In the framework of the Junior Ambassador Initiative, Dr Öykü Gönül Geyik, Junior Ambassador of Molecular Oncology and group leader of the Turkish Biochemical Society Junior Section (Junior TBS), in collaboration with FEBS Press, successfully organized a journal club on 25 of December 2025, at the Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Istinye University (Istanbul, Türkiye). The journal club focused on emerging and conceptually challenging topics in cancer biology and featured two recent publications from Molecular Oncology. The event was co-hosted by Dr Gönül Geyik and the PhD candidate Okan Akar (Istinye University Molecular Oncology Doctoral Program) and it brought together early-career researchers and senior scientists for a critical discussion on how experimental interventions and infectious agents can shape tumour behaviour.
Biscop et al. Dose-dependent induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in 3D melanoma models by non-thermal plasma treatment. Mol Oncol. 2025;19(11):3120-3134. doi:10.1002/1878-0261.70055
The first paper explored the effects of non-thermal plasma treatment in melanoma models, demonstrating that while low-dose exposure exerts anti-tumour effects, higher doses may induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)–associated phenotypes. Using three-dimensional spheroids and an in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane model, the study highlighted the importance of dose optimisation and raised important questions regarding unintended biological consequences of emerging therapeutic modalities.
Classon et al. Cytomegalovirus infection is common in prostate cancer and antiviral therapies inhibit progression in disease models. Mol Oncol. 2025;19(11):3035-3059. doi:10.1002/1878-0261.70073
The second paper addressed the role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in prostate cancer, reporting a high prevalence of viral infection in both tumour tissues and prostate cancer cell lines. The authors provided evidence that CMV supports tumour cell survival, proliferation, and androgen receptor signalling, and showed that clinically approved antiviral drugs could inhibit tumour growth in experimental models. This work stimulated an active discussion on causality versus association, assay specificity, and the translational potential of antiviral strategies in oncology.
Overall, the journal club fostered a rigorous and engaging scientific exchange, emphasizing critical reading, evaluation of mechanistic claims, and translational relevance. The event underscored the value of interactive journal clubs in developing analytical skills and promoting dialogue across disciplines within the molecular oncology community.
About Molecular Oncology
Molecular Oncology is a FEBS Press journal published on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies. It publishes high-quality basic, translational, and clinical cancer research, operating under a non-profit model in which APCs directly support FEBS scientific activities and researcher bursaries.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash.