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Berrino E, Balsamo A, Pisacane A, Gallo S, Becco P, Miglio U, Caravelli D, Poletto S, Paruzzo L, Debernardi C, Piccinelli C, Zaccagna A, Rescigno P, Aglietta M, Sapino A, Carnevale-Schianca F, Venesio T. High BRAF variant allele frequencies are associated with distinct pathological features and responsiveness to target therapy in melanoma patients. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100133. [PMID: 33984673 PMCID: PMC8134716 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background BRAF mutant melanoma patients are commonly treated with anti-BRAF therapeutic strategies. However, many factors, including the percentage of BRAF-mutated cells, may contribute to the great variability in patient outcomes. Patients and methods The BRAF variant allele frequency (VAF; defined as the percentage of mutated alleles) of primary and secondary melanoma lesions, obtained from 327 patients with different disease stages, was assessed by pyrosequencing. The BRAF mutation rate and VAF were then correlated with melanoma pathological features and patients’ clinical characteristics. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to study the correlations between BRAF VAF, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) in a subset of 62 patients treated by anti-BRAF/anti-MEK therapy after metastatic progression. Results A highly heterogeneous BRAF VAF was identified (3%-90%). Besides being correlated with age, a higher BRAF VAF level was related to moderate lymphocytic infiltration (P = 0.017), to melanoma thickness according to Clark levels, (level V versus III, P = 0.004; level V versus IV, P = 0.04), to lymph node metastases rather than cutaneous (P = 0.04) or visceral (P = 0.03) secondary lesions. In particular, a BRAF VAF >25% was significantly associated with a favorable outcome in patients treated with the combination of anti-BRAF/anti-MEK drug (OS P = 0.04; PFS P = 0.019), retaining a significant value as an independent factor for the OS and the PFS in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.014 and P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion These results definitively support the role of the BRAF VAF as a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker in melanoma patients in the context of BRAF inhibition. In melanoma the response to anti-BRAF targeted therapies is heterogeneous and influenced by several features. The role of the BRAF VAF as provider of sensitivity to target therapies is debated. We found that high BRAF VAFs are associated with patient age, melanoma thickness, non-brisk TILs and lymph node metastases. We proved the independent prognostic value of high BRAF VAFs in melanoma patients treated with targeted therapies. The quantitative evaluation of BRAF mutations allows stratifying melanoma patients to the BRAF/MEK targeted treatment.
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Metovic J, Bragoni A, Osella-Abate S, Borella F, Benedetto C, Gualano MR, Olivero E, Scaioli G, Siliquini R, Ferrando PM, Bertero L, Sapino A, Cassoni P, Castellano I. Clinical Relevance of Tubular Breast Carcinoma: Large Retrospective Study and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:653388. [PMID: 33996576 PMCID: PMC8117349 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.653388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tubular carcinoma (TC) is a low proliferative grade 1 (G1) breast cancer (BC). Despite its favorable outcome and allegedly lower aggressiveness, patients are treated like other luminal G1 BC, with radiotherapy (RT) and hormonal therapy (HT). We performed: (1) a retrospective study comparing a TC cohort and a control series of luminal G1 BC and (2) a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on TC outcome. Materials and Methods: We selected a series of 572 G1 luminal BC patients [111 TC, 350 not otherwise specified (NOS), and 111 special-type (ST) BC] with follow-up and clinico-pathological data, who underwent local excision followed by RT at Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin. Moreover, 22 and 13 studies were included in qualitative and quantitative meta-analysis, respectively. Results: TCs were generally smaller (≤10 mm) (P < 0.001), with lower lymph node involvement (P < 0.001). TCs showed no local and/or distant recurrences, while 16 NOS and 2 ST relapsed (P = 0.036). Kaplan–Meier curves confirmed more favorable TC outcome (DFI: log-rank test P = 0.03). Meta-analysis data, including the results of our study, showed that the pooled DFI rate was 96.4 and 91.8% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Meta-regression analyses did not show a significant influence of RT nor HT on the DFI at 10 years. Conclusions: Compared to the other G1 BCs, TCs have an excellent outcome. The meta-analysis shows that TC recurrences are infrequent, and HT and RT have limited influence on prognosis. Hence, accurate diagnosis of TC subtype is critical to ensuring a tailored treatment approach.
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Massa F, Caraci P, Sapino A, De Rosa G, Volante M, Papotti M. Outcome and diagnostic reproducibility of the thyroid cytology "indeterminate categories" SIAPEC/SIE 2014 in a consecutive series of 302 cases. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:803-809. [PMID: 32797379 PMCID: PMC7946669 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinical impact of the SIAPEC/SIE 2014 classification for thyroid cytology has been addressed in few studies that evaluated the malignancy rate and the relative prevalence of each category. No study analyzed its intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility, so far. METHODS We retrospectively collected all "indeterminate" lesions diagnosed before (2011-2014) and after (2015-2018) the application of the SIAPEC/SIE 2014 classification at our Institution. Their relative malignancy risks were calculated based on available histological diagnoses. Cytological and clinical features of TIR3A were compared with the surgical outcome. Finally, a large set of samples was re-evaluated in blind of the original cytological and histological diagnoses by two pathologists, independently. RESULTS The prevalence of "indeterminate" diagnoses increased in years 2015-2018 (302/1482, 21% with 14% of TIR3A and 7% TIR3B categories) compared to years 2011-2014 (261/1680, 16%). Surgery was performed in 27% TIR3A and in 97% TIR3B cases. Malignancy rates were 40% for TIR3B and 17% for TIR3A, but were greatly influenced by the adoption of the WHO 2017 re-classification of encapsulated follicular-patterned lesions (decreasing to 28% and 6%, respectively). No criteria except for tumor size were associated to malignancy in TIR3A category. Intra-observer agreement of the experienced pathologist was 122/141 (86%), whereas inter-observer agreement between the expert and in-training pathologist was 95/141 (67%). CONCLUSIONS In this real-life experience, the sub-classification of TIR3A and TIR3B slightly increased the overall prevalence of "indeterminate" diagnoses. Malignancy rates were higher than estimated for both TIR3A and TIR3B categories. Agreement among observers highly depended on pathologist's training.
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Metovic J, Abate SO, Borella F, Vissio E, Bertero L, Mariscotti G, Durando M, Senetta R, Ala A, Benedetto C, Sapino A, Cassoni P, Castellano I. The lobular neoplasia enigma: management and prognosis in a long follow-up case series. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:80. [PMID: 33736652 PMCID: PMC7976718 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02182-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many oncologists debate if lobular neoplasia (LN) is a risk factor or an obligatory precursor of more aggressive disease. This study has three aims: (i) describe the different treatment options (surgical resection vs observation), (ii) investigate the upgrade rate in surgically treated patients, and (iii) evaluate the long-term occurrences of aggressive disease in both operated and unoperated patients. METHODS A series of 122 patients with LN bioptic diagnosis and follow-up information were selected. Clinical, radiological, and pathological data were collected from medical charts. At definitive histology, either invasive or ductal carcinoma in situ was considered upgraded lesions. RESULTS Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), and high-grade LN (HG-LN) were diagnosed in 44, 63, and 15 patients, respectively. The median follow-up was 9.5 years. Ninety-nine patients were surgically treated, while 23 underwent clinical-radiological follow-up. An upgrade was observed in 28/99 (28.3%). Age ≥ 54 years (OR 4.01, CI 1.42-11.29, p = 0.009), Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories 4-5 (OR 3.76, CI 1.37-10.1, p = 0.010), and preoperatory HG-LN diagnosis (OR 8.76, 1.82-42.27, p = 0.007) were related to upgraded/aggressive disease. During follow-up, 8 patients developed an ipsilateral malignant lesion, four of whom were not initially operated (4/23, 17%). CONCLUSIONS BI-RADS categories 4-5, HG-LN diagnosis, and age ≥ 54 years were features associated with an upgrade at definitive surgery. Moreover, 17% of unoperated cases developed an aggressive disease, emphasizing that LN patients need close surveillance due to the long-term risk of breast cancer.
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Vavala T, Malapelle U, Veggiani C, Ludovini V, Papotti M, Leone A, Graziano P, Minari R, Bono F, Sapino A, Manotti L, Troncone G, Pisapia P, Girlando S, Buffoni L, Righi L, Colantonio I, Bertetto O, Novello S. Molecular profiling of advanced non-small cell lung cancer in the era of immunotherapy approach: a multicenter Italian observational prospective study of biomarker screening in daily clinical practice. J Clin Pathol 2021; 75:234-240. [PMID: 33509945 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-207339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Heterogeneous implementation of molecular tests in current diagnostic algorithm at a European and international level is emerging as a major issue for efficient lung cancer molecular profiling. METHODS From May 2017 until October 2017, N=1612 patients referring to 13 Italian institutions were selected, at advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and prospectively evaluated. Principal endpoints were: the percentage of diagnoses performed on cytological and histological material, the proportion of requests for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational status, and resistance mutations detected on tissue and/or liquid biopsy samples after first-generation or second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the proportion of requests for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) and Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) determinations, the proportion of requests for programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L1) evaluation and, finally, the different assays used for the detection of EGFR mutations, ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements and PD-L1 expression. RESULTS Of 1325 patients finally included, only 50.8% requests were related to driver mutations with target agents already available in first-line at that preplanned time, while 49.2% were associated with PD-L1, ROS1, KRAS and others. Multiplex genomic assays (such as next-generation sequencing) were considered by all participating centres. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in a 'real-life daily practice' involving both pathologists and oncologists evaluating routinely workflow and trends towards improvements in molecular requests. Collected data aim to describe the applied algorithms and evolution of molecular screening for stage IV NSCLC in clinical practice.
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Alessandri L, Cordero F, Beccuti M, Licheri N, Arigoni M, Olivero M, Di Renzo MF, Sapino A, Calogero R. Sparsely-connected autoencoder (SCA) for single cell RNAseq data mining. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2021; 7:1. [PMID: 33402683 PMCID: PMC7785742 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-020-00162-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) is an essential tool to investigate cellular heterogeneity. Thus, it would be of great interest being able to disclose biological information belonging to cell subpopulations, which can be defined by clustering analysis of scRNAseq data. In this manuscript, we report a tool that we developed for the functional mining of single cell clusters based on Sparsely-Connected Autoencoder (SCA). This tool allows uncovering hidden features associated with scRNAseq data. We implemented two new metrics, QCC (Quality Control of Cluster) and QCM (Quality Control of Model), which allow quantifying the ability of SCA to reconstruct valuable cell clusters and to evaluate the quality of the neural network achievements, respectively. Our data indicate that SCA encoded space, derived by different experimentally validated data (TF targets, miRNA targets, Kinase targets, and cancer-related immune signatures), can be used to grasp single cell cluster-specific functional features. In our implementation, SCA efficacy comes from its ability to reconstruct only specific clusters, thus indicating only those clusters where the SCA encoding space is a key element for cells aggregation. SCA analysis is implemented as module in rCASC framework and it is supported by a GUI to simplify it usage for biologists and medical personnel.
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Montemurro F, Marchiò C, Sapino A. Use of the 21-Gene Recurrence Score to Predict Clinical Outcomes in Early Breast Cancer. JAMA Oncol 2020; 6:584-585. [PMID: 32053151 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.6706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Tabbò F, Guerrera F, van den Berg A, Gaudiano M, Maletta F, Bessone L, Nottegar A, Costardi L, de Wijn R, Ruijtenbeek R, Delsedime L, Sapino A, Ruffini E, Hilhorst R, Inghirami G. Kinomic profiling of tumour xenografts derived from patients with non-small cell lung cancer confirms their fidelity and reveals potentially actionable pathways. Eur J Cancer 2020; 144:17-30. [PMID: 33316635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High fidelity between non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) primary tumours and patient-derived tumour xenografts (PDTXs) is of paramount relevance to spur their application. Extensive proteomic and kinomic analysis of these preclinical models are missing and may inform about their functional status, in terms of phosphopeptides and hyperactive signalling pathways. METHODS We investigated tumour xenografts derived from patients with NSCLC to identify hyperactive signalling pathways. Fresh tumour fragments from 81 NSCLC surgical samples were implanted in Nod/Scid/Gamma mice, and engrafted tumours were compared with primary specimens by morphology, immunohistochemistry, gene mutation analyses, and kinase activity profiling. Four different tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase inhibitors were tested against primary tumour and PDTX lysates using the PamGene peptide microarray platform. RESULTS The engraftment rate was 33%, with successful engraftment being more associated with poor clinical outcomes. Genomic profiles led to the recognition of hotspot mutations, some of which were initially undetected in donor samples. Kinomic analyses showed that characteristics of primary tumours were retained in PDTXs, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) responses of individual PDTX lines were either expected, based on the genetic status, or alternatively defined suitable targets unpredictable by single-genome fingerprints. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, PDTXs mostly resembled their parental NSCLC. Combining genomic and kinomic analyses of tumour xenografts derived from patients with NSCLC, we identified patients' specific targetable pathways, confirming PDTXs as a preclinical tool for biomarker identification and therapeutic algorithm'' improvement.
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Bon G, Pizzuti L, Laquintana V, Loria R, Porru M, Marchiò C, Krasniqi E, Barba M, Maugeri-Saccà M, Gamucci T, Berardi R, Livi L, Ficorella C, Natoli C, Cortesi E, Generali D, La Verde N, Cassano A, Bria E, Moscetti L, Michelotti A, Adamo V, Zamagni C, Tonini G, Barchiesi G, Mazzotta M, Marinelli D, Tomao S, Marchetti P, Valerio MR, Mirabelli R, Russo A, Fabbri MA, D'Ostilio N, Veltri E, Corsi D, Garrone O, Paris I, Sarobba G, Giotta F, Garufi C, Cazzaniga M, Del Medico P, Roselli M, Sanguineti G, Sperduti I, Sapino A, De Maria R, Leonetti C, Di Leo A, Ciliberto G, Falcioni R, Vici P. Loss of HER2 and decreased T-DM1 efficacy in HER2 positive advanced breast cancer treated with dual HER2 blockade: the SePHER Study. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:279. [PMID: 33302999 PMCID: PMC7731769 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01797-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HER2-targeting agents have dramatically changed the therapeutic landscape of HER2+ advanced breast cancer (ABC). Within a short time frame, the rapid introduction of new therapeutics has led to the approval of pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and a taxane in first-line, and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in second-line. Thereby, evidence of T-DM1 efficacy following trastuzumab/pertuzumab combination is limited, with data from some retrospective reports suggesting lower activity. The purpose of the present study is to investigate T-DM1 efficacy in pertuzumab-pretreated and pertuzumab naïve HER2 positive ABC patients. We also aimed to provide evidence on the exposure to different drugs sequences including pertuzumab and T-DM1 in HER2 positive cell lines. METHODS The biology of HER2 was investigated in vitro through sequential exposure of resistant HER2 + breast cancer cell lines to trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and their combination. In vitro experiments were paralleled by the analysis of data from 555 HER2 + ABC patients treated with T-DM1 and evaluation of T-DM1 efficacy in the 371 patients who received it in second line. Survival estimates were graphically displayed in Kaplan Meier curves, compared by log rank test and, when