Proceedings of Anticancer Research

Lidocaine Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Modulating AKR1B1/miR-21-5p Pathway

Luyao Wang — 2026-05-31

This study was to investigate the effect of lidocaine on the proliferation and apoptosis of the human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT116) and explore the underlying mechanism. HCT116 cells’ proliferation and apoptosis rate were determined by CCK8 assay flow cytometry, followed by treating the cells with 0.5 mM and 1 mM lidocaine. HCT116 cells were transfected with NC-mimic, Mimic-miR-21-5p, inhibitor-NC, and Inhibitor-miR-21-5p, followed by treatment with Lidocaine and fidarestat, combined and both alone. The expression of miR-21-5p and of AKR1B1, PTEN, p-AKT, AKT, and PI3K proteins was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. This study find lidocaine inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a time-dose dependent manner. Lidocaine and fidarestat, both alone and in combination, reduced the expression of miR-21-5p and AKR1B1. Lidocaine and fidarestat alone and combined treatments and the miR-21-5p-inhibitor group decreased the expression of p-AKT and PI3K and vice versa in the mimic-miR-21-5p group. The expression of PTEN was increased in the lidocaine + fidarestat group, decreased in the mimic-miR-21-5p group. These results suggest that lidocaine inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells and promoted cell apoptosis by downregulating the expression of AKR1B1/miR-21-5p and further modulating the PTEN/AKT/PI3K signaling pathway.

Mapping and Visualization of Global Research on Bispecific Antibodies in Solid Tumors: A Bibliometric Analysis (2006–2025)

Zipei Chen — 2026-05-31

Background: Although bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) hold promising therapeutic prospects in solid tumors, there is scarce bibliometric analysis on this field. This study aimed to systematically map the research landscape, identify key trends, and highlight future directions for BsAb research in solid tumors. Methods: Literature of BsAb development for solid tumors was retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection published between 2006 and 2025. Publication distribution, research trends and hotspots were analyzed and visualized by VOSviewer, CiteSpace and the R package “bibliometrix”. Results: Overall, we identified 3632 publications stemming from a fast-growing field currently strongly influenced by the United States and China, with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and National Cancer Institute the most productive research centers, Front Immunol the most productive journal and J Clin Oncol the most cited. The dominant research topics that appeared from keyword analysis are bispecific antibody, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, non-small cell lung cancer, and EGFR. Conclusion: This study documents the evolution of BsAb research, from basic science to clinical translational research in solid tumors. The research in this field is highly mature at this point, with emphasis on the targeting of specific tumor types and specific antigens. In order to further push forward the frontier, greater international and subfield collaborations, as well as larger-scale clinical trials targeting broader indications, overcoming resistant mechanisms and combination strategies are necessary.

Analysis of Clinicopathological Features of Dual- Phenotype Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Qingtao Shi — 2026-05-31

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations, histopathological features, and differential diagnosis of dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Histopathological observation and immunohistochemical study were performed on 3 cases of dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma. Results: The tissues of 3 cases of dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma showed irregular, unevenly sized nests and trabeculae. One case was dominated by fibrous stroma with indistinct sinusoids, and 2 cases had obvious sinusoids. The cells were large, polygonal, with strong cell adhesion, relatively clear cell boundaries, and abundant and strongly eosinophilic cytoplasm. The cell nuclei exhibited significant pleomorphism and atypia, with thick nuclear membranes, coarse chromatin in clumps, obvious nucleoli, and visible mitoses. Conclusion: Dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma is a unique and highly aggressive subtype of primary liver cancer, which is relatively rare and often occurs in patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis, with abdominal pain as the main clinical symptom. It has the biological behaviors of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, and the clinical prognosis is poor.

Clinical Review on Perioperative Immunotherapy Patterns for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Shaoyong Dong — 2026-05-31

The application scope of immunotherapy has gradually expanded from advanced non-small cell lung cancer to the perioperative stage, with three core clinical application forms progressively established: neoadjuvant therapy, adjuvant therapy, and comprehensive management combining neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that all three treatment modalities can achieve improvements in pathological response and event-free survival. However, consensus remains elusive regarding the characteristics of beneficiary populations, efficacy differences among various treatment strategies, and perioperative-specific safety risks. By integrating recent clinical research findings and systematically reviewing evidence-based data for each therapeutic approach, this review aims to provide evidence-based support for rational clinical treatment selection.

