Proceedings of Anticancer Research

Trace Elements and Tumor: Research Progress

Zhiguang Wen — 2025-12-10

This review systematically summarizes the core advances in the field of trace elements and tumors, and clarifies the dual roles of key elements such as Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Mn, and Ni in tumorigenesis (e.g., DNA damage repair), tumor progression (e.g., tumor microenvironment regulation), and therapeutic response—these elements not only possess tumor-suppressive potential but can also contribute to tumorigenesis. Meanwhile, it confirms the breakthrough value of multi-omics technologies and organoid models in deciphering the “element-cell-tumor” interaction mechanisms, which overcomes the limitations of traditional in vitro experiments and also points out the core directions for subsequent clinical research.

Clinical Experience of Professor Bian Weihe in Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Jianhong He — 2025-12-08

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is marked by its high degree of malignancy and challenging treatment outcomes. While Western medicine predominantly relies on chemotherapy, issues such as drug resistance and toxic side effects remain prevalent. Drawing on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle of “treating the same disease with different methods,” Bian devises individualized therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique syndrome patterns of TNBC patients, adhering to the core tenets of “treatment based on syndrome differentiation” and “simultaneous regulation of the liver and spleen.” Through an analysis of clinical cases involving TNBC patients, this paper summarizes Bian’s clinical experience, which emphasizes foundational approaches such as strengthening the body’s resistance and soothing the liver to regulate qi, combined with personalized therapies including clearing heat and draining dampness, pacifying the liver and subduing yang, and resolving phlegm to unblock collaterals. The study highlights a diagnostic model of “multiple prescriptions for one disease, tailored to individual conditions,” providing valuable insights for the personalized TCM treatment of TNBC.

Mechanism of Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim. in Treatment of Bladder Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

Hong Tian — 2025-12-10

To investigate the targets and mechanism of Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim (HMM) in treatment of bladder cancer (BC). Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and gene databases, active substances and potential targets of HMM were screened, and the HMM-active substances-targets-BC (HATB) regulatory network and PPI network were constructed. Hub targets were screened by Cytoscape. The main active substances and Hub targets were molecularly docked with AutoDock and visualized by PyMOL. 12 Hub targets were screened. Molecular docking showed that active substances mainly acted on MAPK14, MAPK1 and CCND1. The bindings of calycosin to MAPK14, formononetin to MAPK14, and calycosin to CCND1 were stable.

Long Non-coding RNA Morrbid is Upregulated in Multiple Myeloma Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Zhaoqiang Xiang — 2025-12-08

Background: Long non-coding RNAs are implicated in metabolic diseases and malignancies, but their role in multiple myeloma (MM) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. This study evaluated Long non-coding RNA Morrbid expression in MM patients with/without T2DM. Methods: The study enrolled 107 MM patients (48 with T2DM, 59 without) and 72 non-MM controls (23 with T2DM, 49 without). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood samples using red blood cell lysis. Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs, followed by reverse transcription, and the expression levels of Morrbid were detected by Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Results: We found that the expression of Morrbid was upregulated in the MM group compared to the non-MM patients. Within the MM group, the expression of Morrbid was significantly higher in patients with T2DM than in those without T2DM. In contrast, no significant difference in Morrbid expression was observed between T2DM and non-T2DM patients in the non-MM patients. Furthermore, we discovered a positive correlation between Morrbid expression and fasting blood sugar levels in MM patients. Operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.822 (sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 79.7%) for diagnosing T2DM in MM, suggesting that Morrbid may serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker for T2DM in MM patients. Conclusions: The high expression of Morrbid in MM patients with T2DM may indicate its critical role in tumor-related glucose metabolism. Additionally, Morrbid may potentially serve as a diagnostic biomarker for T2DM in MM patients.

Factors Influencing Decision Regret in Patients Undergoing Permanent Colostomy for Colorectal Cancer

Mingxuan Zhang — 2025-12-12

Objective: To explore factors influencing decision regret among colorectal cancer patients undergoing intestinal ostomy. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 102 colorectal cancer patients who underwent intestinal ostomy surgery and visited the ostomy clinic at a tertiary hospital in Baoding from July to September 2025. The Chinese version of the Ostomy Adaptation Inventory (OAI-20), Decision Regret Scale (DRS), Decision Conflict Scale (DCS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) were used to measure patients’ adaptation to stoma, decision regret, decision conflict, and quality of life. The Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) assessed patient involvement in ostomy surgery decisions, while the SSUK-8 evaluated social support. Additional items explored perceptions related to decision-making, participation, and outcomes. Results: Among 134 eligible patients attending the clinic, 120 participated in the questionnaire, with 102 completing all items. Stoma patients reported an average decision regret score of 60.83 (SD 28.43), an average coping ability score of 54.26 (SD 26.69), an average decision conflict score of 62.55 (SD 25.95), and a quality of life score of 56.93 (SD 27.46). In the multiple regression analysis, decision regret was associated with decision conflict, poor patient coping ability, low quality of life, and low social support. Conclusion: Decision regret is prevalent among Chinese CRC patients following ostomy surgery. Compared with similar studies in other regions, Chinese CRC patients exhibit a higher rate of regret. This may be related to lower patient involvement in decision-making, generally poorer quality of life, and heavier economic burdens.

