SWEET DREAMS

THIS IS MISERY

ALIVE.

FEEL LIKE DYIN

CRAZY INSANE

FEEL LIKE DYIN AGAIN

BUFFALO, NY – May 5, 2025 – Aging (Aging-US), #published by Impact Journals, is pleased to #announce its participation at the upcoming Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) 47th Annual Meeting. The #event will take place from May 28-30, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Attendees are invited to visit Booth No. 209 to meet members of the Aging (Aging-US) team. The 2025 meeting theme, “Reimagining the Future of Scholarly Publishing at the Intersection of Value and Values,” underscores the urgency of adapting to rapid technological change, including AI, and addressing growing concerns around research integrity and trust. These priorities align closely with our mission to foster open, reliable, and impactful scientific communication in the field of aging and age-related diseases.

In addition, the Longevity & Aging Series - hosted by Dr. Evgeniy Galimov and presented by Aging (Aging-US) - is a Finalist for a Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) 2025 EPIC Award in the Video/Film category. Winners will be announced at the EPIC Awards Celebration on May 29.

We look forward to connecting with SSP 2025 attendees to share more about Aging (Aging-US) and our publishing initiatives.

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Aging (Aging-US)

Aging (Aging-US) to be Featured at SSP 47th Annual Meeting in Baltimore

BUFFALO, NY - May 5, 2025 – Oncotarget, #published by Impact Journals, is proud to #announce its presence as an #exhibitor at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), taking place May 28–30, 2025, at the Hilton Baltimore in Maryland. 

Impact Journals publishes scholarly journals in the biomedical sciences, with a focus on cancer and aging research.

Attendees are invited to stop by Booth #209 to meet members of the Oncotarget team and learn more about the journal’s latest initiatives. This year’s conference theme, “Reimagining the Future of Scholarly Publishing at the Intersection of Value and Values,” highlights critical topics such as artificial intelligence, research ethics, and transparency in science—principles that closely align with Oncotarget's commitment to rigorous peer review and scientific integrity.

We look forward to connecting with SSP attendees to discuss Oncotarget’s mission, explore potential collaborations, and emphasize the role of open science in advancing cancer research and related fields.

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Oncotarget

Oncotarget Participation at SSP 2025 Annual Meeting

BUFFALO, NY — May 6, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 2, 2025, titled “Fisetin ameliorates vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via DUSP1-dependent p38 MAPK inhibition.”

In this study, researchers at Johannes Kepler University Linz found that fisetin, a natural substance found in fruits and vegetables, helps protect blood vessels from hardening, which is a common problem in older adults and people with kidney disease. This discovery highlights fisetin’s potential to prevent vascular calcification and reduce cardiovascular damage caused by aging and chronic kidney disease.

The research, led by first author Mehdi Razazian and corresponding author Ioana Alesutan, focused on vascular calcification—a condition in which blood vessels stiffen due to calcium deposits. This process is common in aging and chronic kidney disease and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Using human and mouse study models, the researchers tested fisetin’s ability to prevent this calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), which play a key role in maintaining vessel health. Fisetin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, significantly reduced calcium buildup and calcification markers under stress conditions that mimic disease.

The team also discovered that fisetin suppresses activity in a signaling pathway called p38 MAPK, which is known to promote calcification. This effect depends on a protein called DUSP1. When DUSP1 was blocked, fisetin could no longer protect the cells, showing that this protein is essential for its anti-calcification activity. The researchers confirmed fisetin’s protective effects in isolated mouse arteries and in living mice treated with high doses of vitamin D, which typically increases arterial calcification.

“Mechanistically, fisetin requires the phosphatase DUSP1 to inhibit p38 MAPK in order to mediate its protective effect on VSMC calcification.”

Importantly, the researchers tested fisetin under conditions similar to human disease. When VSMCs were exposed to blood serum from kidney dialysis patients—a condition known to trigger vascular calcification—fisetin again reduced calcium buildup and protected the cells. These findings suggest fisetin could be useful in countering the harmful vascular effects seen in chronic kidney disease.

This study adds to growing evidence that fisetin may protect blood vessels from aging-related damage. While more research is needed before it can be used in clinical treatments, the study highlights fisetin as a promising candidate for slowing or preventing vascular calcification. The findings could have broad implications for aging populations and individuals with kidney disease, who are at greater risk for heart problems due to vascular stiffening.

