Proceedings of Anticancer Research

Transcriptomic Analysis of Organ-Specific Metastasis Regulation in Breast Cancer

2026-08-12T10:11:12+08:00

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis patterns through a transcriptomic analysis of breast cancer with organ-specific metastasis. Methods: (1) Breast cancer cell lines capable of specific lung and bone metastasis were constructed using the PyMT-1 cell line. (2) The IVIS imaging system was employed to screen cell lines with robust specific metastatic capabilities. (3) Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the resultant breast cancer cell lines exhibiting specific metastasis. (4) The transcriptome sequencing data were analyzed to identify pathways influencing specific metastasis in breast cancer. (5) Validation of pathway-related genes through PCR detection. (6) Clinical validation of differentially expressed genes in paraffin specimens. Results: (1) The IVIS system confirmed the specific metastatic abilities of PyMT-1, Py-L1, Py-L2, Py-B1 and Py-B2 tumors. PyMT-1, Py-L1 and Py-B1 were chosen for further experiments. (2) Following transcriptome sequencing, differentially expressed genes were identified and enrichment analysis was conducted. Pairwise comparisons among the three cell lines revealed 917 differentially expressed genes between PyMT-1 and Py-L1 (including 641 upregulated and 276 downregulated genes); 4131 differentially expressed genes between PyMT-1 and Py-B1 (including 2158 upregulated and 1973 downregulated genes). Conclusions: This study analyzed the genetic background related to breast cancer-specific lung and bone metastasis at the transcriptome level. Obtained the corresponding differential expression profiles and potential functional pathways involved. Demonstrated the promoting roles of CCN2 and ITGB6 in breast cancer lung metastasis, and the promoting roles of CD44 and THBS1 in breast cancer bone metastasis.

Research on the Application of Acupoint Embedding Thread in Comprehensive Tumor Treatment

2026-08-12T10:11:11+08:00

Acupoint embedding therapy is a traditional Chinese external treatment method that, under the guidance of the theory of meridians and acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine, implants absorbable thread bodies into specific acupoints and exerts therapeutic effects through continuous, gentle, long-lasting stimulation. In recent years, as the comprehensive treatment model for tumors has shifted from simply “prolonging survival” to “improving quality of life”, acupoint embedding, as an important part of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, has shown unique advantages in alleviating cancer pain, reducing adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, improving gastrointestinal function and regulating immune function. Based on relevant studies at home and abroad, this article reviews the mechanism of action, clinical application status and existing problems of acupoint embedding in adjuvant treatment of tumors, with the aim of providing references for clinical practice and in-depth research.

Research Progress on the Efficacy of PD-1 Inhibitors Combined with Chemotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer and the Regulatory Mechanism of Th1/Th2 Immune Balance

2026-08-12T10:11:10+08:00

Advanced gastric cancer is highly malignant, and traditional chemotherapy has limited efficacy. Currently, combining PD-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy represents a significant breakthrough in immunotherapy for this disease. This article reviews clinical evidence on the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer and the regulatory mechanism of Th1/Th2 immune balance. It explores the advantages of the combination strategy in terms of objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The combination therapy can harness cytotoxic effects to release tumor antigens, actively reshape the tumor immune microenvironment, and regulate key molecules such as MFSD2A. However, the predictive value of biomarkers is limited, and strategies to reverse the Th2-dominant microenvironment are immature, necessitating the integration of multi-omics data to construct precise predictive models. Future efforts should focus on developing novel combination regimens, establishing a multidimensional biomarker system, and optimizing individualized immune regulatory strategies to further enhance long-term survival benefits for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Inferring Tumor Spatial Gene Expression from Routine H&E Images: Pan-Cancer Validation and Spatial Profiling of Primary Breast Tumors and Lymph Node Metastases

2026-08-13T09:19:10+08:00

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) enables gene expression profiling while preserving tissue architecture, but its high cost and limited throughput constrain large-scale applications. This study evaluated the biological utility of VirtualST, a conditional diffusion model for inferring spatial gene expression from H&E images, in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), primary invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast (IDC), and breast cancer lymph node metastasis (LYMPH_IDC). Twelve samples with paired H&E images and ground-truth ST data were evaluated using leave-one-sample-out cross-validation. Inference started from pure noise, with ground-truth expression used only for post hoc evaluation, and the final prediction for each sample was obtained by averaging ten sampling runs. The mean gene-wise Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) were 0.467, 0.439, and 0.496 for COAD, IDC, and LYMPH_IDC, respectively, with better reconstruction of tumor epithelial, secretory, and proliferative programs. Using ground-truth ST epithelial scores from the held-out samples as an independent molecular reference, the predicted and ground-truth scores achieved within-sample Pearson correlations of 0.79 and 0.66 in IDC and LYMPH_IDC, respectively, with corresponding hotspot Dice coefficients of 0.64 and 0.44. These results indicate that VirtualST can recover within-sample spatial epithelial signals but is not suitable for absolute quantification across tissues or direct pathological region detection.

