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Pérez-Ruiz E, Gutiérrez V, Muñoz M, Oliver J, Sánchez M, Gálvez-Carvajal L, Rueda-Domínguez A, Barragán I. Liquid Biopsy as a Tool for the Characterisation and Early Detection of the Field Cancerization Effect in Patients with Oral Cavity Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101478. [PMID: 34680596 PMCID: PMC8533108 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes approximately 25% of all head and neck cancer, for which the consumption of tobacco and alcohol are the main associated risk factors. The field cancerization effect of OSCC is one of the main reasons for the poor survival rates associated with this disease. Despite some advances, its ccharacterization and early diagnosis continue to challenge modern oncology, and the goal of improving the prognosis remains to be achieved. Among new early diagnostic tools for OSCC that have been proposed, liquid biopsy appears to be an ideal candidate, as studies have shown that the analysis of blood and saliva provides promising data for the early detection of relapses or second tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Pérez-Ruiz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica Intercentros de Oncología Médica, Oncology Department, Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (V.G.); (M.M.); (L.G.-C.)
- Correspondence: (E.P.-R.); (A.R.-D.)
| | - Vanesa Gutiérrez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica Intercentros de Oncología Médica, Oncology Department, Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (V.G.); (M.M.); (L.G.-C.)
| | - Marta Muñoz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica Intercentros de Oncología Médica, Oncology Department, Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (V.G.); (M.M.); (L.G.-C.)
| | - Javier Oliver
- Researcher Unit, Unidad de Gestión Clínica Intercentros de Oncología Médica, Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (J.O.); or (I.B.)
| | - Marta Sánchez
- Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Laura Gálvez-Carvajal
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica Intercentros de Oncología Médica, Oncology Department, Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (V.G.); (M.M.); (L.G.-C.)
| | - Antonio Rueda-Domínguez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica Intercentros de Oncología Médica, Oncology Department, Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (V.G.); (M.M.); (L.G.-C.)
- Correspondence: (E.P.-R.); (A.R.-D.)
| | - Isabel Barragán
- Researcher Unit, Unidad de Gestión Clínica Intercentros de Oncología Médica, Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Malaga (IBIMA), Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Malaga, Spain; (J.O.); or (I.B.)
- Group of Pharmacoepigenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Wu W, Liu Y, Zeng S, Han Y, Shen H. Intratumor heterogeneity: the hidden barrier to immunotherapy against MSI tumors from the perspective of IFN-γ signaling and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:160. [PMID: 34620200 PMCID: PMC8499512 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01166-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this era of precision medicine, with the help of biomarkers, immunotherapy has significantly improved prognosis of many patients with malignant tumor. Deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite instability (MSI) status is used as a biomarker in clinical practice to predict favorable response to immunotherapy and prognosis. MSI is an important characteristic which facilitates mutation and improves the likelihood of a favorable response to immunotherapy. However, many patients with dMMR/MSI still respond poorly to immunotherapies, which partly results from intratumor heterogeneity propelled by dMMR/MSI. In this review, we discuss how dMMR/MSI facilitates mutations in tumor cells and generates intratumor heterogeneity, especially through type II interferon (IFN-γ) signaling and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We discuss the mechanism of immunotherapy from the perspective of dMMR/MSI, molecular pathways and TILs, and we discuss how intratumor heterogeneity hinders the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy. Finally, we summarize present techniques and strategies to look at the tumor as a whole to design personalized regimes and achieve favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008
| | - Yihan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China.
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Adamski ŁJ, Starzyńska A, Adamska P, Kunc M, Sakowicz-Burkiewicz M, Marvaso G, Alterio D, Korwat A, Jereczek-Fossa BA, Pęksa R. High PD-L1 Expression on Tumor Cells Indicates Worse Overall Survival in Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Tongue and the Floor of the Mouth but Not in Other Oral Compartments. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1132. [PMID: 34572318 PMCID: PMC8471659 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The markers of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are promising prognostic and predictive factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The current study aims to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and interleukin-33 (IL-33) in a cohort of 95 chemonaïve OSCCs. PD-L1 and IL-33 were assessed separately in tumor cells (TCs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). High PD-L1 expression in TILs was associated with better overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis. Tumors localized in the floor of the oral cavity and tongue tended to have a lower percentage of PD-L1-positive TCs when compared to other locations. PD-L1 expression on TCs had no prognostic significance when the whole cohort was analyzed. However, along with the T descriptor (TNM 8th), it was included in the multivariable model predicting death in carcinomas of the floor of the oral cavity and tongue (HR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.97-5.28). In other locations, only nodal status was identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (HR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.08-0.70). Expression of IL-33 had no impact on survival, but it was differently expressed in various locations. In conclusion, the prognostic significance of PD-L1 in oral cancer depends on the tumor site and type of cell expressing immune checkpoint receptor (TCs vs. TILs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Jan Adamski
- Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 7 Dębinki Street, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland; (Ł.J.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Anna Starzyńska
- Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 7 Dębinki Street, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland; (Ł.J.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Paulina Adamska
- Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 7 Dębinki Street, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland; (Ł.J.A.); (P.A.)
| | - Michał Kunc
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.P.)
| | - Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 7 Dębinki Street, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Giulia Marvaso
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 7 Festa del Perdono Street, 20-112 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (B.A.J.-F.)
- Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 435 Ripamonti Street, 20-141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Daniela Alterio
- Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 435 Ripamonti Street, 20-141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Aleksandra Korwat
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.P.)
| | - Barbara Alicja Jereczek-Fossa
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 7 Festa del Perdono Street, 20-112 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (B.A.J.-F.)
- Division of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 435 Ripamonti Street, 20-141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Rafał Pęksa
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 17 Smoluchowskiego Street, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (A.K.); (R.P.)
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Ouyang Y, Liu W, Zhang N, Yang X, Li J, Long S. Prognostic significance of programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression on circulating tumor cells in various cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7021-7039. [PMID: 34423578 PMCID: PMC8525108 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognostic significance of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been explored but is still in controversy. We performed, for the first time, a meta‐analysis to systematically evaluate its prognostic value in human cancers. Methods Literature databases were searched for eligible studies prior to June 30, 2021. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the associations of pre‐treatment and post‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses with regards to cancer type, treatment, CTC enrichment method, PD‐L1 detection method, cut‐off, and specifically the comparison model were performed. Results We included 30 eligible studies (32 cohorts, 1419 cancer patients) in our analysis. Pre‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs detected by immunofluorescence (IF) tended to predict better PFS (HR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.28–1.08, p = 0.084) and OS (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.36–1.04, p = 0.067) for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, but were significantly associated with unfavorable survival for non‐ICI therapies (PFS: HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.21–2.85, p = 0.005; OS: HR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.69–3.51, p < 0.001). Post‐treatment PD‐L1+ CTCs predicted markedly worse PFS and OS. The prognostic value was obviously modulated by comparison models. Among patients with detectable CTCs, PD‐L1+ individuals had comparable survival to PD‐L1− individuals, except ICI treatment for which PD‐L1+ may predict better PFS (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.17–1.06, p = 0.067). Patients with PD‐L1+ CTCs had worse survival prognosis compared to those without PD‐L1+ CTCs in overall analysis (PFS: HR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.59–2.77, p < 0.001; OS: HR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.70–3.81, p < 0.001) and in most subgroups. Conclusions Our analysis demonstrated that PD‐L1 positive expression on CTCs predicted better survival prognosis for ICI treatment but worse survival for other therapies, which thus can be potentially used as a prognostic marker of malignant tumor treatment. However, the prognostic value of PD‐L1+ CTCs for ICI treatment needs validation by more large‐scale studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Ouyang
- Department of Intervention, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wendao Liu
- Department of Intervention, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Xiaobing Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Li
- Department of Intervention, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunqin Long
- Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Cannarile MA, Gomes B, Canamero M, Reis B, Byrd A, Charo J, Yadav M, Karanikas V. Biomarker Technologies to Support Early Clinical Immuno-oncology Development: Advances and Interpretation. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4147-4159. [PMID: 33766813 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Today, there is a huge effort to develop cancer immunotherapeutics capable of combating cancer cells as well as the biological environment in which they can grow, adapt, and survive. For such treatments to benefit more patients, there is a great need to dissect the complex interplays between tumor cells and the host's immune system. Monitoring mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapeutics can delineate the evolution of key players capable of driving an efficacious antitumor immune response. In doing so, simultaneous and systematic interrogation of multiple biomarkers beyond single biomarker approaches needs to be undertaken. Zooming into cell-to-cell interactions using technological advancements with unprecedented cellular resolution such as single-cell spatial transcriptomics, advanced tissue histology approaches, and new molecular immune profiling tools promises to provide a unique level of molecular granularity of the tumor environment and may support better decision-making during drug development. This review will focus on how such technological tools are applied in clinical settings, to inform the underlying tumor-immune biology of patients and offer a deeper understanding of cancer immune responsiveness to immuno-oncology treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Cannarile
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Gomes
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marta Canamero
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Reis
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jehad Charo
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Vaios Karanikas
