Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies among men worldwide and continues to pose significant therapeutic challenges, especially in its metastatic and castration-resistant forms. Over the past two decades, the treatment paradigm has evolved from monotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to a multifaceted approach integrating chemotherapy, androgen receptor axis-targeted therapies (ARATs), radiopharmaceuticals, and precision medicine. This review explores the molecular underpinnings of PCa, including genetic and epigenetic alterations such as BRCA1/2, TP53, and PTEN mutations, and their role in disease progression and treatment resistance. We detail the evidence supporting the integration of systemic agents like abiraterone, enzalutamide, and darolutamide into both hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant settings. Furthermore, we highlight the expanding role of radioligand therapies, including radium-223 and Lutetium-177-labeled PSMA-617 (Lu-PSMA-617), as well as the growing impact of PARP inhibitors in genomically selected patients. The emergence of theranostic strategies and next-generation sequencing has paved the way for personalized treatment algorithms, moving toward a truly precision oncology model in PCa. This comprehensive review synthesizes current therapeutic strategies, clinical trial evidence, and future directions aimed at optimizing outcomes and quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Thyroid cancer (TC) and thyroid autoimmune disorders (AITD) are among the most common diseases in the general population, with higher incidence in women. Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Some studies, indeed, have pointed out the presence of AITD as a risk factor for TC, although this issue remains controversial. Prevention of autoimmune disease and cancer is the ultimate goal for clinicians and scientists, but it is not always feasible. Thus, new treatments, that overcome the current barriers to prevention and treatment of TC and AITD are needed. Alkaloids are secondary plant metabolites endowed with several biological activities including anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. In this perspective, alkaloids may represent a promising source of prophylactic and therapeutic agents for TC and AITD. This review encompasses the current published literature on alkaloids effects on TC and AITD, with a specific focus on the pathways involved in TC and AITD development and progression.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) comprises various histologically distinct subtypes, each characterized by specific genetic alterations, necessitating individualized management and treatment strategies for each subtype. An exhaustive search of the PubMed database was conducted without any filters or restrictions. Inclusion criteria encompassed original English articles focusing on molecular mechanisms of kidney cancer. On the other hand, all non-original articles and articles published in any language other than English were excluded. Hereditary kidney cancer represents 5–8% of all kidney cancer cases and is associated with syndromes such as von Hippel–Lindau syndrome, Birt–Hogg–Dubè syndrome, succinate dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell cancer syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, fumarate hydratase deficiency syndrome, BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome, and other uncommon hereditary cancer syndromes. These conditions are characterized by distinct genetic mutations and related extra-renal symptoms. The majority of renal cell carcinoma predispositions stem from loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes. These mutations promote malignant advancement through the somatic inactivation of the remaining allele. This review aims to elucidate the main molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of major syndromes associated with renal cell carcinoma. By providing a comprehensive overview, it aims to facilitate early diagnosis and to highlight the principal therapeutic options available.