ReviewReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Molecular biology reports · May 2026 · narrative review
Genisteinbreast cancerovarian cancerprostate cancergliomaneuroblastomahepatocellular carcinomalung cancerbladder cancerosteosarcomarhabdomyosarcoma This is a narrative review of the biological activities and potential therapeutic roles of soy isoflavones (including genistein and daidzein). The authors summarize proposed anticancer mechanisms (estrogen receptor modulation, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, epigenetic effects, etc.) and report that in vitro and in vivo studies have shown promising results across a range of tumor types. They conclude that further research—especially studies combining isoflavones with established chemotherapeutics—is needed.
Studied with: chemotherapeutic agents.
Key findings
- Soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) have estrogenic and non-estrogenic activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
- Proposed anticancer mechanisms include modulation of estrogen receptors, copper ion-dependent induction of cell death, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, regulation of epigenetic processes, and effects on platelet function.
- Because of estrogen receptor interactions, isoflavones have been studied particularly in hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
- In vitro and in vivo studies have reported promising results in multiple malignancies (gliomas, neuroblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung and bladder cancers, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma).
- Authors recommend further investigation, particularly combining isoflavones with established chemotherapeutics, to evaluate potential synergy.
Limitations: This article is a narrative review and does not present new clinical trial data.; The evidence summarized is primarily preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) with no clinical trial data provided in the abstract.; Mechanistic proposals are not proven clinical effects and require further experimental and clinical validation.; Safety and efficacy in patients, optimal dosing, and interactions with standard therapies are not established in this review..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Animal studyReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 2 · animal
Nature communications · Aug 2025 · xenograft antitumor assays
neuroblastomarhabdomyosarcomacolorectal carcinomamelanomaovarian carcinomabreast carcinoma
This study tested a humanized antibody-drug conjugate called CDX0239-PBD in ALK-expressing cancer models. In cell lines, it was taken up by ALK-positive neuroblastoma cells and killed them in a way that depended on surface ALK expression. In mouse xenograft models, it produced strong antitumor activity and complete responses were maintained in several ALK-expressing cancers.
Key findings
- ALK RNA, protein, and tumor cell surface expression was elevated in multiple pediatric and adult malignancies with minimal expression in childhood normal tissues.
- CDX0239-PBD was internalized in ALK-expressing neuroblastoma cell lines with cell surface expression-dependent cytotoxicity.
- CDX0239-PBD exhibited potent antitumor efficacy including maintained complete responses in ALK-expressing patient and cell line-derived neuroblastoma, fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma, and colorectal carcinoma xenograft models.
Limitations: Preclinical study only; no human treatment data are reported in the abstract.; Efficacy was shown in cell lines and xenograft mouse models, which may not predict clinical benefit.; No quantitative effect sizes, dosing details, or toxicity results are provided in the abstract..
The abstract describes a preclinical anticancer antibody-drug conjugate targeting ALK-expressing tumors.
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewInconclusiveLimited evidenceTier 3 · early human
Cancers · Feb 2025 · literature review and case series (selected cases presented)
sacrococcygeal teratomaovarian teratomarhabdomyosarcomaEwing sarcomacervical cancersmall cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovaryEwing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) of the ovarydiffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the ovariesovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT)neuroblastomaplexiform neurofibromaRosai-Dorfman disease
The authors review selected atypical pelvic tumors seen in children and present their own cases, focusing on imaging (MRI) characteristics. They describe a variety of reproductive-system and nervous-system tumors (including rare ovarian and testicular neoplasms, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, plexiform neurofibroma, and Rosai-Dorfman disease). The study sought radiological features that could help radiologists reach correct diagnoses but emphasizes that MRI cannot be interpreted alone and must be combined with clinical, syndromic and laboratory information.
Key findings
- Selected atypical pelvic tumors in children are presented, many arising in the reproductive system (examples listed include cervical cancer, ovarian small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, ES/PNET of the ovary, ovarian DLBCL, and ovarian SLCT associated with DICER1 syndrome).
- Tumors originating from the nervous system discussed include neuroblastoma and plexiform neurofibroma (both NF1-associated and not associated with NF1).
- Rosai-Dorfman disease involving pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes is presented as an additional differential diagnosis.
- The authors aimed to identify radiological (MRI) features to guide radiologists toward correct diagnosis, but state that MR images must be interpreted alongside clinical picture, comorbidities/syndromes, and laboratory results.
Limitations: Study presents selected cases and a literature review rather than a systematic or comprehensive series; potential selection bias.; No sample size, quantitative diagnostic accuracy, or outcome data are reported in the abstract.; Imaging findings are descriptive and the abstract does not report validation of MRI features against definitive diagnoses or standardized criteria..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text