Read the full paper: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206233

Corresponding author: Ioana Alesutan – ioana.alesutan@jku.at

Keywords: aging, vascular calcification, vascular smooth muscle cells, fisetin, dual-specificity phosphatase 1, p38 MAPK

______

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Fisetin, a Natural Compound, Helps Prevent Artery Hardening from Aging and Kidney Disease

BUFFALO, NY — May 7, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 4, 2025, titled “Influence of rapamycin on safety and healthspan metrics after one year: PEARL trial results.”

A research team led by first author Mauricio Moel and corresponding author Stefanie L. Morgan from AgelessRx conducted a clinical trial to determine whether low-dose, intermittent rapamycin could safely improve healthspan in older adults. The findings suggest rapamycin may offer measurable benefits for physical function and overall well-being, reinforcing its potential as a safe intervention to support healthy aging.

Aging remains the leading cause of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. While medical advances have extended lifespan, many people still experience declining health and reduced mobility in later years. This growing gap between lifespan and healthspan has driven interest in therapies that target aging itself. Rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug originally used in transplant medicine, has drawn attention for its ability to influence aging-related pathways in animal studies. Until recently, its safety and benefits in healthy human populations were largely unknown.

The PEARL trial is the longest study so far to explore rapamycin’s use for longevity in healthy aging adults. Researchers followed 114 participants aged 50 to 85 over 48 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants received either a placebo or 5 mg or 10 mg of compounded rapamycin once per week. The study’s primary goal was to measure changes in visceral fat, while secondary outcomes included lean muscle mass, blood markers, and quality-of-life assessments.

The trial found that low-dose rapamycin was safe and well-tolerated, with serious side effects reported at similar rates across all groups. The most frequent minor issue among rapamycin users was mild gastrointestinal discomfort. While no significant reductions in visceral fat were observed, women taking 10 mg of rapamycin showed significant gains in lean muscle and reported reduced pain. In addition, participants taking 5 mg weekly reported improvements in emotional well-being and general health, as measured by validated surveys.

“Our findings provide evidence that these rapamycin regimens are well tolerated with minimal adverse effects when administered for at least one year within normative aging individuals.”

Researchers noted some limitations, including the relatively small and health-conscious participant group, which may have limited the ability to detect larger effects. The compounded form of rapamycin used also had lower absorption than commercial versions, possibly reducing its impact.

Overall, the PEARL trial provides early clinical evidence that low-dose rapamycin may help support physical and emotional well-being in older adults. Further studies with larger and more diverse populations will be essential to confirm the study results and refine dosing strategies for broader application.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206235

Corresponding author: Stefanie L. Morgan – stefanie@agelessrx.com

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Keywords: rapamycin, aging, healthspan, longevity, geroscience

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Low-Dose Rapamycin Improves Muscle Mass and Well-Being in Aging Adults

BUFFALO, NY - May 9, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on May 8, 2025, titled “METTL3 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-146a-5p/SMAD4 axis."

In this study, researchers Jayasree Peroth Jayaprakash, Pragati Karemore, and Piyush Khandelia from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, India, discovered that a molecule called METTL3 contributes to the development and spread of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study shows that METTL3 increases the levels of a small RNA molecule called miR-146a-5p, which blocks SMAD4, a key tumor-suppressing gene. These findings help explain why oral cancers are difficult to treat and may offer a new target for more effective therapies.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a common and aggressive cancer affecting the mouth and throat. It has a high death rate, mainly due to late detection, treatment resistance, and the cancer’s ability to invade nearby tissues. In this study, the researchers focused on METTL3, an enzyme that adds chemical tags known as m6A marks to RNA, which change how genetic information is used by cells. They found that METTL3 is unusually active in OSCC cells, causing an increase in miR-146a-5p. This molecule, in turn, blocks the function of SMAD4, which helps control how cells grow and die in our bodies.

“METTL3, the primary m6A RNA methyltransferase, is significantly upregulated in OSCC cells leading to increased global m6A levels.”

