Oncotarget

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells that escape the body’s natural defenses. One way cancer protects itself is by taking advantage of certain immune cells called regulatory T cells, or Tregs. Normally, Tregs help prevent autoimmune diseases by controlling the immune system. But inside tumors, they behave differently. Instead of defending the body, they suppress the immune cells that could attack the cancer. Many cancer treatments aim to activate the immune system to fight tumors more effectively. However, the presence of Tregs within the tumor makes this difficult. These cells act like bodyguards for the cancer, blocking the immune response that might otherwise slow or stop tumor growth. Researchers have tried to eliminate Tregs by targeting a protein called CD25, found on their surface. However, earlier efforts often failed because these treatments also interfere with interleukin-2 (IL-2), a molecule that is essential for other immune cells to function. Blocking IL-2 weakens the entire immune response, limiting the treatment’s effectiveness. To overcome this challenge, scientists recently developed a new antibody called 2B010. This study, titled “A novel anti-human CD25 mAb with preferential reactivity to activated T regulatory cells depletes them from the tumor microenvironment,” was published in Oncotarget (Volume 16). Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/11/19/new-antibody-removes-tregs-to-boost-immune-response-against-cancer/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28752 Correspondence to - Ethan M. Shevach - eshevach@Niaid.NIH.gov Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NJcGsI7WXA Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28752 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, Treg, CD25, TME, mAb, GVHD 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 MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

BUFFALO, NY – November 18, 2025 – A new #review was #published in Oncotarget (Volume 16) on November 14, 2025, titled “Mechanism of anticancer action of bifidobacterium: Insights from gut microbiota.” This review, led by first author Hoang Do and correspondent author Ashakumary Lakshmikuttyamma from Thomas Jefferson University, explores how bifidobacterium, a common probiotic found in the gut, may contribute to cancer prevention and therapy. By analyzing existing studies, the authors highlight the growing importance of gut health in cancer treatment and shed light on how bifidobacterium could complement standard cancer therapies. Bifidobacterium is widely known for promoting digestive health and is often included in fermented foods and dietary supplements. However, emerging evidence suggests it may also play a broader role in immune regulation and cancer defense. The review explains how certain strains of bifidobacterium may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy in cancers such as breast, lung, colorectal, and gastric cancers. According to the review, bifidobacterium influences cancer outcomes through several biological mechanisms. It helps regulate immune function by reducing inflammation and supporting the activity of immune cells that target tumors. For instance, strains like B. longum and B. breve have been shown to lower levels of harmful inflammatory markers and boost anti-inflammatory responses. These changes can make cancer treatments more effective while also reducing side effects. “Presence of Bifidobacterium breve in gut microbiota extended the median progression-free survival of NSCLC patients.” The review also discusses how bifidobacterium helps detoxify the body by breaking down cancer-causing compounds and limiting their ability to damage cells. In preclinical studies, the probiotic reduced the activity of enzymes that produce carcinogens and helped in converting food-based substances into cancer-fighting agents. Some strains were even found to suppress genes that promote tumor growth and increase molecules that trigger cancer cell death. The authors emphasize that diet plays a critical role in supporting the growth of bifidobacterium. Foods rich in dietary fiber, especially those containing inulin and oligosaccharides like garlic, onions, or leeks, can help increase its levels in the gut. This suggests that simple dietary changes could not only improve gut health but also support cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Although the review presents compelling evidence, the authors stress the need for more clinical trials to determine how different strains of bifidobacterium affect specific types of cancer. Personalized approaches may be necessary to match the right probiotic strains with individual treatment plans. As research continues to uncover the link between gut microbes and cancer, bifidobacterium stands out as a promising natural ally that could enhance the body’s defenses and improve cancer treatment outcomes. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28779 Correspondence to - Ashakumary Lakshmikuttyamma - axl025@jefferson.edu Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTWJDAN15lY Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28779 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ 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 MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

