Colorectal Cancer Stem Cell Biomarkers: Biological Traits and Prognostic Insights.

Due to self-renewal, differentiation, and limitless proliferation properties, Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) increase the probability of tumor development. These cells are identified by using CSC markers, which are highly expressed proteins on the cell surface of CSCs. Recently, the therapeutic application of CSCs as novel biomarkers improved both the prognosis and diagnosis outcome of colorectal Cancer. In the present review, we focused on a specific panel of colorectal CSC markers, including LGR5, ALDH, CD166, CD133, and CD44, which offers a targeted and comprehensive analysis of their functions. The selection criteria for these markersCancer were based on their established significance in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) pathogenesis and clinical outcomes, providing novel insights into the CSC biology of CRC. Through this approach, we aim to elevate understanding and stimulate further research for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in CRC.

The Application of Nanotechnological Therapeutic Platforms against Gynecological Cancers.

Gynecological cancers (GCs), ovarian, cervical, and endometrial/uterine cancers, are often associated with poor outcomes. Despite the development of several therapeutic modalities against GCs, the effectiveness of the current therapeutic approaches is limited due to their side effects, low therapeutic index, short halflife, and resistance to therapy. To overcome these limitations, nano delivery-based approaches have been introduced with the potential of targeted delivery, reduced toxicity, controlled release, and improved bioavailability of various cargos. This review summarizes the application of different nanoplatforms, such as lipid-based, metal- based, and polymeric nanoparticles, to improve the chemo/radio treatments of GC. In the following work, the use of nanoformulated agents to fight GCs has been mentioned in various clinical trials. Although nanosystems have their own challenges, the knowledge highlighted in this article could provide deep insight into translations of NPs approaches to overcome GCs.

Microbiome as a biomarker and therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.

Studying the effects of the microbiome on the development of different types of cancer has recently received increasing research attention. In this context, the microbial content of organs of the gastrointestinal tract has been proposed to play a potential role in the development of pancreatic cancer (PC). Proposed mechanisms for the pathogenesis of PC include persistent inflammation caused by microbiota leading to an impairment of antitumor immune surveillance and altered cellular processes in the tumor microenvironment. The limited available diagnostic markers that can currently be used for screening suggest the importance of microbial composition as a non-invasive biomarker that can be used in clinical settings. Samples including saliva, stool, and blood can be analyzed by 16 s rRNA sequencing to determine the relative abundance of specific bacteria. Studies have shown the potentially beneficial effects of prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, and bacteriophage therapy in altering microbial diversity, and subsequently improving treatment outcomes. In this review, we summarize the potential impact of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of PC, and the role these microorganisms might play as biomarkers in the diagnosis and determining the prognosis of patients. We also discuss novel treatment methods being used to minimize or prevent the progression of dysbiosis by modulating the microbial composition. Emerging evidence is supportive of applying these findings to improve current therapeutic strategies employed in the treatment of PC.

The potential therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in colorectal cancer.

The application of the CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) system in tumor studies has led to the discovery of several new treatment strategies for colorectal cancer (CRC), including the recognition of novel target genes, the construction of animal mass models, and the identification of genes related to chemotherapy resistance. CRISPR/Cas9 can be applied to genome therapy for CRC, particularly regarding molecular-targeted medicines and suppressors. This review summarizes some aspects of using CRISPR/Cas9 in treating CRC. Further in-depth and systematic research is required to fully realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in CRC treatment and integrate it into clinical practice.

Circulating microRNAs as Potential Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Targets in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a very poor prognosis, and excessive resistance to chemotherapy. MicroRNAs have been shown to play important roles in PDAC oncogenesis as they can act as both oncogenes and tumor suppressor molecules. Altered expression of specific microRNAs in PDAC has diagnostic and prognostic implications. There is growing body of evidence showing the important role of miR-486-5p and miR-938 for discrimination of PDAC patients from healthy subjects and those with chronic pancreatitis. Additionally the diagnostic features of miR-486-5p were comparable with CA 19-9 for the detection of PDAC patients, suggesting its diagnostic value as a blood-based miRNA in PDAC, although further investigations are warranted for validation of this marker. In addition to these applications, several studies have suggested therapeutic potential of some miRNAs in PDAC. In particular, modulations of let-7, miR-29a, miR-17-5p, miR-365, miR-181b, miR-21, miR-221 and miR-96 are reported to be associated with tumor response. Moreover, enforced expression of miR-17-92 inhibits tumourigenicity and increased chemoresistance in PDAC cancer stem cells via TGF-ß1 pathway, while overexpression of miR-96 suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in a manner associated with KRAS downregulation. In this review we attempt to give an overview about recent preclinical and clinical studies that have addressed the potential use of circulating microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, their use as therapeutic targets and finally, we discuss the possible role of microRNAs in PDAC chemoresistance.