When METTL3 was reduced or chemically blocked, miR-146a-5p levels dropped and SMAD4 levels increased. This shift slowed the growth of cancer cells, increased their death, and made them less likely to spread. When researchers reintroduced miR-146a-5p or lowered SMAD4 levels again, the cancer-promoting behavior returned. These results show that the METTL3–miR-146a-5p–SMAD4 pathway plays a key role in OSCC.

The findings open up new possibilities for treatment. Drugs that block METTL3 or miR-146a-5p or that restore SMAD4 could slow or stop tumor growth. One such drug, STM2457, which targets METTL3, has already shown promise in lab studies. As research progresses, targeting this molecular pathway may offer a new strategy in treating OSCC.

This discovery improves our understanding of how OSCC develops and avoids the body’s defenses. By interfering with this newly discovered pathway, future treatments may become more successful, improving survival rates and quality of life for people with this disease.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28717

Correspondence to - Piyush Khandelia - piyush.khandelia@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in

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METTL3 Drives Oral Cancer by Blocking Tumor-Suppressing Gene

BUFFALO, NY — May 13, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 7, 2025, titled “Pharmacological recapitulation of the lean phenotype induced by the lifespan-extending sulfur amino acid-restricted diet.”

In this study, the research team, led by first author Naidu B. Ommi and corresponding author Sailendra N. Nichenametla from the Orentreich Foundation for the Advancement of Science Inc., investigated whether the drug buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) could replicate the effects of sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR), a challenging diet known to reduce obesity. The study found that BSO produced similar reductions in fat mass and weight gain. This drug-based approach may offer a simpler and safer treatment for obesity, especially for those unable to follow strict dietary plans.

Obesity and metabolic disorders raise the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. While SAAR, a diet low in the amino-acids methionine and cysteine, has shown powerful health benefits in animal studies, its translation to humans has been limited by adherence challenges. This new study explored whether BSO, a compound that lowers glutathione (GSH) levels in the body, could mimic SAAR’s effects without dietary restriction.

Researchers tested four groups of obese mice on high-fat diets. One group received the SAAR diet, another was given a regular diet plus BSO, while two control groups received either no treatment or a supplement that increased GSH levels. The BSO-treated mice showed lower fat mass, reduced liver fat, and prevented weight gain, results comparable to those on the SAAR diet. These benefits occurred without reducing food intake or muscle mass, making BSO a particularly promising treatment option.

“BSO mice exhibited all SAAR-induced changes, with two notable differences, i.e., a smaller effect size than that of the SAAR diet and a higher predilection for molecular changes in kidneys than in the liver.”

Additional findings revealed that both the SAAR diet and BSO influenced metabolic activity by activating pathways related to fat storage, but they did so in different organs. The SAAR diet had stronger effects in the liver, while BSO acted more in the kidneys. Both interventions increased levels of the amino acid serine, which is associated with lower fat production.

Unlike many obesity treatments that suppress appetite or reduce muscle, BSO helped prevent fat accumulation while preserving lean mass and food consumption. No signs of liver or kidney toxicity were observed during the 13-week study, suggesting the drug’s safety at the tested dose.

Since BSO has previously been evaluated in human clinical trials for other conditions, repurposing it for metabolic diseases may be relatively straightforward. However, the researchers point out that there should be further studies in both animals and humans. If successful, this strategy could provide a practical alternative to difficult-to-maintain diets and help more people manage weight long-term.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206237

Corresponding author: Sailendra N. Nichenametla – snichenametla@orentreich.org

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Keywords: aging, buthionine sulfoximine, thiols, serine, anti-obesity drugs

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BSO Compound Mimics Diet-Induced Fat Loss Without Cutting Food Intake

This is not my song, all credits go to MVSTAFA, ANIZYZ, Mqx.

I just added Sung Jin-woo (Solo Leveling), Armin Arlert (Attack on Titan), Sanemi Shinazugawa (Demon Slayer), and Thorfinn (Vinland Saga) vocals, mixed different dialogues together and tweaked it a bit.

Original Song: Aura; MVSTAFA, ANIZYZ, Mqx.

ANIME TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER PACK - Attack on Titan x Solo Leveling x Demon Slayer x Vinland Saga x Aura - ANIZYZ x Mqx x MVSTAFA

BUFFALO, NY — May 14, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 10, 2025, titled “Impact of Factor Xa inhibitors on cardiovascular events in older patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.”

