Current Cancer Therapy Reviews - Volume 22, Issue 1, 2026

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in drug delivery due to their superparamagnetic characteristics. SPIONs have a greater surface-to-volume ratio, size, superficial chemistry, and superparamagnetic characteristics, which allow them to be covered by external magnetic fields. These properties make SPIONs promising nanoparticles for drug delivery systems. A great advantage of the superparamagnetic characteristics is magnetic properties. SPIONs are magnetic and thoroughly demagnetized when the field of the electromagnet is pulled out. These characteristics permit their targeted delivery to a particular tissue or cell following a magnetic field. Furthermore, SPIONs can be fabricated with particular ligands, such as peptides or antibodies, to increase their efficiency in desired cells or tissues. This permits delivery, particularly to the desired cell type, increases therapeutic activity, and reduces off-target effects. Moreover, SPIONs exhibit imaging characteristics. However, this review highlights the capabilities of SPIONs for targeted drug delivery to reduce tumor cell toxicity.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation by modulating mRNA stability and translation. These evolutionarily conserved molecules undergo processing by ribonucleases Drosha and Dicer, ultimately joining the RNA-induced silencing complex to silence gene expression. Among them, miR-23a, located on chromosome 19, is significant for its roles in cell growth, differentiation, and various diseases, including cancer. Depending on the cancer type, miR-23a can function as both an oncogene and a tumour suppressor. While its overexpression often correlates with aggressive tumours, miR-23a holds promise as a biomarker for early cancer detection and a therapeutic target. Its diverse functions in cancer include promoting tumour growth and hindering immune responses, highlighting its potential for personalised medicine. Beyond cancer, miR-23a is involved in blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, muscle atrophy, and other diseases. It modulates pathways in type 2 diabetes mellitus, muscle atrophy, leukaemia, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. This paper aims to comprehensively analyse the roles of miR-23a in cancer and other diseases, focussing on its regulatory mechanisms, target genes, and pathways. It also evaluates the potential of miR-23a as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Despite its significance, research gaps remain, particularly in understanding the interactions of miR-23a with other miRNAs and the detailed mechanisms underlying its role in various diseases. More research into miR-23a clustering and how it works with other miRNAs could help us learn more about it and find better ways to use it to diagnose and treat diseases.

The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as playing a critical role in the prognosis and progression of gastrointestinal cancers, although its underlying mechanisms remain largely unelucidated. This review provides a thorough summary of current research investigating gut microbiome signatures as prognostic biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancers. We present an overview of recent studies examining microbial signatures as potential biomarkers for various gastrointestinal cancers, and discuss the potential benefits and challenges of employing these signatures in prognostic applications. Furthermore, we explore how these microbial signatures can be harnessed to enhance the detection, prevention, and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, highlighting their clinical implications and future directions in cancer management.

The review paper provides an extensive overview of strategies for targeting the tumour microenvironment (TME) to enhance cancer therapy. It begins by underscoring the importance of profiling and comprehending the TME through advanced technologies like organ chips and artificial intelligence. The paper discusses multiple approaches to modulate the pro-tumour TME, including strategies for eliminating, normalizing, and targeting tumour cells. It delves into specific aspects such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, acidosis, neovascularisation, tumour-infiltrating T cells, the immune system, exosomes, tumour-associated neutrophils, and tumour angiogenesis. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of a multifaceted approach to effectively target the complex and dynamic TME, which plays a crucial role in tumour progression and therapeutic resistance. The conclusion highlights the significant impact of the TME on cancer therapy and identifies promising research and clinical application avenues. The paper underscores the shift in cancer treatment paradigms, advocating for strategies that address the intricate interactions within the TME to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Rectal cancer is a significant health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of rectal cancer, providing detailed anatomical and functional information. However, traditional MRI techniques have limitations in prognosticating tumor behavior and treatment response. The study emphasizes the importance of emerging techniques such as Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI), mrDEC scoring system, Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), Radiomics, and Machine Learning. By examining recent research and clinical trials, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, challenges, and future directions associated with the incorporation of these MRI biomarkers in predicting outcomes for rectal cancer patients. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the emerging MRI biomarkers that hold the potential for prognostication of rectal cancer.