Oncology Letters Special Issues

Development in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma

Lead Editor:

    Dr Tomoki Nakamura
    Mie University Graduate School of Medicine
    Japan

Over the 40 years, survival rates have not improved in patients with osteosarcoma. However, recent advances such as surgical devices, genetic characterization, and immunotherapy may be expected to strengthen osteosarcoma treatment. This special issue will focus on recent advancements in clinical and basic osteosarcoma research. Both original research articles and reviews are welcome.


Submission deadline: 25 April 2024

Public Health, Precision Medicine, Pharmacogenomics and Cancer

Lead Editor:

    Professor Rui Medeiros
    Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto - Francisco Gentil
    Portugal

Public Health studies are essential to optimize populations stratified prevention and cancer care that may be under the influence on the ethnogeographic background of each individual. The molecular characterization of the mechanisms associated with the onset of cancer and its role in the response to cancer therapy, optimizing and improving targeted therapy has been an important outcome of recent research. Precision Medicine, Pharmacogenomics and Comparative Personalized Medicine is incorporated in individualized medicine that focuses on how biomolecular factors may influence individual risk to disease and responses to different medications affecting drug efficacy, drug side effects, and adverse events related to drug therapy. The long-term goal of the research being conducted is identifying individuals at disease risk or responders and non-responders to therapy, and thus increase efficacy of prevention and avoid adverse events and optimize drug dose. In this special issue, we welcome submissions of research and review articles on the biomarkers, molecular mechanisms and integrated strategies that contribute for a Precision Public Health under a Comprehensive Comparative Precision Medicine including gene mutational profile, expression levels of miRNAs/mRNAs, gene methylation, immune response, NGS, GWAS, Artificial Inteligence or others. Furthermore, we deeply welcome submissions on the impact of new cancer prevention or therapeutic opportunities as a result of Precision Medicine/Pharmacogenomic biomarkers development as a contribute to Precision Public Health.


Submission deadline: 09 April 2024

Autophagy - the good, the bad and the ugly side of cancer?

Lead Editor:

    Dr Subhadip Mukhopadhyay
    NYU LANGONE HEALTH
    United States

Autophagy which literally means self eating is known to remove the dysfunctional damaged and long lived proteins. Autophagy however has a dual role in cancer. In this special issue manuscripts highlighting on different aspects of cancer involving their basic and translational mechanism will be welcome. A major goal is to look at different aspect through which cancer can receive protection during therapy and how this can be a dual edged sword and its pros-cons will be highlighted.


Submission deadline: 12 October 2024

Bone invasion and/or metastasis by malignant tumors and its underlying mechanisms

Lead Editor:

    Dr Seiji Asoda
    Keio University School of Medicine
    Japan

Bone destruction due to a malignant tumor can be caused by direct invasion, such as osteosarcoma or gingival carcinoma, or by bone metastases derived from various regional cancers. Despite remarkable therapeutic developments such as molecularly targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, bone invasion and metastasis remain a significant cause of poor prognosis. Therefore, it is desirable to elucidate the cancer pathophysiology of bone destruction and develop drugs that target this process. Many studies have shown the importance of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in the destruction and invasion of bone in each case, while tumor cells have also been reported to be directly involved in bone degradation. Understanding the complex pathophysiology of cancer and bone and uncovering the mechanisms underlying bone invasion and/or metastasis by malignant tumors will definitely lead to the next therapeutic strategies. In this special issue, we call for a wide range of basic and clinical studies on malignant tumors causing bone destruction. In particular, studies and reviews on the mechanisms of bone destruction and progression by malignant tumors or their significance as clinical therapeutic targets are encouraged.


Submission deadline: 29 September 2024

The importance of cells of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment

Lead Editor:

    Professor Vladimir Jurisic
    University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences
    Serbia

The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes the local biological environment in which tumor cells are surrounded by stromal cells and cells of the immune system in a very complex interaction. Recently, the TME has proven to be very important for study, not only to understand the process of carcinogenesis and metastases, but also to understand the relationship between tumors and the immune system, as well as to investigate resistance to treatment. Examining the complex interactions as well as their regulatory processes in the TME enables a better understanding of the relationship between tumors and local factors such as tissue hypoxia, metabolic disorders, the role of various subpopulations of the immune system, vascular abnormalities, but also the understanding of the mechanism of secretomes and exosomes as soluble mediators and cytokines. Therefore, in this special issue dedicated to the understanding of this process, the role of many cells in the TME would be discussed, which include, in addition to epithelial cells and fibroblasts, many other cells of the immune system such as lymphocytes, mesenchymal stem cells; dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, tumor-associated macrophages; myeloid-derived suppressor cells and many others responsible for complex and dynamic processes.