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Oncology, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Economopoulou P, Kladi-Skandali A, Strati A, Koytsodontis G, Kirodimos E, Giotakis E, Maragoudakis P, Gagari E, Maratou E, Dimitriadis G, Kotsantis I, Vagia E, Anastasiou M, Gkotzamanidou M, Kavourakis G, Lianidou E, Psyrri A. Prognostic impact of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) mRNA expression on circulating tumour cells of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. ESMO Open 2021; 5:e000646. [PMID: 32414944 PMCID: PMC7232623 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2019-000646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We sought to determine the prognostic role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) by evaluating IDO1 expression in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) at baseline and after completion of chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced (LA) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with curative intent. Methods In a prospective cohort of 113 patients with LA HNSCC, we evaluated expression of IDO1 in the EpCAM+ CTC fraction at baseline and after cisplatin chemoradiation. The prognostic value of combined programmed cell death ligand-1 (PDL-1) and IDO1 expression was assessed. Results IDO1 was significantly overexpressed at baseline compared with the post-treatment counterparts (p=0.007). IDO1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression at baseline was associated with better survival in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) (HR=0.19, p=0.017). Post-treatment IDO1 mRNA levels were correlated with unfavourable prognosis in terms of overall survival (OS) (HR=3.27, p=0.008). Patients with combined decreased expression levels of PDL-1 and IDO1 after treatment exhibited superior PFS (p=0.043) and OS (p=0.021). Conclusions Our results strongly suggest that IDO1 mRNA expression is an independent prognostic factor for clinical outcome. Our study provides useful information for future trials combining chemoradiation with immune checkpoint inhibitors and IDO1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Economopoulou
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Kladi-Skandali
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Areti Strati
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Koytsodontis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymios Kirodimos
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Giotakis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Städtisches Klinikum, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Pavlos Maragoudakis
- Second Otolaryngology Department, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Gagari
- Oral Medicine Clinics, A. Syggros Hospital of Dermatologic and Venereal Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Maratou
- Hellenic National Center for the Research, Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and its Complications (H.N.D.C), Athens, Greece
| | - George Dimitriadis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kotsantis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elena Vagia
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Anastasiou
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gkotzamanidou
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kavourakis
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression in Circulating Tumor Cells as a Predictor of Treatment Response in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070674. [PMID: 34356529 PMCID: PMC8301435 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are commonly used in treating advanced-stage urothelial carcinoma. Contrary to evaluating PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsy samples, this study assessed whether PD-L1 expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be a predictor of treatment response to PD-L1 inhibitors. The current study proved that there was no statistically significant correlation between the presence of PD-L1-positive CTCs and PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues. Moreover, PD-L1-positive CTCs at baseline could be used as a biomarker to identify patients suitable for PD-L1 blockade therapy. Dynamic changes in PD-L1-positive CTCs during the course of treatment are predictive factors of immunotherapy response and prognostic factors of disease control. Abstract Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are commonly used in treating advanced-stage urothelial carcinoma (UC). Therefore, this study evaluated the relationship between PD-L1 expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and treatment response to PD-L1 inhibitors using blood samples collected from patients with UC (n = 23). Subsequently, PD-L1 expression and its clinical correlation were analyzed. All patients had CTCs before PD-L1 inhibitory treatment, of which 15 had PD-L1-positive CTCs. However, PD-L1-positive expression in CTCs was not correlated with PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsy samples. Patients with PD-L1-positive CTCs had better disease control (DC) rates than those without PD-L1-positive CTCs. Moreover, changes in the proportion of PD-L1-positive CTCs were associated with disease outcomes. Furthermore, the PD-L1-positive CTC count in 9 of 11 patients who achieved DC had significantly decreased (p = 0.01). In four patients with progressive disease, this was higher or did not change. PD-L1-positive CTCs at baseline could be used as a biomarker to identify patients suitable for PD-L1 blockade therapy. Dynamic changes in PD-L1-positive CTCs during the course of treatment are predictive factors of immunotherapy response and prognostic factors of disease control. Hence, PD-L1-positive CTCs could be employed as a real-time molecular biomarker for individualized immunotherapy.
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Rzhevskiy A, Kapitannikova A, Malinina P, Volovetsky A, Aboulkheyr Es H, Kulasinghe A, Thiery JP, Maslennikova A, Zvyagin AV, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Emerging role of circulating tumor cells in immunotherapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:8057-8075. [PMID: 34335980 PMCID: PMC8315079 DOI: 10.7150/thno.59677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few years, immunotherapy, in particular, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, has revolutionized the treatment of several types of cancer. At the same time, the uptake in clinical oncology has been slow owing to the high cost of treatment, associated toxicity profiles and variability of the response to treatment between patients. In response, personalized approaches based on predictive biomarkers have emerged as new tools for patient stratification to achieve effective immunotherapy. Recently, the enumeration and molecular analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been highlighted as prognostic biomarkers for the management of cancer patients during chemotherapy and for targeted therapy in a personalized manner. The expression of immune checkpoints on CTCs has been reported in a number of solid tumor types and has provided new insight into cancer immunotherapy management. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the identification of immune checkpoints using CTCs and shed light on the potential applications of CTCs towards the identification of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Rzhevskiy
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alina Kapitannikova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Malinina
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1, Minini Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russia
| | - Arthur Volovetsky
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Avenue 23, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | | | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Anna Maslennikova
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Avenue 23, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
- The Chair of Cancer, Radiotherapy and Radiologic Diagnostics, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhniy Novgorod. Russia 603005
| | - Andrei V. Zvyagin
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- IBCh - Shemyakin Ovchinnikov Institute of BioOrganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho Maklai Street, 16, Moscow, Russia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 2007 Sydney, Australia
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Kong D, Zhang W, Yang Z, Li G, Cheng S, Zhang K, Feng L. Correlation between PD-L1 expression ON CTCs and prognosis of patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1938476. [PMID: 34211802 PMCID: PMC8218685 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1938476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are considered to be related to the prognosis of cancer patients. CTC is a powerful indicator for recurrence or metastasis. The relationship, however, between the expression of programmed cell death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) on CTCs in peripheral blood and the prognosis, is still controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate its prognostic value. A total of 20 articles were screened from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and WanFang Database, and the Hazard Ratio (HR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of each article were combined to study the relationship between PD-L1 expression on CTCs and prognosis. The expression of PD-L1 on CTCs in the peripheral blood of cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis. The pooled HRs for overall survival (OS) in cancer patients were 1.85 (95% CI, 1.29-2.66, P = .001). The pooled HRs for progression-free survival (PFS) in cancer patients were 1.50 (95% CI, 1.12-2.01; P = .007). This is the first meta-analysis to clarify the expression of PD-L1 on CTCs at baseline affects the prognosis of cancer patients. Patients with CTCs expressing PD-L1 had a shorter survival time than patients with CTCs not expressing PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhenrong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guoliang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shujun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Kaitai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
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Curtin J, Choi SW, Thomson PJ, Lam AKY. Characterization and clinicopathological significance of circulating tumour cells in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021; 51:289-299. [PMID: 34154876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are cancer cells released by cancer into the peripheral circulation. Haematogenous tumour spread is a hallmark of metastatic malignancy and a key factor in cancer recurrence and prognosis. CTCs have diagnostic and prognostic significance for a number of adenocarcinomas and melanoma. A review of the published peer-reviewed literature was performed to determine the clinical relevance of CTCs as a biomarker in the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria. With regard to patients with OSCC, this review found the following: (1) CTCs have been detected using multiple techniques; (2) the presence of CTCs does not appear to be related to tumour differentiation or size; (3) CTCs may be detected without lymph node involvement; (4) the detection of CTCs may be prognostic for both disease-free survival and overall survival; (5) quantification of CTCs may reflect the efficacy of therapy; (6) CTCs may be of value for ongoing patient monitoring. Preliminary evidence suggests that CTCs have diagnostic and prognostic potential as a biomarker for oral cancer management and warrant further investigation to determine their appropriate place in the management of OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Curtin
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - S-W Choi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - P J Thomson
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - A K-Y Lam
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Longitudinal Evaluation of PD-L1 Expression on Circulating Tumor Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Nivolumab. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102290. [PMID: 34064720 PMCID: PMC8150706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor tissue is a predictor for the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. We have previously reported that PD-L1 positive rate on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in non-small cell lung cancer patients at baseline was correlated with response to nivolumab. Here, we sequentially evaluated PD-L1 expression on CTCs in 45 enrolled patients at baseline and week 4, 8, 12 and 24 or progressive disease (PD). The median of PD-L1-positive CTC number between baseline and week 8 were significantly different (p < 0.05), and progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients with ≥7.7% PD-L1 positivity rates (n = 8) than in those with <7.7% rates (n = 8; p < 0.01) at week 8. Our findings suggest that PD-L1 expression on CTCs during nivolumab treatment may be predictive of long-term efficacy. Abstract Although programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on tumor tissue is a validated predictive biomarker for a PD-1 pathway blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), longitudinal changes in its expression during treatment remains elusive. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are assumed to reflect the transition of characteristics of the primary tumor undergoing anticancer treatment. Here, we sequentially evaluated the PD-L1 expression on CTCs in NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab. Forty-five patients were enrolled, and CTCs were enriched from 3 mL of peripheral blood using a microcavity array system at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 or until progressive disease. The effective responses to therapy were compared between patients without progressive disease (PD) at week 8 (i.e., non-PD patients) and in those with PD between weeks 4 and 8 (PD patients) in terms of increased vs. decreased or equal CTC status at week 8 (for non-PD patients) or at the point of PD (for PD patients) compared to the baseline. Significantly more non-PD patients were classified as decreased or equal in number and proportion to PD-L1-positive CTCs among the detected CTCs (PD-L1 positivity rates) (p < 0.05). Moreover, progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients with ≥7.7% PD-L1 positivity rates (n = 8) than in those with <7.7% rates (n = 8; p < 0.01) at week 8. These results suggest the predictive significance of the early evaluation of PD-L1 expression on CTCs for maintaining the benefits from nivolumab treatment.
