Oncotarget

Oncotarget Podcast

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/

  1. 4d ago

    Pan-Cancer Analysis Identifies Buckwheat-Derived Compound as Potential AKT1 Drug-Design Candidate

    BUFFALO, NY – October 14, 2026 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 17 of #Oncotarget on October 12, 2026, titled “Integrative pan-cancer analysis of AKT1 and structure-based drug design by buckwheat derived compounds.” The study examined the role of AKT1 across 33 cancer types and identified fagopyrine, a naturally occurring compound found in buckwheat, as a potential starting point for developing new AKT1-targeting drugs. By combining large-scale cancer datasets with computational drug-design techniques, the researchers identified cancer-specific patterns of AKT1 expression and predicted that fagopyrine could bind strongly to the AKT1 protein. However, its ability to inhibit AKT1 or produce anticancer effects has not yet been experimentally demonstrated. The research was led by first and corresponding author Ramjan Sheikh, affiliated with the Plasma Cell Research Center and the Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University. AKT1 is a protein kinase involved in regulating cell growth, survival, metabolism and resistance to treatment. It functions within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, a major network that controls how cells respond to growth signals and changing metabolic conditions. When this pathway becomes abnormally activated, it can contribute to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer progression. Understanding how AKT1 behaves across different tumors may therefore help identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The researchers analyzed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) covering 33 cancer types, integrating information from multiple databases on gene expression, genetic alterations, DNA methylation, patient survival, immune-cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. This approach allowed them to investigate both the shared functions of AKT1 and the differences in its biological significance across malignancies. Full press release - https://www.oncotarget.com/news/pr/pan-cancer-analysis-identifies-buckwheat-derived-compound-as-potential-akt1-drug-design-candidate/ DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28922 Correspondence to - Ramjan Sheikh - rsheikh1996@universepg.com (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8248-7869) Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNoPbxo8YJQ Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28922 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, AKT1, pan-cancer, buckwheat, fagopyrine, molecular docking To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

    Pan-Cancer Analysis Identifies Buckwheat-Derived Compound as Potential AKT1 Drug-Design Candidate

  2. Oct 6

    Epigenetic Silencing of TRAIL-R2 Is Linked to Aggressive Features in Breast Cancer

    Cancer cells often survive by disrupting the molecular pathways that normally eliminate damaged or abnormal cells. One of these pathways is apoptosis, a tightly controlled form of programmed cell death. New research suggests that an apoptosis-related receptor called TRAIL-R2 is frequently reduced in breast tumors and that epigenetic changes affecting its gene could contribute to this loss of expression. A research paper published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget, titled “TRAIL-R2 in the shadows: Epigenetic silencing and clinical implications in breast cancer,” investigated promoter methylation of TRAIL-R2 and its relationship with gene and protein expression in breast cancer. Why TRAIL-R2 Matters in Cancer Apoptosis helps the body remove cells that are damaged, abnormal, or no longer needed. Because this process can prevent potentially dangerous cells from surviving, disruption of apoptotic signaling is an important feature of cancer biology. One pathway involved in apoptosis is controlled by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, commonly known as TRAIL. TRAIL can interact with several receptors on the cell surface. Two of these, TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2, contain intracellular death domains capable of transmitting signals that lead to apoptosis. TRAIL-R2 is also known as death receptor 5, or DR5. TRAIL-R2 is particularly complex because its effects are not always exclusively tumor suppressive. Activation of the receptor can promote apoptosis through the extrinsic cell-death pathway, but previous studies discussed by the authors have also linked TRAIL-R2 to non-apoptotic signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, that can support tumor survival or metastasis under certain conditions. This means that TRAIL-R2 activity depends partly on the biological context in which the receptor is expressed and activated. The researchers focused on another potential regulator of TRAIL-R2: DNA methylation. DNA methylation is an epigenetic process that can alter gene activity without changing the underlying DNA sequence. When methylation occurs in promoter regions, it can reduce transcription and effectively silence a gene. In cancer, abnormal promoter methylation is one mechanism by which genes involved in growth control or cell death can become less active. The study therefore asked whether TRAIL-R2 promoter methylation was increased in breast cancer and whether that change was accompanied by lower TRAIL-R2 expression. Full blog post - https://www.oncotarget.org/2026/10/06/epigenetic-silencing-of-trail-r2-is-linked-to-aggressive-features-in-breast-cancer/ DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28891 Correspondence to - Asia Asiaf - asiaf29@cukashmir.ac.in, and Showkat Ahmad Ganie - showkatganie@kashmiruniversity.ac.in Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvhkOYLTJUY Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28891 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, TRAIL-R2/DR5, promoter methylation, breast cancer biomarkers, tumor suppressor gene, apoptotic signalling pathways To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

    Epigenetic Silencing of TRAIL-R2 Is Linked to Aggressive Features in Breast Cancer

