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Current Opinion in Biotechnology Dec 2020Recent synthetic biology advancements have shown that cells can be engineered to respond to external stimuli such as chemical compounds and light, which significantly... (Review)
Review
Recent synthetic biology advancements have shown that cells can be engineered to respond to external stimuli such as chemical compounds and light, which significantly improves the specificity and controllability of CAR T therapy. However, the lack of both spatiotemporal and depth control is still the main issue in the clinic of CAR T treatment. At the same time, mechanogenetics, capable of penetrating deep tissues with high spatiotemporal precision, is rapidly evolving and advancing to reveal its potential for cancer immunotherapy. In the past few years, researchers have demonstrated the precise and remote control of engineered cells with mechanical perturbation originated from ultrasound, which may become a new solution to circumvent the limitations of CAR T therapy in the future. This review will discuss mechanobiology and the state-of art designs of controllable CAR T cells. A specific focus of this review will be on the mechanical control of CAR T therapy.
Topics: Cell Engineering; Humans; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 32717634
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.06.008 -
American Society of Clinical Oncology... Jan 2024Oligometastatic state is believed to potentially represent a transitional stage between early, locoregional state disease and widely metastatic disease. Historically,... (Review)
Review
Oligometastatic state is believed to potentially represent a transitional stage between early, locoregional state disease and widely metastatic disease. Historically, locoregional approaches, particularly in advanced colorectal cancers, have demonstrated efficacy in select patients with limited burden of metastatic disease. Recent strides in systemic therapies, including biomarker-based treatments and immunotherapy, alongside innovations in surgical techniques and novel locoregional approaches such as stereotactic radiotherapy and ablation, have ushered in a new era of therapeutic possibilities across all oligometastatic GI cancers. Despite these advancements, there remains a significant gap in high-quality prospective evidence guiding patient selection and treatment decisions across various disease types. Ongoing clinical trials are anticipated to provide crucial insights into oligometastatic states, fostering the refinement of disease-specific oligometastatic state definitions and treatment algorithms. This article reviews existing data on the management of oligometastatic GI cancer, summarizes current state of knowledge for each disease state, and provides updates on ongoing studies in this space.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Immunotherapy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Algorithms; Neoplasms, Second Primary
PubMed: 38190577
DOI: 10.1200/EDBK_430152 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The treatment of advanced, radioiodine refractory, differentiated thyroid cancers (RR-DTCs) has undergone major advancements in the last decade, causing a paradigm shift... (Review)
Review
The treatment of advanced, radioiodine refractory, differentiated thyroid cancers (RR-DTCs) has undergone major advancements in the last decade, causing a paradigm shift in the management and prognosis of these patients. Better understanding of the molecular drivers of tumorigenesis and access to next generation sequencing of tumors have led to the development and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approval of numerous targeted therapies for RR-DTCs, including antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitors, and more recently, fusion-specific kinase inhibitors such as RET inhibitors and NTRK inhibitors. BRAF + MEK inhibitors have also been approved for -mutated solid tumors and are routinely used in RR-DTCs in many centers. However, none of the currently available treatments are curative, and most patients will ultimately show progression. Current research efforts are therefore focused on identifying resistance mechanisms to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and ways to overcome them. Various novel treatment strategies are under investigation, including immunotherapy, redifferentiation therapy, and second-generation kinase inhibitors. In this review, we will discuss currently available drugs for advanced RR-DTCs, potential mechanisms of drug resistance and future therapeutic avenues.
Topics: United States; Humans; Iodine Radioisotopes; Adenocarcinoma; Thyroid Neoplasms; Immunotherapy; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Drug Resistance
PubMed: 37435488
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1176731 -
Seminars in Cancer Biology Dec 2015Despite exciting advances in targeted therapies, high drug costs, marginal therapeutic benefits and notable toxicities are concerning aspects of today's cancer...
Despite exciting advances in targeted therapies, high drug costs, marginal therapeutic benefits and notable toxicities are concerning aspects of today's cancer treatments. This special issue of Seminars in Cancer Biology proposes a broad-spectrum, integrative therapeutic model to complement targeted therapies. Based on extensive reviews of the cancer hallmarks, this model selects multiple high-priority targets for each hallmark, to be approached with combinations of low-toxicity, low-cost therapeutics, including phytochemicals, adapted to the well-known complexity and heterogeneity of malignancy. A global consortium of researchers has been assembled to advance this concept, which is especially relevant in an era of rapidly expanding capacity for genomic tumor analyses, alongside alarming growth in cancer morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income nations.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 26260004
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.08.002 -
Molecular Cancer Jul 2023Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional... (Review)
Review
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
Topics: Animals; Humans; RNA; Immunotherapy; RNA, Messenger; Vaccination; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37420174
DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w -
CA: a Cancer Journal For Clinicians 2015An aging population and advances in diagnostics and treatment have resulted in a rapidly growing population of people impacted by cancer. People live longer after a... (Review)
Review
An aging population and advances in diagnostics and treatment have resulted in a rapidly growing population of people impacted by cancer. People live longer after a cancer diagnosis and tolerate more aggressive treatments than in the past. Younger patients struggle with diversions from the normal developmental milestones in career and relationships, while older patients deal with the dual challenges of aging and cancer. Cancer's transition from likely death to survival has increased interest in its impact on psychosocial issues and quality of life, rather than just longevity. In this article, the authors review the psychiatric diagnosis and management of the mental health issues most often encountered in oncology. Oncology treatment teams, including oncologists, nurses, social workers, and other ancillary staff, are often on the front lines of addressing psychiatric distress and clinical syndromes when psychiatrists are not easily available. The purpose of this review article is to highlight opportunities for nonpsychiatrists to improve identification and treatment of psychosocial distress and psychiatric syndromes and to request formal psychiatric consultation in appropriate situations. Psychotherapeutic, psychopharmacologic, cognitive, and behavioral-oriented interventions, as well as supportive interventions, are discussed for treating patients who are facing challenges during active cancer treatment, survivorship, and at the end of life. This review is not exhaustive but highlights the more common psychosomatic medicine and palliative care scenarios that impact cancer patient care. The importance of recognizing and addressing burnout and compassion fatigue in multidisciplinary professionals who care for those treated for cancer is also discussed given the secondary impact this can have on patient care.
