Cancer is still a leading cause of deaths worldwide, especially due to those cases diagnosed at late stages with metastases that are still considered untreatable and are managed in such a way that a lengthy chronic state is achieved. Nanotechnology has been acknowledged as one possible solution to improve existing cancer treatments, but also as an innovative approach to developing new therapeutic solutions that will lower systemic toxicity and increase targeted action on tumors and metastatic tumor cells. In particular, the nanoparticles studied in the context of cancer treatment include organic and inorganic particles whose role may often be expanded into diagnostic applications. Some of the best studied nanoparticles include metallic gold and silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and graphene, with diverse mechanisms of action such as, for example, the increased induction of reactive oxygen species, increased cellular uptake and functionalization properties for improved targeted delivery. Recently, novel nanoparticles for improved cancer cell targeting also include nanobubbles, which have already demonstrated increased localization of anticancer molecules in tumor tissues. In this review, we will accordingly present and discuss state-of-the-art nanoparticles and nano-formulations for cancer treatment and limitations for their application in a clinical setting.

Cancer is one of the most important global health problems that continues to demand new treatment strategies. Many bacteria that cause persistent infections play a role in carcinogenesis. However, since bacteria are well studied in terms of molecular mechanisms, they have been proposed as an interesting solution to treat cancer. In this review, we present the use of bacteria, and particularly bacterial toxins, in cancer therapy, highlighting the advantages and limitations of bacterial toxins. Proteomics, as one of the omics disciplines, is essential for the study of bacterial toxins. Advances in proteomics have contributed to better characterization of bacterial toxins, but also to the development of anticancer drugs based on bacterial toxins. In addition, we highlight the current state of knowledge in the rapidly developing field of bacterial extracellular vesicles, with a focus on their recent application as immunotherapeutic agents.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the eighth most common cause of cancer deaths in Croatia and one of the most common causes of cancer deaths worldwide. A reliable diagnostic tool for the early detection of GC is essential. We previously suggested a pepsinogen test method to reduce the mortality from GC by allowing early detection. Here, we report an updated analysis from a prospective single-center clinical study to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the pepsinogen test method and to determine whether this test can be used as a part of routine laboratory assessment of high-risk patients. We present mature data of the pepsinogen test method in the Croatian population after a median follow-up of 36 months. Statistical analyses were performed using a Mann-Whitney U test, multiple logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to evaluate the predictive power of the assayed biomarkers. Of the 116 patients, 25 patients had GC and 91 demonstrated a nonmalignant pathology based on tissue biopsy. Cutoff values were pepsinogen I ⩽70 and pepsinogen I/II ratio ⩽3.0. Using ROC curve analysis, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were determined to be 87.22%, 78.12%, 90.10%, 71.43%, and 92.86%, respectively, for the diagnosis of GC. The area under the curve was 0.700 (95% confidence interval 0.57–0.83). Pepsinogen tests are valuable for screening a population in need of further diagnosis and could help to avoid unnecessary invasive endoscopic procedures.

Patients with cancer are more susceptible to a higher risk of coronavirus infection and its severe complications than the general population. In addition, these patients were not included in the pivotal clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, considerable uncertainty remains regarding the management of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations in cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge generated from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic on the vulnerability of cancer patients to the coronavirus disease, as well as the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in this population. We also discuss the available data on the effects of anticancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors on the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients. Special attention in this review will be given to patients with lung cancer, as such patients are at an increased risk for severe effects from COVID-19.

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genomic fragments integrated into human DNA from germline infections by exogenous retroviruses that threatened primates early in their evolution and are inherited vertically in the germline. So far, HERVs have been studied in the context of extensive immunopathogenic, neuropathogenic and even oncogenic effects within their host. In particular, in our paper, we elaborate on the aspects related to the possible correlation of transposable HERV elements’ activation and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein’s presence in cells of COVID-19 patients or upon COVID-19 vaccination with implications for natural and adaptive immunity. In particular, the release of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 occurs in such cases and plays a notable role in sustaining chronic inflammation. Moreover, well-known interindividual variations of HERVs might partially account for the interpersonal variability of COVID-19 symptoms or unwanted events post-vaccination. Accordingly, further studies are required to clarify the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein’s role in triggering HERVs.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is acknowledged as a heterogeneous malignancy underlined by complex genetic, metabolic, and immune dysregulation. In particular, molecular studies have revealed distinct oncogenic mechanisms that have been exploited and studied as therapeutic intervention targets. These include hypoxia-driven signaling, chromosomal translocations, and gene fusion events that affect tumor progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these targets and rethinks RCC management. Therapeutic concepts include the targeting of genomic fusion biology with emerging cell-based immunotherapies or targeted molecular inhibition, and orthomolecular therapeutic strategies are presented. Two clinical and pathological features are highlighted—namely, the TFE3 fusion proteins in translocation RCC and the growing role of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitors in clear-cell RCC. We also present recent data on novel immunotherapeutic approaches, including autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-based interferon-α gene therapy, as well as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. These therapies are discussed in light of their mechanistic rationale, translational potential, and existing clinical challenges due to unwanted side effects. At last, orthomolecular and natural product-based therapies are reviewed for their potential as adjunctive therapies that might be used for oxidative stress management, the targeting of tumor metabolism and immune effects, and to increase standard treatment tolerance. This review points to a multidimensional framework that might support further research and studies in precision-guided RCC management, as integrative approaches may enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce toxicity, and support the development of personalized interventions for advanced or treatment-resistant RCC.