Multi-Cancer Studies
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Jul 13 – Jul 20, 2026
Virtual Sustained Tobacco Treatment for Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial (ECOG-ACRIN: EAQ171CD) Within the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This randomized controlled trial compared virtual sustained tobacco treatment (VST) to enhanced usual care (EUC) for smoking cessation in 306 recently diagnosed cancer patients across 37 community oncology sites. At six months, VST significantly improved 7-day point abstinence rates (28.4% vs. 14.7% for EUC) and continuous abstinence, with VST participants almost four times more likely to use guideline-concordant medication. This study offers a highly relevant, effective, and scalable intervention to improve smoking cessation among cancer patients, directly impacting their clinical outcomes. The findings strongly support integrating sustained, remotely delivered tobacco treatment, including telehealth and free NRT, into routine community oncology care.
10.1200/JCO-25-02267
YEARS Algorithm for Diagnosis of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/332TOP-TIER
This randomized noninferiority trial (n=698) compared the YEARS algorithm to CTPA-only for diagnosing suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with active cancer. The YEARS algorithm was noninferior to CTPA-only regarding the 90-day risk of venous thromboembolism or PE-related death (1.8% vs 5.5%; absolute risk difference -3.7%, P=3.4x10^-5). Crucially, the YEARS algorithm obviated the need for CTPA in 22% of patients. These findings indicate that the YEARS algorithm is a safe and efficient diagnostic strategy for PE in cancer patients, offering a valuable approach to reduce radiation exposure and optimize care in this vulnerable population.
10.1001/jama.2026.10676
Jul 06 – Jul 13, 2026
CRISPR in clinical oncology: translational advances from molecular diagnostics to therapeutics.
NAT REV CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #2/326TOP-TIER
This review examines the translational progress of CRISPR-Cas technologies in clinical oncology, focusing on their role in molecular diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. The authors highlight how CRISPR-enabled functional genomics identify novel cancer dependencies and resistance mechanisms, while emerging diagnostic tools offer rapid mutation detection. Therapeutic applications discussed include ex vivo immune cell engineering and in vivo targeting of specific tumor sequences like fusion junctions or single-nucleotide variants. Despite challenges in delivery and regulation, these technologies represent a modular platform for addressing undruggable oncogenic drivers and improving durable clinical benefits in cancer care.
10.1038/s41571-026-01179-2
Jun 29 – Jul 06, 2026
Serious mental illness and cancer: A call to action for equitable care.
CA-CANCER J CLIN · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/326TOP-TIER
This review explores the intersection of serious mental illness (SMI) and cancer care, highlighting significant disparities in cancer detection, treatment, and survival for individuals with SMI. Patients with SMI experience a two-to-three-decade reduction in life expectancy, facing challenges like fragmented care, limited access to therapeutics, and diagnostic overshadowing. The paper proposes practical recommendations to improve equitable cancer care, including adopting collaborative care models and enhancing psychosocial integration in oncology settings. Ultimately, it emphasizes the critical need to mitigate disparities and translate research advances to improve cancer outcomes and wellbeing for this vulnerable population.
10.3322/caac.70095
Generalizable AI predicts immunotherapy outcomes across cancers and treatments.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This study introduces COMPASS, a pan-cancer foundation model using a concept bottleneck transformer to predict immunotherapy response from bulk tumor transcriptomes across 33 cancer types. COMPASS outperformed 22 existing methods across 16 clinical cohorts, improving predictive accuracy by 8.5% and demonstrating a significant survival benefit for predicted responders (HR = 4.7, P < 0.0001). The model generalizes across diverse cancer types and treatments, offering a robust tool for patient stratification and identifying specific biological programs associated with treatment resistance. These findings suggest that biologically grounded AI can enhance clinical trial design and personalized oncology by providing mechanistic insights into immune-mediated response and exclusion.
10.1038/s41591-026-04502-7
Systemic health impact of cancer-associated extracellular vesicles and particles.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review examines the role of cancer-associated extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in mediating systemic effects and multi-organ dysfunction. The authors describe how EVPs facilitate intercellular communication to create pre-metastatic niches and drive complications including cachexia, thrombosis, and metabolic disorders. For the clinician, the study clarifies the mechanisms behind paraneoplastic syndromes and immune evasion that complicate primary cancer management. These findings suggest that targeting EVPs could serve as a holistic therapeutic approach to mitigate comorbidities and improve overall patient survival.
