Oncotarget

A young woman beat leukemia; however, nine years later, she faced a different blood cancer. This rare twist, reported recently in Oncotarget, reveals an unexpected risk of bone marrow transplants and opens new questions about long-term outcomes and donor screening.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow transplants, also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplants, are often lifesaving for patients with blood cancers like leukemia. These transplants replace a patient’s damaged bone marrow with healthy cells from a donor, giving the body a fresh start. While this treatment can be remarkably effective, it comes with complex risks. Relapse of the original cancer is the most feared outcome. But in very rare cases, a different threat emerges; a cancer formed from the donor’s cells. This condition, called donor cell–derived hematologic neoplasm (DCHN), occurs in less than 1% of cases, and it can emerge years after a transplant.

The Case Report

Dr. Aleksandra Mroczkowska-Bękarciak and Dr. Tomasz Wróbel from Wroclaw Medical University in Poland recently published a new DCHN case report, titled “A case report of donor cell–derived hematologic neoplasms 9 years after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation,” in Volume 16 of Oncotarget.

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/03/26/when-the-cure-becomes-the-cause-a-rare-case-of-cancer-from-donor-cells/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28686

Correspondence to - Aleksandra Mroczkowska-Bękarciak - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2zd0UqWzeE

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28686

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, hematology, donor cell-derived hematologic neoplasms, genetics

About Oncotarget

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

BUFFALO, NY - March 25, 2025 – A new #review was #published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 13, 2025, titled “Signaling pathway dysregulation in breast cancer."

In this review article, Dinara Ryspayeva and colleagues from Brown University provide a detailed look at how breast cancer cells change the way they communicate and grow—helping tumors survive, spread, and resist treatment. The review highlights how certain gene mutations and disrupted signaling pathways influence therapy response across different types of breast cancer. It also outlines current treatment strategies and clinical trials, offering insights that could improve care for patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat cancers.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While many patients respond to treatment at first, some cancers return or stop responding. The review explores how signaling disruptions inside tumor cells are often behind these setbacks.

The authors discuss several major pathways involved in breast cancer, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, HER2, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, NF-κB, and the DNA damage response (DDR). These pathways help control cell growth, division, DNA repair, and survival. When altered by mutations or other changes, they can promote tumor progression and resistance to treatment.

One of the most disrupted pathways is PI3K/Akt/mTOR. It plays a central role in cell growth, but in many breast cancers—especially hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive types—it becomes overactive due to gene mutations, or the loss of a tumor-suppressing protein called PTEN.

“Up to 25–40% of BC cases exhibit variations that hyperactivate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, underscoring its critical role in oncogenesis.”

Another key pathway, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, can also promote tumor growth. Even without mutations, it may become active when primary pathways are blocked, particularly in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers.

The review also highlights several new and emerging treatments aimed at blocking down these signaling pathways. Some drugs are already approved, while others are in clinical trials. The authors suggest that combining different treatments may help stop multiple pathways at once, making it harder for cancer cells to adapt. Matching treatments to each tumor’s unique genetic changes could also improve patient outcomes.

This comprehensive review gives researchers and clinicians a clearer understanding of how breast cancer resists treatment and where future therapies should focus. A better understanding of these disrupted signaling systems could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for patients facing aggressive or recurring disease.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28701

Correspondence to - Dinara Ryspayeva - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppFVGwdztHI

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

About Oncotarget

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

BUFFALO, NY - March 21, 2025 – A new #editorial was #published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 13, 2025, titled “No disease left behind."

In this editorial, Dr. Muzamil Arshad from the University of Chicago Medical Center and colleagues highlight a growing concern in cancer care: radiotherapy may leave behind microscopic cancer even when scan images suggest the tumor is gone. The authors argue that this “residual disease” is more common than expected and is linked to worse long-term outcomes. Their perspective calls for a rethinking of how treatment success is judged and how cancer is followed up after therapy.

