The unchecked growth and spread of aberrant cells describe a widely diverse collection of disorders that collectively constitute cancer. Conventional therapies for cancer, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, have increased the chances of survival significantly in most patients. These traditional methods usually result in low tumor or tumor cell specificity, significant systemic toxicity, and the development of drug resistance. This review summarizes updates in cancer therapy, some of which include cutting‐edge therapies represented by CAR‐T therapy, targeted therapies, gene therapy, arginine‐depriving therapy, mitochondria‐targeted therapies, neutrophil‐targeted therapies, and the latest PROTAC technology for proteolysis‐targeting chimera. It has emphasized mechanisms underlying these new therapeutic strategies and their translational potential for treating human cancers. We further discuss, for each approach, the challenges, limitations, side effects, and delivery systems. The review proceeds with a dynamic change in the landscape of cancer research in biology, where machine learning and artificial intelligence are increasingly important to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer and treatment responses. We also describe the potential of stem cell therapy, metabolomics, and novel drug delivery systems toward better patient outcomes. The paper pulls together some of the current research findings and results of clinical trials in new therapeutic developments and emerging areas of research that hold out exciting promises for the future progress of cancer treatment.
1 December 2022 in Ibnosina Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Introduction There are claims by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria and valuable scientific reports that the leaves of Tephrosia vogelii (TV) hook are used for the treatment of various diseases; however, there is paucity of information on it used in the management of cardiovascular complications despite the rich presence of phytochemicals. This study aimed at investigating effects of solvents extracts of TV leaves and stem on lipid profile of poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Materials and Methods Varying doses of the solvent extracts (water, ethanol, and acetic acid) of plant material were administered to experimental animals (Albino Wistar rats) induced with hyperlipidemia using poloxamer 407 (P-407). Results The results of the phytochemical screening of leaves and stem revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phlobatannins, and flavonoids in powdered sample of leaves and stem of TV. Aqueous extract of the leaves had the highest yield (18.21 ± 1.12%), while acetic acid extract of stem had the lowest yield (7.21 ± 1.21%). The cholesterol and triacylglycerol level of rats induced with P-407 was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than normal rats. This study showed that aqueous extract at 50mg/kg body weight significantly (p≤0.05) lower cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol levels. Indices of cardiovascular function atherogenic coefficient, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, and cardioprotective index were positively modulated by the treatment. Conclusion The study indicated that the aqueous leaves extract of TV possesses antihyperlipidemic effects and may explains why it has been found to be useful in the management of cardiovascular diseases by traditional medicine practitioners.
Speckle‐type pox virus and zinc finger protein (SPOP) has emerged as a key focus in prostate cancer research due to its critical role in regulating the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. This review aims to comprehensively summarize current knowledge on SPOP gene mutations in prostate cancer, emphasizing their importance in disease characterization and identification of therapeutic targets. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. In addition, this study uses computational approaches and data from the TCGA cBioPortal database to explore the landscape of SPOP mutations in prostate cancer. After screening 682 articles and following systematic selection steps, 56 high‐quality articles were included. Computational analysis of TCGA cBioPortal data revealed a SPOP mutation prevalence of 5%‐6%, along with significant alterations in AR signaling and epigenetic regulation. SPOP mutations disrupt substrate recognition, leading to dysregulation of downstream pathways such as AR signaling and chromatin remodeling. Notably, SPOP‐mutant prostate cancers are mutually exclusive with TMPRSS2‐ERG fusions and enriched for Wnt pathway alterations. Patients with SPOP mutations demonstrate prolonged responses to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), although concurrent mutations in TP53 or DNA repair genes negatively impact outcomes. While their prognostic significance continues to evolve, their impact on the AR pathway highlights their potential as therapeutic targets. The clinical implications of SPOP mutations are substantial, as they are linked to variations in treatment response and disease progression, thus serving as valuable biomarkers for risk stratification and prognosis.
Background: Prostate cancer is a global health concern, necessitating ongoing research to enhance our comprehension of its molecular foundations and develop more efficacious therapeutic approaches. Among the emerging protagonists in this arena is Speckle-type POZ (pox virus and zinc finger protein) (SPOP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor protein. SPOP's recent ascent to prominence in prostate cancer research is attributed to its crucial role in regulating the Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling pathway. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge concerning SPOP mutations in prostate cancer. It seeks to elucidate their significance in characterizing the disease and their potential as therapeutic targets. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and google scholar to identify relevant studies published up to September 2023. Eligible studies included investigations of SPOP mutations in prostate cancer and their implications. Data extraction, quality assessment, and synthesis were performed in conformity to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: The review revealed that SPOP mutations are recurrent events in prostate cancer, with a notable prevalence in specific molecular subtypes. These mutations primarily affect the MATH domain of SPOP, disrupting its substrate recognition function. Notably, SPOP mutations have profound consequences on the AR signaling pathway, leading to increased AR protein stability and transcriptional activity. The clinical implications of SPOP mutations remain diverse, with varying associations with prognostic outcomes. Conclusion: SPOP mutations represent a significant facet of prostate cancer biology, influencing disease heterogeneity and clinical behavior. While their precise prognostic significance is evolving, their functional impact on the AR pathway highlights their potential as therapeutic targets. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of SPOP mutations in prostate cancer, contributing to our understanding of the disease's molecular landscape and therapeutic avenues.