Cancer chemotherapy is generally associated with many severe adverse effects. Many cancer studies are currently focused on repurposing conventional non-toxic anti-parasite drugs for cancer treatment. Since cancer cells and parasites have many features in common, some anti-parasite drugs such as benzimidazoles have been recently found to possess the anti-cancer activity. Benzimidazoles act against cancer by inhibiting tubulin polymerization, inducing cancer cell apoptosis, arresting cell cycle and over-generating reactive oxygen specimen. In this review, we summarize the anticancer features of these drugs in recent investigations, lead to reconsideration of benzimidazoles as a family of anti-cancer chemotherapeutics with non-toxicity or low toxicity to the normal cells and tissues. We particularly highlight the recent progresses using nanoformulations for enhanced cancer therapy and provide our prospects in the future research.

Approximately 28 million individuals in the United States face the risk of developing precancerous colonic adenomas (polyps) and potentially progressing to colorectal cancer (CRC). While a promising strategy for CRC prevention involves pharmacological intervention, such as cancer chemoprevention or interception, currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs capable of preventing the formation or progression of adenomas to adenocarcinoma. Numerous clinical, epidemiological, and preclinical studies have offered compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in CRC chemoprevention. However, the prolonged use of NSAIDs is not FDA-approved due to potential life-threatening toxicities resulting from cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and the depletion of physiological prostaglandins. Despite indications that the COX inhibitory activity of NSAIDs may not be essential for their antineoplastic effects, the absence of a well-defined target impeded the development of derivatives that do not inhibit COX. Earlier research suggests that the inhibition of cyclic guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase (cGMP PDE) may be responsible, at least in part, for the antineoplastic activity of the NSAID sulindac. This could potentially offer a novel target for CRC chemoprevention. To identify the cGMP PDE isozyme(s) contributing to the antineoplastic activity of sulindac, we synthesized a chemically diverse library of over 1500 compounds, all sharing the indene scaffold of sulindac. Subsequently, we screened these compounds for their impact on cancer cell growth and PDE inhibitory activity. From this screening, a series of lead compounds emerged. These compounds lacked COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activity, surpassing sulindac in potency to inhibit CRC cell growth. Importantly, they demonstrated greater selectivity by not affecting normal cell growth. Through chemical optimization, we identified several development candidates that selectively inhibit PDE5 and/or PDE10. These compounds activate cGMP/PKG signaling, suppressing Wnt/β-catenin transcription. This action counters the growth advantages resulting from APC or CTNNB1 mutations, which are responsible for most human CRCs. This review delves into the scientific literature supporting PDE5 and/or PDE10 as potential targets for CRC chemoprevention or interception. Our findings suggest a promising avenue for developing drugs that may effectively intervene in the progression of colorectal cancer, offering hope for improved preventive strategies in the future.

Macrophages are a type of white blood cells that can exist in two different functional states, known as M1 and M2. M1 macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines that can promote tumor growth and metastasis, whereas M2 macrophages secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines that can inhibit tumor progression. This phenomenon, referred to as macrophage polarization, has been implicated in the development and progression of cancer. Furthermore, macrophage polarization is currently being investigated in the context of COVID-19 severity. It is believed that M1 macrophages may contribute to the excessive inflammation observed in severe COVID-19 cases, while M2 macrophages may confer protection against the disease. Hence, comprehending the role of macrophage polarization in both cancer and COVID-19 has the potential to enhance treatment strategies for both conditions.

Protein S-nitrosylation (SNO), emerging as an important posttranslational modification, involves covalent addition of nitric oxide (NO) to the sulfur atom of cysteine in proteins. Accumulated evidence suggests that protein SNO plays crucial roles in pathophysiological mechanisms in cancer, which is attracting great attention. However, there are still controversies about whether S-nitrosylated proteins act as oncogenic proteins or tumor suppressors in cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the early and latest evidence regarding the underlying mechanism and dual roles of SNO in cancer, in an effort to clarify its contribution in tumor progression. It has been well established that S-nitrosylated proteins restrain tumor progression in several types of cancer, while they have exhibited activities in promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in some other kinds of cancer. Interestingly, emerging evidence also has highlighted both its anti-cancer and pro-tumorigenic roles in several other cancer diseases. Finally, current limitations and future research prospects are presented. The overview of targeting SNO in cancer will provide new opportunities for drug development through in-depth exploration of SNO-mediated signaling pathways.

