Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in the head and neck region. The development of innovative therapies that are effective at eliminating tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissues due to postoperative complications is crucial. To solve this problem, a gelatin-sodium alginate (Gel-SA) hydrogel containing bismuth selenide nanosheets (Bi2Se3 NSs) has been developed, which introduces a "switch" of near-infrared (NIR) light for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) to significantly increase the level of oxidative stress while inducing ferroptosis and apoptosis to synergistically treat tumors. Once the treatment of the tumor has been completed, NSs remove a large number of free radicals left by NIR irradiation because of their excellent anti-inflammatory performance and combine with the rich nutrients in Gel-SA to protect and repair the tissues around the tumor. Combining Bi2Se3 NSs and Gel-SA is an effective solution for treating NPC, as it ablates tumors while protecting surrounding tissues.

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis due to its invasiveness and resistance to conventional therapies, necessitating advanced drug delivery systems to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. This study aims to develop and evaluate dual-responsive magnetic and pH-sensitive beads for controlled cisplatin delivery to glioblastoma cell lines, addressing challenges in targeted therapy. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized via a green co-precipitation method using clove extract as an alkalizing and stabilizing agent. These nanoparticles were incorporated into sodium alginate beads with cisplatin, cross-linked by Ca2+ ions. Beads were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and VSM. Swelling behavior, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release were assessed at pH 1.2 and 7.4, with and without a magnetic field. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via MTT assay on T98, A172, and L929 cell lines. The beads exhibited pH-dependent swelling, with maximum absorption at pH 7.4. Drug release was significantly enhanced under a 100 Hz magnetic field, achieving 70.2% cisplatin release in 80 min for CisB-4 beads. MTT assays demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against T98 and A172 cells (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001), with minimal toxicity to normal L929 cells. These dual-responsive beads offer a promising platform for targeted cisplatin delivery in glioblastoma, with pH and magnetic field-mediated control, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic toxicity.

The incidence of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is increasing, but data relating to perinatal outcomes for infants exposed to systemic cancer treatment in utero remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise evidence from the available literature to investigate whether perinatal outcomes for babies born to women with gestational cancer differ based on whether they are exposed to systemic cancer treatment in utero.

Glioblastoma is a rapidly growing form of brain tumour originating from the supportive tissues present in the brain or spinal cord. The conventional therapeutic options include the use of alkylating agents, radiation and surgical procedures, that exhibits numerous limitations. The considerably less survival rate, very high incidence of recurrence and lack of effective therapeutic options has made the disease as the most lethal brain cancer. Being widely investigated, nanocarriers assure efficacy in brain targeting. Nano-based systems also hold the edge of higher encapsulation efficiency, ability to encapsulate anticancer therapeutics and effective blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration ability has been proven as one of the most successful means of delivering therapeutic agents in brain interstitial. The extreme biocompatible and biodegradable features of chitosan (CS) have been advantageous in combination with its easy fabrication and modifiable physicochemical behaviour. CS has been extensively investigated in the synthesis of nano-systems for brain targeting of drugs. The mucoadhesive behaviour of CS, cationic nature, and its ability to conjugate with various ligands helps in effective targeting of glioblastoma. This review specifically focuses on the fabrication of various CS-based nanocarriers for glioblastoma therapy, alongside describing its suitability and reflecting the recent research outcomes in glioblastoma therapy.

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is the gold standard treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) which is responsible for central vision loss. This results in loss of quality of life, comparably severe to having coronary artery disease or cancer. New anti-VEGF agents need to address issues of potency and durability as existing agents tend to lose their effect after 1 month thus, requiring multiple injections at close intervals. Brolucizumab is one of the latest anti-VEGF agents clinically proven to treat nAMD after on-label agents namely, ranibizumab and aflibercept. Several clinical trials were conducted on Brolucizumab to ensure its safety and efficiency before it is approved to be used as treatment. Brolucizumab maintains and improves retinal edema in nAMD leading to improved vision with longer intervals possible between injections. However, it also has a risk of intraocular inflammation. This review summarizes the evidence for brolucizumab in the treatment of nAMD.

Fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin (LVX), are extended-spectrum drugs used for the treatment of bacterial infections. Several fluoroquinolone derivatives have shown promising antibacterial and anticancer activities. Our group has earlier synthesized and investigated thionated LVX analogs, compounds 2 and 3, on A549 (non-small cell lung cancer) cell line and showed promising anticancer activity. The mechanism of cytotoxicity may be, in part, via aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme inhibition and antioxidation. In this study, compounds 2 and 3 were evaluated on prostate (PC-3), breast (MCF7), colorectal (Caco-2), and small cell lung cancer (H69 and H69AR) cell lines.

