Here we review the role of integrins and their interplay with selectins in metastasis. The efficacy of integrin-targeted therapies may be reduced in tumors where metastasis relies heavily on selectins. In certain tumors, integrins and selectins exhibit a synergistic interaction during intraperitoneal dissemination. Additionally, we highlight the interplay between integrins and selectins in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment.

In cancer, dysregulated ubiquitination of transcription factors contributes to the uncontrolled growth and survival characteristics of tumors. Tumor suppressors are degraded by aberrant ubiquitination, or oncogenic transcription factors gain stability through ubiquitination, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. Therefore, we highlight innovative therapeutic approaches that involve inhibitors or drugs directed at specific ubiquitin E3 ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs) that regulate transcription factor activity.

Cell-free microRNAs (cfmiRs) are small-RNA circulating molecules detectable in almost all body biofluids. Innovative technologies have improved the application of cfmiRs to oncology, with a focus on clinical needs for different solid tumors, but with emphasis on diagnosis, prognosis, cancer recurrence, as well as treatment monitoring. This comprehensive review summarizes the clinical applications of cfmiRs and current underserved research areas.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer that spreads rapidly to secondary sites such as the brain and liver. Cancer cells circulating in the blood, “circulating tumor cells” (CTCs), have demonstrated prognostic value in SCLC, and evaluating biomarkers on CTCs could guide treatment decisions such as for PARP inhibitors (schlafen11) and immunotherapies (PD-L1 and DLL3).

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers a possibility for different applications in early and late stage breast cancer management. In early breast cancer tumor informed approaches are increasingly used for detecting molecular residual disease (MRD) and early recurrence. In advanced stage, ctDNA provides a possibility for monitoring disease progression and identifying resistance mechanisms. Figure created with BioRender.com.

In the era of immunotherapies, many patients either do not respond or eventually develop resistance. We propose to pave the way for proteomic analysis of surface-expressed proteins called surfaceome, of circulating tumor cells. This approach seeks to identify immune evasion mechanisms and discover potential therapeutic targets.

Pre-analytical variables strongly influence the analysis of extracellular RNA (cell-free RNA; exRNA) derived from blood plasma. Their reporting is essential to allow interpretation and replication of results. By evaluating 200 exRNA studies, we pinpoint a lack of reporting pre-analytical variables associated with blood collection, plasma preparation and RNA purification, and advocate for a consistent use of available reporting standards.

Urine is a rich source of biomarkers for cancer detection. Tumor-derived material is released into the bloodstream and transported to the urine. Urine can easily be collected from individuals, allowing non-invasive cancer detection. This review discusses the rationale behind urine-based cancer detection and its potential for cancer diagnostics, particularly highlighting DNA methylation of tumor-derived cell-free DNA as a biomarker. Created with BioRender.com.

Angiosarcomas are a rare and aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis for patients. The genomic landscape of angiosarcoma can be highly complex and heterogenous; however, recent studies have identified some common features especially within anatomic and molecular subgroups. This review integrates these findings with available preclinical models and discusses actionable therapeutic targets for potential clinical advancements.

Glioblastoma is one of the most lethal human cancers with no effective treatment nowadays. Here, we review the increasing amount of evidence supporting the connection between cell signaling deregulation and metabolic reprogramming as a key event in glioblastoma resistance to cancer therapy. Novel therapeutic approaches and current clinical trials targeting signaling and metabolism in glioblastoma are also reviewed.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis is emerging as a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals whose lifestyle and dietary habits promote a positive energy balance. Here, we reviewed the role of free fatty acids in mediating lipotoxicity and its implications for organellar stress and genome alteration in hepatocytes. Additionally, we discussed the pathogenic processes underlying the malignant transformation of hepatocytes in obese patients.

Bioactive molecules from plants, known as phytoceuticals, have been shown to upregulate anticancer pathways and downregulate pro-cancer pathways associated with non-small cell lung cancer. However, low solubility, poor absorption, and hepatic metabolism result in poor biovavailability. Utilising advanced nanoparticle delivery systems to encapsulate phytoceutical molecules to improve biovailability has the potential to improve lung cancer treatment.

The role of LDLR family receptors in mediating the transport of LDL across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), facilitating processes such as survival, proliferation, and invasion in high-grade gliomas. Nanoparticles targeting LDLR can be used for drug delivery, potentially inducing cell death and reducing tumor proliferation and survival in high-grade glioma cells.

Animal modeling based on data from studies on humans aims to recapitulate primary developmental brain tumor features and serve as a tool to study the pathogenesis of epilepsy-associated tumor processes, particularly tumor progression and neuronal hyperexcitability. Thus, understanding the interaction between brain tumor cells and neurons is critical to infer the mechanisms involved in tumor progression and neuronal hyperexcitability.

This review summarizes the current status of precision oncology – targeted therapies based on individual genetic profiles – in glioblastoma. Although some treatments show promise, their applicability and effectiveness remain limited, underlining the need for innovative approaches. Novel concepts to advance precision oncology and improve patient outcomes are discussed.

The glioblastoma microenvironment is dominated by tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). In the tumour core, monocyte-derived TAMs accumulate and exhibit anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive expression profiles. At the periphery of the tumour, brain microglia-derived TAMs predominate and exhibit pro-inflammatory and interferon states. Depletion or repolarisation of selected TAM subsets may be key to effective immunotherapy.

This review introduces the ‘Alcatraz-Strategy’ for malignant brain tumours, drawing parallels to Alcatraz's isolating barriers. By disrupting cellular tumour networks through supramarginal resection and targeted pharmacological therapy, it aims to decouple tumour cells, akin to the prison's spatial and functional inmate isolation. This approach offers a promising framework to counteract the malignant connectivity of brain tumour networks.

Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumour characterised by prominent heterogeneity at both the intra- and interpatient level. Despite advances in the genetic and transcriptional stratification of patients, clinical outcomes have not improved. Here we review epigenetic dysregulation in glioblastoma, focusing on its contribution to interpatient heterogeneity with an emphasis on classification refinement and novel therapeutic approaches.

We describe the evolution of experimental systems, illustrated here in a timeline to show changing popularity over time. Starting with chemical and viral carcinogenesis, systems then developed into increasingly sophisticated genetically modified animal models. The literature cited in this article corresponds to the arrows in this illustration and the schematics illustrate the mechanism of action described in this article.

Fine-needle tumor aspiration (FNA) permits molecular analyses of tumors including mutations, RNA transcripts and proteins. It lowers the risk of complications related to tumor sampling compared with core needle biopsies at diagnosis. FNA which is patient-friendly more readily permits re-biopsies at times of treatment decision making i.e., partial remissions, emerging treatment resistance at different lines of various treatments. Created with BioRender.com.