Research Progress and Evidence-Based Evaluation of Chromoendoscopy in Colonoscopy

2026-08-12T10:11:08+08:00

Colorectal cancer is a high-incidence malignant tumor of the digestive tract worldwide. Colonoscopic screening and complete resection of early lesions serve as the core strategies to reduce its morbidity and mortality. Conventional white-light endoscopy (WLE) exhibits a high missed diagnosis rate for minute adenomas, flat lesions, laterally spreading tumors (LSTs), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated dysplasia, which fails to meet the demands of precise early diagnosis. Chromoendoscopy (CE) enhances the fine mucosal microstructure, crypt morphology, and lesion boundaries via topical mucosal spraying of staining agents, thereby significantly improving lesion detection efficacy. Based on evidence-based medical data, this study systematically summarizes the mechanism of action, characteristics of commonly used staining agents, standardized operating procedures, and quality control key points of CE. By integrating randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and domestic and international authoritative guidelines, this paper hierarchically evaluates its clinical value in adenoma detection, early colorectal cancer diagnosis, LST assessment, IBD-related dysplasia screening, and postoperative follow-up. It further conducts an evidence-based comparison of the diagnostic efficacy among CE, WLE, virtual chromoendoscopy, magnifying endoscopy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted endoscopy. Additionally, the current limitations of existing studies are objectively summarized, and future research directions of this technology are prospected, aiming to provide evidence-based references for the standardized implementation of enhanced colonoscopy and the construction of a stratified early screening strategy for colorectal cancer.

Current Research Status and Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Anti-Tumor Therapy Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages

2026-08-12T10:11:07+08:00

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a key component of the tumor immune microenvironment, and their function depends on their polarization state. M1 macrophages are generally associated with anti-tumor immune activity, while M2 macrophages are linked to immunosuppression, tumor progression, and metastasis. Recent studies have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may regulate TAM polarization in cancer. Both experimental and clinical evidence suggest that TCM monomers and formulas can influence this process, although the strength of evidence varies. Compounds such as artesunate, matrine, and celastrol may shift macrophages toward the M1 phenotype, involving pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT6, and NF-κB. TCM formulas such as Bufei Decoction and Danggui Buxue Decoction have also been reported to enhance chemotherapy or immunotherapy effects, possibly through reducing immunosuppressive interactions in the tumor microenvironment. Clinically, Jianpi Yangzheng Xiaozhong Decoction has shown potential survival benefits in gastric cancer and has been included in integrated treatment guidelines. However, current evidence remains limited, with issues such as small sample sizes and lack of standardization. In addition, poor bioavailability of some TCM components continues to limit clinical application. Overall, TCM may regulate TAM polarization and reshape the tumor immune microenvironment through multiple targets, but further well-designed clinical studies are still needed for translation into practice.

Application of “Integrative Acupuncture and Moxibustion” in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Clinical Case Example

2026-08-12T10:11:06+08:00

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of Integrative Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods: The concept and clinical application of “Integrative Acupuncture and Moxibustion” are elucidated through a case study. Conclusion: Integrative Acupuncture and Moxibustion, employing a stepped clinical treatment model, effectively empowers the promotion of comprehensive external treatment protocols of traditional Chinese medicine, holistically enhances the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion, reduces the economic burden on patients, and fully leverages the advantages of acupuncture and moxibustion—simplicity, convenience, affordability, and efficacy—which is of great significance.

Research Progress on the Mechanisms of m6A Methylation in Neurodegenerative Cognitive Disorders

2026-08-12T10:11:06+08:00

Objective: To explore the core role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in neurodegenerative cognitive disorders, with a particular focus on its contribution to disease progression through the regulation of common mechanisms such as neuroimmune inflammation, and to discuss its clinical translational prospects. Methods: A systematic review of recent research literature on m6A methylation in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, was conducted, integrating analyses from molecular mechanisms, cellular phenotypes, to systemic pathology. Results and Conclusions: As a key epitranscriptomic regulatory mechanism, m6A methylation precisely regulates neural synaptic plasticity, autophagic clearance, and neuroimmune homeostasis through a dynamic network comprising “writer”, “eraser”, and “reader” proteins. Its homeostatic imbalance represents a core pathological hub leading to cognitive dysfunction: on one hand, m6A dysregulation directly mediates the polarization of microglia towards a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, amplifying neuroinflammatory responses; on the other hand, it exacerbates neuronal injury by affecting the metabolism of pathological proteins such as Tau and α-synuclein. Targeting m6A regulatory enzymes (e.g., FTO inhibitors, METTL3 activators) has shown potential for improving cognitive function in preclinical models. Additionally, biomarkers like m6A in peripheral blood exosomes hold value for non-invasive diagnosis. In summary, m6A methylation serves as a critical link connecting common pathological mechanisms across various neurodegenerative diseases, offering broad translational application prospects in disease diagnosis and targeted therapy.

Research Progress on the Role of PKM2 in Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders in Elderly Patients

2026-08-12T10:11:05+08:00

Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders (PND) are common postoperative complications affecting cognitive and behavioral function in elderly patients, significantly impacting recovery quality. Its pathogenesis is closely linked to an imbalance in cerebral metabolic-immune homeostasis. Recent studies have identified the key metabolic and immune enzyme, Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2), as a participant in the initiation and progression of PND. Surgical trauma and anesthesia can upregulate PKM2 via signaling pathways such as HMGB1, TLR4, and HIF-1α, promoting its acetylation, dimerization, and nuclear translocation. Subsequently, activated PKM2 enhances oxidative stress and recruits NLRPs to drive neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity decline, leading to postoperative cognitive dysfunction. These cascading changes, to a certain extent, affect postoperative neurological recovery. Mouse model studies have revealed therapeutic strategies targeting PKM2. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which PKM2 influences cognitive and behavioral function through the regulation of neuroinflammation and energy metabolism disorders, and discusses precise brain protection strategies targeting PKM2, offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of PND.