Selective outcome-reporting bias refers to the selective reporting of a subset of study findings. This methodological limitation may occur in cancer-related acupuncture studies, where valid empirical studies on psychometric performance are still lacking. We assessed the risk of selective outcome reporting bias in studies published in English that were included in a systematic review on acupuncture for preventing cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. For each study, we searched for registry availability and, if present, assessed its validity. We described each study outcome (nausea, vomiting, or both) according to the following seven items: type of outcome, domain, specific measurement, specific metric, type of data, methods of aggregation, and timepoint unit and time. Eleven studies published between 1987 and 2019 in English were evaluated. Only four (36%) had a registry, of which only two were prospective and therefore considered valid. Discrepancies were found in the specific measurement of the outcome in two studies and in the specific metric. In many other cases, discrepancies were not evaluable due to missing information. No study reported complete outcomes as planned in the published protocol. Communication about the importance of prospective trial registration, including outcome details, should be enforced to reduce the risk of selective outcome reporting bias in oncology acupuncture studies.

Doxorubicin is an antitumor antibiotic. It is often used in veterinary medicine to treat and extend the lives of dogs with cancer. A cardiotoxic side effect can lead to heart failure and treatment discontinuation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the drug's cardiotoxic effects on the ejection fraction (EF) of dogs in doxorubicin protocols. The search was done in eight databases, with a total of 3587 articles screened, resulting in fifteen eligible articles included. A report on the included studies' methods and results was done. It also assessed the risk of bias. Thirteen articles demonstrated cardiac changes in echocardiography with different routes of administration (intravenous and intracoronary). The intracoronary route was more toxic, and in all six studies performed, there was heart failure. The intravenous route caused heart failure in six of the nine studies. A meta-analysis showed this drug worsened heart disease. It included four studies where it significantly lowered the EF. Overall, the intervention produced a mean reduction of 21.24% in EF. This review shows doxorubicin's impact on cardiac function. It reveals the need for careful monitoring of each patient.

Tislelizumab, a PD-1-targeting monoclonal antibody, can potentially treat advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Using pooled clinical data, this study evaluates Tislelizumab's efficacy and safety in advanced ESCC.

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has introduced innovative therapeutic paradigms for the management of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC). However, the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in patients with HER2-negative advanced GC/GEJC remain contentious. The comparability among different subgroups is not fully understood, necessitating the identification of optimal patient demographics and the exploration of potential biomarkers.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the main cause of death because of malignant tumors in women, worldwide. The impact of Crocus sativus on several cancers has been discussed. Recent studies provide evidence regarding the anticancer properties of C. sativus and its bioactive constituents against breast cancer. This study aims to systematically review the efficacy of this botanical drug and its constituents on breast cancer, and their mechanism of action for the first time. Due to the lack of human studies in this field, the present research focused on preclinical studies.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) are effective agents in different tumor types. A typical class of adverse events (AEs) associated with these agents, often leading to treatment modifications and discontinuations of treatment, is hematological toxicity. In our systematic review and safety meta-analysis, we investigated the incidence and risk of all grades and ≥ grade (G) 3 hematological AEs, including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) due to PARPis, used alone or in combination, in patients diagnosed with solid tumors. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the European Society of Medical Oncology meeting abstracts for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerning the use of PARPis in patients with solid tumors. The search deadline was April 30, 2024. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for all-grade and ≥ G3 AEs of PARPis versus non-PARPis. 31 phase II/III RCTs were included. Anemia was the most common all-grade (49.2%) and ≥ G3 AE (25.0%). The administration of PARPis significantly increased the risk of developing all grades of anemia (RR = 2.15, p < 0.00001), neutropenia (RR = 1.50, p = 0.0002), and thrombocytopenia (RR = 2.59, p < 0.00001) compared to non-PARPis. Similarly, a significant increase in the risk of ≥ G3 anemia (RR = 5.43, p < 0.00001), neutropenia (RR = 1.70, p = 0.002), and thrombocytopenia (RR = 5.42, p < 0.00001) was detected. PARPis did not increase the risk of AML/MDS (p = 0.86). PARPis increase the risk of hematologic toxicity compared to other treatments in solid tumors. Clinicians should be aware of this risk, especially given the expected increase in PARPis use in the next year in different tumor types.

Recently, there has been significant attention focused on neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy (NICT) for the treatment of resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In order to assess the efficacy and safety of this innovative combination in relation to traditional neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT), we performed a systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

The first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) has evolved from chemotherapy alone to chemoimmunotherapy. However, the improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) have been modest. Therefore, this study employs a comprehensive multidimensional evaluation framework to identify optimized therapeutic combinations with enhanced efficacy and improved safety profiles in the immunotherapy era.

