Underlying Features of Prostate Cancer-Statistics, Risk Factors, and Emerging Methods for Its Diagnosis

Splicing variants of versican in CD133+/CD44+ prostate cancer stem cells

A cancer mass is composed of a heterogeneous group of cells, a small part of which constitutes the cancer stem cells since they are less differentiated and have a high capacity to develop cancer. Versican is an extracellular matrix protein located in many human tissues. The mRNA of versican has been shown to have "splicing patterns" as detected by RT-PCR, northern blot analysis, and cDNA sequencing. Based on this knowledge this study aims to reveal the splice variants of versican molecules, which are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of the DU-145 human prostatic carcinoma cell line and prostatic cancer stem cells isolated from this cell line. In this study, RWPE-1 normal prostatic and DU-145 human prostate cancer cell lines have been used. Prostatic cancer stem cells and the remaining group of non-prostatic-cancer stem cells (bulk population) were isolated according to their CD133+/CD44+. RNA was isolated in all groups, and sequence analysis was accomplished for splicing variants by Illumina NextSeq 500 sequencing system. The results were analyzed by bioinformatic evaluation. As five isoforms of the versican gene in the differential transcript expression are analyzed, it was observed that a significant change was only found in the isoforms Versican 0 and Versican 1. In this study, we explored the function of this molecule which we think to be effective in cancer progression, and suggested that more valuable results can be obtained after the accomplishment of in vivo experiments.

Elevated LAMTOR4 Expression Is Associated with Lethal Prostate Cancer and Its Knockdown Decreases Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration In Vitro

Late endosomal/lysosomal adaptor, MAPK and mTOR, or LAMTOR, is a scaffold protein complex that senses nutrients and integrates growth factor signaling. The role of LAMTOR4 in tumorigenesis is still unknown. However, there is a considerable possibility that LAMTOR4 is directly involved in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. In the current study, we investigated the protein expression of LAMTOR4 in a cohort of 314 men who were undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) consisting of incidental, advanced and castration-resistant cases. We also correlated the data with ERG and PTEN genomic status and clinicopathological features including Gleason score and patients' outcome. Additionally, we performed in vitro experiments utilizing knockdown of LAMTOR4 in prostate cell lines, and we performed mRNA expression assessment using TCGA prostate adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD) to explore the potential differentially expressed genes and pathways associated with LAMTOR4 overexpression in PCa patients. Our data indicate that high LAMTOR4 protein expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.44, CI: 1.01-2.05, p = 0.047) and unfavorable cause-specific survival (CSS) (HR: 1.71, CI: 1.06-2.77, p = 0.028). Additionally, when high LAMTOR4 expression was combined with PTEN-negative cases (score 0), we found significantly poorer OS (HR: 2.22, CI: 1.37-3.59, p = 0.001) and CSS (HR: 3.46, CI: 1.86-6.46, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, ERG-positive cases with high LAMTOR4 exhibited lower OS (HR: 1.98, CI: 1.18-3.31, p = 0.01) and CSS (HR: 2.54, CI: 1.32-4.87, p = 0.005). In vitro assessment showed that knockdown of LAMTOR4 decreases PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our data further showed that knockdown of LAMTOR4 in the LNCaP cell line significantly dysregulated the β catenin/mTOR pathway and tumorigenesis associated pathways. Inhibiting components of the mTOR pathway, including LAMTOR4, might offer a strategy to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis in prostate cancer.

A Systematic Review of Family History, Race/Ethnicity, and Genetic Risk on Prostate Cancer Detection and Outcomes: Considerations in PSA-based Screening

AIM

To investigate the role of family history, race/ethnicity, and genetics in prostate cancer (PCa) screening.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of articles from January 2013 through September 2023 that focused on the association of race/ethnicity and genetic factors on PCa detection. Of 10,815 studies, we identified 43 that fulfilled our pre-determined PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome) criteria.