In this study, first author Masahiko Takahashi and corresponding author Keisuke Okawa led a research team from Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital and Hyogo Medical University that investigated whether Factor Xa inhibitors (Xa-Is)—a type of blood thinner—can reduce the risk of heart-related complications in patients over 80 with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The study found that patients using Xa-Is experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. This finding is especially relevant, as older adults face a high risk of both stroke and heart disease.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder, particularly in the elderly, that increases the risk of blood clots, heart failure, and stroke. Anticoagulants are often prescribed to prevent clots, but not all types have the same effects on heart health. This study focused on comparing Xa-Is—specifically rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban—with commonly used drugs such as warfarin and dabigatran.

Researchers followed more than 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years to assess the long-term impact of these medications on cardiovascular outcomes. Patients who used Xa-Is had significantly lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death. The risk of cardiovascular problems in the Xa-I group was less than half that of those on non-Xa-I medications. These benefits remained even after adjusting for factors like age, existing heart conditions, and kidney function. Additionally, stroke and all-cause death rates were notably lower in the Xa-I group. 

“Xa-Is may be useful for not only anticoagulation but also the prevention of cardiovascular events in very old patients with NVAF.”

What makes Xa-Is different, according to the researchers, is their ability to inhibit a specific biological pathway—known as Factor Xa–PAR2—that contributes to inflammation, fibrosis, and damage in blood vessels and heart tissue. This effect extends beyond their traditional role in preventing blood clots. Although the study was conducted at a single medical center in Japan, its rigorous design and long follow-up period enhance the reliability of the findings for real-world clinical decision-making.

While further studies, especially across multiple centers, are needed to confirm the full range of benefits, this study strongly suggests that Xa-Is may offer broader cardiovascular protection for very old patients. The findings could influence how clinicians choose blood thinners for elderly individuals with atrial fibrillation, potentially improving both survival and quality of life in this growing population.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206238

Corresponding author - Keisuke Okawa - k-ookawa@chp-kagawa.jp

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Keywords - aging, Factor Xa inhibitor, atrial fibrillation, older patient, cardiovascular events

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Blood Thinners Called Factor Xa Inhibitors Lower Heart Risk in Elderly with Atrial Fibrillation

BUFFALO, NY - May 14, 2025 – A new #review paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on May 9, 2025, titled “Relationship between ABO blood group antigens and Rh factor with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis."

A comprehensive study, led by first authors Rahaf Alchazal from Yarmouk University and Khaled J. Zaitoun from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Jordan University of Science and Technology, examined the potential link between blood type and breast cancer. The research team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 previously published studies, involving more than 13,000 breast cancer patients and over 717,000 controls. 

“Researchers searched for studies on breast cancer patients and ABO blood groups across four major databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google.“

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Identifying risk factors is vital for early detection and prevention. While many studies have explored lifestyle and genetic causes, this analysis focused on the ABO blood group system. By pooling global data, the researchers found that blood type A was the most common among breast cancer patients and was significantly associated with an 18% increased risk compared to type O.

The study did not find a significant association between breast cancer and blood types B, AB, or Rh factor. Although the results do not prove causation, they point to a biological pattern worth further investigation. Blood group antigens are proteins found on the surface of cells, including breast tissue. These molecules may influence how cancer develops and spreads by interacting with the immune system or affecting cell behavior.

This meta-analysis is the most extensive review to date on this topic, based on studies conducted across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. While previous research found unclear conclusions, this large-scale evaluation provides stronger evidence for a possible connection between blood type A and breast cancer risk.

Researchers note that regional differences, genetic diversity, and study quality may affect individual results. Nevertheless, the overall trend supports considering blood type A as a potential risk marker. This insight could help shape screening guidelines, encouraging earlier or more frequent checkups for women with this blood type.

Further research is needed to understand why blood type A may play a role in cancer development. Future studies may explore genetic mechanisms, immune responses, and other biological pathways. These efforts could lead the way for more personalized cancer prevention and care strategies.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28718

Correspondence to - Khaled J. Zaitoun - kzaitou1@jh.edu

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Keywords - cancer, breast cancer, cancer risk factors, blood group antigens, tumor

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Blood Type A Identified as Potential Breast Cancer Risk Factor

BUFFALO, NY – May 19, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on May 9, 2025, titled “Analytical validation of a circulating tumor DNA assay using PhasED-Seq technology for detecting residual disease in B-cell malignancies.”