Radiotherapy, especially a form known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), is widely used to treat cancers in the lung, liver, prostate, and other organs. SABR delivers high-dose radiation with outstanding precision and often shows excellent results on scans. However, the authors highlight that relying only on imaging may not provide a complete picture. Months or even years later, follow-up biopsies frequently reveal cancer cells that scan imaging tests were unable to identify.

“Residual cancer is identified on histology in 40% of lung, 57–69% of renal cell, 7.7–47.6% of prostate and 0–86.7% of hepatocellular carcinoma.”

This gap between what scans show and what tissue analysis finds can have serious consequences. Studies across several cancer types have shown that patients with residual disease—even if small—are more likely to experience cancer recurrence and shorter survival. This pattern holds true for rectal, cervical, prostate, and liver cancers, among others. In some cases, not destroying the tumor completely may allow it to spread to distant organs.

The authors point out that a complete response on scan imaging does not necessarily indicate the complete disappearance of the tumor. This mismatch can mislead both clinicians and patients into thinking treatment was more successful than it truly was. The editorial encourages more regular use of biopsy-based tests and new strategies to increase the true effectiveness—or “ablative power”—of SABR.

They also discuss promising approaches to improve outcomes, including increasing radiation doses and combining radiotherapy with other therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. While some trials have shown better tumor control with these combinations, results have not been consistent, and more research is needed to refine these strategies.

In summary, this editorial encourages the cancer care community to look beyond the scan images. Residual cancer may remain even when imaging looks clear, and recognizing this hidden threat is key to improving long-term outcomes. The goal is not just to shrink tumors on screen but to fully eliminate the disease.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28700

Correspondence to - Muzamil Arshad - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC0XNjJjC2o

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

About Oncotarget

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

BUFFALO, NY - March 18, 2025 – A new precision oncology paper was #published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 12, 2025, titled “Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) Consortium in Personalized Cancer Medicine: Bringing next-generation precision oncology to patients."

Led by Oncotarget Editor-in-Chief Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry and a global team of researchers, this special publication highlights the groundbreaking work of the Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) Consortium, a global collaboration dedicated to transforming cancer care through personalized medicine. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), molecular profiling, and innovative clinical trials, WIN is helping clinicians tailor treatments to each patient’s unique cancer profile—moving beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all approach.

The WIN Consortium is a fast-moving, non-profit organization bringing together nearly 40 academic, industry, and research institutions, along with patient advocacy groups, across 18 countries and five continents. Founded in 2010 in France by Dr. John Mendelsohn (MD Anderson Cancer Center) and Dr. Thomas Tursz (Gustave Roussy), WIN has been led by different renowned experts. Currently under Dr. El-Deiry’s leadership, WIN continues to break barriers in cancer research, ensuring cutting-edge treatments reach patients worldwide.

“The WIN global consortium is ready to take up the challenge by bringing the best possible Precision Oncology trial to patients.”

One of WIN’s most significant contributions is the development of N-of-1 clinical trials, a revolutionary approach that personalizes cancer treatment based on a patient’s specific tumor characteristics. Unlike traditional trials that test drugs on large groups, N-of-1 trials focus on finding the best therapy for an individual patient using AI-driven algorithms, genomic analysis, and real-world data. WIN’s WINTHER trial was one of the first to use both DNA and RNA analysis to match patients with the most effective therapies, while the WINGPO trial builds on this approach by integrating AI and liquid biopsies to refine treatment selection. These innovations are helping clinicians make more precise treatment decisions and improving outcomes for cancer patients.

While advancing research, the WIN Consortium is also addressing major challenges in precision oncology, including drug accessibility, regulatory barriers, and disparities in global healthcare. By working closely with governments, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy organizations, WIN is aiming to ensure that life-saving treatments are accessible to all patients, regardless of location or financial status.