RESULTS

Men with ≥1 first-degree relative(s) with PCa are at increased risk of PCa, even with negative imaging and/or benign prostate biopsy. Black men have higher PCa risk, while Asian men have lower risk. Most of the differences in risks are attributable to environmental and socioeconomic factors; however, genetic differences may play a role. Among numerous pathogenic variants that increase PCa risk, BRCA2, MSH2, and HOXB13 mutations confer the highest risk of PCa. Polygenic risk score (PRS) models identify men at higher PCa risk for a given age and PSA; these models improve when considering other clinical factors and when the model population matches the study population's ancestry.

CONCLUSIONS

Family history of PCa, race/ethnicity, pathogenic variants (particularly BRCA2, MSH2, and HOXB13), and PRS are associated with increased PCa risk and should be considered in shared decision-making to determine PCa screening regimens.

Enhancing Urological Cancer Treatment: Leveraging Vasodilator Synergistic Potential with 5-FU for Improved Therapeutic Outcomes

Backgroud: This study investigates the potential of vasodilator drugs as additive therapy in the treatment of urological cancers, particularly in combination with the antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Methods: The study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of sildenafil, tezosentan and levosimendan alone and in combination with 5-FU on urological cancer cell lines. The assessment included MTT assays, colony formation assays and wound healing assays to determine cell viability, proliferative capacity, and migratory behavior, respectively. Results: Sildenafil and tezosentan showed limited cytotoxic effects, while levosimendan demonstrated moderate anticancer activity. The combination of levosimendan and 5-FU exhibited an additive interaction, enhancing cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Levosimendan also inhibited cell migration and proliferation, potentially through mechanisms involving the modulation of cAMP levels and nitric oxide production. Conclusions: The findings suggest that levosimendan can be used in conjunction with 5-FU to reduce the required dose of 5-FU, thereby minimizing side effects without compromising therapeutic efficacy. This study offers a new perspective for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in patients with urological cancers.

Diverse landscape of genetically engineered mouse models: Genomic and molecular insights into prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern for men worldwide and is particularly prevalent in the United States. It is a complex disease presenting different molecular subtypes and varying degrees of aggressiveness. Transgenic/genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) greatly enhanced our understanding of the intricate molecular processes that underlie PCa progression and have offered valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for this disease. The integration of whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, along with expression profiling, has played a pivotal role in advancing GEMMs by facilitating the identification of genetic alterations driving PCa development. This review focuses on genetically modified mice classified into the first and second generations of PCa models. We summarize whether models created by manipulating the function of specific genes replicate the consequences of genomic alterations observed in human PCa, including early and later disease stages. We discuss cases where GEMMs did not fully exhibit the expected human PCa phenotypes and possible causes of the failure. Here, we summarize the comprehensive understanding, recent advances, strengths and limitations of the GEMMs in advancing our insights into PCa, offering genetic and molecular perspectives for developing novel GEMM models.

Cancer centers of excellence for the multidisciplinary management of urologic cancers The intersection between education, research, and healthcare

Urologic cancers are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, representing more than 10% of the total number of new cancer cases worldwide. These complex diseases are linked to several issues related to their diagnosis, management, monitoring, and treatment - issues that require multidisciplinary solutions that encompass and manage patients as complex entities. In response to this, the so-called cancer centers of excellence (CCEs) emerged, defined as multidisciplinary institutions specialized in the diagnosis, management, monitoring, and treatment of specific diseases, including cancer. Different institutions, such as the European Association of Urology (EAU), have proposed and encouraged its consolidation, especially for the management of prostate cancer. These institutions must be composed of three areas: healthcare, education, and research, which have complementary interactions and relationships, stimulating research and problem-solving from a multidisciplinary approach and also covering elements of basic science and mental health. The implementation of these CCEs has generated positive results; therefore, it is necessary to stimulate their implementation with a uro-oncologic approach.

Racial disparity in prostate cancer: an outlook in genetic and molecular landscape

Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates are significantly impacted by racial disparities. Despite innovative therapeutic approaches and advancements in prevention, men of African American (AA) ancestry are at a higher risk of developing PCa and have a more aggressive and metastatic form of the disease at the time of initial PCa diagnosis than other races. Research on PCa has underlined the biological and molecular basis of racial disparity and emphasized the genetic aspect as the fundamental component of racial inequality. Furthermore, the lower enrollment rate, limited access to national-level cancer facilities, and deferred treatment of AA men and other minorities are hurdles in improving the outcomes of PCa patients. This review provides the most up-to-date information on various biological and molecular contributing factors, such as the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), mutational spectrum, altered chromosomal loci, differential gene expression, transcriptome analysis, epigenetic factors, tumor microenvironment (TME), and immune modulation of PCa racial disparities. This review also highlights future research avenues to explore the underlying biological factors contributing to PCa disparities, particularly in men of African ancestry.

