Single-center analysis of a real-world cohort of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma evaluated by NGS: molecular landscape and efficacy of targeted therapies.

PURPOSE: To describe the molecular profile of a real-world cohort of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) and to evaluate the benefit of next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels in guiding therapy in patients with mUC and the outcomes of DNA-matched treatments recommended by a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board (MMTB). METHODS: This was a single-center analysis of a real-world cohort of adult patients with mUC included in an ongoing trial that aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of NGS for solid tumors. Genomic analysis was performed for each patient, most of them using the Ion Torrent Oncomine Focus Assay. Genomic results were discussed during MMTB meetings. RESULTS: We included 43 patients with mUC treated with platinum-based combinations and immunotherapy. Twenty-five patients (58.1%; 95% CI 43.4-72.9) had at least one tumor pathogenic alteration. The MMTB classified 16 (48.5%) of the 33 tumor pathogenic alterations found in our real-world cohort of mUC patients as ESCAT I, which is the maximum grade of actionability. After excluding patients who were not candidates for targeted therapies, the MMTB provided guidance on matched therapy for seven patients. Among these patients, three achieved a partial response for an overall response rate of 42.9%, a median progression-free survival of 7.3 months (95% CI 6.7-7.9) and a median overall survival of 10.9 months (95% CI 2.4-19.5). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that all patients with mUC undergo NGS at diagnosis given the high percentage of patients with pathogenic alterations in our real-world cohort and the efficacy data of patients treated with targeted therapies.

Advancements in second-line treatment research for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its insidious onset, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, often missing the opportunity for surgical resection. Consequently, systemic treatments play a pivotal role. In recent years, an increasing number of drugs have been approved for first-line systemic treatment of HCC. However, their efficacy is limited, and some patients develop drug resistance after a period of treatment. For such patients, there is currently a lack of standard second-line systemic treatment options. This review summarizes the latest advancements in second-line systemic treatment research for HCC patients who have developed resistance to various first-line systemic treatments, aiming to provide more rational and personalized second-line treatment strategies.

vNARs as Neutralizing Intracellular Therapeutic Agents: Glioblastoma as a Target.

Glioblastoma is the most prevalent and fatal form of primary brain tumors. New targeted therapeutic strategies for this type of tumor are imperative given the dire prognosis for glioblastoma patients and the poor results of current multimodal therapy. Previously reported drawbacks of antibody-based therapeutics include the inability to translocate across the blood-brain barrier and reach intracellular targets due to their molecular weight. These disadvantages translate into poor target neutralization and cancer maintenance. Unlike conventional antibodies, vNARs can permeate tissues and recognize conformational or cryptic epitopes due to their stability, CDR3 amino acid sequence, and smaller molecular weight. Thus, vNARs represent a potential antibody format to use as intrabodies or soluble immunocarriers. This review comprehensively summarizes key intracellular pathways in glioblastoma cells that induce proliferation, progression, and cancer survival to determine a new potential targeted glioblastoma therapy based on previously reported vNARs. The results seek to support the next application of vNARs as single-domain antibody drug-conjugated therapies, which could overcome the disadvantages of conventional monoclonal antibodies and provide an innovative approach for glioblastoma treatment.

A molecular approach to triple-negative breast cancer: targeting the Notch signaling pathway

ABSTRACT Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. This phenotype renders triple-negative breast cancer cells refractory to conventional therapies, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have implicated dysregulation of the Notch receptor signaling pathway in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Objective This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify potential therapeutic targets of the Notch pathway. Our analysis focused on the upstream and downstream components of this pathway to identify potential therapeutic targets. Results Modulating the Notch signaling pathway may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Several potential therapeutic targets within this pathway are in the early stages of development, including upstream (such as Notch ligands) and downstream (including specific molecules involved in triple-negative breast cancer growth). These targets represent potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in triple-negative breast cancer. Comments Additional research specifically addressing issues related to toxicity and improving drug delivery methods is critical for the successful translation of these potential therapeutic targets into effective treatments for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

