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Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden, marked by complex tumor–microenvironment interactions, genetic heterogeneity, and varied treatment responses. Effective preclinical models are essential for dissecting CRC biology and guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. This review aims to critically evaluate current experimental CRC models, assessing their translational relevance, limitations, and potential for integration into precision oncology. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies employing defined in vitro, in vivo, and emerging integrative CRC models. Studies were included based on experimental rigor and relevance to therapeutic or mechanistic investigation. Models were compared based on molecular fidelity, tumorigenic capacity, immune interactions, and predictive utility. Results: CRC models were classified into in vitro (2D cell lines, spheroids, patient-derived organoids), in vivo (murine, zebrafish, porcine, canine), and integrative platforms (tumor-on-chip systems, humanized mice, AI-augmented simulations). Traditional models offer accessibility and mechanistic insight, while advanced systems better mimic human tumor complexity, immune landscapes, and treatment response. Tumor-on-chip and AI-driven models show promise in simulating dynamic tumor behavior and predicting clinical outcomes. Cross-platform integration enhances translational validity and enables iterative model refinement. Conclusions: Strategic deployment of complementary CRC models is critical for advancing translational research. This review provides a roadmap for aligning model capabilities with specific research goals, advocating for integrated, patient-relevant systems to improve therapeutic development. Enhancing model fidelity and interoperability is key to accelerating the bench-to-bedside translation in colorectal cancer care.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320086.].

When developing a program of preclinical studies of human cell-based drugs intended for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer patients, the biological effect should be substantiated by data describing their immunological action. Administration and study of human autologous dendritic cell vaccine to immunocompetent animals are not adequate in terms of immunological compatibility. It is possible to use immunocompromised, knockout, or transgenic animals or to obtain a homologous cellular product, namely, a preparation based on animal cells using a technology similar to obtaining the original preparation for clinical practice in humans. Within the framework of this study, we have developed a protocol for obtaining a homologous cell product based on animal dendritic cells (mice, rats) according to a similar technology for obtaining human vaccine dendritic cells, and demonstrated the comparability of morphological characteristics and expression of differentiation antigens of dendritic cells (CD11c, CD80, CD86, and CD83) of animals (mice) and humans.

Background Gender disparity is pervasive in academic medicine. This study aimed to assess the disparity between men and women with regard to first and senior author positions in primary studies on liver cancer over the last two decades. Methods We conducted a review of articles published in high-impact factor journals of the field of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. First and senior authors of all ages were considered as the study population. The authors' genders were determined using the online artificial intelligence tool genderize.io ( Results 665 original articles from 10 journals were reviewed. The point prevalence of first women authors was 25.0% compared with 75.0% for men. The point prevalence of senior women authors was 16.3% compared with 83.7% for men. From 2000 to 2020, the proportion of first women authors increased 14.4% to 26.8% compared with 85.6%-73.2% for men (P = 0.009), and the proportion of senior women authors increased from 7.4% to 19.5%, compared with 92.6%-80.5% for men (P = 0.035). The factor independently associated with a reduced representation of women among first authors was the region of author. The factor independently associated with a reduced representation of women among senior authors was the impact factor of journals. Conclusion The findings indicated a remarkable increase in the proportion of women, both first and senior authors, over the past two decades in the field of liver cancers. However, the representation of women authors in this area is far less than that of men.

This study aims at examining the helpfulness of a support group program for the families of outpatients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. The program consists of three sessions according to its three goals: 1) Enhancing coping skills, 2) Promoting the physical and psychosocial stability of each participant and 3) Developing a positive attitude toward life with a family member who is undergoing chemotherapy. Each of the sessions includes communication among families, the sharing of information and knowledge, and relaxation. Four nurses, a physical therapist and a dietitian worked together in conducting a pretest of the program. Family members of four outpatients with cancer participated the program. Regarding the participants, the T-score for vigor in the Profile of Mood States (POMS), which was 38.3 before they participated in the program, increased to 45.7 after the program. Also on Ozeki's Coping Scale, the scores for emotion-focused coping and avoidance coping decreased from 5.66 to 3.66 and from 6.33 to 3, respectively. The participants were asked how they were caring for their own health. After the program, the number of participants who answered 'It would be better if I didn't express my own mental distress' and 'I'm not supporting the patient sufficiently' decreased, and the number of participants who answered 'The more I'm informed, the better I can cope' increased. The pretest result suggests the helpfulness of the support group program as well as the situations that make it difficult for family members to take part in this kind of program.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238474.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322789.].

KEYWORDS precision health; symptom science; oncology nursing; symptom burden; risk factors