Targeting immune checkpoint pathways to evoke an immune response against tumors has revolutionized clinical oncology over the last decade. Antibodies that block the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have demonstrated effective antitumor activity in cancer patients and are approved for treatment of several different types of cancer. However, many patients do not experience durable beneficial clinical responses. The ability to predict response to immunotherapy is a clinical need with immediate implications on the optimization of oncologic treatments. In this work we developed and tested the ability of an Agent-Based Model (ABM) to predict the ex vivo immune response of memory T cells to anti-PD-L1 blocking antibody, based on personalized immune-phenotypes. We performed mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) experiments on blood samples of healthy volunteers to model the dose-response kinetics of the immune response to anti-PD-L1 antibody. Additionally, immunophenotype of peripheral lymphocyte and monocyte populations was used for modeling and prediction. In silico MLR experiments were conducted using the ABM-based Cell Studio Platform, and the results of ex vivo vs. in silico experiments were compared. Our ABM accurately recapitulates MLR-derived immune responses, achieving >80% predictive accuracy. Notably, given the relatively small cohort tested, such results are typically impossible to model with methods based solely on statistical or data-driven approaches. Importantly, the use of this modeling strategy not only predicts the outcome of the immune response, but also provides insights into the exact biological parameters and related cellular mechanisms that lead to differential immune response.

Despite Garlic's (Allium. sativum) long-standing reputation for therapeutic properties, comprehensive studies on Tunisian garlic are lacking. This study aims to evaluate different Tunisian A. sativum extracts rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and vitamins), exploring their potential bioactivities (antifungal, antioxidant, and cytotoxic). A. sativum samples underwent hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water-based extractions. LC-MS quantification assessed bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity was determined via the DPPH assay, antifungal effects were evaluated against Aspergillus spp., and cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT assay on U266 human multiple myeloma and MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cell lines. The aqueous extract exhibited the highest phenolic acid content (96.25 mg/kg fw) and the most water-soluble vitamins (14.69 mg/kg fw). In contrast, the methanol extract was richest in flavonoids, while the ethyl acetate extract had the highest concentration of fat-soluble vitamins (20.21 mg/kg fw). Both aqueous and methanolic extracts demonstrated potent antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract exhibited the strongest antifungal activity (MIC: 1.5 mg/mL for A. flavus and 3 mg/mL for A. niger). Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extract showed remarkable cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines, indicating its potential as an effective agent against metastatic breast cancer and refractory multiple myeloma. A. sativum emerges as a functional food source with antioxidant, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities, particularly against multiple myeloma. While this study provides a strong foundation for further exploration, additional research is needed to identify active compounds, elucidate mechanisms, and assess therapeutic potential.

Zebrafish xenotransplantation is a pivotal technique for investigating human cancer pathogenesis and predicting individual drug responses. This document introduces a streamlined protocol (ZefiX) for expanding primary B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) patient samples or immortalized cell lines in transiently immunosuppressed zebrafish embryos, utilizing flow cytometry for high-resolution single-cell analysis of treatment responses. Compared to solid tumor engraftments, leukemia cells profit significantly from a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide-based suppression of macrophage and neutrophil differentiating factors during the assay. Flow cytometry analysis of dissociated graft cells enables precise evaluation of cell count, proliferation rate, and vitality after treatment on a per-cell basis. This approach has been validated using targeted therapeutics such as venetoclax and dasatinib, with treatment outcomes compared to clinical records of related patient samples and traditional 2D culture controls. Notably, the protocol is completed within 7 days, aligning with clinical decision-making timelines. The methodology is adaptable for testing selected drugs in various cancer types, including solid tumors, thereby supporting personalized therapeutic strategies. However, limitations on the number of drugs that can be assessed, likely due to pharmacokinetic constraints in zebrafish embryos, should be considered.