PARP1 Characterization as a Potential Biomarker for BCR::ABL1 p190+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Detection of t(9;22), and consequent BCR::ABL1 fusion, is still a marker of worse prognosis for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with resistance to tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy being a major obstacle in the clinical practice for this subset of patients. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of targeting poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) in a model of BCR::ABL1 p190+ ALL, the most common isoform to afflict ALL patients, and demonstrated the use of experimental PARP inhibitor (PARPi), AZD2461, as a therapeutic option with cytotoxic capabilities similar to that of imatinib, the current gold standard in medical care. We characterized cytostatic profiles, induced cell death, and biomarker expression modulation utilizing cell models, also providing a comprehensive genome-wide analysis through an aCGH of the model used, and further validated PARP1 differential expression in samples of ALL p190+ patients from local healthcare institutions, as well as in larger cohorts of online and readily available datasets. Overall, we demonstrate the effectiveness of PARPi in the treatment of BCR::ABL1 p190+ ALL cell models and that PARP1 is differentially expressed in patient samples. We hope our findings help expand the characterization of molecular profiles in ALL settings and guide future investigations into novel biomarker detection and pharmacological choices in clinical practice.

Brazilian Expert Consensus for NTRK Gene Fusion Testing in Solid Tumors.

Oncogenic neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase gene fusions occur in less than 1% of common cancers. These mutations have emerged as new biomarkers in cancer genomic profiling with the approval of selective drugs against tropomyosin receptor kinase fusion proteins. Nevertheless, the optimal pathways and diagnostic platforms for this biomarker's screening and genomic profiling have not been defined and remain a subject of debate. A panel of national experts in molecular cancer diagnosis and treatment was convened by videoconference and suggested topics to be addressed in the literature review. The authors proposed a testing algorithm for oncogenic neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase gene fusion screening and diagnosis for the Brazilian health system. This review aims to discuss the latest literature evidence and international consensus on neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase gene fusion diagnosis to devise clinical guidelines for testing this biomarker. We propose an algorithm in which testing for this biomarker should be requested to diagnose advanced metastatic tumors without known driver mutations. In this strategy, Immunohistochemistry should be used as a screening test followed by confirmatory next-generation sequencing in immunohistochemistry-positive cases.

Survival Outcomes of Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With Limited Access to Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy in a Cancer Center of a Low- and Middle-Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the survival outcomes of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients with limited access to immunotherapy and targeted therapy in a cancer reference center in Colombia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients treated between 2013 and 2018 was performed, majority diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. It was carried out in a public cancer reference center that provides care to patients of low and middle socioeconomic status. Overall survival and progression-free survival were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. A Cox regression model was performed for univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 209 patients were included with majority of adenocarcinoma (79.5%). First-line treatment was cytotoxic chemotherapy (50.2%), EGFR-targeted therapy (14.8%), chemoimmunotherapy (1.9%), and ALK-targeted therapy (1.4%). 31.6% received best supportive care. Median time of follow-up was 13 months, median overall survival was 11.2 months (95% CI, 7.9-14.4), 13 months for adenocarcinoma (95% CI, 8.1-17.9), and 2.5 months for squamous cell carcinoma (95% CI, 0.6-4.4) (P < .001). Median progression-free survival was 9.3 months (95% CI, 7.9-10.7) without differences according to the type of first-line therapy. Median time-to-treatment was 55 days and only 54% of patients with a tested actionable mutation in EGFR received an EGFR-targeted therapy as the first-line treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that squamous cell carcinoma histology and receiving best supportive care were independent factors for worse overall survival ((HR:1.8, 95% CI, 1.076-3.082, P=.026) and (HR:14.6, 95% CI, 8.921-24.049, P < .001), respectively). Meanwhile, squamous cell carcinoma histology was an independent factor for worse progression-free survival (HR:3.4, 95% CI, 1.540-7.464, P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in precision medicine, during the study period, cytotoxic chemotherapy was the most used treatment in our patients. Furthermore, about a third of them received best supportive care. The use of targeted therapies has been restricted by access to molecular diagnosis and remained low until 2018. Access to immunotherapy should be prioritized.

Identification of CD114 Membrane Receptors as a Molecular Target in Medulloblastomas.