A review of non-classical MAPK family member, MAPK4: A pivotal player in cancer development and therapeutic intervention

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases that play a crucial role in transmitting extracellular signals to the intracellular environment, influencing a wide range of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metabolic activities, immune function and stress response. MAPK4, a non-classical MAPK, is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including prostate, breast, cervix, thyroid, and gliomas. It orchestrates cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis via the AKT/mTOR and/or PDK1 signaling pathways, thus facilitating tumor cell growth. Furthermore, MAPK4 expression is closely associated with the effectiveness of specific inhibitors like PI3K and PARP1, and also correlate with the survival rates of cancer patients. Increasing evidence highlights MAPK4's involvement in the tumor microenvironment, modulating immune response and inflammation-related diseases. This review comprehensively explores the structure, function, and oncogenic role of MAPK4, providing a deeper understanding of its activation and mechanisms of action in tumorigenesis, which might be helpful for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer management.

JUN mediates the senescence associated secretory phenotype and immune cell recruitment to prevent prostate cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer develops through malignant transformation of the prostate epithelium in a stepwise, mutation-driven process. Although activator protein-1 transcription factors such as JUN have been implicated as potential oncogenic drivers, the molecular programs contributing to prostate cancer progression are not fully understood.

METHODS

We analyzed JUN expression in clinical prostate cancer samples across different stages and investigated its functional role in a Pten-deficient mouse model. We performed histopathological examinations, transcriptomic analyses and explored the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in the tumor microenvironment.

RESULTS

Elevated JUN levels characterized early-stage prostate cancer and predicted improved survival in human and murine samples. Immune-phenotyping of Pten-deficient prostates revealed high accumulation of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes, particularly innate immune cells, neutrophils and macrophages as well as high levels of STAT3 activation and IL-1β production. Jun depletion in a Pten-deficient background prevented immune cell attraction which was accompanied by significant reduction of active STAT3 and IL-1β and accelerated prostate tumor growth. Comparative transcriptome profiling of prostate epithelial cells revealed a senescence-associated gene signature, upregulation of pro-inflammatory processes involved in immune cell attraction and of chemokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, CCL3 and CCL8 in Pten-deficient prostates. Strikingly, JUN depletion reversed both the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and senescence-associated immune cell infiltration but had no impact on cell cycle arrest. As a result, JUN depletion in Pten-deficient prostates interfered with the senescence-associated immune clearance and accelerated tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that JUN acts as tumor-suppressor and decelerates the progression of prostate cancer by transcriptional regulation of senescence- and inflammation-associated genes. This study opens avenues for novel treatment strategies that could impede disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

Discrepancy in the Location of Prostate Cancer Indicated on Biparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Pathologically Diagnosed Using Surgical Specimens

Accurate diagnosis of the localization of prostate cancer (PCa) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains a challenge. We aimed to assess discrepancy between the location of PCa pathologically diagnosed using surgical specimens and lesions indicated as possible PCa by the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System on MRI. The primary endpoint was the concordance rate between the site of probable clinically significant PCa (csPCa) identified using biparametric MRI (bpMRI) and location of PCa in the surgical specimen obtained using robot-assisted total prostatectomy. Among 85 lesions identified in 30 patients; 42 (49.4%) were identified as possible PCa on MRI. The 85 PCa lesions were divided into positive and negative groups based on the bpMRI results. None of the patients had missed csPCa. Although the diagnostic accuracy of bpMRI was relatively high for PCas located in the middle of the prostate (p = 0.029), it was relatively low for PCa located at the base of the prostate, all of which were csPCas. Although current modalities can accurately diagnose PCa, the possibility that PCa is present with multiple lesions in the prostate should be considered, even if MRI does not detect PCa.

