It is with great pleasure that we present the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Oncology & Haematology. This edition showcases the continued advances and innovation reshaping cancer care, as well as highlighting the continued unmet needs and challenges associated with more difficult-to-treat cancers.
Dr Gabriel Valagni et al. open with an overview of frontline therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As the incidence of HCC continues to rise globally, the authors explore the evolving systemic treatment landscape – from targeted agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, to new immunotherapy combinations.
This is followed by a review from Dr Yuri Yoshinami et al. examining the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and cancer immunotherapy, a topic currently causing significant discussions across many cancer specialties. They explore how intestinal bacteria modulate immune responses and influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. With emerging evidence supporting the role of faecal microbiota transplantation in enhancing therapeutic outcomes, the authors discuss the mechanisms, clinical data and future directions.
Dr Daria Spadaro and Professor Domenica Lorusso present an update on the current developments in cervical cancer management. They trace the evolution of treatment standards from chemoradiation to the latest systemic therapies for recurrent and metastatic disease, reflecting the paradigm shifts in this space following pivotal clinical trials.
In haematology, Dr Luke Z Li and Dr Wadie F Bahou provide a detailed update on new adjuvant treatment modalities in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Their review outlines important advances in disease understanding and summarizes key clinical trials evaluating caplacizumab, rituximab and recombinant ADAMTS13. This article also highlights the growing promise of targeted and immune-based approaches in improving patient outcomes for this rare but life-threatening condition.
Finally, Dr Kübra Canaslan et al. spotlight the often-overlooked entity of early-onset lung cancer. Their article explores its unique biological and environmental drivers, the higher prevalence of actionable mutations, and the distinct survivorship challenges faced by younger patients. The authors call for broader inclusion of this population in clinical trials and advocate for age-adapted, multidisciplinary models of care.
The editors of touchREVIEWS in Oncology & Haematology and myself would like to extend our gratitude to all contributing authors for their valuable expertise, to our reviewers for their time and thoughtful insights, and to our Editorial Board and society partners for their continued dedication. We hope this issue provides both inspiration and practical guidance as you navigate the rapidly evolving field of oncology and haematology.
Axel Merseburger
Prof. Dr. med. Axel Stuart Merseburger is a highly experienced urologist with over 21 years of practice. He works at the Department of Urology at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Lubeck, Germany and specializes in urology and robotic surgery. Dr Merseburger is considered an expert in his field with a wide range of qualifications and achievements. Having studied medicine at top institutions such as the Hannover Medical School and the Harvard Medical School, Dr Merseburger has gained extensive knowledge and expertise. He has completed various fellowships and training, including a scholarship at the Uniformed Services University in Washington and a fellowship at the Henry M Jackson Foundation Center for Prostate Disease Research. Dr Merseburger has published 442 scientific publications, demonstrating his dedication to research and innovation. He has received numerous awards and prizes, including the Werner Staehler Memorial and Urologia Internationalis prizes. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Dr Merseburger is known for his contributions to the field of urology. He is highly regarded for his skills in robotic surgery and his focus on prostate cancer. His dedication to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of urology makes him a highly respected and trusted doctor. Overall, Prof. Dr. med. Axel Stuart Merseburger is an accomplished uro-urologist who brings knowledge and expertise to his practice. His dedication to research, innovative treatments and patient care makes him a valuable asset to the medical community.