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Lehmer L, Choi F, Kraus C, Shiu J, de Feraudy S, Elsensohn A. Histopathologic PD-L1 Tumor Expression and Prognostic Significance in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers: A Systematic Review. Am J Dermatopathol 2021; 43:321-330. [PMID: 33910221 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000001772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT PD-L1 and PD-1 inhibitors are being increasingly used to treat a variety of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). This systematic review summarizes PD-L1 expression in NMSCs and determines its use for prognosis using targeted immunotherapy. A primary search of peer-reviewed English-language medical literature was conducted for studies on PD-L1 tumor expression in biopsied or excised NMSCs. Fifty-nine articles met criteria for inclusion. PD-L1 expression in advanced NMSCs ranged from 22%-89% for basal cell carcinomas, 42%-50% for Merkel cell carcinomas, and 26%-100% for squamous cell carcinomas. Study limitations included clone heterogeneity across studies, complicating comparison of PD-L1 expression. Differences were also noted in the selection of tumor reactivity threshold. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence to determine the prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in NMSCs as a whole, but this remains a promising area. More investigation into the role of tumor PD-L1 as a biomarker for predicting clinical response to PD-L1 and PD-1 inhibitors in NMSCs is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Lehmer
- Resident, Department of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Franchesca Choi
- Research Fellow and Resident, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
- Research Fellow and Resident, Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Christina Kraus
- Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Jessica Shiu
- Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Sebastien de Feraudy
- Dermatopathologist, Kaiser Regional Dermatopathology Service, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, CA; and
| | - Ashley Elsensohn
- Fellow, Dermatopathology Section, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA
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Hayman TJ, Bhatia AK, Jethwa KR, Young MR, Park HS. Combinations of immunotherapy and radiation therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a narrative review. Transl Cancer Res 2021; 10:2571-2585. [PMID: 35116571 PMCID: PMC8798834 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-2096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy and systemic therapy are the primary non-surgical treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite advances in our biologic understanding of this disease and the development of novel therapeutics, treatment resistance remains a significant problem. It has become increasingly evident that the innate and adaptive immune systems play a significant role in the modulation of anti-tumor responses to traditional cancer-directed therapies. By inducing DNA damage and cell death, radiation therapy appears to activate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Immunotherapies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) also have yielded promising results, particularly in the recurrent/metastatic setting. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy to harness the immunomodulatory effects of radiation therapy on HNSCC, as well as biomarkers for immune response. We will also review recent preclinical and clinical data exploring these combinations in various contexts, including recurrent/metastatic and locally advanced disease. Among those with locally advanced HNSCC, we will discuss clinical trials employing immunotherapy either concurrently with radiation therapy or as maintenance following chemoradiation in both the definitive and postoperative settings, with or without the use of cisplatin-based or non-cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Hayman
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aarti K. Bhatia
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Krishan R. Jethwa
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Melissa R. Young
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Henry S. Park
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Markou A, Tzanikou E, Kallergi G, Pantazaka E, Georgoulias V, Kotsakis A, Lianidou E. Evaluation of Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 ( MCT4) Expression and Its Prognostic Significance in Circulating Tumor Cells From Patients With Early Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:641978. [PMID: 33968927 PMCID: PMC8100022 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.641978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) can influence the amount of lactate in the tumor microenvironment and further control cancer cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. We investigated for the first time the expression of MCT4 in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) derived from early stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients (NSCLC) and whether this is associated with clinical outcome. Experimental Design: A highly sensitive RT-qPCR assay for quantification of MCT4 transcripts was developed and validated and applied to study MCT4 expression in CTC isolated through the Parsortix size-dependent microfluidic device from 53 and 9 peripheral blood (PB) samples of NSCLC patients at baseline (pre-surgery) and at relapse, respectively, as well as the “background noise” was evaluated using peripheral blood samples from 10 healthy donors (HD) in exactly the same way as patients. Results:MCT4 was differentially expressed between HD and NSCLC patients. Overexpression of MCT4 was detected in 14/53 (26.4%) and 3/9 (33.3%) patients at baseline and at progression disease (PD), respectively. The expression levels of MCT4 was found to increase in CTCs at the time of relapse. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the overexpression of MCT4 was significantly (P = 0.045) associated with progression-free survival (median: 12.5 months, range 5–31 months). Conclusion:MCT4 overexpression was observed at a high frequency in CTCs from early NSCLC patients supporting its role in metastatic process. MCT4 investigated as clinically relevant tumor biomarker characterizing tumor aggressiveness and its potential value as target for cancer therapy. We are totally convinced that MCT4 overexpression in CTCs merits further evaluation as a non-invasive circulating tumor biomarker in a large and well-defined cohort of patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Markou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E Tzanikou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Kallergi
- Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - E Pantazaka
- Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - V Georgoulias
- First Department of Medical Oncology, IASO General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Kotsakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - E Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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65
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Liquid Biopsies in Head and Neck Cancer: Current State and Future Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081874. [PMID: 33919778 PMCID: PMC8070729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are the seventh most frequent malignancy worldwide, consisting of a heterogeneous group of cancers that develop in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) being the most common pathology. Due to limitations with screening and physical examination, HNSCC often presents in advanced disease states and is thus associated with poor survival. In this setting, liquid biopsies, or obtaining patient bodily fluid samples for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, may play a dramatic role in optimizing care for HNSCC patients. In recent years, there have been dramatic advancements in investigations focused on optimizing and implementing liquid biopsies in general, and specifically for HNSCC patients. Moving forward, there remain significant challenges in liquid biopsy technological development, as well as opportunities for the development of HNSCC liquid biopsy clinical trials and treatment paradigms. In this review, we discuss the current state of liquid biopsy technologies via circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA and exosomes, approaches in head and neck cancer, challenges to optimization and application of liquid biopsies for clinical study, and future prospects for this field of research as it applies to head and neck cancer.
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Ward MP, E Kane L, A Norris L, Mohamed BM, Kelly T, Bates M, Clarke A, Brady N, Martin CM, Brooks RD, Brooks DA, Selemidis S, Hanniffy S, Dixon EP, A O'Toole S, J O'Leary J. Platelets, immune cells and the coagulation cascade; friend or foe of the circulating tumour cell? Mol Cancer 2021; 20:59. [PMID: 33789677 PMCID: PMC8011144 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells that transit from primary tumours into the circulatory system are known as circulating tumour cells (CTCs). These cancer cells have unique phenotypic and genotypic characteristics which allow them to survive within the circulation, subsequently extravasate and metastasise. CTCs have emerged as a useful diagnostic tool using "liquid biopsies" to report on the metastatic potential of cancers. However, CTCs by their nature interact with components of the blood circulatory system on a constant basis, influencing both their physical and morphological characteristics as well as metastatic capabilities. These properties and the associated molecular profile may provide critical diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in the clinic. Platelets interact with CTCs within minutes of their dissemination and are crucial in the formation of the initial metastatic niche. Platelets and coagulation proteins also alter the fate of a CTC by influencing EMT, promoting pro-survival signalling and aiding in evading immune cell destruction. CTCs have the capacity to directly hijack immune cells and utilise them to aid in CTC metastatic seeding processes. The disruption of CTC clusters may also offer a strategy for the treatment of advance staged cancers. Therapeutic disruption of these heterotypical interactions as well as direct CTC targeting hold great promise, especially with the advent of new immunotherapies and personalised medicines. Understanding the molecular role that platelets, immune cells and the coagulation cascade play in CTC biology will allow us to identify and characterise the most clinically relevant CTCs from patients. This will subsequently advance the clinical utility of CTCs in cancer diagnosis/prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland.