possibile, confirmed in multivariate models. RESULTS We herein show evidence of lower activity of T-DM1 in two HER2+ breast cancer cell lines resistant to trastuzumab+pertuzumab, as compared to trastuzumab-resistant cells. Lower T-DM1 efficacy was associated with a marked reduction of HER2 expression on the cell membrane and its nuclear translocation. HER2 downregulation at the membrane level was confirmed in biopsies of four trastuzumab/pertuzumab-pretreated patients. Among the 371 patients treated with second-line T-DM1, median overall survival (mOS) from diagnosis of advanced disease and median progression-free survival to second-line treatment (mPFS2) were 52 and 6 months in 177 patients who received trastuzumab/pertuzumab in first-line, and 74 and 10 months in 194 pertuzumab-naïve patients (p = 0.0006 and 0.03 for OS and PFS2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our data support the hypothesis that the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab reduces the amount of available plasma membrane HER2 receptor, limiting the binding of T-DM1 in cancer cells. This may help interpret the less favorable outcomes of second-line T-DM1 in trastuzumab/pertuzumab pre-treated patients compared to their pertuzumab-naïve counterpart.
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Qiu Y, Maione F, Capano S, Meda C, Picconi O, Brundu S, Pisacane A, Sapino A, Palladino C, Barillari G, Monini P, Bussolino F, Ensoli B, Sgadari C, Giraudo E. HIV Protease Inhibitors Block HPV16-Induced Murine Cervical Carcinoma and Promote Vessel Normalization in Association with MMP-9 Inhibition and TIMP-3 Induction. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:2476-2489. [PMID: 33082275 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antiretrovirals belonging to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor (HIV-PI) class exert inhibitory effects across several cancer types by targeting tumor cells and its microenvironment. Cervical carcinoma represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in women doubly infected with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and HIV; of note, combined antiretroviral therapy has reduced cervical carcinoma onset and progression in HIV-infected women. We evaluated the effectiveness and mechanism(s) of action of HIV-PI against cervical carcinoma using a transgenic model of HR-HPV-induced estrogen-promoted cervical carcinoma (HPV16/E2) and found that treatment of mice with ritonavir-boosted HIV-PI, including indinavir, saquinavir, and lopinavir, blocked the growth and promoted the regression of murine cervical carcinoma. This was associated with inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, coupled to downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, reduction of VEGF/VEGFR2 complex, and concomitant upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3). HIV-PI also promoted deposition of collagen IV at the epithelial and vascular basement membrane and normalization of both vessel architecture and functionality. In agreement with this, HIV-PI reduced tumor hypoxia and enhanced the delivery and antitumor activity of conventional chemotherapy. Remarkably, TIMP-3 expression gradually decreased during progression of human dysplastic lesions into cervical carcinoma. This study identified the MMP-9/VEGF proangiogenic axis and its modulation by TIMP-3 as novel HIV-PI targets for the blockade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia/cervical carcinoma development and invasiveness and the normalization of tumor vessel functions. These findings may lead to new therapeutic indications of HIV-PI to treat cervical carcinoma and other tumors in either HIV-infected or uninfected patients.
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Ribero S, Quaglino P, Sottile A, Fenu P, Sapino A. Screening of melanoma: a primary and secondary prevention educational program among workers in a dairy factory in Piedmont region. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2020; 156:259-260. [PMID: 33034433 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.20.06616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Sartore-Bianchi A, Lonardi S, Martino C, Fenocchio E, Tosi F, Ghezzi S, Leone F, Bergamo F, Zagonel V, Ciardiello F, Ardizzoni A, Amatu A, Bencardino K, Valtorta E, Grassi E, Torri V, Bonoldi E, Sapino A, Vanzulli A, Regge D, Cappello G, Bardelli A, Trusolino L, Marsoni S, Siena S. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine in patients with HER2-amplified metastatic colorectal cancer: the phase II HERACLES-B trial. ESMO Open 2020; 5:e000911. [PMID: 32988996 PMCID: PMC7523198 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HER2 is a therapeutic target for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), as demonstrated in the pivotal HERACLES-A (HER2 Amplification for Colo-rectaL cancer Enhanced Stratification) trial with trastuzumab and lapatinib. The aim of HERACLES-B trial is to assess the efficacy of the combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) in this setting. METHODS HERACLES-B was a single-arm, phase II trial, in patients with histologically confirmed RAS/BRAF wild-type and HER2+ mCRC refractory to standard treatments. HER2 positivity was assessed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation according to HERACLES criteria. Patients were treated with pertuzumab (840 mg intravenous load followed by 420 mg intravenous every 3 weeks) and T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks) until disease progression or toxicity. Primary and secondary end points were objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). With a Fleming/Hern design (H0=ORR 10%; α=0.05; power=0.85), 7/30 responses were required to demonstrate an ORR ≥30% (H1). RESULTS Thirty-one patients, 48% with ≥4 lines of previous therapies, were treated and evaluable. ORR was 9.7% (95% CI: 0 to 28) and stable disease (SD) 67.7% (95% CI: 50 to 85). OR/SD ≥4 months was associated with higher HER2 immunohistochemistry score (3+ vs 2+) (p = 0.03). Median PFS was 4.1 months (95% CI: 3.6 to 5.9). Drug-related grade (G) 3 adverse events were observed in two patients (thrombocytopaenia); G≤2 AE in 84% of cycles (n = 296), mainly nausea and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS HERACLES-B trial did not reach its primary end point of ORR; however, based on high disease control, PFS similar to other anti-HER2 regimens, and low toxicity, pertuzumab in combination with T-DM1 can be considered for HER2+mCRC as a potential therapeutic resource. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 2012-002128-33 and NCT03225937.
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Tamburelli F, Maggiorotto F, Marchiò C, Balmativola D, Magistris A, Kubatzki F, Sgandurra P, Di Virgilio MR, Regge D, Montemurro F, Gatti M, Sapino A, Ponzone R. Reoperation rate after breast conserving surgery as quality indicator in breast cancer treatment: A reappraisal. Breast 2020; 53:181-188. [PMID: 32841804 PMCID: PMC7451417 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To analyse the role of repeated breast surgery (RBS) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) as a quality indicator in a consecutive series of breast cancer patients. Methods Data from 1233 breast cancer patients submitted to BCS from 2015 to 2019 were reviewed. The influence of several variables on RBS rate (182/1232; 14.8%) was examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to look for significant associations with the risk of RBS. Results Surgical workload, BCS rate and clinicopathological variables were consistent over the study period, while RBS rate decreased after the introduction of shaving of cavity margins (from 17.9% to 9.5%). Tumor persistence at RBS was higher for mastectomy vs. re-excision (87.3% vs. 37.8%; p = 0.05), inconclusive vs. positive diagnostic biopsy (48.2% vs. 69.4%; p = 0.003), ductal carcinoma in situ vs. invasive carcinoma (69.0% vs. 51.3%; p = 0.046) and lower after neoadjuvant therapy (14.3% vs. 57.8%; p = 0.044). Several clinicopathological variables were associated with the risk of RBS, but only multifocality [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.8; p = 0.009], microcalcifications (OR: 2.0, p = 0.000), neoadjuvant therapy (OR: 0.4; p = 0.014), pathological intraoperative assessment (OR: 0.6; p = 0.010) and shaving of cavity margins (OR: 0.3; p = 0.000) retained independent value at multivariate analysis. Conclusions RBS rate can be reduced by shaving of cavity margins. Current standards for RBS should not be made more stringent due to the existence of non-actionable risk factors. The value of RBS as a quality indicator should be scrutinzed. Some breast cancer patients need a reoperation for incomplete tumor excision after breast conserving surgery. Reoperation rates show wide variations (10%–50%) among different Countries. Shaving of cavity margins may reduce the reoperation rate, but non-invasive and multicentric lesiona are non-actionable risk factors The value of reoperation rate as a quality indicator of breast cancer surgery is questionable.
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Tan PH, Ellis I, Allison K, Brogi E, Fox SB, Lakhani S, Lazar AJ, Morris EA, Sahin A, Salgado R, Sapino A, Sasano H, Schnitt S, Sotiriou C, van Diest P, White VA, Lokuhetty D, Cree IA. The 2019 World Health Organization classification of tumours of the breast. Histopathology 2020; 77:181-185. [PMID: 32056259 DOI: 10.1111/his.14091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Corradini AG, Asioli S, Morandi L, Brotto M, Righi A, Iommi M, Agostinelli C, Rucci P, Asioli S, Sapino A, Viale G, Foschini MP. Post-radiotherapy vascular lesions of the breast: immunohistochemical and molecular features of 74 cases with long-term follow-up and literature review. Histopathology 2020; 77:293-302. [PMID: 32043616 DOI: 10.1111/his.14090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS A wide range of post-radiotherapy (RT) vascular lesions can occur, ranging from benign lymphangiomatous papules of the skin (BLAPs), to atypical vascular lesions (AVLs) and post-RT angiosarcomas (ASs). The relationship between benign and malignant post-RT breast lesions and their prognostic features are still controversial. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between benign and malignant mammary post-RT vascular lesions and to define post-RT AS prognostic features. METHODS AND RESULTS Seventy-four post-RT vascular lesion cases were obtained and stained with antibodies against CD34, CD31, D2-40, Ki67, and c-Myc. Mutational analysis was performed by deep sequencing for the following genes: KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, TP53, NOTCH1, PTEN, CDKN2A, EGFR, AKT1, CTNNB1, hTERT, and PTPRB. Post-RT AS cases were graded according to a previously reported breast AS grading system. AVL cases showed a low number of HRAS and hTERT mutations, whereas post-RT AS cases showed a high frequency of EGFR, TP53, HRAS and hTERT mutations. On follow-up, all BLAP and AVL patients were alive with no evidence of disease. Post-RT AS 5-year overall survival declined with the increase in grade, as follows: 85.7% for grade 1, 83.3% for grade 2, and 40.4% for grade 3. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that BLAP and AVL have a good prognosis, and that post-RT AS prognosis is strongly related to histological grading. On molecular analysis, AVL and post-RT AS shared HRAS and hTERT mutations, suggesting a relationship between the two lesions.
