Current Cancer Therapy Reviews - Current Issue

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and there are very few options to treat it almost completely, with a high percentage of success rates. Proton therapy is a very unique and one of the latest techniques to treat cancer with a very promising percentage of success rate. In this therapy, a proton particle with high velocity is used, and it is superior to conventional photon or radiotherapy. In this review, we have discussed the theoretical aspects of this technique and the latest variant of this therapy called pencil beam proton therapy, which is a cutting-edge technique to treat cancer. We have also tried to discuss the applications of proton therapy for different types of cancers.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a malignant hematologic neoplasm marked by abnormal proliferation and infiltration of myeloid precursor cells into the bone marrow, exhibits the highest fatality rate. Homoharringtonine continues to demonstrate efficacy and dependability in the clinical management of AML. We have, herein, summarized a series of problems associated with HHT in the treatment of AML, including the mechanism of action of HHT combined with other drugs, drug resistance mechanisms, and action targets. With the emergence of drug resistance and disease recurrence, combination therapies have become a more effective clinical drug choice. Based on previous studies, we propose that β-catenin and GSK-3β may play a decisive role in p-eIf4E-mediated multidrug resistance. It is necessary to investigate whether HHT can bind to MCL-1 and downregulate its expression to overcome venetoclax’s resistance. Currently, there is an ongoing effort to conduct further mechanistic investigations into the combined use of HHT and other pharmaceuticals, aimed at enhancing therapeutic outcomes and addressing drug resistance in patients diagnosed with refractory AML.

Cancer immunotherapy has proven its potential application by enhancing the capacity of the immune system to destroy cancer cells. However, several challenges, such as non-specific targeting, variability in clinical response, and therapeutic resistance, are associated with immunotherapy, making it less efficacious. Nanoparticles (NPs) as a drug delivery system provide additional advantages during immunotherapy by ensuring targeted delivery of antigens. NPs can also change the cancer environment through adjuvant delivery, forcing cancer cells to be destroyed. Here, several applications of NPs are summarized to help enhance the therapeutic values of immunotherapy through several mechanisms. This article outlines the important developments and possible applications of NPs to fully realize the promise of cancer immunotherapy, which will eventually open the door to more personalized and efficient cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy drugs are not fully selective for cancer cells - they can also destroy healthy cells. Recent advances in nanotechnology have offered hope to overcome this problem. Liposome carriers are widely studied for their use to deliver drugs and genes inside cancer cells. Gemini quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) show great application potential among lipid carriers. Structures made of Gemini surfactants are characterized by a lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) and higher effectiveness in lowering the surface tension compared to monomeric forms of this type of compound. Encapsulation of a drug or genetic material is one of the critical steps in the formation of liposomal carriers. This efficient process allows one to minimize the number of necessary liposomes capable of delivering a certain amount of active substance. Delivery of a liposome to a solid tumor depends on the physiological factors of the tumor - vascularity, lymphatic drainage, interstitial fluid pressure – and on the physicochemical properties of the carrier. Many nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery have been tested in animal studies but have not achieved satisfactory clinical success. Promising preclinical research results are not always reflected in the treatment of patients. Therefore, understanding the relationships governing the transport of the drug and the carrier to the cancer cell seems to be a key challenge in modern nanotechnology.

The five-year survival rate for people with colon cancer has increased explosively over the last two decades due to major advances in treatment. Colon cancer survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades, with some of this success owing to aggressive surgical care and breakthroughs in other complementary treatments. As a new option for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) patients, targeted therapy has been shown to be effective in extending the overall life. A dramatic increase in the number of novel drugs targeting multiple key pathways and immunological checkpoints has been observed after the success of cetuximab (an EGFR inhibitor) and bevacizumab (an anti-angiogenic agent). Neutralizing an already present dysbiosis in the gut microbiome is a novel strategy for combating colorectal cancer and its metastases. Several methods have been employed to date, such as prebiotics, postbiotics, antibiotics, and the transplantation of faecal microbiota. An overview of the epidemiological study and possible mechanisms of colon cancer is presented in this review. We have covered a wide range of targeted treatments for CRC in addition to diagnostic biomarkers as therapeutic targets.

