Oncotarget

Explore the complexities of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), a rare blood cancer often confused with leukemia. Discover insights from a genetic study that identifies common mutations linked to survival. Learn about CCDC50, a potential diagnostic marker that could improve diagnosis and treatment response monitoring. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding BPDCN's genetic profile while addressing the need for larger studies to confirm these findings.

Exciting new research uncovers the widespread presence of folate receptor beta in pediatric solid tumors, paving the way for innovative surgical techniques. This discovery could significantly enhance fluorescence-guided surgery, using the targeted imaging agent pafolacianine. Unlike existing dyes, which lack tumor specificity, pafolacianine may offer safer and more effective surgical options. The podcast also highlights a forthcoming clinical trial aimed at using this technology in children with metastatic lung tumors, promising a hopeful future for pediatric cancer surgery.

A groundbreaking study reveals a new treatment approach for glioblastoma using tumor-specific radiofrequency therapy. This innovative method employs low levels of electromagnetic fields that target glioblastoma’s unique frequencies. Researchers discovered that the therapy’s effectiveness is linked to a specific calcium channel, Cav3.2, crucial for its success. Additionally, the treatment disrupts cell division by affecting the mitotic spindle. Early results from compassionate-use patients show promising clinical improvements and no serious side effects.

Lung cancer's genetic complexities take center stage, particularly with the HER2 mutation that presents unique treatment challenges. Researchers from Northeastern Brazil unveil crucial insights into this rare mutation in non-small cell lung cancer. They highlight significant diversity in mutation types and the frequent co-occurrence with aggressive mutations like TP53. The discussion emphasizes the gap in access to targeted therapies and the urgent need for genomic equity in underserved regions. Their findings advocate for comprehensive genomic testing to improve diagnostics and treatment outcomes.

A groundbreaking bacterial immunotherapy, ACTM-838, is shown to enhance immune responses in solid tumors by delivering powerful proteins. This innovative treatment targets immune-suppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment, promoting a shift towards an immune-friendly landscape. The engineered bacterial platform cleverly localizes treatment to tumors while sparing healthy tissue. Promising preclinical results indicate effective tumor shrinkage and improved outcomes when combined with existing therapies, paving the way for new cancer treatment strategies.

BUFFALO, NY - October 1, 2025 – Oncotarget is proud to announce that its Editor-in-Chief, Wafik S. El-Deiry, MD, PhD, FACP, will chair the WIN Symposium as the Oncology Track of the Advancing Precision Medicine (APM) Annual Conference held October 3–4, 2025, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The WIN Consortium annual symposium featured as the Oncology Track of the APM Annual Conference 2025 unites global leaders in oncology, translational science, and precision medicine. This year’s program features keynote lectures, multi-track sessions– WIN Symposium, Multi-Omics Integration and Precision Medicine Outside of Oncology– and networking opportunities designed to accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice. Highlights include: --A keynote at opening of the WIN Symposium in Philadelphia by William G. Kaelin, Jr., MD — 2019 Nobel Laureate. --Other luminaries in Oncology are speaking, including AACR President Lillian Siu, MD and AACR President-Elect Keith Flaherty, MD along with internationally recognized leaders in precision oncology. --A world-class precision oncology molecular tumor board and oral presentations from the most competitive abstracts are part of the program. --Multi-omics and disease-specific tracks spanning oncology, neurology, cardiovascular disease, rare disease, and infectious disease. --Opportunities for collaboration among scientists, clinicians, industry innovators, and policymakers. Registration is still open. Attendance is free for students, academic/government/non-profit participants, healthcare providers, and investors. The event provides CME credits. For full program details, visit the APM Annual Conference website. About WIN Consortium: WIN Consortium is a non-profit association headquartered in France. WIN was the first consortium that assembled all stakeholders of cancer care, from academia, industry, and patient advocates to work together across the globe. The WIN network assembles 34 world-class academic medical centers, industries, research organizations and patient advocates spanning 18 countries and 5 continents, aligned to launch trials to bolster Precision Oncology across the world. It was also the first organization to launch a N-of-One study using transcriptomics in addition to genomics to inform therapeutic choice in the WINTHER study. WIN is the organizer of the WIN symposia in Precision Oncology. 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

Explore the challenges of metastatic colorectal cancer and how precision oncology is reshaping treatment. A case study of a 62-year-old man showcases a personalized care plan developed after standard therapies were exhausted. The discussion dives into genomic profiling, revealing critical mutations that influenced tailored drug combinations. Although the patient faced a tragic outcome, the insights underscore the importance of advanced testing and equitable access to innovative therapies for improved patient care.

Discover how the loss of the Trp53 gene significantly impacts ovarian cancer progression. Researchers reveal that deleting this key tumor suppressor results in more aggressive tumors and weakened immune responses. The study highlights why some high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas resist immunotherapy, illustrating that fewer active T cells and reduced pro-inflammatory signaling allow tumors to evade immune detection. The findings open new avenues for enhancing treatment strategies in this deadly cancer type.

A groundbreaking study reveals unexpected successes with immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer, challenging the norm that this treatment rarely works. It highlights rare cases of patients with positive responses, prompting a reevaluation of tumor biology and immune interactions. The research underscores the potential for personalized treatment approaches in a disease typically known for its poor prognosis and limited options.

Researchers are making breakthroughs in fighting rhabdomyosarcoma, a common pediatric cancer, by targeting the protein quality control system in cancer cells. Disruption of this system slows tumor growth in mice, offering hope for improving treatments for high-risk cases that resist standard therapies. The study indicates that new strategies, like using the compound MAL3-101, could enhance outcomes for young patients facing aggressive cancers. This innovative approach could reshape how we understand and treat childhood cancer.