Prostate Health Index (PHI) as a triage tool for reducing unnecessary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients at risk of prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of the Prostate Health Index (PHI) as a triage tool for selecting patients at risk of prostate cancer (PCa) who should undergo multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We enrolled 204 patients with suspected PCa. For each patient, a blood sample was collected before mpMRI to measure PHI. Findings on mpMRI were assessed according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System version 2.0 (PI-RADSv2) category scale.

RESULTS

According to PI-RADSv2, patients were classified into two groups: PI-RADS < 3 (48 %) and ≥ 3 (52 %). PHI showed the best performance for predicting PI-RADS ≥ 3 [AUC: 0,747 (0,679-0,815), 0,680(0,607-0,754), and 0,613 (0,535-0,690) for PHI, PSA ratio, and total PSA, respectively]. The best PHI cut-off was 30, with a sensitivity of 90%. At the univariate logistic regression, total PSA (p = 0.007), PSA ratio (p = 0.001), [-2]proPSA (p = 0.019) and PHI (p < 0.001) were associated with PI-RADS ≥ 3; however, at the multivariate analysis, only PHI (p < 0.001) was found to be an independent predictor of PI-RADS ≥ 3.

CONCLUSION

PHI could represent a reliable noninvasive tool for selecting patients to undergo mpMRI.

Prostate-Specific Antigen as an Ultrasensitive Biomarker for Patients with Early Recurrent Prostate Cancer: How Low Shall We Go? A Systematic Review

Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) needs to be monitored with ultrasensitive PSA assays (uPSAs) for oncologists to be able to start salvage radiotherapy (SRT) while PSA is <0.5 µg/L for patients with prostate cancer (PCa) relapsing after a radical prostatectomy (RP). Our systematic review (SR) aimed to summarize uPSAs for patients with localized PCa. The SR was registered as InPLASY2023110084. We searched for studies on Google Scholar, PUBMED and reference lists of reviews and studies. We only included studies on uPSAs published in English and excluded studies of women, animals, sarcoidosis and reviews. Of the 115 included studies, 39 reported PSA assay methods and 76 reported clinical findings. Of 67,479 patients, 14,965 developed PSA recurrence (PSAR) and 2663 died. Extremely low PSA nadir and early developments of PSA separated PSAR-prone from non-PSAR-prone patients (cumulative p value 3.7 × 1012). RP patients with the lowest post-surgery PSA nadir and patients who had the lowest PSA at SRT had the fewest deaths. In conclusion, PSA for patients with localized PCa in the pre-PSAR phase of PCa is strongly associated with later PSAR and survival. A rising but still exceedingly low PSA at SRT predicts a good 5-year overall survival.

Genetic Signatures for Distinguishing Chemo-Sensitive from Chemo-Resistant Responders in Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate cancer remains a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly impacting South Africa with high mortality rates. Despite many years of extensive research and significant financial expenditure, there has yet to be a definitive solution to prostate cancer. It is not just individuals who vary in their response to treatment, but even different nodules within the same tumor exhibit unique transcriptome patterns. These distinctions extend beyond mere differences in gene expression levels to encompass the control and networking of individual genes. Escalating chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer patients has prompted increased research into its underlying mechanisms. The heterogeneous nature of transcriptomic organization among men makes the pursuit of universal biomarkers and one-size-fits-all treatments impractical. This study delves into the expression of drug resistance-associated genes, ABCB1 and CYP1B1, in cancer cells. Employing bioinformatics, we explored the molecular pathways and cascades linked to drug resistance following upregulation of these genes. Samples were obtained from archived prostate cancer patient specimens through pre-treatment biopsies of two categories: good vs. poor responders, with cDNAs synthesized from isolated RNAs subjected to qPCR analysis. The results revealed increased ABCB1 and CYP1B1 expression in tumor samples of the poor responders. Gene enrichment and network analysis associated ABCB1 with ABC transporters and LncRNA-mediated therapeutic resistance (WP3672), while CYP1B1 was linked to ovarian steroidogenesis, tryptophan metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, benzo(a)pyrene metabolism, the sulindac metabolic pathway, and the estrogen receptor pathway, which are associated with drug resistance. Both ABCB1 and CYP1B1 correlated with microRNAs in cancer and the Nuclear Receptors Meta-Pathway. STRING analysis predicted protein-protein interactions of ABCB1 and CYP1B1 with Glutathione S-transferase Pi, Catechol O-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1-6, Leucine-rich Transmembrane and O-methyltransferase (LRTOMT), and Epoxide hydrolase 1, with scores of 0.973, 0.971, 0.966, 0.966, and 0.966, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis of the chemotherapy drug, docetaxel, with CYP1B1 and ABCB1 revealed robust molecular interactions, with binding energies of -20.37 and -15.25 Kcal/mol, respectively. These findings underscore the susceptibility of cancer patients to drug resistance due to increased ABCB1 and CYP1B1 expression in tumor samples from patients in the poor-responders category that affects associated molecular pathways. The potent molecular interactions of ABCB1 and CYP1B1 with docetaxel further emphasize the potential basis for chemotherapy resistance.

Network pharmacology, molecular simulation, and binding free energy calculation-based investigation of Neosetophomone B revealed key targets for the treatment of cancer

In the current study, Neosetophomone B (NSP-B) was investigated for its anti-cancerous potential using network pharmacology, quantum polarized ligand docking, molecular simulation, and binding free energy calculation. Using SwissTarget prediction, and Superpred, the molecular targets for NSP-B were predicted while cancer-associated genes were obtained from DisGeNet. Among the total predicted proteins, only 25 were reported to overlap with the disease-associated genes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed by using Cytoscape and STRING databases. MCODE was used to detect the densely connected subnetworks which revealed three sub-clusters. Cytohubba predicted four targets, i.e., fibroblast growth factor , FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23 as hub genes. Molecular docking of NSP-B based on a quantum-polarized docking approach with FGF6, FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23 revealed stronger interactions with the key hotspot residues. Moreover, molecular simulation revealed a stable dynamic behavior, good structural packing, and residues' flexibility of each complex. Hydrogen bonding in each complex was also observed to be above the minimum. In addition, the binding free energy was calculated using the MM/GBSA (Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area) and MM/PBSA (Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) approaches. The total binding free energy calculated using the MM/GBSA approach revealed values of -36.85 kcal/mol for the FGF6-NSP-B complex, -43.87 kcal/mol for the FGF20-NSP-B complex, and -37.42 kcal/mol for the FGF22-NSP-B complex, and -41.91 kcal/mol for the FGF23-NSP-B complex. The total binding free energy calculated using the MM/PBSA approach showed values of -30.05 kcal/mol for the FGF6-NSP-B complex, -39.62 kcal/mol for the FGF20-NSP-B complex, -34.89 kcal/mol for the FGF22-NSP-B complex, and -37.18 kcal/mol for the FGF23-NSP-B complex. These findings underscore the promising potential of NSP-B against FGF6, FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23, which are reported to be essential for cancer signaling. These results significantly bolster the potential of NSP-B as a promising candidate for cancer therapy.

Investigation of in-vitro Anti-Cancer and Apoptotic Potential of Garlic-Derived Nanovesicles against Prostate and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the anti-cancerous potential of garlic-derived nanovesicles (GDNVs), exploring their cytotoxic effects on HeLa and PC-3 cell lines, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including apoptosis induction and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS

GDNVs were isolated using differential centrifugation and ultracentrifugation. Characterization was performed through dynamic light scattering (DLS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cytotoxicity assessments on HeLa and PC-3 cell lines using MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was evaluated through nuclear morphology changes and quantification of apoptotic cells using DAPI and PI/annexin V analysis. Western blot of apoptosis-related proteins (bcl-2, bax, caspase-3) was analysed. Anti-metastatic potential was assessed using wound healing assay and EMT transition inhibition.