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Laura E Kane
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Lucy A Norris
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya Kelly
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Andres Clarke
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Nathan Brady
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Cara M Martin
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert D Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, 5001, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Doug A Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, 5001, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Victoria, 3083, Bundoora, Australia
| | | | - Eric P Dixon
- BD Technologies and Innovation, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sharon A O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Wang J, Zeng H, Zhang H, Han Y. The role of exosomal PD-L1 in tumor immunotherapy. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101047. [PMID: 33647542 PMCID: PMC7921878 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are bioactive lipid bilayer vesicles released by most cells to mediate intercellular signal communication. Tumor cells release exosomes transmitting signals cell-to-cell and between cells and organs, which will promote tumor angiogenesis, regulate tumor stromal response, immune response, and enhance tumor cells resistance, while exosomes-derived from immune cells in tumor microenvironment play a key role in inhibiting tumor growth and killing tumor cells. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) combined with Programmed cell death protein ligand 1(PD-L1) can inhibit the activation of T cells, for tumor cells achieve immune escape by overexpressing PD-L1 and binding PD-1 on T cells. The use of anti-PD-1 / PD-L1 antibodies prevents their binding to a certain extent and partially restores T cell's activity. This article mainly discusses the role of exosomal PD-L1 in tumor progression and therapeutic efficacy after application of clinical antibodies, as well as the relation between different reactivity and immunity set points in cancer patients of different races, with different types and at different stages. Besides, we propose that exosomal PD-L1 may become targets for anti-PD-1 / PD-L1 antibody therapy, biomarkers for liquid biopsy, and drug carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of blood transfusion, the affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Zeng
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of blood transfusion, the affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yunwei Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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68
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Prognostic Significance of Gene Expression and DNA Methylation Markers in Circulating Tumor Cells and Paired Plasma Derived Exosomes in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040780. [PMID: 33668490 PMCID: PMC7918693 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary “Liquid biopsy”, based on the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), provides non-invasive real-time monitoring of tumor evolution and therapeutic efficacy. We performed for the first time a direct comparison study on gene expression and DNA methylation markers in CTCs and paired plasma-derived exosomes and evaluated their prognostic significance in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Our results revealed for the first time a significantly higher positivity of all markers in EpCAM-positive CTCs compared to plasma-derived exosomes. We report that in EpCAM-positive CTCs, CK-19, PSMA, TWIST1 expression and GSTP1 methylation are significantly correlated with worse overall survival (OS), while in exosomes, CK-8 expression and GSTP1 and RASSF1A methylation status were significantly correlated with a lower OS. We also enumerated CTC and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs) using CellSearch (CS) and found a correlation between the CTC and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs) enumeration values. Abstract Liquid biopsy, based on the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), provides non-invasive real-time monitoring of tumor evolution and therapeutic efficacy. We performed for the first time a direct comparison study on gene expression and DNA methylation markers in CTCs and paired plasma-derived exosomes and evaluated their prognostic significance in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. This prospective liquid biopsy (LB) study was based on a group of 62 metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients and 10 healthy donors (HD) as controls. Identical blood draws were used to: (a) enumerate CTC and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs) using CellSearch (CS) and (b) analyze CTCs and paired plasma-derived exosomes at the gene expression and DNA methylation level. CTCs were enumerated using CellSearch in 57/62 patients, with values ranging from 5 to 854 cells/7.5 mL PB. Our results revealed for the first time a significantly higher positivity of gene expression markers (CK-8, CK-18, TWIST1, PSMA, AR-FL, AR-V7, AR-567 and PD-L1 mRNA) in EpCAM-positive CTCs compared to plasma-derived exosomes. GSTP1, RASSF1A and SCHLAFEN were methylated both in CTC and exosomes. In CTCs, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that CK-19 (p = 0.009), PSMA (p = 0.001), TWIST1 (p = 0.001) expression and GSTP1 (p = 0.001) methylation were correlated with OS, while in exosomes GSTP1 (p = 0.007) and RASSF1A (p = 0.001) methylation was correlated with OS. Our direct comparison study of CTCs and exosomes at gene expression and DNA methylation level, revealed for the first time a significantly higher positivity in EpCAM-positive CTCs compared to plasma-derived exosomes. Future perspective of this study should be the evaluation of clinical utility of molecular biomarkers in CTCs and exosomes on independent multicentric cohorts with mCRPC patients.
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69
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Cysteine-Rich Angiogenic Inducer 61: Pro-Survival Function and Role as a Biomarker for Disseminating Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030563. [PMID: 33540545 PMCID: PMC7867178 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis is the leading cause of death in breast cancer, and it can be predicted by the detection of circulating tumor cells in the blood and disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow, which are usually detected by epithelial marker proteins. However, tumor cells with mesenchymal attributes down-regulate the expression of epithelial marker proteins, and are therefore difficult to detect. Here, we found that the protein-cysteine–rich angiogenetic inducer 61 (Cyr61) is strongly expressed in tumor cells with mesenchymal attributes. Cyr61 expression was undetectable in normal blood cells, suggesting that Cyr61 might represent a tumor-associated protein. Functional experiments showed that the loss of Cyr61 reduces the viability of breast tumor cells. Thus, Cyr61 might represent an interesting anti-metastatic target that needs to be explored in future studies. Abstract (1) Background: the early detection of cancer cells in the blood or bone marrow of breast cancer patients improves the understanding of metastasis. Disseminating tumor cells in the bone marrow with a pronounced manifestation of mesenchymal markers (mDTC) are difficult to detect by epithelial markers, but they are relevant in the initiation of metastasis. (2) Methods: the breast cancer mDTC cell line BC-M1 was analyzed by mass spectrometry, which revealed high levels of the protein-cysteine–rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61). The function of Cyr61 was investigated using shRNA and hypoxia. Peripheral blood samples from 35 breast cancer patients were investigated for CTCs defined as cytokeratin-positive/CD45-negative cells. (3) Results: the Cyr61 levels are elevated in mDTC lines from breast, lung, and prostate cancer patients. The loss of Cyr61 resulted in the diminished expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, and increased apoptosis. Cyr61 was present in 47 (43%) of the 109 detected circulating tumor cells (CTCs), while the blood and bone marrow cells from healthy controls were Cyr61-negative. (4) Conclusions: Cyr61 is expressed in mDTC lines, supports the viability of cancer cells, and classifies a new subset of cytokeratin-positive CTCs, which deserves further investigation.
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Ntzifa A, Strati A, Kallergi G, Kotsakis A, Georgoulias V, Lianidou E. Gene expression in circulating tumor cells reveals a dynamic role of EMT and PD-L1 during osimertinib treatment in NSCLC patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2313. [PMID: 33504904 PMCID: PMC7840727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is a tool to unveil resistance mechanisms in NSCLC. We studied changes in gene expression in CTC-enriched fractions of EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients under osimertinib. Peripheral blood from 30 NSCLC patients before, after 1 cycle of osimertinib and at progression of disease (PD) was analyzed by size-based CTC enrichment combined with RT-qPCR for gene expression of epithelial (CK-8, CK-18, CK-19), mesenchymal/EMT (VIM, TWIST-1, AXL), stem cell (ALDH-1) markers, PD-L1 and PIM-1. CTCs were also analyzed by triple immunofluorescence for 45 identical blood samples. Epithelial and stem cell profile (p = 0.043) and mesenchymal/EMT and stem cell profile (p = 0.014) at PD were correlated. There was a strong positive correlation of VIM expression with PIM-1 expression at baseline and increased PD-L1 expression levels at PD. AXL overexpression varied among patients and high levels of PIM-1 transcripts were detected. PD-L1 expression was significantly increased at PD compared to baseline (p = 0.016). The high prevalence of VIM positive CTCs suggest a dynamic role of EMT during osimertinib treatment, while increased expression of PD-L1 at PD suggests a theoretical background for immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients that develop resistance to osimertinib. This observation merits to be further evaluated in a prospective immunotherapy trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Ntzifa
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Areti Strati
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Galatea Kallergi
- grid.11047.330000 0004 0576 5395Division of Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kotsakis
- grid.411299.6Department of Medical Oncology, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Evi Lianidou
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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71
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Kulasinghe A, Taheri T, O'Byrne K, Hughes BGM, Kenny L, Punyadeera C. Highly Multiplexed Digital Spatial Profiling of the Tumor Microenvironment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients. Front Oncol 2021; 10:607349. [PMID: 33542903 PMCID: PMC7851078 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.607349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown durable and long-term benefits in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. To identify patient-responders from non-responders, biomarkers are needed which are predictive of outcome to ICI therapy. Cues in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been informative in understanding the tumor-immune contexture. Methods In this preliminary study, the NanoString GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) technology was used to determine the immune marker and compartment specific measurements in a cohort of HNSCC tumors from patients receiving ICI therapy. Results Our data revealed that markers involved with immune cell infiltration (CD8 T-cells) were not predictive of outcome to ICI therapy. Rather, a number of immune cell types and protein markers (CD4, CD68, CD45, CD44, CD66b) were found to correlate with progressive disease. Cross platform comparison with the Opal Vectra (Perkin Elmer) for a number of markers across similar regions of interest demonstrated concordance for pan-cytokeratin, CD8, and PD-L1. Conclusion This study, to our knowledge, represents the first digital spatial analysis of HNSCC tumors. A larger cohort of HNSCC will be required to orthogonally validate the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arutha Kulasinghe
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Touraj Taheri
- Department of Pathology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Brett G M Hughes
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Liz Kenny
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Strati A, Zavridou M, Economopoulou P, Gkolfinopoulos S, Psyrri A, Lianidou E. Development and Analytical Validation of a Reverse Transcription Droplet Digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) Assay for PD-L1 Transcripts in Circulating Tumor Cells. Clin Chem 2021; 67:642-652. [PMID: 33421061 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvaa321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1, an immune checkpoint protein, is an important biomarker for monitoring cancer patients during the administration of cancer immunotherapy. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), is a highly sensitive and accurate tool for the quantification of cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsy. We report the development and analytical validation of a novel duplex RT-ddPCR assay for the simultaneous quantification of PD-L1 and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) (used as reference gene) transcripts in circulating tumor cells (CTCs). METHODS RT-ddPCR experimental conditions were first optimized and the assay was analytically validated using synthetic standards and the BB49 and SCC47 cancer cell lines. The developed assay was further applied in 71 peripheral blood (PB) samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and 20 PB samples from healthy donors. PD-L1 and HPRT transcripts were quantified in cDNAs derived from CTCs isolated by a size-dependent microfluidic device. The developed RT-ddPCR assay was directly compared to RT-qPCR using 71 identical patient cDNA samples. RESULTS Analytical sensitivity was 0.64 copies/μL, while estimation of intra- and interassay variation revealed a high reproducibility (within-run CV%:4.7-23%; between-run CV%:13%). Using the developed RT-ddPCR assay 33/71(46.5%) HNSCC patients' samples were found positive for PD-L1 expression in CTCs, while by using RT-qPCR fewer samples (23/71, 32.4%) were positive (concordance: 55/71, 77.5%). CONCLUSIONS The developed RT-ddPCR assay for PD-L1 in CTCs is highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible; additionally, it offers improved diagnostic sensitivity over RT-qPCR. The clinical utility of the assay should be prospectively evaluated for the real-time monitoring of CTCs of cancer patients under immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areti Strati