Medulloblastomas are the most common solid tumors in children, accounting for 8-30% of pediatric brain cancers. It is a high-grade tumor with aggressive behavior and a typically b poor prognosis. Its treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, and presents high morbidity. Significant clinical, genetic, and prognostic differences exist between its four molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. Many studies seek to develop new chemotherapeutic agents for medulloblastomas through the identification of genes whose expressions are new molecular targets for drugs, such as membrane receptors associated with cell replication. This study aimed to assess the association of CD114 expression with mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. Databases from the Medulloblastoma Advanced Genomics International Consortium (MAGIC) were analyzed, focusing on the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor in different molecular types and its possible association with mortality. Our findings showed different CD114 expressions between Group 3 and other molecular groups, as well as between the molecular subtypes SHH γ and Group 3 α and Group 3 ß. There was no statistically significant difference between the other groups and subtypes. Regarding mortality, this study did not find statistical significance in the association between low and high CD114 expressions and mortality. Medulloblastoma is a heterogeneous disease with many subtype variations of its genetic and intracellular signaling pathways. Similarly to this study, which could not demonstrate different CD114 membrane receptor expression patterns between groups, others who sought to associate CD114 expression with mortality in other types of cancer failed to establish a direct association. Since many indications point to the relation of this gene with cancer stem cells (CSCs), it may be part of a more extensive cellular signaling pathway with an eventual association with tumor recurrence. This study found no direct relationship between CD114 expression and mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. Further studies are needed on the intracellular signaling pathways associated with this receptor and its gene (the CSF3R).

Management of Recurrent Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma in the Neck: A Comprehensive Review.

Surgery has been historically the preferred primary treatment for patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma and for selected locoregional recurrences. Adjuvant therapy with radioactive iodine is typically recommended for patients with an intermediate to high risk of recurrence. Despite these treatments, locally advanced disease and locoregional relapses are not infrequent. These patients have a prolonged overall survival that may result in long periods of active disease and the possibility of requiring subsequent treatments. Recently, many new options have emerged as salvage therapies. This review offers a comprehensive discussion and considerations regarding surgery, active surveillance, radioactive iodine therapy, ultrasonography-guided percutaneous ablation, external beam radiotherapy, and systemic therapy for well-differentiated thyroid cancer based on relevant publications and current reference guidelines. We feel that the surgical member of the thyroid cancer management team is empowered by being aware and facile with all management options.

Seguridad de las drogas biológicas y sintéticas dirigidas utilizadas en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas. Datos del registro BIOBADASAR 3.0 / Safety of biological and targeted synthetic drugs in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Data from the BIOBADASAR 3.0 registry

Introducción: conocer la seguridad de las drogas actualmente disponibles para el tratamiento de las enfermedades reumáticas es muy importante al momento de tomar decisiones terapéuticas objetivas e individualizadas en la consulta médica diaria. Asimismo, datos de la vida real amplían el conocimiento revelado por los ensayos clínicos. Objetivos: describir los eventos adversos (EA) reportados, estimar su frecuencia e identificar los factores relacionados con su desarrollo. Materiales y métodos: se utilizaron datos BIOBADASAR, un registro voluntario y prospectivo de seguimiento de EA de tratamientos biológicos y sintéticos dirigidos en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas. Los pacientes son seguidos hasta la muerte, pérdida de seguimiento o retiro del consentimiento informado. Para este análisis se extrajeron datos recopilados hasta el 31 de enero de 2023. Resultados: se incluyó un total de 6253 pacientes, los cuales aportaron 9533 ciclos de tratamiento, incluyendo 3647 (38,3%) ciclos sin drogas modificadoras de la enfermedad biológicas y sintéticas dirigidas (DME-b/sd) y 5886 (61,7%) con DME-b/sd. Dentro de estos últimos, los más utilizados fueron los inhibidores de TNF y abatacept. Se reportaron 5890 EA en un total de 2701 tratamientos (844 y 1857 sin y con DME-b/sd, respectivamente), con una incidencia de 53,9 eventos cada 1000 pacientes/año (IC 95% 51,9-55,9). La misma fue mayor en los ciclos con DME-b/sd (71,1 eventos cada 1000 pacientes/año, IC 95% 70,7-77,5 versus 33,7, IC 95% 31,5-36,1; p<0,001). Las infecciones, particularmente las de la vía aérea superior, fueron los EA más frecuentes en ambos grupos. El 10,9% fue serio y el 1,1% provocó la muerte del paciente. El 18,7% de los ciclos con DME-b/sd fue discontinuado a causa de un EA significativamente mayor a lo reportado en el otro grupo (11,5%; p<0,001). En el análisis ajustado, las DME-b/sd se asociaron a mayor riesgo de presentar al menos un EA (HR 1,82, IC 95% 1,64-1,96). De igual manera, la mayor edad, el mayor tiempo de evolución, el antecedente de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, el diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico y el uso de corticoides se asociaron a mayor riesgo de EA. Conclusiones: la incidencia de EA fue significativamente superior durante los ciclos de tratamientos que incluían DME-b/sd.