10.1038/s41568-026-00952-w
Imaging the hallmarks of cancer.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review explores non-invasive diagnostic imaging capabilities for interrogating the hallmarks of cancer, a conceptual framework central to cancer research. It discusses approaches including direct targeting with imaging probes, indirect assessment of pathophysiological processes, and AI-assisted multiparametric image analysis. These technologies are crucial for monitoring treatment effectiveness, stratifying patients, and guiding various cancer therapies. Many discussed methods already play a substantial role in clinical practice, informing surgical resections, radiotherapy, and molecularly targeted chemo-, immuno-, and radiopharmaceutical treatments, thereby offering critical tools for personalized cancer management.
10.1038/s41568-026-00950-y
Jun 22 – Jun 29, 2026
Metabolic determinants of cancer immunotherapy outcomes identified by plasma profiling.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This study utilized targeted metabolomics and machine learning to analyze 4,336 plasma samples from 1,714 patients across five tumor types to identify metabolic predictors of immune-checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Researchers identified five key metabolites, including histidine, long-chain fatty acids, and succinate, which predicted 12-month progression-free survival with validation AUCs of 0.73. Histidine was identified as a favorable prognostic marker, while histidine-rich diets significantly improved survival outcomes in patients lacking specific dysbiotic microbiome signatures. These findings suggest that plasma metabolic profiling and personalized nutritional interventions could optimize immunotherapy outcomes and patient stratification in clinical oncology.
10.1038/s41591-026-04481-9
Jun 15 – Jun 22, 2026
Beyond oncogenesis: the unexplored benefits of viruses in cancer immunity.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review examines the shift from traditional viral oncogenesis to the emerging role of the human virome in enhancing antitumor immunity. It highlights how non-oncogenic viruses, endogenous retroviruses, and bacteriophages prime innate and adaptive immune responses, such as the enterovirus CE1 epitope’s protective role in liver cancer. The study explores mechanisms like immune checkpoint modulation and antigen mimicry, offering a framework for virome-guided cancer prevention and risk assessment. These insights suggest new avenues for immune-based therapeutics and cancer control strategies, particularly in low-resource settings.
10.1038/s41568-026-00948-6
Defining Cardiovascular Endpoints in Oncology Trials: Challenges and Opportunities: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This scientific statement from the American Heart Association aims to standardize the definition, characterization, and adjudication of cardiovascular endpoints within oncology clinical trials. It proposes a framework linking drug-specific mechanisms to endpoint selection and standardizes definitions for adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and thrombotic events. This work is highly relevant to cancer research as it directly addresses the safety evaluation of cancer therapies, crucial for improving patient outcomes and supporting innovation in oncology. By harmonizing assessment, it will enhance risk stratification, facilitate regulatory acceptance, and inform clinical decision-making, ultimately improving patient safety in cancer treatment.
10.1200/JCO-25-01647
3D multi-omics tumour atlases: from technology to biology and clinical translation.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review highlights emerging spatial multi-omics technologies and 3D tumour atlases aimed at understanding human tumour evolution in a holistic 3D space. These tools capture intricate interactions within precancerous lesions and tumours, offering potential for novel biomarkers for risk stratification, early detection, and preventive interventions. The research promises transformative diagnostic and treatment strategies, generating new insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms driving cancer. This paves the way for future innovation in cancer biology and clinical practice.
10.1038/s41568-026-00940-0
Jun 08 – Jun 15, 2026
Treatment-related adverse events of CD3-based T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies in patients with cancer: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This meta-analysis of 104 clinical trials involving 10,353 patients characterizes the treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) associated with CD3-based T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies in cancer therapy. Results show high all-grade TRAE incidences of 97.5% for haematological malignancies and 97.9% for solid tumors, with grade 3 or worse events occurring in 70.3% and 45.3% of patients, respectively. Cytokine release syndrome was the most frequent all-grade event across both groups (~45%), while neutropenia and increased γ-glutamyltransferase were the leading severe toxicities depending on cancer type. These findings provide a critical safety benchmark for oncologists to optimize patient management and monitor for life-threatening complications like sepsis or respiratory failure.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00086-0
The future is not always uniform: rethinking radiotherapy through spatial fractionation.
