Basic & Clinical Cancer Research

First Global Report of Alkaloids Tubotaiwine and Vinervine in Vinca herbacea: Potential Pharmacological Applications

Mohammad Kordkatouli — 2026-01-28

The Article Abstract is not Available.

Monosodium Glutamate’s Dose-Dependent Effects on Prostate Cancer Markers and Sperm Quality

David Unekwuojo Alfa — 2026-01-28

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer with controversial health effects. While high doses have been associated with oxidative stress and repro ductive toxicity, low doses may exert protective effects. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on serum markers of prostate cancer and semen quality in male Wistar rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into six groups (n = 6 per group) and orally administered varying doses of MSG (0, 15, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Serum total Prostate Specific Antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), Total Acid Phos phatase (TAP), Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP), and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) were measured using ELISA. Sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology were assessed from epididymal samples. Our results showed that MSG exhibited a biphasic (hormetic) response. 15 mg/kg MSG reduced TAP by -64% (p < 0.001), fPSA by -60% (p < 0.001) and tPSA by -60% (p < 0.001), GGT by -19.4% (p<0.05) while 50–100 mg/kg MSG improved semen quality, boosting sperm count by +110% and +170% (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), sperm motility by +108% and +77% (p < 0.001, p < 0.01), and viability by +7% and +16% (ns, p < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, 1000 mg/kg MSG caused severe repro ductive toxicity, with –65% sperm count, –100% motility, –23% morphology, and –37% viability (all p < 0.05). These results confirm MSG’s hormetic behavior: low doses improved prostate health and fertility, while high doses induced prostate pathology and impaired spermatogenesis. Low-dose MSG (15–100 mg/kg) demonstrated protective effects on prostate health and male fertility, while higher doses (≥ 500 mg/kg) showed potential for prostate pathology induction and reproductive toxicity. These findings suggest MSG’s dual potential as both a therapeutic candidate for prostate cancer and a model compound for inducing prostate disease in experimental settings

Proton Beam Physical Processes For Improving Cancer Therapy Using a Water Phantom

Fatemeh Namdari — 2026-01-28

Proton beam radiation offers improved cancer therapy due to its unique physical prop erties, particularly the Bragg peak, which allows for precise energy deposition within the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This is especially beneficial when treating tumors near sensitive organs. Water is frequently used as a reference medium for calculating and measuring proton beam properties like range and dose, as it closely mimics human tissue in terms of energy loss and scattering. The goal of this work is to describe quantitatively and qualitatively physical processes using both Maple programming and GEANT4 simulation for proton treatment when a pro ton pencil beam passes through a water phantom.

Intratumoural Microbiota: Roles in Cancer Development, Prognosis, and Therapy

Maryam Abbaspour — 2026-01-28

Breakthroughs in sequencing technologies have overturned the notion that tum ors are sterile. Recent studies reveal that bacteria, fungi, and viruses—collectively termed the intratumoral microbiota—are present across diverse cancer types. These microorganisms may colonize tumors through mucosal barrier disruption, local tis sue spread, or circulation in the blood. Once established, they act as key modulators of the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistic evidence shows that intratumoral microbiota can induce genomic in stability, alter epigenetic states, promote chronic inflammation, evade immune sur veillance, and reshape tumor metabolism. The composition and diversity of these microbial communities differ by tumor type and stage. Distinct microbial signatures are associated with patient prognosis and therapeutic response. The intratumoral microbiota are increasingly recognized not only as biomarkers for early detection and prognosis but also as potential therapeutic targets, especially in immunothera py. However, significant challenges remain in understanding their origins, biological functions, and the safe manipulation of these microbes. Overall, advances in this field hold promise to transform cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through microbiota-targeted strategies. This review highlights the characteristics and origins of intratumoral microbiota, their prognostic significance, and their emerging role in cancer therapy.

The Evolution of Population-Based Cancer Registries in Iran: A 70-Year Journey

Azin Nahvijou — 2026-01-28

Cancer registration is a cornerstone of effective cancer control programs, providing essential data on cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality. This paper reviews the development, current status, and challenges of the Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) program in Iran. Since the 1950s, Iran has made significant efforts to establish systematic cancer registration, culminating in the expansion of PBCRs across multiple provinces. The Golestan Province Cancer Registry was the first Irani an registry included in the international Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) report in 2014, with Ardabil Province joining in 2023, reflecting growing international recognition. The Iranian PBCR program has evolved through national legislation mandating cancer reporting, expansion from pathology-based to population-based registries, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Despite progress, challenges re main, including underreporting, data completeness, and timeliness. The most recent national PBCR report (2018) documented approximately 141,000 new cancer cases with age-standardized incidence rates of 182.8 and 165.3 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. Regional disparities were evident, with higher rates of oesoph ageal, stomach, and lung cancers in northern provinces and breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers more common centrally. Projections indicate a 42.6% increase in new cancer cases by 2025, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cancer con trol strategies. Survival analyses reveal substantial variation by cancer type and re gion, with higher survival in provinces with better socioeconomic indicators. Fur thermore, modifiable risk factors such as smoking, overweight, opium use, and Helicobacter pylori infection contribute significantly to cancer burden in Iran. To strengthen the PBCR program, priorities include timely publication of reports, improving data quality and coverage, and expanding international certification and publication. Sustained political commitment and resource allocation are essential to optimize cancer surveillance and support evidence-based policy to reduce Iran’s growing cancer burden.