Recent advancements in tumor biology and genetics have highlighted the complexity of tumor immunogenicity and genetic alterations. A study by Kim et al. developed a novel method for identifying functionally immunogenic neoepitopes for MHC II and MHC I, utilizing data from over 36,000 immunogenicity assays across more than 1,200 tumor samples. This method demonstrated that specific neoepitopes could elicit T cell responses, particularly in the context of checkpoint blockade therapies (ref: Kim doi.org/10.1038/s41588-022-01273-y/). In a population-based study, Coltin et al. examined the long-term outcomes of childhood medulloblastoma survivors, revealing a 10-year cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality at 7.9%, significantly higher than the 0.6% observed in matched controls. Additionally, survivors exhibited a markedly increased risk of stroke and hearing loss, underscoring the long-term health burdens associated with this pediatric cancer (ref: Coltin doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.02466/). Wang et al. focused on the genomic characteristics of microsatellite-stable gastrointestinal cancers with high tumor mutational burden, identifying that 3.7% of tumors fell into this category, which could have implications for targeted therapies (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00783-5/). Furthermore, Sherman et al. investigated the efficacy of combining radiotherapy with pazopanib in anaplastic thyroid cancer, reporting a 1-year overall survival rate of 37.1% in the treatment group compared to 29.7% in the placebo group, highlighting the potential of this combination therapy (ref: Sherman doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00763-X/).

The field of immunotherapy has seen significant developments, particularly in the context of neoadjuvant treatments and the management of immune responses. Ludford et al. explored the use of pembrolizumab in localized microsatellite instability-high tumors, demonstrating promising clinical outcomes and suggesting its potential as a neoadjuvant therapy (ref: Ludford doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.01351/). Zsiros et al. implemented a restrictive opioid prescription protocol post-surgery, finding that limiting opioid prescriptions to three days significantly reduced the incidence of chronic opioid use without compromising pain management (ref: Zsiros doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.6278/). In a study on glioma, Guerra et al. found that seropositivity to varicella-zoster virus correlated with improved survival outcomes, suggesting a potential role of viral antibodies in modulating immune responses in glioma patients (ref: Guerra doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Zhou et al. reported that a novel Nano-reshaper technology could enhance T cell infiltration in glioblastoma, addressing a critical barrier to effective immunotherapy in this challenging cancer type (ref: Zhou doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-35957-8/).

Clinical trials continue to play a pivotal role in advancing treatment strategies for various cancers. Yap et al. conducted phase I trials on IACS-010759, a complex I inhibitor targeting oxidative phosphorylation, in patients with advanced solid tumors and acute myeloid leukemia, focusing on safety and tolerability (ref: Yap doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02103-8/). The College of American Pathologists' guideline on mismatch repair testing for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was endorsed by ASCO, emphasizing the importance of accurate biomarker testing in optimizing patient outcomes (ref: Vikas doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.02462/). Quintanilha et al. compared the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors versus chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer, finding that microsatellite instability status significantly influenced treatment outcomes (ref: Quintanilha doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.52244/). Additionally, Guo et al. evaluated the combination of temozolomide and interferon alfa in high-grade gliomas, aiming to determine the therapeutic efficacy and safety of this regimen (ref: Guo doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.53285/).

Research into molecular mechanisms and pathways has revealed critical insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets. Liu et al. demonstrated that the circadian clock protein CLOCK, when exported from the nucleus, acetylates PRPS, promoting de novo nucleotide synthesis and liver tumor growth, linking circadian rhythms to cancer metabolism (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1038/s41556-022-01061-0/). Mohagheghian et al. utilized a magnetic microrobot to quantify stiffness and forces in tumor colonies, providing a novel approach to understanding mechanical properties in cancer progression (ref: Mohagheghian doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.adc9800/). Verma et al. investigated the susceptibility of Olig1/2-expressing progenitors to gliomagenesis, revealing specific lineage vulnerabilities that could inform targeted therapies (ref: Verma doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-22-1577/). Furthermore, Hegdekar et al. explored the role of autophagy in microglia and macrophages, finding that its inhibition exacerbates inflammatory responses and worsens outcomes following traumatic brain injury, highlighting the importance of autophagy in neuroinflammation (ref: Hegdekar doi.org/10.1080/15548627.2023.2167689/).

Neuro-oncology research has focused on the intricate relationship between tumor biology and immune responses in brain tumors. Kim et al.'s work on MHC II immunogenicity revealed that the neoepitope landscape in human tumors is shaped by immunogenicity, which could inform therapeutic strategies targeting T cell responses (ref: Kim doi.org/10.1038/s41588-022-01273-y/). Coltin et al. highlighted the long-term health consequences of childhood medulloblastoma, with survivors facing increased risks of mortality, stroke, and hearing loss, emphasizing the need for comprehensive survivorship care (ref: Coltin doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.02466/). Zhang et al. provided histological and proteomic evidence of COVID-19-associated monocytic encephalitis, revealing significant neuropathological changes in patients, which may have implications for understanding brain tumor microenvironments (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1038/s41392-022-01291-6/). Wang et al. identified genomic signatures in microsatellite-stable gastrointestinal cancers with high tumor mutational burden, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for these patients (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00783-5/).

The impact of cancer treatment on patient outcomes and quality of life remains a critical area of research. You et al. demonstrated that intradermally delivered mRNA-encapsulating extracellular vesicles can significantly enhance collagen synthesis in photoaged skin, suggesting potential applications in improving skin quality post-cancer treatment (ref: You doi.org/10.1038/s41551-022-00989-w/). Coltin et al. provided compelling evidence of the long-term burdens faced by childhood medulloblastoma survivors, including a high incidence of stroke and hearing loss, which underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and supportive care (ref: Coltin doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.02466/). Sherman et al. reported on the adverse events associated with pazopanib treatment in anaplastic thyroid cancer, highlighting the importance of balancing treatment efficacy with quality of life considerations (ref: Sherman doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00763-X/). Additionally, Wang et al. explored the mutational landscape of gastrointestinal cancers, which may inform personalized treatment approaches that could improve patient outcomes (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00783-5/).