International Journal of Oncology Special Issues
The immune-network in thyroid cancer microenvironment
Lead Editor:
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Professor Alessandro Antonelli
Department of Surgery, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area,University of Pisa
Italy
Cancer immune surveillance is a host protection process to maintain cell homeostasis and to inhibit tumorigenesis. In the last decades, it has been shown an association between thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid cancer (TC), involving multiple components of the immune system, even if the exact mechanism at its basis is still unknown. Within tumor microenvironment (TME), cells of the adaptive (i.e. lymphocytes) and of the innate (i.e. neutrophils, macrophages, and mast cells) immune responses are connected with endothelial cells, epithelial cancer cells, and fibroblasts, through cytokines, chemokines, and adipocytokines. Oncogenes related to the different subtypes of TC promote their proliferative effect on the TME, under the influence of transcriptional regulators (i.e. NF-kB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt). This issue focus on the molecular pattern of chemokines and cytokines that might explain the involvement of the immune system in TC initiation and progression, and on TC related inflammation as a target for diagnostic procedures and new therapeutical approaches.
Submission deadline: 28 June 2024
MicroRNAs Theranostics and Cancer: the Future is Now.
Lead Editor:
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Professor Roberto Gambari
Ferrara University, Italy
Italy
MicroRNAs are short (20-30 nucleotides in length) non-coding RNAs deeply involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Of great impact in applied pre-clinical research is the fact that miRNAs are strictly involved in human pathologies, including tumor onset and progression. Accordingly, targeting microRNAs involved in cancer is an interventional option gaining attractions in the last few years. In fact, the complex network linking microRNA activity with the expression of genes involved in the onset and progression of cancer is becoming clear and druggable. For instance, onco-miRNAs and metastamiRNAs (up-regulated in cancer and usually down-regulating tumor-suppressor mRNAs) can be targeted by a variety of antisense molecules, leading to inhibition of tumor-associated biological functions; on the contrary, mimicking tumor-suppressor miRNAs (down-regulated in cancer and usually down-regulating mRNAs coding oncoproteins) can be obtained by cell transfection with pre-miRNA molecules for the restoration of this tumor-suppressor activity. In spite of the fact that this description over-simplifies an extremely complex process, it sustains the concept that miRNA-therapeutics (and diagnostics) deserve attention in the field of translational applied oncology. Partial list of the topics to be considered: -miRNAs involved in tumor onset and progression: updates and applications to diagnostics; -miRNAs involved in tumor onset and progression: applications to the development of therapeutic protocols; -Usefulness of miRNA-based molecular diagnosis for personalized treatment of cancer; -Liquid Biopsy for detection of circulating miRNAs involved in tumors; -Novel technologies; -miRNA therapeutics for cancer; -Combing miRNA therapy and chemotherapy; -Delivery of biomolecules for miRNA therapy; -Nanomedicine; -Patenting miRNA therapeutics of cancers; -Clinical trials.
Submission deadline: 09 November 2024
Long non-coding RNAs and cancer: implications for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment
Lead Editor:
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Professor Maria Nagai
Medical School, University of Sao Paulo
Brazil
Cancer is a complex and highly heterogeneous disease; multiple genetic and epigenetic changes are associated with the tumorigenic process. Sequencing of the human genome has revealed a new class of non-protein-coding transcripts involved in various cellular processes related to tumorigenesis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), characterized as RNA transcripts with more than 200 nucleotides of extension that do not encode proteins, have gained prominence in cancer research, especially for their epigenetic role in regulating gene transcription. Understanding the biogenesis and functions of the thousands of lncRNAs present in the genome is an important and challenging task since several studies have identified changes in the expression of different lncRNAs in various types of cancer. This special IJO issue focuses on disseminating recent research on the identification, characterization, expression profile, and diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of lncRNAs in different types of cancers. Original research articles, reviews, and mini-reviews are welcome.
Submission deadline: 14 October 2024
Pleiotropic Regulation of Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Cellular Homeostasis
Lead Editor:
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Professor Kwang-Hyun Baek
CHA University
Republic of Korea
The regulation of selective proteolysis in cellular homeostasis is primarily controlled by post-translational modification using the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination play pivotal roles in modulating protein stability, cellular functions, protein turnover, signaling pathways, and the DNA damage response. Dysregulation of these processes is increasingly recognized as a causal factor in various human diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Consequently, gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing cellular homeostasis holds promise for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.
Submission deadline: 11 October 2024
Melatonin and the active forms of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of skin cancer
Lead Editor:
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Dr Andrzej Slominski
University of Alabama at Birmingham
United States
Melatonin, in addition of its neuroendocrine functions as the regulator of circadian rhythm, is also recognized for its anticancer properties. It also exerts complex antioxidative, cell protective and DNA repair mechanisms acting as a protector against ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced cancerogenesis. Vitamin D is a product of photochemical transformation of 7-dehydrocholesterol induced by UVB. After enzymatic activations, it can regulate skin functions, which include induction of cell differentiation, photoprotective and anticancer activities. UVR is a major risk factor for skin cancer including melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, as well as squamous and basal cell carcinomas (SCC and BCC) collectively classified as nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). NMSC is the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer with the UVB being the main inducing factor. NMSC has an enormous economic burden on the health system of the US, as well as the whole world. In this special issue on “Melatonin and active forms of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of skin cancer” we will discuss the therapeutic and chemopreventive role of these compounds and its metabolites in melanoma and NMSC. The various mechanism of action will be analyzed, with considerations whether these compounds can also enhance the efficacy of established therapies in patients affected by melanoma or NMSC. Any original experimental research, review articles, and commentary articles on this and related topics are invited.