Insurance Plan Choice among Cancer Patients in China: A Structured Narrative Review and Research Agenda

Hongmei Chi — 2025-12-08

Cancer patients in China navigate a complex and uneven insurance landscape, making plan choice critical for equitable financial protection. This study conducts a structured narrative review (2010–2025) of the Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, focusing on empirical research on insurance plan choice, enrollment, or switching among cancer patients and their households in China. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted information on key determinants and identification strategies. The evidence converges on five main determinants: insurance literacy, health knowledge, prior coverage, financial capability, and policy promotion intensity (PPI). However, most studies are cross-sectional and descriptive, with inconsistent operationalization of determinants, weak or absent mediation tests for PPI, and limited coverage of rural, elderly, and low-literacy populations. Building on these gaps, we synthesize an evidence map, propose an operational PPI index, and highlight quasi-experimental opportunities (such as staggered NRDL updates and variation in local publicity efforts) to identify mechanisms and inform more inclusive, patient-centered insurance design in China.

Technical Specifications for Super Minimally Invasive Stepwise Full-thickness Resection Surgery (sft-SMIR) for Colorectal Cancer

Qianqian Chen — 2025-12-10

This article outlines the technical specifications of super minimally invasive stepwise full-thickness resection surgery for colorectal cancer (sft-SMIR). sft-SMIR is a super minimally invasive surgery performed through natural orifices, combining endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and full-thickness resection (EFTR) techniques, aimed at curing the disease while maximizing the preservation of the structure and function of the colorectal organs. The article specifies that this technique is suitable for early colon cancer, early rectal cancer, and locally advanced low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy, detailing its indications and contraindications. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment, meticulous preoperative imaging and endoscopic evaluation, standardized intraoperative procedures (including marking, dissection, traction, full-thickness resection, and wound closure), as well as rigorous postoperative management and follow-up processes. Additionally, the expert consensus highlights the need for a strong focus on infection prevention and the establishment of standardized training and quality control systems to promote the safe and standardized application of this difficult endoscopic technique.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Induced by Combined Toripalimab and Pazopanib Therapy in a Patient with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Vertebral Metastasis: A Case Report

Qi Zhu — 2025-12-08

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and life-threatening form of thrombotic microangiopathy, primarily caused by a deficiency of ADAMTS-13 activity. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are autoimmune toxicities mediated by the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Here, the study reports a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura that developed in a patient with renal cell carcinoma and vertebral metastasis following combined treatment with Toripalimab and Pazopanib. The patient received Toripalimab in combination with Pazopanib after undergoing radical nephrectomy for right renal cell carcinoma. Five days later, a generalized erythematous rash appeared, partly confluent, accompanied by congestion and swelling of both palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva. Based on the clinical presentation and laboratory results showing thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia, the diagnosis of TTP was established. The condition was considered an adverse effect associated with the combination therapy of Toripalimab and Pazopanib. Plasma exchange and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy were promptly initiated. The treatment regimen was subsequently modified to Axitinib combined with radiotherapy, leading to a gradual recovery of platelet counts. This report highlights the potential risk of TTP associated with combined ICI and TKI therapy, and underscores the importance of early recognition and timely management of this potentially fatal complication.

Meta-Synthesis of Physical and Psychological Experiences During PICC Maintenance in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Xueyun Zheng — 2025-12-08

Objective: To explore the real experience of the maintenance of patients with a central venous catheter (PICC) inserted by peripheral venipentesis, and to provide a reference for improving the quality of life of patients with cancer chemotherapy with catheter indentation and regular maintenance. Methods: Qualitative studies on the real experience of patients with PICC catheterization were searched from domestic and foreign databases from the establishment of the database to November 31, 2024, and the meta-integration method was used to integrate and summarize the study results. Results: A total of 10 studies were included, 63 topics were extracted, 9 categories were summarized, and 3 results were integrated. PICC-induced life behavior change, skin stress reaction and economic cost consideration (life disturbance caused by PICC, unpleasant experience caused by film, economic pressure), from patient to nursing: Chain reaction factors of PICC maintenance risk (lax patient self-management, nurses worried about overprotective family members, nursing professional deficiencies, and education gaps): The maintenance and integration results of 3 PICC catheters: the trigger of PICC maintenance risk, multi-factor psychological stress, family nurse support and education difficulties analysis (psychological stress under PICC multi-factor and role transformation during the treatment interval, PICC maintenance experience, family support. Conclusion: During the use of PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) for tumor chemotherapy patients, they are faced with issues such as the curling of the dressing. In order to enhance the patients’ treatment effectiveness and quality of life, comprehensive considerations are required. By strengthening the training of nurses, optimizing health education, improving the awareness and compliance of patients and their families, enhancing the maintenance experience, and reducing the economic burden, we can address the numerous problems that occur during the use of PICC.