  3. Sep 28

    Gut Microbiome Emerges as a Potential Partner in Precision Cancer Therapy

    BUFFALO, NY – September 28, 2026 – A new #editorial was #published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget on September 23, 2026, titled “Gut feeling: Microbes at the heart of cancer therapy.” The article examines how the human microbiome may influence cancer development, treatment response and emerging precision-oncology strategies. The editorial was led by first author Uzma Saqib, with Krishnan Hajela serving as corresponding author. Hajela is affiliated with the School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Takshashila Campus, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The microbiome—the collection of microorganisms living in a particular environment—has increasingly been linked to cancer biology. The gut microbiome can influence inflammation, immune responses and metabolism, while microbial metabolites can affect systemic metabolism, epigenetic processes and immune surveillance. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in microbial communities, has been associated with several cancers. The authors highlight Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer and Helicobacter pylori in gastric cancer as examples of microbes associated with tumor-promoting processes. The microbiome may also affect how patients respond to cancer therapy. The editorial discusses evidence linking favorable gut microbial profiles with responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapies. Certain microbial communities may support dendritic-cell maturation, T-cell priming and antitumor immunity, whereas dysbiosis has been associated with treatment resistance. Microbial metabolism can also influence chemotherapy efficacy and gastrointestinal toxicity. These findings have encouraged investigation of the microbiome as both a therapeutic target and a biomarker. Microbial signatures may potentially help predict responses to immunotherapy, while probiotics, prebiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation are being explored as ways of modifying treatment response. The authors highlight Akkermansia muciniphila, which has enhanced anti-PD-1 efficacy in preclinical models. These approaches remain investigational and are not established replacements for standard cancer treatments. Full press release - https://www.oncotarget.com/news/pr/gut-microbiome-emerges-as-a-potential-partner-in-precision-cancer-therapy/ DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28919 Correspondence to - Krishnan Hajela - hajelak@gmail.com (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4742-9643) Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDY6pK5yo-A Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28919 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, gut microbiome, immunomodulation, precision therapeutics, tumor To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us on social media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

    Gut Microbiome Emerges as a Potential Partner in Precision Cancer Therapy

  4. Sep 23

    DHHC3 Helps Melanoma Tumors Evade Antitumor Immunity

    Cancer cells do not grow in isolation. Their ability to survive and form tumors depends partly on how they interact with immune cells in the surrounding tumor microenvironment. Melanoma is particularly responsive to immune-based mechanisms, making it important to understand the molecular processes that allow melanoma cells to limit or escape antitumor immune responses. A research paper published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget, titled “DHHC3 interferes with antitumor immunity in melanoma cells,” investigated the role of the protein acyltransferase DHHC3 in melanoma growth, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and antitumor immunity. Why Study DHHC3 in Melanoma? DHHC3 is one of 23 members of the DHHC family of protein acyltransferases. These enzymes modify proteins through a process known as palmitoylation, which can influence where proteins are located within cells and how they function. Previous research from the investigators showed that DHHC3 palmitoylates numerous antioxidant and redox-regulatory proteins, providing a mechanism through which it helps control intracellular oxidative stress. Higher DHHC3 expression has also been associated with poorer survival across several cancer types, while DHHC3 ablation has previously been shown to reduce breast tumor growth. However, an important question remained unresolved: does eliminating DHHC3 suppress tumors because of changes occurring directly within cancer cells, or because those changes allow the immune system to attack the tumor more effectively? Full blog post - https://www.oncotarget.org/2026/09/23/dhhc3-helps-melanoma-tumors-evade-antitumor-immunity/ DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28880 Correspondence to - Martin E. Hemler - martin_hemler@dfci.harvard.edu, and Chandan Sharma - csharma@mgh.harvard.edu Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQhP2VhzKSE Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28880 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, oxidative stress, DHHC3, anti-cancer immunity, palmitoylation, melanoma To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

    DHHC3 Helps Melanoma Tumors Evade Antitumor Immunity

  5. Sep 17

    Commentary Calls for Consistent Evaluation of Potential Links Between COVID-19, Vaccination and Cancer

    BUFFALO, NY – September 17, 2026 – A new #commentary was #published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget on September 11, 2026, titled “Are both COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines associated with cancer?” The paper was authored by Raphael Lataster, an independent researcher at the University of Sydney, and responds to a recent Oncotarget review by Charlotte Kuperwasser and Wafik S. El-Deiry examining published reports concerning cancer following COVID-19 vaccination or infection. Lataster highlights research concerning potential associations between COVID-19 and cancer and discusses mechanisms proposed in the literature. He argues that similar mechanisms reported in connection with COVID-19 vaccination warrant consideration and further study. The commentary also highlights differences in how evidence concerning COVID-19 vaccines and cancer has been evaluated in the scientific literature. He calls for the same evidentiary standards to be applied when considering potential links between COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and cancer. “Such inquiries should proceed without preconceptions, applying the same evidentiary standards regardless of whether findings implicate infection, vaccination, or both.” The commentary does not establish a causal relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and cancer. Rather, it calls for potential associations and biological mechanisms to be investigated without predetermined conclusions and with appropriate consideration of alternative explanations and the limitations of observational evidence. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28918 Correspondence to - Raphael Lataster - okaythennews@gmail.com (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6670-1702) Preview video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSbIKNe3Hho Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28918 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, double standards To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

    Commentary Calls for Consistent Evaluation of Potential Links Between COVID-19, Vaccination and Cancer

  6. Sep 9

    Restoring MHC-I Expression Could Strengthen Immune Responses Against CNS Cancers

    BUFFALO, NY – September 9, 2026 – A new #review was #published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget on September 8, 2026, titled “Re-expression of MHC-I to treat CNS cancers.” The review examines emerging strategies to restore major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression in cancers of the central nervous system (CNS), with the goal of making these tumors more visible and vulnerable to immune attack. The review was authored by Arseniy E. Yuzhalin from the Sirius University of Science and Technology in Sochi, Russia. Malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors such as glioblastoma and brain metastases are often immunologically “cold,” with limited T-cell infiltration and poor responses to immune checkpoint therapy. One important mechanism of immune escape is the reduction or loss of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), which normally displays tumor-associated antigens to cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. When MHC-I expression falls, cancer cells become less visible to immune surveillance. The review examines several strategies for restoring MHC-I expression. Epigenetic therapies, including histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, could potentially reverse epigenetic silencing of MHC-I genes, although blood-brain barrier penetration remains a major limitation in CNS cancers. A more direct approach could use adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver patient-specific HLA-A, HLA-B, or HLA-C genes or transcription factors such as NLRC5 that promote MHC-I expression. However, efficient tumor targeting, gene delivery, and control of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment remain unresolved challenges. The review also highlights PCSK9 inhibition as a clinically relevant strategy. PCSK9 can promote MHC-I degradation, and a recent surgical-window trial tested the cholesterol-lowering drug evolocumab in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioma. A single preoperative dose showed measurable blood-brain barrier penetration, and tumors with higher drug concentrations displayed increased surface MHC-I expression, greater CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and enhanced cytotoxic activity. These findings provide proof-of-mechanism, although drug delivery into the brain remains a limiting factor. Full press release - https://www.oncotarget.com/news/pr/restoring-mhc-i-expression-could-strengthen-immune-responses-against-cns-cancers/ DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28917 Correspondence to - Arseniy E. Yuzhalin - yuzhalin.ae@talantiuspeh.ru Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDvQ7QS3DFg Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28917 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, brain tumor, CNS cancer, glioblastoma, brain metastasis; MHC-I To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

    Restoring MHC-I Expression Could Strengthen Immune Responses Against CNS Cancers

  7. Sep 8

    Therapeutic HPV Vaccine PepCan Tested for Preventing Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence

    Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can return even after patients complete surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or combinations of these treatments. Preventing recurrence therefore remains an important challenge in head and neck cancer care. Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV type 16, is also an established cause of a subset of these cancers, especially oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A research paper published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget, titled “A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase I/II clinical trial of a human papillomavirus therapeutic vaccine, PepCan, for reducing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma recurrence,” investigated whether an experimental therapeutic HPV vaccine could safely reduce the risk of HNSCC recurrence after standard treatment. Full blog post - https://www.oncotarget.org/2026/09/08/therapeutic-hpv-vaccine-pepcan-tested-for-preventing-head-and-neck-cancer-recurrence/ DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28892 Correspondence to - Mayumi Nakagawa - mnakagawa@uams.edu Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh0MNrrPGhw Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28892 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, human papillomavirus, head and neck cancer, therapeutic vaccine, adjuvant, clinical trial To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us on social media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

    Therapeutic HPV Vaccine PepCan Tested for Preventing Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence

  8. Sep 8

    Oncotarget Supports WIN 2026 Symposium Advancing Precision Oncology

    BUFFALO, NY - September 8, 2026 – Oncotarget is proud to support the WIN 2026 Symposium, organized by the Worldwide Innovative Networking (WIN) Consortium, taking place October 2–3, 2026, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. The two-day symposium, themed “Precision Oncology: Innovation and Equity Across the Globe,” will bring together researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and other experts from around the world to explore advances in precision oncology and strategies for improving personalized cancer care. The WIN Consortium is chaired by Wafik S. El-Deiry, MD, PhD, FACP, who also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Oncotarget. Dr. El-Deiry is also the Associate Dean for Oncologic Sciences at the Warren Alpert Medical School, Director of the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, and Director of the Joint Program in Cancer Biology at Brown University and affiliated hospitals. As a peer-reviewed oncology journal dedicated to publishing impactful cancer research, Oncotarget is pleased to support initiatives that encourage international collaboration and advance innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Full press release - https://www.oncotarget.com/news/pr/oncotarget-supports-win-2026-symposium-advancing-precision-oncology/ To learn more about the symposium and registration, visit https://winconsortium.org/symposia To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

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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/

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  • Creator
    Oncotarget Podcast
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    504
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