A Review of Compound Sihuang External Lotion

Yiming Yuan — 2026-05-31

As a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, Compound Sihuang External Lotion shows unique advantages in the treatment of various clinical diseases, especially in infectious wounds, gouty ulcers, acute gouty arthritis, postoperative care of finger replantation, and contact dermatitis caused by PICC catheterization, which has attracted extensive attention. Since 2011, multiple studies have demonstrated that Compound Sihuang External Lotion can not only effectively improve wound conditions and promote tissue growth, reduce pain and swelling, but also significantly decrease the levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), exerting positive effects on improving therapeutic efficacy. In addition, combined with other therapies such as bloodletting puncture, auricular point pressing with beans, and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD), Compound Sihuang External Lotion further enhances its efficacy in wound repair and inflammation control. However, despite the remarkable progress in clinical application, further research is still needed on its specific mechanism of action, optimal concentration, and dosage form modification to provide a more scientific and rational basis for clinical use. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the application effects and possible mechanisms of Compound Sihuang External Lotion in the treatment of different diseases, providing references for subsequent research and clinical practice.

Research Progress on Optimization Strategies for Perioperative Accelerated Recovery Nursing Pathway in Lung Cancer

Ying Yang — 2026-05-31

Focusing on the improvement of perioperative accelerated recovery nursing pathways for lung cancer, this study reviews existing literature. The standardized nursing pathway established through interdisciplinary collaboration can shorten postoperative mobilization timing and overall hospitalization duration. Patient education videos combined with psychological interventions enhance patient compliance with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, reducing the need for clinical analgesics. A comprehensive perioperative respiratory prophylaxis and control protocol decreases the incidence of atelectasis. Evidence-based node-based nursing pathways improve implementation coverage and shorten overall hospitalization duration. Comfortable ward environments alleviate patient psychological anxiety, while nursing protocols are adjusted according to minimally invasive surgical characteristics.

Inhaled Microplastics: Emerging Toxicological Mechanisms and Lung Cancer Risk

Liuyin Wu — 2026-05-31

Global plastic pollution is rising, drawing attention to health risks from respiratory exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); at the same time, lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, many research groups have studied the relationship between MNPs exposure and the development of lung cancer. Inhalation is the main way for MNPs to enter the respiratory system, and the primary response of cells to plastic particles is an increase in oxidative stress. The consequences of MNP exposure mainly include oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammatory reaction, macrophage polarization and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). These physiological processes eventually induce the malignant transformation of normal cells. In summary, this review systematically sorts out and improves the toxicological theory and mechanism of MNPs driving the malignant transformation of tissues, aiming to provide a scientific basis for environmental health risk assessment and lung cancer prevention and control.

Study on the Impact of the “H2H” Nutritional Management Model Based on the Internet Platform on the Nutritional Status and Quality of Life of Patients after Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Yufeng Pan — 2026-05-31

Objective: To explore the influence of the “H2H” (Hospital to Home) nutrition management model based on the Internet platform on the nutritional status and quality of life of patients after esophageal cancer surgery, and to provide evidence-based evidence for the continuous nutrition management after esophageal cancer surgery. Methods: From August 2025 to April 2026, 138 postoperative patients with esophageal cancer in our hospital were randomly divided into a control group of 71 cases and an observation group of 67 cases by convenient sampling method. The control group received conventional nutritional management, while the observation group implemented the “H2H” nutritional management model based on the Internet platform on this basis. The intervention period was 3 months after discharge. The nutritional indicators, the score of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) and the score of the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Cancer Patients (QLQ-C30) of the two groups of patients before the intervention (1 day before discharge) and after the intervention (3 months after discharge) were compared. Results: Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in various nutritional indicators, NRS2002 scores and scores of each functional domain of QLQ-C30 between the two groups of patients (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the levels of body weight, prealbumin, serum albumin and hemoglobin in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the standardized scores of physical, cognitive, emotional, social and role functions in the QLQ-C30 scale were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in transferrin levels and NRS2002 scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The “H2H” nutrition management model based on the Internet platform can effectively improve the core nutritional indicators of postoperative patients with esophageal cancer, enhance their quality of life, and has high patient compliance. It is an efficient postoperative continuous nutrition management model and is worthy of promotion and application in the field of clinical tumor care.

Effectiveness and Safety of Macitentan in Hemodialysis Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Retrospective and Observational Study

Pupu Ma — 2026-05-31

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disease often associated with high mortality and is recently recognized as a common complication secondary to chronic kidney disease. Macitentan can improve clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension in clinical trials. To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of macitentan tablets in the treatment of hemodialysis HD patients complicated with PH. Methods: This was a retrospective study performed in the renal division of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. A total of 10 patients with PAH who underwent regular hemodialysis (HD) (three times weekly for 4 hours each session) were enrolled. All patients received basic treatment, based on which macitentan tablets were added (10 mg per dose, once daily, oral administration), with a treatment cycle of 12 weeks. The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) measured by echocardiography, and WHO functional class were compared before and after treatment. Serious adverse events (SAEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of macitentan were collected. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, the proportion of patients with WHO-FC II increased from 20% to 60% (p = 0.046). LVEF showed an upward trend, with the median rising from 50.5% to 53.5% (p = 0.03). The mean 6MWD increased by 28.8 m (p = 0.035). Median NT-proBNP decreased from 39018 ng/L to 18987.5 ng/L (p = 0.017). Meanwhile, mean PASP dropped from 52.1 (5.363) mmHg to 39.4 (8.796) mmHg. Only two mild adverse reactions (dizziness and aggravated mild anemia) occurred during the entire observation period, which were relieved after symptomatic treatment. No severe liver or renal function impairment or treatment discontinuation was observed. Conclusion: With regular HD and basic treatment, macitentan demonstrates clear short-term efficacy and controllable safety in HD patients with WHO class II-III PH.