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Sapino A, Facchetti F, Bonoldi E, Gianatti A, Barbareschi M. The autopsy debate during the COVID-19 emergency: the Italian experience. Virchows Arch 2020; 476:821-823. [PMID: 32350596 PMCID: PMC7190281 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02828-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Benvenuti S, Milan M, Geuna E, Pisacane A, Senetta R, Gambardella G, Stella GM, Montemurro F, Sapino A, Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM. Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP): genetic evidence for a novel nosological entity? A case report. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11756. [PMID: 32511869 PMCID: PMC7338804 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an obscure disease characterized by multiple metastases in the absence of a primary tumor. No consensus has been reached whether CUPs are simply generated from cancers that cannot be detected or whether they are the manifestation of a still unknown nosological entity. Here, we report the complete expression and genetic analysis of multiple synchronous metastases harvested at warm autopsy of a patient with CUP. The expression profiles were remarkably similar and astonishingly singular. The whole exome analysis yielded a high number of mutations present in all metastases (fully shared), additional mutations (partially shared) accumulated one after another in a series, and few private mutations were unique to each metastasis. Surprisingly, the phylogenetic trajectory linking CUP metastases was atypical, depicting a common "stream", sprouting a series of linear "brooks", at variance from the extensive branched evolution observed in metastases from most cancers of known origin. The distinctive genetic and evolutionary features depicted suggest that CUP is a novel nosological entity.
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Elhasnaoui J, Miano V, Ferrero G, Doria E, Leon AE, Fabricio ASC, Annaratone L, Castellano I, Sapino A, De Bortoli M. DSCAM-AS1-Driven Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells Involves Regulation of Alternative Exon Splicing and 3'-End Usage. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061453. [PMID: 32503257 PMCID: PMC7352480 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DSCAM-AS1 is a cancer-related long noncoding RNA with higher expression levels in Luminal A, B, and HER2-positive Breast Carcinoma (BC), where its expression is strongly dependent on Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα). DSCAM-AS1 expression is analyzed in 30 public datasets and, additionally, by qRT-PCR in tumors from 93 BC patients, to uncover correlations with clinical data. Moreover, the effect of DSCAM-AS1 knockdown on gene expression and alternative splicing is studied by RNA-Seq in MCF-7 cells. We confirm DSCAM-AS1 overexpression in high grade Luminal A, B, and HER2+ BCs and find a significant correlation with disease relapse. In total, 908 genes are regulated by DSCAM-AS1-silencing, primarily involved in the cell cycle and inflammatory response. Noteworthily, the analysis of alternative splicing and isoform regulation reveals 2085 splicing events regulated by DSCAM-AS1, enriched in alternative polyadenylation sites, 3′UTR (untranslated region) shortening and exon skipping events. Finally, the DSCAM-AS1-interacting splicing factor heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL) is predicted as the most enriched RBP for exon skipping and 3′UTR events. The relevance of DSCAM-AS1 overexpression in BC is confirmed by clinical data and further enhanced by its possible involvement in the regulation of RNA processing, which is emerging as one of the most important dysfunctions in cancer.
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Biganzoli L, Cardoso F, Beishon M, Cameron D, Cataliotti L, Coles CE, Delgado Bolton RC, Trill MD, Erdem S, Fjell M, Geiss R, Goossens M, Kuhl C, Marotti L, Naredi P, Oberst S, Palussière J, Ponti A, Rosselli Del Turco M, Rubio IT, Sapino A, Senkus-Konefka E, Skelin M, Sousa B, Saarto T, Costa A, Poortmans P. The requirements of a specialist breast centre. Breast 2020; 51:65-84. [PMID: 32217457 PMCID: PMC7375681 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This article is an update of the requirements of a specialist breast centre, produced by EUSOMA and endorsed by ECCO as part of Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care (ERQCC) programme, and ESMO. To meet aspirations for comprehensive cancer control, healthcare organisations must consider the requirements in this article, paying particular attention to multidisciplinarity and patient-centred pathways from diagnosis, to treatment, to survivorship.