In contemporary medicine, cancers are recognized as significant concerns warranting attention. Over time, scientific advancements have assisted physicians worldwide in exploring novel approaches. Among these potential solutions are calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which hold considerable importance and find extensive application across various medical conditions. CCBs, classified as dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines, have been widely utilized in the management of diverse cancer types. Given the diverse facets of dihydropyridine CCBs, our objective was to comprehensively gather and summarize pertinent data regarding the impact of this medication class on different cancer types.

Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, necessitating continuous exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Phytosomes, emerging as a promising drug delivery system, offer a unique avenue for improving the efficacy of plant-derived compounds in cancer treatment. This review delves into the current landscape of research surrounding phytosomes in cancer therapy, elucidating their mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical evidence, and future prospects. By harnessing the encapsulation technology of phytosomes, plant extracts with known anticancer properties are delivered with enhanced bioavailability and targeted efficacy. Preclinical studies demonstrate the ability of phytosomes to modulate apoptotic pathways, inhibit angiogenesis, and exert cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Clinical trials further support the safety and efficacy of phytosome-based therapies, with a focus on various cancer types such as breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer. The review also addresses challenges such as formulation optimization and regulatory considerations. Looking ahead, phytosomes hold promise not only as standalone therapeutics but also as components of combination therapies and personalized treatment regimens. This review underscores the transformative potential of phytosomes in augmenting the therapeutic arsenal against cancer, offering insights into future research directions and clinical applications.

Cancer, a burden upon the global population, has consistently maintained its prevalence throughout history. Gastric cancer compounds this burden and ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The clinical significance of early cancer diagnosis cannot be overstated. DNA methylation biomarkers, a rapidly growing field of liquid biopsy-based diagnostics, provide a minimal to non-invasive way to detect cancer at an early stage. In addition to diagnosis and prognosis, liquid biopsy is important in longitudinal monitoring and therapeutic response prediction, where traditional biopsy faces setbacks. Despite many challenges, DNA methylation being a stable and detectable molecular change attracts the scientific community to develop novel biomarkers and analytical methods to incorporate them into clinical practice. In this review, we have discussed non-invasive, DNA methylation-based gastric cancer biomarkers that have emerged recently. We have also addressed the prognosis and therapeutic response prediction associated with these biomarkers.

Cancer is the uninhibited proliferation of aberrant body cells. Cancer treatments and disorders might have adverse implications. Side effects occur when medication affects healthy organs or tissues. Identifying potential biological targets in cancer treatment is a tough and diverse process that requires consideration of the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive cancer growth and development. Drug identification methods are mostly based on in vitro drug screening and in vivo animal studies. The biologically-based therapy technique has also been successfully utilized to identify anti-cancer medications, as evidenced by studies and investigations based on a biological target-protein interaction, drug-target relationship, and disease-gene network. To identify biological targets, the researchers have looked for specific genetic alterations that aid in tumor development and growth. This review focuses on the biological targets' role in cancer disease and the usefulness of in silico studies to understand the target protein-drug interaction and predict therapeutic drug molecules for cancer treatment.

Platelets are small anucleated blood cells that play a vital role in preserving the integrity of tissue because of their hemostatic properties. However, through their interactions with leukocytes, they also have important functions in immunological responses and inflammation. Platelets have an impact on the tumor's development and metastasis at different stages of cancer. They promote angiogenesis and metastasis by modifying endothelial activation, improving leukocyte migration to tumor locations, and changing inflammatory conditions. Patients with cancer frequently have aberrant platelet activity, which accelerates the progression of the illness. Tumor cells that penetrate the bloodstream stimulate platelets, which causes the tumor cells to take on a mesenchymal-like phenotype and widen the permeability of the endothelium. As a result, tumor cell-platelet emboli are created. In addition, platelets draw in myeloid cells, shield tumor cells from immunological reactions and shear stress, and aid in their extravasation into distant organs. Ultimately, growth factors derived from platelets help create micrometastatic foci. With an emphasis on current advancements in the area, this review clarifies the intricate mechanisms of platelet activation and their interactions with cancer cells.