RESULTS

Garlic-derived nanovesicles (GDNVs), characterized by a size of 134.2 nm, demonstrated a substantial and dose- as well as time-dependent anti-proliferative impact on HeLa and PC-3 cell lines. The induction of apoptosis was unequivocally established through discernible modifications in nuclear morphology. The apoptotic cell count in HeLa and PC-3 cells increased by 42.4 ± 4.2% and 38.2 ± 3.2%, respectively. Comprehensive Western blot demonstrated alterations in the expression of key apoptotic regulators, namely bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3, providing robust evidence for the initiation of apoptosis. Furthermore, GDNVs exerted a significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.001) on the migratory potential of both HeLa and PC-3 cells. Moreover, there was a discernible association between GDNVs and the suppression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), emphasizing their role in impeding the metastatic potential of these cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes, for the first time, the anti-cancerous potential of GDNVs. The observed dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effects, selective cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and anti-migratory potential highlight GDNVs as a promising candidate for cancer treatment.

Oncogenic role of FOXM1 in human prostate cancer (Review)

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer‑related mortality among men worldwide. In particular, castration‑resistant prostate cancer presents a formidable clinical challenge and emphasizes the need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a multifaceted transcription factor that is implicated in the acquisition of the multiple cancer hallmark capabilities in prostate cancer cells, including sustaining proliferative signaling, resisting cell death and the activation of invasion and metastasis. Elevated FOXM1 expression is frequently observed in prostate cancer, and in particular, FOXM1 overexpression is closely associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer. In the present review, recent advances in the understanding of the oncogenic role of deregulated FOXM1 expression in prostate cancer were highlighted. In addition, the molecular mechanisms by which FOXM1 regulates prostate cancer development and progression were described, thereby providing knowledge and a conceptual framework for FOXM1. The present review also provided valuable insight into the inherent challenges associated with translating biomedical knowledge into effective therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.

Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin Hybrid Compounds: Potential Anticancer Agents

BACKGROUND

The concept of utilizing drug repurposing/repositioning in the development of hybrid molecules is an important strategy in drug discovery. Fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics, have been reported to exhibit anticancer activities. Although anticancer drug development is achieving some positive outcomes, there is still a need to develop new and effective anticancer drugs. Some limitations associated with most of the available anticancer drugs are drug resistance and toxicity, poor bio-distribution, poor solubility, and lack of specificity, thereby reducing their therapeutic outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

Fluoroquinolones, a known class of antibiotics, have been explored by hybridizing them with other pharmacophores and evaluating their anticancer activity in silico and in vitro. Hence, this review provides an update on new anticancer drugs containing fluoroquinolones moiety, Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin between 2020 and 2023, their structural relationship activity, and the future strategies to develop potent chemotherapeutic agents.

METHODS

Fluoroquinolones were mostly hybridized via the N-4 of the piperazine ring on position C-7 with known pharmacophores characterized, followed by biological studies to evaluate their anticancer activity.

RESULTS

The hybrid molecules displayed promising and interesting anticancer activities. Factors such as the nature of the linker, the presence of electron-withdrawing groups, nature, and position of the substituents influenced the anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds.

CONCLUSION

The hybrids were selective towards some cancer cells. However, further in vivo studies are needed to fully understand their mode of action.

Therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic values of TRIM proteins in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in men worldwide. The TRIM (tripartite motif) family of proteins is involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including antiviral immunity, apoptosis, and cancer progression. In recent years, several TRIM proteins have been found to play important roles in prostate cancer initiation and progression. TRIM proteins have indicated oncogenic activity in prostate cancer by enhancing androgen or estrogen receptor signaling and promoting cancer cell growth. Inhibition of TRIM proteins has been raised as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Overall, these studies suggest that TRIM family proteins exert tumor-promoting effects in prostate cancer, and targeting these proteins can provide a promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment. On the other hand, some TRIM proteins can be differentially expressed in prostate cancer cells compared to normal cells, thus providing novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Artificial intelligence and allied subsets in early detection and preclusion of gynecological cancers

Gynecological cancers including breast, cervical, ovarian, uterine, and vaginal, pose the greatest threat to world health, with early identification being crucial to patient outcomes and survival rates. The application of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to the study of gynecological cancer has shown potential to revolutionize cancer detection and diagnosis. The current review outlines the significant advancements, obstacles, and prospects brought about by AI and ML technologies in the timely identification and accurate diagnosis of different types of gynecological cancers. The AI-powered technologies can use genomic data to discover genetic alterations and biomarkers linked to a particular form of gynecologic cancer, assisting in the creation of targeted treatments. Furthermore, it has been shown that the potential benefits of AI and ML technologies in gynecologic tumors can greatly increase the accuracy and efficacy of cancer diagnosis, reduce diagnostic delays, and possibly eliminate the need for needless invasive operations. In conclusion, the review focused on the integrative part of AI and ML based tools and techniques in the early detection and exclusion of various cancer types; together with a collaborative coordination between research clinicians, data scientists, and regulatory authorities, which is suggested to realize the full potential of AI and ML in gynecologic cancer care.