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Fineschi V, Aprile A, Aquila I, Arcangeli M, Asmundo A, Bacci M, Cingolani M, Cipolloni L, D’Errico S, De Casamassimi I, Di Mizio G, Di Paolo M, Focardi M, Frati P, Gabbrielli M, La Russa R, Maiese A, Manetti F, Martelloni M, Mazzeo E, Montana A, Neri M, Padovano M, Pinchi V, Pomara C, Ricci P, Salerno M, Santurro A, Scopetti M, Testi R, Turillazzi E, Vacchiano G, Crivelli F, Bonoldi E, Facchetti F, Nebuloni M, Sapino A. Management of the corpse with suspect, probable or confirmed COVID-19 respiratory infection - Italian interim recommendations for personnel potentially exposed to material from corpses, including body fluids, in morgue structures and during autopsy practice. Pathologica 2020; 112:64-77. [PMID: 32324727 PMCID: PMC7931563 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-13-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Gallo S, Spilinga M, Albano R, Ferrauto G, Di Gregorio E, Casanova E, Balmativola D, Bonzano A, Boccaccio C, Sapino A, Comoglio PM, Crepaldi T. Activation of the MET receptor attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3107-3122. [PMID: 32133617 PMCID: PMC7280013 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Doxorubicin anti‐cancer therapy is associated with cardiotoxicity, resulting from DNA damage response (DDR). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protects cardiomyocytes from injury, but its effective use is compromised by low biodistribution. In this study, we have investigated whether the activation of the HGF receptor—encoded by the Met gene—by an agonist monoclonal antibody (mAb) could protect against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity. Experimental Approach The mAb (5 mg·kg−1) was injected in vivo into C57BL/6J mice, before doxorubicin (three doses of 7 mg·kg−1). Cardiac functions were evaluated through MRI after treatment termination. Heart histological staining and mRNA levels of genes associated with heart failure (Acta1 and Nppa), inflammation (IL‐6), and fibrosis (Ctgf, Col1a2, Timp1, and Mmp9) were assessed. MAb (100 nM) was administered in vitro to H9c2 cardiomyoblasts before addition of doxorubicin (25 μM). DDR and apoptosis markers were evaluated by quantitative western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. Stattic was used for pharmacological inactivation of STAT3. Key Results In vivo, administration of the mAb alleviated doxorubicin‐induced cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis. In vitro, mAb mimicked the response to HGF by (a) inhibiting histone H2AX phosphorylation at S139, (b) quenching the expression of the DNA repair enzyme PARP1, and (c) reducing the proteolytic activation of caspase 3. The MET‐driven cardioprotection involved, at least in vitro, the phosphorylation of STAT3. Conclusion and Implications The MET agonist mAb provides a new tool for cardioprotection against anthracycline cardiotoxicity.
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Conforti F, Pala L, Guerini Rocco E, Pagan E, Bagnardi V, Montagna E, Peruzzotti G, De Pas TM, Fumagalli C, Pileggi S, Pesenti C, Marchini S, Marchiò C, Sapino A, Gelber RD, Viale G, Colleoni M, Goldhirsch A. Biological and clinical features of early triple-negative invasive lobular carcinomas of the breast. J Clin Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e12570 Background: Hormone receptors and HER2 negative (triple negative, TN) invasive lobular carcinomas (ILCs) are very rare, accounting for 1-2% of all TN breast cancers (BCs). Methods: We extracted data from our prospectively collected institutional database on all consecutive patients (pts) with early stage TN ILC operated at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) between June 1994 and December 2012. Invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) and cumulative incidence of distant metastases (CI-DM) were calculated. Biological features of these tumors, including molecular intrinsic subtypes based on PAM50 assay, expression of androgen receptor (AR) and mutational status of c-erbB2 gene were also evaluated. Additionally, NGS data of 45 TN ILCs were obtained from 3 large public databases, to confirm mutations in c-erbB2 gene and to identify other recurrently mutated genes. Results: Among 2952 ILCs treated at IEO, 44 (1.5%) were TN and were included in the analysis. All pts received adjuvant chemotherapy. The iDFS rates at 5 and 10 years of follow-up were 47.4% (95% CI, 31.1-62.0) and 29.5% (95% CI, 14.8-45.8), respectively. The corresponding CI-DM percentages were 17.6% (95% CI, 7.6-31.2) and 20.8% (95% CI, 9.5-35.1). The molecular intrinsic subtype was defined through PAM50 for 31 out of 44 TN ILCs: 48% were classified as luminal A, 3% luminal B, 32% HER2-enriched, and only 16% basal-like. The group of pts with luminal A or B tumors had a significantly better CI-DM as compared with pts with non-luminal tumors (i.e. HER2-enriched and basal-like; p=0.003). Luminal tumors expressed AR more frequently than non-luminal tumors (AR≥1% in 96% of luminal tumors versus 53% in non-luminal tumors; p=0.001), and at significantly higher levels (median percentage of AR-positive cells was 80% in luminal tumors versus 15% in non-luminal tumors; p=0.01). Higher AR expression was associated with significantly better iDFS in the whole cohort of TN ILCs (p=0.01), as well as in the group of luminal tumors (p=0.05). 