BUFFALO, NY – November 17, 2025 – A new #research perspective was #published in Oncotarget (Volume 16) on November 14, 2025, titled “A personal perspective of patient-centred clinical trials.” In this perspective, led by corresponding author Jia Liu of The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital, the University of New South Wales, and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, three early-phase clinical trial participants — Trevor Tyne, Elizabeth Ivimey, and Leanne Duggan — reflect on their personal experiences with experimental cancer treatments. Their stories offer a unique perspective on the patient journey through early-phase trials and emphasize the need to design clinical research that prioritizes patients’ needs, dignity, and lived realities. The authors highlight both the life-changing opportunities that trials can provide and the systemic barriers that still prevent many patients from participating. This perspective captures a turning point in how early-phase trials are viewed. Once considered a last resort, these trials are now increasingly offered earlier in treatment, especially with the rise of biomarker-guided therapies. In this context, the patient experience has become critical. The authors outline key benefits of participation, including access to novel therapies, ongoing medical monitoring, emotional support, and a strong sense of purpose in contributing to future medical advancements. However, they also point out significant challenges, such as restrictive eligibility criteria, high financial and logistical burdens, and communication gaps between patients and trial staff. “While no trial guarantees success, the level of support, access to innovative therapies, and sense of contribution to medical progress can be profoundly meaningful.” Each narrative provides insight into the clinical trial experience. One patient explains how living with a visual impairment required tailored accessibility support throughout the trial process Another shares how genomic testing led to targeted treatment after standard options failed. Despite their different diagnoses and circumstances, all three stories reflect resilience, hope, and a shared call for trial designs that better reflect the realities of diverse patients. To address these issues, the authors propose a number of improvements to trial design and delivery. These include expanding eligibility criteria, offering financial and logistical assistance, improving communication training for research staff, and introducing dedicated trial navigators to help guide patients through complex processes. They also focus on the importance of involving patient advocates in trial design and ensuring smoother transitions for patients moving between treatment centers. While early-phase trials focus on safety and effectiveness, the authors argue they must also be guided by core values like ethics and patient empowerment. This perspective serves as a reminder that the future of cancer research depends not only on scientific innovation, but on an honest partnership between patients and the research community. By sharing these real-world experiences, the article encourages a broader conversation about how to make clinical trials more responsive to the people they are designed to serve. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28776 Correspondence to - Jia Liu - jia.liu@svha.org.au Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CCGN78n8ug To learn more about Oncotarget, visit https://www.oncotarget.com: 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

BUFFALO, NY - November 12, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget (Volume 16) on November 6, 2025, titled “LRIG1-3 in gliomas: LRIG1 protein expression decreased in higher grade gliomas.” In this study by Marlene Happe, Saskia Kuhl, Lukas Görtz, Roland Goldbrunner and Marco Timmer, from the University of Cologne, researchers found that the LRIG1 protein, which may help suppress tumors, is present at lower levels in more aggressive gliomas, a type of brain tumor. The findings suggest that LRIG1 could serve as a useful marker for tumor severity and potentially as a target for future therapies. Gliomas are the most common malignant brain tumors in adults and carry a poor prognosis, particularly in their most severe form, glioblastoma. This study investigated three related proteins: LRIG1, LRIG2, and LRIG3, which are involved in regulating cell growth signals. While LRIG1 and LRIG3 have shown tumor-suppressing effects in previous studies, LRIG2 is thought to support tumor growth. The researchers analyzed tumor samples from patients to understand how these proteins behave across different glioma grades and how they respond to chemotherapy. The results showed that LRIG1 protein levels decline significantly as tumor grade increases. Low-grade gliomas displayed much higher LRIG1 expression than high-grade tumors. Among high-grade tumors, primary glioblastomas had the lowest levels of LRIG1. Interestingly, secondary glioblastomas, which typically develop from lower-grade tumors, had higher levels of LRIG1 than primary glioblastomas. This difference may contribute to their relatively better clinical outcomes. These results highlight LRIG1’s potential role in slowing tumor progression. In contrast, LRIG2 showed a more complex pattern. While its gene expression was higher in lower-grade tumors, the actual protein levels were slightly elevated in higher-grade ones, which are more aggressive. This mismatch suggests that processes occurring after gene transcription may influence how much LRIG2 protein is produced. “However, our data on LRIG2 indicate that its role in glioma may be more complex than previously thought, warranting further investigation.” Concerning LRIG3, it was found in higher amounts in glioma tissue compared to surrounding healthy tissue. Its expression was particularly high in low-grade tumors. However, chemotherapy did not consistently affect LRIG3 levels, and results varied depending on tumor type and treatment status. Overall, the study suggests that members of the LRIG protein family, especially LRIG1, could serve as important biomarkers to distinguish between glioma types and grades. Although chemotherapy did not significantly change their expression in most cases, these proteins have high potential as diagnostic tools or therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to better understand their roles in glioma development and treatment response. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28775 Correspondence to - Marco Timmer - marco.timmer@uk-koeln.de Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHsKLBEyBbM Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28775 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, oncology, glioma, glioblastoma, LRIG1, LRIG2, LRIG3 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 MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

BUFFALO, NY - November 10, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget (Volume 16) on November 6, 2025, titled “Anti-DNA virus agent cidofovir - loaded green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (Nanoceria): Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) binding affinity and cytotoxicity effects.” In this study, led by Nahid Shahabadi from Razi University in Kermanshah, researchers developed an environmentally friendly approach to enhance the performance of cidofovir, a drug used to treat infections caused by DNA viruses. The work responds to the growing need for therapies that are safer, more effective, and better targeted. The research team developed a new compound by loading cidofovir onto green-synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), known as CDV-CeO2 NPs. This method combines the drug’s antiviral and anticancer properties with the biological activity of nanoceria, which is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tumor-targeting effects. To avoid toxic chemicals, the nanoparticles were synthesized using quince fruit peel extract, making the process more sustainable and suitable for medical applications. Laboratory experiments showed that the CDV-CeO2 nanoparticles were significantly more effective at killing breast cancer cells than either cidofovir or cerium oxide nanoparticles alone. At the highest tested concentration, the new compound destroyed more than 97% of cancer cells, compared to 72% with cidofovir alone and 50% with nanoparticles alone. These findings suggest that the combined formulation enhances anticancer activity and may allow for lower drug doses with fewer side effects. To understand how these nanoparticles interact with genetic material, the team studied their binding to DNA and RNA, two key molecules involved in cancer development and viral replication. CDV-CeO2 nanoparticles showed strong binding affinity through two mechanisms: groove binding, which fits into natural curves of the genetic molecule strands, and intercalation, which inserts between base pairs. The nanoparticles formed stable complexes that responded to temperature, indicating reliable interactions in biological systems. “The novelty of this work lies in the innovative green synthesis method, the dual-functional therapeutic application, and the enhanced biological activity of the CDV-CeO2 NPs, which collectively position these nanoparticles as promising candidates for future cancer and antiviral therapies.” This research presents a potential new strategy for improving drug targeting and delivery using green nanotechnology. The approach could lead to more effective treatments for diseases such as breast cancer and infections caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and other DNA viruses. However, further research, including animal and clinical studies, is needed to confirm the safety and long-term effectiveness of this treatment. Overall, this study represents a significant step toward combining natural materials with nanomedicine to create more efficient therapies. If supported by future research, CDV-CeO2 nanoparticles could offer a new generation of dual-action treatments. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28774 Correspondence to - Nahid Shahabadi - nahidshahabadi@yahoo.com Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il9CsfgO2mU Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us on social media: 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

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. While treatment options have improved, advanced stages of the disease remain difficult to manage. One promising approach involves a process called ferroptosis. This is a type of programmed cell death that relies on iron and lipid oxidation to kill cancer cells by damaging specific fats in their outer membrane. These fats are especially vulnerable in environments with normal oxygen levels. However, many prostate tumors grow in low-oxygen areas of the body, a condition known as hypoxia, where ferroptosis becomes less effective. A recent study, titled “Hypoxia induced lipid droplet accumulation promotes resistance to ferroptosis in prostate cancer,” and published on Oncotarget (Volume 16), explores how oxygen-poor environments help prostate cancer cells resist treatment and what strategies could help overcome this resistance. Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/11/06/how-low-oxygen-shields-prostate-cancer-from-ferroptosis-therapies/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28750 Correspondence to - Noel A. Warfel - warfelna@arizona.edu, and Shailender S. Chauhan - shailenderc@arizona.edu Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFypDT4ALmc Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28750 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, hypoxia, lipid droplets, ferroptosis, resistance, prostate 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 MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

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.