The Risk Factors and Screening Uptake for Prostate Cancer: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the risk factors and screening uptake for prostate cancer.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

METHODS

Arksey and O'Malley's framework guided this review; five databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete and Cochrane Library) and grey literature were searched. Screening was undertaken against predetermined inclusion criteria for articles published before July 2023 and written in English. This review is reported in line with PRISMA-Sc.

RESULTS

10,899 database results were identified; 3676 papers were removed as duplicates and 7115 papers were excluded at title and abstract review. A total of 108 papers were full-text reviewed and 67 were included in the review. Grey literature searching yielded no results. Age, family history/genetics, hormones, race/ethnicity, exposure to hazards, geographical location and diet were identified as risk factors. Prostatic antigen test (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and prostate biopsy were identified as screening/diagnostic methods. The evidence reviewed highlights moderate knowledge and screening uptake of prostate cancer with less than half of men reporting for PSA screening. On the other hand, there is a year-to-year increase in PSA and DRE screening, but factors such as poverty, religion, culture, communication barriers, language and costs affect men's uptake of prostate cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

As prostate cancer rates increase globally, there is a need for greater uptake of prostate cancer screening and improved health literacy among men and health workers. There is a need to develop a comprehensive prostate cancer awareness and screening programme that targets men and addresses uptake issues so as to provide safe, quality care.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY

(1) A broad search strategy was utilised incorporating both databases and grey literature. (2) The PRISMA reporting guidelines were utilised. (3) Only English language papers were included, and this may have resulted in relevant articles being omitted.

Implications of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their signaling mechanisms in human cancers

Most essential pattern-recognition receptors regulating innate immune functions are toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs are characterized by lack of concurrent epithelial markers and are typically identified by their gene expressions. One major mechanism by which TLRs generate their effector functions is by triggering inflammatory responses. Activation of TLRs can impact initiation, advancement, and control of cancers by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Several TLRs have been implicated in human cancers and some of them are identified as cancer biomarkers as well; for example, TLRs 2, 3, 5 are expressed more frequently in most cancers. Knowing the upregulation and downregulation of the TLR genes in human cancers will be useful for the development of newer therapeutic targets which can disrupt the pathways associated with such deregulation. We present here the various TLRs and their functions in human lung, gastric, breast, prostate, oral, ovarian, colorectal, cervical, esophageal, bladder and hepatic cancers.

Differences in the Volatilomic Urinary Biosignature of Prostate Cancer Patients as a Feasibility Study for the Detection of Potential Biomarkers

Prostate cancer (PCa) continues to be the second most common malignant tumour and the main cause of oncological death in men. Investigating endogenous volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) produced by various metabolic pathways is emerging as a novel, effective, and non-invasive source of information to establish the volatilomic biosignature of PCa. In this study, headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was used to establish the urine volatilomic profile of PCa and identify VOMs that can discriminate between the two investigated groups. This non-invasive approach was applied to oncological patients (PCa group, n = 26) and cancer-free individuals (control group, n = 30), retrieving a total of 147 VOMs from various chemical families. This included terpenes, norisoprenoid, sesquiterpenes, phenolic, sulphur and furanic compounds, ketones, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, carboxylic acid, benzene and naphthalene derivatives, hydrocarbons, and heterocyclic hydrocarbons. The data matrix was subjected to multivariate analysis, namely partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Accordingly, this analysis showed that the group under study presented different volatomic profiles and suggested potential PCa biomarkers. Nevertheless, a larger cohort of samples is required to boost the predictability and accuracy of the statistical models developed.