Zhen Zong

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major therapeutic challenge due to the limited efficacy of current systemic and intraperito

Colorectal cancer (CRC), as one of the malignant tumors with a high incidence globally, has a complex tumor micro-environment (TME) that plays a key role in tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment resistance. In recent years, liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules has been gradually discovered to participate in regulating the dynamic balance of the stromal-immune axis in CRC as an important mechanism for integrating intracellular and extracellular signals. LLPS drives the formation of pathogenic aggregates, reshaping the functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells (ECs), and immune cells, promoting tumor cells to evade immune surveillance and forming an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Current research reveals the core role of LLPS in the malignant interactions between CRC stroma and immune cells, but how to precisely target these phase-separated aggregates remains a challenge. This article reviews the regulatory mechanisms of the stromal-immune axis mediated by LLPS, focusing on innovative therapeutic strategies based on small molecule inhibitors, protein degradation technologies, and nano-drug delivery systems, aiming to provide new theoretical basis and clinical translation directions for precise immunotherapy of CRC, and to promote overcoming the challenges of treatment resistance and recurrence.

Single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (SIL-TEP) has gained attention for its potential to minimize surgical trauma and improve cosmesis. However, its comparative efficacy and safety versus conventional multi-port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair (MTL-TEP) remain contentious. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the feasibility and safety of SIL-TEP compared to MTL-TEP. A systematic literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from January 2005 to June 2025. Data on postoperative outcomes were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4, calculating mean differences (MD) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analysis of 23 studies (7 RCTs, 16 non-RCTs; 2894 patients) showed SIL-TEP had a longer unilateral operative time (MD = 4.39 min, 95% CI: 0.88-7.89, P = 0.01), though this was not significant in study design subgroup analysis. SIL-TEP offered superior early outcomes, including lower pain scores on postoperative day 7 (MD = -0.57, 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.05, P = 0.03) and higher cosmetic satisfaction (MD = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.27-1.28, P = 0.002). The techniques were comparable in bilateral operative time, overall complications (OR = 0.92, P = 0.48), hospital stay (MD = -0.02, P = 0.50), and recurrence rates (OR = 0.81, P = 0.65). This meta-analysis suggests that SIL-TEP is a safe and feasible alternative to MTL-TEP. The pooled results indicate potential benefits of SIL-TEP in reducing early postoperative pain and achieving better cosmetic outcomes, although these advantages were not sustained in the RCT subgroup analysis. Critically, both techniques demonstrated comparable safety profiles, with no significant differences in complication rates, hospital stay, and short-to-midterm recurrence risk. SIL-TEP represents a viable surgical option that can be individualized for patients, particularly those who place a high value on minimal scarring.

IFN‑stimulated gene (ISG)20 is a key member of the ISG family, serving a central role in antiviral defense, immune regulation and cell metabolism through its exonuclease activity. ISG20 is markedly dysregulated in various malignancies, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma, glioma, breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it is associated with tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Its dual regulatory roles, such as promoting tumor progression via the MMP9/CCND1 signaling axis or enhancing antitumor immunity by activating the IFN‑β pathway, highlight its complex involvement in tumor biology. The present review aimed to summarize the discovery, structural characteristics and physiological functions of ISG20, and its multifaceted roles in tumor development. Moreover, the potential of ISG20 as a novel biomarker, immunoadjuvant and therapeutic target is discussed, offering theoretical insight and translational directions for precision oncology.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1432633.].

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy and a significant proportion of patients with CRC develop liver metastasis (CRLM), which is a major contributor to CRC‑related mortality. The present review aimed to comprehensively examine the pathogenetic development and diagnosis of CRLM and the clinical therapeutic approaches for treatment of this disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying CRLM were discussed, including the role of the tumour microenvironment and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. The present review also highlighted the importance of early detection and the current challenges in predicting the development of CRLM. Various treatment strategies were reviewed, including surgical resection, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and the potential of novel therapies, such as selective internal radiation therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Despite recent advancements in treatment options, the treatment of CRLM remains a therapeutic challenge due to the complexity of the liver microenvironment and the heterogeneity of CRC. The present review emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the integration of emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes.