2 as a critical mediator of OSCC progression and resistance to therapy. Our prior work demonstrated that cytoplasmic overexpression of S100A2 in oral cancer patients is associated with tumor recurrence and reduced survival. Given its reported role in promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cellular proliferation, and invasiveness, we investigated the in vitro functional impact of S100A2 inhibition in OSCC.

Breast cancer (BC) is a complex illness that affects millions of women globally. As its incidence rises, new treatment strategies are needed. Veratrum viride, a traditional medicinal herb, is known for its therapeutic potential, yet its molecular mechanism of action against BC remains unclear. The purpose of this preliminary investigation is to assess V. viride's anti-breast cancer potential by identifying its active compounds and using bioinformatics techniques to clarify their multi-target mechanisms.

Tumor budding (TB) has been recommended as a marker for prognosis and therapeutic decision-making in various types of cancer, yet it has not been comprehensively studied in gynecological malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between TB and clinicopathological features, as well as prognosis, in patients with gynecological malignancies, using a Bayesian meta-analysis design.