Molecular and Clinical Oncology 

About: Molecular and Clinical Oncology is an academic journal published by Spandidos Publishing. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Cancer & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 2049-9450. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 2527 publications have been published receiving 22575 citations.

Passive targeting of nanoparticles to cancer: A comprehensive review of the literature

Abstract: Cancer remains the one of the most common causes of mortality in humans; thus, cancer treatment is currently a major focus of investigation. Researchers worldwide have been searching for the optimal treatment (the 'magic bullet') that will selectively target cancer, without afflicting significant morbidity. Recent advances in cancer nanotechnology have raised exciting opportunities for specific drug delivery by an emerging class of nanotherapeutics that may be targeted to neoplastic cells, thereby offering a major advantage over conventional chemotherapeutic agents. There are two ways by which targeting of nanoparticles may be achieved, namely passive and active targeting. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the literature focusing on passive targeting.

Tumor markers for hepatocellular carcinoma (Review)

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. HCC affects approximately one million individuals annually worldwide, with the incidence equal to the mortality rate. In 2008, HCC was listed as the third most lethal cancer. Thus, early diagnosis is crucial for improving the survival rate for patients. α-fetoprotein (AFP) together with iconography and pathology detection are commonly used in the clinical early diagnosis of liver cancer. However, the specificity and sensitivity of AFP used in screening for liver cancer are not satisfactory. Athough the development of molecular biology has led to the identification of new tumor markers, including proteantigens, cytokines, enzymes and isoenzymes, as well as related genes that can be used in the treatment and prognosis of liver cancer, more tumor markers are required for effective early diagnosis of diseases and monitoring of the curative effect.

Specific organ metastases and survival in metastatic non‑small‑cell lung cancer

Abstract: The present retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics associated with distant metastasis from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) The records of NSCLC patients with metastasis at the time of diagnosis between 1999 and 2012 were reviewed Of the consecutive 1,542 NSCLC patients diagnosed during the study period, 729 (473%) patients presented with distant metastasis Among those 729 metastatic NSCLC patients, 250 (343%), 234 (321%), 207 (284%), 122 (167%), 98 (134%) and 69 (95%) had bone, lung, brain, adrenal gland, liver and extrathoracic lymph node metastasis, respectively In a multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, liver and adrenal gland metastases were unfavorable prognostic factors However, brain and bone metastases were not statistically significant prognostic factors Using a logistic regression analysis, metastasis to the adrenal glands and the presence of pleural and/or pericardial fluid effusion were correlated with a poor performance status Therefore, when planning the treatment of NSCLC patients, particularly those with liver and adrenal gland metastases, we should take into consideration information regarding these unfavorable organ metastases

Glioma and glioblastoma ‑ how much do we (not) know? (Review)

Abstract: Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which provides a broad field for investigation, while simultaneously reducing the chances for a universal treatment. Malignant gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumors. The heteroge- neity of gliomas regarding clinical presentation, pathology and response to treatment makes this type of tumor a challenging area of research. As the clinical symptoms may be unspecific (e.g., seizures and headaches) it is often difficult to diagnose a patient in the early stages of the disease. Thus far, there are no known genetic patterns of inheritance of this disease. Currently, the treatment of glioblastoma involves surgery, whenever possible, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Experimental procedures, such as passive and active immu- notherapy, use of angiogenesis inhibitors in combination with chemotherapeutics and gene/antibody therapy, are additional treatment options. However, as the brain is difficult to access due to the presence of the blood‑brain barrier (BBB), none of the above-mentioned therapies have been successful in curing this disease. The lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of gliomas further adds to the difficulties . Currently, investigations are focused on the development of novel methods for improving the outcome of this disease. However, despite the extensive investigations, 88% of all glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients succumb to the disease within 3 years. GBM remains one of the most challenging malignancies worldwide.

The role of peroxiredoxins in cancer (Review)

Abstract: Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are a ubiquitously expressed family of small (22-27 kDa) non-seleno peroxidases that catalyze the peroxide reduction of H2O2, organic hydroperoxides and peroxynitrite. They are highly involved in the control of various physiological functions, including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, embryonic development, lipid metabolism, the immune response, as well as cellular homeostasis. Although the protective role of PRDXs in cardiovascular and neurological diseases is well established, their role in cancer remains controversial. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of PRDXs in carcinogenesis and in the development of drug resistance. Numerous types of cancer cells, in fact, are characterized by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and often exhibit an altered redox environment compared with normal cells. The present review focuses on the complex association between oxidant balance and cancer, and it provides a brief account of the involvement of PRDXs in tumorigenesis and in the development of chemoresistance.