WIN’s mission is clear: to accelerate the future of precision oncology by delivering the latest scientific advancements into real-world cancer care. As the field continues to evolve, WIN remains at the forefront, developing next-generation trials and leveraging AI-driven insights to improve patient outcomes. Through global collaboration and groundbreaking research, the WIN Consortium is shaping a future where every cancer patient receives the most effective, personalized treatment possible.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28703

Correspondence to - Wafik S. El-Deiry - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAdYfFoMvUM

About Oncotarget

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com.

BUFFALO, NY - March 17, 2025 – Impact Journals (Oncotarget’s publisher), is pleased to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025. The meeting is scheduled for April 25-30, 2025, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2025 AACR Annual Meeting's central theme, "Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine: A Continuum of Innovation for Impact," highlights major breakthroughs and innovative developments transforming cancer research. Oncotarget aligns directly with this vision, being always committed to rapidly publishing and disseminating impactful research findings across diverse areas of cancer science and thus advancing cancer treatment and patient care.

Conference attendees are warmly invited to visit Booth 2815 to meet members of the Oncotarget, discover notable recent publications, and discuss collaborative opportunities. Oncotarget, assisted by its publisher Impact Journals, remains focused on accelerating the sharing of crucial oncology research, fostering innovation, and maintaining excellence in cancer research.

About Oncotarget

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

What if a cancer treatment worked—until it suddenly didn’t? A new case report, “Acquired RUFY1-RET rearrangement as a mechanism of resistance to lorlatinib in a patient with CD74-ROS1 rearranged non-small cell lung cancer: A case report,” published in Oncotarget, reveals how a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient developed drug resistance through a rare genetic alteration, allowing the cancer to evade therapy.

This unexpected finding highlights the importance of advanced genetic testing and personalized cancer treatments.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Targeted Therapy and Drug Resistance

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for nearly 85% of all cases. Some patients with NSCLC have genetic mutations, such as ROS1 gene fusions, that drive tumor growth. These patients often respond well to targeted therapies like lorlatinib, a ROS1 inhibitor that blocks cancer growth.

However, cancer is constantly evolving. Over time, it can develop resistance to targeted therapies, leading to treatment failure. Understanding these resistance mechanisms is crucial for precision oncology, the approach of tailoring cancer treatment based on a patient’s unique genetic profile.

Full. blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/03/12/a-rare-genetic-shift-that-helped-lung-cancer-evade-treatment/

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28682

Correspondence to - Wade T. Iams - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE_qSkcRZho

About Oncotarget

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

BUFFALO, NY – March 12, 2025 – A new #editorial was #published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 10, 2025, titled “COMETgazing – interesting insights, lessons for clinical practice and a call for more precision using the biomarkerSCOPE.”

Dr. Mangesh A. Thorat, affiliated with Queen Mary University of London, Homerton University Hospital, and King’s College London, discusses new findings suggesting that some women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer may not need immediate surgery. The editorial is based on results from the COMET trial, which studied women with low- to intermediate-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The findings raise questions about the necessity of surgery and highlight the importance of more precise screening methods for DCIS, ensuring that only those who truly need treatment receive it.

Breast cancer screening programs are designed to detect cancer early, but this editorial reinforces the concern that some detected cancers may never become a real threat. The COMET trial compared two strategies for treating breast cancer: standard treatment, which includes surgery and possible additional therapy, versus active monitoring, where patients are closely observed without immediate intervention.

The results indicate that many of the invasive cancers diagnosed in the monitoring group were likely present from the start rather than developing from DCIS over time. Dr. Thorat points out that these invasive cancers were often slightly larger, but they did not appear to be aggressive. These findings challenge the assumption that immediate treatment is necessary for all cases of DCIS. Researchers estimate that at least half of the invasive breast cancers in this study either take years to progress or may never progress at all.

“The planned long-term follow-up of the trial may shed more light on the median length of lead-time and the proportion of IBCs regressing as well as DCIS progression under different lead-time assumptions.”

Current methods for evaluating DCIS rely heavily on histological grading, which has limitations. Dr. Thorat emphasizes the need for more precise tools to determine which DCIS cases require treatment. His previous research suggests that biomarkers, such as multi-clonal estrogen receptor (ER) expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), may help predict which DCIS cases are truly at risk of becoming invasive.

The editorial also highlights that many women prefer to avoid surgery when possible. In a related study, only 52% of patients in the standard care group followed through with it, indicating that more individuals are willing to consider alternatives to surgery. This fact underscores the importance of developing accurate biomarkers to guide treatment decisions and ensure that patients receive appropriate care without unnecessary interventions.

As researchers continue to follow patients from the COMET trial, they hope to learn more about how invasive breast cancers behave over time. Finally, Dr. Thorat encourages clinicians and scientists to rethink breast cancer treatment and develop better ways to identify which patients truly need surgery—and which do not.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28698

Correspondence to - Mangesh A. Thorat - [email protected]

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

BUFFALO, NY - March 11, 2025 – A new #editorial was #published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 10, 2025, titled “EXPOSOMES and GENES: The duo influencing CANCER initiation and progression."

In this editorial, Drs. Uzma Saqib, Katherine E. Ricks, Alexander G. Obukhov, and Krishnan Hajela from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore, India, discuss how environmental factors, known as exposomes, interact with genes to influence cancer risk. The authors highlight how pollution, diet, infections, and chronic stress can trigger genetic alterations that may lead to cancer. Understanding these connections could play a crucial role in cancer prevention and public health strategies.

Genes store the instructions for how the body functions, but they can be damaged by harmful exposures. Polluted air, radiation, tobacco smoke, and processed foods can lead to DNA damage, interfering with the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Over time, these genetic changes can increase the risk of cancer development. The authors emphasize that nearly everyone is exposed to cancer risk factors daily.

“According to the Global Air Quality Guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), nearly all of the global population (>99%) breathes polluted air that exceeds guideline limits.”

For example, air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, while UV radiation is a leading cause of skin cancer. Processed meats contain harmful chemicals that can damage DNA, and excessive alcohol consumption has been shown to raise the risk of liver cancer by causing toxic buildup in cells. Even chronic stress and hormone imbalances can weaken the body’s natural defenses against cancer by altering key genetic pathways.

Infections also play a critical role in cancer risk. The Helicobacter pylori bacterium can cause stomach cancer by damaging stomach cells, while human papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly linked to cervical cancer. Other bacteria, viruses, and fungi can introduce genetic instability that contributes to tumor growth.

Despite these risks, scientists estimate that up to 40% of cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful exposures. Advances in research technology are helping scientists better understand how environmental factors alter genes, leading to new strategies for cancer detection and prevention.

“Understanding the exposome-gene-cancer research axis will have a significant impact on public health and the development of more effective strategies for prevention and treatment of diseases.”

The editorial underscores the urgent need for greater public awareness and policy action to reduce exposure to harmful environmental risks. As scientists continue to explore the connection between exposomes and genetic changes, their findings could revolutionize public health efforts and cancer prevention strategies.

By recognizing the long-term impact of environmental exposures, individuals, communities, and policymakers can take meaningful steps toward reducing cancer risk and promoting healthier environments for future generations.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28696

Correspondence to - Krishnan Hajela - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE4XX9ULHBQ

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

BUFFALO, NY - March 3, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on February 28, 2025, titled “Effect of TIMPs and their minimally engineered variants in blocking invasion and migration of brain cancer cells."

Elham Taheri and Maryam Raeeszadeh-Sarmazdeh from the University of Nevada, Reno, explored a new approach to slowing the spread of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. Their study highlights the potential of both natural and engineered molecules to block cancer cell movement, offering a promising strategy to combat this challenging disease.