Introduction: knowing the efficacy and safety of the drugs currently available for the treatment of rheumatic diseases is very important when making objective and individualized therapeutic decisions in daily medical consultation. Likewise, real-life data extends the knowledge revealed by clinical trials. Objectives: to describe the reported adverse events (AEs), estimate their frequency and identify factors associated to them. Materials and methods: BIOBADASAR data were used, which is a voluntary, prospective follow-up registry of AEs of biological and synthetic treatments in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Patients are followed until death, loss of followup, or withdrawal of informed consent. To carry out this analysis, the data collected up to January 31, 2023 was extracted. Results: a total of 6253 patients were included, who contributed with 9533 treatment periods, including 3647 (38.3%) periods without b/ts-DMARDs and 5886 (61.7%) with b/ts-DMARDs. Among the latter, the most used were TNF inhibitors and abatacept. A total of 5890 AEs were reported in a total of 2701 treatments (844 and 1857 without and with b/ts-DMARDs, respectively), with an incidence of 53.9 events per 1000 patients/ year (95% CI 51.9-55.9). It was higher during the periods with b/ts-DMARDs (71.1 events per 1000 patients/year, 95% CI 70.7-77.5 vs 33.7, 95% CI 31.5-36.1, p<0.001). Infections, particularly those of the upper respiratory tract, were the most frequent AEs in both groups. 10.9% were severe and 1.1% were associated with the death of the patient. 18.7% of the periods with b/ts-DMARDs were discontinued due to an AE, significantly higher than that reported in the other group (11.5%; p<0.001). In the adjusted analysis, b/ts-DMARDs were associated with a higher risk of presenting at least one AE (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.64-1.96). Similarly, older age, longer evolution time, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, and use of corticosteroids were associated with a higher risk of AE. Conclusions: the incidence of AEs was significantly higher during those treatment periods that included DME-b/sd.

Estrategias terapéuticas actuales en el tratamiento del cáncer de ovario

Introducción: El cáncer de ovario es uno de los tumores más frecuentes y letales entre las mujeres. Esto se debe a su detección en estados tardíos y al desarrollo de quimiorresistencia a la terapia estándar. El desarrollo de terapias dirigidas contra las propiedades distintivas de las células cancerosas y sus características habilitadoras ha surgido como una alternativa promisoria para el tratamiento de estos tumores. Objetivo: Describir las actuales estrategias terapéuticas dirigidas contra las distintas capacidades de las células tumorales en el tratamiento del cáncer de ovario. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos ScienceDirect, Redalyc, Latindex, ResearchGate, PubMed, Elsevier, ClinicalTrials.gov, SpringerLink, LARVOL´s CLIN, Registro Público Cubano de Ensayos Clínicos, entre enero y abril de 2023. Se seleccionaron 50 artículos referentes al cáncer de ovario y las alternativas para su tratamiento. Desarrollo: Se mencionaron los diversos factores que influyen en la elección de terapias contra el cáncer de ovario. Se describieron las actuales dianas terapéuticas utilizadas en el tratamiento de esta neoplasia, así como el empleo de múltiples fármacos aprobados y en fases de estudio, y las combinaciones sinérgicas de los mismos. Consideraciones finales: Actualmente existen disímiles opciones de tratamiento del cáncer de ovario. A pesar de que la eficacia clínica de los agentes dirigidos todavía está restringida a subtipos moleculares específicos y ningún ensayo ilustra un beneficio en la supervivencia general, son notorios los resultados alcanzados en el desarrollo de fármacos específicamente dirigidos contra la inestabilidad del genoma y angiogénesis sostenida.

