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Depression has emerged as a concerning factor in colon cancer progression and treatment, yet its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets remain poorly defined. This study aimed to elucidate how depression affects colon cancer progression and chemotherapeutic response, and to explore potential molecular targets and therapeutic interventions involving the traditional Chinese medicine formula Sinisan (SNS) and its bioactive component Quercetin. A mouse model combining depression and colon cancer was established to evaluate behavioral alterations, tumor progression, and pathological features. RNA sequencing was performed to screen the differentially expressed genes. The effects of corticosterone (CORT) on proliferation, colony formation, migration, and GSTM2 expression were examined in HCT116 cells, followed by functional validation through GSTM2 overexpression and inhibition assays. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were used to validate the binding of Quercetin to GSTM2. The therapeutic efficacy of SNS and Quercetin was assessed with respect to depressive symptoms, serum BDNF levels, NLRP3 inflammasome activity, and the potency of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. Mice with depression and colon cancer exhibited aggravated depressive behaviors and accelerated tumor progression. RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology analyses identified GSTM2 as a promising candidate target in colon cancer treatment, which was markedly down-regulated in the DP-CC group. CORT enhanced proliferation, colony formation, and migration of HCT116 cells while simultaneously suppressing GSTM2 expression. Conversely, GSTM2 levels negatively correlated with cell proliferation, colony formation, and chemoresistance in HCT116 cells. Treatment with SNS alleviated depressive symptoms, elevated serum BDNF, reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activity, and potentiated the efficacy of 5-FU chemotherapy. Quercetin, a bioactive component of SNS, bound to GSTM2 through hydrogen-bond and van-der-Waals interactions, up-regulated GSTM2 expression, and mitigated CORT-induced proliferation, colony formation, and chemoresistance. Our findings suggest that depression promotes colon-cancer progression by down-regulating GSTM2, whereas SNS restores GSTM2 expression and enhances chemotherapeutic response. Show less

Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a prevalent and distressing issue among older adults with cancer, affecting quality of life and treatment adherence. While its mechanisms remain unclear, biomarkers have emerged as promising tools for understanding CRCI. This systematic review aimed to explore the relationships between cognitive impairment following chemotherapy and biomarkers in older patients with cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted through December 2024 across PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. An additional hand search was performed through July 2025. The focus was on patients over 60 years old with chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and associated biomarkers. The review adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist to ensure rigor and reliability. Six of the initial 6,324 articles met the inclusion criteria, and seven additional studies were identified through manual searching. In total, 13 studies identified several biomarkers associated with CRCI in older patients with cancer. These included serum hemoglobin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, percent cerebral oxyhemoglobin, functional network connectivity, and individual alpha peak frequency. This review highlights several biomarkers potentially associated with CRCI in older patients with cancer, though consistent and definitive biomarkers remain elusive. Further research is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms underlying CRCI and inform the development of interventions aimed at preventing cognitive decline in this vulnerable population. The identification of validated biomarkers will be critical for advancing personalized nursing and improving clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer. Show less

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a major unmet challenge in oncology, affecting treatment adherence and patient quality of life. Despite its prevalence, reliable predictive biomarkers and targeted neuroprotective strategies remain elusive. This study integrates clinical data, whole-genome sequencing, and translational research to identify genetic determinants of CIPN susceptibility and validate therapeutic approaches. Through comprehensive analysis of patients with colorectal cancer, including neurophysiological evaluations and CIPN-specific quality-of-life assessments, we identified the Show less