Pre-Clinical Investigations of the Pharmacodynamics of Immunogenic Smart Radiotherapy Biomaterials (iSRB).

The use of an immunogenic smart radiotherapy biomaterial (iSRB) for the delivery of anti-CD40 is effective in treating different cancers in animal models. This study further characterizes the use of iSRBs to evaluate any associated toxicity in healthy C57BL6 mice. iSRBs were fabricated using a poly-lactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) polymer mixed with titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles incorporated into its matrix.

Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises.

Optimizing Vaccination During Radiotherapy.

Effective cancer vaccines require both a means of tumor cell death and a source of adjuvant to activate local dendritic cells. Studies have shown that the use of radiotherapy (RT) to induce tumor cell death and anti-CD40 to activate dendritic cells can result in vaccination in animal models. Here, investigations are carried out on potential strategies to enhance such vaccination.

Boosting the Abscopal Effect Using Immunogenic Biomaterials With Varying Radiation Therapy Field Sizes.

Purpose: Persistent immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment is a major limitation to boosting the abscopal effect, whereby radiation therapy at 1 site can lead to regression of tumors at distant sites. Here, we investigate the use of radiation and immunogenic biomaterials (IBM) targeting only the gross tumor volume/subvolume for boosting the abscopal effect in immunologically cold tumors.

Methods And Materials: To evaluate the abscopal effect, 2 syngeneic contralateral tumors were implanted in each mouse, where only 1 tumor was treated.

Cancer and COVID-19 Experiences at African Cancer Centers: The Silver Lining.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cancer care in Africa, further exposing major health disparities. This paper compares and contrasts the experiences of 15 clinicians in six different African cancer centers to highlight the positive aspects (silver linings) in an otherwise negative situation.

Methods: Data are from personal experience of the clinicians working at the six cancer centers blended with what is available in the literature.

Corrigendum: Flavonoid Derivative of Demonstrates Therapeutic Potential in Preclinical Models of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.

Flavonoid Derivative of Demonstrates Therapeutic Potential in Preclinical Models of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is particularly refractory to modern therapies, with a 5-year survival rate for patients at a dismal 8%. One of the significant barriers to effective treatment is the immunosuppressive pancreatic tumor microenvironment and development of resistance to treatment. New treatment options to increase both the survival and quality of life of patients are urgently needed.