A recent review published in MedComm delves into the molecular and genetic factors driving breast cancer and how the latest advancements in targeted and precision therapies are revolutionizing patient outcomes. The study highlights molecular profiling, AI-driven drug discovery, and adaptive clinical trial designs as crucial tools in addressing therapy resistance and recurrence.

Targeting the issue of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immunotherapy, this study was the first to confirm that melarsoprol (MEL), an arsenic-containing drug, activates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway in tumor cells and induces an antitumor immune response . However, high-dose MEL excessively activates the pro-tumorigenic cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which impairs the immunotherapeutic efficacy. To address this, a poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticle (NP) was prepared in this study for the co-delivery of MEL and lenalidomide (LEN), a TNF-α inhibitor. Through erythrocyte membrane camouflage and aminoethyl anisamide (AEAA)-targeted modification, the nanoparticle was precisely enriched in HCC tissues. It significantly reversed the immunosuppressive TME and achieved antitumor effects in two mouse models of HCC . This study provides a novel strategy for the chemoimmunotherapy of HCC.

In a review article published in MedComm – Biomaterials and Applications, an international team of researchers systematically explores the groundbreaking role of vitamin-engineered nanoplatforms in precision oncology. Categorizing these nanoplatforms by vitamin solubility (fat-soluble: A, D, E, K; water-soluble: B complex, C), the team details their multifunctional applications across three core domains: enhancing cancer immunotherapy by remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), enabling stimuli-responsive targeted drug delivery, and integrating diagnostic imaging for theranostic purposes. The review also highlights preclinical breakthroughs, addresses key challenges in translation, and outlines a roadmap for advancing next-generation vitamin-based nanomedicines.

For decades, scientists have known that bacteria can exchange genetic material in a process called horizontal gene transfer. Research by Professor Mittra’s group suggests that horizontal transfer also happens in mammals via fragments of DNA known as cell-free chromatin particles that are released from dying cells. Once inside new host cells, the chromatin particles acquire novel functions and act as autonomous “satellite” genomes. This discovery may redefine mammalian genomics and evolution.

Organ donation following medical assistance in dying (MAiD), also known as euthanasia, is a relatively new practice both in North America and worldwide. A first comparison of liver transplantation using organs donated after MAiD in Canada has shown good patient survival with outcomes similar to standard donation after circulatory death. The findings from the new study in the Journal of Hepatology, published by Elsevier, highlight that this practice can help to meet the increasing demand for organs by expanding the donor pool, thereby saving more lives.

A recent review article published in Molecular Biomedicine highlights that the clinical development of targeted therapies against the WNT signaling pathway, a key target in cancer treatment, is ushering in new breakthroughs. The review begins with the fundamental mechanisms of Wnt signaling and systematically elaborates on various innovative strategies targeting the WNT pathway, critically assessing their clinical prospects. It emphasizes that by overcoming specificity challenges, developing precise biomarkers, and exploring synergistic effects with therapies such as immunotherapy, targeting the WNT pathway holds the potential to pioneer new paradigms for future precision cancer medicine.