Where Innovations Meets Personalized and Precision Medicine
Keywords = Immunotherapy
Number of Articles: 4
The Evolving Landscape of Drug Resistance: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

The Evolving Landscape of Drug Resistance: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

Volume 10, Issue 36, Winter 2025, Pages 1-11

https://doi.org/10.22034/pmj.2025.2054050.1055

Yousef Roosta, Neda Abedi

Abstract Drug resistance is a major obstacle in the effective treatment of cancer, severely impacting patient outcomes and complicating therapeutic strategies. The development of resistance is multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic and epigenetic changes within cancer cells, alterations in drug metabolism, increased DNA repair mechanisms, overexpression of drug efflux pumps, and complex interactions with the tumor microenvironment. These factors work synergistically to render traditional chemotherapy and targeted therapies less effective over time.
Recent advances in molecular biology, particularly next-generation sequencing and the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, have significantly enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving resistance. These technologies have enabled researchers to identify novel genetic mutations and signaling pathways that cancer cells exploit to evade treatment, offering new potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, the dynamic role of the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix components, has emerged as a key factor influencing drug resistance, further complicating treatment strategies.
To address these challenges, several innovative therapeutic approaches are being explored. Combination therapies, which involve the use of multiple drugs targeting different pathways simultaneously, hold promise in overcoming resistance by attacking cancer cells from multiple fronts. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to target cancer cells, is also showing significant potential in resistant cancers. Furthermore, nanomedicine, which uses nanoparticles to deliver drugs directly to tumors, may improve drug efficacy and minimize resistance.
Despite these advancements, much remains to be done. Ongoing research focused on identifying reliable biomarkers, developing personalized medicine approaches, and understanding the intricate relationship between cancer cells and their microenvironment is essential. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding drug resistance in cancer, emerging therapeutic strategies, and future research directions in this critical field.

Cancer Immunotherapy Using Microfluidic Systems

Cancer Immunotherapy Using Microfluidic Systems

Volume 9, Issue 33, Spring 2024, Pages 1-6

https://doi.org/10.22034/pmj.2024.713763

Maryam Diansaei, Parisa Sanati

Abstract Physicians are enthusiastic about using a novel approach known as cancer immunotherapy to address various forms of cancer. However, there are occasions when novel therapies that demonstrate efficacy in laboratory settings may not provide the same level of effectiveness when applied to actual patients. To address this issue, scientists are using miniature replicas known as microfluidic models. These models provide the examination of the interaction between cancer and immune cells in a manner that closely resembles the physiological conditions inside the human body. This review examines the role of microfluidic models in advancing the development of more effective cancer therapies. Let's begin by discussing the current state of affairs in cancer immunotherapy. Next, we explore the use of microfluidic models by scientists to gain insights into the mechanisms via which the immune system combats cancer and to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we discuss the first measures used to demonstrate the efficacy of these models in predicting the effectiveness of therapies in human subjects. Lastly, we will discuss the advantages of using microfluidic models and the necessary steps to enhance their efficacy in the development of novel cancer therapies.
 

New Developments in Cancer Treatment Using CAT T Cell Therapy, a Kind of Gene Therapy

New Developments in Cancer Treatment Using CAT T Cell Therapy, a Kind of Gene Therapy

Volume 9, Issue 32, Winter 2024, Pages 1-7

https://doi.org/10.22034/pmj.2024.2024374.1034

Azin Sohrabi, Mahnaz Saremi

Abstract Recent research has pinpointed cancer as the primary cause of death on a global scale. Various traditional medications and cytotoxic immunotherapies have been established and are now accessible on the market. Given the intricate nature of tumor activity and the multitude of genetic and cellular elements implicated in the development and spread of cancers, it is imperative to create a highly effective immunotherapy that can specifically target tumors at both the cellular and genetic levels. In the clinical context, cancer immunotherapy is growing more and more significant, particularly for tumors that are resistant to traditional chemotherapy and targeted treatments. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a new method of modifying T cells taken from a patient's blood in a laboratory setting. These modified T cells are created to express artificial receptors that specifically target a particular tumor antigen. These specifically recognize the tumor antigen without the participation of the major histocompatibility complex. The use of CAR therapy has the promise of providing a prompt and more secure treatment regimen for both non-solid and solid malignancies. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and progress made in CAR immunotherapy.

The Emerging Role of Personalized Medicine in Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

The Emerging Role of Personalized Medicine in Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Volume 7, Issue 27, Autumn 2022, Pages 21-26

https://doi.org/10.22034/pmj.2022.700904

Muhmmad Noor Kazkaz

Abstract The ability of immunotherapy to treat ovarian cancer is currently limited, however evaluating sensitive/resistant target treatment subpopulations based on stratification by tumor biomarkers may enhance this ability. These indicators include the number of tumor mutations, PD-L1, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, a lack of homologous recombination, and intratumoral heterogeneity of neoantigens. The use of these indicators to choose the best candidates for ovarian cancer treatment is one of the future directions. In addition to reviewing innovative treatments and study designs including tumor biomarkers that improve the chances of immunotherapy success in ovarian cancer, this paper also analyzes the function of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.