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common and lethal tumor in women. This happens as a result of late-stage cancer detention and an increased chemoresistance to standard therapy. The current development in therapies to kill the cancer cells and its spread tendencies has emerged as a key alternative to treat tumors. Objective: To describe the current therapeutic strategies lead to confront different capabilities of tumor cells found in the ovarian cancer treatment. Method: A search of literuture was carried out in the following databases ScienceDirect, Redalyc, Latindex, ResearchGate, PubMed, Elsevier, ClinicalTrials.gov, SpringerLink, LARVOL's CLIN, Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials, from January to April 2023. A total of 50 text concerning ovarian cancer subject and alternative for treatment were selected. Development: The driving factors that promoted the use of ovarian cancer therapies were pointed out. The current therapeutic targets used in the treatment of this neoplasia were described, as well as the use of multiple approved drugs or in process of approval, including the synergistic drug combinations. Final considerations: There are a lot of options currently being implemented in ovarian cancer treatment. Despite clinical efficacy of targeted therapy, it´s presented still restricted to specific molecular subtypes and none of the assays illustrated survival benefit in general; the results obtained in the process of drugs development specifically targeting genome instability and sustained angiogenesis have been remarkable.

Introdução: O câncer de ovário é um dos tumores mais frequentes e letais entre as mulheres. Isso se deve à sua detecção em estágios tardios e ao desenvolvimento de quimiorresistência à terapia padrão. O desenvolvimento de terapias direcionadas contra as propriedades distintas das células cancerígenas e suas características facilitadoras surgiu como uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento desses tumores. Objetivo: Descrever as atuais estratégias terapêuticas dirigidas contra as diferentes capacidades das células tumorais no tratamento do câncer de ovário. Método: Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados ScienceDirect, Redalyc, Latindex, ResearchGate, PubMed, Elsevier, ClinicalTrials.gov, SpringerLink, LARVOL's CLIN, Registro Público Cubano de Ensaios Clínicos, entre janeiro e abril de 2023. 50 artigos referentes ao câncer de ovário e as alternativas para o seu tratamento. Desenvolvimento: Foram mencionados os vários fatores que influenciam a escolha das terapias contra o câncer de ovário. Foram descritos os atuais alvos terapêuticos utilizados no tratamento desta neoplasia, bem como o uso de múltiplas drogas aprovadas e em fase de estudo, e suas combinações sinérgicas. Considerações finais: Atualmente existem opções de tratamento dissimilares para o câncer de ovário. Apesar de a eficácia clínica dos agentes direcionados ainda estar restrita a subtipos moleculares específicos e nenhum ensaio mostrar benefício na sobrevida global, são notáveis os resultados alcançados no desenvolvimento de fármacos direcionados especificamente contra a instabilidade do genoma e a angiogênese sustentada.

Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Where Are We?

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal neoplasms worldwide; it is aggressive in nature and has a poor prognosis. The overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer is low. Most patients present non-specific symptoms in the advanced stages, which generally leads to late diagnosis, at which point there is no option for curative surgery. The treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer includes systemic therapy, in some cases radiotherapy, and more recently, molecular targeted therapies, which can positively impact cancer control and improve quality of life. This review provides an overview of the molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer based on the most recent literature, as well as current treatment options for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

É possível prever a mortalidade molecular em meduloblastomas pela análise dos receptores de membrana CD114? / Is it possible to predict molecular mortality in meduloblastomas by analysis of CD114 membrane receptors?

Introdução: Os meduloblastomas são os tumores sólidos mais comuns da infância e classificados em 4 subgrupos moleculares: WNT, SHH, grupo 3 e grupo 4. Muitos estudos buscam desenvolvimento de novos quimioterápicos para os meduloblastomas através da identificação de genes cuja expressão sejam novos alvos moleculares para drogas, como receptores de membrana associados a replicação celular. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação da expressão de CD114 com a mortalidade de pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma. Métodos: Revisão feita colhendo informações publicadas em plataformas virtuais em português e inglês. Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema - neurocirurgia, oncologia cirúrgica, terapia de alvo molecular e meduloblastoma - e seus equivalentes em inglês - neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy e medulloblastoma - com busca AND ou OR, considerando o título e/ou resumo. Após, foram incluídos somente os que tinham maior relação ao tema, e realizada a leitura da íntegra dos textos. Finalmente foram referidos 2 artigos. Resultados: Há diferença na expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 entre o Grupo 3 e os demais grupos moleculares, além de diferença entre o subtipo molecular SHH γ e os subtipos moleculares Grupo 3 α e Grupo 3 ß. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os demais grupos e subtipos. Em relação à mortalidade, esta revisão não demonstrou significância estatística na relação entre expressões baixas e elevadas desse gene e a mortalidade. Conclusão: Não há relação direta entre a expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 e a mortalidade em pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma. Entretanto, são necessários estudos adicionais sobre as vias de sinalização intracelulares associadas a esse receptor e ao seu gene, o CSF3R.