27 TN ILCs of the IEO cohort were analyzed for mutations in c-erbB2 gene, and 9 (33%) harbored mutations. Analysis of the 3 public databases, confirmed c-erbB2 mutations in 9 out of 45 (20%) TN ILCs. All the c-erbB2 mutations found were previously reported to be pathogenetic in BCs and to predict response to neratinib. ErbB signaling and DNA damage response were among the top 10 pathways significantly enriched for mutated genes in TN ILCs. Conclusions: TN ILCs are rare tumors with dire prognosis. Their specific biological features require newly defined targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Mittica G, Goia M, Gambino A, Scotto G, Fonte M, Senetta R, Aglietta M, Borella F, Sapino A, Katsaros D, Maggiorotto F, Ghisoni E, Giannone G, Tuninetti V, Genta S, Eusebi C, Momi M, Cassoni P, Valabrega G. Validation of Androgen Receptor loss as a risk factor for the development of brain metastases from ovarian cancers. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:53. [PMID: 32366278 PMCID: PMC7199337 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Central nervous system (CNS) spreading from epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is an uncommon but increasing phenomenon. We previously reported in a small series of 11 patients a correlation between Androgen Receptor (AR) loss and localization to CNS. Aims of this study were: to confirm a predictive role of AR loss in an independent validation cohort; to evaluate if AR status impacts on EOC survival. Results We collected an additional 29 cases and 19 controls as validation cohort. In this independent cohort at univariate analysis, cases exhibited lower expression of AR, considered both as continuous (p < 0.001) and as discrete variable (10% cut-off: p < 0.003; Immunoreactive score: p < 0.001). AR negative EOC showed an odds ratio (OR) = 8.33 for CNS dissemination compared with AR positive EOC. Kaplan-Meier curves of the combined dataset, combining data of new validation cohort with the previously published cohort, showed that AR < 10% significantly correlates with worse outcomes (p = 0.005 for Progression Free Survival (PFS) and p = 0.002 for brain PFS (bPFS) respectively). Comparison of AR expression between primary tissue and paired brain metastases in the combined dataset did not show any statistically significant difference. Conclusions We confirmed AR loss as predictive role for CNS involvement from EOC in an independent cohort of cases and controls. Early assessment of AR status could improve clinical management and patients’ prognosis.
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Rangel N, Rondon-Lagos M, Annaratone L, Aristizábal-Pachon AF, Cassoni P, Sapino A, Castellano I. AR/ER Ratio Correlates with Expression of Proliferation Markers and with Distinct Subset of Breast Tumors. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041064. [PMID: 32344660 PMCID: PMC7226480 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The co-expression of androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER) receptors, in terms of higher AR/ER ratio, has been recently associated with poor outcome in ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC) patients. The aim of this study was to analyze if the biological aggressiveness, underlined in ER+ BC tumors with higher AR/ER ratio, could be due to higher expression of genes related to cell proliferation. On a cohort of 47 ER+ BC patients, the AR/ER ratio was assessed by immunohistochemistry and by mRNA analysis. The expression level of five gene proliferation markers was defined through TaqMan®-qPCR assays. Results were validated using 979 BC cases obtained from gene expression public databases. ER+ BC tumors with ratios of AR/ER ≥ 2 have higher expression levels of cellular proliferation genes than tumors with ratios of AR/ER < 2, in both the 47 ER+ BC patients (P < 0.001) and in the validation cohort (P = 0.005). Moreover, BC cases with ratios of AR/ER ≥ 2 of the validation cohort were mainly assigned to luminal B and HER2-enriched molecular subtypes, typically characterized by higher proliferation and poorer prognosis. These data suggest that joint routine evaluation of AR and ER expression may identify a unique subset of tumors, which show higher levels of cellular proliferation and therefore a more aggressive behavior.
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Annaratone L, Cascardi E, Vissio E, Sarotto I, Chmielik E, Sapino A, Berrino E, Marchiò C. The Multifaceted Nature of Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Carcinomas. Pathobiology 2020; 87:125-142. [PMID: 32325459 PMCID: PMC7265767 DOI: 10.1159/000507055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity in breast carcinomas can be appreciated at various levels, from morphology to molecular alterations, and there are well-known genotypic-phenotypic correlations. Clinical decision-making is strictly focused on the evaluation of tumor cells and is based on the assessment of hormone receptors and of the HER2 status, by means of a combination of immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. The tumor microenvironment (TME) also shows a multifaceted nature stemming from the different actors populating the intratumoral and the peritumoral stroma of breast carcinomas. Of note, we have now evidence that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are clinically meaningful as their quantification in the intratumoral stroma strongly correlates with good prognosis, in particular in triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, TILs are just one of the many actors orchestrating the complexity of the TME, which is populated by immune and non-immune cells (cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated adipocytes), as well as non-cellular components such as chemical inflammation mediators. In this review article we will overview the main features of the distinct cell compartments by discussing (i) the potential impact the TME may have on the prognostic stratification of breast cancers and (ii) the possible predictive value of some markers in the context of immunotherapy in light of the recent results of phase III studies in advanced and early triple-negative breast cancer patients.
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