NAT REV CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #2/326TOP-TIER
This review examines the conceptual foundations and clinical applications of spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT), an approach using intentional dose heterogeneity for large or complex tumors. The authors detail how SFRT techniques like GRID and lattice radiotherapy utilize high-dose peaks and low-dose valleys to achieve tumor regression while preserving the surrounding microenvironment. Clinical evidence suggests SFRT may offer acceptable toxicity profiles and immune modulation in cases where traditional uniform dose escalation is precluded by tissue tolerances. While promising for bulky malignancies, further research is required to standardize dosimetry and patient selection to ensure multicentre reproducibility in oncological practice.
10.1038/s41571-026-01161-y
GLP-1 receptor agonist use and cancer risk in obese nondiabetic adults.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This target trial emulation used a nationwide database of over 113 million patients to evaluate the association between GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) use and the risk of 13 obesity-associated cancers (OACs) in obese, nondiabetic adults. Among 161,798 propensity-matched patients, GLP-1RA users demonstrated a significantly lower cumulative incidence of OACs compared to those receiving diet or exercise counseling (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.53-0.67). These findings remained consistent across most subgroups, including BMI categories and specific medications like semaglutide, though the association was not significant for Black patients. The study suggests that GLP-1RAs may offer a potent pharmacological strategy for short-term cancer prevention in obese populations, though prospective trials are required to confirm these protective effects.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.04.013
Jun 01 – Jun 08, 2026
Reducing or omitting dexamethasone with NEPA and olanzapine for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in highly emetogenic chemotherapy: a randomized non-inferiority phase III trial.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This phase III randomized non-inferiority trial investigated reducing or omitting dexamethasone with NEPA and olanzapine for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). Among 644 patients, overall complete response rates were 72.4% (standard), 72.2% (DEX-sparing), and 70.1% (DEX-free), with both reduced-DEX arms meeting non-inferiority (RD -0.2%, P=.005; RD -2.2%, P=.014). This is highly relevant for cancer patients undergoing HEC, as it directly addresses a significant treatment side effect. The findings support steroid-sparing strategies for CINV prevention, improving patient quality of life and reducing steroid-related toxicities, particularly pertinent in the chemo-immunotherapy era.
10.1200/JCO-26-01029
Estimates of global causes of death for children and adolescents aged 5-19 in 2000-24: secondary data analysis using bayesian multinomial logistic regression.
BMJ-BRIT MED J · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #5/332TOP-TIER
This secondary data analysis used Bayesian multinomial logistic regression to estimate cause-specific mortality for children and adolescents aged 5–19 across 195 countries from 2000 to 2024. Neoplasms were identified as the third leading cause of death globally in 2024, accounting for 87,827 deaths (90% UI: 81,143–94,511), following road traffic injuries and malaria. While the study covers broad mortality trends, it highlights that as communicable disease rates decline, prioritizing non-communicable diseases like childhood cancer becomes essential for further mortality reduction. These findings provide critical epidemiological context for oncologists and policymakers to advocate for increased resources and specialized care for pediatric malignancies within global health frameworks.
10.1136/bmj-2025-088687
SEZ6-targeting antibody-drug conjugate ABBV-706 in advanced small cell lung cancer and solid tumors: a phase 1 trial.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This phase 1 trial evaluated ABBV-706, a SEZ6-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in 288 patients with advanced solid tumors, specifically focusing on relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer (R/R SCLC). In the R/R SCLC cohort, the objective response rate was 52%, with a median overall survival of 12.4 months at the 1.8 mg/kg dose. Safety data showed grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events in 61% of patients, primarily anemia and fatigue, which were dose-dependent. These findings establish 1.8 mg/kg every three weeks as the recommended phase 2 dose, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy for neuroendocrine-derived cancers.