The Mechanisms and Research Progress of Chinese Medicine Monomers in Reversing Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer

Xiaosui Ji — 2026-05-31

The development of chemotherapy resistance is a critical factor leading to treatment failure and high mortality in ovarian cancer. Among current research directions, Chinese medicine monomers (CMMs) have shown great potential in reversing chemotherapy resistance due to their multi‑targeting properties and low toxicity. This review summarizes the research progress of various Chinese medicine monomers in reversing chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer, including polyphenols (such as quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate, resveratrol, kaempferol, myricetin, and ellagic acid), alkaloids (such as berberine, piperine, sanguinarine, and capsaicin), terpenoids (such as toosendanin and triptolide), and phenylpropanoids (such as myristicin and apiole). These monomers primarily exert their effects by regulating key signaling pathways (including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, p53, and NF-κB) and by interfering with critical processes such as drug efflux, DNA damage repair, apoptosis, and autophagy, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin. Furthermore, this review discusses the advantages of combination strategies involving Chinese medicine monomers, as well as the current challenges.

Spatial Mapping Reveals an Immunosuppressive Niche Linking CD8A+ T-cell Exhaustion and Breast Cancer Stem Cells in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Fanyi Zhang — 2026-05-31

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the spatial distribution of CD8A⁺PD-1⁺TIGIT⁺ exhausted T cells in HER2-positive breast cancer and to investigate their spatial relationship with CD44⁺CD24⁻ breast cancer stem cells. Method: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded HER2-positive breast cancer specimens were analyzed using multiplex immunofluorescence, pathological region annotation, and spatial proteomic analysis. Regions of interest were annotated based on histological features, including invasive carcinoma-associated areas, adjacent stroma, peritumoral fibrous tissue, and adipose tissue. CD8A⁺PD-1⁺TIGIT⁺ T cells were identified at the single-cell level, and their regional distribution was quantitatively compared. Spatial mapping, distance-based analysis, and interaction network analysis were performed to evaluate the spatial association between exhausted T cells and CD44⁺CD24⁻ BCSCs. Pairwise comparisons were conducted using two-tailed Welch’s t-test. Result: CD8A⁺PD-1⁺TIGIT⁺ T cells were preferentially enriched in invasive carcinoma-associated regions and adjacent stromal areas, with significantly lower abundance in peritumoral fibrous and adipose tissues. Within the CD8A⁺ T-cell compartment, the proportion of triple-positive exhausted T cells was highest in invasive lesions and decreased toward peripheral non-invasive regions. Spatial analyses showed that CD8A⁺PD-1⁺TIGIT⁺ T cells and CD44⁺CD24⁻ BCSCs were co-enriched in invasive carcinoma, tumor–stromal interface zones, and lymphoid tissue-associated microregions. Distance-based heatmaps and interaction network analyses further confirmed recurrent spatial proximity between these two cell populations. Conclusion: CD8A⁺PD-1⁺TIGIT⁺ exhausted T cells are spatially enriched in invasive pathological microregions of HER2-positive breast cancer and show close spatial association with CD44⁺CD24⁻ BCSCs. The observed spatial overlap between tumor stemness and T-cell exhaustion defines a localized suppressive niche. This interplay likely underpins the biological mechanisms through which HER2-positive breast cancer evades immune surveillance and develops resistance to therapy.

Abnormal Protein Structure Characterization Based on Proteomics and Its Application in Disease Diagnosis

Zekun Duan — 2026-05-31

As the key agents of biological processes, proteins’ functionality is closely tied to the integrity of their spatial structure. Structural abnormalities can lead to protein dysfunction, which, in consequence, may induce a variety of diseases. Proteomics focuses on the entire proteome. The combination of high-throughput detection techniques and bioinformatics analysis has opened up new possibilities for characterising abnormal protein structures. It also provides a crucial molecular basis for the early diagnosis, classification and prognosis assessment of diseases. This review summarises the core proteomics techniques used to characterise abnormal protein structures. It focuses on the distinguishing features of such structures in fields such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and metabolic disorders, as well as their diagnostic applications, and provides a reference for proteomics-based research into abnormal proteins and the precise diagnosis of diseases.