Hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer represents a distinct subtype expressing estrogen and progesterone receptors with an overexpression of HER2. Approximately 14% of female breast cancer cases are HER2-positive, with the majority being HR-positive. These tumors show a cross-talk between the hormonal and HER2 pathways; the interaction has implications for the treatment options for the disease. In this review, we analyze the biology of HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer and summarize the evidence concerning the standard of care options both in neoadjuvant/adjuvant settings and in advanced disease. Additionally, we focus on new trials and drugs for HR-positive/HER2-positive breast cancer and the new entity: HER2-low breast cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains one of the most lethal solid tumors due to its local aggressiveness and metastatic potential, with a 5-year survival rate of only 13%. A robust connection between pancreatic cancer microenvironment and tumor progression exists, as well as resistance to current anticancer treatments. Pancreatic cancer has a complex tumor microenvironment, characterized by an intricate crosstalk between cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells. The complex composition of the tumor microenvironment is also reflected in the diversity of its acellular components, such as the extracellular matrix, cytokines, growth factors and secreted ligands involved in signaling pathways. Desmoplasia, the hallmark of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, contributes by creating a dense and hypoxic environment that promotes further tumorigenesis, provides innate systemic resistance and suppresses anti-tumor immune invasion. We discuss the complex crosstalk among tumor microenvironment components and explore therapeutic strategies and opportunities in pancreatic cancer research. Better understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its influence on pancreatic cancer progression could lead to potential novel therapeutic options, such as integration of immunotherapy and cytokine-targeted treatments.

The aggressive nature of gastric cancer often leads to late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Chemotherapy and the more recently added immunotherapy remain key treatments for this disease. Several studies have focused on identifying tissue biomarkers with prognostic and/or predictive roles and therefore the therapeutic options are rapidly growing. In this narrative review, we summarize the major tissue biomarkers routinely assessed in clinical practice. In addition, we focus on new evidence about emerging tissue biomarkers that could have a predictive role in future therapeutic approaches and also on the potential role of liquid biopsy in this neoplasm.