10.1038/s41591-026-04452-0
MAGE-A4/MAGE-A8-targeted TCR-based bispecific T cell engager in recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors: a phase 1 trial.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This phase 1 first-in-human trial evaluated IMA401, a TCR-based bispecific T cell engager targeting MAGE-A4/MAGE-A8, in 61 patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors. The recommended phase 2 dose was established at 1-2 mg biweekly, with a manageable safety profile featuring 38% grade 1-2 cytokine release syndrome and no maximum tolerated dose reached. Efficacy results showed a 20% objective response rate at the recommended dose across multiple indications, notably reaching 29% in head and neck cancer patients. These findings demonstrate the clinical potential of the bispecific TCER platform as a promising immunotherapy for advanced malignancies.
10.1038/s41591-026-04455-x
Tumor-Agnostic Therapies: Translating Scientific Breakthroughs Into Global Implementation.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This review investigates the global landscape of tumor-agnostic cancer therapies, their regulatory approvals, and implementation challenges across diverse regions. It identifies significant barriers in regulatory, reimbursement, infrastructure, and workforce domains, revealing that fewer than 50% of eligible patients receive matched therapies. The study is highly relevant to cancer care, highlighting practical issues affecting patient access to advanced treatments. It proposes a four-pillar framework for equitable implementation, focusing on biomarker testing, innovative trials, harmonized regulations, and workforce development to bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility for cancer patients.
10.1200/JCO-26-00034
Cancer workforce-a global crisis: a Lancet Oncology Commission.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This Lancet Oncology Commission modeled the global cancer burden and workforce needs for 17 common cancers to provide actionable guidance for strengthening cancer care, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Findings project a global increase in diagnosed incidence, with one in three cancers undiagnosed worldwide and over 60% in parts of Africa. The global cancer workforce shortage is estimated to reach 100 million by 2050, with nurses (65 million) and diagnostic specialists (16 million) most affected. Comprehensive workforce scale-up could avert 170 million cancer deaths and yield $120 trillion in economic benefits, emphasizing the critical need for investment and strategic actions like task-shifting and digital health to improve cancer care delivery.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00065-3
May 25 – Jun 01, 2026
No Smoker Left Behind: Evaluation of a Population-Based, Opt-Out Smoking Cessation Program for Patients With Cancer Who Smoke.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This study evaluated the “No Smoker Left Behind” program, a population-based, opt-out smoking cessation initiative involving 3,706 eligible smokers within a cohort of 37,478 cancer patients at a comprehensive cancer center. Among patients receiving referrals, 16.2% achieved ≥8-day abstinence at 180 days, with significantly higher quit rates in patients with smoking-related cancers (23.7%) compared to non-smoking-related types (14.7%). The program demonstrated high reach among Black and publicly insured patients, though racial disparities in abstinence rates (14.4% for Black vs. 25.7% for White patients) persist. With a cost-per-quit of $6,067, this proactive outreach model offers a feasible, resource-efficient strategy for integrating essential tobacco cessation services into standard oncology practice to improve patient outcomes.
10.1200/JCO-25-02029
May 18 – May 25, 2026
Beyond sex determination: the Y chromosome in male cancers.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review article synthesizes evidence on Loss of the Y chromosome (LOY) as the most prevalent somatic genomic alteration in males, linking it to susceptibility, progression, and poor outcomes across multiple cancer types, including haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Functional studies demonstrate LOY’s direct effects on immune surveillance, DNA repair, and the tumour immune microenvironment. The article discusses LOY’s potential as a biomarker for cancer risk, prognosis, and guiding precision therapy, including immunotherapy response and treatment stratification. While LOY’s precise causal role remains unresolved, its clinical implications for male cancer management are significant.
10.1038/s41568-026-00935-x
Pathogenic germline variations and cancer risks in pediatric patients referred for genetic testing.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This study investigated cancer predisposition and tumor characteristics in 75,602 pediatric patients undergoing genetic testing. Analyzing exome sequencing data, 501 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants were identified in tumor susceptibility genes. Among patients with tumors, 32.6% harbored causative P/LP variants, notably in NF1, TSC2, RB1, and WT1. Crucially, prospective follow-up revealed a significantly higher incidence of malignant tumors (3.23 per 1,000 person-years) in P/LP carriers compared to other variants, emphasizing the need for proactive genetic counseling and surveillance for cancer risk in this population.