Introduction: Medulloblastomas are the most common solid tumors of childhood and classified into 4 molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4. Many studies seek to develop new chemotherapy drugs for medulloblastomas by identifying genes whose expression is new molecular targets for drugs, such as membrane receptors associated with cell replication. Objective: To evaluate the association of CD114 expression with mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. Methods: Review carried out collecting information published on virtual platforms in Portuguese and English. Initially, a search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic - neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy and medulloblastoma, with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or summary. Afterwards, only those that were most related to the topic were included, and the texts read in full. Finally, 23 articles were referred. Results: There is a difference in the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor between Group 3 and the other molecular groups, in addition to a difference between the SHH γ molecular subtype and the Group 3 α and Group 3 ß molecular subtypes. There was no statistically significant difference between the other groups and subtypes. Regarding mortality, this review did not demonstrate statistical significance in the relationship between low and high expressions of this gene and mortality. Conclusion: There is no direct relationship between the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor and mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. However, additional studies are needed on the intracellular signaling pathways associated with this receptor and its gene, CSF3R.

Bioactive Glasses as Carriers of Cancer-Targeted Drugs: Challenges and Opportunities in Bone Cancer Treatment.

The treatment of bone cancer involves tumor resection followed by bone reconstruction of the defect caused by the tumor using biomaterials. Additionally, post-surgery protocols cover chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or drug administration, which are employed as adjuvant treatments to prevent tumor recurrence. In this work, we reviewed new strategies for bone cancer treatment based on bioactive glasses as carriers of cancer-targeted and other drugs that are intended for bone regeneration in conjunction with adjuvant treatments. Drugs used in combination with bioactive glasses can be classified into cancer-target, osteoclast-target, and new therapies (such as gene delivery and bioinorganic). Microparticulated, nanoparticulated, or mesoporous bioactive glasses have been used as drug-delivery systems. Additionally, surface modification through functionalization or the production of composites based on polymers and hydrogels has been employed to improve drug-release kinetics. Overall, although different drugs and drug delivery systems have been developed, there is still room for new studies involving kinase inhibitors or antibody-conjugated drugs, as these drugs have been poorly explored in combination with bioactive glasses.

MicroRNA delivery systems in glioma therapy and perspectives: A systematic review.

Gliomas are the deadliest of all primary brain tumors, and they constitute a serious global health problem. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene expression regulators associated with glioma pathogenesis. Thus, miRNAs represent potential therapeutic agents for treating gliomas. However, miRNAs have not been established as part of the regular clinical armamentarium. This systemic review evaluates current molecular and pre-clinical studies with the aim of defining the most appealing supramolecular platform for administering therapeutic miRNA to patients with gliomas. An integrated analysis suggested that cationic lipid nanoparticles, functionalized with octa-arginine peptides, represent a potentially specific, practical, non-invasive intervention for treating gliomas. This supramolecular platform allows loading both hydrophilic (miRNA) and hydrophobic (anti-tumor drugs, like temozolomide) molecules. This systemic review is the first to describe miRNA delivery systems targeted to gliomas that integrate several types of molecules as active ingredients. Further experimental validation is warranted to confirm the practical value of miRNA delivery systems.

Unique SLC12A2-ROS1 fusion is associated with marked response to crizotinib in lung adenocarcinoma.

Chromosomal rearrangements involving the c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) gene define a subset of non-small cell lung cancers highly sensitive to small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, little is known about the impact of different fusion partners on tyrosine kinase inhibitor efficacy. We herein describe a case of a 26-year-old never-smoker patient from southern Africa with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma driven by SLC12A2-ROS1 fusion, who had a pronounced and durable response to crizotinib. The present case underscores the importance of pursuing actionable alterations in patients with similar clinical and epidemiological characteristics. In addition, provides the second report of crizotinib activity against lung malignancies harboring the unique SLC12A2-ROS1 fusion and highlights the importance of a deeper understanding of molecular alterations in underrepresented subgroups of patients to tailor the decision-making in daily practice.

Solid Tumors and Kinase Inhibition: Management and Therapy Efficacy Evolution.