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Prostate cancer with bone metastasis (PCa-BM) is the most common metastatic form of advanced prostate cancer in the elderly, significantly affecting prognosis and quality of life Although chemotherapy is commonly used for PCa-BM, the chronic inflammation it causes may exacerbate the risk of joint injuries to induce RA and related complications. Therefore, exploring the risk of chemotherapy-induced chronic inflammation on RA risk in PCa-BM patients holds critical importance.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor characterized by poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Despite current therapies combining surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, GBM remains highly resistant to treatment, largely due to the challenges of drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promise as drug carriers, but their clinical translation is hindered by limited brain accumulation and rapid clearance by the immune system. In this study, we explored the potential of GBM cell membrane (CM)-coated NPs (G-NPs) as a strategy to improve GBM targeting and, therefore, efficient treatments. We optimized the CM isolation protocol using U87-MG human GBM cells and identified the Heidolph homogenizer as the most effective technique for producing pure, enriched CM fractions, proposing it as a standard method due to its high scalability. G-NPs were extensively characterized, demonstrating excellent colloidal stability under biological conditions. Flow cytometry revealed the enhanced uptake of G-NPs by U87-MG cells compared to non-coated NPs. Notably, the specific homotargeting capability of G-NPs toward human glioblastoma cells was ultimately confirmed by demonstrating a marked specificity of the glioblastoma CM coating when compared to human fibroblast CM-coated NPs, highlighting selective tumor cell-type targeting. Additionally, the coating of NPs with GBM CMs not only did not impede the physiological passage of NPs across the human in vitro BBB, but interestingly, increased the BBB permeability to G-NPs. These findings highlight that biomimetic coating of NPs with GBM cells is a potential strategy to create platforms for the targeted chemotherapy of GBM.

Circadian rhythm (CR) disruption has been confirmed as a contributing factor to tumor progression. However, regulating circadian genes shows an inhibitory effect on ovarian tumor initiation and progression, which highlights the urgent necessity to regulate tumors' CR to understand their role in ovarian cancer (OC) therapy precisely. Herein, a novel near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled spatiotemporal strategy is presented, aiming to manipulate ovarian tumors' CR while enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy agents. To achieve this strategy, a versatile nanoplatform (NPPEG-CS) that integrates the modified photothermal sensitizer IR-820 and a norcantharidin-platinum(IV) prodrug conjugate onto a cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) backbone coated with PEG-modified chondroitin sulfate (PEG-CS) for targeted delivery to ovarian tumors is designed. NPPEG-CS effectively diminishes the CR amplitude upon NIR illumination, demonstrating its potential for innovative cancer treatment strategies. Additionally, molecular analyses reveal that this disruption involves calcium-mediated influx, triggered by the photothermal properties of NPPEG-CS. When combined with chemotherapeutic agents, a disrupted clock can elevate tumor sensitivity to these drugs. This process effectively increases DNA-Pt adducts, reduces the activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and promotes cell cycle arrest, synergistically amplifying DNA damage and inducing robust tumor apoptosis. The novel nanoparticle synergism offers innovative insights into harnessing CR as a therapeutic target for more effective cancer management.

Magnetic nanoparticle-based targeted hyperthermia, combined with chemotherapy, is a promising approach for cancer treatment. In this study, a targeted magnetic drug delivery system was developed, comprising doxorubicin (DOX), a [D-Trp6] luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) (Triptorelin) ligand, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated magnetite core, aiming to enhance cancer therapy efficacy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the conjugation of LHRH onto the PEG-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was employed to assess drug loading, revealing a loading efficiency of 66%. The DOX-loaded, LHRH-tagged PEG-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on A549 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines under three treatment modalities: thermotherapy, chemotherapy, and combined thermo-chemotherapy, both with and without the application of a magnetic field. Cell viability was assessed using the 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In A549 cells, the combined thermo-chemotherapy treatment at a DOX concentration of 10 μg/ml resulted in an 88% reduction in cell viability, outperforming chemotherapy alone (62%) and thermotherapy alone (47%). Similarly, in MCF-7 cells, the combined treatment at 8 μg/ml DOX led to a 91% reduction in viability, surpassing the effects of chemotherapy (57%) and thermotherapy (45%) individually. Additionally, the targeted DOX-loaded nanoparticles significantly elevated interferon-gamma production, indicating an enhanced immune response and increased cancer cell apoptosis.

