Oncotarget

BUFFALO, NY - May 23, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on May 19, 2025, titled “Immune-mediated adverse events following atezolizumab and bevacizumab in a multinational Latin American cohort of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma." The study, led by first authors Leonardo Gomes da Fonseca from Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, and Federico Piñero from Hospital Universitario Austral, Argentina, investigated how patients with advanced liver cancer in Latin America respond to a widely used immunotherapy combination. The researchers found that although a minority of patients developed immune-related side effects, these events did not significantly impact overall survival. Their findings highlight the importance of early recognition and careful management of such side effects in real-world clinical settings. Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with limited treatment options for patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Immunotherapy, particularly the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab, has become a standard approach. However, these treatments can sometimes trigger the body’s immune system to attack healthy organs, leading to what are called immune-related adverse events, or irAEs. Until now, little data existed on how frequently these events occur in Latin American patients and whether they impact treatment outcomes. The researchers followed 99 patients from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, most of whom had cirrhosis or underlying liver disease. They received atezolizumab and bevacizumab for a median duration of six months. The researchers reported that only 18% of the patients experienced immune-related side effects, most commonly affecting the liver (hepatitis) and thyroid (thyroiditis). Most of these cases were mild or moderate, and half of them resolved completely within a month. Only eight patients needed treatment with steroids to control the immune response. Importantly, the occurrence of immune-related side effects did not affect how long patients survived after starting treatment. The median survival was the same—18.5 months—for both those who experienced irAEs and those who did not. This result suggests that while irAEs require careful management, they may not reduce the overall benefits of immunotherapy. Another significant finding was that patients with higher levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein often elevated in liver cancer, were more likely to experience these side effects. This information could help clinicians identify patients who need closer control during treatment. “Notably, baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) values ≥400 ng/ml were significantly associated with the development of irAEs.” The study also points to key differences between clinical trial results and real-world experiences. While clinical trials report higher rates of side effects, this real-world data showed a lower incidence, possibly due to less intensive monitoring or differences in how side effects are documented in everyday practice. In summary, this study highlights that patients require ongoing vigilance and individualized care when treating liver cancer with immunotherapy. It provides valuable information to healthcare providers in Latin America and other regions with similar patient populations, aiming to improve outcomes while minimizing risks. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28721 Correspondence to - Federico Piñero - fpinerof@cas.austral.edu.ar To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com. MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Researchers have developed innovative engineered proteins that target glioblastoma cells to prevent invasion into healthy tissue. This approach addresses the challenges posed by traditional treatments, which often fall short due to the aggressive nature of this brain cancer. The focus is on minimizing damage to surrounding cells while effectively inhibiting harmful enzymes involved in tumor progression. Promising advancements like these could reshape treatment options for one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.

Explore the groundbreaking integration of radiation therapy and immunotherapy in bladder cancer treatment. Recent research highlights how this combination may enhance the immune response, potentially improving outcomes for patients unable to undergo surgery. Dive into the science behind how radiation triggers immune signals while immunotherapy boosts the body's ability to detect cancer. The podcast emphasizes the importance of these advancements, calling for continued research to optimize patient selection and treatment efficacy.

Discover a groundbreaking blood test designed to detect minimal residual disease in B-cell lymphomas. This innovative method uses PhasED-Seq technology, allowing for ultra-sensitive detection of tumor DNA fragments. With the potential to revolutionize monitoring and treatment response, this test offers hope for improving outcomes in patients who face a high risk of relapse. Learn about its accuracy and how it can inform personalized treatment strategies while enhancing early detection efforts.

A fascinating study delves into the connection between blood type and breast cancer risk, highlighting type A blood as a significant factor. Researchers analyzed over 13,000 breast cancer patients and revealed that individuals with type A have an 18% increased risk compared to type O. The analysis draws on extensive global data and calls for further exploration of the biological mechanisms behind this association. Other blood types showed no significant links, making this a compelling area for future research.

Researchers unveil how METTL3 fuels oral squamous cell carcinoma, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind this aggressive cancer. The team emphasizes the role of the small RNA molecule miR-146a-5p, which hinders the tumor-suppressing gene SMAD4. This discovery could pave the way for innovative therapies targeting METTL3 and miR-146a, potentially transforming treatment options for patients facing this challenging disease. The findings highlight the urgent need for better strategies against a cancer notorious for late detection and treatment resistance.

Discover groundbreaking research on a new maintenance therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer that combines panitumumab and low-dose capecitabine. This innovative approach aims to extend survival and improve quality of life without the severe side effects of conventional treatments. Learn how this gentler option can make cancer care more accessible for patients around the world, transforming the way doctors manage the challenges of advanced cancer.

BUFFALO, NY - May 5, 2025 – Oncotarget, #published by Impact Journals, is proud to #announce its presence as an #exhibitor at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), taking place May 28–30, 2025, at the Hilton Baltimore in Maryland. Impact Journals publishes scholarly journals in the biomedical sciences, with a focus on cancer and aging research. Attendees are invited to stop by Booth #209 to meet members of the Oncotarget team and learn more about the journal’s latest initiatives. This year’s conference theme, “Reimagining the Future of Scholarly Publishing at the Intersection of Value and Values,” highlights critical topics such as artificial intelligence, research ethics, and transparency in science—principles that closely align with Oncotarget's commitment to rigorous peer review and scientific integrity. We look forward to connecting with SSP attendees to discuss Oncotarget’s mission, explore potential collaborations, and emphasize the role of open science in advancing cancer research and related fields. To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us on social media at: 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 MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Discover groundbreaking research on early immune evasion in HPV-related pre-cancer lesions. The study reveals how two immune markers, PD-L1 and FOXP3, help predict whether lesions will progress to cancer or resolve on their own. It sheds light on the role of T-regulatory cells in suppressing immune responses in high-grade lesions. This fascinating exploration connects immune activity to the complex behaviors of these lesions, offering hope for targeted prevention strategies.

Researchers reveal groundbreaking findings on the p53 gene, a key player in preventing cancer. This gene, known as the 'guardian of the genome', can halt harmful cell growth and even push damaged cells to self-destruct. New research in healthy cell models uncovers two promising therapeutic targets: ALDH3A1 and Nectin-4. These insights could revolutionize cancer therapy and address challenges faced by many treatments today.