Pediatric brain tumors represent a formidable challenge in the field of oncology. Pediatric brain tumors are sub-classified into several molecular sub-types, where each one is characterized by an array of hyperactivated oncogenic molecular engines. However, there have been great efforts dedicated to portray the involved signaling pathways driving pediatric brain tumors. Yet, a full understanding of the intertwined oncogenic pathways involved is still obscure. In this review, the authors shed light on novel therapeutic targets tailored for several sub-types of pediatric brain tumors and point out the limitations of such therapeutic approaches. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) has recently been cast as an oncogenic driver in several solid malignancies, yet its role in brain tumors is still under investigation. The authors also highlight the possible involvement of H2S in pediatric brain tumors and propose promising brain-delivery strategies for the sake of achieving better therapeutic results for brain tumors patients.Abstract: Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psychosocial burden, brain tumors are considered one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies due to their sophisticated cellular and molecular pathophysiology. Notwithstanding the advances in research and the substantial efforts to develop a suitable therapy, a full understanding of the molecular pathways involved in primary brain tumors is still demanded. On the other hand, the physiological nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits the efficiency of many available treatments, including molecular therapeutic approaches. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), as a member of the gasotransmitters family, and its synthesizing machinery have represented promising molecular targets for plentiful cancer types. However, its role in primary brain tumors, generally, and pediatric types, particularly, is barely investigated. In this review, the authors shed the light on the novel role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a prominent player in pediatric brain tumor pathophysiology and its potential as a therapeutic avenue for brain tumors. In addition, the review also focuses on the challenges and opportunities of several molecular targeting approaches and proposes promising brain-delivery strategies for the sake of achieving better therapeutic results for brain tumor patients.

Being a leading lethal malignancy worldwide, the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has gained a lot of interest. Yet, underlying mechanistic basis of the liver tumorigenesis is poorly understood. The role of some coding genes and their respective translated proteins, then later on, some noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs have been extensively studied in context of HCC pathophysiology; however, the implication of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HCC is indeed less investigated. As a subclass of the ncRNAs which has been elusive for long time ago, lncRNAs was found to be involved in plentiful cellular functions such as DNA, RNA, and proteins regulation. Hence, it is undisputed that lncRNAs dysregulation profoundly contributes to HCC via diverse etiologies. Accordingly, lncRNAs represent a hot research topic that requires prime focus in HCC. In this review, the authors discuss breakthrough discoveries involving lncRNAs and circRNAs dysregulation that have contributed to the contemporary concepts of HCC pathophysiology and how these concepts could be leveraged as potential novel diagnostic and prognostic HCC biomarkers. Further, this review article sheds light on future trends, thereby discussing the pathological roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs in HCC proliferation, migration, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Along this line of reasoning, future recommendations of how these targets could be exploited to achieve effective HCC‐related drug development is highlighted.

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BackgroundBeing “positive” has been one of the most frustrating words anyone could hear since the end of 2019. This word had been overused globally due to the high infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2. All citizens are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, but a red warning sign has been directed towards cancer and immune-compromised patients in particular. These groups of patients are not only more prone to catch the virus but also more predisposed to its deadly consequences, something that urged the research community to seek other effective and safe solutions that could be used as a protective measurement for cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.AimThe authors aimed to turn the spotlight on specific herbal remedies that showed potential anticancer activity, immuno-modulatory roles, and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions.MethodologyTo attain the purpose of the review, the research was conducted at the States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). To search databases, the descriptors used were as follows: “COVID-19”/”SARS-CoV-2”, “Herbal Drugs”, “Autoimmune diseases”, “Rheumatoid Arthritis”, “Asthma”, “Multiple Sclerosis”, “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” “Nutraceuticals”, “Matcha”, “EGCG”, “Quercetin”, “Cancer”, and key molecular pathways.ResultsThis manuscript reviewed most of the herbal drugs that showed a triple action concerning anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Special attention was directed towards “matcha” as a novel potential protective and therapeutic agent for cancer and immunocompromised patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.ConclusionThis review sheds light on the pivotal role of “matcha” as a tri-acting herbal tea having a potent antitumorigenic effect, immunomodulatory role, and proven anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, thus providing a powerful shield for high-risk patients such as cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.

Background: Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer caused by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of pleural mesothelial cells and it is frequently diagnosed late. Furthermore, diagnosis can be difficult, which provides incentive for the investigation of new methods of diagnosis. Biomarkers are biological indicators of a biological state or disease. lncRNA have been found to be linked to the progression of mesothelioma. LncRNAs were discovered to be expressed differently across tissues and conditions, which suggests potential as biomarkers. Aim: we discuss the potential in using lncRNA as biomarkers in Mesothelioma, emphasizing on specific lncRNA that have already been explored and to clarify their diagnostic value. In order to narrow down all lncRNA markers investigated for mesothelioma, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on the subject. Methods: Searches were conducted through four databases (Pubmed, JStor, Mdpi and Sciencedirect) for articles in time frame between 2010 and 2022. The search criteria based on the keywords: “Mesothelioma”, “lncRNA” or “Long non coding RNA”. The study was evaluated by 2 researches independently. Screening of 1141 articles, only 3 articles were included for fulfilling the criteria. Quality Assessment was carried using Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 Results: Three studies analyzed and confirmed the expression and diagnostic value of 4 lncRNAs (GAS5, lncRNA‐RP1‐86D1.3, SNHG8, POT1-AS1) by RT-qPCR in 96 patients of various ethnic backgrounds and gender groups. Conclusion: The present studies hold promise for LncRNAs as novel diagnostic markers for pleural mesothelioma. However, larger sample size and more standardized protocols are required for validation.