Oral cancer treatment frequently results in bone damage and complications such as osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and impeding bone regeneration. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable natural polymer, demonstrates potential for bone regeneration but suffers from insufficient mechanical strength. MXene, a novel 2D material exhibiting high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, offers a promising synergistic solution. This review explores the potential of chitosan-MXene composite scaffolds for bone regeneration within the context of oral cancer treatment. The advantages of these composites are discussed, including enhanced mechanical strength, electrical stimulation of bone cell activity, controlled drug delivery, and improved biocompatibility. Various synthesis methods for chitosan/MXene scaffolds are examined, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Critical aspects of biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of these materials are also addressed. The review concludes by delving into the future prospects of chitosan/MXene composites, encompassing tailored scaffold designs, enhanced bioactivity, improved electrical stimulation, and the development of multifunctional and bioresorbable scaffolds. This research holds significant promise for enhancing treatment outcomes and improving the quality of life for oral cancer patients.

Histotripsy is an innovative non-invasive modality utilizing high-intensity focused ultrasound to induce mechanical tissue disruption via controlled cavitation. It represents a promising approach in oncology, offering a targeted alternative to conventional cancer therapies. The method relies on precise acoustic energy to create microbubbles that implode, causing cellular destruction within the targeted area while sparing surrounding tissues. In this review, we have explored the foundational principles underlying histotripsy, outlining how it leverages the physics of sound and cavitation to achieve precise tissue disruption. We have delved into the specific mechanisms by which histotripsy induces cell death. This review provides an overview of the current clinical applications of histotripsy in the treatment of various cancers, highlighting its benefits and the clinical outcomes reported thus far. Further, the review examines the breadth of ongoing research related to histotripsy. Looking to the future, the review discusses the promising implications of histotripsy for revolutionizing cancer care.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, necessitating ongoing scientific research to understand its detection, treatment, and prevention. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse group of non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in regulating tumourigenic processes, such as cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite not encoding proteins, lncRNAs have significant impacts on the development and progression of NSCLC. Recent evidence suggests that lncRNAs may serve as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosticating NSCLC through tissue or blood analysis, and as potential therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in lncRNA research for NSCLC, offering new insights into their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications. It also explores promising avenues for therapeutic development. By elucidating the complex roles of lncRNAs in NSCLC, this article aims to contribute to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that can significantly enhance patient outcomes. Understanding the multifaceted functions of lncRNAs in lung cancer has the potential to lead to substantial progress in early disease detection, targeted treatments, and personalised medicine, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life for individuals affected by this devastating disease.

Vulvar cancer is a rare disease of mostly premenstrual women. Although it is a rare disease, vulvar cancer is on the rise among women of reproductive age. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs with more than 200 nucleotides that are not involved in the production of proteins. LncRNAs are actively associated with disease progression in various diseases. However, although the focus or literature on the role of lncRNAs in the progression of different cancers has elucidated their pathophysiology at least partly, vulvar cancer has received much less attention. The present study showed that the majority of lncRNAs studied so far are miRNAs. Some of these miRNAs have been shown to be upregulated, while others have been shown to be downregulated in vulvar cancer. Furthermore, some hypotheses have been introduced to explain the role of these lncRNAs, including their role in targeting p53, HPV, and HMGA2. In this article, we reviewed the role of lncRNAs in the progression, metastasis, development of chemoresistance, diagnosis, and treatment of vulvar cancer.