In this study, a team from Foresight Diagnostics led by first author Nina Klimova and corresponding author Laura Hyland validated a new DNA-based blood test designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with B-cell cancers. This assay uses a highly sensitive method called Phased Variant Enrichment and Detection Sequencing (PhasED-Seq) to find tiny fragments of tumor DNA in the blood. Its ultra-sensitive detection capabilities offer a powerful tool for early cancer detection, monitoring treatment response, and predicting cancer reappearance.

B-cell lymphomas, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), are among the most prevalent blood cancers. Although many patients respond to initial treatment, up to 40% relapse. Standard monitoring methods such as imaging scans often miss low levels of cancer cells, creating a need for more precise tools. This study introduces a non-invasive blood test that improves the detection of MRD, a critical factor in guiding follow-up care and early intervention.

The test works by tracking unique groups of mutations known as phased variants in tumor DNA. These mutations are more specific to cancer and allow for highly accurate identification of tumor fragments in the bloodstream. The PhasED-Seq-based MRD assay was tested on three types of samples. First, blood plasma from healthy individuals was used to confirm the test does not give false positives. Second, researchers created controlled samples by mixing tumor DNA from lymphoma patients with healthy DNA to measure how sensitive and precise the test is. Finally, blood samples from patients with B-cell lymphoma were used to compare the new test to an existing method.

Across all sample types, the PhasED-Seq-based MRD assay demonstrated exceptional performance—capable of detecting fewer than one cancer DNA molecule per million normal DNA fragments. It also demonstrated a very low false positive rate and over 96% reproducibility across different laboratory conditions. Compared to an existing method, the new PhasED-Seq assay showed more than 90% agreement in positive results and nearly 78% agreement in negative results. In cases where the tests disagreed, the new method aligned more closely with actual clinical outcomes, including whether patients relapsed or stayed in remission.

“The background error rate of the PhasED-Seq-based MRD assay was 1.95E-08, or 1.95 mutant molecules in 100 million informative molecules.”

The findings support the use of PhasED-Seq-based MRD assays in routine clinical practice. It could be especially useful for identifying patients who need additional treatment even when imaging results appear normal. This aligns with updated clinical guidelines that encourage the use of blood-based DNA tests to supplement traditional scans in lymphoma care.

This study offers strong evidence that the PhasED-Seq-based MRD assay is a precise, reliable, and clinically relevant tool. By detecting signs of cancer earlier and more accurately, it may help clinicians tailor treatments to individual patients and improve long-term outcomes in B-cell malignancies.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28719

Correspondence to - Laura Hyland - laura.hyland@foresight-dx.com

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New Ultra-Sensitive DNA Blood Test for Detecting Residual Cancer in B-cell Lymphoma Patients

BUFFALO, NY — May 20, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 17, 2025, titled “Dietary associations with reduced epigenetic age: a secondary data analysis of the methylation diet and lifestyle study.”

In this study, researchers led by first author Jamie L. Villanueva from the University of Washington and the National University of Natural Medicine, along with corresponding author Ryan Bradley from the National University of Natural Medicine and University of California, investigated how diet influences epigenetic aging. They found that certain plant-based foods containing natural compounds called methyl adaptogens were associated with a decrease in epigenetic age. This effect was measured using DNA methylation, a marker that reflects how the body ages at the cellular level. The findings suggest that targeted food choices may help slow the aging process.

Epigenetic age refers to how old a person’s cells appear biologically, rather than their actual age in years. DNA methylation patterns, which are chemical tags on DNA, can indicate whether someone is aging faster or slower than expected. For this study, researchers used Horvath’s epigenetic clock, a widely accepted tool, to measure changes in epigenetic age.

The analysis included healthy men aged 50 to 72 who had previously completed an eight-week program featuring a plant-based, nutrient-rich diet, along with guidance on exercise, sleep, and stress management. Researchers focused on individual dietary differences to understand why some participants experienced greater improvements in epigenetic age than others.

