Leila Jahangiri

Early‐onset breast cancer presents in patients typically under the age of 40, while very early‐onset breast cancer is usually viewed as breast cancer occurring before the age of 35. Early‐onset breast cancer demonstrates specific molecular properties and has worse outcomes compared to its late‐onset breast cancer counterpart. Furthermore, the global burden of early‐onset breast cancer, mortality rates, and incidence are on an upward trajectory on a global scale, highlighting the importance of gaining a better comprehension of this disease. This study aims to examine the global burden and incidence of early‐onset breast cancer and a myriad of risk factors that contribute to the development of this cancer. Furthermore, the study will dissect the early‐onset breast cancer patient knowledge, attitudes, and outcomes, in addition to aspects about genetic testing, disparities, diagnosis, and treatment. By advancing our understanding and knowledge of the molecular and clinical properties of early‐onset breast cancer, the scientific community can lay the groundwork for improving patient experiences, outcomes, and therapy.

Purpose of Review: Breast cancer is a health issue, and its incidence has increased annually worldwide, making it one of the major cancers in women. The subtypes of breast cancer demonstrate specific prognoses and a requirement for distinct treatment strategies. Recent Findings: A plethora of factors and players, including the accession of medical insurance, daytime and nighttime noise and air pollution, can impact breast cancer. Genetic testing can be useful to associate clinicopathological aspects with the presence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in patients. In addition, a myriad of prognostic models and biomarkers have been reviewed for breast cancer. For instance, single genes could be linked to prognosis. Further, multigenic predictors could be used to establish prognosis in breast cancer, while epigenetics and the tumour microenvironment also impact patient prognosis. Furthermore, drug targets for breast cancer treatment can be identified and substantiated in various cell and animal models. Summary: This work aims to review the most recent studies on breast cancer genetics from the perspectives of risk factors, genetic testing, prognosis, and treatment.

Breast cancer is a major health concern for women worldwide, and therefore, understanding various changes acquired by breast cancer cells is relevant to a better comprehension of the disease. One such change includes alterations to the mechanical properties of breast cancer cells. For example, cells with high malignant potential show lower adhesion forces and higher cell deformability. Mechanical forces, including tensile and compressive forces of the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix such as integrin, collagen, and the basement membrane, can affect BC cells. These forces alter the properties of cancer cells, drive them towards invasiveness due to different motility and proliferative profiles, and change their microenvironment. This study will focus on the mechanical characteristics of breast cancer cells and the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, changes induced in breast cancer cells following exposure to mechanical forces will be reviewed. Genes that link phenotype to mechanical forces and the implications of these forces for diagnostics and treatment will be discussed.

The trans-Golgi network is a major sorting organelle consisting of a tubular membrane originating from the trans-Golgi cisternae. Proteins and lipids synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum are transported through the Golgi apparatus and sorted in the trans-Golgi network into pleomorphic transport carriers targeted for various destinations. These destinations include the apical and basolateral membranes, early and late, recycling endosomes, and secretory granules. The trans-Golgi network also accepts retrograde endosome traffic, contributing to the recycling of proteins and lipids, and, therefore, sits at the crossroads of secretory and endosomal systems. Cancer is a somatic evolutionary process that comprises the accumulation of mutations that contribute to tumourigenesis, growth, progression, immune evasion, and resistance to therapy. This study aims to catalogue how multiple components and players of the trans-Golgi network affect tumour progression. Further, the link between the tumour microenvironment, the trans-Golgi network, and tumour progression will be dissected. A more profound understanding of these mechanisms will inform better treatment options.

Purpose of Review: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid tumour of the extracranial region in children, and it originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system. Metastasis is present in circa 70% of NB cases at the time of diagnosis and may be accompanied by poor prognosis and resistance to treatment. As such, metastasis is an important step in NB progression and is the main cause of fatality in this cancer. Furthermore, metastasis is linked to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent Findings: EMT is characterised by the loss of the stationary compact epithelial cell arrangement and increased motility and invasion of these cells and may also be associated with patient outcomes, including treatment resistance, recurrence, and poor survival. Summary: This study aims to gain mechanistic insight into EMT and review signalling pathways, proteins, non-coding RNA, and microenvironmental factors that may contribute to this process in NB. Further, drug compounds that affect EMT in NB, and proteins and non-coding RNA that impact EMT and treatment resistance will be reviewed. A better comprehension of EMT in NB will deepen our understanding of this cancer and provide new avenues for clinical interventions and therapeutic gain.