Breast cancer, as a malignant tumor with easy metastasis and poor prognosis, threatens the health of women around the world. Increasing studies have shown that the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis-related proteins is often expressed abnormally in breast cancer. The Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetic peptide can bind and neutralize Bcl-2, preventing its binding to the apoptosis "effector" proteins Bak and Bax, thereby promoting the apoptosis process. However, there is a lack of effective intracellular delivery system for BH3 to exert its biological activity. Therefore, this study utilized an activatable supercharged polypeptide (ASCP) tumor-targeted delivery platform based on pH and protease response to achieve the targeted release of BH3 at the tumor site. Ultimately, intracellular delivery of BH3 was achieved and induced apoptosis of breast tumor cells, preventing the development of breast cancer.

Alternative bio actively chemicals may be found in natural goods and traditional herb medications, but only a few plant-information formulations have been rigorously studied and verified for their potential as medicinal therapies. The study of plant-derived elements' immunomodulation capabilities and their ability as provoke the immune system as combat various elemental disorders like cancer is, nonetheless, a promising area in current therapeutics information on plant-derived chemicals. This research showed how network pharmacology may be applied as define and validate natural individual elements or more complicated preparations as prospective cancer therapies information on their various aim capabilities in this research. We give a summary of the present state of understanding on network pharmacology, with a particular emphasis on various technical methods and their implications for cancer treatment.

The paramount prerequisite for effective anti-cancer drugs is their ability to eradicate malignant cells while sparing non-cancer cells. The divergence in properties between malignant and non-cancer cells establishes a "therapeutic window," a critical consideration for achieving desirable treatment outcomes. Central to this is the imperative of a cancer drug's "selectivity and specificity." Taxanes, a pivotal class of successful anti-cancer drugs, continue to serve as the linchpin of cancer treatment due to their efficacy across a spectrum of cancer types. Operating as broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic agents, taxanes exert cytotoxic effects on proliferative cancer cells by binding to and stabilizing microtubules, disrupting mitosis, inducing mitotic catastrophe, and resulting in cell death. The distinct proliferative nature of cancer cells, as opposed to less proliferative non-cancer cells, affords taxanes a measure of specificity and selectivity. Nevertheless, sporadic yet recurring evidence suggests that taxanes also operate through non-mitotic mechanisms. Taxanes' binding and stabilization of microtubules lead to micronucleation and subsequent cell death, impacting both mitotic and non-mitotic cells. Recent discoveries indicate that the flexible and weakened nuclear envelope of malignant cells renders them sensitive to taxane-mediated micronucleation and cell death during various phases of the cell cycle. Conversely, non-cancerous cells typically exhibit a more robust and sturdy nuclear envelope, rendering them more tolerant to taxane-induced nuclear envelope fragmentation and subsequent micronucleation and cell death. The expression levels of nuclear envelope structural proteins, particularly Lamin A/C, emerge as indicators of taxane sensitivity. This evolving understanding underscores that nuclear envelope malleability, in conjunction with a high proliferation rate, is a pivotal determinant of taxane specificity and selectivity against malignant cells. These insights necessitate reconsidering oncological strategies to augment taxane efficacy, overcome resistance, and mitigate side effects.

Nanozyme with biomimetic enzyme activity has the advantages of good catalytic performance, high stability, and is not easily affected by temperature. However, the application of tumor microenvironment (TME) in the tumor is limited due to its low catalytic activity. Herein, a multifunctional nanozyme based on CuCoP with multivalent metal ions (Cu+/Cu2+ and Co2+/ Co3+) provides an innovative strategy for constructing acid-responsive cancer therapy. CuCoP has excellent photothermal properties (photothermal conversion efficiency of 66.9%) as well as glutathione (GSH) peroxidase activity and high photo-enhanced peroxidase-like (POD) enzyme activity in weak acid TME. CuCoP can consume the overexpressed GSH, thus alleviating the antioxidant capacity of the tumor, and reduces Cu2+/ Co3+ to Cu+/ Co 2+. Subsequently, the generated Cu+/Co2+ will react with endogenous H2O2 to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (•OH), which have high catalytic efficiency in weakly acidic TME. Crucially, the synergistic effect of PTT and the cascade reaction of bimetallic atoms with GSH and H2O2 can effectively reduce antioxidant capacity, inhibit tumors and trigger effective immune cell death (ICD) process, which caused a strong immune response and inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis. As a novel bimetallic sulfide nanoenzyme triggered by TME, CuCoP has great research value in cancer therapy.

Cervical cancer is defined as a cancer arising in the cells of cervix that causes unusual vaginal bleeding, discharges, pain in the pelvic region, or pain during sexual activity. Cervical cancer is currently reported to be the fourth most prevalent malignancy among women globally. Surgery includes pelvic lymphadenectomy as well as radical hysterectomy, radiotherapy, as well as chemotherapy are the most common therapies for treating cervical cancer. Another approach includes targeted medication which affects the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) for the curing cervical cancer. However, these therapies have the potential for risks and complications: surgery can result in bleeding and may cause organ damage surrounding the surgery, and clots may also start to form in the deep veins of the legs; radiotherapy can result in menopause, infertility, discomfort, or pain during intercourse; and chemotherapy can actually impact rapidly dividing cells along with cancer cells in the human body system. In this review, we will discuss about the use of several Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for treating malnutrition in various oncology patients. In this review, we will discuss about the various therapeutic effects of natural products isolated from different microorganisms in treating cervical cancer.

As a reversible post-transcriptional modification, N6-methyladeno sine is the most common form of RNA modification in eukaryotic mRNA. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a subpopulation of cells with self-renewal ability and differentiation potential, have been regarded to be one of the roots of tumor occurrence, recurrence, and metastasis. Currently, numerous studies have demonstrated that m6A RNA modification is critically implicated in the regulation of CSCs stemness or the CSC-like traits of cancer cells. This review summarized the effects of m6A RNA modification-related enzymes and underlying mechanisms contributing to CSCs or cancer cell stemness, which may provide novel targets and research directions for the specifical elimination of CSCs or cancer cells with stemness.

The latent transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) binding protein 1 (LTBP1) has been implicated in various cellular processes, but its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of LTBP1 on TNBC progression and its underlying mechanisms. Analysis of online datasets revealed elevated LTBP1 mRNA expression in breast cancer tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues. Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis indicated that high LTBP1 expression was negatively correlated with relapse-free survival (RFS), distant-metastasis free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) of breast cancer patients. Additionally, LTBP1 mRNA levels were associated with chemotherapy resistance. Functional assays in TNBC cells demonstrated that LTBP1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and attenuated migration and invasion. In vivo studies confirmed that LTBP1 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Mechanistically, LTBP1 positively correlated with genes involved in signaling regulation and organelle organization, with significant associations to GTPase binding and the RhoA/ROCK pathway. LTBP1 knockdown reduced RhoA activity and phosphorylation of Myosin Light Chain 2 (MLC2), suggesting inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Moreover, activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway partially rescued the effects of LTBP1 knockdown on TNBC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, our findings suggest that LTBP1 promotes TNBC progression through activation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for TNBC.

Machine learning is playing an increasingly important role in the healthcare industry by transforming the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. By analyzing patient data, genomic data, and imaging data, machine learning algorithms can identify molecular signatures that distinguish cancer patients from healthy patients. Biomarkers that can accurately detect and diagnose cancer can be identified through analysis of these data sources. Additionally, personalized cancer therapies can be developed by identifying the most effective treatments based on individual patient characteristics and cancer type. Some of the machine learning techniques used for cancer biomarker discovery include deep learning and support vector machines, which can respectively identify complex patterns in data and classify data to identify relevant biomarkers. The benefits of using machine learning for cancer biomarker discovery are significant, including more precise and personalized treatments, improved patient outcomes, and the potential to transform cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, there are also challenges associated with using machine learning for cancer biomarker discovery, such as data collection and privacy issues, as well as the need for more powerful computational resources. This article explores the potential of machine learning in cancer biomarker discovery and argues that ongoing research in this field has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment. Future research directions should focus on further developing machine learning algorithms and effective data collection and privacy protocols.

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related mortality. Metastasis is a process through which cancer spreads from its initial location to other sections of the body. Cancer cells' epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), anoikis resistance, cell migration, and angiogenesis are all well-known steps in this process. Investigating the molecular processes that govern cancer metastatic progression may lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently discovered to have a vital more than 200 nucleotides. A rising body of research indicates that lncRNAs have a role in a wide range of biological processes and diseases, including cancer. The usage of LncRNA in cancer metastasis has been widely researched. However, according to current studies, lncRNA is mostly associated with the EMT process. This review focuses on the processes behind lncRNA involvement in cancer metastasis.

In the UK, a concern of prejudice, as well as a lack of gender identity and sexual orientation documentation, implies that LGBT persons mostly hidden to health-care providers. One of a review was carried out to examine primary literature on the psychological support requirements of LGBT cancer patients when receive treatment and after. Important findings: Key topics that have been mentioned include the negative impact on mental health, health care professional education and the absence of inclusive support groups, the pervasiveness of discriminatory practices within healthcare services. The research demonstrates how LGBT cancer patients are being failed by healthcare professionals in terms of psychological support, resulting in unmet requirements. There are some suggestions use to guarantee an LGBT inclusive atmosphere in cancer care, as well as the development of support programmes for LGBT people with cancer. Practical connotation: LGBT wellness and awareness education should be offered for HCP personnel. The registration and tracking of gender identity and sexual orientation is critical to ensuring that LGBT persons are not 'invisible' in cancer, radiation, and continued studies. LGBT cancer groups and services should be established, since information from the study indicated that LGBT individuals are actively seeking these services.

Cancer, a global health menace, continues to pose significant challenges in terms of incidence and mortality, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Despite existing treatments, the limitations persist, prompting a quest for novel approaches. The emergence of immunotherapy marked a transformative era in solid tumor treatments, yet its efficacy is constrained by adverse effects. Concurrently, the integration of advanced technologies into cancer treatment explores the vast potential residing at the molecular level through gene analysis and manipulation. This review articulates the role of state-of-the-art genome editing technology, notably clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR-Cas9), in overcoming the constraints of immunotherapy for cancers. Unveiling the intricacies of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing, the review introduces the formidable CRISPR toolbox. A spotlight is cast on the transformative impact of CRISPR-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) on cancer immunotherapy, encompassing knockout and knock-in strategies. The utilization of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in pre-clinical cancer research has demonstrated notable success; however, its transition to the clinical setting remains in the nascent stages of development. This review aims to elucidate the fundamental aspects of CRISPR technology and offer a comprehensive survey of its existing applications while outlining its prospective role in the realm of cancer therapies. Through an exploration of CRISPR's mechanisms, current applications, and anticipated future potentials, this review provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of CRISPR-based cancer treatment strategies.

The requirement of having multiple nanocarriers (NCs) and active agents for improved therapy, imaging, and controlled release of medications efficiently in one platform has made the creation of therapeutics and theragnostic nanodrug delivery systems a difficult task for present researchers. Multiple drug resistance (MDR), a high clearance rate, severe side effects, undesirable drug distribution to the specific site of liver cancer, and a low concentration of medication that reaches liver cancer cells are just a few of the drawbacks of traditional liver cancer chemotherapy. As a result, new techniques and NCs must be developed to transport the medication molecules targeted to the malignant hepatocytes in an acceptable number and duration inside the therapeutic window. Because of the great efficacy of drug loading or drug encapsulation efficiency, high cellular uptake, high drug release, and minimal adverse effects, therapeutics and theragnostic systems have benefits over conventional chemotherapy. These NCs have a high drug accumulation rate in tumours while causing minimal toxicity in healthy tissues. This study focuses on current research on NC-based therapies and theragnostic drug delivery systems, omitting nanotechnology's negative consequences in the field of drug delivery systems. Clinical advancements of theragnostic NCs for liver cancer, on the other hand, are not covered in this article. Only the most current breakthroughs in NC-based drug delivery systems for liver cancer therapy and diagnosis are discussed in this study. This review will not go over the detrimental effects of individual NCs in the medication delivery system.

