Transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) is a member of the type II transmembrane serine protease family known to be upregulated in many malignancies. We previously showed that TMPRSS4 may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer (GC), especially in stage III. In this retrospective study conducted at 10 institutions, all 325 patients underwent R0 resection involving D2 lymph node dissection. TMPRSS4 expression was examined using immunohistochemical analysis. TMPRSS4 expression was upregulated in 44.9% of participants. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of the TMPRSS4-positive group was significantly lower than that of the TMPRSS4-negative group (62.4% vs. 76.4%, respectively; p = 0.0149). Univariate analysis revealed that TMPRSS4 upregulation, tumor size, deeper tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis (N), lymphatic invasion, and tumor stage were significant prognostic factors for OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that N and TMPRSS4 upregulation were significant prognostic factors for OS. The 5-year OS rate was examined in two patient groups: the group with the receiver operating characteristic curve cut-off value ≥ 45% for TS-1 (cancer drug formulation) oral dosage and the group with TS-1 dosage cut-off value < 45%. For the patients in the TS-1 dosage ≥ 45% group, there were significant differences in OS between the TMPRSS4-positive and -negative groups (p = 0.0284): the 5-year OS rates of TMPRSS4-positive and -negative groups were 65.2% and 79.2%, respectively. Our findings suggest that TMPRSS4 overexpression is a useful biomarker for GC, and that an anti-TMPRSS4 antibody may have potential as a novel therapeutic agent.

Collagen comprises approximately 30% of the body's protein content and is essential for maintaining the structural integrity, support, and strength of the skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Recent research has further elucidated its role in various aspects of tumor biology, including tumorigenesis, invasion, migration, drug resistance, and recurrence. Furthermore, collagen is involved in prognostic assessments, the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, immunoregulation, and the identification of potential treatment targets in oncology. This review examines a range of tumor types, including lung, gastric, breast, melanoma, and colorectal cancers, among others. Our objective is to differentiate these tumors based on the specific types of collagen present and to analyze the roles of various collagen types in tumor development, progression, prognosis, and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (CLOCK) is one of the circadian clock genes and is considered to be a fundamental regulatory gene in the circadian rhythm, responsible for mediating several biological processes. Therefore, abnormal expression of CLOCK affects its role in the circadian clock and its more general function as a direct regulator of gene expression. This dysfunction can lead to severe pathological effects, including cancer. To better understand the role of CLOCK in cancer, we compiled this review to describe the biological function of CLOCK, and especially highlighted its function in cancer development, progression, tumor microenvironment, cancer cell metabolism, and drug resistance.

The authors propose a concept of "systems engineering," the approach to assessing the extent of diseased tissue (EODT) in solid tumors. We modeled the proof of this concept based on our clinical experience with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and gastrinoma that included short and long-term survival data of CRC patients. This concept, applicable to various solid tumors, combines resources from surgery, nuclear medicine, radiology, pathology, and oncology needed for preoperative and intraoperative assessments of a patient's EODT. The concept begins with a patient presenting with biopsy-proven cancer. An appropriate preferential locator (PL) is a molecule that preferentially binds to a cancer-related molecular target (i.e., tumor marker) lacking in non-malignant tissue and is the essential element. Detecting the PL after an intravenous injection requires the PL labeling with an appropriate tracer radionuclide, a fluoroprobe, or both. Preoperative imaging of the tracer's signal requires molecular imaging modalities alone or in combination with computerized tomography (CT). These include positron emission tomography (PET), PET/CT, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), SPECT/CT for preoperative imaging, gamma cameras for intraoperative imaging, and gamma-detecting probes for precise localization. Similarly, fluorescent-labeled PLs require appropriate cameras and probes. This approach provides the surgeon with real-time information needed for R0 resection.

With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, lung segment surgery has become increasingly common. Postoperative rehabilitation is critical for patient recovery, yet challenges such as complications and adverse outcomes persist. Incorporating humanized nursing modes and novel treatments like nitric oxide inhalation may enhance recovery and reduce postoperative complications.

To evaluate the effects of a humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide inhalation on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing lung surgery, focusing on pulmonary function, recovery speed, and overall treatment costs.

A total of 79 patients who underwent lung surgery at a tertiary hospital from March 2021 to December 2021 were divided into a control group (n = 39) receiving a routine nursing program and an experimental group (n = 40) receiving additional humanized nursing interventions and atomized inhalation of nitric oxide. Key indicators were compared between the two groups alongside an analysis of treatment costs.

The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in pulmonary function, reduced average recovery time, and lower total treatment costs compared to the control group. Moreover, the quality of life in the experimental group was significantly better in the 3 months post-surgery, indicating a more effective rehabilitation process.

The combination of humanized nursing mode and nitric oxide inhalation in postoperative care for lung surgery patients significantly enhances pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes, accelerates recovery, and reduces economic burden. This approach offers a promising reference for improving patient care and rehabilitation efficiency following lung surgery.