Submission deadline: 05 October 2024
Microbiota-immunity-hormones axis: what the impact on cancer development and progression
Lead Editor:
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Professor Amedeo Amedei
University of Florence
Italy
The human microbiota, made up of trillions of microorganisms residing in our body, plays a critical role in preserving host health and immune homeostasis but its dysbiosis has a relevant impact on development and progression of various diseases, including cancer. The most studied links between the microbiota and cancer are: 1. Inflammation and Immune System Modulation: GM plays a key role in modulating inflammation and immunity. Persistent inflammation is a known risk factor for various cancer types. When dysbiosis occurs, it can contribute to chronic inflammation which, in turn, can promote cancer development. 2. The modulation of circulating hormones: since GM can metabolize estrogen and androgens compounds, it can potentially affect the balance of circulating hormones in the body with implications for hormones-related cancers. 3. Anti-cancer therapies: GM can modulate and influence the effectiveness of ant-cancer treatments, such as chemo-radio therapies or immune checkpoint inhibitors. 4. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Some GM bacteria are able to produce the SCFA that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation and inhibiting cancer cells growth. By comprehensively exploring the interaction between the microbiota, immunity and the endocrine system, this special issue aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to the cancer onset, progression and treatments; and to provide valuable insights into future directions of research and clinical interventions in this exciting field.
Submission deadline: 27 September 2024
Predictive biomarker of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in resectable non-small cell lung cancer
Lead Editor:
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Dr Kyoichi Kaira
Gunma University Hospital
Japan
Nowadays, neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy is identified as one of perioperative treatment in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). After 3 cycles of platinum-based regimen plus nivolumab administration, the pathological complete response (p-CR) of 24% was observed, compared to 2.2% in chemotherapy alone. However, there was no established biomarker for predicting the p-CR of chemoimmunotherapy. A exploratory investigation suggested the potential of cfDNA as predictor, however, approximately 75% patients had no detection of cfDNA before chemoimmunotherapy administration. Therefore, it is needed to elucidate the presence of some biomarkers for predicting the p-CR or major pathological response (MPR) at early phase after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy initiation in NSCLC. This special issue focus on the predictive biomarkers of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy.
Submission deadline: 15 September 2024
Going to the discovery of new biomarkers in cancer
Lead Editor:
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Dr Susan Costantini
National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Pascale Foundation", IRCCS
Italy
Novel technologies are leading to the identification of numerous biomarkers aimed to predict cancer progression and therapeutic treatment responses. The search for new prognostic and predictive biomarkers is the object of many studies performed on cells, blood samples, and tissues. However, only few cancer biomarkers have been inserted into clinical practice until now and for this reason it is important to run studies focused on this scientific field.
Submission deadline: 14 September 2024
Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Novel Approaches and Future Directions
Lead Editor:
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Professor Hideshi Ishii
Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
Japan
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as key players in cancer progression and therapy resistance, making them an attractive target for cancer treatment. However, to stand out from similar previous research, we aim to focus on the latest advances in CAF-targeted therapies that have direct implications for drug development, including preclinical in vivo data and combination therapies with cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we will explore the potential of novel molecular targets and cell-based therapies to enrich the scope of CAF-targeted research. This special issue will feature original research articles, reviews, and perspectives on the topic.
Submission deadline: 13 September 2024
Role of the Tight Junctions in Cancer Metastasis
Lead Editor:
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Professor Gregory T. MacLennan
Case Western Reserve University
United States
Metastasis is still an immense challenge in the treatment of cancer. Whilst recent years have seen great advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, metastasis is still difficult to treat. For cancer cells to successfully detach from the primary tumor and spread around the body, cell-to-cell adhesion must break down. Tight junctions are the first cell adhesion complex to be dismantled during metastasis formation and are therefore fundamental for cancer development. The cellular structure of tight junctions has been increasingly described to be important in cancer disease progression and therefore it is identified as a potential target for treatment and means of drug delivery. Several questions still need to be fully addressed to improve our understanding of the role of tight junctions in cancer metastasis. These include the underlying molecular mechanisms within the cancer cell itself, and also how these mechanisms influence other cell types involved in the metastatic process. Due to their prominent role in cancer development, individual tight junctions have been increasingly reported to be potential diagnostic markers or possible targets for therapy. Moreover, tight junction complexes are crucial to the efficacy of drug therapies, as they can regulate the permeability and bioavailability of the drugs, and penetration of barriers such as the blood-brain barrier.
Submission deadline: 17 November 2024