10.1038/s41591-026-04423-5
Regulation of immune checkpoint molecules in cancer immune evasion and therapy.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review investigates the multilayered regulatory mechanisms (genetic to post-translational) that govern immune checkpoint molecule abundance and function in cancer cells and the immune microenvironment. It highlights that while PDL1-PD1, CTLA4, and LAG3 inhibitors have transformed cancer therapy, most patients achieve only limited or transient benefit due to checkpoint dysregulation. The study connects these regulatory processes to immune evasion and therapeutic resistance in cancer. This knowledge is critical for developing biomarkers and mechanism-guided strategies to improve immunotherapy outcomes for cancer patients.
10.1038/s41568-026-00934-y
May 11 – May 18, 2026
Stem cells as an essential mediator of the exercise-tumorigenesis link.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This perspective piece explores the hypothesis that adult stem cells (ASCs) serve as critical mediators between aerobic exercise and reduced cancer incidence. The authors examine how exercise-induced systemic changes reshape distal tissue microenvironments to enhance ASC regenerative capacity while simultaneously activating tumor-suppressive pathways. Although the article lacks specific numerical data from a clinical trial, it provides a mechanistic framework for understanding how exercise maintains tissue homeostasis to prevent oncogenesis. These insights suggest that targeting exercise-sensing pathways in stem cells could offer novel strategies for cancer prevention and the management of age-related pathologies.
10.1038/s41568-026-00933-z
May 04 – May 11, 2026
Tumor-Infiltrating Clonal Hematopoiesis and Pan-Cancer Prognosis in Patients With Solid Tumors.
JAMA ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #14/326TOP-TIER
This retrospective cohort study analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 10,571 patients with solid tumors to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating clonal hematopoiesis (TI-CH). TI-CH was identified in 18.38% of patients, occurring most frequently in endometrial cancer (32%) and correlating with older age and prior cytotoxic chemotherapy. Results demonstrated that TI-CH is significantly associated with worse pan-cancer overall survival (HR 1.13), with particularly high risk observed in breast cancer patients (HR 1.95) and those with GATA2 variants (HR 3.00). These findings suggest that TI-CH serves as a valuable prognostic biomarker across various solid tumors, potentially refining risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies in oncology.
10.1001/jamaoncol.2026.1036
Apr 27 – May 04, 2026
Targeting Regulatory T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy: Promises and Pitfalls.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This targeted literature review examines the biological role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment and evaluates emerging therapeutic strategies for their modulation or depletion in cancer immunotherapy. The review identifies three primary clinical strategies—depletion via anti-CD25/CCR4/CCR8 antibodies, functional blockade of CTLA-4/TIGIT, and metabolic disruption—noting that while preclinical results are promising, clinical trials show variable efficacy and toxicity. For clinicians, the study highlights how high Treg infiltration facilitates tumor immune escape and discusses the potential of selective intratumoral Treg impairment to improve patient outcomes. Future practice may rely on identifying specific T-cell subsets, such as FOXP3+Helios+CCR8+ cells, to predict therapeutic responses and balance antitumor activity with peripheral immune tolerance.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.04.015
Clinical trial endpoints for metastases-directed therapy in oligometastatic cancer: a review and Delphi consensus on behalf of the EORTC-ESTRO OligoCare consortium.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This systematic review and Delphi consensus involving 30 experts and five patient representatives aimed to standardize primary endpoints for clinical trials evaluating metastases-directed therapies (MDT) in oligometastatic cancer. Analysis of 121 comparative trials revealed that while overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) are most common, consensus was reached on incorporating polymetastatic PFS and systemic therapy-free survival. These novel endpoints allow for repeat MDT without defining it as treatment failure, better reflecting the clinical management of oligometastatic disease compared to traditional metrics. Adopting these standardized, patient-centered endpoints will improve the comparability of future oncological trials and better inform clinical policy decisions regarding MDT integration.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00075-6
The clinical landscape of HIF2α inhibitors in oncology.