Submission deadline: 19 September 2024

Biomarkers and Immunotherapeutic Potential in Malignancies: Insights at the Gene Level

Lead Editor:

    Dr Hongda Liu
    Nanjing Medical University
    China

Malignancies, including cancers, pose a significant health burden worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, the prognosis for many malignancies remains poor. However, recent advances in molecular and genomic research have revolutionized our understanding of malignancies at the gene level. Biomarkers, which are measurable indicators of biological processes, have emerged as promising tools for early detection, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response in various malignancies. Furthermore, immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in the management of malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, and other immunotherapeutic strategies have shown unprecedented success in treating cancers by harnessing the body's immune system to target cancer cells. The identification and characterization of biomarkers at the gene level have played a crucial role in predicting the response to immunotherapy and tailoring treatment strategies for individual patients. In this special topic, we invite original research articles, reviews, and opinion papers that focus on the following areas, but not limited to: 1. Identification, validation, and characterization of gene-based biomarkers in malignancies 2. Role of gene expression profiling in predicting response to immunotherapy 3. Mechanisms underlying the immunotherapeutic potential of gene-based biomarkers 4. Applications of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, in enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy 5. Gene-based biomarkers for monitoring treatment response and disease progression in malignancies 6. Gene-based immunotherapeutic strategies, including gene vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and gene-modified immune cells 7. Role of gene-based biomarkers in overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in malignancies 8. Ethical considerations and challenges in the use of gene-based biomarkers and immunotherapies in malignancies. We welcome submissions from researchers in diverse fields, including but not limited to oncology, immunology, genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. Submissions may include original research articles, reviews, and opinion papers that provide novel insights, present significant findings, and offer perspectives on the use of gene-based biomarkers and immunotherapeutic strategies in malignancies.Submissions that are solely based on computational/bioinformatic approach and do not include rigorous wet lab experimentation will not be considered in this special issue.


Submission deadline: 18 September 2024

Recent Advances in Cancer Genome Medicine: Applications of Omics Approaches in Characterizing Cancer

Lead Editor:

    Dr Akinobu Ota
    Aichi Medical University School of Medicine
    Japan

Recent advances in cancer genomics have clarified that cancer develops toward extensive heterogeneity, which might link to represent complexities in clinical presentation, disease outcome, and treatment response. Precision cancer medicine, also known as cancer genome medicine, is the tailoring of medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient with cancer. Prior to the post-genome era, we developed good examples of precision medicine, which could be learned from antibody-based treatments, such as trastuzumab for patients with breast cancer and rituximab for those with non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Both treatments have successfully contributed to the clinical outcomes of patients. Recent high-throughput genomics enables comprehensive somatic and/or germ-line mutation profiling, helping to more accurately identify subgroups of patients who may better respond to current molecular-targeted therapeutics. A deep understanding of genomic alterations in cancer patients may help to optimize potentially toxic medications and/or to improve the quality of life. However, there are many challenges and factors to affect precision medicine in the future. In the Special Issue, we discuss recent efforts to develop promising applications for precision cancer medicine.


Submission deadline: 16 September 2024

Discovery of novel cancer therapeutic targets and drugs

Lead Editor:

    Professor FUWEN YUAN
    Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
    China

Despite significant progress made towards the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the discovery of potent chemotherapeutic agents, cancer incidence and mortality are rapidly growing worldwide, and it is one of the leading causes of death. Targeted therapies are one of the primary treatment strategies for cancers, especially after the cancer progresses to metastasis status. However, the intrinsic off-target toxicity of the current anticancer drugs as well as the rapid genetic evolution of cancer cells limited the therapeutic efficiency and led to the cancer eventually developing drug resistance. Thus, the identification of novel cancer therapeutic targets and the screening and development of cancer-targeted drugs are urgently needed. The aim of this special issue is to invite submissions of original articles and reviews tackling the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics targets and new drugs with potential anticancer activities. Studies employing in vitro cancer cell models and in vivo animal models with mechanism studies are welcome.