- Department of Chemistry, Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Martha Zavridou
- Department of Chemistry, Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Economopoulou
- Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine-Propaedeutic, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavros Gkolfinopoulos
- Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine-Propaedeutic, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine-Propaedeutic, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Department of Chemistry, Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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73
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Yang WY, Feng LF, Meng X, Chen R, Xu WH, Hou J, Xu T, Zhang L. Liquid biopsy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and exosomes. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020; 20:1213-1227. [PMID: 33232189 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1855977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Due to a lack of reliable markers, HNSCC patients are usually diagnosed at a late stage, which will lead to a worse outcome. Therefore, it is critical to improve the clinical management of cancer patients. Nowadays, the development of liquid biopsy enables a minimally invasive manner to extract molecular information from HNSCCs. Thus, this review aims to outline the clinical value of liquid biopsy in early detection, real-time monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of HNSCC. Areas covered: This comprehensive review focused on the characteristics as well as clinical applications of three liquid biopsy markers (CTCs, ctDNA, and exosomes) in HNSCC. What is more, it is promising to incorporate machine learning and 3D organoid models in the liquid biopsy of HNSCC. Expert opinion: Liquid biopsy provides a noninvasive technique to reflect the inter and intra-lesional heterogeneity through the detection of tumor cells or materials released from the primary and secondary tumors. Recently, some evolving technologies have the potential to combine with liquid biopsy to improve clinical management of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ying Yang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. Of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province , Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lin-Fei Feng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiang Meng
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. Of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province , Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ran Chen
- School of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wen-Hua Xu
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. Of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province , Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, 230032, China.,Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. Of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province , Hefei, 230032, China.,Periodontal Department, Anhui Stomatology Hospital affiliated to Anhui Medical University , Hefei, 230032, China
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Herath S, Razavi Bazaz S, Monkman J, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Richard D, O’Byrne K, Kulasinghe A. Circulating tumor cell clusters: Insights into tumour dissemination and metastasis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020; 20:1139-1147. [DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1846523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Herath
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sajad Razavi Bazaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Monkman
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Derek Richard
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Australia
| | - Ken O’Byrne
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Australia
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Doescher J, Minkenberg P, Laban S, Kostezka U, von Witzleben A, Hoffmann TK, Schuler PJ, Weissinger SE. Immune checkpoint expression in HNSCC patients before and after definitive chemoradiotherapy. Head Neck 2020; 43:778-787. [PMID: 33159481 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains the treatment of choice for nonresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). Immune-checkpoint modulators are used as palliative therapy and studied in combination with definitive CRT. However, the immunological changes by CRT need yet to be understood. METHODS A cohort consisting of 67 paired tissue biopsies (N = 134) of HNSCC patients before and after CRT was created. The expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and CD27 of tumor and immune cells by immunohistochemistry was evaluated. RESULTS PD-L1 expression on immune cells of non-responders was significantly lower before CRT (P = .008). CD27 was expressed only on immune cells and not on cancer cells. A significant lower CD27-expression score was observed following CRT (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS Conventional CRT changes the expression of CD27 in the tumor microenvironment. Whether this is due to a loss of expression or a reduction of CD27+ cells must be evaluated in further analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Doescher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Minkenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Adrian von Witzleben
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Sciences Unit Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Thomas Karl Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Payne K, Pugh M, Brooks J, Batis N, Taylor G, Nankivell P, Mehanna H. Circulating Tumour Cell Expression of Immune Markers as Prognostic and Therapeutic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218229. [PMID: 33153130 PMCID: PMC7662307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of loco-regional recurrence and distant metastasis remain high among head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, despite advancing cancer treatment modalities and therapeutic agents. One area that has generated considerable interest is the immune landscape of the tumour, heralding a wave of immune checkpoint inhibitors with notable efficacy in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC patients. However, HNSCC remains poorly served by biomarkers that can direct treatment in a personalised fashion to target the tumour heterogeneity seen between patients. Detection and analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in HNSCC has provided a previously unseen view of the metastasis forming cells that are potentially contributing to poor clinical outcomes. In particular, identifying CTC expression of phenotypic and druggable protein markers has allowed CTC sub-populations to be defined that hold prognostic value or are potential therapeutic targets themselves. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the role of CTC immune-marker expression as prognostic/therapeutic biomarkers in HNSCC by evaluating progress to date and discussing areas for future research. Our results highlight how few studies have been able to demonstrate prognostic significance of immune-marker expression in CTCs. As expected, the immune checkpoint PD-L1 was the most widely investigated marker. However, no studies evaluated CTC target immune marker expression in immunotherapy cohorts. Despite these findings, the data presented demonstrate promise that CTCs may be a source of future biomarkers for immunotherapy and will provide valuable information regarding the potential immune evasion of these metastasis forming cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Payne
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK; (J.B.); (N.B.); (P.N.); (H.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Matthew Pugh
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Jill Brooks
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK; (J.B.); (N.B.); (P.N.); (H.M.)
| | - Nikolaos Batis
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK; (J.B.); (N.B.); (P.N.); (H.M.)
| | - Graham Taylor
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.P.); (G.T.)
| | - Paul Nankivell
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK; (J.B.); (N.B.); (P.N.); (H.M.)
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK; (J.B.); (N.B.); (P.N.); (H.M.)
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Wang HC, Yeh TJ, Chan LP, Hsu CM, Cho SF. Exploration of Feasible Immune Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Real World Clinical Practice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7621. [PMID: 33076306 PMCID: PMC7589088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent locally advanced or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with dismal prognosis because of its highly invasive behavior and resistance to conventional intensive chemotherapy. The combination of targeted therapy and conventional chemotherapy has significantly improved clinical outcomes. In recent years, the development of immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has further increased treatment responses and prolonged survival. However, the limited response rate, risk of immunotherapy-related adverse effects and high cost of immunotherapy make the identification of predictive markers to optimize treatment efficacy a critical issue. Biomarkers are biological molecules that have been widely utilized to predict treatment response to certain treatments and clinical outcomes or to detect disease. An ideal biomarker should exhibit good predictive ability, which can guide healthcare professionals to achieve optimal treatment goals and bring clinical benefit to patients. In this review, we summarized the results of recent and important studies focused on HNSCC ICI immunotherapy and discussed potential biomarkers including their strengths and limitations, aiming to gain more insight into HNSCC immunotherapy in real world clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ching Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.W.); (T.-J.Y.); (L.-P.C.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Jang Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.W.); (T.-J.Y.); (L.-P.C.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Leong-Perng Chan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-C.W.); (T.-J.Y.); (L.-P.C.)
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Mu Hsu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Feng Cho
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Winograd P, Hou S, Court CM, Lee YT, Chen PJ, Zhu Y, Sadeghi S, Finn RS, Teng PC, Wang JJ, Zhang Z, Liu H, Busuttil RW, Tomlinson JS, Tseng HR, Agopian VG. Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Circulating Tumor Cells Expressing PD-L1 Are Prognostic and Potentially Associated With Response to Checkpoint Inhibitors. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1527-1540. [PMID: 33024921 PMCID: PMC7527695 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of mortality. Checkpoint inhibitors of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have shown great efficacy, but lack biomarkers that predict response. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have promise as a liquid-biopsy biomarker; however, data on HCC CTCs expressing PD-L1 have not been reported. We sought to detect PD-L1-expressing HCC-CTCs and investigated their role as a prognostic and predictive biomarker. Using an antibody-based platform, CTCs were enumerated/phenotyped from a prospective cohort of 87 patients with HCC (49 early-stage, 22 locally advanced, and 16 metastatic), 7 patients with cirrhosis, and 8 healthy controls. Immunocytochemistry identified total HCC CTCs (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-positive [DAPI+]/cytokeratin-positive [CK+]/clusters of differentiation 45-negative [CD45-]) and a subpopulation expressing PD-L1 (DAPI+/CK+/PD-L1+/CD45-). PD-L1+ CTCs were identified in 4 of 49 (8.2%) early-stage patients, but 12 of 22 (54.5%) locally advanced and 15 of 16 (93.8%) metastatic patients, accurately discriminating early from locally advanced/metastatic HCC (sensitivity = 71.1%, specificity = 91.8%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.807; P < 0.001). Compared to patients without PD-L1+ CTCs, patients with PD-L1+ CTCs had significantly inferior overall survival (OS) (median OS = 14.0 months vs. not reached, hazard ratio [HR] = 4.0, P = 0.001). PD-L1+ CTCs remained an independent predictor of OS (HR = 3.22, P = 0.010) even after controlling for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (HR = 1.14, P < 0.001), alpha-fetoprotein (HR = 1.55, P < 0.001), and overall stage/tumor burden (beyond University of California, San Francisco, HR = 7.19, P < 0.001). In the subset of 10 patients with HCC receiving PD-1 blockade, all 5 responders demonstrated PD-L1+ CTCs at baseline, compared with only 1 of 5 nonresponders, all of whom progressed within 4 months of starting treatment. Conclusion: We report a CTC assay for the phenotypic profiling of HCC CTCs expressing PD-L1. PD-L1+ CTCs are predominantly found in advanced-stage HCC, and independently prognosticate OS after controlling for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, alpha-fetoprotein, and tumor stage. In patients with HCC receiving anti-PD-1 therapy, there was a strong association with the presence of PD-L1+ CTCs and favorable treatment response. Prospective validation in a larger cohort will better define the utility of PD-L1+ CTCs as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Winograd
- Department of Surgery University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - Shuang Hou