Glioma is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults, with glioblastoma (GBM) representing the most aggressive subtype, characterized by diffuse infiltration, resistance to therapy, and a poor prognosis. Despite standard treatments, survival remains only approximately 14 months. Cannabinoids have been increasingly investigated for their therapeutic potential in gliomas, particularly GBM. Although multiple reviews on this field of research have been published, most are current only up to 2022. This systematic review aims to provide an updated summary of studies published between 2022 and 2025, capturing recent developments in anti-glioma mechanisms, combinational strategies, immune modulation, and novel therapeutic platforms. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink were searched for original English-language journal articles published between January 2022 and February 2025, using search terms related to cannabinoids and brain cancer. From 1031 records, 45 original research articles were included after removing duplicates, non-primary studies, and irrelevant topics. The studies were categorized into seven thematic domains based on content. Recent studies have elaborated on the anti-cancer mechanisms of cannabinoids beyond endocannabinoid signaling via the CB1/CB2 receptor, including ferroptosis induction, mitochondrial dysfunction, integrated stress response activation, and epigenetic modulation. Synthetic cannabinoids and their analogs demonstrated enhanced blood-brain barrier penetration and cytotoxicity in glioma models. Cannabinoids have been shown to modulate immune responses in glioma, influencing T cell infiltration, myeloid suppressor cell recruitment, and tumor-associated macrophage function. Novel formulation and delivery strategies have improved cannabinoid solubility, stability, and tumor targeting. Combination therapies, particularly cannabidiol with temozolomide or radiotherapy, exhibited additive or synergistic anti-tumor effects, although variability between glioma subtypes suggests the need for personalized approaches. Although cannabinoid-based glioma research has expanded our understanding of the mechanisms, discrepancies between preclinical findings and clinical data highlight the need for rigorous clinical trials and mechanistic research before cannabinoid-based treatments can be reliably integrated into standard glioma care.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Lenvatinib plus transarterial chemoembolization with or without programmed death-1 inhibitors (PD-1 inhibitors) in the treatment of intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has greatly improved the outcomes of cancer. However, ICI-induced immune-related adverse events have been reported, among which neurological immune-related adverse events are rare but potentially life-threatening. To analyze the characteristics of ICI-induced inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), we reported the first case induced by tislelizumab and conducted a systematic review of 33 cases.

Despite optimal therapy, high-grade glioma (HGG) still has a very unfavorable prognosis. Gross-total resection is not often possible, and even when it is, many patients still succumb to the disease due to resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy. As the mechanism behind such resistance is multifactorial, microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) with their wide-ranging epigenetic effects on cancer have emerged as potential research targets. Among others, miRNA-10b and miRNA-21 are the most widely studied miRNAs in HGG. In this review, the authors aimed to investigate the role and predictive value of miRNA-10b and miRNA-21 in TMZ and radiotherapy resistance in HGG patients.

Skeletal muscle loss during chemotherapy has been associated with poorer outcomes and reduced survival across several types of cancer. However, the extent and progression of muscle loss during treatment for childhood cancers remain unclear. A better understanding could help identify children at increased risk and inform the timing of targeted intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the evidence on skeletal muscle changes during treatment for childhood cancers and identify factors that influence these outcomes. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Studies were eligible if they included children and adolescents (< 19 years) undergoing cancer treatment and reported muscle quantity at a minimum of two time points. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twenty studies (n = 646; age range: 2.5-14.7 years) were included. A significant decline in muscle quantity was observed during the early phase of treatment (standardized mean difference (SMD): SMD =  - 0.36; 95% CI: - 0.59 to - 0.13; p < 0.05). At later follow-up time points, the overall change was not statistically significant (SMD =  - 0.08; 95% CI: - 0.27 to 0.10; p = 0.36). However, estimates of muscle quantity varied significantly by assessment modality (p = 0.048).

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and stage IV lung cancer is frequently managed with targeted therapy. Renal and hepatic impairment frequently coexist with cancer, often requiring a reduction in targeted therapy dosage. This systematic review assesses the appropriateness of current targeted therapy dosage adjustments in individuals with hepatic and renal impairment by comparing package insert recommendations with available pharmacokinetic studies.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a bioactive polyphenol abundant in green tea, has garnered significant attention for its diverse therapeutic applications, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to potential anticancer properties. Despite its immense promise, the practical utilization of EGCG in therapeutic settings as a medication has been hampered by inherent limitations of this drug, including poor bioavailability, instability, and rapid degradation. This review comprehensively explores the current challenges associated with the application of EGCG and evaluates the potential of nanoparticle-based formulations in addressing these limitations. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, offer a platform for the enhanced stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of EGCG. Various nanoparticle strategies, including polymeric nanoparticle, micelle, lipid-based nanocarrier, metal nanoparticle, and silica nanoparticle, are currently employed to enhance EGCG stability and pharmacological activity. This review concludes that the particle sizes of most of these formulated nanocarriers fall within 300 nm and their encapsulation efficiency ranges from 51% to 97%. Notably, the pharmacological activities of EGCG-loaded nanoparticles, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects, are significantly enhanced compared to those of free EGCG. By critically analyzing the existing literature and highlighting recent advancements, this article provides valuable insights into the promising prospects of nanoparticle-mediated EGCG formulations, paving the way for the development of more effective and clinically viable therapeutic strategies.

