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Open research questions in Cancer-related Molecular Pathways

55 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 222 Cancer-related Molecular Pathways papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying E2F6 expression and function in CRC. The development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC based on E2F6 expression warrants further research. The study's findings may inform the development of personalized treatment strategies for CRC patients, which requires further investigation.

    Elevated E2F6 Expression in Colorectal Cancer Tissues and Its Association With Clinicopathological Features · 2026 · DOI

  • The role of E2F6 in CRC remains controversial and not fully understood. The molecular mechanisms underlying CRC pathogenesis are complex and not fully elucidated. There is a need for further studies to investigate the expression and function of E2F6 in CRC.

    Elevated E2F6 Expression in Colorectal Cancer Tissues and Its Association With Clinicopathological Features · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of specific guidelines for cancer surveillance and management in individuals with TP53 post-zygotic mosaicism. There is a need for further research on the clinical implications of TP53 post-zygotic mosaicism.

    Mosaic TP53 pathogenic variant in early-onset breast cancer: a case report · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in our understanding of the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of germline TP53 variant carriers. The study highlights the need for further research into the clinical expression of germline TP53 variant carriers, including the use of multigene panel testing and functional classification of TP53 variants.

    Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of germline TP53 variant carriers: experience from two cancer genetic counseling units · 2026 · DOI

  • The MYC pathway is highly activated in gastric cancer, but direct pharmacological inhibition is difficult. Gastric cancer is a complex multifactorial disease involving environmental and genetic factors. There is a need for new strategies for targeting BRD4.

    Targeting BRD4 in gastric cancer: promoting apoptosis and suppressing tumor progression · 2026 · DOI

  • Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive and metastatic disease. The current treatment options for osteosarcoma have limited effectiveness. There is a need to understand the genetic factors that influence the clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma patients.

    Association between the expression of GSTP1 and mutant p53, poor chemotherapy response and metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma · 2026 · DOI

  • The anticancer effects of Orostachys japonicus solvent fractions on ovarian cancer cells are not well understood. The mechanisms of action of Orostachys japonicus solvent fractions on ovarian cancer cells are not well studied.

    <i>Orostachys japonicus</i> solvent fractions induce p53-dependent apoptosis in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells · 2026 · DOI

  • Late diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Limited treatment options for ovarian cancer. Development of resistance to conventional treatment.

    <i>Orostachys japonicus</i> solvent fractions induce p53-dependent apoptosis in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells · 2026 · DOI

  • Independently, ZNF768 promotes the transcription of key regulators of the cell cycle machinery, although the mechanisms through which this occurs remain unknown.

    ZNF768 regulates expression of E2F1 protein to drive G0/G1 transition and cell cycle progression. · 2026 · DOI

  • The overexpression of viral early protein 6 (E6) is linked to carcinogenesis. E6 induces anti-apoptosis by degrading tumor suppressor proteins p53. The lack of effective treatments for HPV-positive cervical cancer.

    A Work Task Inventory and Analysis of Industrial Technology Graduates. · 1975 · DOI

  • There is a lack of genotype-phenotype correlation studies for the CDKN2A c.146 T > C variant. The CDKN2A c.146 T > C variant has conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity.

    Association between breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma in a CDKN2A variant common in the Hispanic population · 2026 · DOI

  • The study only examines the impact of increased expression of TAp73a and ΔNp73a isoforms on global DNA methylation in SaOS-2 cells. The study does not investigate the mechanisms underlying the lack of significant impact on DNA methylation.

    The effect of p73 isoforms on DNA methylation in human osteosarcoma cells · 2026 · DOI

  • Future studies may investigate the mechanisms underlying the lack of significant impact on DNA methylation. Future research may examine the role of p73 isoforms in regulating DNA methylation in other types of cancer. Future studies may explore the therapeutic potential of targeting p73 isoforms in human osteosarcoma.

    The effect of p73 isoforms on DNA methylation in human osteosarcoma cells · 2026 · DOI

  • The mechanisms of apoptosis induction by CDK inhibitors are not fully understood. The specific CDKs involved in apoptosis induction are not well characterized.

    Inhibition of RNA polymerase II-activating CDK9 and CDK12/13, but not of cell cycle relevant CDKs, induces apoptosis by downregulating the short-lived Bcl-2 proteins Mcl1 and Bfl1/A1 · 2026 · DOI

  • While genetic knockout studies suggest roles for HIPK4 in spermiogenesis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, whether these cellular functions can be recapitulated by pharmacological inhibition remains to be determined.

    Macrocyclization of Broad-Spectrum Kinase Inhibitor Bosutinib leads to Potent and Selective Quinoline-based HIPK4 Inhibitor AZ137 · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma stem cell biology. The development of therapeutic strategies targeting glioma stem cells is an area of ongoing research. The identification of potential therapeutic targets, such as RAD51 and the EDN3-EDNRB axis, could lead to the development of more effective treatments.

    Molecular insights into DNA damage response plasticity in glioma stem cells · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma stem cell biology. Current therapies provide only modest survival benefits, and there is a need to develop more effective treatments.

    Molecular insights into DNA damage response plasticity in glioma stem cells · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting BRD4 in gastric cancer. The development of new strategies for targeting BRD4 is an area of future research. The study's findings may have implications for the development of new treatments for other diseases.

    Targeting BRD4 in gastric cancer: promoting apoptosis and suppressing tumor progression · 2026 · DOI

  • The early pre-malignant events that lead to TNBC remain elusive, largely due to a lack of tractable models that recapitulate stepwise tumor initiation in a natural tissue context.

    Abstract P10: Early Immunosuppressive Landscape Shaped by BRCA1/p53 Loss in Early Pre-Malignant Mammary Glands Permits Tumor Development · 2026 · DOI

  • The role of USP25 in breast cancer stemness and malignant behavior has remained unclear. The mechanisms of USP25 in regulating breast cancer progression and metastasis are not well understood.

    The deubiquitinase USP25 contributes to stemness and malignant progression of breast cancer by stabilizing C1ql4 · 2026 · DOI

  • The role of TM6SF2 in HCC is poorly studied. The molecular mechanisms of HCC development are not fully understood.

    TM6SF2 overexpression suppresses the proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells · 2026 · DOI

  • However, the genes and pathways involved in tumor suppres‑ sion following TM6SF2 overexpression in HCC cells remain unclear. Few studies have examined the mechanisms by which TM6SF2 contributes to hepato‑ carcinogenesis or the downstream regulatory pathways it modulates.

    TM6SF2 overexpression suppresses the proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells · 2026 · DOI

  • The need for reliable prognostic biomarkers to enhance risk stratification and tailor personalized therapeutic strategies for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients. The lack of understanding of the correlation between P53 expression and TP53 mutations in stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

    Correlation of P53 expression and TP53 mutation in stage I lung adenocarcinoma and the predictive value for postoperative recurrence within 5 years · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies are needed to investigate the clinical significance of the p53 R280S mutation in HCC. Further research is needed to develop therapeutic strategies targeting the p53 R280S mutation. Further studies are needed to explore the role of p53 mutations in drug resistance in other types of cancer.

    p53-R280S mutation confers lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via Bcl-2-mediated anti-apoptotic signaling · 2026 · DOI

  • The underlying mechanisms of lenvatinib resistance in HCC are not fully understood. The role of p53 mutations in lenvatinib resistance in HCC is not well characterized.

    p53-R280S mutation confers lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via Bcl-2-mediated anti-apoptotic signaling · 2026 · DOI

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55 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 222 Cancer-related Molecular Pathways papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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