Current Cancer Therapy Reviews - Volume 20, Issue 3, 2024

From ancient times until now, scientists have focused on herbal medicaments for treating various diseases. Rottlerin, a potent PKCδ inhibitor, is one of the greatest herbal medications. Over the years, it was identified that rottlerin has several cellular and molecular targets that could be involved in the fight against cancer. The past and present research has clearly shown that rottlerin inhibits the transcription factors, enzymes, and signaling molecules that regulate the death and life of cancer cells. Although the anticancer property of rottlerin has primarily been attributed to the induction of autophagy and apoptosis, current research has revealed the existence of different damage pathways. The major part described in this mini-review is the antitumor/anticancer effects of rottlerin in various organs of the human body affected by breast cancer, pancreatic cell cancer, bladder cancer, NSCLC, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, etc.

Matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP11), also known as stromelysin-3, is a member of the matrix metalloproteinases family of proteins that are involved in physiological and pathological extracellular matrix remodelling. MMP11 does not hydrolyse classical MMP substrates, such as laminin and fibronectin, and many of its substrates remain unknown, piquing the interest of researchers. Several studies have reported the role of MMP11 in inducing tumour growth by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting cancer cell migration and invasion. Various reports have shown its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in a majority of cancers. MMP11 also induces an immune response as a tumour-associated antigen, and recent evidence shows the involvement of many microRNAs in targeting MMP11 in cancer, with prospective future applications in cancer immunotherapy and gene silencing. Owing to the importance of MMP11 in both cancer diagnosis and therapy, there is a need for deeper understanding of its mechanism and role in tumour progression. The current review focuses on the role of MMP11 in cell signalling pathways, its expression status in various cancers, and its potential in cancer treatment.

Background: Lung cancer is the second most lethal type of cancer, with a poor survival rate of 5 years. It is one of those malignant tumors that has grown most rapidly in the context of mortality and morbidity. Aim: This review article aims to provide insight into current nanotechnological approaches taken into consideration that provide advantages over conventional chemotherapy. Results and Discussion: After comparing conventional chemotherapy and nanotechnology-based therapies for lung cancer, the results showed that recent advances in nanomaterials proved to be more effective in lung cancer diagnosis, mitigation and treatment. Here, Surface-engineered smart nanocarrier- based inhalations, Bio-nanocarriers for lung cancer, gas plasma nanoparticles, and magnetic nanoparticles are discussed. Conclusion: After summarizing these nanomaterials, investigators concluded that the in-vivo and invitro effectiveness of recently developed nanoparticles was found to be better than that of conventional nanoparticles.

The study aimed to comprehend the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer with an emphasis on the advances in treatment options and the use of natural products as anticancer agents. The study involved a literature survey using PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar database. The literature search was done using keywords “Pancreatic cancer”, “Chemotherapy”, “Mutations”, and “Natural compounds”. 266 articles were studied of which 201 were taken into consideration based on relevance to the topic. Pancreatic cancer is associated with mutations of CDKN2A (encoding p16), KRAS, TP53 and SMAD4. MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and TGF- β pathway dysfunction also led to pancreatic cancer. Current clinical trial activities in pancreatic cancer target angiogenesis, surface receptors, cell cycle, DNA damage response, etc. Studies have shown that combining surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy increases survival rates in patients. New treatment options are on the rise for this cancer type, which is perioperative or neo-adjuvant therapy. Gemcitabine as a single treatment agent in pancreatic cancer has shown promising response with chemotherapy regimens using two combinations- Folfirinox and Gemcitabine/Nab-Paclitaxel giving a better response rate. Numerous natural substances, including curcumin, aloe vera, and taxol, which suppress oxidative stress, angiogenesis, JAK2 STAT3 pathways, and enhanced natural killer cell activity, have been explored as potential treatments for pancreatic cancer. With pancreatic cancer having a poor prognosis, investigations to comprehend its molecular underpinnings and research on natural chemicals could lead to the development of safer treatment alternatives with enhanced survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment of cancer patients who take a photosensitizer and expose their tumours to light after administering it topically or intravenously. Understanding apoptosis under oxidative conditions makes PDT a more effective treatment. Tissue oxygen, tumour-selective photosensitizer dyes, and customised lighting are needed to create fatal reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer. PDT has decreased morbidity and improved survival and status of life when used in combination with other treatments, especially in early-stage malignant tumours. Using interstitial light delivery, PDT can cure large, hidden tumours that would otherwise necessitate extensive surgery. This overview describes the foundational historical work that has shaped the technique since the early 1900s. PDT's efficacy is also increased by innovative photosensitizers and tweaks that increase tumour selectivity. Adverse effects and treatment during therapy, as well as innovative PDT-based applications, are explored in this review. Finally, PDT research gaps and clinical trials have been identified as potential issues.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules with short sequences that function as main post-transcriptional gene regulators of different biological pathways via negative regulation of gene expression, thereby leading to either mRNA degradation or translational blockade. Dysregulated expression of these miRNAs has been related etiologically to many human diseases, including breast cancer. Various cellular processes of breast cancer progression, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, recurrence and chemodrug resistance, are modulated by oncogenic miRNA (oncomiR). Objective: The objective of this investigation was to study the expression level and potential diagnostic/ prognostic roles of circulating microRNAs (miR-3183, miR-1185, and miR-584) as novel breast cancer biomarkers. Methods: The current study was conducted on 99 breast cancer (BC) female patients, aged between 20-63 years old, as the case group and 50 age-matched healthy females as control (HC). After microRNA extraction from the serum samples, real-time PCR was carried out for relative expression quantification of miR-1185, miR-3183a, and miR-584. The ROC curve analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic value of miRNAs. Results: It was demonstrated that miRNA-1185, miRNA-584, and miRNA-3183 were significantly up-regulated (p-values <0.0001) in female BC cases compared to the control group. Besides, based on the ROC analysis for BC versus HC, it was revealed that the AUC for miRNA-584 was 0.844 (95% confidence interval (CI) and could be proposed as a diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer screening and follow-up. Conclusion: MiRNAs expression profiling using blood-based samples demonstrated their upregulation in the serum and plasma and revealed the concept that circulating miRNAs have high potential as novel noninvasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and screening.

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and its persistence are responsible for the development of cervical cancer (CaCx). Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the only treatment option, especially in advanced stages. However, it is not influenced by the status of HPV infection. CRT controls cancer growth along with mild to severe adverse effects. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the HPV-associated risk factors and correlate them with chemoradiation therapy (CRT) response in cervical cancer. Methods: The study was undertaken in 103 histologically positive CaCx patients. Anthrodemographic and obstetric characterizations were conducted by face-to-face interviews, and HPV testing was done by conventional PCR. All the patients received a 40-50Gy total effective dose using tele- and brachytherapy. The treatment response, survivorship and statistical analysis were made using GraphPad Prism 9 and SPSS (ver.25.0). Results: Out of 103 patients, 84% were HPV infected, and 16% CaCx were HPV-negative. Advanced age, lower-middle socioeconomic status (SES), illiteracy, and patients from rural backgrounds were significantly higher in CaCx patients with HPV infection. Multiparity, irregular menstrual cycle, poor menstrual hygiene, and use of contraception were significantly associated with HPV positivity. Patients with HPV infection showed a better clinical response (P =0.031), alive vital status (P =0.007), and 59 months of median survival (P <0.001) with a poor hazard ratio (HR 0.29 at 95% CI). Conclusion: HPV-infected CaCx patients showed better response to definitive chemoradiation therapy compared to HPV-negative with a poor hazard ratio. Therefore, HPV testing can potentially stratify CaCx patients for more effective therapeutic regimens, treatment assessments and follow-ups.