Although the presence of Kirsten murine sarcoma virus (KRAS) mutations predicts a failure of non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) patients to benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy it may be more sensitive to programmed combination therapy of programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors + anti-angiogenesis. Recent treatment guidelines and clinical studies related to adenocarcinoma in NSCLC have indicated that in patients with inoperable stage IV lung adenocarcinoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with anti-angiogenic drugs may exert a synergistic effect and significantly improve the efficacy of near-term treatment, but quantification and long-term follow-up of specific clinical indicators are still lacking. No previous cases of long-term good results with camrelizumab combined with anti-angiogenic agents for KRAS-mutated NSCLC have been described.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy elicits limited intrahepatic responses in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigate the organ-specific objective response rate (OSORR) of nivolumab plus ipilimumab (Nivo/Ipi) combination treatment, considering prior ICI exposure, compared with nivolumab (Nivo) monotherapy.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor that currently still faces challenges for a complete cure. Although GBM treatment has made great progress, the prognosis of patients is still poor due to interference of various factors in treatment such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), grade malignancy, intra- and intertumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and poor targeting of anti-tumor drugs. In recent years, with marked advances in nanotechnology, different types of nanodrug delivery systems have been developed and have been considered as a promising therapeutic measure to gradually overcome chemotherapy resistance and improve tumor targeting. Carbon dots (CDs), as a new type of therapeutic NP, have become a research hotspot of concern for many researchers in recent years. NPs based on CDs have high modifiability and functionalization, allowing for covalent binding with chemotherapy drugs, genes, immune cells and photosensitizers, effectively targeting tumor cells and reducing peripheral cytotoxicity. However, at present, CDs are still in the basic research stage or the preclinical exploratory research stage, and has not yet entered the clinical trial stage or the implementation and application stage. Here, we review the fundamental principles of CDs in the broader field of nanotechnology, their development history, classification, synthesis, and potential for tumor treatment. Especially in the treatment of cancer, CDs can not only participate in photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy, but also in multi-modal combination therapy. Here, we hope to provide some insights for further research.

The monoclonal antibodies consist of an innovative form of immunotherapy, capable of defeating several diseases, such as cancer. It is an emergent and important theme, that advances evaluation, challenges, and future perspectives with high relevance to identify gaps in recent studies and to consolidate this general theme in only one research. Its action in Chronic and Acute Lymphoid Leukemia has been evaluated in several clinical trials, which were selected between 2022 and 2023, in order to understand better the monoclonal antibodies that were most studied. The biopharmaceutical compounds Ibrutinib, Obinutuzumab, Rituximab, Venetoclax, and Inotuzumab Ozogamicin were the ones that most appeared in the most recent publications, indicating the importance of amplifying the studies. The action mechanisms that are used imply that their combined use has more success in the disease remission, showing a lower recurrence, adverse effects, and toxicity. Besides the adverse effects and overwhelming prices of the treatment, these immunotherapies results are promising, amplifying the survival rates, improving the patient's life quality, and resulting in a precision medicine, aiming a custom treatment. The future perspectives on this therapy consist of its application in the public health system, with patients being able to be submitted to this treatment without any costs and receive a better life quality.

Apatinib has been reported to be a promising treatment for sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the underlying mechanism remains ambiguous. The study aimed to explore the efficacy of apatinib in sorafenib-resistant HCC and the underlying mechanism both in vitro and in vivo.

The cell cycle is a tightly coupled series of events that enable cells to grow and proliferate. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play crucial roles in the cell cycle by enabling cells to transition between different phases when they are activated. Cell cycle proteins enhance the activity of CDKs, while natural CDK inhibitors (CDKIs) suppress them. The cell cycle continues in cycles under normal conditions, but when conditions change, cells halt or terminate the cell cycle. Tumors are tissues that grow out of control, and the mechanisms of various types of tumors are different; however, almost all tumor cells share several common characteristics, including proliferation, prevention of apoptosis and genomic instability. Cellular division is essential in the progression of cancer. A key characteristic of cancer is the uncontrolled growth of tumor cells, which is due to the erratic behavior of several proteins during the cell cycle. Therefore, cell cycle regulators are considered attractive targets for the treatment of cancer. The present analysis highlights proteins that play a direct role in controlling the tumor cell cycle, such as CDKs, and provides a brief overview of checkpoint kinases. The present review also discusses how cell cycle proteins contribute to cancer and describes some of the antitumor drugs that are being researched.

Triphenylphosphine (TPP) and Doxorubicin (DOX) were conjugated to obtain Triphenylphosphine-Doxorubicin (TPP-DOX), which was applied in tumor cells for enhancement of DOX in mitochondria targeting. The study focused on investigating the anti-tumor effect of TPP-DOX in combination with radiotherapy throughout in vitro and in vivo studies.