Aug 2026· Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology· Vol 14· 0 citations· 187 references
Medicine
TL;DR
This review systematically outlines the mechanistic underpinnings of multiple major RCD subtypes in OC, with a focused summary of advances in innovative small-molecule compounds targeting these pathways, to provide novel insights and directions for precision therapy in OC.
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) poses a significant threat to women’s health due to its high malignancy and poor prognosis, with limited efficacy of existing targeted therapies. In recent years, the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying regulated cell death (RCD) has substantially broadened our understanding of OC pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance, rendering the modulation of RCD pathways by small-molecule compounds a highly promising therapeutic strategy. This review systematically outlines the mechanistic underpinnings of multiple major RCD subtypes in OC, with a focused summary of advances in innovative small-molecule compounds targeting these pathways; discusses nanodelivery platforms for RCD modulation, predictive biomarkers for patient stratification, and the current landscape of clinical trials targeting RCD in OC; and finally analyzes the opportunities and challenges in clinical translation within this field, aiming to provide novel insights and directions for precision therapy in OC.
Current evidence on regulated cell death pathways in ovarian cancer is summarized, with emphasis on key regulators, mechanistic links to treatment resistance, potential biomarkers, and the limitations that currently restrict clinical translation.
Xi Ye, Wei-Ping Zhu, Xiao-Jing Sun et al.· Oncology Reviews· 0 citations
Breast cancer (BC) persists as a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally. While the characterization of molecular subtypes has improved our understanding and precision treatment of the disease, the detection and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offer a complementary, dynamic perspective. Shed from primary tumors or metastatic sites, CTCs function as pro-metastatic precursors, providing critical insights into tumor progression, metastatic potential, and therapeutic response. We synthesize findings from key clinical trials that underscore the utility of CTCs in early diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and real-time treatment monitoring. Furthermore, we explore the potential of CTCs in uncovering novel biomarkers of therapy resistance and their emerging role in drug development. Ultimately, the integration of CTC-based liquid biopsies into clinical practice promises to open new avenues for precision medicine in BC.
Chentao Li, Miaoqin Chen, Zhuo Wang et al.· Biochimica et biophysica act...· 0 citations
Among the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, breast
cancer presents fundamental challenges, such as tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. The
tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising stromal components, signaling molecules, immune
cells, and the extracellular matrix, has demonstrated a pivotal role in tumor progression, invasion, and
therapeutic response. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art and novel
therapeutic strategies developed to reprogram the TME in breast cancer. From clinically established
treatments, such as endocrine therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and HER2-targeted therapy, to
emerging agents, such as siRNA-mediated gene silencing, nanomedicine, and immunotherapy, each
class of therapeutic strategy, along with the corresponding clinical and preclinical outcomes, is detailed
by category. The evidence for and impact of TME heterogeneity and differences in molecular
subtypes on therapeutic efficiency are highlighted, and biomarker-guided patient stratification is further
emphasized to support precision therapy. Mechanistic challenges, such as immunosuppression,
ECM remodeling, and hypoxia-associated resistance, were analyzed, and mechanistic conflicts or
synergistic interactions between strategies were identified. Tumor microbiome modification and AIdriven
discovery of novel biomarkers are presented as emerging perspectives in TME-targeting therapy.
Despite significant advances, translation barriers, such as the lack of predictive biomarkers and
the divergence in therapeutic outcomes between patients and animal models, are critically reviewed
and discussed. The integration of TME-targeted and individualized therapeutic strategies may offer
promising prospects toward achieving durable clinical outcomes in breast cancer treatment.
P. Shankar, Gowthamarajan Kuppusamy, Apsara Unni et al.· Current Cancer Therapy Revie...· 0 citations
Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers among males worldwide, and its curative treatment is challenging. This review discusses pathways-including androgen receptor signalling, prostate-specific membrane antigen, DNA damage repair, neuroendocrine differentiation targets, metabolic reprogramming, Wnt/β-catenin, epigenetic modifications and stress response-and their roles in the development and progression of PC. Additionally, it outlines the medicinal agents developed and clinically evaluated against PC-whether in clinical practice or in trials-their mechanisms, therapeutic outcomes and current clinical status. Unlike the previously reported literature, this review provides integrated mechanistic insights with translational progress and offers a framework to support rational drug design and the development of next-generation therapies for better PC management.
Pratiksha Nathe, Yogesh Singh, Pooja Ratre et al.· Drug Discovery Today· 0 citations
Key oncogenic signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, were discussed in the context of therapeutic targeting and precision medicine and emerging strategies, particularly immunotherapy and combination approaches were addressed.
Xinyu Li, Jie Liu, Fang-Fang Huang et al.· Oncology Letters· 0 citations
A comprehensive overview of emerging and targeted therapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer, with emphasis on their molecular basis and clinical relevance, highlights a shift toward precision oncology for improved management of colorectal cancer.
Debgopal Ganguly, Ananta Choudhury, Himangshu Deka et al.· Clinical and Translational O...· 0 citations