- Department of Surgery University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - Colin M Court
- Department of Surgery University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - Yi-Te Lee
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,NanoSystems Institute University of California Los Angeles California Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging Los Angeles CA
| | - Pin-Jung Chen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,NanoSystems Institute University of California Los Angeles California Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging Los Angeles CA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,NanoSystems Institute University of California Los Angeles California Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging Los Angeles CA
| | - Saeed Sadeghi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology Department of Medicine University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - Richard S Finn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology Department of Medicine University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - Pai-Chi Teng
- Urologic Oncology Program Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Cedars-Sinai Cancer Centere Los Angeles CA
| | - Jasmin J Wang
- Urologic Oncology Program Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Cedars-Sinai Cancer Centere Los Angeles CA
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,NanoSystems Institute University of California Los Angeles California Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging Los Angeles CA
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,NanoSystems Institute University of California Los Angeles California Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging Los Angeles CA
| | - Ronald W Busuttil
- Department of Surgery University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - James S Tomlinson
- Department of Surgery University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,NanoSystems Institute University of California Los Angeles California Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging Los Angeles CA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | - Vatche G Agopian
- Department of Surgery University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
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79
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Meng Y, Bian L, Zhang M, Bo F, Lu X, Li D. Liquid biopsy and their application progress in head and neck cancer: focus on biomarkers CTCs, cfDNA, ctDNA and EVs. Biomark Med 2020; 14:1393-1404. [PMID: 33073579 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2020-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Due to the low early diagnosis rate of HNC, local recurrence and high distant metastasis rate are the main reasons for treatment failure. Therefore, it is important to establish a method of diagnosis and monitoring, which is convenient, safe, reproducible, sensitive and specific. Compared with tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy is an emerging biopsy technique, which has the advantages of re-sampling, noninvasive and cost-effectiveness, and has shown good diagnostic and prognostic value in studies for various types of malignant solid tumors. This review introduces liquid biopsy, its research progress and prospects in HNC including early diagnosis, staging, grading, prognosis assessment and disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Meng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Bian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meichao Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Bo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), whether as monotherapy or in combination with established methods, is revolutionizing treatment of head and neck cancer. However, this change in therapeutic concepts requires reevaluation and further development of predictive and prognostic markers, since the survival rates for advanced and particularly human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative disease remain poor. MATERIALS AND METHODS A selective literature review was performed in PubMed. Literature found with the keywords "cytodiagnostics, circulating tumor cells, liquid biopsy, cfDNA, exosomes" in combination with "head and neck cancer" and/or "immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy" published until March 2020 was included. The articles were selected for their relevance for the current study by the authors. RESULTS This work provides a review of the current literature and indicates possible applications in the field of head and neck cancers. Liquid biopsy refers to the analysis of circulating tumor cells or of tumor genetic material in body fluids. This minimally invasive analysis can support therapeutic decisions and enable a personalized approach to treating head and neck cancer. DISCUSSION Before any of these approaches can be established in clinical routine, long-term data and standardization of the methods for isolating and analyzing the markers are needed.
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81
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Exploration of Circulating Tumour Cell (CTC) Biology: A Paradigm Shift in Liquid Biopsy. Indian J Clin Biochem 2020; 36:131-142. [PMID: 33867703 PMCID: PMC7994460 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-020-00923-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTCs), are disseminated tumour cells found in the blood in solid tumour malignancies. Identification of CTCs act as emerging tools in the field of the Liquid Biopsy. Majority of the studies focused on detection and enumeration of CTCs due to technological challenges those results from the rarity of CTCs in the blood. Enumeration of CTCs has already proven their value as prognostic as well as predictive biomarkers for disease prognosis. However, recent advances in technology permitted to study the molecular and functional features of CTCs and these features have the potential to change the diagnostic, prognostic and predictive landscape in oncology. In this review, we summarize the paradigm shift in the field of liquid biopsy-based cancer diagnostics using CTC isolation and detection. We have discussed recent advances in the technologies for molecular characterization of CTCs which have aided a shift from CTC enumeration to an in-depth analysis of the CTC genome, transcriptomes, proteins, epigenomes along with various functional features. Finally, as a prognosticating strategy, the potentials of CTCs as a tool of liquid biopsy to predict micrometastasis, monitor prognosis and how to use them as an additional tool for cancer staging has been discussed.
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82
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Kelley SO, Pantel K. A New Era in Liquid Biopsy: From Genotype to Phenotype. Clin Chem 2020; 66:89-96. [PMID: 31811003 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2019.303339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liquid biopsy, in which tumor cells and tumor-derived biomolecules are collected from the circulation, is an attractive strategy for the management of cancer that allows the serial monitoring of patients during treatment. The analysis of circulating DNA produced by tumors provides a means to collect genotypic information about the molecular profile of a patient's cancer. Phenotypic information, which may be highly relevant for therapeutic selection, is ideally derived from intact cells, necessitating the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CONTENT Recent advances in profiling CTCs at the single-cell level are providing new ways to collect critical phenotypic information. Analysis of secreted proteins, surface proteins, and intracellular RNAs for CTCs at the single-cell level is now possible and provides a means to quantify molecular markers that are involved with the mechanism of action of the newest therapeutics. We review the latest technological advances in this area along with related breakthroughs in high-purity CTC capture and in vivo profiling approaches, and we also present a perspective on how genotypic and phenotypic information collected via liquid biopsies is being used in the clinic. SUMMARY Over the past 5 years, the use of liquid biopsy has been adopted in clinical medicine, representing a major paradigm shift in how molecular testing is used in cancer management. The first tests to be used are genotypic measurements of tumor mutations that affect therapeutic effectiveness. Phenotypic information is also clinically relevant and essential for monitoring proteins and RNA sequences that are involved in therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana O Kelley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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83
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071937. [PMID: 32708945 PMCID: PMC7409293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers of the oral cavity cause significant cancer-related death worldwide. While survival rates have improved in recent years, new methods of treatment are being investigated to limit disease progression and to improve outcomes, particularly in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). The emerging treatment modality of immunotherapy targets immune checkpoint molecules including PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIM-3 to enhance the host immune response against tumours, and to limit the growth and progression of cancer cells. In this systematic review, we searched five databases for keywords pertaining to oral cancers and OPMDs, along with immune checkpoint inhibitors, in order to summarize the current status of their use and efficacy in these diseases. A total of 644 different articles were identified between 2004 and 2019, with 76 deemed suitable for inclusion in the study, providing a total of 8826 samples. Combined results show expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the majority of OPMD and OSCC samples, with expression correlating with increased progression and decreased survival rates. Immunotherapy agents pembrolizumab and nivolumab target PD-1 and have been shown to prolong survival rates and improve disease outcomes, especially in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Despite the equivocal nature of current evidence, there is support for the prognostic and predictive value of immune checkpoint molecules, especially PD-L1, and many studies provide support for the effective use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the management of OSCC. Limited data is available for OPMD, therefore this should be the focus of future research.
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84
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Hsieh JCH, Wang HM, Wu MH, Chang KP, Chang PH, Liao CT, Liau CT. Review of emerging biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the era of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Head Neck 2020; 41 Suppl 1:19-45. [PMID: 31573749 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) emerge rapidly in recent years, especially for new targeted therapies and immunotherapies. METHODS Recent, relevant peer-reviewed evidence were critically reviewed and summarized. RESULTS This review article briefly introduces essential biomarker concepts, including purposes and classifications (predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic markers), and the phases of biomarker development. We summarize current biomarkers in order of clinical utility; p16 and human papillomavirus status remain the most important and validated biomarkers in HNSCC. The rationale for biomarker study design continues to evolve with technological advances, especially whole-exome or whole-genomic sequencing. Noninvasive body fluid and liquid biopsy biomarkers appear to hold strong potential for development as tools for early cancer detection, cancer diagnosis, monitoring of disease recurrence, and outcome prediction. In light of discrepancies among different technologies, standardized approaches are needed. CONCLUSION Biomarkers from cancer tissue or blood in HNSCC could direct new anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ming Wang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsien Wu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Ping Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hung Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Cancer Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ta Liao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ting Liau
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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85
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In Vitro Modeling of Reoxygenation Effects on mRNA and Protein Levels in Hypoxic Tumor Cells upon Entry into the Bloodstream. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051316. [PMID: 32466213 PMCID: PMC7291257 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051316] [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: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Solid epithelial tumors like breast cancer are the most frequent malignancy in women. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are frequently released from hypoxic areas into the blood, where CTCs face elevated oxygen concentrations. This reoxygenation might challenge the use of CTCs for liquid biopsy. Methods: We modeled this situation in vitro using the breast cancer cell lines—MCF-7, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231—and the cell line BC-M1 established from DTCs in the bone marrow. Cells were cultured under hypoxia, followed by a reoxygenation pulse for 4 h, reflecting the circulation time of CTCs. Analyzed were gene products like EGFR, ErbB-2, EpCAM, PD-L1 on mRNA and protein level. Results: mRNAs of erbb2 or pdl1 and protein levels of PD-L1 displayed significant changes, whereas ErbB-2 protein levels remained constant. The strongest discrepancy between protein and mRNA levels under hypoxia was observed for EGFR, supporting the idea of cap-independent translation of egfr mRNA. Analyses of the phosphorylation of AKT, Erk 1/2, and Stat3 revealed strong alterations after reoxygenation. Conclusions: CTCs reaching secondary sites faster than reoxygenation could alter the mRNA and protein levels in the cells. CTC and DTC with high PD-L1 levels might become quiescent under hypoxia but were easily reactivated by reoxygenation.
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86
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Direct comparison of size-dependent versus EpCAM-dependent CTC enrichment at the gene expression and DNA methylation level in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6551. [PMID: 32300118 PMCID: PMC7162906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63055-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We directly compared two different approaches used for Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) isolation, a size-dependent microfluidic system versus an EpCAM-dependent positive selection for downstream molecular characterization of CTC both at the gene expression and DNA methylation level in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). A size-dependent microfluidic device (Parsortix, ANGLE) and an EpCAM-dependent positive immune-magnetic isolation procedure were applied in parallel, using 10 mL PB from 50 HNSCC patients and 18 healthy donors. Total RNA was isolated from enriched CTCs and RT-qPCR was used to study the expression levels of CK-19, PD-L1, EGFR, TWIST1, CDH2 and B2M (reference gene). Real time methylation specific PCR (MSP) was used to study the methylation status of RASSF1A and MLL3 genes. In identical blood draws, the label-free size-dependent CTC-isolation system was superior in terms of sensitivity when compared to the EpCAM-dependent CTC enrichment, since a significantly higher percentage of identical PB samples was found positive at the gene expression and DNA methylation level, while the specificity was not affected. Our results indicate that future studies focused on the evaluation of clinical utility of CTC molecular characterization in HNSCC should be based on size-dependent enrichment approaches.
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87
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Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that requires a multimodal approach to diagnose, manage and treat. A better understanding of the disease biology can lead to identification of novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and the discovery of the novel therapeutics with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Employing advanced technologies can facilitate this, enabling better diagnostic and treatment for cancer patients. In this regard, microfluidic technology has emerged as a promising tool in the studies of cancer, including single cancer cell analysis, modeling angiogenesis and metastasis, drug screening and liquid biopsy. Microfluidic technologies have opened new ways to study tumors in the preclinical and clinical settings. In this chapter, we highlight novel application of this technology in area of fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research.
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88
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Xun Y, Cao Q, Zhang J, Guan B, Wang M. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of circulating tumor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Oncol 2020; 104:104638. [PMID: 32182549 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104638] [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: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate its correlation with clinicopathological and prognostic significance in HNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two authors systematically searched the studies independently with keywords in PubMed, Web of science, Embase, the Cochrane database, the CNKI database, the Science citation index and the references of relevant studies (up to February 2019). Odds ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR), pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated as effect values. RESULTS Twenty studies containing 1054 patients with HNSCC were included in this meta-analysis. The CTC-positive rate was higher in the T3-T4 group (RR = 1.29, 95% CI [1.11, 1.49], I2 = 47.3%), the N1-N3 group (RR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.02, 1.36], I2 = 12.4%) and the III-IV group (RR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.02, 1.25], I2 = 0%). Positive CTCs were significant associated with overall survival (HR = 1.37, 95% CI [0.59, 2.15], I2 = 9.7%), progression-free survival (HR = 3.40, 95%CI [1.47, 5.32], I2 = 0%), and disease-free survival (HR = 3.57, 95%CI [1.06, 6.08], I2 = 81%). CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis results indicated that CTCs are significant associated with prognosis of patients with HNSCC. The presence of CTCs can be used as a monitoring tool for survival prognosis of HNSCC patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youfang Xun
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Cao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingxian Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Maohua Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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89
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Alix-Panabières C. "Circulating Tumor Cells: Finding Rare Events for a Huge Knowledge of Cancer Dissemination". Cells 2020; 9:cells9030661. [PMID: 32182830 PMCID: PMC7140633 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34093 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France
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90
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Tada H, Takahashi H, Kuwabara-Yokobori Y, Shino M, Chikamatsu K. Molecular profiling of circulating tumor cells predicts clinical outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2020; 102:104558. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.104558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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91
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Liu M, Wang R, Sun X, Liu Y, Wang Z, Yan J, Kong X, Liang S, Liu Q, Zhao T, Ji X, Wang G, Wang F, Wang G, Chen L, Zhang Q, Lv W, Li H, Sun M. Prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression on cell-surface vimentin-positive circulating tumor cells in gastric cancer patients. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:865-881. [PMID: 31981446 PMCID: PMC7138401 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have shown promise as potential biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic assessment in gastric cancer (GC), determining the predictive and prognostic value of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1)‐positive CTCs in patients with GC is a challenge. Here, we identified that the expression of total vimentin (VIM) protein was positively correlated with PD‐L1 and inhibited CD8+ T‐cell activation in patients with GC according to bioinformatics analysis. Notably, coexpression of PD‐L1 and cell‐surface VIM (CSV) was detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assay in locally advanced GC tumor specimens and metastatic lymph nodes. Likewise, CSV expression level was significantly decreased after transiently knocking down PD‐L1 in GC cell lines. Based on our established CTC detection platform, CTCs were isolated from peripheral blood samples collected from 70 patients (38 resectable and 32 unresectable) with GC using magnetic positive selection and a CSV‐specific monoclonal antibody, 84‐1. CSV+PD‐L1+CTCs were observed in 50 of 70 (71%) GC patient samples, ranging from 0 to 261 mL−1. A higher number of CSV+PD‐L1+CTCs were significantly associated with a short survival duration and poor therapeutic response. This study demonstrated that detection of PD‐L1+CTCs using a CSV‐enrichment method has promising value as a clinically relevant prognostic marker for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Xuren Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Jin Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China
| | - Xiangyu Kong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Qiuge Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Xuening Ji
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Fuguang Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering, Shantou University, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Technology of Ministry of Education, Shantou University, China
| | - Qingfu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weipeng Lv
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China
| | - Heming Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomarker High Throughput Screening and Target Translation of Breast and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Dalian, China
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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92
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Lu T, Chen Y, Li J, Guo Q, Lin W, Zheng Y, Su Y, Zong J, Lin S, Ye Y, Pan J. High Soluble Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:1757-1765. [PMID: 32161471 PMCID: PMC7051865 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s242517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Immune checkpoint proteins in the tumor microenvironment can enter the blood circulation and are potential markers for liquid biopsy. The aims of this study were to explore differences in immune checkpoint protein expression between patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and healthy controls and to investigate the prognostic value of the soluble form of programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in NPC. Methods In total, 242 patients were included in the disease group. Plasma samples from 23 NPC patients and 15 healthy control were used for immune checkpoint protein panel assays. Samples from 219 patients with NPC including 30 paired pre-treatment and post-radiotherapy samples were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine sPD-L1 levels. Results A total of 14 immune checkpoint proteins, including sPD-L1were upregulated in 23 patients with NPC (all p<0.001) compared with 15 healthy controls. Among 219 patients, the median follow-up time was 50 months (7–82 months). Based on the optimal cutoff value of 93.7 pg/mL, patients with high expression of sPD-L1 had worse distant metastasis-free survival (87.5% vs 74.0%, p=0.006) than those of patients with low expression. Multivariate analysis showed that sPD-L1 (HR=1.99, p=0.048) and EBV-DNA (HR=2.51, p=0.030) were poor prognostic factors for DMFS. In the group with high EBV-DNA expression, DMFS was worse for patients with high sPD-L1 expression than those with low sPD-L1 expression (56.4% vs 82.6%, p=0.002). Conclusion Plasma immune checkpoint protein expression differed significantly between patients with NPC and healthy donors. Plasma sPD-L1 levels are a candidate prognostic biomarker, especially when combined with EBV-DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhu Lu
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiping Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieyu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaojuan Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wansong Lin
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Radiation Biology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingfeng Zong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaojun Lin
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunbin Ye
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.,The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianji Pan
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
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93
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Clinical Relevance of Immune Checkpoints on Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020376. [PMID: 32041353 PMCID: PMC7072621 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of CD47 and PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) remains unclear, and it is currently unknown whether their distribution varies between the blood and tumor tissue in breast cancer (BC). In this study, CD47 and PD-L1 expression was investigated a) on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytospins from early (n = 100) and metastatic (n = 98) BC patients, by triple immunofluorescence for CD47/PD-L1/Cytokeratins, and b) on matched primary and/or metastatic tumor tissue from CTC-positive patients using immunohistochemistry. CD47+and/orPD-L1+ CTCs were detected in 11%, 16.9%, and 29.6% of early, recurrent, and de novo metastatic patients (p = 0.016). In metastatic disease, CD47highand/orPD-L1high CTCs were associated with disease progression (p = 0.005) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.010), and independently predicted for an increased risk of relapse (HR: 2.719; p = 0.008) and death (HR: 2.398; p = 0.034). PD-L1 expression rates differed between CTCs and tissue tumor cells and between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (positive concordance of 3.8% and 4%, respectively). CD47 expression also differed between CTCs and tumor cells (positive concordance of 11.5%). In conclusion, CTCs expressing CD47 and PD-L1 have independent poor prognostic implications in metastatic BC, indicating a potential role of innate and adaptive immune evasion mechanisms in their metastatic potential. The clinical value of the parallel assessment of the peripheral and local immune response merits further evaluation in BC.
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94
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Ikeda M, Koh Y, Teraoka S, Sato K, Kanai K, Hayata A, Tokudome N, Akamatsu H, Ozawa Y, Akamatsu K, Endo K, Higuchi M, Nakanishi M, Ueda H, Yamamoto N. Detection of AXL expression in circulating tumor cells of lung cancer patients using an automated microcavity array system. Cancer Med 2020; 9:2122-2133. [PMID: 31999390 PMCID: PMC7064033 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive diagnostics using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are expected to be useful for decision making in precision cancer therapy. AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase is associated with tumor progression, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance, and is a potential therapeutic target. However, the epithelial markers generally used for CTC detection may be not enough to detect AXL‐expressing CTCs due to EMT. Here, we evaluated the detection of AXL‐expressing CTCs using the mesenchymal marker vimentin with a microcavity array system. To evaluate the recovery of cancer cells, spike‐in experiments were performed using cell lines with varying cytokeratin (CK) or vimentin (VM) expression levels. With high CK and low VM‐expressing cell lines, PC‐9 and HCC827, the recovery rate of AXL‐expressing cancer cells was 1%‐17% using either CK or VM as markers. Whereas, with low CK and high VM‐expressing cell lines, MDA‐MB231 and H1299, it was 52%‐75% using CK and 72%‐88% using VM as a marker. For clinical evaluation, peripheral blood was collected from 20 non–small cell lung cancer patients and CTCs were detected using CK or VM as markers in parallel. Significantly more AXL‐expressing single CTCs were detected in VM‐positive than CK‐positive CTCs (P < .001). Furthermore, CTC clusters were identified only among VM‐positive CTCs in 20% of patients. Patients with one or more prior treatments harbored significantly more VM‐positive AXL‐expressing CTCs, suggesting the involvement of these CTCs in drug resistance. These results indicate the necessity of integrating mesenchymal markers with CTC detection and this should be further evaluated clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Ikeda
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Koh
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Teraoka
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Koichi Sato
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kuninobu Kanai
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hayata
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Nahomi Tokudome
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Akamatsu
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ozawa
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | | | - Katsuya Endo
- Medical Business Sector, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., Chikusei, Japan
| | - Masayuki Higuchi
- Medical Business Sector, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., Chikusei, Japan
| | | | - Hiroki Ueda
- Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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95
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Cieślikowski WA, Budna-Tukan J, Świerczewska M, Ida A, Hrab M, Jankowiak A, Mazel M, Nowicki M, Milecki P, Pantel K, Alix-Panabières C, Zabel M, Antczak A. Circulating Tumor Cells as a Marker of Disseminated Disease in Patients with Newly Diagnosed High-Risk Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E160. [PMID: 31936460 PMCID: PMC7017349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood can differentiate between true localized and metastatic prostate cancer. A cross-sectional study of 104 prostate cancer patients with newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer was conducted. In total, 19 patients presented metastatic disease and 85 were diagnosed with localized disease. Analyses included intergroup comparison of CTC counts, determined using the CellSearch® system, EPISPOT assay and GILUPI CellCollector®, and ROC analysis verifying the accuracy of CTC count as a maker of disseminated prostate cancer. The vast majority (94.7%) of patients with advanced-stage cancer tested positively for CTCs in at least one of the assays. However, significantly higher CTC counts were determined with the CellSearch® system compared to EPISPOT assay and GILUPI CellCollector®. Identification of ≥4 CTCs with the CellSearch® system was the most accurate predictor of metastatic disease (sensitivity 0.500; specificity 0.900; AUC (95% CI) 0.760 (0.613-0.908). Furthermore, we tried to create a model to enhance the specificity and sensitivity of metastatic prediction with CTC counts by incorporating patient's clinical data, including PSA serum levels, Gleason score and clinical stage. The composite biomarker panel achieved the following performance: sensitivity, 0.611; specificity, 0.971; AUC (95% CI), 0.901 (0.810-0.993). Thus, although the sensitivity of CTC detection needs to be further increased, our findings suggest that high CTC counts might contribute to the identification of high-risk prostate cancer patients with occult metastases at the time of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech A. Cieślikowski
- Department of Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-285 Poznan, Poland; (A.I.); (M.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Joanna Budna-Tukan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (J.B.-T.); (M.Ś.); (A.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Monika Świerczewska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (J.B.-T.); (M.Ś.); (A.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Agnieszka Ida
- Department of Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-285 Poznan, Poland; (A.I.); (M.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Michał Hrab
- Department of Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-285 Poznan, Poland; (A.I.); (M.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Agnieszka Jankowiak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (J.B.-T.); (M.Ś.); (A.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Martine Mazel
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Medical Center, 34093 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France; (M.M.); (C.A.-P.)
| | - Michał Nowicki
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (J.B.-T.); (M.Ś.); (A.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Piotr Milecki
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-868 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, University Medical Center, 34093 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France; (M.M.); (C.A.-P.)
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of ZielonaGóra, 65-046 ZielonaGóra, Poland
| | - Andrzej Antczak
- Department of Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-285 Poznan, Poland; (A.I.); (M.H.); (A.A.)
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96
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Di Liello R, Cimmino F, Simón S, Giunta EF, De Falco V, Martín-Martorell P. Role of liquid biopsy for thoracic cancers immunotherapy. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2020; 1:183-199. [PMID: 36046196 PMCID: PMC9400760 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2020.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shifted the therapeutic landscape in thoracic cancers. However, assessment of biomarkers for patient selection and disease monitoring remain challenging, especially considering the lack of tissue sample availability for clinical and research purposes. In this scenario, liquid biopsy (LB), defined as the study and characterization of biomarkers in body fluids, represents a useful alternative strategy. In other malignancies such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer or melanoma, the potential of LB has been more extensively explored for monitoring minimal residual disease or response to treatment, and to investigate mechanisms of resistance to targeted agents. Even if various experiences have already been published about the applications of LB in immunotherapy in thoracic cancers, the standardization of methodology and assessment of its clinical utility is still pending. In this review, the authors will focus on the applications of LB in immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma, describing available data and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo Di Liello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain,Correspondence: Raimondo Di Liello, Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Soraya Simón
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Francesco Giunta
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Falco
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paloma Martín-Martorell
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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97
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Abdulmawjood B, Roma-Rodrigues C, Fernandes AR, Baptista PV. Liquid biopsies in myeloid malignancies. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:1044-1061. [PMID: 35582281 PMCID: PMC9019201 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies are the most common type of cancer affecting children and young adults, and encompass diseases, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, all of which impact blood associated tissues such as the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and blood cells. Clinical diagnostics of these malignancies relies heavily on the use of bone marrow samples, which is painful, debilitating, and not free from risks for leukemia patients. Liquid biopsies are based on minimally invasive assessment of markers in the blood (and other fluids) and have the potential to improve the efficacy of diagnostic/therapeutic strategies in leukemia patients, providing a useful tool for the real time molecular profiling of patients. The most promising noninvasive biomarkers are circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, microRNAs, and exosomes. Herein, we discuss the role of assessing these circulating biomarkers for the understanding of tumor progression and metastasis, tumor progression dynamics through treatment and for follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Abdulmawjood
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Catarina Roma-Rodrigues
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Alexandra R Fernandes
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Pedro V Baptista
- UCIBIO, Department of Life Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
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98
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Reimers N, Pantel K. Liquid biopsy: novel technologies and clinical applications. Clin Chem Lab Med 2019; 57:312-316. [PMID: 30465714 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2018-0610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
"Liquid biopsy" was introduced as a new diagnostic concept in 2010 for the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and has been now extended to material (in particular DNA) released by tumor cells in the peripheral blood of cancer patients. Over the past decade, various methods have been developed to detect CTCs and ctDNA in the peripheral blood of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Reimers
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
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99
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Kulasinghe A, Hughes BGM, Kenny L, Punyadeera C. An update: circulating tumor cells in head and neck cancer. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:1109-1115. [PMID: 31680565 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1688145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Local and distant metastatic disease occurs in approximately half of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, representing an ongoing cause for treatment failure. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are transient cancer cells which have the capacity to metastasize to distant sites such as the lungs and liver in HNSCC. When metastatic disease is radiographically evident, the patient prognosis is often poor. Therefore, methodologies to assess micrometastatic disease are needed to (1) identify patients likely to develop metastatic disease and (2) treat and monitor these patients more aggressively. Whilst CTCs are well documented in other tumor streams such as breast, colorectal cancer and prostate cancers, the data and clinical utility in HNSCC remains limited.Areas covered: Here we summarize the recent advances of CTCs and applications in HNSCC.Expert opinion: CTC enumeration can be prognostic in HNSCC; further studies are warranted to investigate the role of CTC clusters in HNSCC; CTC culture (in vivo/ex vivo) may present a possibility to expand these rare cells to a critical mass for functional testing; PD-L1 expression of HNSCC CTCs may present a means by which to determine patients likely to respond to therapy; a HNSCC CTC-specific marker is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arutha Kulasinghe
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Research Team, The School of Biomedical, Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brett G M Hughes
- Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Liz Kenny
- Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,University of Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Health, Central Integrated Regional Cancer Services
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Research Team, The School of Biomedical, Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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100
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Napolitano M, Schipilliti FM, Trudu L, Bertolini F. Immunotherapy in head and neck cancer: The great challenge of patient selection. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 144:102829. [PMID: 31739116 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.102829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revolutionized the therapeutic landscape in head and neck cancer. However, the majority of patients present primary resistance to ICIs and do not benefit from use of these agents, highlighting the need of developing predictive biomarkers to better determine who will benefit from treatment with ICIs. Patient's related clinical characteristics, disease related features, pathological and molecular factors, as well as emerging immune predictive biomarkers can be considered for the selection of those patients who would be the best candidate for immunotherapy. We examined these factors, emerging from the results of currently available studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in order to provide a useful tool which could assist the oncologist in their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Napolitano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | | | - Lucia Trudu
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Bertolini
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy
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