Stereotactic body radiotherapy plus sunitinib vs. sunitinib alone in treatment-naive oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma: A phase 2 clinical trial Liu et al. report results from a controlled phase 2 trial demonstrating that stereotactic body radiotherapy added to first-line sunitinib improves response and progression-free survival in treatment-naive oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma. The addition of SBRT results in comparable toxicity to sunitinib alone and favorable quality-of-life trends.

Online now: Stereotactic body radiotherapy plus sunitinib vs. sunitinib alone in treatment-naive oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma: A phase 2 clinical trial

An autochthonous CRISPR activation screening platform for characterizing tissue-specific oncogene selection FiCASCan, an in vivo CRISPR activation screening platform, reveals tissue-specific oncogene selection in autochthonous lung and pancreatic tumor models, highlighting SOX2 and MYC as potent drivers. These findings demonstrate how cellular context shapes oncogenic potency and tumor evolution, uncovering targets relevant to human adenocarcinoma biology.

Online now: An autochthonous CRISPR activation screening platform for characterizing tissue-specific oncogene selection

A MICA/B GAALIE-mutant antibody elicits potent natural killer cell-driven immunity in solid and hematologic malignancy models Pimenta et al. engineer the Fc of an antibody (7C6), which inhibits MICA and MICB shedding, by GAALIE mutations that increase the binding affinity to Fc gamma-activating receptors. 7C6-GAALIE potently promotes antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and inhibits cancer development in models of prostate cancer and melanoma metastases and acute myeloid leukemia.

Online now: A MICA/B GAALIE-mutant antibody elicits potent natural killer cell-driven immunity in solid and hematologic malignancy models

Pan-cancer analysis of spatial transcriptomics reveals heterogeneous tumor spatial microenvironment Li et al. perform a large-scale pan-cancer spatial transcriptomic analysis across 12 cancer types to dissect the tumor spatial microenvironment by identifying LCPs and niches and dissecting related molecular features. These spatially heterogeneous niches are related to patient prognosis and response to immunotherapy.

Online now: Pan-cancer analysis of spatial transcriptomics reveals heterogeneous tumor spatial microenvironment

Combined multi-omics and multi-spectral profiling of plasma extracellular vesicles reveals liquid biopsy biomarkers for glioma diagnosis Robinson et al. identify distinct plasma small extracellular vesicle characteristics, vibrational spectral signatures, and multi-omics analysis (protein/microRNA) for glioma patients. By using machine learning techniques, they develop a highly accurate biomarker signature that discriminates glioma patients from healthy volunteers, subsequently validating this approach through orthogonal omics analysis in two external cohorts.

Online now: Combined multi-omics and multi-spectral profiling of plasma extracellular vesicles reveals liquid biopsy biomarkers for glioma diagnosis

A dual-adjuvanted HA stem nanoparticle vaccine elicits a multifunctional antibody response that is associated with protection in newborn monkeys Vaccination of newborn monkeys with an HA stem nanoparticle dually adjuvanted with R848 and AddaVax results in high levels of multifunctional stem-specific antibodies as well as T cell responses. The vaccine was well tolerated, with no adverse events observed, and conferred enhanced protection following viral challenge.

Online now: A dual-adjuvanted HA stem nanoparticle vaccine elicits a multifunctional antibody response that is associated with protection in newborn monkeys

A pig model of human radiation-induced veno-occlusive liver disease reveals ferroptosis as a therapeutic target Sun et al. establish a clinically relevant SBRT-based miniature pig model of severe radiation-induced liver disease and define its progression using single-nucleus transcriptomics. They identify hepatocyte ferroptosis as an early driver and show that liproxstatin-1 alleviates injury and restores liver function, supporting ferroptosis inhibition as a promising translational strategy.

Online now: A pig model of human radiation-induced veno-occlusive liver disease reveals ferroptosis as a therapeutic target

Dual-targeted microspheres reshape the metabolic-immune microenvironment to reverse post-embolization dilemmas in hepatocellular carcinoma Jiang et al. develop ZnS-loaded gelatin microspheres (ZnS@GMs) for transarterial embolization in HCC. ZnS@GMs release H2S and Zn2+ in the acidic tumor microenvironment, suppressing angiogenesis and glycolysis, while activating STING-dependent immunity. Combined with anti-PD-1, they induce potent local and abscopal anti-tumor responses.

Online now: Dual-targeted microspheres reshape the metabolic-immune microenvironment to reverse post-embolization dilemmas in hepatocellular carcinoma

Cell Press Symposia: Taking programmed cell death from mechanisms to interventions

Hear directly from the organizers why this is a must-attend event for researchers working on all aspects of cell death and join them in Hangzhou, China, October 22–24, 2026

#CSCellDeath26 @cellpressevents.bsky.social
http://dlvr.it/TS21HY

Breastfeeding may lessen socioeconomic disparities in child health through differences in the infant gut microbiome Darlene Dai, Charisse Petersen, Stuart Turvey, and colleagues report that breastfeeding may mitigate the adverse effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on early risk factors for non-communicable diseases. The authors link this effect to differences in infant gut microbiota, including enrichment of Bifidobacterium infantis, highlighting potentially modifiable pathways underlying intergenerational health inequities.

Online now: Breastfeeding may lessen socioeconomic disparities in child health through differences in the infant gut microbiome

Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-nucleus accumbens stimulation for depression: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial (Cell Reports Medicine 7, 102711; April 21, 2026)

Online now: Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-nucleus accumbens stimulation for depression: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial

Spatial multi-omics unveils the monoclonal origin, neuroendocrine plasticity, and microenvironment niches in combined small-cell lung cancer Wang et al. map combined small-cell lung cancer (cSCLC) with spatial multi-omics, showing that mixed histologies arise from a single clone that diversifies through neuroendocrine plasticity and stromal partitioning. The resulting niche map highlights why microenvironment programs diverge and supports mutation-based detection of cSCLC from small biopsies and blood.

Online now: Spatial multi-omics unveils the monoclonal origin, neuroendocrine plasticity, and microenvironment niches in combined small-cell lung cancer

GZR18, a GLP-1 analog with once-weekly or bi-weekly dosing for body weight management: A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2a trial Linong Ji et al. report a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1b/2a trial evaluating once-weekly and bi-weekly GZR18. In Chinese adults with overweight/obesity, GZR18 induces robust weight reductions (up to −17.8%) and is generally safe and well tolerated. These findings support its further clinical development.

Online now: GZR18, a GLP-1 analog with once-weekly or bi-weekly dosing for body weight management: A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2a trial

LIFUS-driven engineered bacteria reprogram immunosuppressive niches via mechano-NOTCH signaling (Cell Reports Medicine 7, 102658; March 17, 2026)

Online now: LIFUS-driven engineered bacteria reprogram immunosuppressive niches via mechano-NOTCH signaling

Preclinical evaluation of an mRNA vaccine developed from the first human isolate of bovine H5N1 Confronting the global spread of H5N1 avian influenza, Li et al. develop an mRNA vaccine that elicits broad and protective immunity in murine and chicken models. This work provides a rapidly adaptable vaccine prototype for pandemic preparedness.

Online now: Preclinical evaluation of an mRNA vaccine developed from the first human isolate of bovine H5N1

Antibody-drug conjugates in breast cancer: Progress and future directions Newman et al. review the evolving landscape of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in breast cancer, including approved agents, resistance mechanisms, and combinatorial strategies. The authors highlight novel agents, antigen targets, and next-generation platforms, underscoring the need for predictive biomarkers and optimized sequencing strategies to improve patient selection and efficacy.

Online now: Antibody-drug conjugates in breast cancer: Progress and future directions

Combination immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: Clinical applications, rationale, challenges, and future perspectives Fei et al. review combination immunotherapy strategies for colorectal cancer, focusing on overcoming resistance in pMMR/MSS/MSI-L tumors. They highlight integrating ICIs with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy and discuss insights into the tumor microenvironment and biomarkers to improve outcomes.

Online now: Combination immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: Clinical applications, rationale, challenges, and future perspectives

Patient-derived kidney organoids recapitulate ADPKD and facilitate the identification of Rho pathway inhibitors as candidate therapeutics Guo et al. establish patient-derived, multi-lineage adult renal organoids modeling ADPKD across proximal tubule and collecting duct lineages. Organoids display cyst growth with cilia elongation and elevated Rho/PCP signaling, reduced by IFT88 loss and enhanced by microfluidic perfusion. Screening identifies Rho inhibitors, including ML141, as reversible cyst suppressors.

Online now: Patient-derived kidney organoids recapitulate ADPKD and facilitate the identification of Rho pathway inhibitors as candidate therapeutics

Development and validation of a 5mC-based prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma survival Wu et al. develop MethPro-LUAD, a robust eight-probe 5mC-based model for lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. Validated across diverse international and multicenter hospital cohorts, the model provides stable risk stratification independent of clinical factors, offering a translatable tool for personalized postoperative management and follow-up.

Online now: Development and validation of a 5mC-based prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma survival

A metabolite-augmented FIB-4 machine learning panel achieves superior liver fibrosis staging in chronic liver disease Chen et al. develop Met-FIB, a machine learning-based non-invasive test combining age, three routine clinical markers, and two metabolites for liver fibrosis staging. Met-FIB applies to fibrosis and cirrhosis in both chronic hepatitis B and fatty liver disease, with improved diagnostic accuracy, particularly in confirming advanced-stage fibrosis.

Online now: A metabolite-augmented FIB-4 machine learning panel achieves superior liver fibrosis staging in chronic liver disease

Human promoter-driven AAV tools enable precision gene therapy targeting cochlear hair cells Zhang et al. identify cochlear hair cell-specific promoters in mice and validate the safety and specificity of one such promoter, coProB2, in Bama miniature pigs and cynomolgus monkeys. Furthermore, coProB2-driven gene therapy successfully restores hearing in mouse models of DFNB9 and DFNB79.

Online now: Human promoter-driven AAV tools enable precision gene therapy targeting cochlear hair cells

Engineered oncolytic virus armed with anti-PCSK9 scFv boosts long-term CD8+ T cell immunity via rewiring MHC-I antigen presentation Feng et al. show that oncolytic VSVΔ51 infection induces the PCSK9 secretion, which impairs MHC-I antigen presentation and CD8+ T cell response. Engineered VSVΔ51 expressing anti-PCSK9 scFv restores antigen presentation, enhances CD8+ T cell memory, and improves anti-PD-1 therapy efficacy in colorectal cancer.

Online now: Engineered oncolytic virus armed with anti-PCSK9 scFv boosts long-term CD8+ T cell immunity via rewiring MHC-I antigen presentation

Identifying the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in stroke progression and outcome before recanalization Bellut et al. show that the NLRP3 inflammasome drives hyperacute inflammation and infarct progression during large vessel occlusion in stroke. Pharmacological inhibition reduces infarct growth in mice. NLRP3-positive cells in human pial blood before thrombectomy correlate with clinical outcome and highlight a potential therapeutic target prior to recanalization.

Online now: Identifying the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in stroke progression and outcome before recanalization

Epstein-Barr virus orchestrates spatial reorganization and immunomodulation in the classic Hodgkin lymphoma tumor microenvironment Yeo et al. use spatial multi-omics to reveal EBV-driven remodeling of the classic Hodgkin lymphoma microenvironment. EBV-positive disease shows CD8 T cell enrichment with terminal exhaustion linked to LMP1 and MHC class I on HRS cells, contrasting progenitor exhaustion in EBV-negative disease.

Online now: Epstein-Barr virus orchestrates spatial reorganization and immunomodulation in the classic Hodgkin lymphoma tumor microenvironment

Gut-microbiota-derived 3-indoleacrylic acid alleviates neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis by inhibiting epithelial necroptosis Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is a devastating intestinal disease with limited treatment options. This study identifies a gut-microbiota-derived metabolite, 3-indoleacrylic acid, that protects against the disease by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor to inhibit necroptosis. A probiotic that produces this metabolite offers a promising therapeutic strategy.

Online now: Gut-microbiota-derived 3-indoleacrylic acid alleviates neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis by inhibiting epithelial necroptosis

A harmless-to-harmful switchable and spatiotemporally activated nano-CRISPR hierarchically amplifies ferroptosis in melanoma Gong et al. develop ARCHER, a switchable and spatiotemporally activated nano-CRISPR system. Under tumor-specific conditions and laser irradiation, ARCHER sequentially amplifies ferroptosis sensitivity via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GPX4 suppression, iron ions, and ROS, which triggers a synergistic ferroptosis storm, achieving 60% tumor ablation with minimal off-target effects in vivo.

Online now: A harmless-to-harmful switchable and spatiotemporally activated nano-CRISPR hierarchically amplifies ferroptosis in melanoma

Histone methyl-transferase G9a inhibition boosts the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma High G9a expression associates with immune exclusion and poor immunotherapy-response signatures in hepatocellular carcinoma. Adan-Villaescusa et al. demonstrate that G9a inhibition reprograms tumor cells through interferon sensitization and viral mimicry, restoring antitumor immunity. Combining G9a inhibitors with anti-PD1 overcomes resistance and drives durable antitumor immunity in preclinical HCC models.

Online now: Histone methyl-transferase G9a inhibition boosts the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma

Single-cell analysis highlights the significance of malignant cell IFN/MHC-II for immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Mints et al. use single cell RNA-seq to show that pembrolizumab reshapes cellular gene expression in patients with HNSCC. A subset of malignant cells expresses interferon-response and MHC-II genes (IFN/MHC-II), driven by anti-tumor interferon-γ signaling. This subset marks tumors with favorable immune microenvironments and response to immunotherapy.

Online now: Single-cell analysis highlights the significance of malignant cell IFN/MHC-II for immunotherapy response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Targeting TPX2-dependent lineage plasticity by CDK4/6 inhibition reverses therapy resistance in neuroendocrine bladder carcinoma Chen et al. identify TPX2high cells as a transitional state enabling bladder tumors to adopt neuroendocrine features and evade immunity. The study shows that CDK4/6 inhibition, combined with immune checkpoint blockade, supports a therapeutic strategy for TPX2high and neuroendocrine bladder carcinoma (NEBC) patients.

Online now: Targeting TPX2-dependent lineage plasticity by CDK4/6 inhibition reverses therapy resistance in neuroendocrine bladder carcinoma

Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-nucleus accumbens stimulation for depression: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial Lai et al. demonstrate in a randomized controlled trial that deep brain stimulation targeting BNST-NAc is an effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression. The findings pinpoint the optimal brain networks for stimulation, paving the way for more precise and personalized neuromodulation therapies.

Online now: Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-nucleus accumbens stimulation for depression: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial