Current Cancer Therapy Reviews - Online First

Cancer is a global health burden, contributing significantly to the rising mortality rates across various forms of the disease. Identifying the underlying cause of this ailment is crucial to finding a way to save numerous lives worldwide. The BRCA1, a well-recognised tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 17q12, plays a vital role in numerous cancers, including breast, ovarian, cervical, prostate, lung, colorectal, gastric, and bladder cancers. Mutations in the BRCA1 gene can lead to loss of its tumor-suppressor function, significantly increasing the risk of developing various malignancies. The BRCA1 protein is involved in cell cycle control, ubiquitination, transcription regulation, and DNA repair through homologous recombination. Individuals carrying BRCA1 mutations are at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Genetic testing has become a crucial tool for the management of cancer as well as prevention strategies. A mutation in BRCA1 can affect overall survival outcomes, and its overexpression may influence poor treatment outcomes in cervical cancer. In prostate cancer, BRCA1 mutations are associated with a more aggressive disease phenotype and poorer survival outcomes. In lung cancer, a BRCA1 mutation could result in homologous recombination deficiency and reduced protein function. Some studies highlighted the pathogenicity of BRCA1 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. Colorectal, gastric, and bladder cancer also demonstrate significant association with BRCA1 mutations, along with increased risk and poorer survival outcomes. Targeted therapeutic approaches, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), have shown promising results in targeting BRCA1-mutated cancers by exploiting the concept of synthetic lethality. As research continues to unravel the complexities of BRCA1-linked cancers, novel targeted therapies are being developed to enhance treatment outcomes and improve patient prognosis, particularly when combined with chemotherapy agents and radiation therapy. In this review, we discuss the current status of BRCA1 in various types of cancers, as well as the challenges and opportunities in BRCA1-mutated cancer cases.

Regenerative medicine is a relatively new field that has been utilized recently to address specific problems by harnessing the body's molecular composition. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product with a high concentration of platelets, which further releases two important growth factors: Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), responsible for tissue regeneration and repair. PRP contains small extracellular vesicles known as exosomes, which enhance cell-to-cell communication by delivering lipids, proteins, and nucleotides to the target cells. This dual mechanism enhances the therapeutic potential of PRP by stimulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immunological regulation. Exosomes derived from PRP have been investigated for potential applications in cancer, orthopedics, wound healing, and dermatology. They have shown promising results in decreasing inflammation, promoting bone and cartilage regeneration, reshaping tumor microenvironments, and accelerating tissue repair. To enhance their clinical application, advanced isolation and characterization methods, such as size exclusion chromatography and ultracentrifugation, are required to further characterize their nature and facilitate downstream purification. A couple of lingering concerns, aside from the advantages of standardizing the isolation procedure, include regulatory hurdles. Future research aims to refine PRP exosome applications through the identification of biomarkers and the development of combination therapies. With further advancements, PRP-derived exosomes could revolutionize regenerative medicine, offering a targeted, non-invasive, and highly effective treatment modality for various medical conditions.

Cancer remains one of the most complex diseases globally, driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations that disrupt normal cellular processes. This complexity is further amplified by mechanisms such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and metabolic reprogramming, all of which contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. While advancements in diagnostic technologies, including next-generation sequencing and liquid biopsies, have facilitated early detection and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies, traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy continue to face significant limitations, including drug resistance, adverse side effects, and tumor heterogeneity. Recent studies have emphasized the potential of bacteriophages in cancer treatment. As viruses that specifically target bacteria, phages offer unique advantages due to their genetic modifiability, roles in immunotherapy, and capabilities in targeted drug delivery. They can reshape the tumor microenvironment, enhance immune responses, and deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells. Moreover, phages hold promise in addressing antibiotic resistance in cancer patients and improving the efficacy of traditional therapies through combination strategies. However, challenges remain regarding the optimization of phage stability, bioavailability, and tumor-specific targeting. Research and clinical trials on the therapeutic application of phages are critical to unlocking their full potential as innovative approaches to overcome the limitations of current cancer treatments.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant malignant tumour of the oral cavity, constituting more than 90% of oral malignancies. It is linked to elevated morbidity and mortality, often resulting from late-stage diagnosis and restricted therapeutic effectiveness. It is accelerated by a number of risk factors, including genetic predisposition, alcohol use, tobacco use, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In order to promote early detection and improve patient outcomes, this review attempts to provide a comprehensive analysis of the risk factors, diagnostic techniques, and available treatments for OSCC. Using internet databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, a thorough literature analysis was carried out with an emphasis on the differences between previous and current papers published. The selection of studies was based on their scientific quality, relevance, and discussion of risk factors, diagnostic techniques, or therapy approaches linked to OSCC. The results show that prognosis is much improved by early identification. Advanced imaging modalities and molecular biomarkers facilitate early diagnosis. Surgery and adjuvant therapy are two examples of multimodal treatment techniques that increase survival rates. Prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches are essential for improving OSCC management. Additional research is required to formulate innovative medicines and improve early detection methods.

Natural Killer (NK) cells, a subset of innate lymphoid cells, have emerged as a promising avenue in cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to recognize and eliminate malignant and virus-infected cells without prior antigen sensitization. Unlike T cells, NK cells function independently of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) restriction, making them effective against tumors that evade adaptive immune responses. However, several challenges, including limited persistence, poor tumor infiltration, and immune suppression, hinder their clinical efficacy, particularly in solid tumors. Recent advancements in NK cell expansion, activation, and genetic engineering have significantly enhanced their therapeutic potential. Strategies such as cytokine-mediated stimulation, artificial scaffolds, and CRISPR-based modifications have improved NK cell persistence and cytotoxicity. Additionally, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-modified NK cells offer targeted tumor recognition while minimizing the risk of Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), making them a safer alternative to CAR-T therapy. Despite these advancements, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and high manufacturing costs remain key obstacles. Emerging approaches, including metabolic reprogramming, synthetic biology, and combinatorial therapies integrating checkpoint inhibitors and bispecific antibodies, hold promise for overcoming these limitations. Furthermore, the development of off-the-shelf, induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-derived NK therapies is expected to enhance scalability and accessibility. This review highlights the latest progress in NK cell-based immunotherapy, addressing both current challenges and future directions in optimizing NK cell expansion, activation, and genetic engineering for clinical applications.