The increasing numbers of cancer cases worldwide and the exceedingly high mortality rates of some tumor subtypes raise the question about if the current protocols for cancer management are effective and what has been done to improve upon oncologic patients' prognoses. The traditional chemo-immunotherapy options for cancer treatment focus on the use of cytotoxic agents that are able to overcome neoplastic clones' survival mechanisms and induce apoptosis, as well as on the ability to capacitate the host's immune system to hinder the continuous growth of malignant cells. The need to avert the highly toxic profiles of conventional chemo-immunotherapy and to overcome the emerging cases of tumor multidrug resistance has fueled a growing interest in the field of precision medicine and targeted molecular therapies in the last couple of decades, although relatively new alternatives in oncologic practices, the increased specificity, and the positive clinical outcomes achieved through targeted molecular therapies have already consolidated them as promising prospects for the future of cancer management. In recent years, the development and application of targeted drugs as tyrosine kinase inhibitors have enabled cancer treatment to enter the era of specificity. In addition, the combined use of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and traditional chemotherapy has innovated the standard treatment for many malignancies, bringing new light to patients with recurrent tumors. This article comprises a series of clinical trials that, in the past 5 years, utilized kinase inhibitors (KIs) as a monotherapy or in combination with other cytotoxic agents to treat patients afflicted with solid tumors. The results, with varying degrees of efficacy, are reported.

EGFR-RAD51 fusion in lung adenocarcinoma with systemic and intracranial response to osimertinib: A case report and review of the literature.

Comprehensive next-generation sequencing panels are leading to detection of rare gene fusion events. EFGR-RAD51 fusion is a rare oncogenic finding and clinical data for management of this condition is scarce. We report a widely metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in a never-smoker young male patient with sustained near-complete systemic and intracranial response to osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI). We also review the available data of other TKIs in this scenario and underscore the role of comprehensive molecular testing for NSCLC.

[Cancer stem cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Literature review]. / Células troncales cancerígenas en carcinoma oral de células escamosas. Revisión de la literatura.

Objective: To perform a literature review on oral squamous cell carcinoma, the presence of cancer stem cells; their association with the course of the disease and therapeutic applications. Methods: : A search was performed in the PubMed database by entering the following algorithm: ((((neoplastic stem cells [MeSH Terms ]) OR (Cancer stem cells [Text Word ])) AND (Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck [MeSH Terms])) AND (Oral squamous cell carcinoma [Text Word ]), to find articles in english published between 2012 and 2022. The PRISMA diagram was used to identify and select the articles. Results: A result of 49 articles was obtained; of which 27 were chosen according to the title and abstract in their association with the topic. In addition, 8 additional articles suggested by their relationship with the information previously searched were included. In total, 35 articles were evaluated. There has been found that tumoral cells in squamous oral carcinoma are heterogeneous since they include cancer stem cells wich possess characteristics of stem and neoplasic cells; which possess characteristics of stem cells as well as neoplastic cells; they have been associated with disease progression, recurrence, and metastasis and have been considered to be a key mechanism of therapy failure. Conclusions: The expression of stem cell markers in oral squamous cell carcinomas has been demonstrated and has contributed to their identification in oral squamous cell carcinomas and has been implicated in the behavior of cancer cells. New therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating cancer stem cells have been proposed and developed.

In silico evaluation of potential drugs for the treatment of Colorectal Carcinoma

Abstract To evaluate possible new drugs for the treatment of Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) using in silico tools was the main objective of this study. The method of analysis used was the in silico evaluation of tumor markers and their interaction with selected drugs, through the study of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. A potential therapeutic target pointed out in this study was the Cell Division Cycle 25 B (CDC25B), belonging to the CDC25 phosphatase family. Overexpression of CDC25 phosphatases is often associated with a wide variety of cancers. In addition, CDC25B is an oncogenic protein that induces neoplastic transformation. In CRC, CDC25B is overexpressed to activate the CDC2/cyclin B complex and improve the growth and survival of these tumors. Four drugs were identified for evaluation, with α-amyrin being selected for docking, because it was that had the best characteristics according to the methodology used. The α-amyrin ligand obtained the interaction energy value of -7.6 G (Kcal/mol), while the standard CDC25B ligand obtained -10.0 G (Kcal/mol). TThe results showed that the CDC25B protein was the only structure cocrystallized with α-amyrin and presented favorable outcomes in docking, being a candidate for further studies for its use in the CRC targeted therapy