Cancer Cell Survival Strategies: The Collusion between Autophagy and Immune Evasion in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Yingwen Du — 2025-12-10

This review systematically elucidates the core mechanisms and research advancements regarding the role of autophagy in immune evasion in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy exhibits a typical “context-dependent” dual role in RCC pathogenesis: it may suppress tumorigenesis in early stages, while primarily promoting cell survival and immunosuppressive functions within the established tumor microenvironment (TME). Autophagy facilitates immune escape through multi-dimensional mechanisms, including the precise regulation of PD-L1 stability, degradation of MHC-I molecules and the antigenic peptide pool, remodeling of the metabolic microenvironment, induction of T cell exhaustion, and enhancement of immunosuppressive cell functions. Therapeutically, combining autophagy inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated significant synergistic effects in preclinical studies, and several clinical trials have provided preliminary validation of its safety and efficacy. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics technologies and advanced disease models to deeply elucidate the autophagy regulatory network, explore its crosstalk with other cell death pathways such as pyroptosis and ferroptosis, and promote the development of personalized treatment strategies based on precise stratification of autophagy activity, thereby offering new avenues to overcome immunotherapy resistance in RCC.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction Combined with Probiotics in Treating Radiation Enteritis and Its Regulatory Effect on Intestinal Flora

Xiaofeng Miao — 2025-12-09

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with probiotics (Clostridium butyricum live capsules) in treating radiation enteritis (RE) in tumor patients, as well as its regulatory effect on the structure of intestinal flora, providing clinical evidence for the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment of radiation enteritis. Methods: A total of 40 patients with radiation enteritis admitted to the Oncology Department of Linfen Central Hospital from September 2023 to December 2024 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table method, with 20 cases in each group. The control group was treated with Clostridium butyricum live capsules, while the observation group was treated with Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction in addition to the treatment given to the control group. Both groups received a 4-week treatment course. Intestinal function indicators and changes in intestinal flora structure were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group versus the control group was (95.00% vs 65.00%), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The fecal formation rate in the observation group (85.00% vs 60.00%) was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the defecation frequency (2.15 ± 0.42 vs 3.85 ± 0.65) times/day was significantly lower than that in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). After treatment, the quantities of Bifidobacterium (6.85 ± 0.72 L vs 5.23 ± 0.61 L) gCFU/g and Lactobacillus (6.52 ± 0.68 L vs 4.98 ± 0.57 L) gCFU/g in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the quantities of Escherichia coli (4.12 ± 0.53 L vs 5.67 ± 0.65 L) gCFU/g and Staphylococcus (3.85 ± 0.48 L vs 5.23 ± 0.59 L) gCFU/g were significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Clinical studies have confirmed that the synergistic treatment of radiation enteritis with Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction and probiotics can significantly improve patients’ clinical symptoms and restore the balance of intestinal flora, providing an effective regimen for clinical treatment.

Association between Glutathione S-transferase Gene Polymorphisms and Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Case-control Study

Mengdan Zhao — 2025-12-08

This case-control study evaluated the frequency of Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) deletion and Glutathione S-transferase Alpha 1 (GSTA1) mutation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, whether they had concomitant lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) or not, to assess their connection with cancer susceptibility. By means of multivariate logistic regression analysis, the GSTM1 null genotype serves as a significant standalone risk factor for LSCC, in addition to variables like age, smoking history, emphysema, body mass index (BMI), albumin level, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). A predictive model incorporating these factors demonstrated superior discriminative ability compared to the established COPD Lung Cancer Screening Score (COPD-LUCSS).

Research on the Expression and Clinical Significance of KLF4 and KLF5 in Breast Cancer

Jie Wang — 2025-12-12

As members of the Kruppel-like transcription factor family, KLF4 and KLF5 play critical roles in the development and progression of breast cancer, yet their functions are complex. KLF4 exhibits a dual role: on one hand, it inhibits metastasis by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activating E-cadherin transcription; on the other hand, it can sustain tumor stem cell properties to promote progression. Its tumor-suppressive or tumor-promoting effects are highly dependent on the status of p21 and the cellular microenvironment. KLF5 is significantly overexpressed in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), promoting tumor proliferation and metastasis by regulating the cell cycle (inducing Cyclin D1 and inhibiting p27), maintaining stemness (activating Slug/Nanog), and forming a positive feedback loop with KLF5-XPO1. Clinical studies have demonstrated that overexpression of KLF4 is associated with poor prognosis in patients, while small-molecule inhibitors targeting KLF5 (such as mifepristone and CDK7/BRD4 inhibitors) can inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Both KLF4 and KLF5 influence breast cancer heterogeneity and treatment response by regulating key signaling pathways. Future research should further elucidate their environment-dependent mechanisms to develop precise targeting strategies.