Journal of Cancer Immunology

Review Article Open Access

The Role of Tumor and Host Microbiome on Immunotherapy Response in Urologic Cancers

John Pfail, Jake Drobner, Krishna Doppalapudi, Biren Saraiya, Vignesh T. Packiam, Saum Ghodoussipour

The role of the microbiome in the development and treatment of genitourinary malignancies is just starting to be appreciated. Accumulating evidence suggests that the microbiome can modulate immunotherapy through signaling in the highly dynamic tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, much is still unknown about the immuno-oncology-microbiome axis, especially in urologic oncology. The objective of this review is to synthesize our current understanding of the microbiome’s role in modulating and predicting immunotherapy response to genitourinary malignancies.

Editorial Open Access

Role of a Training Simulator for Kidney Biopsy and Tumor Removal Procedures in Complex Positioning Scenarios: The Key Challenges

Trijit Reet Adhikary, Santu Paul, Anu Jayanthi Panicker, Sarada Prasad Dakua

Preventable medical errors and iatrogenic injuries remain significant contributors to mortality and morbidity, emphasizing the need for effective clinical training methodologies. Traditional teaching methods often inadequately prepare physicians for mastering procedural skills. Surgical procedures like nephrectomy for kidney tumor removal require intricate understanding of renal anatomy and meticulous technique. Close coordination among the specialists remains crucial to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Commentary Open Access

Enhancing the Efficacy of CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Comprehensive Exploration of Cellular Strategies and Molecular Dynamics

Mehmet A. Baysal, Abhijit Chakraborty, Apostolia M. Tsimberidou

The emergence of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly for hematologic malignancies. This commentary discusses developments in CAR-T cell therapy, focusing on the molecular mechanisms governing T cell fate and differentiation. Transcriptional and epigenetic factors play a pivotal role in determining the specificity, effectiveness, and durability of CAR-T cell therapy.

Research Article Open Access

Perioperative Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Muscle-Invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer

Chethan Ramamurthy, Karen M. Wheeler, Shaun Trecarten, Zaineb Hassouneh, Niannian Ji, Yifen Lee, Robert S. Svatek, Neelam Mukherjee

Checkpoint inhibitors offer promise in treating muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer, but the optimal timing of their administration—neoadjuvant or adjuvant—remains unclear. To determine the efficacy of combining checkpoint inhibition with standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy, we conducted a phase II trial of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 (αPD-1) and anti-CTLA-4 (αCTLA-4), in combination with cisplatin-gemcitabine, for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer prior to radical cystectomy. 

Commentary Open Access

Aromatase Inhibitors and their Connection to Autoimmunity

Savannah Bowman, Carlos H Barcenas, Huifang Lu

The aromatase inhibitors (AIs) anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane are often prescribed as endocrine therapy for patients with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. AIs are associated with musculoskeletal side effects such as bone loss, arthralgias, myalgias, and tenosynovitis. Notably, exemestane is a steroidal AI and both anastrozole and letrozole are non-steroidal AIs. 

Mini Review Open Access

AMBRA1: Orchestrating Cell Cycle Control and Autophagy for Cellular Homeostasis

Yang Wang, Goran Stjepanovic

The Activating Molecule in Beclin-1-Regulated Autophagy (AMBRA1) is a scaffold protein involved in many cellular processes, including autophagy, apoptosis, cell growth and development. AMBRA1 functions as a substrate receptor of the DDB1-Cullin4-RBX1 ubiquitin E3 ligase complex that plays key roles in autophagy and the cell cycle regulatory network. Considering the crucial role of AMBRA1 in cellular homeostasis, structural and functional studies are important for understanding the mechanisms that coordinate these cell responses.