Sinapsos Podcast | Oncology

E56   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Aljabali, A.A.A.; Obeid, M.A.; Alqudah, A.; Hamzat, Y.; Alqudah, A.; Alzoubi, L.; Gammoh, O.; Qnais, E.; Mishra, V.; Mishra, Y.; Hatahet, T.; El-Tanani, M. CAR T-Cell Therapy in Hematological Malignancies: Mechanisms, Innovations, and Challenges. Cancers 2026, 18, 3254. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18203254 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 09 October 2026 Summary: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a revolutionary immunotherapy that engineers a patient’s own immune T cells to specifically target and destroy malignant cells in hematological malignancies. This approach has transformed the treatment of relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphomas, and myelomas, leading to seven products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that offer curative potential for patients who previously had no remaining options. However, the therapy is not without significant challenges. Severe inflammatory toxicities, cancer relapse due to the loss of target antigens, and the high costs of individualized manufacturing limit its broader use. This review explores the biological mechanisms driving CAR T-cell success and failure, details the current landscape of approved and investigational therapies, and highlights emerging innovations. Strategies such as targeting multiple antigens simultaneously, engineering next-generation CARs, and developing off-the-shelf products are critical next steps to improve safety, overcome resistance, and make this life-saving therapy accessible to more patients. Keywords: chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy; hematological malignancies; immune checkpoint inhibitors; multiplexed antigen targeting; next-generation immunotherapy   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E55   |  12 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Gutowska, K.; Urban, A.; Wojtyła, C.; Ławicki, S.; Laudański, P. Recent Developments in Studies on the Relation Between Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer: Phenotype-Specific Risk, Molecular Convergence and Clinical Risk Stratification. Cancers 2026, 18, 3241. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193241 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 08 October 2026 Summary: Endometriosis is a chronic disorder in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing pain and fertility problems. Researchers have long asked whether it also raises ovarian cancer risk. This review summarizes the most important studies from the last two years to answer that question. Oncology-related risk is elevated mainly in certain forms of the disease, particularly ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis and deeper growths. Importantly, the overall chance of developing cancer remains low. Current evidence supports a more personalized approach that considers a woman’s age, menopausal status, family history and changes in the disease over time. Keywords: endometriosis; endometrioma; ovarian cancer; clear-cell carcinoma; endometrioid carcinoma   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E54   |  8 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Shrivastava, T.; Medik, Y.; Kumar, N.S.; Tu, S.; Kunthur, A. Prognosis and Therapies in Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas. Cancers 2026, 18, 3224. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193224 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 07 October 2026 Summary: Non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas (nccRCCs) comprise a heterogeneous group of kidney cancers with distinct biological features and clinical outcomes. Prognosis varies substantially according to histology and molecular drivers. Historically, outcomes have been inferior to those of clear cell RCC because subtype-specific evidence has been limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted agents, and combination strategies have improved response rates, but optimal management remains uncertain. Progress will depend on molecular stratification, subtype-specific trials, and integration of genomic and epigenomic insights to individualize prognosis and therapy. Keywords: non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma; papillary renal cell carcinoma; chromophobe renal cell carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitors; molecular biomarkers; prognosis; systemic therapy   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E53   |  9 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Meyer, T.; Stockfleth, L.; Lang, K.; Käfferlein, H.U.; Brüning, T.; Stockfleth, E. From Molecular Alterations to Risk Prediction: Biomarkers of Actinic Keratosis Progression to Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers 2026, 18, 3221. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193221 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 06 October 2026 Summary: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precursor to skin cancer that, if left untreated, can develop into non-melanoma skin cancer—specifically, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). However, progression to carcinoma occurs only in a small proportion of cases. To date, it is not possible to predict which specific AK lesion will develop into cSCC. Numerous factors associated with the malignant progression of AK have been described, including patient-specific, clinical, histological, and molecular factors. None of these factors serve as a standalone marker for predicting malignant progression, as the development of invasive cSCC is driven by the dysregulation of multiple, individually variable molecular signaling pathways rather than by alterations in a single signaling cascade. The use of multiple markers as a molecular signature could enable a more accurate assessment of progression risk in the future. This review presents the molecular factors that are primary candidates for this purpose. Keywords: skin cancer; malignant progression; biomarker; proliferation; differentiation; invasion; carcinogenesis   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E52   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Pitchaimuthu, T.; Razif, M.Y.M.; Sidek, K.; Nabil, S. Effect of Jaw Exercise on Mouth Opening and Trismus in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Cancers 2026, 18, 3215. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193215 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 05 October 2026 Summary: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are frequently exposed to various treatment-related complications, particularly those arising from radiotherapy or ablative surgery. Radiotherapy-induced trismus is one of the well-known complications. Despite advancements in radiotherapy technologies and techniques, trismus management remains inadequate. In this Randomised Controlled Trial, we investigated whether a structured wooden tongue depressor-assisted jaw exercise programme could improve mouth opening compared with basic jaw exercises in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. We recruited and evaluated 38 patients using maximal mouth opening/maximal interincisal distance with a calliper and a questionnaire to assess mandibular impairment. Both groups showed small, non-significant changes in mouth opening across the follow-up period. Trismus was also significantly associated with greater mandibular functional impairment and patient-reported difficulty opening the mouth. These findings may support early jaw mobilisation during radiotherapy; however, the trial was limited by its small sample size, short-term follow-up, retrospective trial registration, and absence of a non-exercise control group. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to determine whether wooden tongue depressor provides additional benefit over basic jaw exercises alone. Keywords: head and neck cancer; radiotherapy-induced trismus; maximal mouth opening/maximal interincisal distance; mandibular functionality   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E51   |  9 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Tepebasili, M.A.; Nazari, A.S.; Duzkalir, A.H.; Yildirim, D.C.; Askeroglu, M.O.; Veznikli, M.; Peker, S. Single-Session Versus Hypofractionated Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Large Parasagittal Meningiomas: A Retrospective Comparative Study. Cancers 2026, 18, 3188. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193188 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 02 October 2026 Summary: Parasagittal meningiomas (PSMs) are difficult to resect completely because they often involve the superior sagittal sinus, one of the brain’s major veins. As a result, Gamma Knife radiosurgery is commonly used as an alternative or complementary treatment. For larger tumors, single-session treatment may be limited by the risk of radiation-related edema. Dividing the treatment into several sessions may reduce this risk, but there is limited evidence for this approach in parasagittal meningiomas. We reviewed 87 patients with 87 large PSMs (≥8 cm3) treated at a single institution and compared outcomes between single-session and multi-session Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Freedom from local progression did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.137), nor did post-treatment radiological edema (p = 0.235) or new clinical symptoms (p = 0.744). These findings offer practical guidance for treating large parasagittal meningiomas and highlight the need for prospective studies to determine which patients benefit most from fractionated treatment. Keywords: parasagittal meningioma; Gamma Knife radiosurgery; hypofractionated radiosurgery; stereotactic radiosurgery; local control; peritumoral edema; superior sagittal sinus; large meningioma   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E50   |  9 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Borgers, J.S.W.; Wu, C.; Medina, T.M.; Muckle, C.M.; Katsnelson, E.N.; Whitty, P.A.; Mantle, L.; Patel, S.P.; Gao, D.; Jordan, K.R.; Robinson, W.A.; Tobin, R.P.; McCarter, M.D.; Couts, K.L. Epigenetic Priming with Oral Decitabine/Cedazuridine Combined with Nivolumab in Unresectable or Metastatic Mucosal Melanoma: Clinical and Correlative Findings from a Phase Ib/II Trial. Cancers 2026, 18, 3172. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193172 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 01 October 2026 Summary: Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive melanoma subtype with lower response rates to immunotherapy than cutaneous melanoma, creating a need for new combination treatment strategies. This study evaluated oral decitabine/cedazuridine, an epigenetic drug which alters DNA methylation and activates innate immune signaling pathways, in combination with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy nivolumab in patients with unresectable or metastatic mucosal melanoma. The trial closed early and enrolled only eight patients, reflecting the challenges of conducting prospective clinical trials in rare melanoma. Despite these limitations, the study provided important clinical and correlative insight, including an encouraging clinical signal in some patients. Treatment produced measurable biological effects in circulating immune cells, including reduced DNA methylation and increased expression of innate immune pathway genes. These findings support further investigation of biomarker-driven epigenetic immune-priming combinations in mucosal melanoma and other immunotherapy-resistant tumors characterized by impaired innate immune signaling. Keywords: mucosal melanoma; decitabine/cedazuridine; nivolumab; RIG-I; viral mimicry   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E49   |  10 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Mahenge, C.M.; Akasheh, R.T.; Nguyen, X.V.; Cheng, T.D. Association of Body Composition with Tumor Proteomics and Survival in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers 2026, 18, 3161. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193161 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 30 September 2026 Summary: Patients with kidney cancer who have low muscle mass or excess body fat generally face poorer outcomes. However, the biological mechanisms linking body traits to tumor behavior are not well understood. Most prior research has looked at muscle mass and body fat independently, and their relationship to tumor biology in kidney cancer has not been thoroughly investigated. In our study, we integrated computer tomography-based measurements of muscle and body fat with data on tumor proteins and survival using a public dataset of kidney cancer patients. We identified specific combinations of muscle and body fat that were associated with tumor proteins and biological processes linked to increased mortality. Patients exhibiting both an unfavorable body composition and a certain tumor protein had worse survival compared to those with either factor alone. These results imply that body composition may influence tumor behavior, pointing toward new opportunities for personalized treatment options. Keywords: clear cell renal carcinoma; adipose tissue; skeletal muscle; body composition; tumor protein expression   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E48   |  9 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Younis, O.M.; Goklemez, S.; Awadallah, C.; Atrash, S.; Paul, B.; Shaikh, H.; Strouse, C.; Vegel, A.; Struble, E.; Mazloom, A.; Alkharabsheh, O.; Mewawalla, P.; Shah, M.R.; Saxena, A.; Mahmoudjafari, Z.; Snyder, J.; Mushtaq, M.U.; Kort, J.; Habib, A.; McGuirk, J.; Abdallah, A.; Khan, A.M. Sequencing BCMA-Directed Therapies in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Real-World Comparison of CAR T-Cell Therapy and Bispecific Antibodies. Cancers 2026, 18, 3147. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193147 Type: Article  |  Publication date: 29 September 2026 Summary: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed therapies (BDT) are approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Several treatment modalities exist including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). The effectiveness of BCMA-targeting CAR-T and BsAbs has not been compared directly in clinical trial so real-world data provides insight into relative effectiveness. We present retrospectively-collected data comparing CAR-T and BsAbs in patients with RRMM from major US academic institutions. We also explored the impact of prior BDT (BDT-exposed, versus BDT-naïve). CAR-T led to more durable responses in the BDT-naïve setting than BsAbs. Responses to either modality were weaker in the BDT-exposed setting. Furthermore, our data suggest that the washout period and the choice of first BDT impact response rates in the exposed setting. These results highlight the importance of sequencing BDT in RRMM. Keywords: relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma; CAR-T; bispecific antibodies; sequencing therapies   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.  

E47   |  9 min   |   Latest   |  Publication Link Podcast based on: Mansour, H.; Mazouji, O.; El Hammouti, A.; Alloubi, I.; Incitti, R.; El Kazzouli, S.; Ouhajjou, A.; Nejjari, C. Refining Lung Cancer Care: The Emerging Role of Liquid Biopsy in Screening, Diagnosis, and Precision Oncology. Cancers 2026, 18, 3140. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18193140 Type: Review  |  Publication date: 28 September 2026 Summary: Researchers reviewed the emerging role of liquid biopsy in lung cancer care. Using a narrative review and a structured search of the ClinicalTrials.gov registry, they examined clinically endorsed uses of liquid biopsy for guiding treatment in advanced lung cancer and investigational uses for early detection, while also considering challenges of current technologies, artificial intelligence, and implementation. Current evidence supports liquid biopsy for molecular profiling and treatment selection in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Its use in early detection, screening, and minimal residual disease-guided management remains investigational and requires further prospective validation. Because low-dose computed tomography screening has limitations such as false-positive findings and restricted accessibility, liquid biopsy is seen as a promising non-invasive complementary approach to tissue biopsy and screening technology and, in some cases, an alternative. It may help advance precision oncology and improve lung cancer management. Keywords: lung cancer; blood test; screening; diagnosis; follow up; treatment guidance; non-invasive; genetic test; epigenetic test; liquid biopsy   License and disclaimer: Original article © 2026 by the authors. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This episode is an AI-generated audio adaptation of the article: the script and the voices are synthetic, changes were made, and the adaptation is not endorsed by the authors, the journal, or the publisher. It may contain errors or omissions, so consult the original publication before relying on any detail. It is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The creators accept no liability for any use of this content.