Topics: Burnout, Professional; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Mental Disorders; Neoplasms; Palliative Care; Patient Care Team; Psychotherapy; Psychotropic Drugs; Quality of Life
PubMed: 26012508
DOI: 10.3322/caac.21285 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2021Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, causing over half a million deaths a year in the USA alone. Despite recent advances made in the field of cancer...
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, causing over half a million deaths a year in the USA alone. Despite recent advances made in the field of cancer biology and the therapies that have been developed [1, 2], it is clear that more advances are necessary for us to classify cancer as curable. The logical question that arises is simple: Why, despite all the technologies and medical innovations of our time, has a complete cure eluded us? This chapter sheds light on one of cancer's most impactful attributes: its heterogeneity and, more specifically, the intratumoral heterogeneity of cancer metabolism. Simply put, what makes cancer one of the deadliest diseases is its ability to change and adapt. Cancer cells' rapid evolution, coupled with their irrepressible ability to divide, gives most of them the advantage over our immune systems. In this chapter, we delve into the complexities of this adaptability and the vital role that metabolism plays in the rise and progression of this heterogeneity.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms
PubMed: 34014541
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65768-0_11 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2021Advancements in cancer therapy increased the cancer free survival rates and reduced the malignant related deaths. Therapeutic options for patients with thoracic cancers... (Review)
Review
Advancements in cancer therapy increased the cancer free survival rates and reduced the malignant related deaths. Therapeutic options for patients with thoracic cancers include surgical intervention and the application of chemotherapy with ionizing radiation. Despite these advances, cancer therapy-related cardiopulmonary dysfunction (CTRCPD) is one of the most undesirable side effects of cancer therapy and leads to limitations to cancer treatment. Chemoradiation therapy or immunotherapy promote acute and chronic cardiopulmonary damage by inducing reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, inflammation, fibrosis, deregulation of cellular immunity, cardiopulmonary failure, and non-malignant related deaths among cancer-free patients who received cancer therapy. CTRCPD is a complex entity with multiple factors involved in this pathogenesis. Although the mechanisms of cancer therapy-induced toxicities are multifactorial, damage to the cardiac and pulmonary tissue as well as subsequent fibrosis and organ failure seem to be the underlying events. The available biomarkers and treatment options are not sufficient and efficient to detect cancer therapy-induced early asymptomatic cell fate cardiopulmonary toxicity. Therefore, application of cutting-edge multi-omics technology, such us whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, whole-genome sequencing, metabolomics, protein mass spectrometry and single cell transcriptomics, and 10 X spatial genomics, are warranted to identify early and late toxicity, inflammation-induced carcinogenesis response biomarkers, and cancer relapse response biomarkers. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on cancer therapy-induced cardiopulmonary complications and our current understanding of the pathological and molecular consequences of cancer therapy-induced cardiopulmonary fibrosis, inflammation, immune suppression, and tumor recurrence, and possible treatment options for cancer therapy-induced cardiopulmonary toxicity.
Topics: Animals; Fibrosis; Humans; Immunomodulation; Inflammation; Lung; Myocardium; Neoplasms
PubMed: 34576287
DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810126 -
Journal of Hematology & Oncology Apr 2024Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the... (Review)
Review
Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.
Topics: Humans; Tumor Microenvironment; Immunotherapy; Cell Differentiation; Nanoparticles; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38566199
DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01535-8 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta.... Apr 2020Recent advances in research on cancer have led to understand the pathogenesis of cancer and development of new anticancer drugs. Despite of these advancements, many... (Review)
Review
Recent advances in research on cancer have led to understand the pathogenesis of cancer and development of new anticancer drugs. Despite of these advancements, many tumors have been found to recur, undergo metastasis and develop resistance to therapy. Accumulated evidences suggest that small population of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSC) are responsible for reconstitution and propagation of the disease. CSCs possess the ability to self-renew, differentiate and proliferate like normal stem cells. CSCs also appear to have resistance to anti-cancer therapies and subsequent relapse. The underlying stemness properties of the CSCs are reliant on multiple molecular targets such as signaling pathways, cell surface molecules, tumor microenvironment, apoptotic pathways, microRNA, stem cell differentiation, and drug resistance markers. Thus an effective therapeutic strategy relies on targeting CSCs to overcome the possible tumor relapse and chemoresistance. The targeted inhibition of these stem cell biomarkers is one of the promising approaches to eliminate cancer stemness. This review article summarizes possible targets of cancer cell stemness for the complete treatment of cancer.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Humans; Neoplasms; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Signal Transduction; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 30818002
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.02.019