The study found that those who ate higher amounts of methyl adaptogen foods—including turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea, and oolong tea—experienced greater reductions in epigenetic age. These benefits remained significant even after accounting for weight changes and participants’ starting epigenetic age, suggesting that the foods themselves had a direct impact on aging markers.

“In hierarchical linear regression, foods investigated as polyphenolic modulators of DNA methylation (green tea, oolong tea, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries) categorized in the original study as methyl adaptogens showed significant linear associations with epigenetic age change (B = -1.21, CI = [-2.80, -0.08]), after controlling for baseline epigenetic age acceleration and weight changes.”

The natural compounds in methyl adaptogen foods are known to influence how genes behave by affecting DNA methylation. Previous studies have shown that these compounds may support healthy aging and help lower the risk of conditions such as heart disease and cognitive decline.

While this study involved a relatively small group of middle-aged men, it adds knowledge to growing global research showing that diets rich in polyphenols—found in vegetables, fruits, and teas—are associated with slower aging. These findings support earlier results from studies on Mediterranean and traditional Japanese diets, both known for their health benefits.

Future research should include larger and more diverse populations and use updated epigenetic aging tools to confirm these results. Based on current evidence, this study highlights a practical, food-based strategy that may help reduce epigenetic aging and support long-term health.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206240

Corresponding author - Ryan Bradley - rbradley@nunm.edu

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Green Tea, Turmeric, and Berries May Help Reverse Epigenetic Aging in Men

BUFFALO, NY - May 21, 2025 – A new #review was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on May 19, 2025, titled “Advancements in bladder cancer treatment: The synergy of radiation and immunotherapy."

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, led by Nazmul Hasan, reviewed recent clinical and scientific advances in combining radiation therapy with immunotherapy for bladder cancer. The article summarizes growing evidence that this combined approach may strengthen the immune response and improve long-term disease control. This strategy is especially important for patients who are not candidates for surgery or who respond poorly to conventional treatments.

Bladder cancer is a serious and frequent condition, particularly affecting older men. Traditional treatments—surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—can be effective, but they often fail to prevent cancer reappearance in advanced cases. The review explores how combining radiation and immunotherapy could improve outcomes by helping the immune system detect and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells and triggers the release of tumor signals that attract immune cells. Immunotherapy, including drugs like pembrolizumab and nivolumab, helps the immune system work better by blocking proteins that allow cancer to evade detection. Used together, these treatments may produce a stronger, more widespread anti-tumor effect, even at distant sites not directly targeted by radiation.

The review discusses several clinical trials that support this approach. One phase II study reported that combining radiation with the immunotherapy drug durvalumab led to promising survival rates and manageable side effects. Another trial in Australia tested pembrolizumab with radiation and chemotherapy, resulting in high tumor control and extended patient survival. However, the review also points out that other trials showed serious side effects when high doses or multiple immunotherapy drugs were used at once.

"Joshi et al. performed a phase II study to determine the safety and efficacy of combining radiation therapy with durvalumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, in patients who were ineligible for surgery or cisplatin-based chemotherapy."

While the combination approach is promising, the authors emphasize that more research is needed to refine this treatment strategy. One major challenge is determining which patients are most likely to benefit. Future studies should focus on identifying reliable biomarkers, such as tumor mutation burden or immune activity, to guide personalized treatment plans.

This review highlights the potential of combining radiation and immunotherapy to improve outcomes for bladder cancer patients. With continued research and careful treatment design, this approach could offer new treatment options for those facing aggressive or hard-to-treat forms of the disease.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28723

Correspondence to - Nazmul Hasan - nhasan1@hs.uci.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxrZhIUXrOQ

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Keywords - cancer, bladder cancer, immunotherapy, radiation, microenvironment, abscopal

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Combining Radiation and Immunotherapy Shows Promise for Bladder Cancer

Oncotarget is a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Papers are published continuously within yearly volumes in their final and complete form and then quickly released to Pubmed.

Oncotarget is now indexed by MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC/PubMed.

Read about the Oncotarget Scientific Integrity Process: https://www.oncotarget.com/scientific_integrity/

Cancer and aging are two sides of age-related tumorigenesis.

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Read about the Aging (Aging-US) Scientific Integrity Process: https://aging-us.com/scientific-integrity

Aura… even tho ion even like doing this shit

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New tracks tagged #press