NAT REV CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #2/326TOP-TIER
This review examines the clinical development and therapeutic landscape of HIF2α inhibitors, specifically focusing on the first-in-class antagonist belzutifan and emerging small-molecule or RNA-based modulators. Belzutifan has achieved regulatory approval for treating von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated tumors, sporadic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma, demonstrating significant efficacy by targeting the PAS-B domain. The research highlights the validation of HIF2α as a druggable target in oncology, addressing management of on-target toxicities like anemia and the potential for combination therapies to overcome resistance. Future clinical practice may expand HIF2α inhibition to various hypoxia-adapted malignancies, provided that predictive biomarkers are identified to optimize patient selection and treatment outcomes.
10.1038/s41571-026-01145-y
Enhancer and metabolic rewiring by KMT2C-COMPASS or KMT2D-COMPASS family loss in cancer creates druggable vulnerabilities.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review article explores the functional roles of KMT2C-COMPASS and KMT2D-COMPASS epigenetic regulatory complexes and the impact of their mutations on cancer progression. It highlights that KMT2C, KMT2D, and KDM6A are among the most frequently mutated genes across human cancers, especially epithelial cancers. These mutations create tumour-specific and potentially druggable vulnerabilities, offering new avenues for therapeutic intervention. The review outlines strategies to exploit these vulnerabilities in cancer cells, including targeting epigenetic activity, metabolic rewiring, and immune responses, providing a framework for novel cancer treatments.
10.1038/s41568-026-00919-x
Apr 20 – Apr 27, 2026
The sleeping threat: targeting cancer dormancy to transform metastasis therapy.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding metastatic cancer cell dormancy, a critical determinant of cancer relapse. It explores microenvironmental drivers, epigenetic programs, and immune evasion mechanisms in both solid and hematologic malignancies. Key insights reveal how niche signals and molecular programs maintain disseminated cancer cell quiescence, and how these cells evade immune surveillance. Despite mechanistic understanding, clinical translation remains limited, underscoring challenges and opportunities to leverage dormancy biology for preventing metastatic recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
10.1038/s41568-026-00928-w
Canine Olfaction Combined With Bayesian Modeling for Multicancer Detection From Breath Samples: A Phase II Study in India.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This Phase II study evaluated a multicancer breath detection system using trained dogs and Bayesian modeling in a case-control study across six hospitals in India, enrolling 3,275 participants including 283 biopsy-confirmed cancer cases. The system achieved 90.8% sensitivity and 91.3% specificity for multicancer detection, with an AUC of 0.962. Notably, sensitivity for early-stage disease (stage I-II) was 90.6% and consistent across cancer types. These findings establish high analytical accuracy for a low-cost, high-sensitivity cancer triage test, highly relevant for population screening, supporting prospective evaluation in true screening populations.
10.1200/JCO-25-02310
Re-Evaluating Antibody-Drug Conjugate Linker Stability: Assessment, Interpretation, and Clinical Translation.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This review examines the role of linker stability in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) design, challenging the assumption that increased stability necessarily improves clinical outcomes in cancer therapy. Analysis reveals that several successful ADCs utilize relatively unstable linkers, while more stable designs have frequently failed to improve efficacy or have resulted in unexpected toxicities. The study highlights the limitations of preclinical models in predicting human payload exposure and emphasizes the complex relationship between systemic half-life and off-target toxicity. These findings suggest that future ADC development must move beyond simple stability metrics toward more rational, clinically-informed strategies to optimize the therapeutic index for oncology patients.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.04.008
Context-dependent synthetic lethality - an emerging precision therapeutic approach.
NAT REV CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/326TOP-TIER
This review examines context-dependent synthetic lethality as a precision oncology strategy to exploit cancer-intrinsic vulnerabilities beyond direct oncogene inhibition. The authors identify key mechanistic themes such as DNA repair defects and metabolic imbalances, highlighting clinical successes with PARP, HIF-2, and SMO inhibitors. It emphasizes that the therapeutic index, often derived from functional genomics, is a critical determinant for target prioritization and achieving selectivity in cancer treatment. These insights provide a framework for developing more selective and durable cancer therapies by matching specific molecular mechanisms with optimal therapeutic modalities.
10.1038/s41568-026-00929-9