Chemotherapy causes physiological, psychological, and social impairments in patients with cancer. Frailty reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapy and increases the toxicity associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the possibility of chemotherapy failure, and adverse outcomes. However, factors affecting chemotherapy-related frailty in patients with cancer remain unclarified.

Current primary tumor treatments include curative resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, these conventional methods lack precise drug delivery. Hydrogels, adaptable to the biological characteristics of different tumors, offer potential as drug delivery systems and represent a significant area of research in tumor treatment. In this study, we aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to reveal the current progress and future prospects of hydrogels for drug delivery in cancer.

Symplocamide A (Sym A), a 3-amino-6-hydroxy-2-piperidone (Ahp)-containing cyclodepsipeptide derived from the marine cyanobacterium Symploca sp., has emerged as a promising candidate in anticancer research. With potent serine protease and proteasome inhibition, Sym A has demonstrated nanomolar cytotoxicity across several cancer cell lines, including lung and neuroblastoma models. This review critically assesses the anti-cancer mechanisms, pharmacokinetic properties, synthetic approaches, and translational limitations of Symplocamide A, highlighting its potential and challenges as a therapeutic agent in oncology. A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the TRIP database, incorporating studies published until March 2025. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on Sym A's anticancer activity, mechanisms of action, bioavailability, synthesis, and toxicity profiles. Sym A exhibits selective cytotoxicity toward various cancer cell lines, notably inhibiting chymotrypsin with over 200-fold greater potency than trypsin. Structural analysis underscores the role of Ahp and brominated tyrosine residues in target affinity and stability. Pharmacokinetic modeling indicates favorable intestinal absorption and drug-likeness, although brain penetration is limited. Synthetic production remains inefficient, with low overall yield. No in vivo or clinical studies have yet been reported. Toxicological concerns are heightened by its structural similarity to cyanotoxins, necessitating cautious evaluation. Symplocamide A demonstrates high preclinical anticancer potential through protease inhibition and favorable bioavailability traits. Nonetheless, its clinical translation is hindered by synthesis challenges, the absence of in vivo validation, and undefined toxicity. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its therapeutic window, optimize synthetic accessibility, and assess safety in vivo.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a broad-spectrum anticancer compound which nowadays used as the most common chemotherapeutic agent against many forms of cancer. The application of this compound is difficult because of its limited solubility, recrystallisation upon dilution, and cosolvent-induced toxicity. As a way to overcome these hindrances, nanotechnology could offer solutions by enabling specific and selective delivery of the drug to target sites while also increasing the drug half-life and lowering its toxicity. Nanoparticles (NPs) are capable of enhancing antitumour effects while demonstrating minimal toxicity in normal tissues, as well as building up in the tissue, potentially linked to enhanced permeability and retention. A trend analysis of literature on the latest advancements in nanomaterials developed for PTX delivery was conducted through a bibliometric approach. This review focused on the enhancement of PTX anticancer therapeutic effects and reduction of its toxicity by the nanoformulations (NFs). A total of 2712 papers published between 2018 and 2023 were screened on the development of nanomaterials for PTX delivery. The data were gathered from the ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Sixty-six in vivo studies have been included in the qualitative synthesis assessment. Most of the studies revealed superior therapeutic efficiency of the PTX NFs compared to the free PTX treatment, as presented in the reported animal studies using rodent cancer models. These outcomes were generally accomplished through static and dynamic targeting to specific tumour environment. This review also highlights the therapeutic importance of PTX nanomaterials across different types of cancer rodent models, including data on their toxicity and safety. PTX NFs could serve as a safer and efficient alternative for conventional PTX cancer treatment by improving the drug's delivery and safety, thus providing new avenues for PTX-based cancer treatment and management.

Oral cancer remains a major global health challenge due to its aggressive nature, high recurrence rates, and limited treatment options. Resveratrol (RV), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties in various malignancies, including oral cancer. This systematic review aimed to evaluate preclinical evidence on RV's therapeutic effects in oral cancer, focusing on its mechanisms of apoptosis induction, metastasis inhibition, autophagy regulation, and immune modulation.