Submission deadline: 16 September 2024

Advancements in External Beam Radiation Therapy for Solid Tumors: Current Developments and Future Outlook

Lead Editor:

    Dr Atsuto Katano
    University of Tokyo Hospital
    Japan

The aim of this special issue is to showcase the remarkable progress made in the field of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of solid tumors. We will delve into the latest achievements and innovations that have significantly improved the efficacy and safety of this critical oncological treatment modality while providing insight into the promising future directions it is poised to take. Over the past several decades, external beam radiation therapy has evolved into a cornerstone in the management of solid tumors. It has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life and survival rates of cancer patients across the globe. One of the key achievements in modern radiotherapy is the development of advanced imaging and targeting techniques. These innovations have enabled the delivery of precise radiation doses to tumor sites while sparing healthy tissues, thus minimizing side effects and improving patients' overall well-being. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has improved clinical outcomes in practice. Furthermore, there have been substantial strides in treatment planning and optimization algorithms. These advancements have empowered radiation oncologists to tailor treatment regimens with unprecedented precision, leading to higher tumor control rates and reduced toxicity. The emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning in treatment planning will also be explored, highlighting their potential to further enhance treatment outcomes. In addition to focusing on achievements, this special issue will provide insights into the future of external beam radiation therapy. We will discuss emerging trends, such as the incorporation of immunotherapy and personalized medicine into radiation treatment protocols. Furthermore, we will explore the potential role of radiomics and radiogenomics in refining treatment strategies and predicting treatment response. In summary, this special issue aims to reveal the remarkable achievements in external beam radiation therapy for solid tumors while shedding light on the promising horizons that await us. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field and its future directions, we hope to inspire collaboration, innovation, and a continued commitment to improving cancer care for patients worldwide.


Submission deadline: 16 September 2024

Advancements in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer

Lead Editor:

    Dr Yongbao Wei
    Fujian Provincial Hospital
    China

Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease among men, and when it progresses to an advanced stage, it presents significant clinical challenges. In recent years, remarkable advancements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer, revolutionizing the way we approach this disease. The landscape of diagnosing and treating advanced prostate cancer has evolved rapidly in recent years. From advanced imaging and biomarker-based diagnosis to precision medicine and immunotherapy, these developments offer new hope and improved outcomes for patients facing this challenging disease. With ongoing research and a multidisciplinary approach to care, the future holds great promise in the battle against advanced prostate cancer. This special issue explores the cutting-edge developments in diagnosing and treating advanced prostate cancer, including but is not limited to the following topics. Advanced Imaging Techniques: The accurate staging and diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer are essential for treatment planning. Modern imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) tracers, provide unprecedented clarity in detecting metastatic lesions, even at very small sizes. This enhances the ability to precisely locate and assess the extent of the disease. Biomarker-Based Diagnosis: Novel biomarkers are transforming the diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer. Liquid biopsies, which analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA, can provide real-time information about the genetic characteristics of the cancer, aiding in treatment selection and monitoring treatment response. Precision Medicine: Advances in genomic sequencing have enabled personalized treatment approaches for advanced prostate cancer. Identifying specific genetic mutations and alterations within the tumor allows for targeted therapies, including PARP inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, tailored to the patient's unique molecular profile. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising frontier in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab, are being investigated in clinical trials to harness the body's immune system to fight the cancer. Combining immunotherapies with other treatments is a growing area of research. Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals: Radiopharmaceuticals like Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy have shown promise in treating advanced prostate cancer, particularly in patients with PSMA-positive tumors. These therapies deliver targeted radiation directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Multidisciplinary Care: The management of advanced prostate cancer often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Teams of oncologists, urologists, radiologists, and other specialists collaborate to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient. Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials is increasingly crucial for patients with advanced prostate cancer. These trials evaluate novel therapies, combination treatments, and innovative diagnostic tools, offering patients access to the latest advancements in care. Patient Quality of Life: Improving the quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer is a significant focus of research. Supportive care, including pain management, psychological support, and palliative care, plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of patients throughout their treatment journey.


Submission deadline: 14 September 2024

Journal Cover

April-2024
Volume 27 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1792-1074
Online ISSN: 1792-1082

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Full Size Image