Adenosine alterations to RNA, which are largely determined by RNA modification writers (RMWs), are critical for cancer growth and progression. These RMWs can catalyze different types of adenosine modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), alternative polyadenylation (APA), and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing. These modifications have profound effects on gene expression and function, such as immune response, cell development. Despite this, the clinical effects of RMW interactive genes on these cancers remain largely unclear. A comprehensive analysis of the clinical impact of these epigenetic regulators in pan-cancer requires further comprehensive exploration. Here, we systematically profiled the molecular and clinical characteristics of 26 RMWs across 33 cancer types using multi-omics datasets and validated the expression level of some RMWs in various cancer lines. Our findings indicated that a majority of RMWs exhibited high expression in diverse cancer types, and this expression was found to be significantly associated with poor patient outcomes. In the genetic alterations, the amplification and mutation of RMWs were the dominant alteration events. Consequently, the RNA Modification Writer Score (RMW score) was established as a means to assess the risk of RMWs in pan-cancer. We found that 27 of 33 cancers had significantly higher scores compared with normal tissues, and it was significantly correlated with prognosis. We also evaluated their impact on the tumor microenvironment and the response to immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These findings verified the important role of RMWs in different aspects of cancer biology, and provided biomarkers and personalized therapeutic targets for cancer.

Despite the advantages of nanoscale drug delivery systems, traditional nanoparticles often encounter challenges such as detection and elimination by the immune system. To circumvent these limitations, scientists have created biomimetic nanoparticles that extend circulation time, decrease clearance rates, and optimize drug delivery. The integration of cell membranes onto nanoparticle surfaces yields Cell Membrane-coated Nanoparticles (CMNPs) that exhibit behavior akin to actual cells while offering superior structural robustness and stability. A variety of cell membranes, including those of red blood cells, white blood cells, and cancer cells, lend unique properties and targeting capabilities to CMNPs. This review outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of CMNP-based drug delivery systems in oncology and contemplates their possible clinical impact.

Metadherin (MTDH), also known as LYRIC or AEG-1, is an oncogene that enhances tumor progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune escape in various cancers by modulating multiple oncogenic pathways, including NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, and AMPK. Due to the unknown of the complete structure of MTDH, the deep mechanisms of MTDH and selective inhibitors targeting MTDH remain to be explored. The Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) with the Staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1 (SND1) is a crucial mechanism underlying the function of MTDH. Current studies have demonstrated that inhibitors, including antisense oligonucleotides, peptides, and small molecules targeting MTDH or MTDH-SND1 interactions, provide novel strategies to inhibit the oncogenetic effects of MTDH. This review summarizes and discusses the structure, function, and regulation of MTDH in cancers, providing the potential therapeutic perspectives of MTDH or MTDH-SND1 PPI for drug discovery.

Background: Bladder cancer (BLCA), particularly invasive BLCA, has become a medical burden worldwide as it is associated with recurrence and easy metastasis. There are specific differences in the expression of various miRNAs in tumor and normal tissues. Hence, miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognostic evaluation. The current study aimed to predict the downstream target genes of BLCA-related miRNAs and explore their association with immune infiltration. Method: Data on BLCA-related mRNA and miRNA expression levels were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Correlation analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to validate the miRNA risk model. The infiltration of various immune cells should be compared to determine the distinct differences between the immunological microenvironment of the two risk groups. Results: A predictive framework of BLCA was established using the expression levels of two miRNAs. Cox regression analysis showed that the low-risk group had a better prognosis. Then, the target genes of miRNA were predicted, and the target genes were analyzed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Moreover, variations in immune cells and functions between the high- and low-risk groups were assessed. Conclusion: The prognostic features composed of two associated miRNAs (MIR-25, MIR-548AN) may help predict the overall survival of BLCA.