Editorial: Head and neck cancers: recent pathological approaches and new therapeutic guidelines for sino-nasal, thyroid and squamous cell carcinomas
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Oncology)
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - April 15, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: HEAD AND NECK: Edited by Joël Guigay Source Type: research

Editorial introductions
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Oncology)
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - April 15, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: EDITORIAL INTRODUCTIONS Source Type: research

Viral strategies for circumventing p53: the case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Purpose of review Virtually all viruses have evolved molecular instruments to circumvent cell mechanisms that may hamper their replication, dissemination, or persistence. Among these is p53, a key gatekeeper for cell division and survival that also regulates innate immune responses. This review summarizes the strategies used by different viruses and discusses the mechanisms deployed by SARS-CoV to target p53 activities. Recent findings We propose a typology for the strategies used by different viruses to address p53 functions: hit and run (e.g. IAV, ZIKV), hide and seek (e.g. HIV1), kidnap and exploit (e.g. EBV,...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: CANCER BIOLOGY: Edited by Pierre Hainaut and Paolo Boffetta Source Type: research

Editorial: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), COVID-19 and cancer: three research questions casting a long shadow
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Oncology)
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: CANCER BIOLOGY: Edited by Pierre Hainaut and Paolo Boffetta Source Type: research

MAPK blockade, toxicities, pathogenesis and management
Purpose of review BRAF/MEK inhibitor has changed the treatment landscape in patients with advanced and metastatic melanoma with prolonged overall survival and progression-free survival. Since three treatment combinations exist with similar efficacy therapy decisions are often made based on the side effect profile. Additionally, on-target side effects or class effects have to be properly managed to ensure treatment adherence. Recent findings Sequential treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibition and immunotherapy might increase toxicity with a sepsis-like syndrome and triple therapy with concomitant BRAF/MEK inhibition an...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN NEOPLASMS: Edited by Céleste Lebbé and Nicolas Dumaz Source Type: research

Triplet combination of BRAF, MEK and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in melanoma: the more the better?
Purpose of review Patients with advanced or metastatic v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF)-mutated melanoma can be treated with a BRAF inhibitor in combination with a MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, achieving high but short-lived response rates. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in contrast, give lower response rates but more durable responses. Preclinical and translational data indicate that combining BRAF and MEK inhibitors with ICI could exceed the limitations of each class and potentially lead to longer lasting responses. Recent findings Vemurafenib, dabrafenib and encorafenib are desig...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN NEOPLASMS: Edited by Céleste Lebbé and Nicolas Dumaz Source Type: research

Mitogen-activated protein kinase blockade in melanoma: intermittent versus continuous therapy, from preclinical to clinical data
Purpose of review Although targeted therapy provides a high response rate and rapid disease control in advanced melanoma, most patients experience disease progression due to acquired resistance mechanisms leading to reactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. The purpose of this article is to review the recently published data on the impact of an intermittent versus continuous dosing schedule of BRAF and MEK inhibition in advanced melanoma to determine the best approach in clinical practice. Recent findings Some preclinical studies have highlighted the concept that drug-resistant cells may also dis...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN NEOPLASMS: Edited by Céleste Lebbé and Nicolas Dumaz Source Type: research

New perspectives on targeting RAF, MEK and ERK in melanoma
Purpose of review Although immune checkpoint inhibitors and small molecule inhibitors targeting the MAPK pathway have revolutionized the management of metastatic melanoma, long-term disease control occurs only for a minority of patients because of multiple resistance mechanisms. One way to tackle resistance is to develop the next-generation of RAF, MEK and ERK inhibitors using our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that fine-tune the MAPK pathway. Recent findings Studies on the regulation of the MAPK pathway have revealed a dominant role for homo-dimerization and hetero-dimerization of RAF, MEK and ERK. A...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN NEOPLASMS: Edited by Céleste Lebbé and Nicolas Dumaz Source Type: research

MEK inhibitors in RASopathies
Purpose of review An early understanding of the role of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway in regulating cell proliferation has set the stage for the development of several potent and selective MEK inhibitors (MEKi). MEKi represent promising therapies for RAS-driven neoplasias and RASopathies associated with increased Ras/MAPK activity. Recent findings Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a prototypic RASopathy in which early-phase clinical trials with MEKi have been successful in the treatment of plexiform neurofibromas (pNF) and low-grade gliomas (LGGs). The phase 2 trial (SPRINT) of selumetinib in pNF resulted in...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN NEOPLASMS: Edited by Céleste Lebbé and Nicolas Dumaz Source Type: research

Mitogen-activating protein kinase pathway alterations in Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Purpose of review Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by the infiltration of involved tissues by specialized dendritic cells. The demonstration of the constant activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in LCH lesions has been a breakthrough in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this rare disease. We will summarize the current knowledge on MAPK alterations in LCH and the new therapeutic options indicated by these findings. Recent findings Since the description of the B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF)V600E mutation in LCH lesions, se...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN NEOPLASMS: Edited by Céleste Lebbé and Nicolas Dumaz Source Type: research

Congenital vascular lesions, could MAPK and PI3K inhibitors pave the way to new therapies?
Purpose of review Superficial vascular anomalies are a heterogeneous group of malformative and tumoral lesions, developed from various types of abnormal lymphatic and/or blood vessels. They are mostly benign but their clinical evolution can lead to dramatic cosmetic concern, functional impairment and even life-threatening conditions. Until recently, treatments relied on invasive procedures such as embotherapy/sclerotherapy and/or surgery. Recent molecular findings pave the way of new medical therapies. Recent findings Two main signaling pathways PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RAS-MAPK-ERK are now identified to encounter for ...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN NEOPLASMS: Edited by Céleste Lebbé and Nicolas Dumaz Source Type: research

Editorial introductions
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Oncology)
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - February 25, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: EDITORIAL INTRODUCTIONS Source Type: research

EGFR-mutant NSCLC: emerging novel drugs
Purpose of review Despite the significant advances in EGFR-mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), some challenges remain. One of the permanent and inevitable issues is the emergence of acquired resistance. Therefore, blocking the activation of EGFR pathway and overcoming drug resistance with novel agents are still in high demand. Here, we review the development of novel drugs in EGFR-mutant, advanced NSCLC, including targeting EGFR exon 20 insertion (EGFR20ins), and novel role of epidermal growth factor receptor, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs) in early-stage NSCLC. Recent findings EGFR-TKIs as adjuvant...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - December 5, 2020 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: LUNG AND MEDIASTINUM: Edited by Robert Pirker and Caicun Zhou Source Type: research

Malignant pleural mesothelioma: recent developments
Purpose of review Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, but aggressive tumor with still poor prognosis. In this article, we focus on recent developments in the management of MPM including diagnosis, staging, biomarkers, and treatment strategies. Recent findings Molecular markers such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL-1), Breast Cancer gene 1-associated protein gene, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) have prognostic impact and should be considered for assessment in patient samples. In addition to histological subtype and tumor pattern, tumor volumetry plays an increasing important role i...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - December 5, 2020 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: LUNG AND MEDIASTINUM: Edited by Robert Pirker and Caicun Zhou Source Type: research

Immunotherapy combinations in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer
Purpose of review The purpose of the review is to summarize immunotherapy combinations in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent findings First-line platinum-based chemotherapy plus an immune checkpoint inhibitor has improved progression-free and overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced NSCLC. Although the benefits appear to increase with higher programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, patients with low PD-L1 also benefit. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab has also been established as a treatment option. Combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors with olaparib or lenva...
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - December 5, 2020 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: LUNG AND MEDIASTINUM: Edited by Robert Pirker and Caicun Zhou Source Type: research