Technology For Cancer Treatment Research Articles

Abstract 2792: PiRNA as a novel therapeutic in hepatocellular carcinoma: insights from population screening

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally and is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Current therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are largely ineffective in advanced HCC due to tumor-specific characteristics, resistance to drugs and radiation, and substantial adverse effects. Despite breakthroughs in immunotherapy, approximately 80-85% of American patients with advanced HCC fail to respond to treatments. These challenges underscore the urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies to treat HCC. One emerging therapeutic strategy involves the use of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which have shown promising efficacy in both preclinical and clinical studies for various cancer types. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are an abundant of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in maintaining genomic stability and represent a promising but largely unexplored avenue for cancer treatment. The current study identified a piRNA candidate and examined its therapeutic implication for the treatment of HCC. First, we performed piRNA arrays for small RNAs isolated from 12 pairs of HCC tissues and normal liver tissues and detected significantly downregulated piRNAs in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. Downregulation of piR-37213 was confirmed using the TCGA small RNA-seq data of HCC tissues (N=331) and normal liver tissues (N=48). Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) were used as a delivery vehicle to capsulate piR-37213 in functional tests. Significant tumor-suppressing effects of piR-37213 were observed in a series of in vitro assays (P<0.01), including cell proliferation assays, colony formation assays, 3D formation and invasion assays. Systemic delivery of LNP-piR-37213 was administered in animal experiments. Mice (N=44) were treated twice a week for four consecutive weeks via tail vein injection. Tumor signals were significantly reduced by 90% P<0.001) after 2 weeks of treatment. Survival was significantly improved (P<0.05). Both in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that the identified piRNA candidates, which are downregulated in HCC tissues, play a tumor-suppressing role. A genome-wide expression profiling analysis was further performed and found that genes involved in cell cycle proliferation, replication, and DNA repair were significantly downregulated, which further provided molecular mechanisms accounting for the anti-tumor effect of under-expressed piR-37213. This preclinical study represents the crucial initial step in developing a novel, piRNA-based therapeutic strategy for liver cancer and provides proof of principle for the use of piRNAs in future clinical treatment. Future studies are needed to explore the transformative potential of this early-stage, highly innovative, piRNA-based technology in cancer treatment. Citation Format: Rui Han, Qin Qin, Ran Liu, Tianshu Wu, Yaya Guo, Peyton Cook, Kinsey Garofalo, Yujuan Guo, Bolni Nagalo, Yong Zhu. PiRNA as a novel therapeutic in hepatocellular carcinoma: insights from population screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 2792.

Advances in gene editing technologies for cancer treatment : A review of CRISPR Cas9 and beyond

Advances in gene editing technologies for cancer treatment : A review of CRISPR Cas9 and beyond

The regulatory effect of CoL10A1 to the intracranial vascular invasion and cell proliferation in breast cancer via EMT pathway

With advances in breast cancer (BC) treatment technology, although it could prolong the BC patients’ survival, brain metastasis (BM) is increasing gradually. Patients with brain metastasis of breast cancer (BMBC) could have the decline of survival rate and quality of life. Investigate the regulatory role of Collagen Type X Alpha 1 Chain (CoL10A1) in BMBC process was the aim of this study. CoL10A1 expression was analyzed from TCGA database and clinical tissues, and then detected the regulation of CoL10A1 on BC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion in BC cell lines and mouse models. Our findings indicated that BMBC tissues have significant levels of CoL10A1 expression. BC cells proliferation, migration and invasion may be inhibited by knocking down Co10A1 in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we found that knocking down CoL10A1 could reduce the penetration of 468 cells into hCMEC/D3 cells. Knocking down CoL10A1 regulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway related proteins expression. CoL10A1 could regulate BC cells proliferation, migration and invasion, affect the penetration into hCMEC/D3 cells in vitro, and inhibit the intracranial vascular invasion in mouse models. These results suggested that CoL10A1 may be a new target for treating human BMBC.

3D printing technology: Driving pioneering innovations in anti-cancer drug delivery systems

With the rising global incidence of cancer and the limitations of traditional treatment methods, the integration of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology with drug delivery systems offers a promising solution for precision medicine. 3D printing, with its high flexibility and precise production control, allows for the accurate modulation of drug delivery systems, particularly in terms of targeted delivery and controlled drug release rates, thus significantly enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. This review focuses on the applications of various drug delivery forms, such as microneedle patches, implants, and tablets, in the treatment of cancers including breast cancer, melanoma, osteosarcoma, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Furthermore, the review explores the synergistic effects of combination therapies, such as photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, within 3D-printed drug delivery systems, and assesses their potential in addressing tumor recurrence, drug resistance, and treatment-related side effects. Despite the substantial promise of 3D printing technology in cancer treatment, challenges remain in material selection, process optimization, and production standardization. As technology continues to evolve and multidisciplinary collaborations deepen, 3D printing is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the future of precision medicine and personalized cancer therapy.

CRISPR/Cas technologies for cancer drug discovery and treatment.

CRISPR/Cas technologies for cancer drug discovery and treatment.

Plasma Technology: Unlocking a New Path for Precise Elimination of Cancer Cells

This paper systematically elucidates the application of plasma technology in cancer treatment, including its principles, case studies, comparative advantages over traditional methods, challenges, and countermeasures. Plasma technology targets and eliminates cancer cells with precision through physical, chemical, and immune-regulatory mechanisms, offering high accuracy and low side effects. International applications include plasma scalpels in the United States, combined chemotherapy and low-temperature plasma therapy in Russia, and plasma-targeted capture technology in China. However, plasma technology faces technical hurdles and clinical application barriers, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-academia-research cooperation to advance its development.

Exploring Latest Expansions in Solid Lipid-based Nanoparticle Technology for Treatment of Cancer.

The field of cancer therapy has witnessed significant strides with the emergence of innovative drug delivery systems and one such promising avenue is solid lipid-based nanoparticle (SLN) technology. This abstract provides a complete overview of current advances in developing SLNs for effective cancer treatment solid lipid nanoparticles (NPs) represent a novel drug delivery platform characterized by their unique composition which includes biocompatible lipids as the main carrier material. This technology addresses challenges related to standard chemotherapy such as low bioavailability limited medicine stability and non-specific targeting. The incorporation of lipids in SLNs ensures enhanced drug encapsulation, protection of therapeutic agents from degradation-controlled release profiles. Recent breakthroughs in SLN technology have focused on optimizing formulation parameters to achieve superior drug loading capacities stability and sustained release kinetics. Advanced fabrication techniques including high-pressure homogenization and microemulsion methods have been pivotal in tailoring SLN properties for specific cancer types and therapeutic agents. Furthermore, SLNs' capacity to passively build up in tumor tissues using increased penetration and retention effects has been harnessed for targeted drug transport. Surface modifications using ligands or antibodies to facilitate active targeting, enhancing medication delivery's selectivity to tumor cells decreasing unwanted effects on normal tissues. This abstract highlights recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of SLN-based formulations in enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of various anticancer agents. The versatile nature of SLN technology makes it a viable option for the advancement of personalized and precision cancer therapies, marking a significant stride toward overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. As research in this domain progresses, the integration of SLNs holds immense potential for revolutionizing tumor treatment strategies.

Development of Cytolytic Iridium-Complexed Octaarginine Peptide Albumin Nanomedicine for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most challenging malignancies and has high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-guided hepatic arterial infusion of the standard chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin (OXA) has the advantages of both precision and efficacy, making it an important therapeutic strategy for advanced-stage liver cancer. However, patients receiving this treatment still face severe systemic toxicity and poor tolerability of oxaliplatin. In this study, we compared oxaliplatin with novel albumin-formulated oncolytic peptide nanoparticles, Ir-cR8 (abbreviated as iPep), in the treatment of orthotopic liver cancer in a mouse model by intravenous injection and in a rabbit model via DSA-guided hepatic arterial infusion. The results showed that intravenous Ir-cR8-BSA-NPs had enhanced inhibitory effects to the growth of H22 ectopic liver tumors in mice and also with reduced toxicity in animals compared to OXA treatment. Specifically, Ir-cR8-BSA-NPs-treated mice showed approximately 92% tumor growth inhibition compared to approximately 88% for OXA. In the rabbit VX2 ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma model, Ir-cR8-BSA-NPs demonstrated significantly stronger inhibition (P<0.01) of tumor size compared to OXA, as assessed by PET/CT imaging, with SUV values decreasing from 5.15±0.46 to 2.52±0.57, compared to OXA-treated group, which decreased from 5.44±0.43 to 3.90±0.24. Furthermore, Ir-cR8- BSA-NPs significantly improved stability by albumin encapsulation and reduced hemolytic toxicity (P<0.001), resulting in improved therapeutic efficacy. This study demonstrated the combined advantages of a novel membrane-active oncolytic peptide nanomedicine and precise drug delivery enabled by arterial infusion technology for the interventional treatment of liver cancer.

Current status of fertility preservation procedures in gynecologic oncology: from a Chinese perspective.

The "Healthy China" initiative, along with advancements in technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment, has significantly enhanced outcomes for patients with gynecologic tumors. The trends of late marriage and delayed childbirth have led to an increasing number of women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers who are seeking fertility preservation in China. This issue is critical yet often overlooked in clinical practice. This review aims to synthesize the existing research on fertility preservation within the field of gynecologic oncology, emphasizing both clinical explorations and expert guidelines. We conducted a comprehensive literature review on fertility preservation in the context of gynecologic tumors, examining treatment approaches, commonly employed tumor management technologies, and specific techniques for preserving fertility. This extensive review highlights the importance of integrating fertility preservation strategies into treatment plans for gynecologic tumors. It explores various methods to safeguard fertility during chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions. For patients with early-stage cervical cancer, surgical options are available; however, these may result in obstetric complications. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is currently under investigation as an alternative approach. Endometrial cancer can be managed through hysteroscopic resection combined with hormonal therapy. The feasibility of fertility preservation in ovarian cancer varies based on tumor type and patient age. In cases of vulvar and vaginal cancers, partial excision may be considered following a thorough evaluation. Chemotherapy for gestational trophoblastic tumors has proven effective and typically preserves fertility despite potential decreases in AMH levels. This review provides a comprehensive and current synthesis of the latest evidence and clinical practice guidelines regarding fertility preservation in gynecologic cancers. Its aim is to assist clinicians and researchers in addressing the urgent and increasing demand for effective fertility preservation strategies for their patients.

Modeling ncRNA Synergistic Regulation in Cancer.

Cancer seriously threatens human life and health, and the structure and function of genes within cancer cells have changed relative to normal cells. Essentially, cancer is a polygenic disorder, and the core of its occurrence and development is caused by polygenic synergy. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) act as regulators to modulate gene expression levels, and they provide theoretical basis and new technology for the diagnosis and preventive treatment of cancer. However, the study of ncRNA regulation and its role as biomarkers in cancer remain largely unearthed. Driven by multi-omics data, an abundance of computational methods, tools, and databases have been developed for predicting ncRNA-cancer association/causality, inferring ncRNA regulation, and modeling ncRNA synergistic regulation. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive perspective of modeling ncRNA synergistic regulation. Since the ncRNAs involved in cancer contribute to modeling cancer-associated ncRNA synergistic regulation, we first review the databases and tools of cancer-related ncRNAs. Then we investigate the existing tools or methods for modeling ncRNA-directed and ncRNA-mediated regulation. In addition, we survey the available computational tools or methods for modeling ncRNA synergistic regulation, including synergistic interaction and synergistic competition. Finally, we discuss the future directions and challenges in modeling ncRNA synergistic regulation.

PROTAC technology for prostate cancer treatment

PROTAC technology for prostate cancer treatment

Application Value of 3D Printing Technology in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women, has shown a rising incidence rate in recent years. Personalized and precise comprehensive treatment is currently considered the optimal approach for breast cancer management. The application of 3D printing technology in the medical field has been expanding, covering areas such as medical devices, anatomical models, tissue engineering scaffolds, tumor models, and drug formulation, drawing significant attention in the field of oncology. This article explores the application value of 3D printing technology in breast cancer treatment, including preoperative planning, radiotherapy, postoperative rehabilitation and adjuvant therapy, and scientific research, aiming to provide new perspectives and methods for clinical breast cancer treatment.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma in Cancer Therapy: Molecular Insights, Novel Concepts, and Future Opportunities

Over the past 2 decades, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been playing increasingly pivotal roles in cutting edge biomedical applications and has developed into an innovative field of research of growing importance. One promising new medical application of CAP is cancer treatment. Being able to richly induce both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, CAP has been shown to effectively control events critical to cancer initiation/progression; selectively inducing Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and apoptotic cell deaths, reducing tumor volume and vasculature, halting metastasis and conferring anti-tumor effects by taking advantage of e.g., synergies among and between chemotherapeutic drugs and nanoparticles. This paper discusses molecular and immunological mechanisms of CAP treatment as a potential tool against cancers, with a focus on the novel mechanisms by which CAP interacts with chemotherapeutic drugs and nanotechnology. We then attempt to draw parallels between what is already known about the mechanisms of CAP activity, some novel concepts and attempts of CAP synergy, and the knowledge we would need to develop CAP as a potential therapeutic strategy in oncotherapy. HIGHLIGHTS This article focused on critical review of cold atmospheric plasma’s (CAP) application in cancer therapy. CAP technology in cancer treatment has been expected to cause a medical and therapeutic implications. CAP has strong anticancer efficacy and has been reported about the cell migration and apoptosis. The major role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species of plasma discharge is to control the core state of cancer transition. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy in cancer treatment: a bibliometric and visual analysis.

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is an emerging cancer treatment technology that combines the advantages of optical technology and immunotherapy to provide a highly effective, precise, and low side-effect treatment approach. The aim of this study is to visualize the scientific results and research trends of NIR-PIT based on bibliometric analysis methods. The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was searched in August 2024 for relevant publications in the field of NIR-PIT. Data were analyzed using mainly CiteSpace and R software for bibliometric and visual analysis of the country/region, authors, journals, references and keywords of the publications in the field. A total of 245 publications were retrieved, including articles (n = 173, 70.61%) and reviews (n = 72, 29.39%). The annual and cumulative number of publications increased every year. The highest number of publications was from the United States (149, 60.82%), followed by Japan (70, 28.57%) and China (33, 13.47%). The research institution with the highest number of publications was National Institutes of Health (NIH)-USA (114, 46.53%). Kobayashi H (109) was involved in the highest number of publications, Mitsunaga M (211) was the most frequently cited in total. CANCERS (17) was the most frequently published journal, and NAT MED (220) was the most frequently co-cited journal. The top 10 keywords include near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (166), photodynamic therapy (61), monoclonal antibody (58), in vivo (50), cancer (46), expression (31), breast cancer (27), enhanced permeability (24), antibody (23), growth factor receptor (16). Cluster analysis based on the co-occurrence of keywords resulted in 13 clusters, which identified the current research hotspots and future trends of NIR-PIT in cancer treatment. This study systematically investigated the research hotspots and development trends of NIR-PIT in cancer treatment through bibliometric and visual analysis. As an emerging strategy, the research on the application of NIR-PIT in cancer treatment has significantly increased in recent years, mainly focusing on the targeting, immune activation mechanism, and treatment efficacy in solid tumors has received extensive attention. Future studies may focus on improving the efficacy and safety of NIR-PIT in cancer treatment, as well as developing novel photosensitizers and combination therapeutic regimens, and exploring the efficacy of its application in a wide range of solid tumors, which will provide an important reference and guidance for the application of NIR-PIT in clinical translation.

Integrated single-cell transcriptomic analyses identify a novel lineage plasticity-related cancer cell type involved in prostate cancer progression

Integrated single-cell transcriptomic analyses identify a novel lineage plasticity-related cancer cell type involved in prostate cancer progression

Advancing radiation therapy safety in cancer-care: Leveraging AI for adverse reaction prediction

Advancing radiation therapy safety in cancer-care: Leveraging AI for adverse reaction prediction

Current status, evolution, and future perspectives in robotic platform systems for prostate cancer treatment: a narrative review.

Robotic surgery has contributed greatly to the shift from traditional surgery to minimally invasive surgery. Urology is the major field of application of robotic surgery. Several urological procedures, especially radical prostatectomy, benefit from the use of robotic surgery. Non-systematic research of the literature was performed using "Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy" and "Robotic platforms" as keywords to understand the actual situation and the future perspectives of this technology in prostate cancer treatment. The robotic platform landscape is constantly evolving. DaVinci has always been the mainstay in this field, particularly after the advent of the new single port platforms. New platforms are emerging, providing an alternative option to the well-known DaVinci system. Since in literature, few studies compare the use of different robotic platforms, their application in urological procedures is not yet widely used, for both oncological and non-oncological procedures. Furthermore, artificial intelligence begins to play a role in this landscape and could be useful for future developments. So further studies are warranted to give a full comprehension of the whole scenario. This review aims to analyze the current state of the use of robotic platforms in urology, particularly in radical prostatectomy, and to understand the evolution.

Evaluation and analysis of neurocognitive dysfunction in patients with colorectal cancer after radical resection: A retrospective study.

With the continuous progress of colorectal cancer treatment technology, the survival rate of patients has improved significantly, but the problem of postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction has gradually attracted attention. To analyze the risk factors for delayed postoperative neurocognitive recovery (DNR) after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery and constructed a risk prediction model to provide an evidence-based reference for the prevention and treatment of DNR after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The clinical data of 227 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery and regional cerebral saturation oxygenation (rScO2) monitoring at our hospital from March 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Common factors and potential factors affecting postoperative DNR were used as analysis variables, and univariate analysis and multifactor analysis were carried out step by step to determine the predictors of the model and construct a risk prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the calibration curve was used to assess the fit of the model to the data, and a nomogram was drawn. In addition, 30 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from January 2023 to July 2023 were selected for external verification of the prediction model. The incidence of postoperative DNR in the modeling group was 15.4% (35/227). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, years of education, diabetes status, and the lowest rScO2 value were the independent influencing factors of postoperative DNR (all P < 0.05). Accordingly, a DNR risk prediction model was constructed after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The area under the ROC curve of the model was 0.757 (95%CI: 0.676-0.839, P < 0.001), and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test of the calibration curve suggested that the model was well fitted (P = 0.516). The C-index for external validation of the row was 0.617. The DNR risk prediction model associated with rScO2 monitoring can be used for individualized assessment of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery and provides a clinical basis for the prevention of DNR after surgery.

Application of Intelligent Response Fluorescent Probe in Breast Cancer.

As one of the leading cancers threatening women's lives and health, breast cancer is challenging to treat and often irreversible in advanced cases, highlighting the critical importance of early detection and intervention. In recent years, fluorescent probe technology, a revolutionary in vivo imaging tool, has gained attention in medical research for its ability to improve tumor visualization significantly. This review focuses on recent advances in intelligent, responsive fluorescent probes, particularly in the field of breast cancer, which are divided into five categories, near-infrared responsive, fluorescein-labeled, pH-responsive, redox-dependent, and enzyme-triggered fluorescent probes, each of which has a different value for application based on its unique biological response mechanism. In addition, this review also covers the strategy of combining fluorescent probes with various anti-tumor drugs, aiming to reveal the possibility of synergistic effects between the two in breast cancer treatment and provide a solid theoretical platform for the clinical translation of fluorescent probe technology, which is expected to promote the expansion of cancer treatment technology.

Experimental and clinical combined photodynamic therapy for malignant and premalignant lesions using various types of radiation

The aim of the study was to present various types of radiation that can increase the effectiveness of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) for malignant and premalignant lesions. Material and Methods. The Web of Science, Scopus, MedLine, Library, and RSCI databases were used for finding publications on this topic, mainly over the last 10 years. Of 230 sources, 64 were included in the review. Results. Photodynamic therapy is a new cancer treatment technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is often an alternative method of treating cancer when there is a high risk of side effects and complications during traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. PDT requires a photosensitizer, light energy, and oxygen to create reactive oxygen species that destroy cancer cells. This review examines the basic principles and mechanisms of PDT used alone and in combination with other traditional therapies. Despite the fact that PDT is an effective and non-invasive cancer treatment, it has some limitations, such as low light penetration depth, ineffective photosensitizers and tumor hypoxia. Our study examines new strategies that use other energy sources, such as infrared- and x-rays, ultrasound, as well as electric and magnetic fields, to enhance the PDT effect and overcome its limitations. Great hopes are also associated with the use of a combination of PDT and neutron capture therapy (NСT). Currently, chlorin derivatives associated with boron carriers have been developed. They can be used for both fluorescence diagnostics and PDT, as well as for NСT. The synthesized compounds have a high selectivity of accumulation in the tumor. To date, encouraging preclinical results of high efficiency of combined use of NСT and PDT have already been obtained. Conclusion. Combination with various energy sources is a key factor for further development of PDT. Future research aimed at overcoming the limitations of PDT will contribute to unlocking the full potential of this technology in clinical practice.