Glioblastoma multiforme is difficult to treat because it quickly spreads into healthy brain tissue, making complete surgical removal nearly impossible. A major driver of this invasive behavior is a group of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down surrounding tissue and create space for cancer cells to spread. Among them, MMP-9 plays a particularly significant role in GBM progression and resistance to current treatments.

To address this challenge, the researchers investigated tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), natural MMP blockers, and specially engineered versions designed for better effectiveness. The study used cell line models of GBM to test both TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 and their engineered counterparts (mTC1 and mTC3), specific blockers of MMP-9.

“Our study focused on minimal TIMP variants, due to their small molecular size and potential in higher cellular uptake and delivery, to assess their potential in cell-based assays.”

The results indicated that the engineered TIMPs were just as effective as, or even better than, the natural ones at reducing cancer cell migration and invasion. These findings are particularly promising because previous attempts to block MMPs with small-molecule drugs faced challenges such as poor selectivity and unwanted side effects. In contrast, these engineered TIMPs offer a more targeted and potentially safer approach.

One of the greatest obstacles in treating brain cancer is delivering drugs across the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that prevents many therapeutic compounds from reaching the brain. To address this, the researchers used cell-penetrating peptides to help the TIMP variants reach and enter cancer cells more effectively. Their results confirmed that the engineered TIMPs successfully reached tumor cells, further increasing their potential as a treatment.

Additionally, the study found that these engineered TIMPs did not significantly affect healthy cells at lower doses, suggesting they could be used safely. This makes them strong candidates for further drug development.

These findings could lead to new treatment options for GBM, a cancer with very few effective therapies. Future research will focus on testing these TIMP variants in animal models to evaluate their long-term effects and safety. Researchers also plan to investigate whether combining these engineered TIMPs with existing treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, could improve outcomes.

In summary, given the aggressive nature of GBM and the urgent need for better therapies, this study represents an important step forward. If further research confirms these results, engineered TIMPs could become a valuable tool in the fight against brain cancer, offering new hope for improved treatments and patient survival.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28691

Correspondence to - Maryam Raeeszadeh-Sarmazdeh - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdBlkOX50D8

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com.

Imagine if a single blood test could tell clinicians in real time how successful a cancer surgery has been. A recent study from the University of Brasília, published in Oncotarget, suggests that such an approach might soon be possible. By tracking changes in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels before, during, and after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, researchers have found a potential new way to monitor tumor removal and predict patient outcomes.

Cell-Free DNA and Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Cell-free DNA consists of tiny fragments of genetic material that are released into the bloodstream when cells break down. In healthy individuals, these fragments come from normal cell turnover, but in cancer patients, some of this DNA originates from tumor cells. cfDNA detection has been used to track cancer progression and treatment response in diseases like lung, breast, and CRC. What had not been investigated until now was how cfDNA levels fluctuate during cancer surgery itself.

Since surgery is the primary treatment for CRC, understanding how cfDNA levels change during surgical intervention could provide valuable insights into whether the tumor has been fully removed and how the patient’s body reacts to the procedure.

The Study: Measuring Cell-Free DNA in Real-Time

In the study, titled “Assessment of cfDNA release dynamics during colorectal cancer surgery,” led by first author Mailson Alves Lopes and corresponding author Fabio Pittella-Silva, scientists analyzed ​​blood plasma samples from 30 CRC patients at three critical time points—before, during, and after surgery. Using highly sensitive genetic tests, they measured changes in cfDNA concentration to determine whether surgery had a direct impact on its release. The goal was to check whether cfDNA could serve as a biomarker for evaluating surgical effectiveness and predicting the probability of cancer recurrence.

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/02/26/how-a-simple-blood-test-could-predict-colorectal-cancer-surgery-success/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28681

Correspondence to - Fabio Pittella-Silva - [email protected]

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC5_xqIrbtA

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28681

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, colorectal cancer, cfDNA, surgery

About Oncotarget

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/

X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh