bims-netuvo 2025-07-20 papers

Discov Oncol. 2025 Jul 16. 16(1): 1346

Advances in the treatment of malignant tumors with neurological drugs.

Yongnian Li, Jintong Na, Liping Zhong, Yongxiang Zhao.

The nervous system governs the body's components and is essential for the physiological functions of all organ systems. The nervous system governs how the body senses, processes, and responds to its environment. Through a complex network of neurons and supporting cells, it connects sensory organs with the brain and spinal cord, and coordinates communication with target organs and tissues throughout the body. This integration of sensory, motor, autonomic, and endocrine functions makes the nervous system essential for maintaining homeostasis and systemic coordination.Consequently, it is anticipated that the nervous system exerts parallel regulatory influences on cancer. Over the past decade, studies have demonstrated a reciprocal relationship between the nervous system and cancer. Taking gliomas, prostate cancer, and breast cancer as examples, where specific nerve types (parasympathetic, sympathetic, or sensory) directly or indirectly control the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Similarly, cancer can reshape and hijack the structure and function of the nervous system. Chemotherapy has traditionally been the primary and most effective antitumor treatment, while the discovery of neuro-tumor interactions unveils novel strategies for repurposing neuroactive agents as adjuncts to this conventional therapeutic approach. This review elucidates cancer neuroscience through the examples of gliomas, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. Structured around key neuropharmacological receptors, the review systematically explores the potential applications of neuroactive agents and their targets across a broad spectrum of cancer therapies.

Keywords: Cancer neuroscience; Cancer therapy; Neurological drugs; Pharmacology; Therapeutic targets

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03013-0

J Gastrointest Surg. 2025 Jul 15. pii: S1091-255X(25)00214-8. [Epub ahead of print] 102155

Perineural invasion is a prognostic determinant in combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter pathological study.

Han Wang, Ying-Ying Zhou, Hong-Zhen Chen, Xia Sheng, Chun-Yan Xia, You-Wen Qian, Hua Yu, Zhen-Yu Cao, Wen-Ming Cong, Miao-Xia He, Hui Dong.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic role of perineural invasion (PNI) in combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) remains undefined. This multicenter study assessed the incidence, patterns, and clinical significance of PNI in cHCC-CCA.
METHODS: This study included 307 cHCC-CCA patients undergoing hepatectomy with curative intent. Three independent pathologists conducted histopathological assessments of the frequency (single/multiple), involved tumor components (HCC/CCA/intermediate cell carcinoma), and spatial distribution (intratumoral/intratumoral+peritumoral/peritumoral) of PNI. The impact of postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) on the prognosis were further evaluated. Survival outcomes (recurrence-free survival [RFS], overall survival [OS], early [≤2 years] and late [>2 years] RFS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Logistic regression identified the predictors of PNI.
RESULTS: Among 307 patients (median age 52.7 years; 87.6% male), the prevalence of PNI was 16.0% (49/307). PNI-positive patients had significantly worse median RFS (0.21 years vs. 0.54 years; hazard ratio [HR] 2.003, P < 0.001) and OS (1.18 years vs. 2.56 years; HR 2.213, P < 0.001) versus PNI-negative patients. Early RFS differed significantly (P < 0.001), but late RFS did not (P = 0.443). Subgroup analysis showed the worst RFS and early RFS were noted on the patients with HCC-component PNI (P = 0.025; P = 0.024) and purely intratumoral PNI (P = 0.025; P = 0.024). PA-TACE improved the early RFS only in PNI-negative patients (P = 0.031). Elevated alkaline phosphatase (odds ratio [OR] 1.005, P = 0.029), macrovascular invasion (OR 2.873, P = 0.003), microvascular invasion (OR 2.291, P = 0.033), and absent tumor capsule (OR 2.539, P = 0.014) independently predicted PNI. Multivariable analysis confirmed PNI as an independent risk factor for RFS (HR 1.700, P = 0.002), OS (HR 1.760, P = 0.001), and early RFS (HR 1.749, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: PNI is a noteworthy pathological feature in cHCC-CCA, independently associated with early recurrence, inferior survival and increased therapeutic challenge. Standardized pathological reporting of PNI status may improve prognostic stratification for cHCC-CCA patients.

Keywords: hepatocholangiocarcinoma; mixed hepatobiliary carcinoma; mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma; neural invasion; perineural infiltration

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gassur.2025.102155

Sci Data. 2025 Jul 15. 12(1): 1229

Integrated genomic analysis of NF1-associated peripheral nerve sheath tumors: an updated biorepository dataset.

Jineta Banerjee, Yang Lyu, Stavriani C Makri, Alexandra J Scott, Lindy Zhang, Ana Calizo, Kai Pollard, Kuangying Yang, John M Gross, Calixto-Hope G Lucas, Jiawan Wang, Adam S Levin, Allan J Belzberg, Carlos G Romo, Robert J Allaway, Jaishri O Blakeley, Angela C Hirbe, Christine A Pratilas.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited neurocutaneous condition that predisposes to the development of peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) including cutaneous neurofibromas (CNF), plexiform neurofibromas (PNF), atypical neurofibromatous neoplasms of uncertain biologic potential (ANNUBP), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). The Johns Hopkins NF1 biospecimen repository promotes the successful advancement of therapeutic developments for NF1-associated PNST through acquisition and genomic analysis of human tumor specimens. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and whole exome sequencing (WES) data were generated from 73 and 114 primary human tumor samples, respectively. These pre-processed data, standardized for immediate computational analysis, are accessible through the NF Data Portal, allowing immediate interrogation. This dataset combines new and previously released samples, offering a comprehensive view of the entire cohort sequenced. As a dedicated effort to systematically bank tumor samples from people with NF1, in collaboration with molecular geneticists and computational biologists, the Johns Hopkins NF1 biospecimen repository offers access to tissue samples and genomic data to promote the advancement of NF1-related tumor biologic insights and therapies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05433-7

Med Ultrason. 2025 Jun 19.

A nomogram based on clinical and ultrasound characteristics for predicting peripheral nerve schwannomas in soft tissue.

Fan Yang, Yuan Chen, Huolin Wu, Jianmei Lei, Jingyuan Liu, Lingfang Yu, Jian Chen.

AIMS: To develop a nomogram that integrates clinical and ultrasound (US) characteristics for the preoperative prediction of peripheral nerve schwannomas in soft tissue.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 301 patients with soft tissue masses who underwent surgical excision and preoperative US evaluation. Clinical data and US features were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors; subsequently, a nomogram was developed for predicting schwannomas. The performance of the nomogram was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Additionally, internal validation was performed using 10-fold cross-validation with 1000 iterations.
RESULTS: Seven independent predictors were identified, including target sign, rat tail sign, split fat sign, shape, layer, vascularity, and age. The nomogram demonstrated favorable discrimination and calibration, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.934 (95% CI: 0.902-0.966). Furthermore, decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed the nomogram's clinical utility across a wide range of risk thresholds (0.01-0.93). Internal validation yielded a corrected AUC of 0.921 (95% CI: 0.917-0.924).
CONCLUSION: This nomogram provides clinicians with a quantitative and visual tool for preoperative prediction of schwannomas in soft tissue, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and assisting in clinical decision-making.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11152/mu-4526

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2025 Jul 15. 44(3): 60

Astrocyte involvement in brain metastasis: from biological mechanisms to therapeutic strategies.

Teng Zhou, Yuxin Yan, Mingxi Lin, Cheng Zeng, Xinhui Mao, Yifei Zhu, Jinlu Han, Dou-Dou Li, Jian Zhang.

BrMs represent a significant clinical challenge due to its high incidence, complex biology, and poor prognosis. Astrocytes, the predominant glial cells in the central nervous system, are increasingly recognized for their central role in shaping the brain microenvironment and driving the progression of brain metastases. This review highlights the multifaceted contributions of astrocytes to the metastatic cascade, including their involvement in tumor cell invasion, modulation of the blood-brain barrier, and establishment of a pro-metastatic niche. Astrocytes interact with tumor cells through various mechanisms, such as forming gap junctions, secreting factors that enhance tumor survival, and supporting immune evasion. These interactions promote tumor growth and protect metastatic cells from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, complicating current treatment strategies. Furthermore, astrocytes help reshape the brain microenvironment to support tumor adaptation and expansion, making them critical players in both the early and late stages of metastasis. Emerging therapeutic approaches are focused on disrupting astrocyte-tumor interactions, with strategies targeting astrocyte-driven communication pathways, immune modulation, and metabolic support systems. Nanotechnology and precision medicine also offer novel opportunities to improve drug delivery across BBB and directly target the astrocyte-tumor axis. This review underscores the importance of further research to fully understand the role of astrocytes in brain metastasis and develop therapies that leverage this knowledge to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Astrocytes; BBB; Brain metastasis; Therapeutic targeting; Tumor microenvironment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-025-10276-0

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2025 Jul 12. 151(7): 212

Does propranolol have a role in cancer treatment? A systematic review of the epidemiological and clinical trial literature on beta-blockers.

Jessica O'Logbon, Ludovica Tarantola, Norman R Williams, Shreeya Mehta, Aamir Ahmed, Elizabeth A Davies.

PURPOSE: Beta-blockers, originally developed for cardiovascular conditions, have been explored for their potential role in cancer treatment. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, has shown promise in inhibiting stress-induced signalling pathways associated with cancer progression. This systematic review aims to assess the evidence for the repurposing of propranolol as a treatment for various cancers, particularly breast cancer to answer the research question: Does propranolol improve cancer outcomes, including survival and recurrence?
METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, including studies up to July 2024. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included if they assessed the effects of propranolol on cancer outcomes such as mortality, survival, recurrence, or biomarkers of tumour regression. A narrative synthesis was performed to summarise the findings.
RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were included, consisting of 7 RCTs, 4 systematic reviews and 20 meta-analyses. The evidence suggests that propranolol may improve cancer outcomes, especially when administered perioperatively, by reducing recurrence risk. However, the results remain inconclusive regarding its use in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as studies showed mixed results. The timing of propranolol administration, alongside its combination with other cancer therapies, appears to be a key factor in its effectiveness.
CONCLUSION: Propranolol has potential as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment, particularly in reducing recurrence risk during the perioperative period. However, further clinical trials are needed to better define its role in cancer therapy, particularly regarding optimal treatment regimens and patient populations.

Keywords: Beta-blockers; Cancer treatment; Propranolol; Repurposing; Systematic reviews

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-025-06262-2